Daily Om

Bull !!!

2012-01-20T16:43:00.007-06:00

Can you tell which picture is of a bull???
One is a flag used for cutting practice. Cutting, as in cutting horse competition.
The next picture is used for practice for roping competition.
The third and fourth pics are of actual live calves. They're called this till they are weaned.
Once weaned one is a bull calf, the other is a first time heifer.
OMG...baby bulls!!! Even I can tell which one is going to become a bull. Me, the city gal...
He looks cranky already, doesn't he???!!!
BF was up and gone early (as usual)...He's sorting cows today. Spring??? calving, this always makes me laugh, starts in 2 weeks.
This is his idea of spring...Mine is when I see flowers starting to bloom and it's warm!!!

Guilty

2012-01-19T10:46:00.010-06:00

I worked quite a bit before Christmas. Gave me extra $$'s for holiday shopping, but cut into my shopping time and I became lax in my morning meditations. My practice suffered!
I had just won that kayak at the company party, the night before, and was extremely excited/happy, and was daydreaming of warmer weather. I saw the lake, my future new hat. (to keep the sun off me) I dreamed of early mornings with my camera. Fish jumping, birds flying...I was at the lake...Till I heard that loud sound! Saw those flashing lights! Came back to the NOW!!!
When did police officers become children? Ooh gosh, he was a teen...at least he looked like a teen to me. "Do you know why I stopped you?" I told him that I did... I thought I must have been speeding, but that wasn't it. At the last intersection there was a 4 way stop. I didn't come to a dead stop! I came to a rolling stop...
Handing him my license and insurance card, I figured I'd get by with a warning, but nope!!! When he came back to my car, he asked if I knew that my license had expired.?! My birthday was the previous week and I had simply forgotten to get it renewed. So...instead of a warning, I got two tickets. Driving with an expired license and failing to stop.
I immediately went to get my license renewed. Do you know that there are no scales at the DMV??? One must guess their weight when applying = > Then proceeded to go to pay my fines. Nope, criminals, like me, must appear before the judge. Never mind the crowded court system...the ole lady must go before the judge. The criminal with a 6 day expired license must be carefully and dutifully reprimanded.
BF seems delighted. He called me twice before court. Once to see if I was representing myself or if I had lawyer-ed up. The second time, reminding me to take at least a dime in cash, so I could make my one phone call. He also asked if I thought he should run by the bank for cash, so he could make bail if need be... Now here's a guy that has gotten two tickets in his life...and both of them for going tooo slow.
So off to court and here's what I learned:

There is no appropriate courtroom attire...anything goes.
Ringing cell phones really piss off the judge.
If your last name starts with a letter toward then end of the alphabet, you're gonna be there a long time.
Almost everyone (except me) was innocent.
There's a lot of people driving with no insurance and no drivers license.
You cannot judge people by their appearance in court.
Where does everyone get pot???
If you see anyone you know, nod only. (Guilt by association)
Do not leave your documentation and/or money at home??? they forgot???
You're really in trouble if the judge has "seen you in here many times".
Crying babies get you sent outside the courtroom and you end up going last.
No drinks or food...cept for all the authorities of the court.
You can tell an attorney when you see one.

The end result is that my expired drivers license ticket was dropped and $125 for the rolling stop. I guess that included court costs...and they do accept credit cards :)
Anyway, I think I learned my lessons and there were many. Most of all...this was really all my fault. Again...stay in the now...
ommmmm

Highlight the word "Sometimes"

2012-01-15T10:13:00.012-06:00

While pondering "life" this morning, I thought of this quote...

"Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal." - Martin Luther King Jr.

My first thought was that this was simple. One's morals, ethics and values should rule. We should view laws/actions following our own code. Well that started me thinking of Pastor Phelps and his followers. (Westboro hate activists) My thoughts went from easy to...oooh my...how can we ever live in peace with so much intolerance, justified by laws, religion, politics, etc... ???
A difficult question indeed!!!

This quote, by the Buddha, helped my heavy heart...

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." - Buddha

The part that most forget, when learning teachings, is the part about "conducive to the good and benefit of one and all".... Not just conducive to me, not just conducive to you, not just my friends, coworkers, relatives, race, sexual orientation...but all...

I'm a firm believer that "Silence is sometimes the best answer" - Dalai Lama
But "sometimes" should be highlighted. Silence is often taken as approval, or in agreement...

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that really matter."... another beautiful quote by Martin Luther King.
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
Thank you Dr. King

My New Year Resolution

2012-01-01T14:21:00.006-06:00

Study the Eightfold Path

Right View...For starters, I found this beautiful web cam picture of Lake McDonald. Oooh that's not what "Right View" means???
Ok...Seeing things as they truly are, not through the filters of our past experiences.

Right Intentions...I wanna go there or Yellowstone this coming year. That's on my list, but no that's not what "Right Intentions" mean.
As we think, so we become.

Right Speech...I'm always right, hah!!! says BF
Speaking in a way that supports oneself and others in their spiritual path.

Right Action...packing my bag for that wonderful trip. But, if I'd pack right now, the clothes wouldn't fit come fall...Sneaking in the lose weight resolution here. :0
Acting in ways that are wise and compassionate.

Right Livelihood...Yay, I'm retired!!!
Working in a way that supports oneself and others in their spiritual journey.

Right Effort...does this mean no naps??? yawn....
Nope, Having a passion for enlightenment.

Right Mindfulness...what???
Being fully present. This is a toughie for me.

Right Concentration...yawn...
Practicing meditation to train our mind.

hmmmm got my work cut out for me, don't I???

Happy New Year!!!
Ommmmmm...

A Christmas Tail

2011-12-21T07:05:00.008-06:00

When I got Sophie, 11 years ago, she was oooh...about 6-8 weeks old. The people I bought her from, sent us home with a woolie "baby" that carried the scent of her mom. She plays with her baby, hides her baby, fetches her baby, carries her baby around...she loves her baby.
Every Christmas, she gets a new baby...and the old baby is then weaned. I have 10 in a closet that no longer receive attention.
On Christmas morning, when everyone else is opening presents, she too opens hers. She is just as excited as any of the grandchildren.It's the same routine every Christmas...the tree goes up, presents are bought and left in a back bedroom, in the shopping bags, awaiting wrapping. The back bedroom holds a mound of unwrapped presents, it's also the room the computer is in. So lately, while on the puter, I noted that Sophie has been sniffing/snooping around that mound.

Monday night, BF and I sat in the living room, watching TV after supper, and Sophie wasn't in her normal spot (BF's lap) but we really weren't paying any particular attention to her.
She suddenly appeared...she had found her new baby in that sea/mound of unwrapped presents and slyly brought it for us to see. She has been snooping...apparently going thru all the sacks, till she found her Christmas baby. She acted shy and unsure if she was going to get in any trouble...but she wanted her new baby. Once I told her it was OK...her tail wagged and she bounced around while I cut off the tags. I gave her baby a squeak and a toss and she happily ran after it.
Now I ask you, how do you measure an animals intelligence? How do measure an animals capacity for love? How do you measure their loyalty, pain, fear...???
If you think they're "just animals"...I'll tell you a story of an elephants sorrow and grief, or one of a dog that remains by a grave for years, or one that puts himself in harms way to protect.
I think we tend to measure their intelligence by what we know...not by what they know...
Merry Christmas from Sophie and me...

I Won!!!

2011-12-19T22:24:00.004-06:00

I've never won anything...not ever, till now.
I won this kayak at the company Christmas party. Can you believe this???
I won an Ascend D12 Deluxe kayak, a paddle and a life jacket.
They always have great door prizes. They start out with several $10 gift certificates and then the prizes just keep getting bigger and better. They gave away gift cards for several restaurants, our store and also several other stores. Movie tickets...just all sorts of fun stuff. This year they also gave away two, 43" flat screen TVs.
I knew about the TVs, but didn't know about the kayak...guess working some night shifts, you miss some of the morning meeting details.
Here's the deal...the minute they started talking about the kayak package that was the final prize, I knew...
I knew I was going to win it! A voice deep inside me said that it would be a great upper body workout. Funny...right then, I honestly felt that I would win it. I would have been extremely happy with any of the prizes...but, wow..!!! a kayak!!!
I'm thinking that this is going to be a great new adventure.

The voices also said that I should quit eating all the treats that everyone brought!!!

The pictures here are from the internet, but look exactly like my new kayak.

My Morning

2011-11-10T10:25:00.006-06:00

She didn't "come" when I called her.
When I spotted her in the back yard, she was layin low...maybe she thought I wouldn't see her.
I've never seen a dog walk as slow as she was walking and I knew right then that something was up.
My brother blames LD. Many years ago, he brought his precious, spoiled pom over and she rolled in LD's poop, something she had never done before. He claimed that LD taught her this...I simply stated that rolling in stuff is a dog's nature. Nope, he blamed LD.
It's been over a year since LD's passing, but he is still blamed for any rolling in "stuff". I even blamed him this morning, or at least thought of him as Sophie slowly walked to the door. She knew what she had done...but did it anyway. I have no idea what it was, but it obviously was dead and I'm sure she thought she smelled gooood.
My comment to her was, "oooh Sophie..." and she hunkered down as if I was going to beat her. Noooo...she's never even been swatted, so why does she do this??? Just look at those sad eyes. She's soooo abused????!!!! NOT!!!
I made her stay outside while I drew her bath, but she knew right off what was going to happen. Once inside, she avoided my commands...she wouldn't even "come".
I have to close the door because if she gets a chance, she'll bolt. She'll run thru the house, shaking water, and rubbing on whatever to get that smell off of her. In the summer, she's been known to run outside and roll in dirt.
I think her doggie shampoo smells good, but obviously she doesn't.
My relaxed morning came to abrupt end. I'll meditate later...
ooommm....

Cutting at the Royal

2011-11-07T14:27:00.004-06:00

American Royal time in Kansas City

This week is the cutting horse competition.
It all starts tomorrow...
Trainers and riders will start bringing in their horses.
BF will not be competing this year. He's been in charge of the cattle, for the show, since it started...oooh about 6 years ago.
Tomorrow he will set up the pens and water tanks. He'll bring in all the hay and about three loads of cattle will be delivered.
By the time the show is over, he'll run over 1000 head of cattle thru...a big job...

This is his horse, Cindy. She's a sweetheart and oooh gosh, does she smell good. But then again, I think horses smell wonderful... :)

This is a not very good picture of BF cutting. I've never tried this type of riding. I competed in mostly English events. He keeps saying that one day he's going to teach me to really ride...I bite my tongue...ha ha ha

This is grandson...isn't he cute??? He was a real cowboy then, not now, though...he's into superhero's.
So what do I do during this time???
I cleaned house, because several of BF's friends will be spending the week with us.
I made BBQ brisket, veggie soup and chocolate cake.
I bought loads of breakfast and snack food.
I feed them...that's my job!

Zoo

2011-11-03T10:19:00.006-05:00

Nope...she wouldn't pose for my picture.

Napping in the sun.

Me, watching him, watching us.

wondering...how do I get out of here???

So...what do you think about zoos?
It's been a long time since I've visited the zoo. The weather was beautiful and my granddaughter was so happy. We both loved seeing the animals.
I know that they are cared for.
I know they're safe.
... yet, I feel a sadness for these beautiful creatures...

Aspen and Birkenstocks

2011-10-27T11:33:00.005-05:00

What does Aspen and Birkenstocks have in common?
Nothing....
So there I was, in Aspen, wearing:
Mommy Jeans
Birkenstocks with socks
CVS and Walmart makeup
Unpolished nails
Bass Pro hoodie
10 year old camera
Un-highlighted hair
Bifocals

Tagging along with me was BF, wearing:
John Deere ball cap
Worn denim jacket
Cowboy boots-we're not talking the stylish ones
Comfy Wrangler jeans

Now I ask you...did we blend in???
ha ha ha...Nope!!!

Craftsmen's Fair

2011-10-19T10:06:00.007-05:00

I did almost all the driving on our Colorado trip.
I finally let BF drive when we were firmly planted on I-70 and on our way home. He, bless his heart, is a farmer and drives like one...very slowly...
Two days after getting home from our whirlwind trip thru Colorado, I headed out again for Gatlinburg, Tn. BF's X had invited me to her place for the Craftsmen's Fair. I haven't visited the eastern states. Hiking/camping RMNP has been a major part of my life. So, with two days to unpack, repack, do laundry, start my first class on Tibetan art, etc. I headed out again.
I left at 5 am, extremely tired, and headed East.
The very worst was St. Louis traffic...both going and coming home. I made it thru before rush hour...ha!!! It was still awful! After St. Louis, I became very sleepy, so I made numerous stops, ate, drove with the windows down, sang, chanted...did whatever to stay awake.
I must say, it was simply beautiful in Gatlinburg. No, not the Rocky's...but a different kind of beauty. I don't like to compare the parks, each is different and thank goodness. Many people drive thru Kansas without even noticing the beauty of the Flint Hills. Me, well every time I drive thru this area, drone on and on about the early settlers, their struggles, their hardships. I imagine walking, beside their wagons, in long, dew soaked dresses...heading West...filled with both fear and anticipation. Ooops!!! there I go....

My visit with BF's X was wonderful. We both love crafts and she was a delightful tour guide.
We went into one building that had over 100 artists and craftsmen. To me, there is a difference between the art in this area compared to the West. Maybe it's just a difference in themes???
The next day we did the Craftsmen's Circle. We went from shop to shop. The X is a weaver and I knit, so we spent a lot of time visiting with these artisans and in their studios.

The last day we explored the area and had a picnic in the mountains...yes, another whirlwind trip, but very enjoyable. The trees were not in full color...this year's weather or whatever didn't bring on all the colors that are the norm for this area, but it was still beautiful.
Normally I drive without using the radio...I think/ponder/enjoy a silence.
This time, I drove home using the scan on my radio, stopping it when either a comment or song grabbed me. Old time R & R had me singing loudly and remembering the times...
Radio evangelists had me shaking my head and worrying/sad for those who live in such fear. There was much said about damnation and salvation...a focus on all that is ugly.
I thought of a quote from a book called "Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy" by Sarah Ban Breathnach".
"If you consciously work to bring more gratitude, order, simplicity, harmony, beauty, and joy into your daily life, your world will be transformed."

Roadtrip in Colorado/Utah

2011-10-12T07:03:00.004-05:00

This was a very different kind of trip for me.
Normally I go to one place and spend time camping, hiking, and taking lots of pictures.
This was BF's 3rd vacation and he wanted just a roadtrip...wanted to see as much of Colorado and some of Utah as we could squeeze into 6 days.
We drove straight to Manitou Springs the first day. We drove thru The Garden of the Gods on our way to the motel. My sister had told us that it was "quaint"...her word for old, no hot water, and morning coffee was in large pot outside the office. ha ha ha...! We hooked up with my brother, sister and spouses for dinner. We ate at a BBQ place called Rudy's. Very Good! Lots of laughter and teasing. The next morning, we all headed in our separate directions.

BF and I headed for Durango. I had my first taste of green chili there and was hoping the place was still there. Now we're talking about 30 years ago...but sure enough, it was!! OOoh my...it was wonderful. This is the place and that was the green chili that was the start of my Mexican cookbook collection.
We drove over Wolf Creek pass and what a mess that turned out to be. Snow, snowplows, trucks/cars off the road, big trucks putting on chains, 3 mph, .....and, backed up traffic and no place to, well you know how it is after several cups of coffee.

On to Moab. WoW...was BF impressed with Canyonland and Arches. OOh me too!!!
We followed the Colorado River on our way to Grand Junction. BF's cousin lives there. His FAR RIGHT cousin. Ugh!!!! I had to control my mouth and that's no easy task. Here's an example...You know those co-exist bumper stickers??? We saw one as we were driving to her political fund raising event, and she announced that they (the bumper sticker) should not be allowed, because they were anti-Christian???? Now this gal is a retired schoolteacher??? Well anyway, I tried to be pleasant, as I corrected her. I swear I was nice...but, you should have seen BF's eyes, big as saucers...ha ha ha!!! As we left, even BF (the avid Fox News fella) said they were a little too radical, for even him.
Anyway, we were off to Aspen. Original plan was to go over Independence Pass, but snow was still in the forecast and after Wolf Creek, this flat lander flat chickened.

We headed for Steamboat Springs. BF has friends there. We visited and then the next morning we ate breakfast at Winona's...wow!!! great cinnamon rolls!!! Then on the road again. This time down the Poudre River. I love this drive...

We headed for Estes Park... There's a candy store that has the very best pralines in the world, so with an attitude of "gee, we're so close, why not?" I drove like a mad woman to get there before they closed. Gosh...they were closed anyway...Probably the only store in EP that was closed. Sign in the door said they're closed on Sundays...What???!!! I drove for hours only to find out that they close on Sundays??? I stared at the darkened store for a few minutes before it finally sunk in. They were closed.
We headed up, into the park to look for elk.
Can anyone please explain to me what has happened to all the elk??? I can remember large herds everywhere, but they seem to be gone? We used to watch them come down for rut every year and what a show they'd put on. For the last couple of years I've seen only a few...I must/will find out what's going on.
Anyway, our vacation was a lot of fun, but it was also, very different for me. We had a great time and BF got to see lots...just like he wanted...he was happy...
I'm home and doing laundry and grocery shopping and now I'm getting ready to go the Tennessee tomorrow morning 4am. Never been east, so this is another adventure. I'll be spending the next 5 days with BF's X. We both love craft festivals and I guess there's a big one in Gatlinberg.
BF will spend some quality time with his blond girlfriend while I'm gone...Sophie, the Cairn Terror

2011-10-04T17:08:00.005-05:00

"The Mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir

Ok...I'm off to Manitou Spring at 6:00am tomorrow morning.
Meeting my sister and brother in Manitou for dinner. This really wasn't planned. My sister called to tell me that she was heading there just last week. Then my brother called, saying the same. BF thinks it was planned, but it really wasn't...it just happened that we all planned to be in Manitou this week. I really think it's kind of strange. You know, if we had tried to plan a vacation or even tried to hook up for a dinner while on vacation, we couldn't have gotten it worked out.
The next day, my sister is heading for Albuquerque. My brother is heading for Estes Park and we're heading for Moab.
We'll be gone for about a week, then I'm dropping BF off and heading for Tennessee. I'll be there for about a week...you're not going to believe this, but I'm hooking up with BF's X. We're going to go to a huge craft festival in Gatlinburg. I've never been to the Smokey's so it ought to be fun.
I know...BF's X???? yep...gosh it was over 30 years ago when they were divorced. They kept it very civil and both moved on. They do, however, have a son and he and his family live here so we see each other quite often. Anyway, we really hit it off and have tons of fun when together, so we said..."Why Not???"

Whatever

2011-10-03T14:04:00.007-05:00

I, too, was not the perfect mother and certainly hope neither of my boys write a tell-all.
You know, if my boys wrote a book about their poor, pitiful lives (from their perspective) I'm sure I'd come off as an awful, mean, spiteful, non-cooking, make them work all the time, kind of mom.
As a parent, I did some things I'm not too proud of...but at the time it felt right and I thought I was doing the right thing, but in hindsight, things could have been handled differently. I also did a lot that I am extremely proud of, but for some reason, my boys just can't get that laugh or reaction they were looking for, so they sometimes tell things that make me cringe...it's just not the whole story.
I didn't attend some school functions, because I never got the notes. No cookies or treats after school, because they ate the weeks worth in one day. No friends in the house, because I was working and didn't want them alone with no supervision. Slapped one boy, because he was 16 and was mad and called me a name. They spent a lot of time being grounded, for breaking stuff in the house. I said the F word one time...and not F for frustrated. Trust me...there's lots more. I'll tell you here that my oldest son, oooh when he was around 14/15 was dealing me fits and one day, and I laughingly told him that new mother hamsters sometimes eat their first born litters if they get too nervous...you should hear the way this little story has been repeated. I know...I never should have said such a thing, but I thought it was funny at the time. Can you imagine how this could be made to sound in a tell-all???
They could dwell for hours on how hard I made them work around the house. They didn't realize, that mostly I was trying to keep them busy and out of trouble...anyway, I'm getting off the subject of grown children writing tell-all's about their lives. About their parents. About their suffering. About who they blame...
I'm not a fan of Martha Stewart, but what is it with kids writing these horrid books about their famous/or even non famous parents? Why do they tell family secrets/stories, why is it so important? Are they justifying their own lackluster life? Just trying to make some bucks? Do they really feel that they suffered? I read that she divulged that Martha sometimes leaves the bathroom door open when she uses the toilet.....wow!!! It was then reported on my opening AOL page that Martha has this disgusting habit. Oooh my...??!!! She said there was no food in the house...well my boys could say the same thing. I'm telling you hear and now that one time I made, from scratch, over 200 chocolate chip cookies and my boys ate them in one day. No way was I going to do that again for a long time... There were no treats in the house for weeks after that incident, then, store bought treats became the norm.
If it got right down to it, my mother could blame her mom for all sorts of stuff, I could blame my mom and my boys could blame me... I've heard parent blaming from my friends, coworkers, gosh, complete strangers will tell me about their horrible childhood. It almost becomes an identity for these people. I know, I know...even the courts recognize childhood traumas as a defense...so who am I to be critical??? BF has commented that sometime in a person's life, they've got to just look into a mirror and see who's looking back at them...and blame them.
hmmm...sins of the parents??? visited...hmmmm

Popeye

2011-09-30T10:02:00.006-05:00

I was probably 10ish before I realized that my grandfather's name was not really Popeye.
We all called him that. We all (all the cousins) referred to our grandparents as Grandma and Popeye, and we still do. This was simply what he was called from the beginning till even now...Popeye.
I was Popeye's favorite. The other cousins all think that they were, but I know I was...as least that's the way he made me feel. Actually that's the way we all felt and how special is that??? Popeye had a way of making everyone feel special. If "Irish" had a look, it would look like my grandfather. His eyes shined with kind of a devilish gleam...and if you didn't see that, then he'd dance a jig for you. Or, he'd run into a wall (only with his foot) acting like he ran into it with his head, or he'd stand on his hands and walk around, or he'd play a fast tune with a set of spoons.
Popeye was an artist. He would draw, paint or cartoon, and he would listen to a song one time and then play it on the piano. Oooh to hear him play a ragtime on his old piano just one more time...
He and my grandmother raised a large Catholic family. Popeye had a regular job as a self employed carpenter, painter, wallpaper hanger. People loved his work and loved having him in their homes or business. Gosh...he entertained them... Once I was at a local funeral home and the owner told me how all the walls, (under that wallpaper) were covered with my grandfather's cartoons.
Back in the late 20's, a tornado destroyed their home...flattened it. They considered themselves lucky, because the garage was still standing. They all moved into that garage until Popeye could build them another home. Gotta remember here...this was also during the Depression. The home, the garage, their garden, everything is still standing today.
Life was very hard during those times, but there was no complaining...they just kept working and laughing and making do with the little things. They worked all the time. Popeye and Grandma did listen to a radio program on Saturday night and Popeye would smoke one cigarette after dinner.
The paint splattered bench (shown above with my plants) belonged to my grandfather. He made two of them...tools of the trade. He put his tools in them, stood on them to paint or wallpaper, and used them for sawing (see the marks)
I have one and my sister has the other. I've told my boys about this little piece of history, but sometimes I just don't think is sinks in. I sure hope it just isn't tossed when I'm gone.

End of the Summer

2011-09-28T08:46:00.010-05:00

It's about that time, again, when I bring in all my plants .
My boys have always said that I bought a deck, with an attached house...and they're right!My deck is covered, screened and has two fans. The perfect mix of shade and sunshine makes it easy to have plants. I add more plants because the deck is open on 3 sides and there's lots of room for them. They start out small...
The grill is near the kitchen door for easy access and I cook most meals on it.
My morning coffee and meditations, afternoon breaks, knitting, dreaming, planning, reading...I spend soooo much time out there. Lunch and dinner, and for sure, all parties take place on the deck. I enjoy a glass of wine after dinner on the deck and for sure, I use it as a retreat from Fox News...ha ha ha!!!
I use this deck all year round, however, I must bring in all my plants before the first frost. It's only now that I notice the enormity of my plant collection. Spring and summer, I pick up little plants...which grow up to be big plants (kind of like kittens and puppies) and now I must find room for them inside...summer is slipping away, making way for the next season.

It's that time, again, and all these plants must come in. I don't mind the change of seasons, it's just looking around the house for places to put my plants. These pictures simply don't show how many or how big these plants become during a summer season. Ever watch "Buried Alive"? or "Hoarders"??? ...is this where I'm heading? is this what's happening to me? it starts out so innocent, but isn't this the way with hoarders???
I put them in windows, on shelves, small tables, large tables, in corners...they are stacked and scattered around my entire house. I've even stashed some in a bathtub...the lighting was good and was an easy way to provide humidity and watering, but unexpected guests sent me scurrying to clean and find another spot.
The Christmas holiday is another challenge...the fake tree and all my decorations, take precedent over the my plants.

This summer brought even more plants than usual. There were many plant sales, and then there's dividing, and my friends, knowing my love of plants, gifted me with so many beauties...but now what to do?? Ooh and I see one, maybe sickly, free to a good home kind of plant...and can I resist??? noooo...and thank goodness I don't have this problem with dogs or kittens!
You know of my fear of becoming one of those "People of Walmart"...I've written about my Wednesday Dash and the fear of the trash men taking a pic of me in my fluffy, over sized, coffee stained, red robe. Now...I worry that I'll be added in a segment of "Hoarders"...
I've been checking out the current forecast, and I've probably got another week... This is really going to be a challenge this year.

What's an "At em"?

2011-09-15T08:16:00.007-05:00

Don't you just wonder what goes on in that strange place called the mind???
I don't know bout you, but I just chug along, life is good, busy, enjoyable, hectic...then all of a sudden something happens that makes you just stop and wonder...
I get up every morning, drink some coffee, meditate, then start my day. Usually I have projects that I want to get done. But once in awhile...I have no project... A panic appears...
What to do? I start the search for something. Do I work on a mosaic? a new knitting project? clean something? mow? paint a room? Should I re-pot plants, run to the store, make brownies???
I should be busy, no nap taking, no watching TV in the middle of the day, no "just chillin"...I've got to be busy, productive. I wonder around the house looking for something that needs my attention. I look at art for inspiration, search the internet for a knitting pattern that grabs me. It gets to a point of almost panic...I've got to get busy...stay busy!
I sat on my deck and listened to traffic in the distance. I heard the hustle of workers, parents...people doing something and a form of guilt surrounded me.
The day before yesterday, I stopped this jittery pursuit of something to do and decided to meditate on this strange happening.
OMG...I keep forgetting that I'm retired!
Oooh I've got my part-time gigs and I love them. In fact, I worked the month of August...but even then I felt that "need" to advance. To get ahead... I don't know if I'm using the right words or not, but it's how I felt when I was part of the working world, that career oriented world. And for goodness sakes...I don't want to get ahead anymore, so what's that crazy feeling all about???
BF is not retired. He asks me what I'm going to do today...??? hmmm...He calls at 8 to see if I'm up and at em. Yep, I'm up...but not at em. I haven't figured out what "em" is.
I guess I'm just at a new stage of retirement.
Meditation is helping me to rid myself of guilt...and where in the world is that stupid guilt coming from? Well me, of course, that crazy brain chatter that is demanding that I get busy and do something. The mind gets to racing and the body soon follows, it gets jittery. Some kind of stress forms and it's a self imposed stress...gosh, why do we allow this? Normally, blame comes in here. We try to blame our job, bosses, spouses, children, whoever/whatever, for our stress...but we mostly allow stress to happen. It's kind of weird that I could allow stress to appear because I really have nothing to be stressed about??? Stressed because I don't have a knitting project started???
Ole well....I'm learning...
ommmmmm

Mercury Retrograde

2011-08-20T09:44:00.008-05:00

Mercury Retrograde always has a strange effect on me.
During this time, stuff breaks. This particular time, I've had to replace my garage door openers, my computer and my cell phone. Notice the line in the above sentence??? I have no idea how that line got there and no idea how to get rid of it...this is a sample of the things that go on, in my life, during a retrograde period.
I'm retired, but have been working quite a bit this summer. Normally I enjoy these breaks from retirement, but this time, it's been difficult. I've been working so many hours, that I simply haven't had time to "re" learn my stuff. The computer guy advised me to use Mozilla, so now even sending an email or replying to one is a learning experience. I've taken some pictures but I haven't been able to move them to the puter. I now have the photoshop program, but am struggling to learn this, so this too will take time to learn and get done. I finally ordered one of those "For Dummies" books to help me with this...UGH!!!!!
My phone...humpf!!! This too is new and I lost all my contact info in the process. Do you realize that I didn't even know BF's phone number??? I couldn't even call him and let him know that I was having phone problems. I spent several hours at the phone store and couldn't even call him or respond to his calls (he was trying to find me...didn't get home from work in a reasonable amount of time and he was concerned) You know, I could remember my aunt's number, even my grandmother's number(she passed 20 years ago)...but don't know current numbers. This is a real problem with some of the technology today...we, or at least "I" rely on it, rather than learning things the old way. Kind of like using an adding device, rather than adding in my head. I no longer know my boy's numbers or my brother's, but could tell you phone numbers of my old bank, old customers, old vet and Pizza Hut!!! what the...???? I guess I could always call Pizza Hut for help...
So, until August 26th...I'll just try to lay low and avoid any more problems...
Where's that wood to knock on???

Dancing Chickens

2011-07-17T21:11:00.007-05:00

When I was little, we went to the Lake of the Ozarks quite often. Dad bought a boat and drank. His buddies all had boats and they too, all drank...a lot! So we went to the lake a lot, with his buddies and their families and they all drank till stupid.

So, I have some not so fond memories of the lake along with some fun ones.

BF's daughter got married last week, at the lake. It was beautiful, she was beautiful, the hotel was wonderful and the reception was great fun, but it was hot. Very hot...103 degrees. A typical summer day at the lake.

We went down the day before the wedding and I got to take a walk down memory lane. Of course, I remembered the drinking and the chaos, but I also remembered going to the dam by boat. This dam used to be the "hot" spot. Lot's going on. but as you can see, it's pretty vacant now. This is a view from the top of the dam, looking down. When I was little, this was so scary! I'd walk out there and look down and it just scared me to death.
Now here's something I probably would have forgotten if we hadn't gone down there. There was entertainment, games and such, on the docks. We'd park our boat, then we'd look for fun things to do. There was bumper cars, haunted houses and pinball machines everywhere. Lots of souvenir shops, music was playing and of course, beer joints. Dad and his buds would head straight for the beer joints and the kids would scatter and look for things to keep us busy. I can't imagine this happening today. No way would parents let their ten and eleven year olds wonder around in such an area, but that's just the way it was back then.
There were many docks, such as the one pictured below. Some larger and some smaller and they all had these scenic tour type cruise ships/boats. You know, the Huck Finn's and the Tom Sawyer's. But here's what I really remember. They all used to have these chickens in glass cages with flashing lights and when you'd put in your nickel, dime, quarter???can't remember, probably a nickel, this chicken would play the piano, or that one would dance, or another one would hit some tambourines. Each cage had a chicken and every chicken did something for the food that our money and their activity would provide.
Oooh my gosh!!! and it was hot too!!!
Can you imagine anyone doing that today? This was called entertainment??? I can remember just standing there, looking at these poor chickens and wondering about them. I'd watch as people would put in their money and laugh at this "entertainment". I can remember looking at these people and wondering what was so funny? I'd look back and forth at the person, then the chicken...sickened...
This was supposed to be funny? I didn't get it, but I watched, first the chicken, then the person. Looking back, I think I was waiting for someone, an adult, to explain this all to me...
I'm still waiting for someone to explain this horrible scene to me...

Hmmm...some memory huh!!!???
I didn't get it then and I don't get it now...

A Love Story

2011-07-03T07:50:00.008-05:00

Happy 90th Birthday!!!

We held a surprise luncheon for my uncle. 22 nieces and nephews showed up to honor this fine man. His younger brother attended and an old girlfriend.

To strangers, I'm sure he's just some old man, but to know his life, or at least some of it...just puts a smile on your face.

This ole man was quite dashing in his day. In fact, very handsome and the old girlfriend, my gosh...what a pin up! Imagine this...a WWII Air force pilot with her pictured on his plane. A love story!!!

He crash landed twice during the war, obviously survived, and eventually retired from the air force.

They never married, but remained friends. It's fun to see them together and picture them "young and in love".

He married another beauty, who passed away two years ago. He "retired" two more times, and finally really retired after his wife passed.

After the singing of Happy Birthday, he gave a quiet speech,

"You know, I've been living on borrowed time since 1943...."

Moon in Gemini

2011-06-30T08:00:00.004-05:00

Do you ever just wake up feeling jittery? Things just feel off... Coffee tastes bitter, you find a leak, ants have taken over an area on your deck, checkbook doesn't balance, milk has soured, break a nail down to the quick, remember that you forgot to mail a birthday card yesterday, forgotten shirts in the dryer are now wrinkled, out of dog food, your eyes look swollen, you're a week past a haircut and you ache all over???

Welcome to my world today!!!

Sure enough, the moon is in Gemini. Nope, this probably won't be bothering you, but I'm a 4x's Sagittarius. My moon is in Sag... and my sun and two others.

Many years ago, I used to fall, get thrown, and even ejected off my horse about once a month. I couldn't figure it out, so I started keeping a log, noting these embarrassing events. As an astrologer, something made me look at where the moon was on those particular days...and sure enough it mostly happened when the moon was in Gemini.

Gemini is my opposite sign and the low of my ebb and flow. My yang... It's when I feel the weakest, when I have the jitters, when my make-up makes me look yellow...

The moon changes signs about every 2 or so days. I have found that when the moon is in the opposite sign of your natal moon, a person can feel weak, down or out of sorts. It does pass... In my case, it will be tomorrow.

There's nothing I can do to fix this except do my morning meditation. This will help, I'm sure...at least hoping.

I do, however, wish I had a cool cucumber to put under my eyes to reduce the puffiness. I don't believe meditation will help this, but I'll let you know if it does...

ommmmmmmmm....!!!

Nifty Green Idea

2011-06-27T21:17:00.003-05:00

This is the greatest idea! Wish I thought of it.

It's air-tight! Just cut a disposable water bottle, saving the top part and lid.Insert a plastic bag thru the top, then screw on the lid.

Waa-laa.........

I just love stuff like this. Just wish now that someone would come up with what to do with the rest of the bottle.

Wednesday Dash

2011-06-22T08:36:00.004-05:00

Coffee...aaaahhhh!!!

A quiet moment on my deck. It's a cool morning, refreshing... In a few minutes I'll start my morning meditations. Then I hear it...that grating noise, the stop/the go...quickly it gets closer....

My mind snaps from a meditative, enjoyable moment to the present....

Ohhh my gawd...it's trash day!!!

The rumble is getting closer and I'm still in my jammies. No way can I be seen in my jammies, so I run and grab my bulky, coffee stained, red fluffy robe. Better throw on my Birkenstocks, the little rocks on my driveway could kill me. Hustle...it's right up the street now... OK, I have time to grab that last bag of trash, the one with last night onion peels, that's still in the kitchen. OK, maybe I don't have time...run!!! Down the steps, to the garage. I hear the truck, maybe two or three houses away, I hit the garage door opener. The onion smell is all around me now. I'm glad I took the time to grab it. The door slowly, very slowly, comes awake...the dash continues. I drive the bin to the end of the drive and I actually see the face of the driver. Is that a smirk on his face? or just a look of fear???

I made it! I won the Wednesday Dash!

We've all seen those pictures of the "Walmart people" and laughed, felt compassion, whatever... Now I'm just sayin... if they ever come up with "Trash Day people", you'll all see me.

The Plumber's Squat

2011-06-09T07:03:00.005-05:00

In my mind, I'm still very young and active. I can still do flips, cartwheels, climb trees and jump fences...

I called to get an estimate to get my bathroom remodeled. Wow...what are those guys thinking? Who can afford that? They wanted $2000.00 for shower floor and shower back splash. That figure did not include anything like soap dish, shower doors or towel rack...just the bare bones.

Shoot...I can do it myself and save the money! Right! No Big Deal...Right????

The actual work is not that hard, but being down on my knees, or stretching up high, or reaching around corners has taken its toll on this ole bod........

Here's where I've stopped for awhile. I've got some touch up, then I'll need to grout. But currently I have no desire to go back into that room. I'm tired...I hurt...I now know that cartwheels are no longer part of my life.

What hurts the most are my feet and toes. I think that's from doing the "plumber's squat"...

Heavy Snow Delays Opening

2011-06-03T15:15:00.009-05:00

Here in the Midwest, we soon forget about winter. It's hot and humid right now and my air conditioner is humming away. I don't live near any flooding, but this morning on the news, I saw the areas that are expecting flood waters and have started to prepare. Other areas have already been hit.

I love RMNP and keep up with the local Estes Park news. They usually try to open Trail Ridge Road by Memorial Day weekend...but, as you can see, that did not happen. Road crews said that this was the most snow that they've encountered in 30 years. They hope to have the road open sometime in early June. In fact, it stated that there was more snow now, than earlier in May.

Wow!!! how would you like this job???
When this melts, it's got to go somewhere!!!

This spring season has seen some bad weather. Floods and tornado's.

My area has been hit with hail...I will have to get a new roof. Not to worry. I am insured. But, as I drive around my city, I'll bet there were close to 1000+ homes getting new roofs/siding. Insurance rates have got to skyrocket!!! Don't ya just wonder where/when it's going to stop??? Am I alone in worrying?
Have I been finally corrupted by Fox News?
BF has it going (stereo) in 3 rooms...
A girlfriend is really into conspiracy theories and mentioned Haarp. Has anyone ever heard of this? It's supposed to be something being used to cause weather catastrophes. Hmmm...
She also talks about chem trails..and she's a liberal???
So I sit here thinking about these things with Fox news rambling on about how bad things are and then a friend comments about different conspiracy theories...What is really going on? or is there anything going on?
Fox on the right/conspiracy on the left
Is it all just fear?
Ya know, it's easy to control people when they're afraid.

and a 1-2-3

2011-05-26T09:07:00.007-05:00

"Excuse me!" she says. Now this is not a request, it's a demand for immediate attention. "I said excuse me!!!" The demand gets more urgent... " Yes, may I help you ?" I reply, as I stop my conversation with another customer. "Could you give me a sample of some of that fudge?"

Am I getting older or what??? When did the meaning of "Excuse Me" change?

OOoooh...I can remember my grandparents talking of "that younger generation" and my parents...now I'm doing it.

I listen as parents give their children an instruction. "Stop" or "Come here" Then I hear it... one, two, you're going to go to time out if I say "three!!!" Don't make me say "three"... I see the parents pleading face and a blank stare on the child's.

The other day, I was visiting a daughter-in-law. The two year old ran toward the street. She hollered, "Stop, don't go near that street and quickly added, one, two, three..." That child never stopped, stepped into the street, then defiantly turned and looked at her mom.

I was talking to one of my coworkers and he told me of an incident at his house... His daughter issued an instruction to his granddaughter. The child refused to obey. My coworker, a gentle man, commented to his granddaughter that he believed that her mother had just told her not to do that. His daughter stopped him and pointed out to him that his job, as a grandparent, was to simply love his grandchild, unconditionally.

I'm a firm believer that counting, one, two, three, gives a child time to think...do they want to obey or do what they want to just continue what they were doing??? What is going on here??? Who is in charge? When did counting become part of a command to the child? I don't get it... This is nuts or what..??

I also see parents offering long, complicated explanations as to why, "I told you..." I don't think a two year old can understand or cares about the logic of traffic control or whatever. The issue is that they need to obey their mommy or daddy. They need to learn to trust mommy or daddy...

Now can I say something to daughter-in-law? Nope! She's a former teacher or nurse or whatever and has no need to hear of my observation. No desire for any one's opinion on how to raise her children. No criticism of her parenting skills are allowed...

Is there any grandparent recourse? Yes... I take grandchildren, who don't mind,...home! This doesn't make for a happy in-law or out-law or son or daughter, but it works. I won't babysit, visit, have a stayover, or whatever, if I'm not in control.

Ooooh...this younger generation....

Fall River, My Attachment

2011-05-15T10:30:00.003-05:00

This is my most very favorite river...The Fall River. Located in RMNP...my most very favorite park. When I'm there, the sounds of this river lull me to a place that is deep inside of my soul. I've camped near, slept by, hiked, meditated, photographed, dreamed, cried and laughed, sipped coffee, waded, picnicked, introduced to friends and family...this river of mine.

Yes! This is my river...and yours. Thank goodness for our National Parks! These pictures are from my most favorite web cam in the world...my river. I retreat to my computer, every morning, with a cup of coffee and am transported to this...my place...on a daily basis.
I watch the changing of the seasons and allow myself to dream, wish...long for my park, my mountains, my river. Does this longing cause me pain? Probably... In Buddhism we are taught of attachments to sense pleasures and how they can cause pain...Yes, it does cause me pain, but I just can't give it up. There's pain in longing, but I get such a comfort too. I do struggle with this.
"Live joyfully, without desire" Buddha

The rock, pictured above, is really a boulder. It is nearly covered by the spring runoffs. The same boulder, below, is completely covered.

The picture, below, shows a man viewing the river. It gives an idea of proportion. This web cam has also captured deer and one time, an elk.

I do suffer from this attachment. I long for this place. I could easily give this longing up, but I won't. At least not right now. I drift off to sleep, with memories of this river, and I smile. Pain? but there is also pleasure?

"Whatever is felt is within suffering."

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."

"Do not let pleasure distract you from meditation, from the way. Free yourself from pleasure and pain."

Buddha

This is my delima. I want to grow spiritually, but don't want to give this up.

what to do...???

Thank You University of Arkansas

2011-05-13T12:08:00.007-05:00

What a road trip! I got to see the Dalai Lama at the University of Arkansas yesterday!

From Kansas City, it was only about a 4 hour drive...no way was I going to miss this opportunity.

HH Dalai Lama is such a humble, happy person. His presence was profound.

"I am a simple monk" he says... "no more, no less."

His laughter was infectious. He was kind of hard to understand, but when he laughed, we all did.

The morning panel discussion included HH Dalai Lama, Sister Helen Prejean, and Vincent Harding.
What a powerful group.
Sister Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking. Susan Sarandon played Sister Prejean in the movie.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the speech Harding wrote at the Riverside Church on April 4, 1967. "Beyond Vietnam. A Time to Break Silence."

It doesn't get any better than this!

Herb Garden is Planted

2011-04-30T14:51:00.005-05:00

Spring has sprung in the KC area. I just finished planting my garden. This is not the huge veggie type. This is my herb garden and I think I do it for the mere fun of it.

This year I planted lemon balm, basil, thyme, lavender and mint julep.

I got this idea from a local nursery. They had done it on a huge scale. I wanted it to fit my yard and my need for herbs, so it was scaled down.

I use the top of a birdbath and simply placed it on the ground, surrounded by my flowers. The first year I didn't drill drain holes and it soon flooded with all the spring rain...ruined. The year after that, I planted too many plants and it got overcrowded. I'd trim, but the effect was just not there. Last year, the birds stole many of my little fairy stuff. I'm learning as I go.
Last year I used these itty bitty little bricks to make the walkway...after the first rain, they were washed away. This year I used marbles. The marbles are flat on one side. I used a colorful/shiny marble as a gazing ball. Just click on any of the pics and you can see more of the details.

In the one below, maybe you can see...not sure, I tied down a miniature watering can. The birds took my miniature hoe and shovel and still haven't found any to replace the ones those thieving critters took.

One year, I place a mirror in it and surrounded it with small stones...looked kindof like a small little pond. I thought that turned out cute.

This is visable from my deck. Too much fun looking at it. And, in a few weeks, I'll have some fun herbs...

BF (the farmer) just looks blankly at it. "I thought you said you were planting a garden," he said.

Now this is farming!!!

ha ha ha...!!!

Someone Gave Me the Bird(s)

2011-04-29T16:21:00.005-05:00

These are my new babies. I won't name them...I just call them my pretty babies.

The reason I don't want to name them is because I want to think of them as wild and part of the outdoors...does this make any sense at all? It does to me...

They love each other, play kissy face and look into each others eyes. It's just too cute. They chirp and make this low chattering noise, to each other...like I'm not even here. It's kind of funny...they have a way of bringing the sound of nature indoors.A former boss recently passed. He raised all sorts of birds and they needed a home. They are just too sweet. I haven't had a bird since 5th grade...so this is pretty new to me.

I'm really enjoying them...Sophie is too! However, I think we're enjoying them for different reasons. I'm sure she'd like to get to them... I'm thinking that, in a couple of weeks, she'll be much more accepting of them...but maybe not. She's such a terror !!!! ha ha ha! BF calls them city birds because they're not up and chirping at the crack of dawn. He is also purposely cussing in front of them...humpf! I really don't think they'll pick that up because they only have eyes for each other.

Isn't it funny how such little things, like these two sweet little birds, can bring so much joy...???

The Search

2011-04-08T08:33:00.017-05:00

When did the search start? Why did I search?

There must be something inside of me that caused me to question. I didn't ask for the silent stirrings inside of me. I longed to feel the peace that I saw around me. The voice, with the questions, could not be quieted...I finally raised my hand.

Instead of an answer, I was sent directly to Sister Dominica's office. Shamed in front of the other students, I headed down that narrow hall. After a meaningless lecture (I was about ten years old) I was sent off to kneel and told to say 10 Hail Marys and 10 Our Fathers...something I was told to do, quite often.... Was this the answer to my question?

I was born and raised Catholic. I actually loved the church, loved the alter and loved watching the nuns parade to and from their seats. Loved the candles, loved kneeling...but something was missing.

There were never any answers. The mass was in Latin. Even at this young age, the sermon left me with more questions, and the contradictions filled my mind. And...thinking to myself that even these thoughts must be sinful. So here I was, at 10, leading a sinful life, filled with guilt, and...doomed to hell!

I was never told to read the bible, never taught much about the bible, the mass was in Latin, no Sunday school, but tons of rules...church rules, and oooh gosh...I just kept sinning, and confessing. I ate meat on a Friday. Told my mom, "no". Didn't say a prayer before supper.

Sure enough...10 Hail Marys, 10 Our Fathers.

Mom and dad got a divorce. Mom took us to Unity. WoW! What a change this was! Now God was love! Same God, different God? Same bible, different bible??? Sunday school...I was coloring pictures of Jesus now, and hearing wonderful stories of a wonderful, loving Father.... Mom took us to Unity one Sunday, Dad took us to Catholic Church the next. I got even more confused, had even more questions and for goodness sake, now I was sinning because I was going to church with mom!!!

In my twenty's it was "game on". I started going to different churches. I'd stay for awhile, but then it always ended the same. What I was beginning to realize at this point, was that God was presented differently at each of the churches. It seemed to me that God was being created in our image, rather than us being created in His. I was so frustrated.

In my mid 20's, I went to my first astrologer. How did she know that I was on an in intense spiritual search? aah...maybe it's my Sag Moon and Sag Sun in the 8th house for starters. This was when I started looking to alternative beliefs. OOoooh my...there were other people, out there, searching for answers, just like me!!! I read and read and read. I read everything. I was finally learning... finally getting some answers... I really got hooked on the different Native American beliefs. Studied this and other earth based ways for years and years.

During this time, I learned of colors, numbers, different incense, totems, fetishes, and felt the earth move into the different seasons, and celebrated this... As I bought books on this and that...I'd pick up a book on Buddhism. Then, maybe a book or two on meditation. Then maybe a Zen book. Added to my collection, books written by HH Dalai Lama.

After my husband died, 1999, my sister and I were talking. She is still a devout Catholic...anyway, she questioned why I was so consumed by this search and why I had ventured so deeply into (her thoughts here) different cults. She offered this advice to me. She said that one of her teachers said that there was a reason we are born to a certain religious tradition.

That spring, I took off for a two week camping trip. I went by myself, wanted/needed time to ponder the changes in my life. Death of my husband, another career change, my boys were grown, being alone... While I was on this camping trip, I thought about my sister's advice. I went to confession...the first time in 27 years. Forgive me Father for I have sinned. My last confession was 27 years ago... You guessed this, I'm sure...10 Hail Marys and 10 Our Fathers......

I signed up for RCIA classes that fall. From September till Easter, I relearned the Catholic church. After the class, I went to mass on a regular basis. Then one day...I just couldn't do it any more. I wasn't happy. I sat in the pew, I saw the contradictions, I felt myself fill with guilt, and knew that in this tradition...I was sinning again. I would have my thoughts, feel guilty, confess, do the required "10 and 10" and it would start all over again. I was miserable.

I desperately needed to quiet the chatter in my brain. One day, I reread one of my books on meditation. I saw in the newspaper that the Rime Buddhist Center offered a free meditation class. The minute I walked into the center, I felt at home. I took more classes and started attending the Sunday practice. I felt a calm that I had never felt before. I'd meditate, read and take classes. When I read this quote, I knew I had found what I was looking for.

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. "Buddha

So far, it has brought me much peace and such a calm. I'm learning to simply live in the now. To be in the present. To become awake... And, there is no guilt. I love the fact that it's called "practice". I'll finish this post by adding that in looking back at all the churches I've gone to, to all the traditions that I've studied...I see the beauty and love them all. I'm glad my sister is happy in Catholicism, I'm glad if a friend is happy in a Baptist church, I'm glad if my Native friends are happy with their beliefs and ceremonies, I just want peace and happiness for all....

Namaste

A Tough Job

2011-04-04T08:56:00.006-05:00

I'm retired, but sometimes I work part time. I've got two places that call me when they need help. I enjoy both, so I feel extremely lucky.

I used to own a southwest store, so I am familiar with Native American pottery, jewelry, etc.

Being surrounded by turquoise jewelry, colorful and "meaningful" art simply thrills me.

The place I work brings in artists or speakers on occasion, and this weekend, was the occasion.

Mo Brings Plenty (Musician, Model, Actor, Speaker) was the guest.

Talk about eye candy...wowza! But his wife was there, so I was out of luck. ha ha ha....

My first experience with Mo was being in the audience, watching/listening to the band he was performing with...Brule. Grammy award winners... I bought a CD. It's wonderful...not the usual flute or drumming that is normally associated with Native American music. It's more rock/blues, but with a Native American flair...

The next time I met Mo, was in the Camping Department at Bass Pro. He and his wife were looking at supplies for winter camping.

This time, Mo not only played his drum and sang, but gave a lecture on Native American Spirituality. He's an extremely gentle soul, and very spiritual...

His eyes shined as he spoke of his relationship with the Creator, and his attempts to please Him. This was not a huge event...very intimate. We had Q & A time and people from other tribes (Mo is Lakota) were there, sharing their thoughts and experiences. Some were Christian, but most were traditional. Some of the subjects discussed were sweat lodges, sundance, the mixing of Indian and Christian religious beliefs and ceremonies, visions, elders vs old people, medicine men, new age Indians, and much more.

Besides the actual subject matter, other differences should be noted.

No one interrupted a speaker. Each waited until the speaker was completely through talking before speaking. There were different opinions, of course, but there was respect shown to the person speaking...no yelling, no "looks", and...gentle hand shakes.

My thoughts often drifted off to Fox News....ugh!!!!!!

It was a great day to work....I would have gladly worked for free, just to have been there, to listen, to watch, to learn....

Lines I Sometimes Use

2011-03-27T09:03:00.011-05:00

Didn't put enough dirt down. Saw it...right off.

So...what movie does this line come from?

How about Squeak's line? You just a big ol' heifer!

Why Kate, you're not wearing a bustle. How lewd.

Another Doc Holliday line...It's true, you are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist. Doc Holliday had a lot of good ones.

I love Jebediah Nightlinger's line... It smells of boy in here. (Gosh, I raised two boys, and that smell is real...I've used this line over and over again)

Wil Anderson said, Big mouth don't make a big man.

Do you know who Wil Anderson is? Hint...one of John Wayne's rolls.

Speaking of Wil, how about Will Munny's line. Funny thing, killin' a man. You take away everything he's got and everything he's gonna have.

Another character in this movie...Clyde, a one armed deputy, loaded down with guns says, Well I just don't want to be killed for lack of shootin' back.

You're going the wrong way...line from a John Candy movie. That movie had so many great lines, probably why we watch it over and over again.

Love this line. Har, Har, Har

This was so funny when I heard it the first time. This was a line spoken by Charlie McCorry, aka Ken Curtis, aka Festus...but what movie??? I know you know this one. Merry Christmas. Shitter was full. but, this one almost slipped by me. Better take a rain check on that. Art-he's got a lip fungus they ain't identified yet...

Elk don't know how many legs a horse has.

Professor Lillian Stone said this. What happened was inevitable. The way it happened was unconscionable. This was/is a great line from a mediocre movie. Perhaps I could learn to hate with the proper vigor from you, Al. A few more memorable lines from that movie. Why does the White-Eye want all land? With all this land, why is there no room for the Apache? Must be a Texan. Lowest form of white man there is.

Who is this person who speaks to me as though I needed his advice? I think of this line when my grand babies (under 10 years old) are telling me when and how... This line may not be as remembered as this one from the same movie. Every man dies, not every man really lives. Another line from another movie says it like this..By God Woodrow, it's not dyin' I'm talking 'bout, it's livin'. I hate rude behavior in a man...I won't tolerate it. And, Ain't much of a crime, whackin a surly bartender.

One of my favorite lines in Lonesome Dove is...Dan hates sodbusters. Hates their guts and livers. Now that's reeel hate...ha ha ha!

Do you know who plays Daryl Van Horne? Loved this line...I see men, sixty, seventy years old breaking their balls to stay fit! What for? When I die, I want to be sick, not healthy. It touched me! It's been touching you for 12 years, you never freak! Not you...A thing. What thing? That thing. Oh, it's just a little sparrow. C'mon Roman, it's got ears!

Let's not forget long time favorite...Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn...

But my favorite all time line was John Candy's in Vacation.

Sorry, folks...park's closed. The moose out front shoulda told ya.

These are not all of my favorite lines...just some that I'm just sitting here remembering. I was just thinking about the impact that movies play in our lives. These words come out of me at the strangest of times, like when a store is closed. Someone says they hate something. Talking about raising boys... Now I'm going to show my age here, but what kind of sayings are the younger generations learning from all their movies? Books??? Do any, of this younger generation, even read books anymore? Ooh they read, if in college, but so many are not in college, running the streets/stores with a gansta, tough guy/girl mentality. I worked yesterday, stopped at Walmart, came home and was tired and just turned on TV to chill out. There was nothing on except reality, horror and gansta. I don't know if it was the lack of TV programs or stopping by Walmart that started this tangent...

Beware of The Eyes

2011-03-12T10:36:00.005-06:00

When I was growing up, scary movies were really scary!!!

We lived in a safe world. We walked to school or rode our bikes. I can even remember walking to town with friends and it was a pretty far distance for a bunch of little kids. We never locked our doors. We trick or treated with a group of young ones, with no adult supervision. And, we ate all the candy. Nobody went thru our bags looking for poisoned pieces or razor blades. Most TV movies were musicals. Ooh maybe I'm wrong about that...there were lots of westerns (but the cowboys sang, rode white or palomino horses and for sure wore a white hat) The Indians were almost always bad! And, there was that ominous drumming whenever they appeared on the screen. War movies were biggies too. Needless to say, our guys were always the winners and for sure the good guys.

I remember starting to see some very scary movies...King Kong was just horrifying! Gosh, The Wizard of OZ was even pretty darn spooky with that tornado and wicked witch and all.

We were pretty naive to scary movies, I guess pretty naive about the world in general, but scary movies really scared us. We weren't numbed to these frightening movies like today's children. My granddaughter laughs at horror flicks...no fear at all.

Friday nights were the best for watching a scary movie. We'd fix pop corn (on the stove, in a pan and smothered with real butter) or mom bought potato chips and dip...I remember my first taste of dip like it was yesterday. Actually, it was on a Saturday night, watching the Million Dollar Movie was when I first tasted dip...it was called French Onion...wow!!!

When the Children of the Damned came out, it scared me to death!!! But it also gave me an idea to torture my younger sister.Just seeing these pictures sent her running, crying and screaming in terror!

She was such a little weenie and spoiled rotten. We shared a room, she never had to pick up her side or clean...AND...was always getting into my stuff!!!

An idea was born....

I cut out every picture of people (children if possible). I went thru newspapers and magazines with a new found gusto.

Then, I got a pencil with eraser and proceeded to lick the eraser.

This licked eraser could then be used to whiten out all the eyes. Wow...these pictures were now very, very, very scary. They were then hidden in and around in my stuff. Each drawer, my jewelry box, my junk (toy) drawer, all around my bed and stuffed animals. I may have hidden a few under her dinner plate and even in some of her drawers...but, my memory fails...ha ha ha! She was absolutely terrified! Lots of screaming, much to my delight!

Friday nights, I got to pick the TV program. I always picked Friday Fright Night, hosted by Gregory Graves, pictured below.

It was the scariest!

Just seeing his awful face sent my sister running off to our room...screaming! She was forced to play with her babies in the bedroom, while I, being much more grown up got to watch Friday Fright night without her bothering me. I'm thinking that mom and dad allowed this to go on so that they too could enjoy a movie without being bugged by the little pest.

I remember that scary movies were really scary. The next scary program that I remember was in 1959, The Twilight Zone. I was 12 and really had to put my big girl panties on to watch this program...

The very scariest was Nightmare at 20000 Feet

I think this would scare me to this day....

Memories of Lent

2011-03-04T06:44:00.007-06:00

Being a "Boomer", I can remember certain firsts. One that comes to mind, right now, was the first time they introduced Pizza Pie in grade school. OOOooooh what was that new smell coming from the school cafeteria??? Mom mostly fixed my lunches, so back then, eating lunch at the school cafeteria was considered a real, uptown treat for me.

The problem was...pizza pie was the Friday lunch. I still remember the thick pizza pie dough, loaded with hamburger and topped with cheeses....mmmmm

But, being Catholic, I had to eat the fish. Back then, eating meat on Friday was considered a sin!!! humpf!!! I'll admit to sinning a few times in my youth... And, eating meat on Friday was probably the lesser of some of my sinning...ha ha ha!!!

Today, no meat is eaten on Friday's during the Lenten season.

Giving up something for Lent was always hard for me. But now, looking back, I can actually see the benefits. I became a Buddhist about two years ago, but Lenten memories still linger.

About six/seven years ago, I pondered what to give up for Lent. My local parish priest made a wonderful suggestion...give up what is unhealthy for you. Give up what hurts your soul, your heart, your life. Rather than give up chocolate, give up something that causes you pain. A wonderful priest, btw....

Anyway, I gave up the news.

No newspaper, no Internet news, no TV, no magazines, no radio news.

No news of any kind for 40 days.

It was wonderful!!!

Life goes on without all the upset. Gas prices went up...I had to buy gas anyway, but did so without all the commentary and stress. Murders happened, crimes committed, politicians did their thing, countries fought, movie stars divorced, basketball went on, weather happened.

It all happened, but without my stressing. It was 40 days of just living in the moment for me. Now some would say, that I was sticking my head in the sand and not involved with what was going on in the world...and you're right! For 40 days, I had peace.

I came out of that Lenten season with a whole new outlook on the world. I wanted to hear the news, but, just give me the info...I don't want to hear days and days of debate. I don't want to watch as the news media spreads fear. Take fear out of the news and life goes on. We move forward.

For 40 days, I lived without fear...

Can you imagine life without Charlie Sheen?

Can you imagine life without Linday Lohan?

Without stressing over the housing market? Job market? Raising prices? Gas prices? Gadhafi? Weather conditions in the east when you live in the mid-west?

The sinning of yet another religious/political leader?

Another, kind of new (2000) Lenten tradition is watching Chocolat. I tend to make a cake, brownies, cookies or anything with chocolate in it and sit down and watch this movie. Needless to say, while watching, I ponder sinning....

I might just mention that pizza was actually called pizza pie way back when I was a little girl...

XOXOX

Do Dogs Go To Heaven?

2011-02-18T09:36:00.003-06:00

Beulah next said...Converting to Catholicism Does Not Magically Grant Your Dog A soul

Our Lady of Martyrs then said...Free Dog Souls With Conversion

Beulah countered...Dogs Are Animals. There Aren't Rocks in Heaven Either

Our Lady of Martyrs ended with...All Rocks Go To Heaven

I'll bet this all was in fun...at least I hope it was..!!!

Religious Intolerance-Part 2

2011-02-17T07:44:00.005-06:00

So...as my shock/surprise continued, I waited for yesterday's paper. I simply couldn't believe this was going on in my area. These are the people that "appear" to be quite tolerant... Now, I'm going to say something awful, but I think their show of tolerance must be when things happen elsewhere, not when they think it might effect the value of their stuff... I truly don't believe this is as much a religious conflict, but more of a "what's this going to do to the value of my property?" Even tho the reasons appear to be religious in nature (this gives kind of a morality ring to it) I really think it has more to do with $$$'s.

So here's what Vern Barnet wrote in yesterday's article in the Kansas City Star.

Posted on Tue, Feb. 15, 2011

Zoning issue smacks of bigotry

Vern Barnet Faith & Beliefs

A Laotian Buddhist worship group wants to purchase property in Johnson County, but some neighbors object. Is it just a typical zoning issue or a case of subtle religious bigotry?

The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, representing virtually all faiths in the metro area, explored this question in a statement last week. In part, the council said:

"Our community is threatened when any faith is misrepresented. We also understand that two plans for the use of the property have been approved by the professional staff of the county, that all similar plans and purchases in similar neighborhoods have always been approved for over a dozen Christian institutions, but that unfavorable sentiments expressed by some of the neighbors indicate that they may not be accurately informed about the Buddhist faith, appear to ignore our American tradition of religious liberty and may damage the interfaith civility the council seeks to assure for all who live in the metro area."

The statement concludes by urging the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners "to take whatever steps may be appropriate to assure that both proper...zoning requirements are met in accommodating the Buddhist group, parallel to requirements for all other faiths, and that the principles of religious liberty are fully respected."

I've read through relevant public documents, including a transcript of the Northwest Consolidated Zoning Board's Meeting with constituents Jan. 24---it was 62 pages long.

Many of the objections about light pollution, water pressure, traffic noise, sewage, rural character, open spaces, fires, floods, wildlife, livestock and water runoff seem to have been satisfactorily addressed by the Johnson County Department of Planning, Development & Codes staff.

NOW Here's where it gets interesting.............

Other concerns---about gongs, animal sacrifice, "spirit worship" and "up to 87 days" of festivals each year---seem unusual topics for a zoning hearing and suggest a lack of knowledge of the Buddhist group, which has met in Olathe for 15 years.

One speaker treated the Buddhist group as a social club. She said, " The Bible teaches that churches are not to be social clubs, but are (1) a place where Christians gather together, to learn of and worship God. and (2) a place for any who are struggling and unsaved can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ."

At least eight other Buddhist groups have been practicing in the metro area, most for decades. They make excellent neighbors.

Beyond upholding the Constitution's guarantee of religious liberty, getting to know folds of other faiths can be a gift that deepens our own spiritual life.

These are not ignorant people...most are highly educated and in most cases, extremely wealthy. They know exactly what raises the value of property and what might lower it. I think this is why their previous battle with Walmart was so intense. High end stores/shopping areas/eating establishments haven't gone thru this. I feel that this guise of moral concern is covering the real problem and that it's simply bigotry... This hurts me to the core.

On a good note...eventually, hopefully, when this passes and the temple is built, they will learn of the beauty, and as Vern Barnet stated, the gift that deepens their own spiritual life.

Religious Intolerance-Here, right in my backyard

2011-02-16T16:46:00.008-06:00

Earlier this week, I received the newsletter from the Rime Buddhist Center, written by Lama Chuck. I thought I would share this with you all. I still find this hard to believe...in a day of instant internet information, that ignorance and intolerance and prejudice exists...

Religious Intolerance Against Laotian Buddhist in Olathe -- Show Your Support!!!

Our Laotian Buddhist brothers and sisters are, unfortunately, experiencing the ugly side of religious prejudice by some of the public located in Olathe. I am asking for our sangha's help and support of our Buddhist brothers and sisters. In this Wednesday's Kansas City Star newspaper, Vern Barnet's weekly column is devoted to this issue.

The Laotian temple has been located in a residential part of Olathe since 1997 and they are now trying to expand by purchasing a 10 acre tract of land in a rural area of Olathe. The temple has developed a 30 year plan for the land including building a temple, residential buildings for the in-resident monk - and for visiting monks. Included is a proposed park, and walking trail that would be open to the public. There has been an extremely vitriolic response from the rural neighbors (mostly farms). There was a zoning hearing last month that was packed with Olathe residents protesting against the building of the temple. The lawyer representing the Temple told me that he had never seen this many people at a zoning meeting - including the zoning meeting where he represented a Walmart that was built a few years ago near Stilwell, that was very controversial.

He said at the hearing comments and questions such as "will the Buddhists be making animal sacrifices?" and other such comments unfortunately indicated the level of both ignorance and prejudice against the Buddhist temple. I was also told that when the Laotians got up to speak (with heavy accent) that some people in the audience were heard to make comments mocking them and making fun of the way they spoke.

This is very unfortunate situation. I really thought that we got beyond such a low level of intolerance. The lawyer also told me that in 2006 a Christian church purchased a similar 10 acre plot only 1 mile from the temple's proposed site - and there were no protests and the zoning went through without any problems.

You can help by attending and speaking up at the next zoning hearing before the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, Feb. 24th at 9:30 am in the County Administration Building on the 3rd floor (opposite the County Courthouse) in downtown Olathe. I am asking to be allowed to speak in support of our Buddhist brothers and sisters. I know having other Buddhists in attendance would be a wonderful show of support. So, if possible please attend and show your support. The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council has issued a policy statement/Press Release supporting the temple and religious freedom everywhere.

Vern Barnet's weekly column was published in today's newspaper. Mr. Barnet not only writes this weekly column ( Faith & Beliefs) but also founded The Kansas City Interfaith Council in 1989 and was its convener throught 2003.If interested you can read his article...Zoning issue smacks of bigotry...

Kansas City's Best Source for News, Weather, Sports & More KansasCity.com

I think this will link you to the paper. When you get the newspaper, click on Lifestyle. I do, however, plan on posting his response as it was wonderful.

Peace and Harmony

2011-02-05T10:02:00.003-06:00

Several years ago, when I first met BF, I told him that all I was looking for in a relationship was peace and harmony.

Meet Harmony!

This week, not only have we had snow storms and freezing temperatures, but lots of babies are being born.

Thursday morning, daughter in law was induced. Because of this, BF left early, early, early to go feed at the farm. Sure enough, one cow was having trouble giving birth to her baby, so he addressed that issue. (We now have 8 calves)

And...another lamb was born and in trouble...almost frozen...

About this time, grand baby is coming and we were advised to bring his brother (who was staying with us) and head for the hospital...

What to do???

BF wrapped up the lamb, I warmed up the car (a Ford Escape) and headed for the hospital. Yep...we put the lamb in the back!!!

So every so often, we went out to warm the car, try to get the baby lamb to nurse and then, of course, kept track of daughter in law and the new grand baby.

The birth of Nickolas Jackson was wonderful. Lots of kisses and pics...Then off to warm the car and continue trying to get the lamb to feed.

We ended up bringing the lamb to my house...in the city!!! Below is a pic of her, in my bathroom. All wrapped up and warm. All night we checked on her and fed her...Gosh!!! just like new parents!!!We named her Harmony!

Now do I really want Peace??? ha ha ha...

This is Nickolas Jackson.

All is well..........

Advise From An Astrologer-Keep Your Legs Crossed

2011-02-01T08:31:00.005-06:00

Nicholas is going to be born this week and the excitement is mounting.

Last Friday, my daughter in law announced that her doctor is going to induce labor this week. And, like all good grandmothers to be, I got out my ephemeris to check out the planets. All grandmothers do this, don't they? Well you do if you're the old hippy, astrologer type.

Now...I really don't have too much say about when a baby is born, and I'm sure her doctor would bat his eyelashes at my request, or at least the reason for my request...but...

I called her back and asked her to wait/cross her legs/relax...whatever, till after Tuesday. The moon is in Capricorn right now...mmm...uncomfortable placement.
I've always found that people born with this moon sign have a tendency to be...unhappy.
Most have lost a parent (either emotionally or for real) in childhood. Never-the-less, there are feelings of abandonment.
The fun part about doing readings at the Ren Fest is that you get to "test" yourself and astrology itself on complete strangers. Of course you can do a reading for your friends or family and do it with accuracy, but again, the real test is when you read for strangers...
So, when I called her back and suggested that any day after Tuesday would work, there was hint of silence from her end. I had to laugh!!! No, I'm not trying to arrange the birth of your child around my schedule. Bless her heart, she politely listened, then laughed. She knows I'm a tad "different" and expected this. I didn't go into details, as she doesn't really believe in astrology (states her newspaper horoscope is never right) but, ended up scheduling Wednesday (tomorrow)...much to my relief.
I'm excited to welcome this new baby into our lives... He'll be very different from their Virgo, first born. I think the first thing I'll do is kiss his little Dr. Spock ears...ha ha ha...!!!

You Are Beautiful

2011-01-28T07:35:00.007-06:00

This pic was taken just a few days ago. Today, the area is muddy and filled with animal tracks.

I love winter pictures. Usually the focus is on form, structure and the lack of color. Sometimes a simple hint of color is the focal point. A bird, roof, leaf, cloud...whatever...

In the summer this wheel is surrounded by day lilies...lots of color!

When looking for beauty, what do we look for? Color, shape, old, young, natural, inner???

This is the time of awards in Hollywood. We sometimes allow them to set the standards for what we consider as human beauty. Right now size 2 is huge... Hair extensions are the norm. Large, perky breasts and lips. Frozen faces. Glowing bodies, dripping in jewels. The "right" dress. Don't get me wrong, I love watching these programs, but this is not real beauty. It's like we're programmed to accept this warped guide of what beauty is.

Let's take what we love about nature and compare it to Hollywood standards.

The female cardinal lacks the bright colors of the male...feather extensions?

The plump squirrel should focus on some exercise...but what kind? Yoga? Jane Fonda? Fence running is simply not in!

Neighboring dogs should wear the "right" outdoor clothing. Booties wouldn't hurt. Absolutely no frolicking allowed!!!

Rabbits...frozen faces, pleeze!!! No nose twitching...

Cows and sheep...hear me now! quit feeding those babies and shove up them boobies for the world to see.

What is valued in nature is often lost when it comes to looking at ourselves. Why?

In looking at nature shots, I love the beauty of differences. Color, age, an activity or a silence. I love the idea that this old wheel, is still beautiful...so why do we look at our old selves and not see the beauty, just as it is?

Why allow a fowl mouthed Joan Rivers, or others like her, set the value? dictate beauty standards?

Be proud...you have shape, form, color and sometimes lack of color. As in nature, we change. We dress up, we clean up...we also get dirty. We age. Our faces show life...our sorrows, our joys, our pride, our failures. We gain and lose weight. We are truly, works of art, to be valued. By the same token, it's now time for us to look at our fellow human beings and start seeing beauty. We need to shift our view from "Hollywood" to "nature".

I like the idea of considering myself an artist...so I should take the time to view each person as a valued piece of artwork and look at the statement...the beauty...

I'll spend time looking for something, I consider beautiful, in the woods, but shuffle quickly thru a store without seeing or even looking for beauty. Now is the time (and I think it's needed) to really see beauty in each of our brothers and sisters. Time to rid ourselves of a Joan River's mentality, and to start looking for the true face of beauty, the true face of acceptance, the true nature of human beings.

Date Night

2011-01-19T08:27:00.006-06:00

As many of you know, I'm a city girl and BF is country and that we are complete opposites.

We tend to laugh and learn from our opposite views on life.

Last night, he called around supper time and wanted to know if I wanted to run down to the farm and see a new born lamb..."We'll call it a date night."

Needless to say, Sophie and I hopped in the car and were on our way.

It was icy cold in the barn. He had separated the mama from the other sheep. A bed of fresh hay was scattered on the barn floor and hay bales were stacked to block the wind. A light was placed near for added warmth.

She wasn't ready to milk, so off he went to get something to feed this newborn.

He gently picked the baby up, tucked her in his coat and began feeding her. Is this not beautiful??? Mama was watching very closely... He had about 20 cows in the barn too...they're all getting ready to have their babies.

They also watched. They took turns coming up close to the fencing to see this new life.

Amazing to see how interested they were...

Sophie didn't make a single sound as she watched thru the fence on the other side. She stayed there the entire time, completely fascinated.

After getting some food in her tummy, she was ready to stand up and try nursing on her own.

Mama looks proud of her baby, doesn't she???

Awwwww, isn't she the cutest???
After we were assured that she could nurse on her own, we headed home. BF offered dinner at Subway, he'd buy, if I'd fly.
Sandwiches, chips and drinks on TV trays, watching Fox news (ugh!!!)
This sure beats the bar scene, doesn't it???
Date Night!!!

18 Minutes of Hell

2011-01-10T10:52:00.005-06:00

You wake up one day and you're old, overweight and have no energy.

Legs are lumpy, and arms that could fly you to Denver.

Gyms are for the young and fit...cuties with cute outfits.

So this is day 2 of my latest attempt to get back in shape... A friend, maybe a soon to become a former friend, recommended this workout DVD.

It's to be done with the doors locked and curtains drawn and it wouldn't hurt if you put your dog in another room. Sophie is looking at me with inquiring eyes, and at one point, she even sat up to beg. What??? is she begging me to quit???
This DVD has a
1 mile Get Up & Get Started
2 Mile Brisk Walk
3 Mile Advanced Walk
4 Mile Super Challenge
Needless to say, the one miler is kicking my butt....!!!
My warm up is simply trying to put on a sports bra... All elastic and stretch...it fits comfortably around my neck, but that's obviously not where it goes, so the pre-walk stretch has started.
We start walking...hey this is great!!! Side steps, low kicks...starting to kick my butt now.
OOhhh and trying to keep in tune with the music??? hah!!! Arms are spazzing in one direction and legs and hips in another. Then we add this little, weighted ball...another hah!!! One minute later it now weighs a ton. I'm only comfortable doing the half lifts. I'm starting to sweat by now and a hint of a drool is on my lips. Thank God I'm Home Alone and Please...don't let me die looking like this...
The monitor shows that we're half way thru hell.
I walk and huff...they're walking and smiling.
OOohh it's slowing down and we're now in the cool down stage...ooh gosh, I'm almost there!
I did it!
The first night, I couldn't sleep...everything in my body was quivering, even my bones.
Today, I'm sore but I got thru it again.
Oooh and taking off that sports bra???? gotta wait till the sweat dries, kind of like taking off a wet swimsuit.
My friend says that after a week, I should be ready to up it to the 2 miles...I think I may be ready to smack her with my little weighted ball.

Christmas Card From???

2010-12-23T13:14:00.004-06:00

Wishing You and Yours

A Very Merry Christmas.On a daily basis, I travel all over via web cam.

I recently added a web cam picture of the day to my blog and have enjoyed picking out my daily favorite.

Can any of you figure out where I found this picture? I actually watched this one last year. Some days more snow surrounded it and then later, as winter ended, I watched him melt.

I'll give you a hint...

A national park web cam.

Web cams are fun. I travel all over the country, each morning with my coffee, to see some of my favorite places. Some of the cams, I watch, are live. So, I get to watch elk walking by. One morning, I was watching Old Faithful, and several bison walked near the camera. I've watched as the winds picked up in Estes Park and one Saturday in September, the Scottish parade march by. Santa Fe is another fun one to visit. I watched as Indian Market was in full swing.

Anyway...I do hope you all have a very merry Christmas, a safe holiday, and all your dreams come true...

I Make the Best Sugar Cookies in the World

2010-12-17T20:14:00.002-06:00

Years ago, in fact many years ago, I smugly told my niece and nephews that I made the very best sugar cookies in the whole wide world. "Oooh noooo...," they said. "Our mommy makes the best."

I told them, nope! Aunt Lynn makes the best.

Now at this point, my sister was even looking at me. She's the cook in our family, so how in the world and why in the world would I be making this wild claim???

I replied that Santa drops by every year to get some of my world famous sugar cookies, and then asked them if Santa ever made a special trip to their house for the treat?

Of course their answer was no...

They were invited to my house for dinner and I would show them how to make world famous sugar cookies.

The cookies had to be perfect and each one had to be iced...and just the right amount of sprinkles.

Four colors must be used. red, white, green and yellow...and there must be carrots in the house, so that when Santa came, he'd have something for the reindeer.

My sister laughed, but took me up on the dinner. Right after dinner, the doorbell rang. I calmly said, "ooh gosh, that must be Santa!"

The kids ran to the door and sure enough...HO HO HO!!! Merry Christmas! Are my sugar cookies ready? Mrs. Claus and I are so hungry for your sugar cookies! They're the best in the whole wide world!!!

The kids were wide eyed and looking lovingly at me...their favorite aunt.

Each got to sit on his lap and tell Santa of their Christmas wishes.

They're all grown up now. My niece has two children of her own and the littlest one, pictured above, is a senior in college.

To this day, you can ask them who's their favorite aunt and who makes the best sugar cookies in the whole wide world...and they'll respond that it's me.

Aren't nieces and nephews the funnest...???

Cold Christmas in Missouri-1855

2010-12-12T09:15:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I took my granddaughter to Missouri Town 1855. It was cold and windy, but I think it really impressed her. The cold actually told the story. Not only did she get to see and hear history, but she got to feel it.

The homes were drafty, with simple decorations. Pine cones, a handmade wreath, trees cut from the nearby woods, and homemade candles. The scenes were simple...not loaded with stuff.

It was fun to show her the differences from "yesterday".

No electricity, no running water, no heat, no air conditioning, no computers, no tv, no microwave, curling iron, no washing machines, no dryers, no refrigerators, no phones...the list went on and on.

It was really cold, so she was told of how they would warm the homes, and how the bedrooms usually stayed cold and she could feel the drafts...We got to see typical presents given at Christmastime, 1855.

She was told that normally only one gift was given, not a mountain of presents. The gifts were normally light, so they could be simply left hanging on the tree and of course they were handmade. Oooh and how an apple or orange could be "the" gift.

In this room they were making spiced cider in a large pot hanging in the fireplace.
She got to smell the different herbs that were hanging in the kitchen area. We looked around at the kitchen gadgets of that time, like a tin container hanging high on the wall. It was to hold candles, high enough that mice couldn't get to it.
To be honest, I really don't know how they did it???
In this barn, they explained how the nearest town was eight miles away, the horse could go about eight miles per hour...so after feeding, brushing, harnessing, they would head for town. About an hour or so later, they would arrive in town, get their shopping done and supplies loaded and head home. Once home, they unloaded, then brushed and fed the horse, then ate and went to bed...quite a Saturday!!!
Bed??? she asked? Why so early?
It's dark!!!
No tv, and they were simply tired from an exhausting life.

Here she got to love on a short horned milking cow...
she was amazed to watch them pulling a cart and responding to "gee" which is a turn to the right and "haw" the command to turn to the left.

There were many other buildings, a tavern, a smokehouse, the blacksmith's shop and shed, a hog shed, barns, chicken coups, a church, outhouses and others.
There was a law office...we happened into this building and the man there was telling how he, as a living history actor, portrays a confederate soldier. She listened as he talked about the hostilities between Kansas and Missouri and some of the battles...Mine Creek is an example.
My granddaughter is only ten, but I watched as her eyes narrowed as she listened.
She is just starting to learn about the Civil War...she is biracial.
This is a part of history and we'll have to go there...
But, this will be another day...

Different Personalities

2010-12-03T10:31:00.013-06:00

At one point, I had three dogs. I considered them brother and sisters and my family.

Sassy was the sweetest dog one could ever ask for. She was no hunter, she was a lover. We took her hunting one time, but she wouldn't leave my side. She was a gentle dog and full of love for everyone, including her brother and sister. She knew when someone hurt and would lay her head on their lap. Those brown eyes could and would look deep into your soul. She would obey a command and then watch you carefully to see if you were happy or maybe she was waiting for the next one...She wanted to please. She was about eighty pounds, but look how "little" she could get. I think she got little so her brother and sister would play with her...she did this often. Sophie wouldn't play with her, Sophie really doesn't think that she's a dog. And LD?...does he look like he'd like to play? I'm the only one that would play with her. She loved walks and fetching balls...we'd play for hours. Just telling her she was a good girl made her happy.

That tail would wag and you could almost see a grin.

Sophie is the one in the middle and I've written about her numerous times. She's the princess. She is full of herself, happy with herself, and not loyal. She really doesn't think she should have to obey any commands...and if she's after a squirrel, she becomes deaf, simply doesn't hear. She loves going to the farm. She doesn't bark at the cows out loud (daddy has forbid that) but she "mouths" a bark. At the dog park, she won't play with the other doggies. She finds someone sitting on a bench, jumps up beside them, then won't let any dogs near. She loves children. Grandson, when he was two, picked her up by her tummy hair. She cried, but never, ever, even thought about biting or even growling. She really doesn't consider herself a dog and as you can see from this pic, it's all about her! She is so funny and so smart...I'm always amazed by her antics. She can be a lover, but usually it's because she wants something, like a t r e a t. A drama queen and stubborn. BF dotes on her. She's the blond girlfriend he always wanted...ugh...

Now look at that picture and tell me if you can figure out LD's personality???

LD (short for El Diablo...The Devil)

OK...he was obese!

He was an 18 pound chihuahua and we tried everything to help him lose weight. I even put him on a green bean diet. One vet finally proclaimed him "big boned"...ha ha ha ho ho!!!

LD was just bad...he would simply wake up pissed!

He didn't tolerate anyone, including his sisters. I inherited him and knew that no one would ever adopt him, so I was stuck. In his youth, he was a regular pit-chihuahua and the best guard dog anyone could ever have. He heard everything... and, everything pissed him off...!!!

He mellowed with age and I ended up loving him dearly...

He was his mommy's boy...and gosh, everyone wants to feel special to someone!

OOh and btw, his nickname was Handsome Dude..ha ha ha

They all have their own place in my heart and they all have added a richness of my life.

Toto

2010-11-29T11:01:00.013-06:00

The terror of tornadoes, witches, tin men, scarecrows, lions, tigers and bears...oooh my!!!

A brave little girl, with her brave little dog, facing all those threats, together.

Growing up in Kansas, in the late 1940's...this was really, really scary. We didn't have Jasons, Halloween I, II, etc. There were no Chuckies, no Chainsaw Massacres, no Aliens, no Zombies.

We were not numb to scary movies...we were scared, or at least I was.

So, from the moment I saw Toto, I was in love. I wanted a brave little dog to be with me, to face the scary world.Life goes on and the dogs that seemed to fit our family were hunting dogs. The loving, loyal and friendly Lab made it's way into my heart. On one of our trips to Colorado, we were there for the Scottish Festival in Estes Park. The bagpipe bands played and marched by. Clans marched by. Then came the Dogs of the British Isle...and there they were, the Cairn Terrier...my Toto! My heart leaped as I watched these brave little dogs parade by. We went to the festival at the fair grounds , and I headed straight to the dog section. No time for beer, or even a glance at the men in kilts...I talked with every owner and loved on every Toto I could find.

After that vacation, I started researching the breed and somehow I completely overlooked the part about them being very independent. How they'll sit in your lap for awhile, then off for an adventure. I also missed the part about being very, very stubborn.... I focused on great with kids.

I focused on friendly.

I focused on intelligent.

I focused on how cute they were.

I focused on Toto, from the Wizard of Oz!!!

I already had two dogs, my Lab, Sassy, and Chihuahua, LD.

After my husband died, I faced my own fear, my own tornado...I was alone with two dogs, so hey??? what's one more??? How bout a dog that doesn't fear witches and tornadoes?

Well, I found my Sophie...the blond terror!

She is absolutely too cute, too funny, super smart, great with the grandchildren...but, she is the most stubborn dog I've ever seen in my life...and, a drama queen.

I proudly took her to puppy training at Petsmart...needless to say, she was the first in her class to do anything. She sat, laid down, did "come, heel, stay"..... I became a little arrogant as the other puppies struggled.

Then came graduation night..ooh gosh was I excited! I simply knew that she'd be tops in her class.

NO WAY....

She refused to do anything, she sat there looking like I beat her every night... She hung her head ever so sadly as I gave her the commands and...when I went near her, I swear, she cowered...This was my pride and joy...she cowered!!!! I've never hit her, never even yelled...I adored her and she cowered!!! OOh yes, I got the "look" from the other owners.

She was allowed to graduate anyway! I got my picture and have it on the frig for all to see. I have to laugh every time I see this picture and I remember her puppy years.

Saturday was her 10th birthday and I bought her doggie ice cream. Thought about our ten years together. Thought about how much I love her and how much joy she has brought me. She is sooo smart...the smartest dog I've ever had.

Loyal??? well she dropped me for BF. She only loves him now, but that's another story.

She sleeps with me, we snuggle and oooh my, she just feels good to pet. Very Soothing...

Anyway, so far no tornadoes, no witches, lions, tigers, bears and for sure, No Squirrels. I really, really love her!

Thirty Years Ago

2010-11-26T08:48:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, we spent some time laughing about Thanksgiving with dad. It was healing...

One of my boys brought up a story that I had forgotten.

The day after Thanksgiving, we used to go hunting. We'd pack up leftovers, load the car and we'd head out. The day was always cold and the sky was always overcast/ just plain gray. Snow was normally in the forecast.

My boys were young, but had passed the hunting clinic tests and had worked fields with an unloaded shotgun for at least one season. My husband believed that book-learnin could only go so far, so both boys had to go one season with unloaded guns...

We had two bird dogs, Yankee and Chain. Now these dogs were not pets...they were hunting dogs.

Our hunting days started at the crack of dawn...I mean we were stepping out of the suburban at the crack of dawn. Normal weather condition was cold and miserable, so we were weighted down with clothes, shotguns, gloves, boots and still cold.

We left the truck and headed out. The dogs were excited and jumping around, but soon got down to business.

Coffee and hot chocolate and leftover pie is what we ate that early in the morning.

We had just finished working our first field, and heading back to the truck, when "hot chocolate/coffee kicked in" for one of my boys.
He rushed ahead so he could find a spot. Now it's cold and coveralls had to come completely off...the wind was blowing...just plain miserable.
Both dogs, still hap, hap, happy ran with him.
By the time we got there...It was over!
The dogs had rolled, wiggled, maybe even stood on their heads in it and had it all over them...eeeeww!!!!!
What to do???? We were out in western Kansas, hours and hours from home, and it's just the first day of a fun filled weekend???
We changed fields a few more times...remember, we were in a suburban, not a truck, so we slowly changed fields, with the dogs loping behind us.
Too cold for baths....we headed home after just a few fields.
It was a long, cold drive home...the windows were down and smelly dogs in the back.
I'm a Buddhist now...and now, the word "karma" comes to mind.
I'm thinkin that...that had to be some kind of instant karma.
Yesterday, we laughed and laughed about the incident. Listening to the boys describe how the dogs must have been delighted in finding such a wonderful smell to roll in, describe the words that spew from my husband's mouth, describe how cold it was...
I enjoyed listening to their memories of "dad"...

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T10:44:00.003-06:00

Eleven years ago, two days before Thanksgiving, my world changed.

I became a widow.

Thanksgiving hasn't been the same since.

The turkey planter, shown below, was actually at my husband's funeral. My sister had it made up with beautiful fall flowers and with the hope that it would serve as a "forever memory". For the past eleven years, Thanksgiving has been marked with sadness for me and I doubt if that little sad twinge will ever go away. I try to live in the moment, the present, the now, but this sadness always...always shows up at this time of year.
This year, I'm really trying to lighten up!
I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner.
I'm looking forward to the "smell" of Thanksgiving morning. The house is decorated, shopping is done and the turkey is thawing.
Past years, I would volunteer to work...(double time)...
This year, I working on new memories.
Every time I think about, or should I say, "summons" up the sadness, I will try to replace it with a happy thought. This will have to be a conscious effort for now, but maybe it will become easier as the years go by...if I put effort into it now.
And, isn't the "now" what's important???

Attention Walmart Shoppers

2010-11-18T09:04:00.005-06:00

I occasionally get emails with pictures of people shopping at Walmart. Deep down inside of me, I hope I never show up in these pics.

I've been caught off-guard...no makeup, hair pulled straight back, knee highs with Birkenstocks,

dirty from working in the yard...etc. and had to run to the store. And, sure enough, I always see someone I know. For me, I'm embarrassed, I was in a hurry, I'm running behind, I'm in the middle of cleaning...

But what is going on with these people?

You almost hear their cries...

Here I am...

I'm alive too...

Please see me...

Please accept me...

I hurt...

I need some attention...

Could anyone love me...

Stay away from me...

I'm stronger than you think...

I like me...

I'm comfortable with my quirks...

Don't come near...

I'm different...

I want someone to look at me...

I frequent Walmart and see an occasional "different" soul. My eyes hear their cries.

So what do you do? How do you feel about these people when you see them? Do you avoid them? Engage in conversation? Change check out lines?

I'm learning about and practicing Tonglen meditation.

In with the bad, out with the good. It can be a formal meditation or can be done right on the spot. Breathe in that person's pain and send out relief.

Instead of a "laugh", how bout compassion.

Dear Santa, I'd like...for Christmas

2010-11-15T10:00:00.006-06:00

I think this is a great way to start the holiday season.

I should be taking a more spiritual view of the holidays, but...this just makes me happy.

We took her to Bass Pro, stood in line with all the children, and she even got a treat. Santa did, however, had her beg for her treat. I wish I could have gotten a pic of that...tooooo cute!

Dear Santa,
For Christmas, I'd like...
A bone
To catch a squirrel
No baths
Ice cream cone of my own
New squeaky toys
A tummy rub
Cookie treats
More trips to the farm
I want to bark at cows, once in awhile
Something smelly to roll in...
...and I've been a really good girl...

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T14:42:00.002-05:00

Got my treats ready to go. We've got tons of little ones in my neighborhood and they're just too cute. Sophie, my cairn terror, thinks it's all about her. She gets so excited. She watches from the front door and alerts me when some kids are near. With tail wagging, she greets each group. After 8ish the teens start coming... They're not as cute and I'm watchful for tricks. At 9:00 we shut it down.

I'm trying to stay out of my treats...Butterfingers are a big weakness of mine. I just happen to have ice cream and doesn't a homemade Butterfinger blizzard sound yummy??? Hope everybody has a safe and fun Trick or Treat Day...

xoxox

Fried Green Tomatoes - Part 2

2010-10-14T06:58:00.004-05:00

So yesterday I run to Costco.

Let's go back and review...Sunday, I ran to the grocery store (see previous post) and had an awful experience with the irate man behind me in line and a surly cashier. Out of nowhere, there was an attack. I was dumbfounded as to why, and frustrated with my own responses. I had talked to BF about the incident, and he simply said, "you should have kicked him in the balls," and say something that included MF. Well that's BF for ya...

BF and I are opposites, as you know, he's far right and I'm left of left. He starts his day with Fox News and I start mine with meditation.

So I'm shopping at Costco. I've got a loaded cart and working my way back to the front of the store. OMG...they're sampling a cheesecake crisp!!! I'm dieting, so I normally don't take even the tiniest of samples, but cheesecake????

I waited, but the lady said it would be a second, so I dashed off for coffee and returned only to have the samples given to the people that had remained in line. No problem, she said to hang in there a second and she'd get my piece ready. As she worked, we visited.

My piece was ready and she slid it on the tray for me ... and, just as she did this, a Costco worker, a tiny, short, feeble but cranky looking old lady, snatched my sample. She maneuvered between the worker and me and snatched my piece. She looked at me with hard, cold and, I think defiant eyes...as if daring me to challenge her eyes, and walked off remarking that the sampler will fix me another piece.

The sample lady and I both looked at each other...dumbfounded!

Again, I was left with my eyelids batting... The sample lady said, "that was the rudest thing she's seen in a long time." I burst out laughing and thinking, that what you resist, persists...

I got it right this time! I didn't get upset, I did it right!

With this in mind, I later told BF about the incident and made a comment that "kicking the offender in the balls" wouldn't have worked. That by not responding with anger, or feeling upset worked! I asked him, now...in this case, what do you think I should have done to this lady?

His response...OMG...he said that I should have reached out and tweaked her on the boob!

OMG...

I'm laughing now, but can you imagine??? I can just "see" myself posting on how I'd been in jail for several days, on some kind of sexual harassment or assault charge. Can you just imagine how it would be reported in the news? Two elderly ladies.....

ha ha ha

Fried Green Tomatoes...or They're Not My Tomatoes

2010-10-10T20:31:00.003-05:00

Remember Kathy Bate's character in Fried Green Tomatoes?

There's one scene, in a parking lot, when this young thang takes her parking spot???

Well I've never been an "Evelyn Couch" and never before has anything like that ever happened to me...but it did today!

Was having a great day...a beautiful fall day! I decided to take Sophie, my Cairn Terror, to the dog park for the first time. She's very territorial around the house, so I was worried. We put LD down last month and she's been kind of down, but I thought I'd give it a try. I figured it would do her good to be around some other dogs and to be able run around. She did wonderful and I was so happy for her. I dropped her off back at my house and decided to make a quick run to the grocery store. With short list in hand, I was off...

I finished my shopping and got in line. I noticed two cans of tomatoes sitting on the ledge by the dividers. The cashier was surly...a new guy, but I didn't let that dampen my spirit. Then I noticed that the cans of tomatoes had been included with my groceries. I moved them to a spot near the register and commented that they weren't my tomatoes and proceeded to start sacking my groceries, when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, the guy behind me, started giving me the what for. I started batting my eyes in total disbelief. The guy came unglued on me and the surly clerk's face showed complete delight. WTF??? This came out of nowhere. More eye batting...my mind started thinking, "did I do anything wrong or bad?" No...I hadn't! But, what was going on? I finally asked the man behind me, "What is your problem?" He got louder and continued on his tyrate. I paid my bill and this even pissed him off. More comments were made. I left the store and just sat in my car for a few minutes to try to figure out what had just happened. The man, his wife, and 3 kids came out and with a glare, he got in his car and drove off. It really upset me...then I got to laughing. I said to myself, "I must be an Evelyn Couch!" I've become a Buddhist and supposed to practice equinimity, peace, right view, right speech (this was very, very hard for me), right action. It touched on the Eight Worldly Concerns, too. Attachment to praise, hearing nice words, and feeling encouraged. Aversion to getting blamed, ridiculed, and criticized. Attachment to sense pleasures in general. Aversion to unpleasant experiences. If this was a test, I failed! ...and I think I could use a trampolene...

More Observations

2010-09-30T20:52:00.003-05:00

Fitted sheets cannot be folded.

There is no real need to learn cursive.

I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least a tad bit tired.

There's a moment, each day, when you realize you're not going to do anything else productive.

Why does my hair always look best, the day before I get a haircut?

I can't distinguish the difference between boredom and hunger.

Jeans almost never need to be washed.

Always say "yes" when the computer asks if you want to save the changes.

When it comes to boyfriends, I think it's best to rent, not own.

It takes at least 3to5 days to recover from a vacation.

There's more drama at work than the theater.

Simply add lots of real butter to any recipe and you can cook like Paula Dean.

A cheerio, dropped into the toilet, makes a great target when training little boys to pee.

If I wash my car...it will rain.

An expert is a former drip under pressure.

Decisions, decisions...work a holiday and earn double pay or cook for 30 relatives???

This is not the end.......

Little Brother

2010-09-02T21:26:00.004-05:00

The handsome dude on the end, wearing the rain poncho is my brother. I took this pic on our last Brother and Sister's Colorado Elk Watch and Hiking Vacation.

Seven years ago, he was a happy trucker and family man. He lived north of the river, on the Missouri side and my sister and I live on the Kansas side.

My brother was an extremely safe driver and very proud of his record. One night, on his way home, he wrecked his car...this seemed very strange to my sister and me.

Later, we were told that my brother had a brain tumor, the size of a lemon, and had a seizure. The seizure had been the reason for his accident. Well at that point, no more truck driving.

Anyway, surgery was scheduled and the tumor was benign...whew!!!

Another surgery was required and they used the gamma knife.

Staff infection then complicated everything and they had to go back in for a third time. He continued to have seizures, so that really was the end of his trucking career.

Up until then, we three siblings, loved each other, but family stuff and location seemed to keep us apart for most of the time. We had started to drift apart...but when this happened, we all reconnected. My brother and his family even moved to be nearer to family. The realization of how fragile life was really set in. From that point on, we have remained extremely close. The three of us have gone on several hiking, elk watching vacations. Lots of laughter, and yes, my brother seems to revert back to a mean little brother, maybe twelveish, and makes us girls scratch on the cabin screens and growl like bears before he'll let us back in. Doesn't seem to be the least bit concerned, even if it's a restroom emergency. In fact, if he even thinks it may be an emergency, we have to growl with even more realism, in order to get in. His situation seems to have created many miracles. He was there when his daughter really needed him and not on the road. He was there when mom was moved to a nursing home, and there when she passed. Sometimes, the most awful of situations, bring on the most wonderful of miracles...if we simply look for them.

So why do I bring this up now? A tumor had grown back again. His surgery was Tuesday morning. Five hours of surgery... The results of the biopsy are not back yet, but the surgeon indicated that it looked quite normal.

We all had gone out for dinner Monday night. Lots of laughter, lots of joking around and quiet prayers. Prior to the surgery, we held hands and prayed again. We waited and prayed.

He still won't be going back out on the road as a trucker, but maybe that's a miracle in itself...we'll never know.

My brother got to go home from the hospital today. Can you believe that??? This was an extremely difficult, five hour brain surgery and he's home and sending text messages to my sister and me. He's demanding that we mow his yard, bring over treats, go with us to the movies, take him places and has mentioned that he'd kindof like to go to Colorado with BF and me...Can you believe this? He wants a Backyard Burger and since he was in the hospital for only such a short amount of time, he'd like me to bring the flowers I was planning to take to the hospital directly to his house...Am I happy or What???

You bet I'd mow his lawn, you bet I'm making brownies to take over, you bet we're taking him here and there with us, and you bet he's welcome to go to Colorado with BF and me.

This has been one of the greatest miracles I've seen in a very long time.

I'm so grateful... and I feel so blessed.

So, if I don't write much, in the coming weeks...just figure my brother is wanting something and my sister and I are catering to his every whim...happily!

Very Sad Day

2010-08-19T19:13:00.004-05:00

I had to put my beloved little dog, LD, down today.

He gave me so much love and entertainment over the years.

There are soooo many stories.

One vet finally excused his obesity, by stating that he was simply big boned.

He sure loved to eat. One of his favorite places was McDonald's. When I traveled a lot (horse shows), LD would go with me. He would refuse his food so I would have to go to McDonald's. He had my number, didn't he?

At one horse show, they had a calcutta...we auctioned off our dogs and then raced them. All the money went to the AQHA Youth... LD came in second (small dog competition) winning quite a bit for the youth.

LD never met a friend...LOL...He was an ankle biter. In fact, we referred to his breed as a

pit-chihuahua.

I had one girlfriend that he really loved. He would sit very close to her, but she wasn't allowed to pet him...he'd growl...but, he really wanted her to love him.

My husband and LD were awful. He thought LD should be allowed to pick a neighbor's yard to do his nightly business...it was their special? time. After my husband's death, I wouldn't allow him this pleasure. That evening he sat on the patio step, nodding his head just like my husband would do when he was pissed. Later that spiteful little man, jumped up on my son's bed and right in the middle, did his business.

He could stomp...ever hear of a Chihuahua stomping???

He liked to go camping with me. Guarded the camper like a German Shepard or Pit Bull.

He was certainly the picture of a big dog trapped in a small dog body.

There are too many stories...in fact after 16/17 years, I've got a ton of them. I won't bore you with all his antics, but I'll never forget them.

We stopped at McDonald's on our way to the vet. He had two cheeseburgers and water.

He was really starting to suffer...he was deaf and blind. He was always falling and had a very hard time getting up. I kept him as comfortable as I could. I really don't think I could have done much more for the little guy, but regret having to do this, nevertheless.

I hated making this decision, and second guessed myself up to the last minute...but it was best for him, but certainly not for me.

He was his mommy's boy...

I'll miss you little man...

Love you...

Mommy

Faces of Love

2010-08-05T20:47:00.003-05:00

This is my niece...she got married in July.

A tie died wedding in a park, and it was soooo much fun!Picture of our new grand baby...due in February.

Our circle of love is getting bigger, isn't it??? :)
This is Daisy, my granddaughter's first puppy.
She carries this puppy everywhere...

Love is funny, and if allowed, it can grow in all sorts of directions.
It can be a surprise and is limitless...
amazing........

Rime Buddhist Center

2010-07-04T14:28:00.005-05:00

About a year and a half ago, I became a Buddhist.

Last Sunday, I finally joined the Rime Buddhist Center.

If you're ever in K.C. on a Sunday, and happen to be a Buddhist, or just interested, it's a wonderful opportunity to visit a Buddhist service/practice.

Our Sunday practice combines both Eastern and Western elements into a complete service. It's very interesting, and feels good.

We meditate 3 times and it also satisfies my "Western" desire to go to church and sing...only we sing kind of a chant. One of our songs goes, "Om Tare Tu Tare Ture Soha" and the other one is "Om Mani Padme Hum"

Lama Chuck also gives a Dharma talk. Today it was on personal freedom.

This was a big decision for me...to join a "church".

I have resisted the urge to join because of many years of feeling restricted, being told something that I simply didn't feel was truth, and/or being told of a hell I would be heading to if I didn't follow their teachings. These methods help many, so for sure I'm not wanting to demean any other faith or religious view...it just doesn't work for me.

I've been on a personal search for years and I guess there's always been a knowing that some day I would become a Buddhist, but was really hesitant in joining anything organized.

So...after attending many services, classes and even a pot luck dinner or two, I finally felt assured that it would be different this time and joined.

Girlfriends

2010-06-25T15:56:00.006-05:00

I just got back from a quick trip to the Lake of the Ozarks. A trip with the girls. A trip filled with laughter, great food, unhealthy food, shopping, more laughter and...I must admit...a tad bit of too much wine. If I had any advise for a young gal, it would be to have girlfriends and lots of them. Different friends...some that are spiritual, some that are rowdy, some that are artistic, some that are good cooks, some that love to shop, some that love the outdoors...girlfriends are simply wonderful! Girlfriends are sisters and they are "forever". Girlfriends don't care if you're on a diet or a tad overweight. Girlfriends don't care if you have your makeup on or stay in you jammies till 2:00. Girlfriends will tell you secrets and keep your secrets. In fact, sometimes they are the cause of a secret...and you will laugh and laugh and laugh about that "secret" in the years to come. Funny...I now even have a group of cyber girlfriends and really care about them too.

Anyway, we all hooked up at Cole Camp, Mo. We shopped and had lunch. We also went to a cheese store. I sampled this incredible chocolate cheese and it was like heaven. Fresh strawberries and a slice of chocolate cheese...OMG!!! The flavors really complement each other. We headed out of town, but on the way, we spotted the FU sign. The caravan stopped, and we all piled out to take pictures. By now we were hysterical.

We left Cole Camp, but not without hitting a local grocery store. They were having a sale on soap. 10 for $10. You'd thought this was the first time we'd ever come to a city. Then off again till our next stop. You see, we're in the Ozarks now, so there's little places to stop everywhere. We stopped at a nursery and I took pictures of flowers like a visitor from some flowerless country. We stopped at another country store with handmade wooden furniture and a soap that rids one of poison ivy...like I've had poison ivy in the last 30/40 years. Ooh and I think that's when we all got into buying the ice cream cones. In the town of Stover, we stopped at a store selling Mexican decor. One more stop for ice, then off to the cabin.

The cabin overlooked the lake. Food was carried in and gosh...Time for a drink! We hauled the food and the coolers of wine, beer, etc to the boat dock. There were lots of steps going down to the dock, so who would want to climb back up for a can of beer???

Off in the boat...The next picture is of...well...it's Big Dick's Halfway Inn. This is bar, marina, motel, bait shop and gift shop. We had to stop there and have a round. This place is where it's a big deal to swallow a live minnow in a drink...and no, I didn't even want to try this. Some guy did it and was cheered as if he'd saved the country. hmmmm... By the next stop, we were all starting to feel a bit too happy? So we ordered onion rings and some loaded waffle fries, with fake bacon bits and probably fake cheese. I am normally a non-drinking, healthy eating person (I worked at Whole Foods)...so...this all was not really great on my stomach. We boated awhile longer, then headed back to the cabin for...yep!...more food and more drinks. Dinner wasn't until after 10 and I have no idea what time we all went to bed.

The next day some started their day off with a brisk hike and some did meditations...after that, we all started drinking, eating, more boating and swimming. I got a sunburn...

It was so much fun. These gals are soooo funny and I love them.

I got home late last night and took a nap this afternoon. Added lots of memories but now ready to get back into my routine. The thought of eating even one of those waffle fries almost gags me. I

Second Sunday In June-1932

2010-06-08T07:16:00.007-05:00

Second Sunday in June is our family reunion.

We've been doing this for over a hundred years.

And...we always take a picture just like the one below. I'm thinking that this is one of the earliest pictures of our reunion.

My grandfather, Noah (also called Popeye by all the grand kids) is the second from the left on the top row. To me, he looks the typical Irish.

Grandma is in the row above all the children. She's got my two aunts sitting on her lap and is the eight from the left. The kids are kind of grouped up, but mom's the third girl from the left on the second row. She was nine when this picture was taken. I can remember dad warning me to eat only mom's food. He was leery of some of the relatives cooking. Mom usually made spaghetti, a salad, a fruit bowl and a cake. Mom told me that we were supposed to bring enough food for our family, plus one. Mom's rule, not a reunion rule. I can remember one of my aunt's by marriage brought a small bowl of tuna fish salad...I had run out to their car to help bring in the food and was surprised when that's all she had brought. It wasn't for lack of money, she was just like that. I also remember jars of ice water...very cold. Twins run in our family, so it's kind of fun to watch the names change with the generations. For example, pictured above is Elmer and Delmer. ha ha ha

Some of the first reunions were held at my great-grandfather's farm. These were fun! Then we went to some church out in the country. That wasn't fun for us kids. It was moved to Lake Lotawana in Missouri. We took our swimming suits and got to play in the lake. We stayed there a couple of years, but then one of the kids almost drowned, so it was moved again. For about the last 30 years or so, it's been at a small park near Fort Osage. No playground, no indoor plumbing (outhouse...ugh!) I guess they want to keep us safe. I still blame that second cousin that almost drowned for our current location.

Second Sunday in June was picked because of all the birthday's. Back in the days before cars, it would take them a day or two of just riding in a buggy to get to the celebrations. They just decided to call it a reunion and celebrate all the birthdays at one time.

We always line up for pictures. I have some from when I was a little girl, but looking at momma when she was young makes me smile. It's fun to look at how the styles have changed and also the cars. When I was real little, most had old Ford pickups and most were either black or blue. I can remember when my dad bought a new "hot" Mercury. It was turquoise and white... He wore his hair slicked back and sleeves rolled up. ha ha ha...

One last thing...seems like there's always a tornado or storm on the second Sunday in June. I can remember getting home and going straight to the basement. Momma always made extra food for when we got home and we'd take it downstairs to eat. Remember...no fast food back in those days. Momma cooked every single meal and we all sat at the table and ate, except when we were in the basement....

The Shining - Part 2

2010-05-31T07:51:00.015-05:00

Twenty years ago, Memorial Day, my husband (my hiking buddy) and I went to RMNP. We were ready for summer and anxious to go hiking, one of our favorite things to do.

We loved RMNP and hiking and camping.

The hike we chose is called Lawn Lake. Starting elevation is 8540 ft.,

6.2 miles and is rated strenuous.

Prior to going, my husband brought home a pair of snow shoes. I teased him unmercifully...it was the end of May, for goodness sake!!! Summer!!! Camping was wonderful as usual. We were excited to start our hiking adventures for that year. We got up early, put on our hiking shorts and packed our backpacks with lunch and goodies and off we went.

It was early morning and the trail started off as usual. We hiked, enjoying the mountain morning, enjoying the trail and enjoying just being there.

As the day went on and as we gained in elevation, snow drifts dotted the trail. No problem...we just hiked right over them.

We continued on. The trail was now snow covered and the drifts became deeper. I was still simply hiking over them, but as the sun started warming up the day, my much heavier husband started punching thru in some places. We briefly talked about heading back down...but, my husband was an extremely adventurous man and he considered this simply an adventure to add our memories. Hiking soon became more difficult and my husband's every step punched thru. I continued to hike over the drifts with no problem. I was in the lead and started hearing some cussing from behind. I might mention here that "cussing" was considered an art form by my husband. His words could paint pictures in the most vivid of colors. We walked on and our wondrous adventure was being forever "colored" in our memories and I started laughing. Without turning around, I hiked onward...laughing! Finally...his words started becoming even too much for a wife to endure. I turned around...and to my horror, my husband had become the image of Jack Nicholson in the Shining! His hiking shorts had been pushed up by the snow drifts and gathered near his crotch, offering the tender skin vulnerable to each snow drift. The icy top part of each drift had started scratching his inner thigh. His face was red, he had become wild eyed, and his hair...OMG...his hair was standing straight up. It was Jack Torrance!!! He was stuck in a drift, with the snow pushing his hiking shorts even higher...and my laughter pushed him over the brink....He said, "I'm ball deep in snow, but if I ever get out of here, I'm gonna pinch you f'n head off!!!" He finally managed to get out of the drift. It was noonish, so we ate our packed lunch and decided it was probably time to head back down. Bummrrr...we weren't going to make it to Lawn Lake. We were going to call it a day and give up. This is when my husband decided to get off the trail and follow the river down. He had simply had all he could take of the drifts. I said, "NO! We're supposed to stay on the trails!" Getting off the trail was not smart. I'm thinking that this could quickly become a dangerous situation. He was adamant...and so was I. We both headed back down. He followed the river and me on the trail... It was now mid afternoon, the warming sun continued to weaken the drifts. It was now my turn to struggle with the drifts. I fell a couple of times as I punched my way through each drift. Finally, I fell, and "OUCH!" I thought...that really hurt. Pain engulfed my right foot and that's when I knew...it's broken... Lucky for me, snow packed my boot, keeping it from swelling. I found a hiking stick and continued down, limping and fighting drifts. Late afternoon, I made it...sat on the nearest bench and took my boot off. My poor foot swelled and from that point on, I was unable to walk on it. My husband came off the trail about an hour later. The mountains beat us both. We were exhausted and still needed to tend to my broken foot. It was too swollen to put in a cast. That would be done later, back in KC after some of the swelling had gone down. We went from hiking to sightseeing at that point. And, because of my broken foot, we even got to see things we normally wouldn't have taken time out from hiking to go visit. You know...believe it or not, this "memory" is still vivid...and treasured. In memory of my husband, Ron...! I miss you!

Does This Look Like A Cow?

2010-05-26T21:48:00.003-05:00

This is a flag used in the training of cutting horses. It moves back and forth on the wall of the arena, giving the horses something, besides a cow, to cut.

This was the first time I had seen one of these used...

Sophie played with the farm dogs. They played so hard.

She really thinks that she's a farm dog. She gets so excited when I say words like "farm" or "cows" or "horses".

I swear she knows the way...every time I make a turn on the familiar drive to the farm, she kisses me. It's practically the only time she kisses me. And, if I tell her we're going to go see daddy at the farm, she goes nuts. Makes the funniest noises and kisses me till I need to stop her...gosh, I'm driving and she's all over me. Luv it tho!

The noise she makes is so funny because she's not allowed to bark at cows, so she does this silent bark. Aren't they the funniest???

This is inside the arena. That flag (in the first pic) runs along that wall. You can see one of the horses working on the far left end.

and...that's a real arena dog. Nothing bothered him. The horses were working all around him and he didn't even twitch.

I wouldn't let Sophie come into the arena. She may think she's a farm dog, but she's not.
She really hasn't been around horses very much, so I was being cautious.
She stayed right there, like a good girl, the entire time BF was practicing.
She watched his every move.
BF alway says that she's his blond girlfriend...

I thought this gray was pretty against that old fencing.
He's hanging out till it's his turn to practice.

We're going to Garden City for a cutting this weekend...ought to be fun!!!

Flat

2010-05-24T10:55:00.007-05:00

We got up early so we could take feed to the cattle in Fort Scott. I'll get up early, if breakfast is involved... I've been dieting, so biscuits and gravy sounded sooo good. This was an off day, I did take my Alli pill, but I'll leave my diet saga for another time.

So the feed wagon was loaded and we headed out. This is about an hours drive from BF's farm, but he drives sooooo...slow that it takes him almost two. BF has received two tickets for driving too slow. This is another difference between city and country folk. Have you ever noticed how slow farmers drive? They're looking at fields, equipment, cattle, horses...whatever. I think it's some form of sick voyeurism....

Oooh and the body beside the first pic is not dead...it's BF working on something or the other.

We were about a mile from the pasture, when BANG!!!! A flat.
Flats are always trouble, but this was an ordeal. I simply wanted to call AAA...
We had to unhook the feed wagon, drive to the farm, get a tractor and creep feeder and then back to the flat.
First of all, I'm a city girl, so words like "creep feeder" required a definition. I thought he meant creepy feeder, cause that's what it looked like...

The feed had to moved to from the wagon to the creep feeder.
Do things like this ever happen without a bolt breaking??? Nope!
So off to the local TSC. That's Tractor Supply Company for all you city people. And...they only carry a limited supply of women's clothing. Fun stuff, but limited.

Once the creep feeder was loaded, we drove on back to the pasture. BF asked me to unhook the gate. I jumped out of the truck, excited to help, when one of his younger bulls decided that I shouldn't be there. I tried as hard as I could to unhook the fence, but when a bull is almost face to face and making a strange agitated noise, it was hard for me to concentrate or even look at what I was trying to do... I didn't do it. I got back in the truck, and let BF handle that boy.
We then headed back to the feed wagon and dragged it to the farm with the tractor.
That all took three hours (not including driving time) and he didn't lose his temper even once. I was a good sport and didn't ask, "how much longer?"...that was my contribution.

Life after Death

2010-05-22T08:21:00.003-05:00

Last night, I went to a lecture by Dr. Raymond Moody at Unity Temple, on the Plaza, in K.C.

The church was surrounded by police and the parking lot was full to capacity. I thought...wow! Must be a great lecturer. A lot of people must be interested. Ha ha ha...Laura Bush was also giving a lecture there... Ha ha ha

Dr. Moody has written several books on the subject of life after death and probably is considered the expert, but I have some questions that bothered me. No...I didn't wave my hand in the air during the question and answer section... simply sat there hoping someone else would ask.

1. If you believe in reincarnation, then who or what are the deceased friends/relatives/loved ones that greet you as you enter the tunnel???

How can this be? Haven't these loved ones reincarnated? I believe that in Buddhism, it happens around 45 days after death??? hmmm...

2. His research also told of a way to "see" your deceased love ones again. Here he described a cauldron type vessel, brass and polished. Fill this vessel with oil. The person should be in a darkened room. A mirror is placed so that the person wanting the vision does not see himself/herself, but sees a great space or nothingness. He says it takes time, maybe hours/days for the appearance of the image.

What I learned from a meditation lesson from Lama Chuck at the Rime Buddhist Center, is that sometimes, while meditating, visions do appear...sometimes in your carpet, or wood flooring...wherever. He said to disregard these visions, to place no importance on them, and that they're called nims. Simply the mind trying to gain control. I've seen bears, faces, wolves...in fact all sorts of things. In our meditation instruction, we were told that when we see these things or our minds wonder...simply say to yourself, "thinking".

So...this makes me wonder if this vision he described, is simply a nim? And, if the technique used is simply a form if induced meditation???

I have greatly reduced his description and his research, etc. for posting purposes, but I do have my questions.

I don't have the answers and haven't read any of his books...

He's the authority, the author...has appeared on Oprah.

But, if there's anything I've learned so far, it's that I don't have to accept or believe everything that is said or written by experts or authorities.

Expert=Former Drip Under Pressure (get it???)

BTW...it really was a good lecture. I just had questions and was too much of a ninny to ask.

Luv Dem Bones

2010-05-13T08:51:00.009-05:00

This is an example of Venus in Capricorn.

I'm a Sagittarius, but my Venus is in Capricorn. I love bones.

While other women look at a guy's hair, eyes, butt...I always looked at bone structure.

Skulls in the southwest or west are the norm. I've seen them in yards, barns and houses.

My home is in the KC area, but it is very southwest...so I have my bones hidden on my deck. I also have them included with my yard art...like near an old wagon wheel. I feel a tad strange sometimes, but I hide my insecurities with a toss of my hair (this is much harder now that's it's short...) and a slight bobbing of my head (wish I could do this like my granddaughter)
With a slow bat of my eyes, I simply explain that I'm an artist...ha ha ha, LOL!!!
Does your Venus cause you problems like this??? Where is your Venus???

More Feng Shui

2010-05-07T21:25:00.010-05:00

Per my Feng Shui book, it is considered auspicious to have curving or slow-moving water in front of your house.

Well...OK then!!!

Fall of last year I painted my house. I ended up having to remove all my shrubbery...ants and wood rot...dang it!! I vowed to never have mulch or bushes near my house again..so what to do??? What do I put in place of all those bushes?
I bought a little feng shui book and now I'm trying to follow some of the principles. You know...yin yang stuff.
So far, I've removed a rearing horse and all my cactus plants from my bedroom. This is to help me sleep. For prosperity, I put a three legged frog near my front door and...that worked right off the git go!!! ...so now I'm on a mission... If I'm going to work or decorate around my house, I might as well make sure it lets all those yin yang critters move around in a correct manner.
So anyway...railroad ties have been removed. Stone and brick now divide the tiers. A new wrought iron piece will be added to the landing area for safety. I sure don't want anybody falling or jumping. I will be adding a split wood fence about 3 feet from the house. I thought that that kind of fencing, with an old wagon wheel leaning against it would add to the effect I'm trying to create.
I will be adding quite a few new plants and you can be sure they'll all be perennials. I just want them to pop up next year. I'll finish off with lava rock and wine...

Aaaah...I just love being retired!!!

Cyber Vacation

2010-04-27T09:04:00.006-05:00

It's been cold, rainy and dreary here in the K.C. area. I've been in spring mode, happily working in my yard and on my deck, but this weather has me sitting inside, wrapped up in an afghan and sipping coffee, thinking...dang it!!! I'm cold... What to do??? I know...I'll run off to Madrid.

Madrid, New Mexico that is....

With a click...I was on my way.

I found a new website...oooh joy!!!

Visit Madrid NM Home

A few clicks later, I was inside each shop, mentally laughing, shopping, visiting with the various storekeepers. I was checking out jewelry, rugs, pottery, rock fountains, clothes, folk art, photography, cowboy stuff, sculptures, meditation supplies, paintings... you know...all the stuff...the fun stuff!

I went from store to store, clicking and enlarging.

...an hour or so later, I was hungry (all that shopping...whew!!!!)

off to the kitchen, my kitchen...my southwest kitchen!!! hmmm...something with guacamole, hmmm... OK...huevos rancheros!!!

LD Update

2010-04-13T10:09:00.009-05:00

My little boy is getting more and more feeble each day....He's not in any pain... I pick him up, I hold him...there's no flenching or yelping.

He's just old.

I'm sure he feels safe when I pet him or sit by him.

I will not put him down because he is old.

He seems lost at times...

I've seen this look on people and know that...at that moment, they too are lost.

The things we could learn from nature, if we'd just open our eyes, our minds, our hearts...

He walks around and around the deck.
I have the doorway blocked so he can't fall down the steps.

I borrowed this post from my Words to Live By...Sept. 21st, 2009
His condition has deteriorated since that post.
But here's the deal...I've learned a lot about life from this little guy.

This is LD, my chihuahua. I did not pick LD, I inherited him. LD is old, fat, deaf & blind. In his younger years, he was something. He was quite ferocious. In fact, he was a pit-chihuahua. LD is an 18 pounder. He doesn't care, he doesn't diet, he doesn't exercise, he doesn't contemplate, or compare. He's real happy with himself... The vet once laughingly announced that he was big boned...ha ha ha!!! Body image isn't part of his life. LD is about 14 or 15...in human years, that makes him about 100. He doesn't ponder his youth, things he did wrong, his successes, his failures, missed love, travels, wealth, loss jobs, promotions, size, friends or enemies, beauty, adventures, old age, future, the color of his hair, savings or lack of, mistakes, or death...he just lives for today! His ego doesn't compare... There's no chatter in his brain ranking the situation. He's not better than, or less than. His life story doesn't come into play... He doesn't blame his parents or their parents..gosh, he doesn't even blame himself. (He'll never, ever be invited on the Oprah show) He doesn't do drugs or drink...nothing to fog his life! He doesn't ponder life after death, he doesn't ponder heaven, and he doesn't ponder or judge your life. LD just lives .. good/bad/right/wrong...just lives. He's deaf and blind and is still a happy boy! He's not trying to sue anyone. No one to fault..it is what it is... He doesn't ask, "why is this happening?" LD is a happy dog, a lucky dog, a funny dog...and a blessing to me.

Morning Meditations

2010-04-11T09:56:00.005-05:00

If I can't go to Colorado or New Mexico, I step out onto my deck.I've never figured out what kind of animal this is...

This bench was my grandfather's

Morning sun is good for my cacti and me.

These pics simply don't show everything out there...everything that adds to the tranquility of my deck. This is where I do my morning meditations...ommmmm.....

The Feng Shui of Cactus

2010-04-08T13:13:00.011-05:00

I've been
transplanting my cactus...it's a prickly job, but I had to get it done. Actually I was hoping to do it on the deck, but it's still a little too cool to be out there so I'm working on this project in the middle of my kitchen floor. What a huge mess! I found a new pair of gloves, and was all excited to use them. I touched a few of my cactus while wearing them and thought "wow" the needles didn't go thru...no hurts!
Wrong.......
Right in the middle of transplanting the biggest one, "OUCH" && "HELP"
BF came to my rescue...he had to hold the pot, while I grabbed newspaper. It still hurt, but we got it done. OOoo..I should say, "got er done"...
Afterwards, he came up with an idea for transplanting the larger cactus...didn't like it because I don't want to damage the plant. His idea is kind of like lassoing the poor little critter with rope...transplanting cowboy style. ha ha ha!!!

Nope...thinkin I'll just be more prepared next time. I just thought that the new gloves would work..bummrrr

The turtle one is my favorite. I found this planter at a store that was going out of business...On Sale, so I got it cheap and I do love cheap. I got the talavera one at the same store.

I love my deck plants and I especially love my cactus. I think they've got a special beauty. A quiet beauty... Most people don't oooh or aaah over cactus, but I do. A collection of cactus always takes me to the southwest and the mountains. I am transported to a place of vacation, a place of tranquility... a quiet place!

Now...let's think about the feng shui of my cactus. I've read that the needles are like arrows and may be kind of bad...

hmmm...I think my love for them and my intention (hopefully) overcomes this. I like them on my deck...I like peace and tranquility in my back yard and deck area. I've read that they're good for protection and security of the home. ...and I've read that they're great for use to shift a stressful energy of one person to something more comfortable. Well...let's just say that rowdy neighbors, the ones with the scary dogs and children with behavioral problems have moved.

Is it me or my cactus??? ha ha ha...

Shopping

2010-04-03T14:31:00.004-05:00

What a fun day at Bass Pro! I used to work there, so I know lots of wonderful people who still do. My former boss was frying a turkey and giving out samples...so I ate some. Once inside, I sampled fudge and nuts. I guess you could say I ate my way thru the store.
I used to work in Camping, so headed there first for a look around and to buy some Lodge Gear Leather Gloves. They're great for cooking with cast iron skillets over an open fire. I do love food cooked in cast iron...yummmy but often kind of fattening. Then bought a container for water. These are birthday gifts for my daughter in law. They were on her "wish" list.
Then on to Footwear. I bought some comfy shoes by Clarks. I've started walking every evening and needed something lighter than hiking boots. I'll probably need some new hiking boots later this year, my old ones are pretty worn. I hate the thought of new hiking boots...it takes time to get them broke in.
Back downstairs to the Gift Department...and yes, I also worked in this department. I needed bird food and a couple of new feeders. And...sampled more fun stuff. I was hoping that they'd be sampling some Uncle Buck stuff, but they weren't...darn!!!!
Bass Pro was a pretty good place to work. I worked in Camping, Gifts and Customer Service. I learned quite a bit and met some great folks. I was very surprised to learn that the Girl Scouts aren't really into camping/hiking very much. The Boy Scouts were impressive...those guys knew their stuff. They were very informed about the things they needed. They came into the store prepared..aah yes, that is their motto isn't it???
I ended up quitting BP, and going to Whole Foods...wow!!! I went from one extreme to another. I always thought it might be fun to force some hard core BP and WF customers to spend an entire weekend in some kind of a lockdown...together. ha ha ha!!!

Florida Trip

2010-04-02T08:38:00.010-05:00

I’ve been gone for the last week. I’ve missed your posts, so in the next few days I’ll try to get caught up.

I went to Florida. We drove thru Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois. 2700 miles round trip…
The reason for the trip was that BF’s mother passed away the first of March. She was a strange person…I talked; I should say listened, to her on the phone, twice. She didn’t have friends or relatives near and that was the way she wanted it. She had her religion…and I say “her” religion as she was an ordained minister with no flock. She had her beliefs and that was the only way to heaven, as she saw it. She argued with all, as hers was the only way….
She was also a hoarder and extremely fearful of everyone, including family. She distanced herself from her boys and their families. There were no celebrations. Birthdays and holidays were not observed. She didn’t attend weddings or family gatherings. She didn’t know her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. She didn’t visit, and didn’t want visitors.
She had given thousands of dollars to various TV evangelists and local churches…no one noticed her passing.
She was a hoarder. I’ve seen TV programs about this, but real life was even more shocking. This hoarding was hidden from the prying eyes of outsiders by putting aluminum foil and sometimes furnace filters in the windows. All the windows were barred and curtains closed…a prisoner in her own home.
We had ordered a dumpster, but needed three or four. She had lived in a retirement community and a neighbor suggested that we just put some of the items in the yard. He said people would take the stuff… I didn’t think this was a possibility, but they came. Dumpster Divers is what they’re called. It was unbelievable… They took the strangest stuff. Lamps with no shades, shades with no lamp, speakers, jars, glassware, shoes…sacks of hosiery, old purses, old glasses, silk flowers, magazines, any and all furniture. Bibles…she had hundreds of bibles. Rooms full of religious tapes, cds, discs, DVDs. They took it all. We sold stuff too. Hospital beds, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, mattresses, some pieces of furniture…and no, she hadn’t been sick. These were just things in the house.
So where do I go with this post? Hoarder direction? Dumpster Diver direction? Do I post more about this woman? To me, the very contradiction of what religion and faith should be about? Do I write about the road trip through the states?
No…nuf said! I’ll just end this post. I’ve got to get busy cleaning out some of the strange silly stuff I hoard….errr...collect...

Bad Chihuahua

2010-03-20T10:58:00.007-05:00

LD is my very old, obese, deaf and blind chihuahua.
Lately he's been scaring me...
I find him on his back, spread eagle, eyes wide open...sound asleep.
I say his name, out of habit, but then I remember that he's deaf.
This just scares me. I keep thinking that he's gone. I stop whatever I'm doing to see if he's breathing. If I pet him, it scares him...

If I don't pet him, it scares me...
When he's awake, life is good...he eats, goes outside, and even plays a bit, but when he sleeps...
Snoring is a good thing...

LD...please snore!!!

2010-03-10T06:57:00.005-06:00

Ok...true confession time.

I love to watch American Idol.

I don't watch TV. I don't like TV.

TV bores me.

But...I love American Idol!

I admire their guts!
It's so easy to sit in an audience and second guess. It's easy to safely watch, from a comfortable distance, with popcorn in hand, as others compete.
It's easy to say...I would have, he should have...
These beautiful people put their skills on the line. I watch as their tears swell. I watch as their voices fail. I watch as they try their hardest to smile while they are being told that they sounded like a karaoke or wedding singer.
Shoot...I can't even do a decent rendition of Happy Birthday.
OK...Here's my favorites for this year (so far)
1. Crystal
2. Siobhan
3. Lilly
4. Lacey
5. Michael
hmmm...Michael, Lacey and Lilly are really in a three way tie.

Sister Rosa and Chimayo - Part 3

2010-03-02T14:29:00.009-06:00

The trip to Chimayo was filled with lots of conversation. We hardly looked at the scenery. The tarot readings with Sister Rosa had left us with many questions and left me...batting my eyes! My cousin was excited and happy with her reading and trying to figure out different possibilities for property inheritance. I, on the other hand, kept trying to figure out how she knew so much about my situation. Wondering if this was simply a gimmick to profit from my loss, or a true vision.
As an astrology reader, I know that most people that come in for a reading are normally interested in one of three aspects of their life…money, love, health. I quickly look for transits and/or activity around these three areas in their chart. Other areas that will grab my attention would be something like a Moon in Capricorn, Mercury retrograde, and other various aspects that might be a source of discussion with the client. No gimmick here…simply aware of why most people come in for readings. Is this what Sister Rosa does? Ask a question in a room full of people about the death of someone close??? Hmmm…something to ponder, but, knowing the exact cause of death? lung cancer?

Chimayo is one of my favorite places. The area is beautiful and is filled with the mystic. El Santurario de Chimayo was built between 1814 & 1816. There are conflicting stories about how the chapel came to be built there. It is, however, a place of miracles. Discarded canes, crutches, braces, etc. hang from the walls in a prayer room. People come to from all over to be cured. The church is small and worn. Old retablos, santos and other holy artifacts are in the church. The pews beckon you to sit, to pray, to stay awhile. As you walk forward, toward the alter, you’ll notice an open doorway on the left. This is the prayer room…go thru this door and another door, to the right, becomes visible. This room is where the dirt is in the “pocito”. Said to replenish itself…yet it is common knowledge that the dirt is brought in from the surrounding area and is blessed by a priest. This dirt is what is said to heal.
I bought a beautiful cross at one of the shops by the chapel and while making my purchase the cashier told me that Father was getting ready to say mass and would probably bless it for me. I hustled toward the church. Entering the massive front doors, Father Casimiro Roca’s office was on the left. The door was open and as I stood at the entrance, Father Roca joyfully motioned for me to enter. What a wonderful, joyous priest this man is! He asked me where I was from. I told him the Kansas City area and oooh…how excited he got! He said, “oooh Kansas City. You can stand there, one foot Kansas and the other Missouri.” His eyes sparkled as he demonstrated putting a foot in each of the states while being in Kansas City. “You would like for me to bless this cross for you?” I nodded, smiling at this animated, “little priest” as he is called. Father began his blessings.
There was another in the room. I don’t know if she was a nun or layperson, but she was silently helping Father get ready for mass. She was busy getting things off the shelves and lining them up, organizing…
I thanked Father and left his office and placed a donation in the box as I exited thru the front of the church.

Now…look at the picture. My cousin and I were just in front of the courtyard cross, when a voice got my attention. “Hey..Kansas” …I stopped, was someone talking to me? I turned around and there was the woman who had been helping Father getting ready for mass. She said again, “Hey Kansas, I need to talk to you.” She came closer eventually getting into my space. Now very close… Her hand started picking at my sweater. She very quietly said, “I pick at your sweater as I pick the words I need to tell you. Your dead husband is with us as I speak”. By then, I was in tears. Where in the world did this come from? I’m simply blubbering…what in the world is going on? How can this be? I know I didn’t say anything to anybody and my cousin had been quietly with me the entire time.
She went on, “As you pick your nose, he sees you. You know this place called purgatory?” I nodded. She then added, “He needs your prayers.” “He needs your prayers”, she repeated, turned and headed back into the church.

How do I explain this? I have no idea how any of this happened. I get chills on my arms when I think about this experience to this very day. The words both these people used are not words that I’d use in my everyday conversations. Your dead husband...Pick your nose...those are certainly not descriptions I would use.
To this day, I have no answers. It’s just as mysterious today as the day it happened. I finally chalked it up to simply “New Mexico”.
I ended up calling my sister and had her schedule a mass for my husband. A few weeks later, the mass was said and many prayers were offered at Holy Name Catholic Church in Kansas City, Ks.
Later that summer, I went to confession (first time in 27 years) and in the fall, I started RCIA classes. After all that had happened, I wanted to become a Catholic again. After a couple of years of struggling with the same ole feelings that caused me to leave the church the first time, I again quit.

Once again, I started my searching...

This spiritual journey I seem to be on...

Sister Rosa - The Reading - Part 2

2010-02-28T09:13:00.003-06:00

Sister Rosa’s “reading” room was sparsely decorated. A small table with two chairs facing each other was located at one end. Around the table was an assortment of crystals, candles, angel figurines, pictures of saints and angels, shells and tarot cards. We sat facing each other.
Did I want a psychic reading or did I want to use the cards? I chose the cards. The cards were shuffled and I’m thinking she smudged them. I really can’t remember. I made my selection and the reading began.
She described the past. Described everything as if she had been there. Told me all about the previous year and what I was going thru at that time. She described my current feelings and the various dilemmas that I was immediately facing.
Then came her biggest revelation…Sister Rosa told me that my dead husband had not moved on. That he lingered near me. She said that he needed to be on his way, but that it would be difficult. It would take several visits and that she needed to find specific crystals. There had to be a ceremony for the crystals. After that, more ceremonies would be needed for my husband. And, she said that it would not be cheap. The future? Well, it would probably work out fine…but only after the various prescribed ceremonies had been completed.
Talk about shock…I sat there in complete silence. I never agreed with anything, added anything or even make a comment. I just listened, but was thinking…Was this a scam? How did she know? Did I say anything to anybody? Do I know anybody who knows Sister Rosa? I was then told that in my case, the future would be discussed only after he had made his journey. That was the most important thing…
Funny, I knew this, had felt this, dreamed this.
I thanked her, and told her that I would have to think about all she had said. I told her that I lived pretty far away and that I didn’t know if it would be possible for me to do all the things that she described. She didn’t push or try a more persuasive technique to get me to follow her instructions. She simply shrugged and looked at me as if to say…I tell it as I see it.
I left her room and headed outside to breathe.
After my cousin got her reading, we sat in the car and talked. My cousin couldn’t believe all the amazing things she had been told. Inheriting property??? Could that be possible? (Yes, she did inherit some property and it came as a complete surprise to her. It happened later that summer, as described by Sister Rosa). We shared our readings as we drove to Chimayo, hardly seeing any of that magnificent area.
Once in Chimayo, I decided to buy a cross. Just felt a need to do this. I found the perfect one and was paying for it, when the lady at the register told me that Father was getting ready to say mass and could bless it for me. Perfect… El Santuario de Chimayo cross and blessing. I headed for the church, a holy place of miraculous healings….

Sister Rosa, Palm Reader - Part 1

2010-02-26T16:04:00.006-06:00

I’m an astrologer. I’m like this total Sagittarius. I’m optimistic, upbeat, love travel, outdoorsy, and love horses. If you read a description of a Sag…that’s me. Take my picture, coat it with plastic and call me a Sagittarius icon.
Ten years ago, in March/April?, I decided to run down to Santa Fe. The blahs of KC were getting to me. I needed an attitude adjustment. I needed to figure out just what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I needed some good Mexican food. I needed art…different art from what is standard in the mid-west. Too many sunflowers, windmills…I needed New Mexico. My husband had recently died, so I knew that many changes were in store for me that year. The silent road trip and the NM sights that provoke new thoughts, were needed.
I normally don’t go to palm readers, tarot readers, or physics. Why you ask??? Because, to be perfectly honest, I’d like to see their chart before I let them “read” me. I want to know their basic energy (positive/negative). I simply don’t want anyone’s negative views to get into my head… I read at the Renaissance Festival for years. Our booth had many fine readers, but noticed some were simply downers. I don’t care if I’m going to find or lose money, love, health…but, I want to laugh when I get the news. I want to feel optimistic… This is me…
I asked my cousin if she’d like to come along. She too loved the art and the mystic of the southwest. Once in Santa Fe, we ate, stopped by the Jackalope and then ran out to the Tesuque flea market. On our way to the flea market, we drove near the intersection of Cerrillos and St. Francis and she hollered out, “Sister Rosa, Palm Reader. I want to go there.”
“Nooooo way…” I laughed. But she badgered me until I gave in. “What could it hurt?” I thought. She could get her reading and I’d just wait. No big deal…
A few days later, we were heading to Taos by way of Chimayo, we stopped for her reading.
Sister Rosa reads out of her home. You walk into her living room and two couches greet you. You sit and wait your turn. On the left wall is a pay phone. Her dining room is part of the living room and you see her kitchen straight ahead. In the kitchen, a television was going and I believe one of her grandchildren was listening to cartoons. To your right there were two bedrooms and a bathroom between them. One of the bedrooms was set up for her readings.
I settled in to wait for my cousin’s turn. A few minutes later, the bedroom door opened and the previous customer left. The bedroom door closed for awhile…I’m guessing that Sister Rosa clears her room after each reading. After a few minutes, Sister Rosa, a short Hispanic woman came out of the room and into where we were seated. In a loud voice, she almost hollered, “Who’s is it, who’s husband just died of lung cancer?” I shrugged, raised my hand and went in for a reading…

Git Up

2010-02-18T19:57:00.006-06:00

This is the barn where I ride.1999 was a pretty bad year for me. Thanksgiving was spent at a casino…this was my father-in-law’s attempt to keep the holiday from forever being marred by the death of my husband. Christmas came and went. No decorations went up that year. No holiday cheer, no festive foods. The holidays came, but were not celebrated.
The morning after the funeral, I found myself sitting alone in my house, looking at all the food that had been brought in. The smell of funeral flowers permeated the rooms. That sickly sweet smell… The silence was deafening. It had been a year of hearing much too much. Words that encourage. Words that express fear. Words that needed research. Words that ended up empty.
Everywhere I looked, something needed my attention. The kitchen was a mess, rooms were filled with flowers, the floors needed to be swept, papers thrown away, food put up, thank you notes needed to be written, phone messages should be returned, bills needed to be addressed, insurance papers to go thru…the list seemed never ending and I couldn’t move. I just sat there, in the silence thinking… Where do I start? When do I start? What should I do?
It was gray and chilly outside. Really gloomy… Enough! I can’t take any more! How much lower can I go? I’ve got to get out of here, if just for a little while. I’ve got to breathe some fresh air!
I headed for my room and got dressed in some warm clothes. Heavy socks, shirt, sweater over the shirt and breeches. Headed for the garage, found my riding boots, fingerless gloves and jacket, hopped into the car and took off for the barn. Now this might sound strange to some, but for me, this was therapy.
The barn is a large riding facility located thirty minutes from my house. Do you know what the smell of arena dirt can do for the soul? The sounds of the horses…the smell of the horses?
It had been awhile since I had ridden. We found out that he had cancer in February and spent the rest of the year battling this horrible disease. I did compete in October at the American Royal…he had wanted this, but that was simply a half hearted attempt for something normal in our life and ended on a sour note.
Well, I got to the barn and pulled Gus out of his stall. Brushed him, combed out his tail and picked his hoofs. Saddled him up and headed for the arena. The girls…my dear friends, cheered as I entered. My friends were so welcoming, and so glad to see me out. It felt good. I wasn’t thinking about “it”, I was focused on being at the barn.
My trainer…gosh, where do I start about her? She’s a tough gal, smokes like a chimney, drinks mountain dew from the minute she wakes up until she sleeps (when she sleeps), cusses like a sailor, drives an 18 wheeler when hauling the horses and times herself when changing a flat. I’ve seen her back down a horse that is acting up, administer meds to a sick horse, throw hay, mend fences and clean stalls. You get the picture… She’s not the nicest of people, and I say this lovingly. She’s tough as nails on the outside and a heart of gold on the inside. Around her, I answer to Dammit. She hollers, “Dammit Lynn” when I’m riding and even when I’m competing. I hear nothing while showing, except her voice… I hear her instructions loud and clear…(you should hear me mimic her, I’ve got it down perfectly) In competition, she tells me to lower his head, pick him up, he’s leaning into the turns, slow his stride and so forth. Kind of like this: Dammit Lynn, slow him down. I do what she says and I win…easy as that! Well maybe not all that easy.
As I said, I hadn’t really ridden much that year, so my legs were weak. I hopped up on him and walked him around. Gosh that felt good. Gus was highly trained. A cluck told him to trot, a kiss meant to canter, right heel and a kiss told him to canter, left lead. I’d turn my head and he would feel it and know which direction we were turning. To lower his head, I’d lightly rake him with my spurs or with my pinky finger, I’d feather his reins. We competed in equitation and horsemanship, which requires these skills. Anyway…I hadn’t ridden, but my trainer had kept him in tip top condition. Gus could stop on a dime, turn a 180 or whatever and canter off with no movement of reins. This is what we did. So here’s this horse, in tip top condition, and me with no leg. After warming him up, I dropped my stirrups…I’m feeling good! After awhile, we trotted, then I kissed him up into a canter…ooooh my gosh, the feel, the coolness hitting my face, then I said, “Whoa!” Gus stopped…I came off like a torpedo. I burrowed, face first thru the arena dirt and laid there. My trainer (bless her heart) didn’t move. She calmly flipped her cigarette butt and hollered, “Dammit Lynn, are you dead?” Weakly, I replied, “No.” Her response was, “well git up and take care of your gd horse”
No sympathy, no feeling sorry that my husband had just died, no rushing to my side, no help…just git up and take care of your gd horse. Real words of wisdom…git up and take care of things and that’s what I did. Later, after we all laughed and I headed home, the words hit me again…git up and do what needs to be done.

Happiness 101 - Part 2

2010-01-31T10:13:00.008-06:00

Many years ago, my sister (yes, the same one that bought me pralines for my birthday…yes, my favorite sister...my only sister, my favorite, nevertheless) bought me a book for my birthday. She was reading it and loved it…Talked about it endlessly. I whined till she bought me my very own copy. Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach. On a daily basis, I devoured this book.
When I read the following quote, I stopped, reread and started thinking about how simple and powerful that message was: “If you consciously work to bring more gratitude, order, simplicity, harmony, beauty, and joy into your daily life, your world will be transformed.”
This was the start of a new way of thinking, a new way of looking at things, a positive and personal way of living. The word that struck me was “consciously”. Think about it… Simply, control the thinking. OMG…control the thinking! Gee…! Put as much effort in being happy, as you do in being unhappy. An excise for the brain muscle.

The second book that significantly changed my life was, A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle. I started underlining the powerful messages in this book, only to realize that I was underlining the entire book. Again, the message is to control the brain, the ego, as he calls it. OMG…! This book describes how the “ego” chatters away, creating stories about me, you, them. Comparisons, come-backs, you know…the chatter that goes on all the time. Replays arguments, resentments, justifies, compares, and creates scenarios…past and future. It talks about our “life story” and how we make that a part of who we are today. Our “life story” is who we believe we are??? Let me give an example. I have a dear friend, who, some forty some years ago, discovered that her husband was gay. This is who she “is” to this very day. It comes up in every conversation, and is like her handshake to the people she meets. This is the cause of all her unhappiness, her failures, her failed relationships, losses… This sets her apart, makes her special, different, and justifies her seemingly tragic, sad life. It’s in the past!!! Look…forty some years ago and she carries this with her to this very day. She has never seen herself as I, and others see her. Talented, beautiful, intelligent, wonderful mother and great provider for her three children that she raised by herself. Her psychologist has tried to get her to read this book, but she won’t. The thinking here is, “if I’m not the person, in my head, then who am I?”
The message I learned from both these great books, is…”I’m not the voice in my head, I’m the space between the voices.” To be in the present, we must silence the ego, the chatter, whatever you want to call it. And, to be in the present, eliminates our ongoing thoughts about our tragic, unhappy pasts. Being in the present eliminates our sad visions and conversations and our "I'll be happy when..." sometime in the future. If we consciously put effort into happiness, letting go of the voices, we can live and find happiness in the here and now...

Happiness 101

2010-01-26T14:03:00.003-06:00

I’ll be happy when…
I’ll be happy with…
He/She doesn’t make me happy
If I get that job, I’ll be happy
If I move, I’ll be happy
If he’d only…, then I’d be happy
If I find my true love, I’ll be happy
If I had more money, then I’d be happy
If I could go…, then I’d be happy
I’m only happy when I’m…
He doesn’t make me happy
A good meal would make me happy
Shopping makes me happy
A new…would make me happy
A sunny day would make me happy
I’ll be happy if I ever get a vacation
The farm is the only place I’m happy…
The only place I’m happy is…
When I retire, I’ll be happy
When I get famous, I’ll be happy
New cowboy boots would make me happy
If I could afford to get my nails done, then I’d be happy too
A bigger house would make me happy
Only getting a horse could make me happy
If he would stop…then I’d be happy
If I’d win the lottery, I’d be happy
If mom would…, then I’d be happy
If he’d…, I’d be happy
If I got a…, then I’d be happy
If I’d lose weight, then I’d be happy
If I could quit…, then I’d be happy
I want to be a…, then I’d be happy
If I was a bit taller, then I’d be happy
I’m only happy when I’m in love
I’m only happy when I’m with you
I’m only happy when I’m busy
If I got a divorce, then I’d be happy
If only I was married, then I’d be happy
A baby would make me happy
A smaller nose would make me happy
Hmmmm…something to ponder

Brit Hume's Advise for Tiger Woods

2010-01-07T13:25:00.005-06:00

From the Shambhala Sun Newsletter...

What Brit Hume said, and what Buddhists have to say about it.
You may have heard -- FOX News's Brit Hume went on the record as saying that Tiger Woods would best recover from his scandal by ditching Buddhism for Christianity. Suddenly, "Buddhism" is all over the media as it has never been before.
This has led to some of the most vociferous reader comments on our blog, Shambhala SunSpace yet -- click here to join the conversation. We've also followed up with video of Hume defending his statement on FOX News's The O'Reilly Factor, and a roundup of what The Daily Show, Keith Olbermann, and others have had to say about Hume's now-infamous remark.

Country vs City

2009-12-27T09:03:00.010-06:00

Sophie...
come here, come on Sophie, get in the house. There's no squirrels out today. Come on Sophie. Wanna treat? I think Daddy's home. aah..that got her attention.
It has continued to snow and she no longer goes out in the yard. Both dogs stay on the deck. LD, our very old, obese, deaf and blind chihuahua, has not ventured off the deck or even go near the steps. He does roam around, and around on the deck. I stomp on the floor to get his attention. Of course he gets a treat...he's such a good boy.
Christmas finally got here last night. The food has been eaten and now we have leftovers. That's good because there's no way I'm going out in this weather.
BF has to go to the farm every day, no matter what the weather, to feed cattle and chop ice. I'm sure he stops at the local gas station to eat biscuits and gravy and I'm pretty sure he takes naps and watches farm reports in his ugly, run down recliner in his office at the farm. Gas stations in the city are soooo different from the ones in the country. The one he goes to has tables and chairs, serves pizza, hot dogs, cookies, donuts, ice cream, sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, cashes checks, has groceries, liquor, sells stamps, sells gas, car/truck wash, ATM, posts auctions, etc...??? It's also the local social gathering place. Everyone knows everyone, and everything that's going on in every one's life... I'm a city girl so this is very strange to me. He'll stay down there most of the day...there's chores to be done...No, I don't believe this for one minute. There's chores to be done here at the house, so this is where he can run off to. He can sip on his coffee (very strong..I mean his coffee is so strong you almost have to chew it) and watch weather reports, farm reports, cattle prices... all reported by some monotoned announcer or auctioneer... very exciting...!!! Another strange thing is that the spring calves are due any day. He's got the most expectant moms hayed down, in the barn. Yes...I said spring calves...??? I always name the first calf, Pearl. I take pictures. He thinks I'm strange... I think he's weird... LOL...!

Old Fogy

2009-12-25T18:30:00.004-06:00

It's official....I've become an old fogy!!!

It snowed. It was really bad, so BF & I decided to cancel Christmas till tomorrow.

The roads were awful. The news indicated that everyone should stay home...so we called our boys and their families and told them of our fears for their safety, our love, etc....in any event, Christmas was called off till Saturday, tomorrow...

All of them protested. They felt they could get out and that it would be no problem, but we, I do say "we" decided to postpone Christmas. Our boys and their families would be safe.

Now...I usually have brunch, so the frig is full of hash brown casserole, egg casserole, coffeecake, ham, fruit pizza, etc...all uncooked. So what did we eat today??? potato chips! ice cream! chocolate covered cherries, and..dah dah...dill dip and pumpernickel bread!

The boys (the youngest of which is 33) now feel like little girls...ugh! They've watched their neighbors happily loading their cars with presents and food, merrily singing "over the river and thru the woods, to grandmother's house we go..." as they all sit in their houses, eating leftovers.

OMG....I kind of feel ok with our decision, but...I can see (thru the houses in my neighborhood) cars moving just fine. Why did I listen to this morning's news..the weather hysteria? Our boys are grown men...why didn't we let them each make their own decision? are our sons destined to be perpetually 13??

This kind of weather never bothered me before...kindof got my blood going...! So what's happened to me. I'm active and adventurous..I've raised my boys to be very outdoorsy. The oldest, do I confess this...? is 40 and a former marine, yet his mommy told him not to go outside today...ugh!!! double ugh!!! I'm so embarrassed...

I will live thru this, I will live thru this, I will live thru this...

Thesaurus words for "OLD FOGY"

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 : 54 Moby Thesaurus words for "old fogy": Methuselah, antediluvian, antique, back number, conservationist, conservatist, conservative, dad, diehard, dodo, dotard, elder, fogy, fogyish, fossil, fud, fuddy-duddy, granny, has-been, laudator temporis acti, longhair, matriarch, mid-Victorian, mossback, old believer, old crock, old dodo, old fart, old liner, old man, old poop, old school, old woman, old-fogyish, old-timer, patriarch, pop, pops, ravaged with age, reactionary, regular old fogy, relic, right-winger, rightist, senile, square, standpat, standpatter, starets, stick-in-the-mud, stodgy, stuffy,
traditionalist, ultraconservative

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T11:12:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas to all my new Cyber Friends!!!
Be sure to leave out cookies and milk for Santa &&& carrots for the reindeer...
Have a wonderful and safe holiday...
Love to all...

The Very Best Birthday Present Ever

2009-12-13T12:02:00.007-06:00

My sister got me the very best present in the world!

We all went out to eat dinner, and ooh it was so much fun!

Is there anything more fun than your sister and brother? The stories, tall tales, jokes, we know everything about each other. I know...during all the child raising years, we tend to drift apart. School functions, soccer, whatever. Well several years ago, my brother developed a brain tumor. Boy did we ever reconnect... The tumor is gone, but the connection has survived and flourished. Amazing how sometimes good things come from a bad situation. Every other year, we now go on a Sister/Brother Vacation. We head for the mountains. We hike, we laugh, we play! Brother's revert back to a preteen mentality. My sister and I have been locked out of the cabin, and required to growl like bears, in order to regain entry... and growl loudly, with feeling! Ha ha ha. We drink, make chili, suffer from high altitude (chili!!!)

Years and years and years ago, I went to Galveston, TX for a vacation. I stumbled onto a candy shop and had for the first time in my life...Pralines!

Since that time..I have searched and searched for that particular taste. I have sampled pralines from all over the country, every travel stop on the highway, every gift store, every candy store...only to find them too sweet, too gooey, too many nuts, not enough nuts, and too sticky.

Each time was a downer. Each time I wondered if I'd ever find "that particular taste" again.

Well I finally did...at a candy store in Estes Park...!!!

It's usually my first stop when heading into RMNP. I figure I need the sugar fix, this specific high energy snack for hiking. It's also always the last thing I do when leaving. I stock up! I also might mention here, that I don't share. Yes...I will buy you some, but no one is allowed in my stash... I become extremely selfish, and I'm not ashamed to admit this. My logic tells me that I paid the price of a lifelong search and deserve every morsel! I suffer no guilt!

Well...my sister arrived at the restaurant with a large sack filled with a bows and colorful paper. After dinner, the present was handed to me. I dug thru the papers and bows, only to find a small box...put on my reading glasses, so I could see the label on the box & OMG!!! There it was... A box from the candy store! filled with wonderful, Pralines!!! The best present Ever!! Ooh yes, I reluctantly offered everyone a bite (not a whole piece) and everyone declined (thankfully)...

I also might mention here that my brother bought me a truly awful birthday card...LOL!!!

What a wonderful night with my family!!!!

What a blessing!!!

I am sooo lucky!!!

Today's the Wake Up

2009-12-12T09:43:00.003-06:00

Yeah...today's my birthday and I'm officially retired!!!

Ok..that's over. Now, what do I do with the rest of my day?

...and tomorrow?

...and the next???

Never fear...I'll come up with something ;)

Observations

2009-12-11T09:29:00.012-06:00

Observations...

Never try on swimming suits in the winter.

Never buy items marked "do not machine wash".

Tattoos change as you age...fish become whales, butterflies become vultures.

The only diet rule you'll ever need is: if it taste good, don't eat it.

You're probably lucky if you haven't met Mr. Right.

You don't recognize a fool till they open their mouth and tell you.

Never hit you kids when you're angry, wake them up in the middle of the night.

A bad memory is a key to happiness.

You don't need map quest to get out of your neighborhood.

You...you younger kids, you did not invent profanities. My father did.

Depend sizes do not come in thongs.

Always own at least one pair of ugly jammies.

Never trust the sales clerk to pick you out two male hampsters.

Wearing white pants insures that you're not pregnant.

Avoid surprises, set up special ring tones for your children and certain relatives and friends.

Take tons of pics of your children, their rooms, grade cards, etc. Threaten to make tees out of them as they get older.

Wearing no makeup to the store insures meeting friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Sitting beside the "really old" at a singles dance, does not insure you'll be asked to dance first.

Your children will not die if they eat some dirt.

Washers and dryers, in matching colors, is not a necessity.

Hand sanitizer is really not needed after picking up puppies or petting horses.

Eventually, travel routes appear on your legs. I personally have the map of Kansas on mine.

Never say, "my kids will never...".

Never admit to anything.

4 bras are all you'll ever need. and...one of them should be a push-up.

Never admit to using pre-made pie crust. Simply dust yourself off with flour and smile.

Be sure to tell the babysitter how to unlock the childproof toilet.

Items hidden in really secret places get lost for eternity.

Actually making your child behave gains you respect from your elders.

Not responding to chain letters does not bring bad luck.

Responding to chain letters will not insure fortune or good luck.

Know the difference between 411 & 911.

My radio can be just as loud as yours, but you really won't like my music.

Listening to old time rock n roll is different for my age group. You may know the name of the artist, but I sure as heck remember when it first came out, who I was dating, and..omg, what we were doing. Certain songs may make you happy, but they "really" make me smile.

Your special diet (if non-medical) only insures one thing...you will not be invited to dinner a second time.

Be aware that words, like dates, have multiple meanings.

Don't leave it to your kids to write your obituary..they have no idea who or what you are. Ooh and make your obituary interesting. For some of us, it's our only reading material.

This is not the end........

A day and a wake-up

2009-12-10T09:04:00.008-06:00

To amuse myself as my birthday draws near...Bad decisions make great stories.

A story about your perfect life, mothering skills, achievements, etc. are received with a mere nod and maybe even eye rolling... Start telling something awful about yourself and you've got everyone's full attention. What's really bad, is that your own good traits and deeds are "lost" somewhere in your memory, and yet your bad ones follow you like neon signs... But one thing's for sure..You do live thru them, and in spite of them. They really do make you stronger... And...they give you a colorful past!!! ..and, ( with an ever so slight blush) I do have a colorful past...

ha ha ha..ooh my....!!!!

I can remember when the trash men, truckers, etc. would hoot and holler as I drove off or walked by...now they call me "mam" !!!
I now, often start sentences with, "I can remember when..."
I now refer to the good ole days...
I now grump about the new music...
I now want naps...
I now talk about the younger generation...

I am starting to feel "older"...
Words like blue ray? font? facebook? html? Xbox? Wii? Blue tooth? DSL? iPhone? dashboard? joystiq? Bebo? Spam? Phishing? go right over my head...
I now have to hire someone to set up my TV. Shoot, I have so many remotes in my living room that I need to label them...or not be allowed to touch them. (I'm a button pusher...)
But...our (my?) generation can do it, fix it, figure it out, finish it, buy it, plan it, make it, start it, invent it, laugh at it, survive it...
As Augustus McCrae said in Lonesome Dove..."The older the violin, the sweeter the music!"

The Final Laugh

2009-12-02T10:53:00.008-06:00

Got it...finally!!! My new baby is safely home and in the garage!
Ford Escape... and I love her!
Actually I got her yesterday, but it was an all day deal. You know I had to stew over it, then I had to procrastinate. Procrastination was really bad... I sat at the puter, searching, comparing prices, looking at colors, features, etc. for hours. I finally had to go to the dealer, but not without my BF giving me a small boot in the rear.
I loved my Explorer, we spent many hours together. We traveled to NM and Colorado numerous times...close to 200,000 miles of safe travel and companionship. It was a good car... Now..I might mention that I'm prone to hitting curbs... My husband used to ask me, exactly which curbs I haven't run over??? vs which curbs I've hit??? On my way to the dealership, I was silently singing my final praises to the Explorer, thinking of all the miles we've spent together, when...bump!! bump!!! bump!!!..the final curb, the final insult... The car and I had our final laugh... I laughed all the way to the dealership, and then, with a small,sad smile, gave it a final pat as we parted.
Is this nuts or what??? This is a car, not some pet...sometimes I don't get me....
Well...I'm off to make friends with my new car...what should I name her???

Thanksgiving Movie

2009-11-26T12:32:00.004-06:00

Best all time favorite Thanksgiving movie is Planes, Trains and Automobiles... "You're going the wrong way..."
Wishing all a very happy Thanksgiving...may your naps be filled with dreams of pumpkin pie!
Luv...

Finally..A Southwest Kitchen!

2009-11-20T10:46:00.015-06:00

Santa Fe angel above my cooking area. San Pasqual...patron saint of the kitchen and cooks. One of two in my kitchen...I need all the help I can get!

My son made this shelf for me. I wanted to put fun stuff on it... The chicken, on the left side, keeps me on my toes...I'm afraid of chickens!

More non-useful stuff in my kitchen!!! I imagine I'm in New Mexico while cooking...

Useful "stuff" is hidden... takes away from the "feel" I wanted.

Some of my talavera plates...again, it's all about the southwest feel I wanted in my kitchen!!!

I'm not completely done with my kitchen, but almost. I'm a much better cook now! I swear it!!
My kitchen was a lot of work. Old wallpaper had to come off.. ugh!!! Popcorn ceiling had to be scraped and primered...twice...double ugh!! Then I applied the texturing stuff & swirled and swirled. Again, primer. Finally...paint and glaze. whew!!!

I just finished the cabinets and put on some new door and drawer thingies...turned out so good, much better than I ever expected...proud to the point of puffing here...!!!

All that's left is to find either some curtains or shades or blinds that are kind of southwesternish. This will be a chore in KC...

So...can't go to Taos or Santa Fe tonight? ...just walk into my kitchen, open the freezer, pull out some of my roasted hatch chilies, and...start cooking!!!