Last winter my hubby and I found a stray, wild cat in our yard. We talked about catching her and taking her to the SPCA. We also talked about leaving her along with hopes she would keep the mice population down. Then we discovered that she really was a female and that she was a mommy.
Three of cutest kittens you could ever hope to find in your back yard. So taking Kitty, as we had started to call her, to the SPCA was out of the question until we could find out where the babies were being kept so we could get them also. We never did find out where Kitty was hiding the babies, but they found our back porch to play on.
So we started putting some food out for them. Then we started sitting on the porch when we put the food out. Slowly we started moving the bowl closer and closer to us. Then we started bring the bowl closer and closer to the open back door. It took quite a while to get the babies to come into the house to eat, but Kitty never did.
We let the babies have the complete run of the first floor when they were in. And we named them. Two were kind of a calico stripe and the third was mostly black with a very little white on his neck-chest area. I was told once that male cats do not have more than two colors in their coats, don’t know if that is true or not, but that is why we called Blackie a him. The girls were almost identical in looks, with the exception of their front feet. Mittens had an extra toe on each front foot. The last kitten just acted like the baby of the group, even though she wasn’t the smallest or runt ( that was Blackie), so we named her Baby.
To make a long story short, Kitty, Mittens and Blackie just stopped showing up. But Baby came in to eat that first day without the others, and has never left. Oh, she has been outside, but she hasn’t left us. She is about a year and a half old now and not as skittish as she once was, but you can still get to jump.
Baby is fascinated with the toilet flushing, the bathtub drain and ice cubes. When you flush, leave the lid uup so Baby can watch the water fill up. After your shower, get out of the way so Baby can watch the water go down the drain. And if you want to see a cat play soccer or ice hockey, give her an ice cube. That will keep her happy and busy for quite a while, until it goes under the stove or refrigerator that is.
Baby also begs at the table, wags her tail and grunts at us when she doesn’t like something we did. And when we get home after being away for a night, she greets us from the top of the steps, them her head goes up along with the tail and she walks away from us. You can almost hear her saying “ Oh, its only you.” She hides under the bed, with her tail sticking out. Sleeps on the foot of the bed. And likes chicken (Purdue only) but loves shrimp.
Sometimes I wonder if Baby is a cat that thinks she is a dog. Or is she a dog in a cats body? Either way, that is our Baby. And I wouldn’t have her any other way.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Christmas Quilt
It is almost Christmas. Less than a week away in fact. Since it is really cold outside I have decided to spent the day inside, tending the fire to keep the house warm and keep the heater from coming on again. I have the History channel on, but I’m not really paying attention to it. I am letting my mind wonder a bit to Christmases’ past. Several I remember happened in the sixties. One Christmas day it was so hot out, that we all had shorts on! I can still hear my one Uncle kidding my Dad about having to cut the grass.
But just a few years latter, we had a very unexpected snow storm. That one I remember with more detail. The whole family decided to go to the store to get those last minute things that always come up. When we left the house, it was cool out, 50’s, and no storm was expected at all. We were in the store about an hour or so when people started to make a mass exit from the building. We looked out and were surprised to nothing but white. Time to head for the car and home. Didn’t make the car, to many accidents on the ice and snow! So we walked home, about 2 miles. None of us were dressed for a winter storm at all. That was one long, cold, slippery walk. I think we ended up with about a foot and a half of snow that year for Christmas.
Another one that I will never forget was the year I made and gave my older brother a quilt for Christmas. I worked on it after school and weekends. It was started in October and the last stitch was put in on Christmas eve. I used pieces of material from clothing that any member of the family would recognize. My Grandmother apron, my grandfather’s shirt, Dad’s pajamas, etc, etc. the backing was fake fur of a reddish color. The quilt was knotted using a gray yarn. The colors were chosen because of his school colors, high school and college.
Christmas morning, everyone is opening their presents. My brother, not finding anything from me under the tree, jokingly (?) said something about me being to cheap to get him something. With that I reach behind the sofa and grab the quilt which I then throw at him. He slowly opens it out to see that it is queen size and that he knew where each piece of material came from. With a tear in his eye, he asks if it is for him and did I make it.
A few years later, my brother married and a few years after that they started their family. I can remember visiting them one fall and hearing my niece ask my Mother to “read” the quilt to her. The quilt was made at least forty years ago, so I don’t think it is still around. But that year, the year of the quilt, I got the present of a life time. I made my brother cry and I caused him to be speechless at the same time.
But just a few years latter, we had a very unexpected snow storm. That one I remember with more detail. The whole family decided to go to the store to get those last minute things that always come up. When we left the house, it was cool out, 50’s, and no storm was expected at all. We were in the store about an hour or so when people started to make a mass exit from the building. We looked out and were surprised to nothing but white. Time to head for the car and home. Didn’t make the car, to many accidents on the ice and snow! So we walked home, about 2 miles. None of us were dressed for a winter storm at all. That was one long, cold, slippery walk. I think we ended up with about a foot and a half of snow that year for Christmas.
Another one that I will never forget was the year I made and gave my older brother a quilt for Christmas. I worked on it after school and weekends. It was started in October and the last stitch was put in on Christmas eve. I used pieces of material from clothing that any member of the family would recognize. My Grandmother apron, my grandfather’s shirt, Dad’s pajamas, etc, etc. the backing was fake fur of a reddish color. The quilt was knotted using a gray yarn. The colors were chosen because of his school colors, high school and college.
Christmas morning, everyone is opening their presents. My brother, not finding anything from me under the tree, jokingly (?) said something about me being to cheap to get him something. With that I reach behind the sofa and grab the quilt which I then throw at him. He slowly opens it out to see that it is queen size and that he knew where each piece of material came from. With a tear in his eye, he asks if it is for him and did I make it.
A few years later, my brother married and a few years after that they started their family. I can remember visiting them one fall and hearing my niece ask my Mother to “read” the quilt to her. The quilt was made at least forty years ago, so I don’t think it is still around. But that year, the year of the quilt, I got the present of a life time. I made my brother cry and I caused him to be speechless at the same time.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wringer Washer
This past week my hubby and I went looking for a new washing machine. The one I have been using is an old wringer washer. I had bought it about 20 years ago because my Mother wanted one. It was used when I got it, just refurbished. When the washer before the wringer went, my hubby thought I was totally insane when I told him to bring the wringer up from my Dad’s house.
This wasn’t the first time I used a wringer to do all my laundry wasn’t the second or third time either. I think I first learned to do laundry using a wringer. That was way back when I was in junior high. Before I was in high school, both hands had gone through the wringer (not at the same time of course) and my then long hair had gotten cough in it at least twice. I don’t know which hurt most, the hands or the pulling of my hair. At least nothing got broken and there was no bleeding.
When I was married to my first husband, we (I) had a wringer also. Both when we lived in Italy and when we lived with his father. Nothing exciting about the wringer in Italy, it was in the kitchen of the apartment we were renting. But the one at his father’s house was really interesting. We had only cold running water, no hot water heater. And the wringer was on the back porch year round. We lived in the mountains outside of Bloomsburg, PA. My daughter was about three and my son was one. So I had diapers to do. And it was cold in the winter, and the water was even colder. I usually had to get the blow torch to thaw the water pipe so the cold water would flow in the winter.
I know if I had had a choice when my kids were little, I would not have had a wringer. But the choice was not mine to make. The choice was my ex-mother-in-laws. She may not have lived there in that house, but she ruled it. What she said is what you did. No ands ifs or buts about it.
I don’t want anyone to take this the wrong way, but I’m glad that there is automatic washers now. And that they don’t have to be that expensive, unless you want one with a lot of bells and whistles. Me, I’m happy getting a used washer. Hubby wanted to go a regular store and look into getting a new washer. And he dangled the idea of getting a stackable washer/dryer unit. I wanted to go to the Rescue Mission (everything id donated and the monies made from selling goes to help the needy) to see what they had.
At the Mission, they didn’t have one I wanted, but they were expecting one. And they were sure that I would be very happy with it. How did they know that I would like the one coming in next week? We deal with the Mission a lot. During the summer, my hubby’s garden keeps them in fresh veggies. Anyway, we left a deposit and are now waiting for them to call us. I don’t mind using the wringer I have, but it will be so nice to have an automatic again.
This wasn’t the first time I used a wringer to do all my laundry wasn’t the second or third time either. I think I first learned to do laundry using a wringer. That was way back when I was in junior high. Before I was in high school, both hands had gone through the wringer (not at the same time of course) and my then long hair had gotten cough in it at least twice. I don’t know which hurt most, the hands or the pulling of my hair. At least nothing got broken and there was no bleeding.
When I was married to my first husband, we (I) had a wringer also. Both when we lived in Italy and when we lived with his father. Nothing exciting about the wringer in Italy, it was in the kitchen of the apartment we were renting. But the one at his father’s house was really interesting. We had only cold running water, no hot water heater. And the wringer was on the back porch year round. We lived in the mountains outside of Bloomsburg, PA. My daughter was about three and my son was one. So I had diapers to do. And it was cold in the winter, and the water was even colder. I usually had to get the blow torch to thaw the water pipe so the cold water would flow in the winter.
I know if I had had a choice when my kids were little, I would not have had a wringer. But the choice was not mine to make. The choice was my ex-mother-in-laws. She may not have lived there in that house, but she ruled it. What she said is what you did. No ands ifs or buts about it.
I don’t want anyone to take this the wrong way, but I’m glad that there is automatic washers now. And that they don’t have to be that expensive, unless you want one with a lot of bells and whistles. Me, I’m happy getting a used washer. Hubby wanted to go a regular store and look into getting a new washer. And he dangled the idea of getting a stackable washer/dryer unit. I wanted to go to the Rescue Mission (everything id donated and the monies made from selling goes to help the needy) to see what they had.
At the Mission, they didn’t have one I wanted, but they were expecting one. And they were sure that I would be very happy with it. How did they know that I would like the one coming in next week? We deal with the Mission a lot. During the summer, my hubby’s garden keeps them in fresh veggies. Anyway, we left a deposit and are now waiting for them to call us. I don’t mind using the wringer I have, but it will be so nice to have an automatic again.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Help Posting Pictures
I was told that I needed to add some visual to this blog that I am attempting to do. And they are right. I have tons of pictures I could be using. If I only knew how to get it done, but nothing I do works. Pictures that I have saved on my computer have disappeared when I have attempted to incorporate them into a posting or article or whatever you call each one of these that I‘m writing and you are reading. And by disappear, I mean just that. They are no where to be found, not on the computer or in my postings. Don’t ask me what I’m doing because I have no idea.
It took me a while to figure out how to do a link, and that was easy for me to get the hang of. It only took a week or two. So, until I can figure out the picture thing, you will be stuck with links. And I can do a lot of links if I wanted to. I have kind of gotten used to the idea of searching the web for things. Well, that is now that I think I have hang of that.
My granddaughter is always putting pictures on MySpace. Okay, some of them are side ways. But she is doing it! And from her cell phone no less! Me, I can’t the pictures off my phone no matter what I do. And for me to try to text, well, lets just say there isn’t enough time, either on the phone or in a day, for me to even get started. Besides, I can probably talk faster than I could text. I know I can talk faster than I can type and I type about 70 words per minute.
So if anyone out there wants pictures, I will need a lot of help. Start sending me your instructions and I will try them. And if someone does send instructions and they work, I’ll give you credit for it in the posting that has my first picture in it. But you had better hurry, I’ve been searching the web for answers.
But I seriously believe the I will be the one to finally gets the answers needed while searching the web. Why? Because I don’t really believe anyone out there reads these things. And if someone is reading this, it is because they can’t sleep and are bored out of their minds. It would be nice to know that I am wrong though.
It took me a while to figure out how to do a link, and that was easy for me to get the hang of. It only took a week or two. So, until I can figure out the picture thing, you will be stuck with links. And I can do a lot of links if I wanted to. I have kind of gotten used to the idea of searching the web for things. Well, that is now that I think I have hang of that.
My granddaughter is always putting pictures on MySpace. Okay, some of them are side ways. But she is doing it! And from her cell phone no less! Me, I can’t the pictures off my phone no matter what I do. And for me to try to text, well, lets just say there isn’t enough time, either on the phone or in a day, for me to even get started. Besides, I can probably talk faster than I could text. I know I can talk faster than I can type and I type about 70 words per minute.
So if anyone out there wants pictures, I will need a lot of help. Start sending me your instructions and I will try them. And if someone does send instructions and they work, I’ll give you credit for it in the posting that has my first picture in it. But you had better hurry, I’ve been searching the web for answers.
But I seriously believe the I will be the one to finally gets the answers needed while searching the web. Why? Because I don’t really believe anyone out there reads these things. And if someone is reading this, it is because they can’t sleep and are bored out of their minds. It would be nice to know that I am wrong though.
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Knox Verdict
I am very deeply saddened by Amada Knox’s verdict. But I shouldn’t be surprised by it. Italy, and its people, are not true friends of the United States or its citizens. I can say that because I lived there for two and one half years. And if you do not agree, then you have not lived there among its people.
The people there were very eager to condemn all Americans for any and all actions committed by others. They were also very eager to take whatever the could from us by any means necessary.
They have three prices for everything. The lowest is for its citizens, the middle is for the rest of the Europeans (tourist, is what they are called), and the highest is for all Americans. And the difference between the lowest and the highest can be as little as $5, or as much as $300 and sometimes even higher. That is true in rent, utilities, food and anything else you would want to, or need to buy there. And being able to speak the language won’t help you at all either.
One of the “sports” over there is to see if they, the Italians, can frighten the Americans enough to make them leave their apartment so that they can go in and trash it. And once they get into it, they trash everything. Not steal anything, just trash and destroy everything in it. By trash and destroy I mean just that. Smash all the food jars, puncture cans, tip the refrigerator over, rip up all the clothing and shits, urinate anywhere they can, and the list goes on and on.
No, this did not happen to me over there. But then we put extra locks on all the doors and no one else had the keys. Our landlady was not very happy about that at all, but we did it anyway. And I believe that is the main reason we were spared. But I do know several people that it did happen to while I was living there. One was less than a block away, and it happened while they were visiting us and in broad daylight!
From everything I have been able to read about Knox’s trial, the only thing that Amanda did was go to Italy to study. Everything that the prosecution brought forward was fabricated. Either in their own minds or someone else’s. Probably the police, they were of no help to us Americans when I was living there and I don’t think they have changed at all since I left there. If anything they have gotten worse.
My heart goes out to Amanda and her family and friends. I will pray for them each and every day, just as I have been since I first heard about the case. May God give you the strength to get through the days, weeks, months and years to come.
The people there were very eager to condemn all Americans for any and all actions committed by others. They were also very eager to take whatever the could from us by any means necessary.
They have three prices for everything. The lowest is for its citizens, the middle is for the rest of the Europeans (tourist, is what they are called), and the highest is for all Americans. And the difference between the lowest and the highest can be as little as $5, or as much as $300 and sometimes even higher. That is true in rent, utilities, food and anything else you would want to, or need to buy there. And being able to speak the language won’t help you at all either.
One of the “sports” over there is to see if they, the Italians, can frighten the Americans enough to make them leave their apartment so that they can go in and trash it. And once they get into it, they trash everything. Not steal anything, just trash and destroy everything in it. By trash and destroy I mean just that. Smash all the food jars, puncture cans, tip the refrigerator over, rip up all the clothing and shits, urinate anywhere they can, and the list goes on and on.
No, this did not happen to me over there. But then we put extra locks on all the doors and no one else had the keys. Our landlady was not very happy about that at all, but we did it anyway. And I believe that is the main reason we were spared. But I do know several people that it did happen to while I was living there. One was less than a block away, and it happened while they were visiting us and in broad daylight!
From everything I have been able to read about Knox’s trial, the only thing that Amanda did was go to Italy to study. Everything that the prosecution brought forward was fabricated. Either in their own minds or someone else’s. Probably the police, they were of no help to us Americans when I was living there and I don’t think they have changed at all since I left there. If anything they have gotten worse.
My heart goes out to Amanda and her family and friends. I will pray for them each and every day, just as I have been since I first heard about the case. May God give you the strength to get through the days, weeks, months and years to come.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Statue Garden
There is a house not to far from us that has a nice size statue garden. By that I mean a garden of nothing but all kinds and sizes of statues. No plants, just statues. I have never stopped to take a really close look, but I would have to say that none of the statues are over 2 feet tall.
It sits right by the side of the road on a little embankment. The whole thing is outlined with landscaping timbers and the owner or caretaker has put down landscaping fabric to keep the weeds at bay. I do have to admit that it is very well cared for.
During the summer when ever we would drive by, I would try to see what all was in there. I do know that there is a statue of Snow White, some animals, and a lot of gnomes. And I noticed that the caretaker changes thing every now and then. They get moved and changed several times during the summer months. I think the caretaker has more gnomes hidden someplace and swaps them out every now and then.
I’m not sure which house owns that little bit of land but one day I will find out and get permission to really have a good look at things. Stopping on the road isn’t to safe, it’s narrow, it’s on a curve, and there is no place to really pull over. So closer inspection will have to wait for warmer weather.
For some reason I am fascinated by gnomes lately. Well, ever since I went to Ireland about 12 years ago. Gnomes remind me of “Wee Folk”, leprechauns. Both are mythological beings that have millions of people fascinated with the thought of them having actually existed. Authors have included them as characters in books, plays and movies. Books have been written about finding and caring for them. I have even found web sites dedicated to them. And I have even found a web site that is trying to free gnomes from their “oppressive” owners.
I don’t want the gnome police coming to my door, but I do have several picked out that I want for my garden. Grandpa gnome looks so sweet and loving holding his grandchild, and the lawn mowing gnome just looks so content mowing away. Oh, how I wish that one was for real! There are times that I want to be the on strike gnome, and do nothing but lay in a hammock and sleep, just like another gnome I saw. But to show my support to all our brave men and women in all branches of the military, there is a military gnome.
Yes, I know the ones I want to start my collection with, the only problem I am having is trying to decide where in the garden they will be placed. I want them to be seen, but I have been told that they are very shy beings and I don’t want to upset them. If I am really good to them, maybe they will bring a leprechaun to my garden and I can get the pot of gold!
It sits right by the side of the road on a little embankment. The whole thing is outlined with landscaping timbers and the owner or caretaker has put down landscaping fabric to keep the weeds at bay. I do have to admit that it is very well cared for.
During the summer when ever we would drive by, I would try to see what all was in there. I do know that there is a statue of Snow White, some animals, and a lot of gnomes. And I noticed that the caretaker changes thing every now and then. They get moved and changed several times during the summer months. I think the caretaker has more gnomes hidden someplace and swaps them out every now and then.
I’m not sure which house owns that little bit of land but one day I will find out and get permission to really have a good look at things. Stopping on the road isn’t to safe, it’s narrow, it’s on a curve, and there is no place to really pull over. So closer inspection will have to wait for warmer weather.
For some reason I am fascinated by gnomes lately. Well, ever since I went to Ireland about 12 years ago. Gnomes remind me of “Wee Folk”, leprechauns. Both are mythological beings that have millions of people fascinated with the thought of them having actually existed. Authors have included them as characters in books, plays and movies. Books have been written about finding and caring for them. I have even found web sites dedicated to them. And I have even found a web site that is trying to free gnomes from their “oppressive” owners.
I don’t want the gnome police coming to my door, but I do have several picked out that I want for my garden. Grandpa gnome looks so sweet and loving holding his grandchild, and the lawn mowing gnome just looks so content mowing away. Oh, how I wish that one was for real! There are times that I want to be the on strike gnome, and do nothing but lay in a hammock and sleep, just like another gnome I saw. But to show my support to all our brave men and women in all branches of the military, there is a military gnome.
Yes, I know the ones I want to start my collection with, the only problem I am having is trying to decide where in the garden they will be placed. I want them to be seen, but I have been told that they are very shy beings and I don’t want to upset them. If I am really good to them, maybe they will bring a leprechaun to my garden and I can get the pot of gold!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Mickey Mouse
I have a friend who loves Mickey Mouse. Every summer the family vacation was a two week long trip to Disney World. The planning for the next trip would start before the even arrived back home. So I was not surprised when my friend told me they were moving to Florida. And I was not surprised when I got a call to tell me she had gotten a job at Disney World. What did surprise me was the fact that her entire family was working there.
I remember watching “The Mickey Mouse Club” on TV growing up. And I remember having my own set of “ears”. So I guess I was a little jealous of her and the rest of her family. Just the trips alone were enough to bring out that green eyed monster in me. I had only been to a Disney park once, and she was going every year!
The only time I was lucky enough to go to Disney World was in the 80’s. The ex husband had family living in Florida and we were living in Louisiana at that time. We were going to be driving up to PA to visit our parents anyway, so he decided to stop in Florida. We had the car packed and were ready to go as soon as the kids got out of school. The drive was uneventful and so was visiting his Aunts and Uncles.
But I remember the side trip to Disney World. Not many visitor to the park before Memorial Day, and that is when we were there. We hit every ride, and I do mean every ride, at least once, Space Mountain got us three times! My son got lost on Main Street. My daughter drooling over Cinderella’s Castle. We meet Minnie, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the gang, except for Mickey. I was heart broken.
On our way to the gates to leave the park, we all just had to sit and try to catch our breaths. We were among the first people in the park that day and we were going to one of the last ones to leave. One of the kids asked me a question and as I turned to answer, I saw him. The tears started to roll down my cheeks and the kids started to get upset because I was crying. Then his white gloved hand was on my shoulder and the kids knew everything was okay. He sat down next to me and held me for a while. The tears stopped and everything was perfect. I had finally met Mickey.
I had told my girlfriend about my meeting Mickey. And she never forgot it either. Every year I get a picture of her with Mickey. And she sends me little gifts with Mickey on it. One year I got a new pair of ears. Another time I got a Christmas tree ball. Several tee shirts have found their way to my doorway also. But I think one of my favorite gifts came just this year. A kitchen timer. Red bottom, just like his shorts, with a black top that has his ears. That is the gift that I will get a lot of use out of.
Incase you were wondering, Mickey gets that kind of reaction a lot. The tears and all. Seems he has meant a lot to a lot of people, not just women, but men also, for a long time.
I remember watching “The Mickey Mouse Club” on TV growing up. And I remember having my own set of “ears”. So I guess I was a little jealous of her and the rest of her family. Just the trips alone were enough to bring out that green eyed monster in me. I had only been to a Disney park once, and she was going every year!
The only time I was lucky enough to go to Disney World was in the 80’s. The ex husband had family living in Florida and we were living in Louisiana at that time. We were going to be driving up to PA to visit our parents anyway, so he decided to stop in Florida. We had the car packed and were ready to go as soon as the kids got out of school. The drive was uneventful and so was visiting his Aunts and Uncles.
But I remember the side trip to Disney World. Not many visitor to the park before Memorial Day, and that is when we were there. We hit every ride, and I do mean every ride, at least once, Space Mountain got us three times! My son got lost on Main Street. My daughter drooling over Cinderella’s Castle. We meet Minnie, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the gang, except for Mickey. I was heart broken.
On our way to the gates to leave the park, we all just had to sit and try to catch our breaths. We were among the first people in the park that day and we were going to one of the last ones to leave. One of the kids asked me a question and as I turned to answer, I saw him. The tears started to roll down my cheeks and the kids started to get upset because I was crying. Then his white gloved hand was on my shoulder and the kids knew everything was okay. He sat down next to me and held me for a while. The tears stopped and everything was perfect. I had finally met Mickey.
I had told my girlfriend about my meeting Mickey. And she never forgot it either. Every year I get a picture of her with Mickey. And she sends me little gifts with Mickey on it. One year I got a new pair of ears. Another time I got a Christmas tree ball. Several tee shirts have found their way to my doorway also. But I think one of my favorite gifts came just this year. A kitchen timer. Red bottom, just like his shorts, with a black top that has his ears. That is the gift that I will get a lot of use out of.
Incase you were wondering, Mickey gets that kind of reaction a lot. The tears and all. Seems he has meant a lot to a lot of people, not just women, but men also, for a long time.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Metal Detector
Friends of ours have a medal detector. They have a lot of fun with it. Their grandkids love visiting and going on “hunts”. They make it sound like tons of fun and laughter. They haven’t found any thing of value yet, unless you count time spent with the kids, grandkids and even each other.
My hubby and I have discussed the possibility of getting a metal detector. Of course he wants to find a treasure worth a lot of money, while I just want to find some Indian (Native American) and Civil War artifacts for myself. And then there is the fact that we, hubby and I, would be doing something together.
Now don’t get me wrong, we do a lot of things together. We go to the stables to get manure, work in the garden, cut, split and stack fire wood. We also go grocery shopping together, to the bank, and the hardware store. So as you can see, we do a lot together. And I wouldn’t want to do any of that stuff without my hubby. But I just thought it would be nice to do something fun together. Not that all the other things can’t fun. They are, but they are also necessary too.
I thought if we got a metal detector, we could go for a walk in the woods together with the hopes of finding something other than fire wood. We could walk around our property with the hopes of finding something other than a lost whatever thingy that came off something-or-other.
Well, I did some hunting and checking on-line. There are a lot of metal detectors out there. Some have all kinds of bells and whistles and doodads, with prices to match. And then there are some that have nothing extra built in but still have nice price tags. Then there are some that have really nice little price tags but are made really cheaply.
So I started asking around. You know, my friends and people I know from church and all. And everyone said the same thing. Bounty Hunter was the best. Not only that, the price wasn’t bad either. So I let my fingers do the checking, I went on-line. Then I did some reading, on-line. And I think I found the metal detector for us.
It’s a Bounty Hunter. The model is called Gold Digger. There are some bells and whistles, but the price isn’t bad at all. It can detect gold, silver, and a lot of other metals. And what I like best is that it comes with a head set so no one else can hear it pinging when you come across something. It also has some kind of stabilizing thingy that makes it easier for the detection devices to detect while you are “gently swinging” it back and forth just inches off the ground.
From the way things read about the Bounty Hunter metal detector, it sounds perfect for us. I will start talking about it, and before next summer gets here, I will just about have my hubby convinced it was his idea to get it. Its either that or I write a letter to Santa!
My hubby and I have discussed the possibility of getting a metal detector. Of course he wants to find a treasure worth a lot of money, while I just want to find some Indian (Native American) and Civil War artifacts for myself. And then there is the fact that we, hubby and I, would be doing something together.
Now don’t get me wrong, we do a lot of things together. We go to the stables to get manure, work in the garden, cut, split and stack fire wood. We also go grocery shopping together, to the bank, and the hardware store. So as you can see, we do a lot together. And I wouldn’t want to do any of that stuff without my hubby. But I just thought it would be nice to do something fun together. Not that all the other things can’t fun. They are, but they are also necessary too.
I thought if we got a metal detector, we could go for a walk in the woods together with the hopes of finding something other than fire wood. We could walk around our property with the hopes of finding something other than a lost whatever thingy that came off something-or-other.
Well, I did some hunting and checking on-line. There are a lot of metal detectors out there. Some have all kinds of bells and whistles and doodads, with prices to match. And then there are some that have nothing extra built in but still have nice price tags. Then there are some that have really nice little price tags but are made really cheaply.
So I started asking around. You know, my friends and people I know from church and all. And everyone said the same thing. Bounty Hunter was the best. Not only that, the price wasn’t bad either. So I let my fingers do the checking, I went on-line. Then I did some reading, on-line. And I think I found the metal detector for us.
It’s a Bounty Hunter. The model is called Gold Digger. There are some bells and whistles, but the price isn’t bad at all. It can detect gold, silver, and a lot of other metals. And what I like best is that it comes with a head set so no one else can hear it pinging when you come across something. It also has some kind of stabilizing thingy that makes it easier for the detection devices to detect while you are “gently swinging” it back and forth just inches off the ground.
From the way things read about the Bounty Hunter metal detector, it sounds perfect for us. I will start talking about it, and before next summer gets here, I will just about have my hubby convinced it was his idea to get it. Its either that or I write a letter to Santa!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Water Fountains
There is a commercial on TV right now with the line “Ah, the relaxing sound of nature.” Yes nature does have a relaxing sound. But which one sound in nature is the most relaxing? To me that would have to be a small water fall. Just thinking about one helps to relax me. I guess that is why water fountains have become so popular. Its either that or the fact that they can help mask the unwanted noise of city life.
No matter what the reason, water fountains have become all the rage. And not only with city dwellers, but those in the suburbs and even rural folks as well. Why people in country feel the need to mask noise, I’ll never know, but they do. The only problem I find with water fountains is that they make me want to run to the bathroom ( Oh give me a break, I’m almost social security age, and if I can find humor in that so can you!).
No matter the reason for the popularity of water fountains, they are a big business. The less room the bigger the water fountain, or so it seems, according to the gentleman (I’ll call him Mr. Z) that I was talking to at a home improvement super store. He told me that his store put in at least 25 water ponds with nice size water fountains this past summer year. And all of them were for people that lived in town. Mr. Z thought it was amazing that the smallest yards had the biggest ones.
Now I happen to like the sounds of nature, so I have no trouble picturing a pond with a water fountain in my yard. And we have a lot of room to support one too. But according to Mr. Z, people who have land usually go for the table top or wall mounted water fountains. What kind? The most popular one is a lion head water fountain.
Ponds do require some work. Cleaning and keeping clean can be a hassle. Then you also have to mess around with chemicals, for the ph, killing larvae from all types of bugs, and keeping the moss and scum at bay. And if you want fish in your pond, you really have to be careful, to much chemical can kill and so can not enough. Then if you add plants, it can get even more confusing. I think I just talked myself out of the pond I wanted in the back yard!
Yes, I think a table top or wall mounted water fountain would be best. Less work, no chemicals and the soothing sound of running water. If I get one for inside, the cat could use it as a water bowl. If I get on for outside, it could be another bird bath, a source of entertainment for both of us and the cat. Yes, I am really considering getting one. I’ve even started checking them out, both on line and in stores. And the more I see of the lion head water fountains, the more I like them.
No matter what the reason, water fountains have become all the rage. And not only with city dwellers, but those in the suburbs and even rural folks as well. Why people in country feel the need to mask noise, I’ll never know, but they do. The only problem I find with water fountains is that they make me want to run to the bathroom ( Oh give me a break, I’m almost social security age, and if I can find humor in that so can you!).
No matter the reason for the popularity of water fountains, they are a big business. The less room the bigger the water fountain, or so it seems, according to the gentleman (I’ll call him Mr. Z) that I was talking to at a home improvement super store. He told me that his store put in at least 25 water ponds with nice size water fountains this past summer year. And all of them were for people that lived in town. Mr. Z thought it was amazing that the smallest yards had the biggest ones.
Now I happen to like the sounds of nature, so I have no trouble picturing a pond with a water fountain in my yard. And we have a lot of room to support one too. But according to Mr. Z, people who have land usually go for the table top or wall mounted water fountains. What kind? The most popular one is a lion head water fountain.
Ponds do require some work. Cleaning and keeping clean can be a hassle. Then you also have to mess around with chemicals, for the ph, killing larvae from all types of bugs, and keeping the moss and scum at bay. And if you want fish in your pond, you really have to be careful, to much chemical can kill and so can not enough. Then if you add plants, it can get even more confusing. I think I just talked myself out of the pond I wanted in the back yard!
Yes, I think a table top or wall mounted water fountain would be best. Less work, no chemicals and the soothing sound of running water. If I get one for inside, the cat could use it as a water bowl. If I get on for outside, it could be another bird bath, a source of entertainment for both of us and the cat. Yes, I am really considering getting one. I’ve even started checking them out, both on line and in stores. And the more I see of the lion head water fountains, the more I like them.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
I Love the Outdoors!
I love the outdoors. To me, that is the next best thing to heaven. No place else can I feel as close to my Lord as I do when I am either in the woods, or playing in the dirt in my garden. And I try to respect nature and help it when I can. I don’t let my hubby take down all the dead trees in our woods. We need to leave some for the birds and other creatures that live there. In that way I am respecting nature.
By helping nature, we feed the birds and whatever other creatures happen to come into our yard. We also try to put back whatever we have taken. We have planted several trees on our property. And we have also tried to prevent some trees from dying, by cutting any vines that happen to be growing up them. That alone is no small task. In our woods we have wild grape, poison ivy and oak, honey suckle, and several others I have not identified as of yet. Some of the vines are bigger around than my fist!
In my flower beds I try to plant things that are non evasive and that all winged creatures like to eat or suck the nectar out of. I even have broken pots for frogs and other insects to hide or nest in. Not all my plants get dead-headed in the fall either. That way the birds that stay here year round will have some seeds to eat when we don’t get to the feeders as fast as they thing we should. It can be very entertaining to watch a bird land on the dead flower and it slowly droop to the ground.
I also have a lot of birdhouses all over the yard and even into the woods. Most of them were unfinished wood birdhouses that I painted and some are store bought. I have a lot of fun buying the unfinished ones and doing them myself. It is a great way to pass the winter months when I can’t go outside because of the weather. I have downloaded some plans so that hopefully the hubby and I can build some birdhouses in the spring. The internet has also provided me with ideas on using everyday “trash” and turning it into birdhouses. It should be fun to try doing it, and it is recycling.
Yesterday afternoon my hubby hung up my newest store bought birdhouse. It looks like an old canteen! And this morning while I was eating my breakfast, I was watching Mr. Wren inspect it. I am sure it passed his inspection because I latter watched him take some dried grass and small twigs into it. Now I can’t wait for spring to arrive and eggs to be laid in it. The activity of the wrens is fascinating to watch. For some reason our wrens prefer the southwestern side of our house. While the sparrows like the northeastern side. But I have seen them living in houses next to each other in the southeastern side of the yard. Go figure.
By helping nature, we feed the birds and whatever other creatures happen to come into our yard. We also try to put back whatever we have taken. We have planted several trees on our property. And we have also tried to prevent some trees from dying, by cutting any vines that happen to be growing up them. That alone is no small task. In our woods we have wild grape, poison ivy and oak, honey suckle, and several others I have not identified as of yet. Some of the vines are bigger around than my fist!
In my flower beds I try to plant things that are non evasive and that all winged creatures like to eat or suck the nectar out of. I even have broken pots for frogs and other insects to hide or nest in. Not all my plants get dead-headed in the fall either. That way the birds that stay here year round will have some seeds to eat when we don’t get to the feeders as fast as they thing we should. It can be very entertaining to watch a bird land on the dead flower and it slowly droop to the ground.
I also have a lot of birdhouses all over the yard and even into the woods. Most of them were unfinished wood birdhouses that I painted and some are store bought. I have a lot of fun buying the unfinished ones and doing them myself. It is a great way to pass the winter months when I can’t go outside because of the weather. I have downloaded some plans so that hopefully the hubby and I can build some birdhouses in the spring. The internet has also provided me with ideas on using everyday “trash” and turning it into birdhouses. It should be fun to try doing it, and it is recycling.
Yesterday afternoon my hubby hung up my newest store bought birdhouse. It looks like an old canteen! And this morning while I was eating my breakfast, I was watching Mr. Wren inspect it. I am sure it passed his inspection because I latter watched him take some dried grass and small twigs into it. Now I can’t wait for spring to arrive and eggs to be laid in it. The activity of the wrens is fascinating to watch. For some reason our wrens prefer the southwestern side of our house. While the sparrows like the northeastern side. But I have seen them living in houses next to each other in the southeastern side of the yard. Go figure.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Our Binoculars
If you enjoy the outdoors, you more than likely have a pair of binoculars. We have three pairs, one is always on the back porch, one by the kitchen table, and one pair in my car. I also have a monocular that I keep in my bag. We aren’t nosey, we just like looking at what ever wildlife we happen to see. Birds are a big favorite here right now.
I first learned how to use binoculars when I was much younger. My Dad used to go hunting a lot and liked to “check out” an area before hand. Believe it or not, he wasn’t looking for prey, it was the lay out of the land that he was interested in. You know, where roads, paths and buildings are. My Dad has always been and will always be a true Boy Scout, he believes in being prepared for any situation.
There are so many different types of binoculars it can be difficult to decide which ones are right for you. First you have to decide what you are going to be using them for. Then you need to know who will be using them the most. Does the main user have any special needs? Or if it one pair for the entire family. Are there any children who will be using the binoculars?
The numbers, 10x40, can determine what the binoculars are best suited for. The first number is how many times the subject is magnified. The second number is the width of the front lens measured in millimeters. Usually the higher the second number, the sharper and brighter the image. But the first number is the one that can throw you off. I highly recommend that you do not go with any number higher then a 10x if you will at anytime use the binoculars as hand held ones. The higher the first number, the more shaking from hand holding is visible. The shaking is from a number of possibilities, the weight of the binoculars, your blood rushing throw your veins, or just unsteady hands. Unless you spend the extra money to get a pair that has image stabilizing.
If you are looking for kid binoculars, you need to keep in mind that a child’s eyes are not the same as an adults. What I mean is that they are not done “growing” or maturing. And also the child’s face is smaller so the eye pieces may not match up with the child’s eyes. I have found that light weight, compact or semi-compact work best for the younger set. Also, get waterproof, not sealed binoculars. I’ve heard the “sealed” will allow more dust inside of them.
When my son was young, I bought a pair of Vivitar binoculars for him. They were semi-compact and lightweight. Both he and I used them as our birding binoculars. It took a very short time for him to understand how they worked and what he needed to do to enable himself to see clearly. To me, they were the ideal kids binoculars. But to my son, they were our bird watching binoculars.
I still have those Vivitar binoculars, they are kept by the kitchen table now. Look almost new and get used almost daily. I couldn’t have made a better purchase.
I first learned how to use binoculars when I was much younger. My Dad used to go hunting a lot and liked to “check out” an area before hand. Believe it or not, he wasn’t looking for prey, it was the lay out of the land that he was interested in. You know, where roads, paths and buildings are. My Dad has always been and will always be a true Boy Scout, he believes in being prepared for any situation.
There are so many different types of binoculars it can be difficult to decide which ones are right for you. First you have to decide what you are going to be using them for. Then you need to know who will be using them the most. Does the main user have any special needs? Or if it one pair for the entire family. Are there any children who will be using the binoculars?
The numbers, 10x40, can determine what the binoculars are best suited for. The first number is how many times the subject is magnified. The second number is the width of the front lens measured in millimeters. Usually the higher the second number, the sharper and brighter the image. But the first number is the one that can throw you off. I highly recommend that you do not go with any number higher then a 10x if you will at anytime use the binoculars as hand held ones. The higher the first number, the more shaking from hand holding is visible. The shaking is from a number of possibilities, the weight of the binoculars, your blood rushing throw your veins, or just unsteady hands. Unless you spend the extra money to get a pair that has image stabilizing.
If you are looking for kid binoculars, you need to keep in mind that a child’s eyes are not the same as an adults. What I mean is that they are not done “growing” or maturing. And also the child’s face is smaller so the eye pieces may not match up with the child’s eyes. I have found that light weight, compact or semi-compact work best for the younger set. Also, get waterproof, not sealed binoculars. I’ve heard the “sealed” will allow more dust inside of them.
When my son was young, I bought a pair of Vivitar binoculars for him. They were semi-compact and lightweight. Both he and I used them as our birding binoculars. It took a very short time for him to understand how they worked and what he needed to do to enable himself to see clearly. To me, they were the ideal kids binoculars. But to my son, they were our bird watching binoculars.
I still have those Vivitar binoculars, they are kept by the kitchen table now. Look almost new and get used almost daily. I couldn’t have made a better purchase.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Illegal Aliens
I just had an idea. Why don’t we, this country, help to make all people feel more welcome? We can give them free medical care. Give them money to live off of. Provide them with housing. And make sure all government agencies (federal, state and more importantly local) have or have access to translators so they will understand all that we offer them. We have to make sure that they know they are welcome here, so we will not make them pay taxes either.
Oh, wait. We do that already don’t we. We give it all away to illegal immigrants. Not to those who have come here openly and honestly. But to those who sneak into this country. I am starting to wonder if I would be better off being an illegal. If I was, I would not have to worry about getting sick. I would just walk into any hospital get the best medical attention possible, get whatever was needed and leave. No bill to worry about. The government will pay it.
If I was an illegal, I wouldn’t have to worry about heating, electric, water or anything in the house either. All the utility companies have programs that will help me pay for all of that. I have yet to meet one U.S. citizen that makes under $1,000 a month (before taxes) get that kind of help. And there are hundreds of thousands of them. Maybe they would like to become illegal’s with me.
If I were an illegal, I could work at my job and have more money in my pocket. I would say I have more dependents then I actually do, and I would not bother filling any tax returns. Why should I? I used either a made up social security or someone else’s. So how are they going to find me? I won’t stay in one job longer than two years, three at the most. Besides, the documentation I am using belongs to someone you has already left this county, and there are at least three other people using it also.
Want to become an illegal with me? You can perform all kinds of petty crimes, and what is the worse that will happen. They catch you, put you in a detention center - heated in the winter and air conditioned in summer, plenty of food to eat, TV and radio in your own language, a bed, and nothing that you have to do - then after about three months they deport you - put me on a bus, train or plane so you can go “home“ for a visit, and then you sneak back here when you are ready to go back to work.
If you want to make sure that you can’t be deported, have a baby in this country. The government can not and will not send you back to wherever it is that you came from. Why? Because the baby is a U.S. citizen. Not dual citizenship, but a full pledged, 100%, U.S. citizen. The mother and child get the best medical care that money can buy, and they don’t have to pay one penny for it. The bleeding hearts in this country will not split up a family.
The few times I had the opportunity to travel to other countries, no one went out of there way understand me. If I got lost or needed any kind of assistance, the police did not have translators or access to them. I was a visitor in their country, there for I needed to learn their language. I wasn’t trying to take anyone’s job or anything close to that. I was a tourist, and I didn’t plan on staying to help deplete the national resources of the country. And most of the time they let me know that they would be more than happy to see me, and all Americans leave their county.
You know, I wouldn’t mind if we gave more to the tourists, or even the legal aliens, but we don’t. We give it all to the illegal aliens. And I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m tired of it. Either treat us, the U.S. citizens better than illegal’s, or maybe we should all become illegal aliens.
Oh, wait. We do that already don’t we. We give it all away to illegal immigrants. Not to those who have come here openly and honestly. But to those who sneak into this country. I am starting to wonder if I would be better off being an illegal. If I was, I would not have to worry about getting sick. I would just walk into any hospital get the best medical attention possible, get whatever was needed and leave. No bill to worry about. The government will pay it.
If I was an illegal, I wouldn’t have to worry about heating, electric, water or anything in the house either. All the utility companies have programs that will help me pay for all of that. I have yet to meet one U.S. citizen that makes under $1,000 a month (before taxes) get that kind of help. And there are hundreds of thousands of them. Maybe they would like to become illegal’s with me.
If I were an illegal, I could work at my job and have more money in my pocket. I would say I have more dependents then I actually do, and I would not bother filling any tax returns. Why should I? I used either a made up social security or someone else’s. So how are they going to find me? I won’t stay in one job longer than two years, three at the most. Besides, the documentation I am using belongs to someone you has already left this county, and there are at least three other people using it also.
Want to become an illegal with me? You can perform all kinds of petty crimes, and what is the worse that will happen. They catch you, put you in a detention center - heated in the winter and air conditioned in summer, plenty of food to eat, TV and radio in your own language, a bed, and nothing that you have to do - then after about three months they deport you - put me on a bus, train or plane so you can go “home“ for a visit, and then you sneak back here when you are ready to go back to work.
If you want to make sure that you can’t be deported, have a baby in this country. The government can not and will not send you back to wherever it is that you came from. Why? Because the baby is a U.S. citizen. Not dual citizenship, but a full pledged, 100%, U.S. citizen. The mother and child get the best medical care that money can buy, and they don’t have to pay one penny for it. The bleeding hearts in this country will not split up a family.
The few times I had the opportunity to travel to other countries, no one went out of there way understand me. If I got lost or needed any kind of assistance, the police did not have translators or access to them. I was a visitor in their country, there for I needed to learn their language. I wasn’t trying to take anyone’s job or anything close to that. I was a tourist, and I didn’t plan on staying to help deplete the national resources of the country. And most of the time they let me know that they would be more than happy to see me, and all Americans leave their county.
You know, I wouldn’t mind if we gave more to the tourists, or even the legal aliens, but we don’t. We give it all to the illegal aliens. And I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m tired of it. Either treat us, the U.S. citizens better than illegal’s, or maybe we should all become illegal aliens.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Memories
There are so many memories in this house. Some of the memories are so sad and heart breaking I cry as if that event just happened and I‘m reliving it all over again. But there are a lot that bring a smile and of then end with side splitting laughter as if it too had just happened.
One on those memories happened bout 4 years after we moved into this house. I don’t remember what started it but it ended in a water fight in the kitchen. My cousin was here after she had had a “fight” with her mother, my older brother was involved and so was I. Like I said, I don’t recall how it started, but it was a big water fight. The spray hose thingy at the kitchen sink got used and then the garden hose was brought in! We were laughing and spraying each other and everything else that got in the way. By the time my Mother walked in everything and everyone was drenched. Mom didn’t act mad or upset or even surprised. She just told us to cleaning things up when we were done and then she left the room.
I can also remember my Dad painting the front porch. Battle ship gray was the color he always used. The porch was a wrap around one and Dad started at the point furthest from the front door. He was just about done when the neighbors cat, Tux, came walking around the side of the porch. As Tux picked up each paw, he shook it and placed it back down. Dad just watched. When Tux got to the bench by the door, he jumped up onto it, walked across it, leaving gray paw prints on the white bench. Dad just calmly watched Tux, knowing that he would more than likely have to do the whole thing over again next weekend.
My sister was acting out all the parts in everything she was reading at one time. Romeo and Juliet, the dagger seen, at the top of the steps. She calmly closed the book and set it down before she came tumbling down the steps. Before Mom and I could react to the noise, She was heading back up the steps to finish the scene! All Mom told her was to be more careful with the books she was reading.
One of the more recent side splitting memories happened about ten years ago. Mom decided that it was time to redo the kitchen. And being a do-it-yourself type of family, that is how we did it. We went to the home improvement store and bought the cabinets, sink, paint, and everything else needed. We did 95% of it ourselves. We did call in a plumber to hook up the sink and put the new dish washer in. Long story short, everything is done except for the painting. My son, my daughter, my one niece, and I were doing that when it ended up as a paint fight. Thank goodness for latex paint. We were covered in paint. There are pictures to prove that this actually happened. But I don’t know how to import them, so you will just have to take my word for it. The kitchen didn’t look half bad when we were done cleaning everything up.
One on those memories happened bout 4 years after we moved into this house. I don’t remember what started it but it ended in a water fight in the kitchen. My cousin was here after she had had a “fight” with her mother, my older brother was involved and so was I. Like I said, I don’t recall how it started, but it was a big water fight. The spray hose thingy at the kitchen sink got used and then the garden hose was brought in! We were laughing and spraying each other and everything else that got in the way. By the time my Mother walked in everything and everyone was drenched. Mom didn’t act mad or upset or even surprised. She just told us to cleaning things up when we were done and then she left the room.
I can also remember my Dad painting the front porch. Battle ship gray was the color he always used. The porch was a wrap around one and Dad started at the point furthest from the front door. He was just about done when the neighbors cat, Tux, came walking around the side of the porch. As Tux picked up each paw, he shook it and placed it back down. Dad just watched. When Tux got to the bench by the door, he jumped up onto it, walked across it, leaving gray paw prints on the white bench. Dad just calmly watched Tux, knowing that he would more than likely have to do the whole thing over again next weekend.
My sister was acting out all the parts in everything she was reading at one time. Romeo and Juliet, the dagger seen, at the top of the steps. She calmly closed the book and set it down before she came tumbling down the steps. Before Mom and I could react to the noise, She was heading back up the steps to finish the scene! All Mom told her was to be more careful with the books she was reading.
One of the more recent side splitting memories happened about ten years ago. Mom decided that it was time to redo the kitchen. And being a do-it-yourself type of family, that is how we did it. We went to the home improvement store and bought the cabinets, sink, paint, and everything else needed. We did 95% of it ourselves. We did call in a plumber to hook up the sink and put the new dish washer in. Long story short, everything is done except for the painting. My son, my daughter, my one niece, and I were doing that when it ended up as a paint fight. Thank goodness for latex paint. We were covered in paint. There are pictures to prove that this actually happened. But I don’t know how to import them, so you will just have to take my word for it. The kitchen didn’t look half bad when we were done cleaning everything up.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Moving
I am at my Dad's place right now. I have a lot of memories here. As well I should, we moved in this place in 1961. Before that we lived about 4 blocks away on a street that was only two blocks long, but had over 250 kids living on it. Always someone to play with and something to do. But this house was different. Located on one of the busiest streets in the bourgh, hardly any kids, and nothing to do. One good thing about the house, we were less than a block from the elementary school we went to.
We moved here because my Dad's mother was very sick and dying from cancer. She really couldn't do to much for herself or her youngest son (who still lived with her, never married and in his thirty's). The doctors had done all they could at that time, and besides, my grandmother decided that it was time to die. She believed that a person only lived so long and then they were on borrowed time and she was afraid she was using the time that belonged to one of us four grandkids.
When the house was purchased, a lot of work had to done on it. It was a 5 bedroom with one bath. We needed another bedroom and another bath. The breakfast room was to be converted into the extra bedroom and bath for my grandmother. The kitchen and the existing bath both need a major renovation. Neither one had any updating since probably the 30's. And of course we needed to paint, sand the hard wood floors and get them refinished.
It was a lot of work, but I think we all pulled our own weight. We spent weeks not only working on the house along with the contractors, but also packing things up. We did have two homes to move into one, so everything had to be gone through, checked and double checked. Then the two old homes had to be made ready for the new owners. It seemed like years before we were ready to actually move in. I know it took about three months for the “new” house to be ready, but for us kids it was the longest wait we had ever experienced.
I can remember the Saturday we finally made the move. My Uncle was over for breakfast and in the back of his car was filled to the very top with boxes. We were so excited. I'm not sure what we thought would happen with this move. Did we expect to see some magic or something? To be honest with you, I don't remember being that excited before that day. Christmas didn't even come close. You can imagine how disappointed we were when we were told that we would not be there for the big move!
We were being sent to the movies! Instead of moving, we went to the movies! I'm sure someone out there has heard that saying,”Move while they are at the movies.” Well that is what happened to us. Our parents moved while we were at the movies! We all laugh about it now. But it was quite an experience.
We moved here because my Dad's mother was very sick and dying from cancer. She really couldn't do to much for herself or her youngest son (who still lived with her, never married and in his thirty's). The doctors had done all they could at that time, and besides, my grandmother decided that it was time to die. She believed that a person only lived so long and then they were on borrowed time and she was afraid she was using the time that belonged to one of us four grandkids.
When the house was purchased, a lot of work had to done on it. It was a 5 bedroom with one bath. We needed another bedroom and another bath. The breakfast room was to be converted into the extra bedroom and bath for my grandmother. The kitchen and the existing bath both need a major renovation. Neither one had any updating since probably the 30's. And of course we needed to paint, sand the hard wood floors and get them refinished.
It was a lot of work, but I think we all pulled our own weight. We spent weeks not only working on the house along with the contractors, but also packing things up. We did have two homes to move into one, so everything had to be gone through, checked and double checked. Then the two old homes had to be made ready for the new owners. It seemed like years before we were ready to actually move in. I know it took about three months for the “new” house to be ready, but for us kids it was the longest wait we had ever experienced.
I can remember the Saturday we finally made the move. My Uncle was over for breakfast and in the back of his car was filled to the very top with boxes. We were so excited. I'm not sure what we thought would happen with this move. Did we expect to see some magic or something? To be honest with you, I don't remember being that excited before that day. Christmas didn't even come close. You can imagine how disappointed we were when we were told that we would not be there for the big move!
We were being sent to the movies! Instead of moving, we went to the movies! I'm sure someone out there has heard that saying,”Move while they are at the movies.” Well that is what happened to us. Our parents moved while we were at the movies! We all laugh about it now. But it was quite an experience.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Candle Lanterns
Candle lanterns are one of the safest ways to use a candle. You put a candle into a lantern, light it and you don’t have to worry about the wind, if you are outdoors, or the dog wagging his tail, if you are inside. And lanterns can be so stylish and decorative today. You can find just about any design or color to match you own taste, décor or mood. For your own safety and peace of mind, never leave the room when the candle is lit.
My favorite candle lantern is a white Moroccan lantern I got recently. I used it on the back porch during the summer with a citronella candle to help deter the bugs, and put just a little light on things. It is fancy, but not overly so, and it blends in nicely with the white wicker furniture we have. I can hang it up or set it on the table. It can be used either indoors or out. I really do love my white Moroccan lantern.
Lanterns are not a new idea. They have been around for centuries. In days long gone, before electric lights, lanterns and candles were the only source of light that people had. In movies and TV shows that take place in the “old west”, you can see them being carried out to the barns to check on the live stock, and used in the cabins to light up the room. It was usually more practical, and cheaper, for people to use candle lanterns than to use oil burning ones.
Back during the revolutionary war, it was considered a waste of material to use any good metal to make lanterns, that was needed to make guns and such. So back then, not to many people had good sturdy lanterns. And street lights when used, were usually buckets of pine pitch hanging from poles. They weren’t on every corner as we have today, just the busiest cross roads. So candle lanterns were very valuable and prized possessions.
Lanterns can have a bad rap though. They say it was Mrs. O’Leary’s cow who knocked over a lantern and started the Chicago fire. But I believe it was actually sparks from a chimney that started it. And besides, if a candle is contained in a lantern, the flame can’t come in contact with anything! Now I don’t recommend that try to start a fire by knocking a lantern over so please do not try it. But just think about it.
My favorite candle lantern is a white Moroccan lantern I got recently. I used it on the back porch during the summer with a citronella candle to help deter the bugs, and put just a little light on things. It is fancy, but not overly so, and it blends in nicely with the white wicker furniture we have. I can hang it up or set it on the table. It can be used either indoors or out. I really do love my white Moroccan lantern.
Lanterns are not a new idea. They have been around for centuries. In days long gone, before electric lights, lanterns and candles were the only source of light that people had. In movies and TV shows that take place in the “old west”, you can see them being carried out to the barns to check on the live stock, and used in the cabins to light up the room. It was usually more practical, and cheaper, for people to use candle lanterns than to use oil burning ones.
Back during the revolutionary war, it was considered a waste of material to use any good metal to make lanterns, that was needed to make guns and such. So back then, not to many people had good sturdy lanterns. And street lights when used, were usually buckets of pine pitch hanging from poles. They weren’t on every corner as we have today, just the busiest cross roads. So candle lanterns were very valuable and prized possessions.
Lanterns can have a bad rap though. They say it was Mrs. O’Leary’s cow who knocked over a lantern and started the Chicago fire. But I believe it was actually sparks from a chimney that started it. And besides, if a candle is contained in a lantern, the flame can’t come in contact with anything! Now I don’t recommend that try to start a fire by knocking a lantern over so please do not try it. But just think about it.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wrought Iron Candle Holders
Wrought iron candle holders can be decorative while being very functional. They can be used both indoors and out. Whether you are trying to set a romantic mood or just trying to have some light when the electric goes out. They can blend into you décor, or they can stand out. The size of the candle and candle holder can make a very dramatic statement or be almost unnoticeable. You can get them in black or painted any color you wish. And cleaning is fairly easy. Wrought iron candle holders are very versatile and practical.
Candles and candle holders are almost a staple for anyone who is setting up a home, whether it is a first apartment or a house. And it doesn’t matter if you ever plan to light the candle or not. It seems a house is just not a home without candles and candle holders on display. Some people prefer to have them in the living room, while others like the bedroom or even the bathroom. It really doesn’t matter because candles go anywhere.
Wrought iron candle holders are slightly heaver than some other candle holders which makes them perfect for use outdoors. They don’t tip over as easily and are able to handle the temperature changes and higher humidity easier. Having wrought iron means you don’t have to worry about the candle burning all the way down and catching the candle holder on fire. So if you want to have them on the porch, or on the patio it really doesn’t matter.
If you would feel safer with a glass globe over the candle, don’t worry. Wrought iron candle holders look marvelous that way also. Whether you have mission style or modern, wrought iron candle holders will fit into any décor.
I happen to have several different pair myself. And like everyone else, my favorite pair depends on my mood at the time. But I do keep candle holders all over the house. Some have globes or chimneys and some don’t. Some are tall while others are short. Right now I am using a pair that is of Spanish mission styling. Not tall by any means, but not really short either. They are fancy, but not overly so. They don’t look out of place in our small country farm house. But they did fit in beautifully in our big house in the city.
Now that you know how I feel about wrought iron candle holders, let me say one more thing. Please do not leave any candles burning unattended. That is a big fire hazard just waiting to happen. No matter what kind of candle holder you use, or if it has a globe or chimney, accidents do happen.
Candles and candle holders are almost a staple for anyone who is setting up a home, whether it is a first apartment or a house. And it doesn’t matter if you ever plan to light the candle or not. It seems a house is just not a home without candles and candle holders on display. Some people prefer to have them in the living room, while others like the bedroom or even the bathroom. It really doesn’t matter because candles go anywhere.
Wrought iron candle holders are slightly heaver than some other candle holders which makes them perfect for use outdoors. They don’t tip over as easily and are able to handle the temperature changes and higher humidity easier. Having wrought iron means you don’t have to worry about the candle burning all the way down and catching the candle holder on fire. So if you want to have them on the porch, or on the patio it really doesn’t matter.
If you would feel safer with a glass globe over the candle, don’t worry. Wrought iron candle holders look marvelous that way also. Whether you have mission style or modern, wrought iron candle holders will fit into any décor.
I happen to have several different pair myself. And like everyone else, my favorite pair depends on my mood at the time. But I do keep candle holders all over the house. Some have globes or chimneys and some don’t. Some are tall while others are short. Right now I am using a pair that is of Spanish mission styling. Not tall by any means, but not really short either. They are fancy, but not overly so. They don’t look out of place in our small country farm house. But they did fit in beautifully in our big house in the city.
Now that you know how I feel about wrought iron candle holders, let me say one more thing. Please do not leave any candles burning unattended. That is a big fire hazard just waiting to happen. No matter what kind of candle holder you use, or if it has a globe or chimney, accidents do happen.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Beatle Concert
It wasn’t that long ago, only back in the 60’s. The Beatles were going to be in Philadelphia. How I wanted to go! But I couldn’t go get the tickets because I had to be in school. So I asked, really begged my Mother to go get me two tickets. She had no trouble with that, since I had the money and was gladly handing it over to her. Only thing Mom said was that both she and Dad would have to approve of who I was going to go with to the concert.
Don’t know how my Mother did it, but when I got home from school that day, she handed me my two tickets. And asked who I would be going with. I had no idea at that time so I just smiled and said that she would be happy to see the person who would using the other ticket.
Long story short…Night of the Beatle concert… The whole family is just finishing up eating dinner. My turn to clear the table, but my sisters turn to wash the dishes.
As I am all but taking plates before anyone is done eating, I’m asked by my Dad, “So who are you going with?” I have no idea! So I pretend not to hear. Then I get a great idea! Although, I think I was thinking it all along. I head into the closet after taking a load of dirty dishes into the kitchen. I hear my Mother voice asking who I was taking to the concert. I return from the closet with my jacket and my Mother’s coat and purse. Hand her things to her and say, “Come on, we can’t be late!” “But who is using the other ticket?” “You are! Lets go!” And I gently but excitedly start pulling Mom to the door.
Yes, I took my Mother to see the Beatles! It was the only way I could go and I knew it. That’s okay though. The concert was fantastic and I can relive it anytime I want to. I may not remember the date, but I remember the look on Mom’s face both before and after the concert. And I remember hearing her tell her friends about it. I think she was as excited as I was!
Mom and I may not have stayed together during the concert, she at our “seats”, and I was as close to the stage as you could get. Neither one of may have heard the words to any songs, but Mom bobbed to the beat and I screamed my lungs out. Mom may not have known my location, but I knew where she was. And that seemed to be fine with both of us.
When the concert was over, before the last note finished ringing, I had Mom by the hand and we were headed for the car. In my mad dash to beat traffic and hurry Mom along, I almost got hit by a car speeding away from the concert. Guess who was seated in the back of that limo? You got it; John, Paul, George and Ringo.
But we make it home safe and sound in time for the eleven o’clock news. Top story that night was the concert naturally. And believe it or not, you could hear one voice over all the others. Dad and Mom both said it was my voice. Maybe it was and maybe it wasn’t. All I know is that I had no voice for several days after that concert.
I wish my Mom was still with us, I miss her so. I would love to go to another concert with her.
Don’t know how my Mother did it, but when I got home from school that day, she handed me my two tickets. And asked who I would be going with. I had no idea at that time so I just smiled and said that she would be happy to see the person who would using the other ticket.
Long story short…Night of the Beatle concert… The whole family is just finishing up eating dinner. My turn to clear the table, but my sisters turn to wash the dishes.
As I am all but taking plates before anyone is done eating, I’m asked by my Dad, “So who are you going with?” I have no idea! So I pretend not to hear. Then I get a great idea! Although, I think I was thinking it all along. I head into the closet after taking a load of dirty dishes into the kitchen. I hear my Mother voice asking who I was taking to the concert. I return from the closet with my jacket and my Mother’s coat and purse. Hand her things to her and say, “Come on, we can’t be late!” “But who is using the other ticket?” “You are! Lets go!” And I gently but excitedly start pulling Mom to the door.
Yes, I took my Mother to see the Beatles! It was the only way I could go and I knew it. That’s okay though. The concert was fantastic and I can relive it anytime I want to. I may not remember the date, but I remember the look on Mom’s face both before and after the concert. And I remember hearing her tell her friends about it. I think she was as excited as I was!
Mom and I may not have stayed together during the concert, she at our “seats”, and I was as close to the stage as you could get. Neither one of may have heard the words to any songs, but Mom bobbed to the beat and I screamed my lungs out. Mom may not have known my location, but I knew where she was. And that seemed to be fine with both of us.
When the concert was over, before the last note finished ringing, I had Mom by the hand and we were headed for the car. In my mad dash to beat traffic and hurry Mom along, I almost got hit by a car speeding away from the concert. Guess who was seated in the back of that limo? You got it; John, Paul, George and Ringo.
But we make it home safe and sound in time for the eleven o’clock news. Top story that night was the concert naturally. And believe it or not, you could hear one voice over all the others. Dad and Mom both said it was my voice. Maybe it was and maybe it wasn’t. All I know is that I had no voice for several days after that concert.
I wish my Mom was still with us, I miss her so. I would love to go to another concert with her.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Holiday Stepping Stones
While looking around as my hubby was driving to the store, I saw the cutest holiday yard décor. Almost made me want to move back to the old house so I could delight all the neighbor hood kids. What got me excited? Stepping stones. Holiday stepping stones. Stepping stones that look like Christmas lights! In different colors no less.
You could tell that kids lived in the house, with all the toys scattered around outside. And I’ll bet those kids were thrilled to death when the saw those stepping stones. I could almost picture the kids. While Dad was hanging the lights outside, they were arguing as to where to but their stepping stones. I could picture the older kids wanting to put them where the grandparents and other relatives could use them. While the younger ones wanted to put them where Santa could use them, on the roof.
Later that day I got to thinking about those stepping stones. After all I do have grandkids, a great-grandson, and several great-nieces, all young enough to really enjoy those stepping stones. So as usual I did some hunting and pecking around on-line. And I found several sites that will tell you how to make your own stepping stones, and several more that sell some very nice stepping stones for the flower garden. But finding ready made novelty stepping stones is hard, unless you want to make them yourself.
It took a while, but I did find some just like the ones I saw. And as usual, I found a lot of other things also. I wrote all the other address down so I can go back and really check them out. But the stepping stones that I found can also be hung up on a wall! What a cleaver idea! Now instead of just walking on them, they can be wall art too. I’ll bet that kids really enjoy that. And probably some adults too.
Now I have nothing against making my own stepping stones. That can be a lot of fun. What am I saying! I know it is a lot of fun. Timing is very important though and in my section of the country, it isn’t really the best time to be playing in concrete. The weather is to unpredictable, with both the temperature and moisture. If you want to know how to make your own stepping stones, just type that into your search engine and half a million sites will appear for you to chose from.
But if you don’t have the time or the desire to make your own, you can search all you want and check out twenty million sites. But if you want a cute novelty set of holiday stepping stones, just check out the ones I found.
You could tell that kids lived in the house, with all the toys scattered around outside. And I’ll bet those kids were thrilled to death when the saw those stepping stones. I could almost picture the kids. While Dad was hanging the lights outside, they were arguing as to where to but their stepping stones. I could picture the older kids wanting to put them where the grandparents and other relatives could use them. While the younger ones wanted to put them where Santa could use them, on the roof.
Later that day I got to thinking about those stepping stones. After all I do have grandkids, a great-grandson, and several great-nieces, all young enough to really enjoy those stepping stones. So as usual I did some hunting and pecking around on-line. And I found several sites that will tell you how to make your own stepping stones, and several more that sell some very nice stepping stones for the flower garden. But finding ready made novelty stepping stones is hard, unless you want to make them yourself.
It took a while, but I did find some just like the ones I saw. And as usual, I found a lot of other things also. I wrote all the other address down so I can go back and really check them out. But the stepping stones that I found can also be hung up on a wall! What a cleaver idea! Now instead of just walking on them, they can be wall art too. I’ll bet that kids really enjoy that. And probably some adults too.
Now I have nothing against making my own stepping stones. That can be a lot of fun. What am I saying! I know it is a lot of fun. Timing is very important though and in my section of the country, it isn’t really the best time to be playing in concrete. The weather is to unpredictable, with both the temperature and moisture. If you want to know how to make your own stepping stones, just type that into your search engine and half a million sites will appear for you to chose from.
But if you don’t have the time or the desire to make your own, you can search all you want and check out twenty million sites. But if you want a cute novelty set of holiday stepping stones, just check out the ones I found.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Cookie Jars
I don’t know about others, but I have some very fond memories involving cookie jars. They just seem to bring a smile and loads of thoughts of the cookies I used to “sneak”. I can all but smell them baking and taste them now!
Growing up we had several different cookie jars. Ones we were not allowed to touch, and the one we could. I think everyone had at least one cookie jar that was kept on top of the refrigerator. That one was for looks, and would hold things that our Mothers didn’t want us to get hold of or know about.
The cookie jar that we were able to get hold of was one of Davy Crockett. I remember that cookie jar as if it was sitting in front of me. Don’t know what ever happened to it. But if that cookie jar could talk, I’m sure I’m not the only one in the family that would be in trouble. I did find a cookie jar in one of the many antique shops around here that was (or at least looked like) our Davy Crockett cookie jar. It cost over $700! I wish I had our old cookie jar.
Our one neighbors used to do a lot of ceramics. She had the clay ( I think that is what the stuff was called), the molds, a kiln, and tons of paints. She was really into ceramics. Mrs. Roberts taught my Mother how to do a lot of ceramic things. One of things Mrs. Roberts did make a lot of were cookie jars.
I always thought the Cow Cookie Jar was really neat and different and would be a great whatnot holder, if you didn‘t use it for cookies. And the Santa Claus one always make me hungry. It reminded me of sugar cookies and all the other holiday treats you can make. And that Santa Claus Cookie Jar that Mrs. Roberts made was classic and I always thought that if and when I ever got married, I would have one.
Of Corse that was back in the 50’s, I was just a kid then. But when I did get married and had kids, there was no need for a cookie jar. No cookie lasted longer than a day in my house. My kids are not now and have never been heavy or even close to it. But cookies never lasted long enough to really cool down if we made them.
To this day I still have a little thing for cookie jars. Must be the memories they stir up. And I still don’t own one. But that doesn’t stop me from looking at them. Or even thinking about them at times. And as usual, I found a really unique one. I don’t think to many people in the north east would appreciate it, unless they have spent time living in the south west. It is a Cactus Cookie Jar. To be more precise, a Holiday Cactus Cookie Jar. Its really cute! A green cactus with a red hat and Christmas lights on it.
Growing up we had several different cookie jars. Ones we were not allowed to touch, and the one we could. I think everyone had at least one cookie jar that was kept on top of the refrigerator. That one was for looks, and would hold things that our Mothers didn’t want us to get hold of or know about.
The cookie jar that we were able to get hold of was one of Davy Crockett. I remember that cookie jar as if it was sitting in front of me. Don’t know what ever happened to it. But if that cookie jar could talk, I’m sure I’m not the only one in the family that would be in trouble. I did find a cookie jar in one of the many antique shops around here that was (or at least looked like) our Davy Crockett cookie jar. It cost over $700! I wish I had our old cookie jar.
Our one neighbors used to do a lot of ceramics. She had the clay ( I think that is what the stuff was called), the molds, a kiln, and tons of paints. She was really into ceramics. Mrs. Roberts taught my Mother how to do a lot of ceramic things. One of things Mrs. Roberts did make a lot of were cookie jars.
I always thought the Cow Cookie Jar was really neat and different and would be a great whatnot holder, if you didn‘t use it for cookies. And the Santa Claus one always make me hungry. It reminded me of sugar cookies and all the other holiday treats you can make. And that Santa Claus Cookie Jar that Mrs. Roberts made was classic and I always thought that if and when I ever got married, I would have one.
Of Corse that was back in the 50’s, I was just a kid then. But when I did get married and had kids, there was no need for a cookie jar. No cookie lasted longer than a day in my house. My kids are not now and have never been heavy or even close to it. But cookies never lasted long enough to really cool down if we made them.
To this day I still have a little thing for cookie jars. Must be the memories they stir up. And I still don’t own one. But that doesn’t stop me from looking at them. Or even thinking about them at times. And as usual, I found a really unique one. I don’t think to many people in the north east would appreciate it, unless they have spent time living in the south west. It is a Cactus Cookie Jar. To be more precise, a Holiday Cactus Cookie Jar. Its really cute! A green cactus with a red hat and Christmas lights on it.
Monday, November 16, 2009
So Much More to Learn
I was asked recently why I seem to be “selling” things on-line. I see something I like or would like to have and I write about them. If a friend has the product and bought it on-line I get the address and pass it on. If the friend bought the item in a store, I hunt and peck my way around on-line until I find the exact same product and then I pass that address on. Why? Because I am trying to learn how things work on-line. And the only way I seem to be getting any answers is if I try to do it myself.
I have emailed questions to different “help” programs. And so far to date, I have not gotten one answer to any question. Try the library! I have. It seems that all the books out there on internet programs and help, are all written for the computer literate. Not one book that I have been able to place my grubby little hands on is in a language I can understand. And no, I haven’t been able to find the “For Dummies” books on the internet in any of the stores I’ve been to or at my local library. What “Dummies” books I have been able to find leave me tearing my hair out after two sentences!
I asked for help before and got no replies. So let me ask again in a different way. Does any one know of a book written by dummies for dummies about the internet and different internet programs? The cheaper the better, but at this point I will not be to picky.
I’m sure I have “links” down pat. And I am having a blast putting them in my posts. But I would like to try putting in a picture and don’t have a clue how. But you may not to see half the pictures I have and I may not want to show you the other half.
I have also figured out how to have two “windows” open at the same time. And how to go back and forth between them. I think that is called toggling, but I’m not sure. Poor hubby had to listen to me talk about that achievement for three days! Which was better then the one week talk about links he endured. And to think the dear man doesn’t even know how to turn on my computer!
I have learned how to fully back up everything on this machine. It took awhile, but I did it. Don’t know if it is right or not and I hope to never find out. The one crash I had since starting to blog didn’t require me to use those back up disks. Just a lot of cursing (and I do mean a lot!) and hunting, and pecking around till I got things back. In fact, that is when I started backing up all my “work” along with a full back up.
There is so much I would like to learn about. And I’m doing the best I can with what little I do know. But I would love to know and understand so much more.
I have emailed questions to different “help” programs. And so far to date, I have not gotten one answer to any question. Try the library! I have. It seems that all the books out there on internet programs and help, are all written for the computer literate. Not one book that I have been able to place my grubby little hands on is in a language I can understand. And no, I haven’t been able to find the “For Dummies” books on the internet in any of the stores I’ve been to or at my local library. What “Dummies” books I have been able to find leave me tearing my hair out after two sentences!
I asked for help before and got no replies. So let me ask again in a different way. Does any one know of a book written by dummies for dummies about the internet and different internet programs? The cheaper the better, but at this point I will not be to picky.
I’m sure I have “links” down pat. And I am having a blast putting them in my posts. But I would like to try putting in a picture and don’t have a clue how. But you may not to see half the pictures I have and I may not want to show you the other half.
I have also figured out how to have two “windows” open at the same time. And how to go back and forth between them. I think that is called toggling, but I’m not sure. Poor hubby had to listen to me talk about that achievement for three days! Which was better then the one week talk about links he endured. And to think the dear man doesn’t even know how to turn on my computer!
I have learned how to fully back up everything on this machine. It took awhile, but I did it. Don’t know if it is right or not and I hope to never find out. The one crash I had since starting to blog didn’t require me to use those back up disks. Just a lot of cursing (and I do mean a lot!) and hunting, and pecking around till I got things back. In fact, that is when I started backing up all my “work” along with a full back up.
There is so much I would like to learn about. And I’m doing the best I can with what little I do know. But I would love to know and understand so much more.
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