The Other Me

Spring cleaning

2009-03-30T19:16:00.002-05:00

Everything needs a little freshen-up now and then. I'm dusting off my keyboard and learning some new things. One of my goals is to learn to re-size photos. Watch out - - - you are in a construction zone.

the REAL other me, after a long break

2008-03-05T14:28:00.008-06:00

I know – I know - It seems like someone who isn’t working would have plenty of time to post a blog once in a while. Ok, so stop kvetching and read, already!

First, I want to say it seems like my most frequent page visits are people searching for a Disney link to “The Other Me”. Sorry but I invented it. A long time ago. Before Disney even conceived the title. In fact, I think they stole it from me. Too bad I didn’t copyright it. Oh well – look around and thanks for the visit.

The second most frequent visitors to my blog are brought here searching for the eggless cornbread recipe. That recipe was posted way back in November 2006. Yes, it’s true. You can actually make cornbread without an egg. In fact, the egg is totally unnecessary. My grandmother had plenty of fresh eggs on the farm, but she never used an egg in her cornbread. Strange but true.

So now - picking up from late last summer, which seemed like early autumn

I usually think of November when I see a scene like this, but this was taken in late August.

Dad rode 100 miles on his bike in the Hotter’n’Hell ride in Wichita Falls, Texas. I stayed home (hence no pictures).

Followed by a trip to Carbondale, Illinois with my mother in early September. This is the old home place that belonged to my great-great grandparents. I think the old house burned about 1915-1920. The land is now a horse farm. Beautiful!

This is the church my great-grandparents attended, and is scheduled for demolition soon

I was planning to post a lot more, but I've got to divide and conquer. BBS

its a dry heat

2007-08-11T17:23:00.001-05:00

There have been a few years i completely missed getting plants into the pots on my front porch.

Considering that, I'm very pleased with the way these plantings turned out. And really glad i took these photos about a week ago - because the heat over the last week has been brutal - and even with my tender, loving care, the plants are beginning to look weary.

I'm feeling a little wilted, myself. I'm going in now for some good ol' southern iced tea. And Julia's cooking supper - Thai cashew chicken. Mmmm . . . smells wonderful.

War Eagle

2007-07-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

I know it looks like i fell over the edge again with my lack of posts, but you just have to understand that sometimes life can be high-maintenance. And blogging can be very time-consuming. Something has to fall to the bottom of the priority list.

So . . .
. . . by special request i present this photo i made back in the spring on our trip to NWA (northwest Arkansas). BTW, this makes a GREAT wallpaper!

La Chapelle to Paris

2007-06-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

Thursday – June 18, 1959 – Day 5

Continuing southward, we stopped at Reims and toured our first cathedral. :)

We also saw the statue of Joan of Arc in Reims. I believe the car on the far left is Grandma’s car, judging from the pack on top of the car (tent and other camping essentials).

Then we headed for PARIS! TA-DA!

We arrived in Paris mid-day, and probably drove every street of the city. We finally parked and took the tour of You-Know-What.

Looking down from the Eiffel Tower . . .

A view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower.

Another view of Paris from the Eiffel Towel . . .

We stayed two nights in Paris. I do not remember much about the sleeping arrangements, but do remember many of the sights. I would have sworn my Grandmother would never agree to stay in the city, due to the expense, but my mother affirmed that, yes, we stayed in Paris. We stayed at -- not the hotel of the same name, but the city park. WE CAMPED AT THE CITY PARK! All I can vision in my mind’s eye is bums on park benches, but Mom assures me it was all very dignified and proper. Why can’t I remember this? Why is there no picture??? Oh, how I wish . . .

Blumendahl to La Chapelle

2007-06-17T11:52:00.000-05:00

Wednesday – June 17, 1959 – Day 4

From Blumendahl, Holland we headed south for Belgium. In Brussels, we toured the grounds of the 1958 World’s Fair and saw the Atomium – a building which represents the structure of the atom. The Atomium was constructed just as “the atomic age” was waning, but the structure is still a famous landmark, and was reopened in February 2006 after renovations.

After our tour of Brussels, we kept heading south, across the Belgium-French border to the tiny village of La Chapelle. There we found a modest hotel / Bed and Breakfast for the night.

Doesn't this scene just shout "EUROPE"?

Amsterdam, Holland

2007-06-16T07:40:00.000-05:00

Tuesday - June 16, 1959 – Day 3

Up at the crack of dawn, ready for a day of adventure, we set off to drive north to the Isle of Marken. I remember Marken as a very strange place. Everyone was dressed in traditional costume, and there was some custom about all children being dressed as girls (to keep the gypsies from snatching the boys?). I don’t remember, if I ever knew. It was all very vague and mysterious to the 9-year-old mind. I have not been able to locate the pictures of Marken.

After a boat ride back to the mainland, and lunch at the boat dock, we headed west to the Atlantic side of the country. We made it to Blumendahl Beach by early afternoon, and selected a choice camping spot on the sand dunes. The note on the back of this photo says, “too cold to swim.”

Fellow campers at an adjacent campsite - Helmgart Campground at Blumendahl, Holland.

Prestwick, Scotland

2007-06-14T23:31:00.000-05:00

Monday - June 15, 1959 – Day 2

We were served breakfast in Scotland – the first of many new dining adventures. The only thing I remember about it is that smoked tongue was on the menu. I was completely unimpressed with the “smoked” part, but do remember wondering, “tongue from what?”, and pondering world hunger as I thought, "You people must be a lot hungrier than I am."

After a short flight from Prestwick, we finally arrived in Amsterdam. My mother and I were met at the airport by my grandmother, who lived in Germany and taught school on an American military base. She had arranged for one of her teaching friends, a Germany lady named Brigette (pronounced Bri-gee-ta) and her mother Mrs. Schillat to join us on our driving tour of Europe. The plan was to drive around Europe for 2 weeks, camping when possible, and end up at Grandma’s place in Hohenfels, Germany for a few days of rest before flying back home to Little Rock. Total trip - 3 weeks. Four women and one annoying 9-year-old – including all their luggage and camping gear – in one small car. HOW??? HOW??? HOW???

I’ll just say, my grandmother was never one to shrink from a challenge. The very fact she was teaching school in Germany at the age of 53 might be a tip-off. She and my grandfather got divorced when my grandmother was about 42, and she decided she was still young enough to see the world and have some fun. Sitting home feeling sorry for herself was not an option!

This is the 53-year-old grandmother and the car she drove all over Europe. An Opel Olympia.

Grandma went to Europe to teach school the year after I was born, and retired the year I graduated from high school. But there were many visits during those years. The routine was a trip home every other year during the summer break. On alternate years, she just toured Europe with her new European friends. Grandma was due home for her biennial visit to the U.S. in 1959, but for some reason decided to have my mother and me come to visit her instead.

Here I am viewing windmills in Amsterdam. I recall about 500 bicycles crossing this bridge just seconds after the photo was taken (wish I had a picture of that!). Must have been time for everyone to go home from work.

We spent the day touring the canals, and stayed the first night in a hotel in Amsterdam. Tomorrow the adventures really begin.

Once upon a time . . .

2007-06-14T01:12:00.001-05:00

. . .a little girl took a trip to Europe with her mother. That “once upon a time” was 48 years ago. Over the next few days the little girl and her mother are going to try to remember some of the highlights of that trip.

Sunday - June 14, 1959 – Flag Day
Grandma and Grandpa Marvin (yes, Kate and Fritz) came to the airport to see us off. Looks like it’s a little after 8:30 a.m. Sorry the photos are black and white, but as one of my wise children would say, this was in the days before color photography.

Back in those days, you walked out of the airport waiting room right across the tarmack and up the steps of the plane. I don't know any of the strange people in this photo . . .

View of Washington D.C. from our airplane. Notice it was a prop plane.

If you laughed when you saw the picture of the Little Rock airport, keep in mind this is what the Washington airport looked like in 1959 . . .

and the New York airport . . .

I remember some of the anxiety my mother had about packing ONE suitcase for TWO people for THREE weeks. Didn’t seem a big deal to me (one of the advantages of being 9 years old and un-obsessed with fashion). But you may have noticed in the first photo, people “dressed” more then than now. Can you imagine putting a 9-year-old on a plane for – um – almost 24 hours dressed like that now?

P.S. - Whitney - have fun and tell Mindy "hello" for me!

Arkansas strawberries

2007-06-06T21:21:00.000-05:00

Yea, it’s been a while. I don’t even know where to begin to recap the last 2 months (almost), so I will just jump in . . .

France has its cheeses; Cuba has its cigars; Florida has orange juice; Arkansas has strawberries. It doesn’t matter if the world doesn’t recognize Arkansas as the source of the world’s most incredibly wonderful strawberries. That leaves more for the fortunate few. :)

Since I’ve been giving “kitchen” tips this year, I’ll give a brief review of what to do with strawberries, if you are at a loss. There are, of course, the standards: chocolate-dipped and shortcake. My personal favorites are:
(1) sliced with a little sugar and a splash of Calvados – then spoon the juice over homemade vanilla ice cream
(2) take any amount of sour cream and mix in some powdered sugar (you just have to be willing to experiment – there is no wrong way to do this) THEN – stand at your kitchen sink with a flat of Arkansas strawberries fresh from the field. Take ONE juicy red delight and wash it, dip it in the sweetened sour cream, and eat. Repeat until you are either (a) out of strawberries, (b) out of sweetened sour cream, or (c) sick. :)

I definitely agree with my father’s comment years ago: “I wish I could eat enough of this to make myself sick.”

Usually, the Arkansas peaches are pretty fabulous, too; but a late freeze and 2 hail storms wiped out the peach crop this year. We all cried.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday in Northwest Arkansas

2007-04-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

It must be my lucky day . . . or week . . .

First, lunch at Susie-Q in Rogers . . .

I know it doesn't look like much, but these are happy memories.

Then a little side trip on the way to Hobbs State Park to check out an old favorite location east of Rogers – and a glimpse of deer in the front yard of a house we once frequented. I’m pretty sure this is the same split-rail fence that was here when we lived in Rogers 30 years ago . . .

Then another little side trip to War Eagle Mill . . .

The ultimate destination of the day was at the developing Hobbs State Park. Presently it is approximately 12,000 acres of pristine wilderness. We were attending a pre-construction meeting for the planned visitor’s center, and enjoyed stomping around in the woods.

The dogwoods were in full bloom, even after a freeze earlier in the week . . .

Huckleberries in bloom . . .

Perhaps there are dinosaur bones in these hills . . .

Heading back to town, we drove by Beaver Lake to compare the water level since last January.

2007

2006 (not a quality photo, but shows the contrast since last year)

. . . dry lake bed - January 2006 - cars in distance are parked in area that is normally covered with water.

The drought the summer of 2005 exposed quite a few submerged structures. This is the Monte Ne "Pyramid" . . .

Wednesday night – a lovely gourmet dinner at James at the Mill with Susan and Jeter.

Thursday night – dinner with Justin and Kristy and precious Stevens.

The whole week was unseasonably cold with off-and-on rain. But there’s nothing like a trip to Rick’s to chase away the chill . . .

Here’s the cookie jar display at Rick’s -

Aren’t these the cutest cupcakes? A white cupcake is my all-time favorite Comfort Food. And I’ve never had too much icing on a cupcake - - - until I tried these. :)

Shhh - don't tell anyone - but I love living in Arkansas.

Day Trip !

2007-03-26T19:20:00.000-05:00

A day trip to Branson is always a fun day. Beautiful drive thru the mountains - good shopping - good food. We get up early, make a stop at Ed's Bakery in Conway (to check on the Spit, Whittle & Piddle Club that hangs out at Ed's every Saturday morning), and then head for the hills. Then it's shopping, lunch, a little more shopping, and supper in Harrison at DeVito's. And back home before bedtime. This trip was a shorter version due to some major highway work between Clinton and Harrison. Since the travel time was a little longer we had to cut out some shopping. We left Branson mid-afternoon - so we missed having dinner at our favorite spot. But settled for Market Place in Conway. And still got home in time to pick up a few necessities at Drug Emporium before it closed.

Downtown Branson has seen a few changes since last spring. No more hanging out on the dock, dangling your feet in that dark, bone-chilling Taneycomo water, and watching children feed breadcrumbs to the ducks while you rest from shopping. Now its just an ordinary promenade between the lake and the mall parking lot. Pretty, yes. But I can't help feeling a little nostalgic about the old dock. Wish I had a picture of that somewhere!

spam

2007-03-16T13:25:00.000-05:00

I think email and internet are some of the most wonderful inventions of modern man. But also has its evil side. Everybody has to be as sick of junkmail as I am. What a waste. Does anyone really benefit from it? My junkmail filter catches 200-300 every day. But here’s a sampling of the ones that got thru (with my sassy comments):

“Singles matchup” – ain’t single (thank you, Lord)
“Save thousands” – by clicking on junkmail???
“Confirmation of your order from Sony” – uh, I’m boycotting Sony because it is a sucky company, so I’m certain this is bogus
“Online degree program” – if I’m gonna spend time and bucks, I’m gonna get a REAL degree
“Get a higher education” – i dun been to hi skoo
“Find your soulmate” – I did (thank you, Lord)
“Find dates” – I have a whole calendar full of them, now run along
“Bad credit” – um, no thanks
“Don’t be lonely” – I’m not, dammit, now leave me alone
“Dream vehicles” – got one
“Love chat” – uh, how about a little prayer time, now there’s some love chat!
“Scholarship award” – ok, first off, I’m not a scholar
“Discount health insurance” – now there’s an oxymoron is I EVER heard one
“Talkshow trip” – sounds like a trip to hell if you ask me
“Money for you” – just for answering your stupid survey? Is “naïve” written on the ceiling?
“Attract any woman” – uuk, excuse me I need to go throw up
“Vacation to Las Vegas – participation required” – what? The government is requiring my attendance? They better buy my ticket and pay for meals and accommodations, too.

These are just today’s selection. But at least I don’t get the ones about “Please your girl” or “Enhance fill in the blank”.

There’s another group of junkmail that is either from illiterate people or people who have English waaaaaay down on their communication skills – like not their primary (or secondary language):
“Appeared than print”
“Get more better”
“Check our latest rintonges”
“Check out our latest ringotes”
“Check our our lastest ringtones” (these came in succession – not sure if they ever got it right)

Then there are the intentional emails from friends / co-workers that leave me wondering, can’t you find a hobby? Or maybe a second job so you don’t have so much free time?
“Describe me in one word” – umm, I ain’t steppin’ in that
“Make a wish and forward this to 14 people and you will get your wish in 14 days” – Firstly, why would I want to annoy 14 of my best friends? And secondly, if I want something that is out of my power to accomplish, a prayer would be the needed thing (not a wish - and a wish and a prayer are definitely NOT the same thing).

Sometimes I just try to think of junkmail as someone’s poor attempt at providing entertainment – like bubblegum music. Mostly I just DELETE. Okee, rant over. Back to more productive activities.

that's how it is in Arkansas

2007-03-12T20:19:00.000-05:00

One day everything is cold and brown, and the next morning you wake up to vibrant color - everything in bloom. Saturday was a beautiful day; warm enough to wear shorts on the bike trail. I saw turtles sunning on logs in the river, and even a guy waterskiing! But not much blooming. Just a few small wild flowers - violets and bluets.

THEN . . . Sunday was like a burst of sunshine on the landscape. Suddenly, everyone's flowerbeds are full of daffodils and forsythia. and all the Bradford pears are blooming. Ahhh - spring.

signs of spring

2007-03-04T19:52:00.000-06:00

busy soccer fields ...

activity on the bike trail is increasing ...

Iris peeking thru the leaf litter and mulch ...

Julia, i miss you... MOMOXOXOXOX

men in black

2007-03-02T08:07:00.000-06:00

... at the UALR BBall game last Saturday evening.
The men did a great job. The boys - not so good.

and here's the menu (aka autograph)

2007-02-23T19:00:00.000-06:00

One of my co-workers said she would like to have some of that sexy chocolate.

Too bad. It was not on the menu.

Now that’s some rims!

2007-02-23T12:51:00.000-06:00

Out to lunch with “the team” today. To a little place called Burger Mama’s. Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor is in town for the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. How did I know when I suggested Burger Mama’s that he would show up??? And be happy to give me his autograph!

I'm old, but not that old!

2007-02-21T21:27:00.000-06:00

I've just been updating my blog template and a few of my links. I got a really good laugh when i took a look at my profile.

SURPRISE! It said my age was 250!!!
Don't believe it. Really! Oh, well, I got a good laugh out of that.

It seems the year got weird when i updated the template.
Never trust technology. It can be v-e-rrrr-y random.
:)

Hey, Andrew! I love your flash pirates project. I'm looking forward to seeing your new creations. Remember, even Bill Gates started small.

a cold day in January

2007-01-28T15:31:00.000-06:00

Call your Daddy! It's his birthday!

you probably won't like it

2007-01-27T13:53:00.000-06:00

Here, let me have that. You prolly won't like it.
:)

Well, I was off to a good start on a diet last week. Lost 4 pounds in 4 days. Then Mr. Dad got home from the India trip. The stop-over in Zurich was a perfect shopping opportunity, it seems.

I did not eat all the empty spots! HONEST!

It's a busy Saturday morning. I finished removing the "cottage cheese" from the breakfast room ceiling, and Mr. Dad has finished the repainting. Maybe we will tackle the wallpaper soon. NO PROMISES!

The clothes dryer is "dead". I guess I will spend the afternoon at the laundromat. Good thing I have a book in progress and some knitting to take along. Book-wise, I am trying to finish up one I save just for traveling. It has short chapters (easy to pick up and put down), and has kept me quite entertained. The Man Who Ate Everything. Now we know who ate the chocolate! :)

in the kitchen

2007-01-21T15:32:00.000-06:00

My efforts in the kitchen this week have been decidedly UN-culinary. Cooking has been replaced by "redecorating". Patching and painting.

Almost done with the kitchen, then I will move on to the breakfast room.

Excuse the quality of this photo. It was taken with my Palm - as the REAL camera has taken a trip to India! It will be back tomorrow :)

"jammie" cookies

2007-01-14T16:34:00.000-06:00

The "kitchen event" of the weekend was sort of a non-event. I got off work Friday afternoon and went to the grocery store for the first time since New Year's Day. The "thawed freezer" episode sort of helped me postpone the usual weekly trip.

So I got home from the grocery store, and turned on the weather channel just to quickly check - is it going to be warm or cool this weekend? GOOD GRIEF - A SNOW STORM IS BLANKETING TULSA - AND IT'S ALREADY 36 DEGREES IN FORT SMITH. I BETTER GO BACK TO THE STORE FOR MORE FOOD!!!

So, back from the second grocery store, with enough food to last AT LEAST another month - and feeling that happy feeling when the cupboard is stocked, I settle down to wait for the snow that was not to be. Like a kid anticipating a day out of school. But, no snow. Just rain, rain, rain all weekend.

My cooking exercise for this weekend consisted of swiss steak (always a favorite) and a cookie recipe that has been in my recipe box since high school that I have never made. I spent a summer with Aunt Lottie when I was about 12 and we made these cookies (more like I watched). But I saved the recipe and then last week I got inspired by a cooking blog I read, and thought of the "jammie" cookie recipe in my archives. The blog made a similar cookie, but they suggested using Nutella - sooooo - walla! I made half with red plum jam and half with Nutella. I clearly need a new name for the recipe.

Here is the link for the food blog which provided the inspiration:

http://creampuffsinvenice.typepad.com/cream_puffs_in_venice/2006/12/best_wishes_for.html

those pesky new year's resolutions

2007-01-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

One of my "goals" for the new year is to cook more. I have already tried several new recipes since Christmas, and got up this morning ready to try a couple more. I made some oatmeal cookies this morning, and then some "tofu salad" (just think egg salad or pasta salad - but - - - you know...)

Well, both of those turned out pretty good, and i was feeling very - hmm - satisfied. So far - so good.

Shortly after noon i started thinking about supper plans, and went to the freezer to pull out some pork chops or something. Uh-oh!! The freezer accidentally got unplugged and there was a puddle of water. All the frozen foods sitting there thawing - but fortunately still very cold. I started grabbing towels and pans, and PLANNING DINNER!! Woo-hoo! Let's have a party tonight!!

So, call the grandparents, call the kids, tonight we're having:

Vegetable Soup
Roast Pork Loin
Turnip Greens
Lima Beans
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Black-eye Peas
Sister's Rolls
Apple Pie
Strawberries (and ice cream that was in the house freezer)

I do much better with impromptu parties, anyway. No time to get in a flutter!
Wish you were here!
:)

Little T-Bone and Baldy

2007-01-03T08:02:00.000-06:00

I got to see a bald eagle and feed a calf yesterday. Good start for 2007. A day of pure joy.

No fireworks display or parade has ever filled me with such pleasure and excitement!
(click on the picture to enlarge for a better view).

I used the telephoto and got as close as i could before he flew away.

i almost forgot

2006-12-25T08:02:00.000-06:00

Since i was out of town most of last week, and then recovering from a cold and too overwhelmed with last minute holiday preparations to post about the trip to Orlando, here are a few trip photos. Most of the lights are from the Osborne display. Pretty, yes, but I am glad they are now at Disney and not between my house and the nearest hospital (or the doctor that needs to get to said hospital). That is probably a "scroogie" thought, but I lived that nightmare - or at least the fear of it.

Hope you are having a Merry, Mellow Christmas . . .

End of a long day . . .

AAAANNDDDD --------------

Saturday (mid-morning) - December 16 - Main Street - Small Town, Mississippi

this morning's newspaper headline . . .

2006-12-24T08:19:00.000-06:00

Gunman steps into bank, kills teller, exits with cash

A gunman burst into a west Little Rock bank branch Saturday morning, shot and killed a teller and then told another teller, “Merry Christmas,” on his way out the door, police said. The Metropolitan branch is in the Colony West shopping center near Interstate 430.

“The suspect then stated to [the teller] ‘Merry Christmas’ and exited the bank,” according to a police report.

http://epaper.ardemgaz.com/Daily/Skins/Arkansas/

~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you know, this is less than a mile from our home. I feel a personal loss when reading this story - because of the proximity and because of our own recent vandalism experience. My heart is breaking for the family of the man who was shot. My prayer is for swift and merciless retribution to the man who committed the crime.

Cornbread Dressing - Part 2

2006-11-20T20:43:00.000-06:00

1 pan of cornbread, (about 6-10 cups crumbs)
3 cups bread crumbs (an egg bread like challah is a good choice, or use purchased “breadcrumbs”)
2-3 eggs
2-4 cups chicken stock and / or turkey drippings (canned or homemade – I sometimes also use low sodium canned vegetable broth)
½ cup green onions, minced (use the green tops – some people call these scallions)
1 onion (white or yellow), chopped
1 stick butter (use to sauté the white onions)
2 teaspoons rubbed sage (or poultry seasoning)
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper

Mix all ingredients, and bake in a buttered casserole dish at 400-450 F for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The more liquid you add at the beginning will determine cooking time and final texture of the dressing. If you want a firm dressing, cook a little longer at a lower temperature – 350 or 375 – to prevent burning.

This is a very rough recipe – so you will have to taste and see if it meets your expectation. Sometimes you can bake a small amount to test before you actually put the whole batch in the oven. Use more of anything you like or that sounds good to you – pecans, celery, parsley, cranberries, chestnuts, mushrooms. Tweek the seasoning, then go for it. I acknowledge that some people do not like sage – although I cannot imagine why. Very well, leave it out. If you take the short cut with the onions I suggested in the cornbread recipe, just add the butter without adding extra onions.

SAVE ME SOME!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Cornbread Dressing - Part 1

2006-11-19T19:42:00.000-06:00

Everyone in my family knows Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. And cornbread dressing is an absolute ESSENTIAL. To satisfy a recent request - here goes!

CORNBREAD DRESSING – PART 1
(THE SOUTHERN STANDARD)

Well, it is obvious, but must be said: To make cornbread dressing you must first make the cornbread. It should be made from scratch, not a mix, as all the mixes I have tried have sugar, and sweet cornbread just does not make a good base for dressing. So, we begin at the very beginning (a very good place to start). And the cornbread is best if made at least a day before your big event, so I am giving you a head start! Go ahead, make the cornbread, then you can go to the head of the class!

This is a simple, eggless cornbread. The miracle of cornbread is that if you do not have buttermilk you can easily substitute yogurt (plain, unsweetened) or plain milk (any kind – skim, 1%, 2%, whole) with a little vinegar OR lemon juice. Can it be any easier? Keep your cornmeal in the freezer, sealed in a Ziploc bag, if you don’t use it often. This is a very forgiving recipe, and after you have made it a couple of times, you can almost make it with your eyes closed, just a dash of this and that, then add milk till it “looks right”. Cook it in a hot oven, preferably in a cast iron skillet that has been greased with butter (or –whisper - bacon drippings).

Sometimes, when I need to "fast track" for dressing prep, I will chop the onions I plan to use in the dressing, and add them to the cornbread batter to bake in the cornbread.

CORNBREAD

1 1/2 cup white or yellow cornmeal (white is our family tradition)
½ cup flour
½ tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Before adding the milk to the dry ingredients, turn the oven to 425 F, and put your skillet on a top burner (or in the oven as it preheats). Heat the skillet on medium, and melt 2-4 tablespoons butter, margarine or “drippings”. Watch it while you mix the cornbread, and take it off the heat when the fat is melted. When you preheat the skillet, it gives the cornbread that nice crisp exterior!

To the mixed dry ingredients add:
1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt thinned with milk, or plain milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice

Stir thoroughly, and pour in the fat. Wipe the edge of the skillet with a paper towel, set the skillet back on the burner (turned off), and quickly mix the fat into the cornbread. Immediately turn the batter into the skillet, give it a shake to rise the bubbles, and put it in the already-hot oven. Bake approximately 25 minutes.

Test it for doneness (toothpick or whatever – like a cake). Turn it out into a heat-proof bowl or plate to cool. Once cool, you can begin to break it up for the dressing. Do not cover it until cool. If you are making it several days in advance, keep it covered, and freeze or refrigerate. Sometimes I just crumble it up and put it on a cookie sheet, then place it in the oven (cool) to dry out a little, so it will absorb the flavors of the chicken stock when I make the dressing. Just don’t leave it more than about a day without covering and refrigerating.

If you just want cornbread, you can easily half the recipe, or make little corn cakes (like pancakes) fried lightly in oil. When I make corn cakes, I do not put fat in the recipe. If you absolutely must have a sweet cornbread, add about a tablespoon sugar to the dry measures.

A PERFECT DAY - Part 57 (!)

2006-10-14T21:06:00.000-05:00

As always, I could have predicted today’s weather report! Mild and sunny with azure skies and a light breeze. Ah! What a day it has been. My birthday again - A PERFECT DAY!

I got my new bike late yesterday afternoon, so my first ride was today over the Dam Bridge. We forgot the camera, so had to go back later in the day to take the pictures. A very busy place on a PERFECT Saturday afternoon ;)

I rode 8 ½ miles today. WOO-HOO!

The "big rock" downriver from the lock and dam .....

Looking west toward I-430 and Pinnacle from center of the Dam Bridge .....

Little Rock hillside overlooking the river .....

And saving the best for last .....

National Geographic, part 1

2006-08-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this is Julia, and I'm living in Thailand. I've been here about a year, and sometimes my life here seems normal, no big deal. And then, we'll have the most random things happen or see something odd and I just think, "I'm definitley not in America." A few months ago, we kept hearing this really loud animal noise in the middle of the night...every night. We started telling some of our American friends about it, and they knew immediately what it was. A tokay gecko. They proceeded to tell us horror stories of trying to get rid of tokay geckos. They smell horrible if you make them mad, they'll bite you and not let go...you get the point.

Then we went home a did a little research (aka Google) of our own. And after seeing how big and ugly they are, there's no way we can just be ok with it living in our backyard. We tried various methods of getting rid of it. We moved everything outside that could have been its home. We turned on outside lights in the middle of the night to try to make it leave. We even found an mp3 of a gecko call and played it really loud at night to make it think it had some competition. I'm not sure exactly which method worked, but it's gone now. No one got bitten, and our house never reeked. So that episode is resolved. But, there have been several adventures since then, and I'm convinced that as long as I'm living in Thailand, there will always be new episodes!

fun-having at Disney

2006-08-04T10:02:00.000-05:00

*I don't know why, but i can't seem to upload photos from home. Stay tuned for the saddest tree you ever saw!

Paul Eells, Voice of the Razorbacks

2006-08-01T08:36:00.000-05:00

You probably won't see this on the national news, but newsworthy for us.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=32141

The George Banks Special

2006-07-29T14:23:00.000-05:00

I saw a commercial on TV this afternoon for Oscar Mayer hotdogs. They are now packaging dogs and buns together! And they are called "Fast Franks". hehehe
http://www.meatnews.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&artNum=11782

[I have temporarily forgotten how to make a link]

So, now all you people can think about how it will feel when your kids say, "Gee, Mom (or Dad), you mean they used to package hotdogs and buns separately??? That's stupid!"

And you will say, "Yes, dear, I was born before people could do hardly anything, but our generation has applied itself to excellence! You should follow our example."

And speaking of George Banks . . . and franks . . . Kitty recently called and told us David got married in May - poolside at the bride's home in Cleburne, Texas. Kitty said the only thing that was missing was Fraahnk.

Julia, I'm sorry. This is all I can think of to blog at the moment. I'm trying real hard to update at least weekly.

it's a dry heat

2006-07-19T15:09:00.000-05:00

I am such a sissy about hot weather. I can step out my office and immediately know if it is over 100 degrees. It is like everything is in a blue haze – you know – like those wavey desert scenes with a mirage in the distance.

My oldest daughter was born in 1980, and has probably heard me tell about it being the hottest summer on record in Arkansas. That is not an exaggeration or just an over-active imagination. I just did a little searching, and found the hottest day ON RECORD for the last 7 days was in 1980. The best I recall, it was above 100 for something like 21 days in a row. I’ll try to find that newspaper headline and scan it for a future blog.

Here is the tally for the last week – Little Rock style:
2006 Record High
July 18 - 101 108 (1980)
July 17 - 100 109 (1980)
July 16 - 99 108 (1980)
July 15 - 98 107 (1980)
July 14 - 101 108 (1980)
July 13 - 96 108 (1980)
July 12 - 98 106 (1980)
July 11 - 96 106 (1930)

(sorry the spacing and tabs didn't work)

Fashion

2006-07-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

You ain't got a thing if you ain't got that bling!

I have often wished I had kept a “fashion journal” over the years. Mostly as a reminder to myself that I can have a happy, fulfilled existence without wearing something just because “somebody” “somewhere” decided it was “fashionable”.

I am not obsessed with fashion but I also try not to be a fashion rebel (i.e. wearing something just for shock value). I might be considered completely UN-fashionable by a vast number of people. But I DO try to keep up with current styles and trends, even if I do not wear them myself.

I have a mirror at my house. Sometimes it tells me that a style or item of clothing just is not – um, er… “best” for me. That does not mean I have never been seen in unflattering garments. It might simply mean, on that particular shopping day, given the choices, I preferred a green v-neck knit with ¾ sleeves instead of a gorgeous eggplant silk blouse that was sleeveless and plunged to my navel.

Currently, I am observing that the “must-have” fashion statement seems to be bling. Accessories. Jewelry. Like a department store fell on you, as I once heard it phrased. Some of the jewelry I see on one person would stock 2 or 3 modest jewelry counters. One of my co-workers was recently seen wearing 3 necklaces, a pair of long, dangly earrings, rings on 6 fingers (more than one ring on most of the fingers), 2 ankle bracelets (with nylon stockings), 4 arm bracelets of various descriptions, fake nails, a hair doo-dad, a beaded blouse, and one of those monstrous blue-tooth ear-phones (bright pink, thank you). Yes, all at the same time. Incredibly, no piercings or tats were visible. Whew.

All I could think of was this: I remember back in the 1960’s when I was a young teen and trying very hard to do and be and wear “what was right” (because that was what decent people did back then). One of the fashion magazines (probably Glamour or Seventeen) came out with this point-system for checking yourself before leaving the house. Every garment or accessory counted a certain number of points and you were under-accessorized if you did not have on at least – let’s say – 15 points. But you should remove a piece or a few if you went over 20 points. The details are pretty foggy in my memory now, but it has been a rough bench-mark for me all these years. Funny how something so minor can color your thinking for a lifetime. True of many things, I am sure.

For your amusement I shall try to recapture what I remember. BTW, this has nothing to do with white shoes only between Easter and Labor Day.

Casual blouse or shirt in solid color – 1 point
Blouse or shirt with pattern (plaid, print, texture like corduroy, etc.) – 2 points
Dressy blouse or shirt with extra detail (like cut-outs, ruffles, sequins, etc.) – 3 points
Jacket, vest, shawl (or other layered effect) – 2 points
Casual skirt (solid color) – 1 point
Patterned skirt – 2 points
Dressy skirt with detail – 3 points
Plain shoes (solid color) – 1 point
Shoes with detail or contrast color top-stitching – 2 points
Solid color heels – 3 points
Heels with extra detail – 4 points
Purse (solid color) – 1 point
Purse (with detail or contrast stitching) – 2 points
Ring (simple bands) – 1 point
Ring with stones or jewels – 2 points
Simple necklace (something conservative like a strand of pearls or gold) – 1 point
Necklace with jewels – 2 points
Earrings – 1-2 points (depending on elaborateness)
Bracelets – 1-2 points (as above)
Socks or anklets (plain) – 1 point
Socks with pattern – 2 points
Nylon stockings – 3 points
Glasses (plain) – 1 point
Glasses (decorated or “fancy”) – 2 points
Belt (plain, solid color) – 1 point
Belt with detail – 2 points
Hair accessories – 1-2 points (depending on elaborateness)
Pins, brooches or other jewelry – 1-2 points (depending on elaborateness)
Any garment with decorated buttons counted 1 point extra (or 2 points if buttons were rhinestones)

Of course, nobody but men wore pants back then (jeans the only exception). And the top piece was a “blouse” not a “shirt”. A dress counted as a top and bottom piece, so a 2-point minimum for a basic dress.

Today, I don’t know how the "official" point-system would handle such things as sequined tee-shirts and flip-flops. High-heeled flip-flops. Body art – piercings, tattoos, lacquered and jeweled 2” fake nails. Layered tee-shirts – just count ‘em all, I guess. Bare bellies. There should be like a 5-point penalty for wearing anything that looks just plain stupid. Goucho pants on most people (IMHO). The mobile phone ear thingy. How anyone can think that looks cool is beyond me – considering how self-conscious people have always been about wearing hearing aids! There is a multitude of things I could list here, but I am sure you could easily make your own list of “favorite fashions to hate”.

Go! Make your list!

P.S. Send your list to my comments!

Games & Problem-solving

2006-05-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

This is sort of Palm/PDA related, sort of “life” related. Every day I check several websites that update me on news about Palm, smartphone and PDA development and software. It seems the overwhelming majority of new software is GAMES. I don’t get it. First off, I guess I am at a time in my life when I want to be more productive – not less productive. Secondly, I can’t resist the thought that if people spent as much time problem-solving in their own life as they spend on-line or on an X-BOX, their lives would not be in such a mess. I am not completely discounting the entertainment value of any toy or game; I guess I am just advocating BALANCE – in all things. Which has pretty much been my motto since I knew what “motto” meant, and that I could adopt one as my own.

Entertainment has value. It provides relaxation and diversion from stress or boredom, to be certain. But there is something in me that screams, “Take a life situation (problem) and make the solving of it a game. Twirl it around in your mind. Try on the different scenarios. Consider the possible outcomes. Take control of your own life-decisions.”

Some months ago I read a blog of a woman ranting about her husband’s incessant use of the internet – how he was literally addicted to it. She was very tired of coming home after a day at work, then fixing dinner, fetching kids here and yon, trying to keep a semblance of order in her home (laundry, groceries, lunches, social obligations, etc.) while her husband spent the entire evening (every evening) surfing. Her summation was, “Can we get some productivity here?”

Good advice for us all. Problem-solving. GOOD STUFF!

storms

2006-05-17T16:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I love a good thunderstorm as much as anybody, but we had a couple roll through last week that did some damage. Soaking rains and a bit of wind brought down this huge old tree, which smashed this car in Priscilla’s neighborhood, on my route to work.

dirt simple

2006-05-03T17:04:00.000-05:00

I have been reading through some of the very thought-provoking essays by PJE (link added today). I have only read a few of the posts, but have found each one more than I can get my mind around in one read-thru.

Take a look around the site, and read one or two. I would suggest starting with "The Multiple Self" (which has nothing to do with schizophrenia), or "Zen and the Art of DIY Brain Surgery" (just scroll down a bit - to March 25). Interesting. Very interesting. Good stuff, that.

Manager Tip #2 / STAFF MEETINGS 101

2006-04-11T09:12:00.000-05:00

1. Staff meetings should have a purpose. As the leader, you are in charge of the agenda. Refer back to Manager Tip #1.
2. If you can’t think of anything to present or discuss at a staff meeting, you should consider cancelling the meeting until you come up with a plan. It would be considerate to let people know BEFORE the meeting that it is cancelled.
3. Once you have an agenda, schedule the TIME and PLACE.
4. Give advance notice to everyone you want in attendance. Don’t be afraid to send reminders until a routine is established. Simple details.

Manager Tip #1

2006-04-06T11:28:00.000-05:00

If you are the leader … LEAD!
Don’t look around the table as if to ask, “who wants to volunteer?” At least tell people what they are volunteering for!

More tips coming soon.

"Honk if you know me"

2006-04-05T10:58:00.000-05:00

Bumper sticker seen on the way to work this morning. It should be my driving motto.

When people honk at me while driving, I just wave. Well, sometimes I smile real big and slow down too. And it always makes me think of the guy who was at a stoplight one day, and someone behind beeped him when the light turned green. He got out and opened his hood. No, everything was fine, he just wanted to annoy the driver behind. Also reminds me of the guy who actually put his car in reverse and tapped the guy behind and then drove off.

I am not very impressed with people who honk at other drivers. The car ahead of me does not always go on a green light as soon as I think they should. I DON'T HONK.

If I turn right on red and almost get hit by a car that has the right of way I DON'T HONK - like it was their fault!

If I change lanes to avoid hitting someone who pulled out in front of me I DON'T HONK. And when they change lanes again to cut me off - I DON'T HONK.

You get the prize if you suspect these scenarios are not fictional. And my response?

"Don't get mad, just wave!" I'm still driving the coolest car on the road!

CASTING A LONG SHADOW

2006-04-03T19:51:00.000-05:00

I don't know why it fascinated me to take this photo across the ravine. My shadow is falling perhaps 100 feet from where i am standing.

What a beautiful day for a drive. I made a little run to Branson to do some spring shopping. I was planning to photograph the masses of redbud trees in bloom, but it got dark before I got that far south. Yes, I could have taken the photos on the way UP to Branson (earlier in the day) but I was rather in a hurry to get to Branson before the stores closed! Quite a day-trip when you don't leave town until after noon. hehe I won't go into the details that required two trips in one weekend ;)

After sunset I watched a thunderhead build in the south sky as i headed back to Little Rock. It was an awesome panoramic display, with the lightening bouncing back and forth across the sky, almost like an echo. It seems this is the storm that moved through central Arkansas to do considerable damage in Tennessee later in the night.

the road to Branson ... where i lost my hat :(

... bright spot in a drab landscape ...

Spring is here.

random thoughts

2006-03-22T17:08:00.000-06:00

One of my blog readers told me i don't update my posts frequently enough.

Believe me, it is not for lack of things on my mind to write about. My thoughts are a whirl as i drive to work and back each day. As I wash dishes, shower, lie awake in the night. Then I sit at my desk, and it is just too overwhelming.

Work is stacked high all around me, and my thoughts keep pounding. Sometimes I have to write them down just to make them feel more manageable. That is what drives people to journal, I suppose. The need to make thoughts seem more orderly.

But it doesn't really help.

more Thai thoughts and photos

2006-03-09T12:07:00.000-06:00

too many highlights to feature them all, but here's trying ...

Doi Suthep temple plaza and buddhist pagoda

over 300 steps up to the temple plaza at Doi Suthep

Thai boxing ... Steve will have to tell you all about that!

Not a very clear picture, but the homemade apple pie and ice cream made the trip in excellent shape. Frozen solid when we arrived. It actually took a couple of days to thaw!

AC around the world

2006-03-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

Adding to my "collection" of AC in wet cement. This is my first international graffiti - or autograph - or whatever you call it.

Corner of Chang Moi, Soi 3
(Chang Moi Street, Lane 3)
Chiang Mai, Thailand

somtam and sticky rice

2006-03-09T10:37:00.000-06:00

Just one of the many treats we experienced in a beautiful country.
Nicole says she does not like it, but I thought it was quite tasty!
Kinda spicy like slaw but you eat it with your hands.
Shredded (chopped) green papaya, peppers, fish sauce, tomatoes, topped with chopped peanuts ...
Interesting, I must say. But, yes, good.

Thailand highlights (so far)

2006-02-12T07:45:00.000-06:00

I had to take a break from walking yesterday afternoon. While I sat at a window counter at Starbuck's I was watching these workmen tear up a sidewalk while people just kept walking by. In the U.S., this whole side of the street would have been closed to walking and driving traffic.

We are pretty sure this would not be OSHA approved =)

no hardhats
no safety glasses
no orange traffic cones
no signage saying "walk on other side of street"

gloves? who needs 'em?

steel-toed shoes? - are you kidding? at least they are not flip-flops

Steph joined us for dinner Saturday night...

J bargaining for price of the songtau (taxi) ride. You would be so impressed with her command of the language after just 6 months!

Shopping at "walking street market" Sunday evening...

Dad getting measured for a new suit.

almost February already?

2006-01-26T22:40:00.000-06:00

This blog seems to have fallen on hard times. The holidays fell into the history books and here we are at the end of January. I have been so preoccupied with work and getting ready for an office relocation, trying to get a bit more exercise, and preparing for this trip in February - I've hardly had time to THINK of what I might blog if I had the time.

I intended to post pictures of the trip to Monte Ne (was it three weeks ago?) and the submerged ruins which have been revealed by the recent drought. Alas, they are still in the camera. I have done a little knitting. Almost finished with the navy socks. I plan to wear them on the trip to Thailand.

Madonna

2006-01-03T14:24:00.000-06:00

I meant to blog this before Christmas, but I will go ahead with it now…

When Virginia was a wee girl, we were looking at Christmas cards and admiring the scenes. One of the cards was a print from a classical artist, and (as she was always keen on naming her own art creations) I informed her it was called “Madonna and Child”.

Her obvious question (at least to a child): “Why don’t they call her by her real name?”

Democrats are whiney brats.

2005-12-27T14:07:00.000-06:00

This is really not a name-calling fest. I don’t feel a need to label people. This is about a favorite podcast to which I listen. It discusses a topic I am intensely interested in, but the ‘caster CANNOT seem to leave her personal politics out of it. Very well, I shall at least vent my spleen on my own blog rather than clutter up her tiny mind (and bandwidth) with my comments. Perhaps this is the problem with us “conservatives”. We are too polite. We are content to live our lives without abrasively intruding upon others. =)

Today’s edition of the podcast was ever so pleasant until the final 5 minutes when the ‘caster went into a mini-tirade about how people might be interested to know that all the media does not agree with FOX network and Rush Limbaugh (!) and she (the ‘caster) will be providing a service to all mankind by linking some liberal media websites to her podcast homepage.

Indeed?

It is infinitely amusing to me that liberals are all about tolerance and acceptance - - - as long as they are in the majority. (“Let’s not discuss politics – unless you agree with me!”) Yet, when they feel a bit “out of control” (threatened?) they resort to childish whining. I refer to the buttons, bumper-stickers, etc. that shout “Knitters against Bush”, "Don't Blame Me, I voted for X", and other lame slogans. By contrast, there are plenty of people in Arkansas who can’t stand to hear the name Bxxx Cxxxxxx, yet I don’t remember a single group calling itself “Little Rockers against Clinton”. Although it is not a bad idea. If anyone feels the need to organize such a group, I give permission to use the slogan. =)

I think one reason FOX and Rush are so popular is because people with views not voiced by the major news media are refreshed by the fact that ANYONE agrees with them after being constantly bombarded (i.e. brainwashed) with liberal ideas for forty-plus years. Those with conservative views are belittled and criticized to the point of literally being told they (we) are less intelligent and somewhat naïve to believe such fairytales. If that is not intolerance, I don’t know what is.

This just goes to prove, dear liberal thinkers, that no matter how loudly or how often you say it, it does not make it true. Now, back to my knitting and your regularly scheduled program...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To: Julia

2005-12-25T00:24:00.000-06:00

Remember last Christmas?

No snow this Christmas. But we had a cozy fire,

and a tree and table with all the Christmas trimmings.

What's missing???

U!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all
and to all a good night!

Julia, we miss you more than words can say.

MOMOXOXOXOXOX

P.S. I love my earrings. But I love you more.

Sesame Treats

2005-12-13T11:43:00.000-06:00

“Two different worlds we live in …”

Does anyone else remember that song? It has been running in my head all morning. No, actually for almost a year now. Cultures are certainly different. My supervisor (of Indian nationality) left some candy and treats on a tray in the break/copy/fax/mailroom last Friday, and can’t understand why they are not all gone! I know you are probably wondering the same thing. Why hasn’t anyone eaten all the yummy little unwrapped, sesame-coated, whatcha-ma-call-its?

Even more of a puzzle is, why didn’t the mice that inhabit our “modular office” (AKA trailer) have a nibble over the weekend or overnight? The little snacks were left out all weekend - - - uncovered. Oh, wait. Are those poppy seeds? Er, no.

OK. It’s Tuesday. I’ve taken it upon myself to make one magically disappear each time I enter the copy/fax room until they are all gone. I’ll let someone else take care of the Swiss Miss. Perhaps there ARE people who actually like sugar-free instant cocoa. At least more than like naked sesame whatcha-ma-call-its of unknown origin. The face of a kid’s first taste of Brussels sprouts is very vivid in my mind right now, and I’m trying not to make it myself!!! ~~~ shiver ~~~

Julia - we miss you!

2005-11-24T21:36:00.000-06:00

thanksgiving memories

Come, ye thankful people, come.
Raise a song of harvest home.

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies:

Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

Driving to El Dorado...

Whit finished her scarf on the drive down...

as we enjoyed a beautiful day,

... beauties of nature ...
and happy faces to welcome us.

Everyone had to get in the kitchen ...

... and everyone did a little to help.

Pop tells about the package he sent to Thailand ...

... and everyone is interested to hear what he sent.

Then we give our thanks to God and eat!

Roast Turkey
Dressing & Gravy
Cranberry Relish
Creamed Corn
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Dinner Rolls & Butter
Iced Tea
Sweet Potato Pie
Apple Pie
Egg Custard Pie
Strawberry Cake
Glazed Pecans

MMMMMMmmmm. Yum.

And just for your entertainment:

fleur de lis and Richard IV

Julia, I love you more than apple pie ...

MOMOXOXOXOXOXO

trip to Fayetteville

2005-11-24T21:27:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

THANKS MIKE & JUDY!

Marine Band, Clinton Library, Thanksgiving – my favorite holiday

2005-11-14T12:19:00.000-06:00

I am welcoming the changes in the weather - cooler and some rain over the last few days. We had a busy weekend. Did some knitting. Dad washed the cars and worked in the yard, and took a bike ride. I made some beef burgundy on Saturday. Visited with the old folks and enjoyed some of the pulled pork and barbecued ribs Pop cooked and sent home with us. Went to hear the President’s Own Marine Band on Saturday night. Toured the Clinton Library early Sunday morning before church. Then went to church morning and evening.

Chihuly Crystal Tree of Light at the Clinton Library [photo above].

The Clinton Presidential Center is gearing up for the 1st anniversary of its opening. The landscaping has been considerably improved since last year. Multitudes of trees now occupy the former bare lawn. This was my 1st visit inside the library. I simply refuse to pay to take the tour, but I had a chance to go for free. I could say more about that, but I will resist.

I always dread this time of year, and cling to the joys of October and then Thanksgiving as long as possible. A feeling of doom and negativity falls heavily on me about this time each year. Starts about Halloween and usually continues until after Christmas. Then – POOF! – it’s over. As suddenly as it came. This year it arrived a little later. I could feel it creeping up last week, but I kept shaking it off. Then it hit me hard last night. Honestly, I hate Christmas. But I don’t know if I get sad because of the season, or if I have learned to dread Christmas because I know the mood it casts on for me. I don’t know. I really don’t. Maybe it’s because the control freaks are out in force.

Life becomes so surreal and artificial this time of year. Everyone’s priorities become skewed and distorted. Honestly, is there anyone (except retailers) who does not complain about the “crass commercialism” and “materialism” in our society?

There have been many years I did not decorate for the holidays – even when my children were small. Of course they always got gifts and I did lots of cooking, but I really tried to focus on the family time and making memories around the people and being together – not the STUFF.

i don't know why i didn't become a botanist

2005-11-09T08:50:00.000-06:00

This shrub appears most ordinary BUT
it has a secret.

You notice the tiny flowers?
They are quite dainty and understated. In fact, you have to make a point of stopping and actually parting the limbs to even notice them.

So what’s the secret?

The AROMA!

If you pass the shrub – even a block away. Out for a walk or even a drive, you will be dazzled by the fragrance. Not pungent or cloying. Not overpowering like gardenia, or penetrating like wisteria. Just light and pleasant. Almost like vanilla, but ever so delicate and feminine. It is a mystery to me why it can’t be bottled or extracted. It is a fragrance that would be fit for the most elegant queen.

It is Osmanthus fragrans or sweet olive and it is what I imagine heaven must smell like!

confused vegetation

2005-11-08T08:43:00.000-06:00

This Japanese maple outside my window is just one example of the strange fall we are having. Many of the trees and shrubs that normally bloom in spring have come into bloom. Look closely and you may be able to see the abundant fallen leaves on the ground (in the background) as well as colored leaves on this tree with new growth. This photo was taken this morning.

And two favorite views in Fayetteville:
Ole Main & Confederate Cemetery

Trees have been late in turning, but it looks like we will have some color in the next week or two. And here it is, almost TG day. I remember about 3 years ago we did not get the first frost until the day before TG. We may break that record this year, as it was 61 when I woke up this morning. A fine day for a noon drive in my little red car.

The F'ville photos were taken on October 22.

quote of the day

2005-11-04T10:27:00.000-06:00

The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.

J.M. Barrie, novelist and playwright (1860-1937)

(sort of a continuation of yesterday's thoughts)

... when her body became her enemy ...

2005-11-03T16:07:00.000-06:00

… and she could no longer do the things she enjoyed …

I attended a funeral yesterday for an old friend of the family. During the eulogy the speaker referred to happy, fun-filled, active and younger days. A life well-lived, in service to many, a teacher who touched many lives and bore children, and lived to see her great-grand-children.

But there came a day when she could no longer do things for herself. What a privilege it is to be able to work and to be productive. To have a sense of satisfaction in work well-done, and to make a contribution in a world larger than ourselves. To be able to make an impact – even if only a small one.

As the procession of cars weaved through the narrow streets of a small south Arkansas town and then moved out to the wide open country spaces, I was reassured to observe almost every car pull off the road and stop. Perhaps this is no longer common in larger cities. But we are too busy if we cannot take that few moments to assess our own purpose and direction, and to consider our own mortality. Not a pleasant thought –– but an important one – to take a brief break and reflect as the funeral procession crosses our path.

I feel like I am constantly at war with my body. There are so many things I want to accomplish, and at the end of each day I’m so tired and I am rarely able to check off even half the things on my to-do list. I have this moment. I will use it – not waste it.

(weird) things happen

2005-11-01T14:33:00.000-06:00

Well, I took my cute little new red convertible in for it’s 1st routine maintenance yesterday. About 2 hours later the clerk came to the waiting room and asked to speak to me in private.

Hmm. This is unusual.

“We are going to have to put you in a loaner for a couple of days. We need to do some extra work on your car … we, um, well, uh, … dropped a piece of angle iron on the hood.

YIKES!

“May I have a few moments alone with her before I leave?” So I took the picture (with my Palm camera). The color does not show well - but there it is. The damage is minor, but WAAAAAAAA!

taking a vote

2005-10-27T10:27:00.000-05:00

ok, just doing a little experimenting...
which weather icon to use?
regular or de-caf
regular or de-caf
flag or sunrise/sunset
hmmm.....

techie stuff - or - "databases I have known"

2005-10-25T11:03:00.000-05:00

I field a lot of questions about my PDA “palm device”. If I “tap” in public, I invariable get the question, “are you playing a game?” I should say ‘yes’ more often. Truth is, I’m terrible compulsive.

A good friend of mine surpasses me in that department, and she frequently says, “Don’t feel self-conscious about being compulsive. The key is to find a career that will pay you well for being compulsive.” That always makes me smile, because we both have capitalized on our idiosyncrasy. If YOU were having cancer treatment, wouldn’t you feel better knowing the people helping with your treatment are extremely particular about details?

Anyway, back to the topic: my PDA. Well, actually: my compulsivity. The prime use of my Palm is – TA-DA – my database. This palm is not just an electronic calendar and address book with a built-in clock. No, no, no.

One of my friends saw me tapping one day, and wanted to show off his new Palm. He’s a smart guy so I figured I would show him my database. He said, “Yea, mine has Excel.” I said, “Umm, that’s a spreadsheet, not a database.”

He: What’s the difference?

I fell silent. Where to begin? The differences are legion! And the uses … ? Infinite! I think I finally said something like, “I’ll explain later,” to spare his ego. Hopefully he went to work the next day and asked somebody, or asked one of his kids. hehe

My database is – well – I HAVE TO HAVE MY DATABASE! The program is a database builder called SmartListToGo. Kinda like Microsoft Access or FileMaker. Then I BUILD the databases that I want. I have built a few. I have 2 PDAs, and I have about 75 dbs on one palm and about 60 on the other one. I’m not a programmer, but even our IT guy seems impressed.

Databases. Gotta love em! A lot of people have lots of applications on their palms that could be done with ONE database rather than dozens of applications. And at less cost. And they could design it the way it suits them. A few of the databases I use most:

- shopping list
- car mileage & maintenance
- exercise log
- work timesheet
- to do list (a lot more detailed than the Palm To Do list) – with notes, date completed, etc & you can sort by Home To Do, Work To Do, committees, clubs, etc.
- blood pressure (and other health stuff)
- booklist (to buy / to read)
- movie list (handy when you get to Blockbuster, and can’t remember what you want to check out)
- calorie counter
- favorite quotes
- birthdays & This Day in History
- Daily Bible Verse & inspirational thoughts
- knitting needle inventory

You get the idea. All the stuff that used to be on little odd slips of paper or Post-its all over my house, my desk, and stuffed in books and my purse.

AND!!!! MY PALM HAS AN MP3 PLAYER (way cool and probably my 2nd favorite thing about my palm). AND MULTI-FUNCTION STOPWATCH. AND A CAMERA (which is not really that big a deal). Three doc readers. And a few games. It’s not a smart phone. I’m not inclined to want a Palm-phone combo. I want to get away from the phone once in a while. Plus my phone has to LOOK cool – not like a brick.

surprise!

2005-10-19T10:57:00.000-05:00

Well, the post below was composed one day last week, and before I could even get it posted we got news that the move is not going to happen in the near future. Am I surprised?

(that was a rhetorical question)

changes in the air

2005-10-19T10:18:00.000-05:00

This is not about the weather. hehe

I used to have a really nice office. Fifth floor facing south with a tremendous view of the city. With a door I could close for privacy if I had a personal phone call or wanted to listen to music, or take a 10-minute break to watch a summer thunderstorm with the lights off.

Three and a half years ago my office was relocated to a trailer. Yes, a trailer - with no windows. With the promise we would be here about a year. Two years max. Umm-hmm. But it's a double-wide (with plumbing) so why am I complaining?

Giving up the panoramic view was the biggest adjustment. The trailer has, in truth, not been bad - except for the smell. We call it "the mouse house". And the main building "the big house". Being isolated from the big house has it's advantages. We are rarely interrupted by random visitors. In fact, we are largely ignored - which is sometimes not a bad thing.

Well, we just got word we are being moved back to "the big house". Probably within 3 weeks. No more private offices - we will probably all be in cubicles.

The most stressful aspect to me? Will I have a place for my fish tank? It has been a pleasant companion to me (the fish rarely get attitude) and has been a good substitute for the windowless workspace. It suits me. I will be sad to give it up.

the soap opera

2005-10-18T18:27:00.000-05:00

I met the star of this drama on Day 1 when I started my job 10 years ago. During these 10 years, she has had an endless (yes, endless) list of traumatic life events. If I had had even half the things she has experienced, I think I'd be in permanent therapy. Maybe that is why SHE is!

Day in and day out I have heard the drama. My memory has erased all but about 10% of the "episodes", but a few events continue to play into each daily saga. A true living soap opera.

Before I met "mindy" (our courageous leading character bearing up under life's adversities) there was a marriage and two children (well actually three - counting the 1st that was stillborn). Then a divorce from an alcoholic husband. There was a sister who had a baby - born the night of her senior prom. She later married the father and had three more kids. Same sister had a critical accident in high school which left her blind in one eye, and paralyzed on one side of her face. There was another sister who had two children by different fathers - never married. That sister is in constant drug rehab, and her daughter quit school in about the 7th grade, and is now in prison and the mother of two children (being raised by Mindy). It's all very confusing and if I didn't get daily updates on these people, I frankly would need a scorecard to keep up.

Monday's are always interesting. I never know what to expect. Like yesterday. Mindy was not in the office when I arrived. I wondered if she was ill and not coming at all, or if her great-niece (form whom she is guardian) was ill, or if her father was in the hospital again, or if [long list of possibilities]. Mindy appeared about 9:30 with the explanation. "Little Moe" [her son] was in a car wreck and is in the hospital. Little Moe is just home from Iraq within the last 4 months. So, Mindy proceded to treat us with the gory details of the accident. Leaving local high school football game Friday night; head-on collision; 2 people injured; wrecked her mother's car; both people med-flighted to local medical centers; surgery to put a rod in his leg from hip to ankle; took him 13 hours to come out of anesthesia, yadda, yadda.

I know - the details are endlessly fascinating to one and all. I'll keep you posted.

It's not that I don't have compassion. But it's people like this that make me know, most novels (and soap operas) are probably taken from real life.

painting the town pink

2005-10-14T08:35:00.000-05:00

So my baby daughter asked me, “What are you going to do for your birthday?” And I said, “Have dinner with Carol.” Baby girl says, “Are y’all going to paint the town red?”

“Nope, just pink. We won’t get too crazy!”

Pink is good! And totally fitting.

birthday dinner

2005-10-13T14:29:00.000-05:00

My friend wants to take me out for dinner. I know how this is going to go, but I play along.

Her: I want to take you out for your birthday. When would be a good time?
Me: Oh, fun! How does your schedule look?
Her: Well, Monday next week is good for me. Or Wednesday. Or Friday. But I definitely can't do it on Tuesday or Thursday.
Me: [thinking monday, wednesday and friday are all bad for me] OK, how about tomorrow night? Is that too short notice?
Her: No. That would be fine. Where would you like to go? Your choice.
Me: Oh, you know I like just about everything. And what I haven't tried, I'm willing to try. What sounds fun to you?
Her: You think about it and decide. But you know I can't eat shellfish ... and I can't go to [names a few] ... and we need to go someplace close ...
Me: OK. I'll decide by tomorrow night.
Her: OK. What time?
Me: Um, I'm not sure I can make it before 6:30.
Her: Don't you think we will have a hard time getting seated that late?
Me: Would you prefer 6:00? I really don't think I can make it any earlier.
Her: OK. 6:00 is fine. And if you happen to get here early, that will be fine, too.
Me: OK. Tomorrow night at 6:00.

See, I know if I say up-front “Why don’t you just tell me where and when,” it will take away her joy of taking me out and make her feel like it’s not my “party”. So I have to give her the illusion that she is actually letting me have some input in the decision. But ultimately, I know it’s all her choice. I don’t mind. The social element is the important thing to me – not the food. And Heaven knows I won’t starve if I don’t go out for dinner on my birthday.

But at the same time I can’t help wonder why there are so many control-freaks in my life.

tomorrow's forecast

2005-10-13T09:59:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow will be mild and sunny with a slight breeze. In other words, A PERFECT DAY!

How do I know? My birthday is always the most gorgeous day. Every year - never failed. Like I posted last year: “the sky – lapis - azure – not just blue ... the leaves turning those incredible vibrant colors ... smells and tastes of autumn ... the warmth of home and family”.

I can never remember it raining on my birthday even once, or even being cloudy. (Not that I object to rain. I’m actually a great fan of rainstorms.)

awake in the night

2005-10-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

I've been awake since 3:10 a.m. I have these rituals I go thru to help me go back to sleep: make a trip to the bathroom, get a drink, look outside, pray, listen to my mp3s on my Palm. If I'm still not getting sleepy, I start reading or journaling. I could have written many a novel in the hours I've been awake between midnight and 6 a.m.

Looking outside is advice from an old neighbor. "When you wake up at night, always look outside. You see the most interesting things!"

Mr. Charles was right. I've seen some pretty incredible things in my own yard or passing on my street in the wee hours. This morning, I watched my neighbor sit in the dark in his porch swing smoking a cigarette at 4 a.m. All I could see was the red glow in the dark - like Deep Throat in "All The President's Men". He's not insomniac; he just leaves for work about 5:00.

I think one of my neighbors (down the street) is a repo man. He flies down the street in a very large flat-bed truck at early odd hours and returns with cars of random description.

Twice in the last year I've seen a car pass my house at very high speed and return moments later dragging a large green waste receptable, distributing it's contents all over the neighborhood. One morning back in the summer I heard a crash and popped to the window to see someone backing out of our yard after they ran over our mailbox and broke the post.

A friend told me of getting up one night and seeing 2 foxes playing under a full moon in the lawn outside her kitchen window. The next day she mentioned to a neighbor what she had seen, and the neighbor said she too had see the foxes and was so enchanted by them in the moonlight, she had wakened her husband to watch.

Always look outside when you wake in the night. You will see the most interesting things!

JULIA

2005-10-06T17:24:00.000-05:00

happy birthday!!!
happy birthday!!!

happy birthday!!!

It's already October 7 in Thailand, so have a great day!

(find the link above and tell me how you like it :)

It's just a 'spearmint.

I LOVE YOU, MOMOXOXOXOXOXOX

This man is totally awesome to me!

2005-10-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

Incredible!! Amazing!!!

He and his buddy rode 100 miles last Saturday in

Tour de Cure

for diabetes.

Pretty Boy

2005-09-30T09:26:00.000-05:00

just testing!

betta fry

2005-09-30T09:06:00.000-05:00

Just a little update on the babies. My bettas spawned 2 weeks ago tomorrow, and babies hatched on September 19th. This was my first SUCCESSFUL attempt, so I’m very excited about the results. About 20-30 – growing fast. I’d take a picture, but it would have to be with a microscope!

I guess I should also say "farewell and RIP" to my old guy, Pretty Boy. He died over the weekend. He was almost 3 years old - I think that's old for a betta, but I'm not sure. He brought me a lot of smiles at work, and lots of comments when people would stop by.
"I thought you couldn't have bettas with other fish!"
"How do you keep the tank so clean?"
"What kind of fish is that?" (especially about my farlowella)

By the way, DAD FOUND THE CAMERA!!! I confess, it was in a pile of my stuff – tissue paper I was using to wrap a gift!

now i need ...

2005-09-27T12:52:00.000-05:00

a fur coat! You know the old story about giving the mouse a cookie ...

It occurred to me this morning as I drove to work – with my convertible top down – that the air is a little cooler, and winter is coming.

Riding with the top down in winter should be as much fun as riding in a one-horse open sleigh!

some things are so obvious they don't need comment ...

2005-09-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

… and yet some people don’t get it.

I’m getting ready to go to a staff meeting at 2:00 p.m. and trying to tamp down my anger before I go. You would think a director would have some concept of what to do at a staff meeting – or else they would not call a meeting to waste everyone’s time.

Meanwhile - my anger continues to build. At staff meeting we go around the table and tell the status of projects we are working on. Like any of our jobs are connected. They aren’t. Twelve people work in a common office, but our work duties are fairly unrelated. By that, I mean they are not team projects. Reporting the status of my projects in a group meeting is a waste of time. Hearing about everyone else’s projects is a waste of time. This could be done in one-on-one sessions to provide information to the PERSON who is really interested.

Not to mention, we all prepare a summary of work (past and future) on Friday of each week.

Not a whole lot has happened since I prepared my report last Friday. [Pirate language], read the [pirate language] report!

Ok. The valve has been released. Maybe now I can sit thru this [pirate-language] meeting without having to excuse myself to find a handgun.

32 years

2005-09-23T12:50:00.000-05:00

Yep. Thirty-two years. I know that sounds like a lifetime to you youngin's. Amazing even to me. I would claim the secret to a long, happy marriage is because I'm such a wonderful person, but I know better. I just enjoy it and don't analyze too much. Kinda like that beautiful sunrise I saw this morning. It's just one of the blessings I got, so I say a prayer of thanksgiving - and smile.

who says men aren't moody?

2005-09-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

My boss came in this morning in one GIGANTIC mood! Flew down the hall without a word. Knocked on one closed door with no response. Then slammed his door.

Hmmm. About 30 minutes later he is standing around in the hall outside my office.

Me: Are you ok?
He: Yes, just a little run-in this morning.
Me: No wrecks, I hope. No dead bodies?
He: Not yet.
Then he left for a meeting with his co-director.

Hmmm. Glad I don’t have to attend. I’ve just got my head down minding my own business.
:)

take a number and wait

2005-09-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

I hate waiting in lines. Seriously. HATE.
As I was standing in line for lunch with a friend it just occurred to me how often I either don’t eat, or choose something from the shortest line – just to avoid the wait. So, my list of tactics to avoid lines:

- go early
- go late
- get the NOT-SPECIAL of the day
- find a substitute or make my own
- do without

Of course, having friends complicates it. They have time/place/personal tastes that have to be considered. So – to be sociable - I wait in lines. We go at the peak lunch time. We fight traffic to get there. We hunt for a parking place. We get the special of the day. We ask for special preparation. Then we complain when it’s not EXACTLY how we want it. Then ask for a doggie bag for the left-overs because we are running late. Then complain all the way back to work about the crowds, the traffic, the heat, the slow service, blah-blah-blah.

Too much confusion. That’s why I keep a package of tuna and a fork in my drawer at work. Get your own tuna and fork, and see how simple life can be.

I Surrender All

2005-08-18T14:50:00.000-05:00

I put my beloved Julia on an airplane yesterday morning. She is spending a week in Colorado preparing for a year on mission in Thailand. I did not cry. Me – who usually cries when I see little boys having breakfast with their dad’s on a Saturday morning, or at a beautiful sunset.

I am told most mothers cry when they send a child off to college or at their wedding, or when sending them to a distant place for an extended time. I have done all those things, and I have been amazingly un-tearful on those occasions. I felt no sadness at those times. I could only feel happiness. The joy of seeing their wings spreading, getting ready to soar – anticipating the new adventures. The extreme pride in what God had done to bring them to a point of readiness to face the challenges before them. The humility and thankfulness that God had allowed them to be a daily blessing on my life for a little while, and now other people will have the blessing of knowing them.

But I did cry … last night at choir rehearsal … almost lost it like a baby. I was merrily going through the rehearsal, not feeling emotional or teary at all. Then we got to the arranged hymn “I Surrender All” and it hit me. It occurred to me that not only has my daughter been obedient to God, but I have been obedient. I lifted her with an open hand to God. Not as dramatic as Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac, perhaps, but a willing heart is what He asks. How did I come to a place of being willing – even happy – to let her go? How did God do that?

I am amazed that God still calls people to Himself. Not because He is weak, but because the world is so attractive, so alluring, so distracting. I am amazed that people still hear His still, small voice. Not because He fails to communicate, but because so many other things shout, scream, demand to be heard.

Obedience is better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22

I'm thinking of a number

2005-08-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

Is there a number that reminds you of something else? A number that pops up often that takes you to another time and place?

I have such a number. I arrived at work at 8:19 this morning. 819. 819. Every time I hear 819 I think of my grandmother - bless her memory. She had a house at 819 West 24th Street. My great-grandparents moved to Arkansas from Illinois one winter of my childhood, and lived in the house at 819 West 24th Street. It was a happy time. Sunday afternoon visits. Ritz crackers with cream cheese and strawberry preserves for a snack. And hot tea. Handmade doll clothes made by my great-grandmother. The dainty flowered handkerchief fashioned into a doll cape. The pipe smoke and large-print Readers' Digest and rocking chair of my great-grandfather.

I always think of my grandmother - and my great-grandparents when I hear "819".

life owes you something?

2005-05-28T08:32:00.000-05:00

I, too, am sick of attitude that says "life owes me something". There is a radio commercial running in our city that advertizes for an employment opening, and closes with the advice that those with that attitude need not apply.

How refreshing! It seems most people in my workplace think it is an insult to have to answer the phone or fill the copy machine with paper, even though it is their job. They want the job redesigned to fit their "abilities and needs". Things are all laugh and chat unless you jokingly ask someone to help you actually do some work. Then you are met with glares as if you had asked them to clean the toilet.

I jokingly asked a co-worker to get me a glass of ice water a few days ago. The looks from two other people were enough to completely shut down communication. I had no intention of letting the person get me a glass of water, it just happened that she was sitting smack in the middle of the doorway that led to the ice machine (chatting with the other 2 people that overheard). It was more of a light way of asking, "will you please get out of the doorway so I can pass?"

So, later in the day I went out to lunch. I often go to the local deli / bakery, and often bring back a box of cookies - usually once a week - for the office to share in the afternoon. This day, I did not. When I walked in from lunch the staring woman very sweetly asked if I brought her anything!

Then, just hours later, the same staring woman brought up the fact that her last day of work is approaching. She wanted to know if I would make her that yummy cake I made for the last person who left, and make it just for her so she could take it home. The contrast between the first incident and the second two was striking.

Uhhh. Let me think about it. It could happen - if it snows on July 4th.

a broccoli moment - err ... SPARKLY moment

2005-02-24T15:36:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have a moment when you feel like your heart will burst with pure happiness?

I am taking a class and I use an old 3-ring binder my daughter used in high school. It is one of those plain white binders, but she has a creative gene, and had decorated the cover of the notebook. I never really examined it – I just enjoy the colors and designs – and it makes me think of her when I’m slogging away on my class notes – remembering how much she hated school.

I brought the notebook to work with me today, intending to spend a few odd moments reviewing during lunch or breaktime. I took a moment to study the artwork on the cover – feeling the texture – yes, texture – and looking at the “paint” that was used. I supposed it was some kind of funky paint she found in art class.

All kinds of interesting colors – yellow, blue, silver, broccoli (er, I meant SPARKLY) glittery something that looks sort of like the “hair / beard” you arrange on the little toy bald guy – then some polka-dot looking things – pinks, purples, burgundy. Fun. Interesting. Like her.

So, I picked up the phone to call her and tell her I am using this notebook, and ask does she remember making it. She is about to start a ballet class she teaches – and she takes a moment to talk to her mom. Yes, she remembers decorating the notebook. She made it with old half-used bottles of nail polish! Nail polish never came to mind when I looked at that notebook.

Now, WHY does that surprise me? And, WHY does it make me smile? And, WHY do I take such joy in her? My little chick – just taking pleasure in what God has done …

fresh out of bootstraps

2005-02-24T15:26:00.000-06:00

Well, I called that friend a few days ago - the one that gave me the advice to pull myself out of the blue funk I was in before Christmas ...

Of course my "mood" has passed - it always disappears by the 1st of January - but it seems my friend has been very sick over the past few weeks - having a hard time getting well - and getting more and more blue as the days pass. She started to cry and said she was just about ready to give up.

I patiently asked if she remembered giving me some advice just before Christmas - to just pull myself up by the bootstraps and get over it. She replied, "Yes, but I'm fresh out of bootstraps."

I know exactly how you feel. That is how I felt when the advice was given to me. A friend who understands is one of life's greatest gifts, don't you think?

where are those bootstraps???

2004-12-21T10:56:00.000-06:00

Who hasn't been given the sage advice "pull yourself up by the bootstraps"?

What do all the bootstrap-less people do? What if you discover YOU are bootstrap-less? What to do?

Does that advice really mean anything to anyone? Bah! Humbug!

Reindeer Games

2004-12-12T10:52:00.000-06:00

I attended a Christmas reception for school teachers yesterday morning, when the topic turned to Christmas parties for this coming week. The food, the games, the activities and crafts ... ah, the excitement.

Two young women were in deep discussion about the difficulties of making such plans. Yes, I understand - thinking of something new and fun for all is always a challenge.

Au contraire. That is not the problem at all! The problem is ... finding a game where there will be no loser! Ah! Well, yes. That would be a problem.

The two mothers had planned to play the white elephant game - where eveyone brings a worthless "treasure" to foist off on someone else. The objective, one presumes, is to go home with a better gift than you brought. I could write at length about the evils of this game on several levels ... but I digress.

The mothers had been cautioned about the "problem" with this game. If some child did not get to go home with the worthless treasure of his/her choice, they might suffer a damaged psyche - or something. You know, some children are very sensitive and deeply hurt by such things. To them, it is not just an innocent game; they take things more personally.

Hmmmm. Sounds like too much drama. Maybe they should just let the selfish little brats have school all day and skip the party. Err ... again I digress.

The mothers suggested another game - musical chairs - only to be shot down again. It seems the teacher had played this once and everytime a child got "out" they stood and cried until the teacher put a chair back in. They continued to play the game without anyone ever going "out". Now, I ask you, isn't that a statement on our whole culture? Pointlessly going in circles. How could anyone even remotely consider this fun or entertaining. Why not just march around listening to music? Sit down if you want to.

May I suggest "the teddy-bear game", a game I think I made up for a party long ago. Everyone brought their teddy bear - indeed the bears were our honored guests. And everyone went home with a blue ribbon. Aw, isn't that sweet? Each ribbon was for a different quality - Most Cheerful Bear - Most Athletic Bear - Funniest Bear - Most Helpful Bear - Most Polite Bear - Most Friendly Bear - Wisest Bear - - - Try thinking of 20-30 of those - - - better than counting sheep ... there I go again.

I agree there is sometimes too much emphasis on competition. School itself is highly competitive - grades, sports, making friends ...

My point? None - just observations. By the way, Andrew:
Have a great week. And don't feel too bad if you don't get a call to substitute on "party day". Go buy yourself a cute little decorated cupcake and listen to some groovy music. March around if you want to; sit when you want to.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

marriage = a man and a woman (and nothing else)

2004-10-19T13:03:00.000-05:00

I was discussing election issues with my husband - specifically the amendments and some of the confusing wording. He said, "amendment 3 clearly defines marriage as between a man and a woman, and nothing else."

I flippantly said, "you mean no animals?" hahahaha

Sheesh. What a scary, profound thought. Is that where we are headed? Don’t laugh. I used to have a co-worker who used sick time to take her dog to the vet! And our boss let her!!! Company policy specifically said sick time was to be used for personal illness or to attend to IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS.

I know it sounds absurd. Who would ever think that could happen? But who would have ever thought we would be voting on THIS? It sort of reminds me of the email in current circulation about the other humorous combinations...

meal planning for men

2004-10-16T09:46:00.000-05:00

I was only kidding the other day when I told a friend, "It would be easy to plan meals for my husband only. We would have ham on Sunday, burgers on Monday, barbacue on Tuesday, eat supper at church on Wednesday, then start the cycle over. Ham on Thursday, barbacue on Friday (maybe fried catfish occasionally), and hamburgers on Saturday. Simple!

Unfortunately, I need a bit more variety - and - when you have children, sometimes they have different ideas about what is good. AKA, the kid in our family who does not like potatoes! Who ever heard of such a thing!

My nutrition background and training just leaves me wanting more. And there is such a world of culinary adventure to explore! I used to love to cook and experiment with lots of different things. Of late, I'm about ready to settle for the ham-burger-barbacue cycle, and just be happy that the lack of variety takes the edge off my appetite, which serves as my new weight-loss plan.
=)

happy birthday to meeeeeee

2004-10-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

Yea, it’s my birthday. It’s a beautiful day, as ALWAYS! My birthday is always the most beautiful day in the whole year. Every year. Never missed.

A little nip in the air. The sky – lapis – azure – not just blue! The leaves turning those incredible colors. Well, I'm in an office with no windows ... but I'm sure that is how it will look when I go out =)

Thank you, God, for breath in my lungs, light in my eyes, the anticipation of the smells and tastes of autumn and Thanksgiving, the warmth of home and family.

Hitherto has the Lord helped me.
1 Samuel 7:12

Do you need that number...

2004-10-13T11:22:00.000-05:00

I love my job but I’m having a hard time finding job satisfaction right now. I’ve been at my place of employment for 10 years and I’m very proud of what I / we do. Cancer research.

So what’s the problem? Agh – people can be so demanding! It’s great to have job security, but dang, I have more than one project to work on! I am a liaison of sorts between drug companies that want to try new cancer treatments, and the doctors who want to participate in the research, and the patients who want treatment and ultimately benefit from what we do. It is a compassion-driven endeavor – at least from where I sit. But sometimes … ah … sometimes …

Example. A person from a drug company called a few days ago, and said they needed me to complete some document or something TODAY. Well, good luck! Feeling very frustrated (and a little pestiferous) that particular day, I told the person, “I can tell you I will work on it today if that will make you happy, but that does not mean I actually can.”

“Well, when CAN you do it?” As if tomorrow morning might be acceptable.

“Um, I honestly do not know. I have several projects that have urgent priority, that I’m currently working on.”

“Well, I’m going to have to call Dr. Higher Up, and notify him that this project is behind schedule.”

Silence. I hate it when adults act like they are on the school playground or neighborhood parking lot, and play the “I’m gonna tell” game. I hate it, not because I’m intimidated, but because I think it’s – well – childish. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying “Can I give you that number, or do you have it?” I didn’t say it, and I guess some people would call my reaction “passive-aggressive”.

But you know, when everyone is screaming, it’s hard to hear what’s really important. And that’s where I am … at least this week. I love my job.

In all labor there is profit. Proverb 14:23

reading thru - part 3

2004-10-08T09:43:00.000-05:00

Soon after I began my project of reading the Bible, I went to spend part of the summer with an aunt and uncle. A summer rain came along, and I (making reference to a verse that had stuck in my mind) commented, ''the rain falls on the just and the unjust.''

My uncle seemed impressed for some unknown reason, mused a moment, then said, “Shakespeare.”
I said, ''No, the Bible.'' I was pretty sure it was from Matthew, since that was early in my pursuit (though I could not cite chapter and verse), and I was certain I had not read Shakespeare.
''It's from Shakespeare,'' he said confidently, and went on to quote Hamlet or something.

Well, it might have been from Shakespeare, but I knew which came first, and I knew Shakespeare had plagiarized, err, quoted without credit. But, not wanting to be an argumentative, know-it-all-smarty-alec teenager, I decided to let it drop. Previously, I thought my uncle knew everything, but he seemed a bit less wise from that day forward. It’s ok. To be less than perfect is perfectly normal.

reading thru - part 2

2004-10-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

I always read with a goal. Always for understanding – not just a checkmark. The first go-thru, I was confident yet challenged by the thought that I HAD been exposed to the entire Bible. After all, I had attended church since infancy. Fifty-two weeks a year (more or less), four services a week (Sunday school, Sunday morning sermon, Sunday evening sermon, Wednesday evening Bible study), fifteen years, plus an extra few services here and there - a week or two of revival , a week of church camp, a week of Bible School every year ... I'll let you figure it up. Suffice to say - plenty of opportunities to have heard the entire Bible ... IF it had been presented ... and IF I had been paying attention to every single presentation. Hmmm...

The first time through, I was eager to see just how much of it was recognizable to me. I was pretty sure it would all be as familiar as John 3:16, Psalm 23, the Lord's prayer, the Christmas story, Daniel in the lion's den, Noah, Moses … hehe

reading thru

2004-10-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

I just completed my goal of reading the entire Holy Bible. I remember setting this goal at a fairly young age (as a teenager), shortly after I became a Christian. And I remember thinking, starting at Genesis is just too daunting (and ordinary and *expected*). My plan would be to begin in the New Testament - with Matthew. My theory was, the NT would be a quick read, swiftly accomplished (I had probably already heard most of it, right?), and would give me a feeling of success that would motivate me to tackle the Old Testament (AKA Boring History Stuff).

I would be ashamed to tell you how long it took to complete my first read-through. Notice I said ''first''. There have been several now. But the truth is, God knows how long it took, and I don't think God is as concerned with the time as He is with the results. But it was a considerable length of time with lots of starts and stops. Finally as a young adult, I scrapped my previous efforts, and started over - again.

I know the concept of ''reading through'' may seem unimportant to many - even some Christians. After all, if you go to church every Sunday (or attend a Bible class regularly) you will eventually cover it all, right?

Wrong. Just let me sweetly say, I've read MANY things in the Bible which I've never heard covered in a sermon or Bible study. But I’ll stay on topic and save those details are for another day. Don't worry, it will come up again.

=)

lesson in a banana

2004-09-22T15:46:00.000-05:00

Odd things drift to the surface of my memory. I’m sitting here eating a banana, cutting out a brown spot, and remembering something from when my children were small.

We lived in a quiet neighborhood, and I guess most people thought my children were extremely sheltered. I make no apology for it, and can’t tell that it hurt them in the long-run. Worldliness and wickedness is something you can get caught up on fairly quickly. My three girls played with neighbor children of every description – older, younger, black, white, rich, poor, boys, girls. And since they usually traveled as a threesome, it seemed safe ... and empowering.

There came a time, however, when I became aware of three little boys who seemed to have an agenda to find (i.e. make) trouble. Without wanting to cause alarm, I told my girls in a straight-forward, matter-of-fact, non-forbidding way, “Those boys don’t seem very nice. Maybe it would be best if you did not play with them.” My girls were very young, perhaps 2, 4 and 5 years old. Certainly too young to explain the exact details of my concern. I prayed that a simple word of caution would alert them to the need to be aware, and to plant the concept that they could choose to avoid playing with whomever, if they so desired.

One of the girls looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes and inquired, “Do you mean they do bad things like eat the bad spots on bananas?” Ah, innocence. I think it was all I could do to stifle my laughter at the thought of how truly innocent those children were. And simultaneously almost wept at the contrast of how wicked humanity can be. How can a mother bear to be the one to teach unpleasant things to the children she has worked so hard to raise, and protect and instruct?

Now, as I eat my banana, I think about the daily choices I make – who I spend time with, the jokes I laugh at, the television and movies I watch, the music I listen to, the web-sites I visit. I cut the brown spot from my banana, but do I seek to cut the bad influences out of my life? Do the choices I make please a tender, loving Father who does not desire to deprive me of good things, who wants me to be blessed in everything I do?

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of the wicked, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Psalm 1:1

Whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and of good report – anything excellent and worthy of praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8

the pressure is on

2004-09-11T08:47:00.000-05:00

I was up till after midnight packing for vacation. Now it's less than an hour till time to go.

Going with my husband on a "sentimental journey" with his parents - to the city were they got married 65 years ago. Vacation with in-laws. Probably something that brings fear and dread to some, but I've done this before. There is no fear. It will be good. However, there is one small bit of angst. Mostly about my packing skills. Can I get everything in one small over-head compartment sized bag, like the other 3 people in this group? Well, I did it, but decided to repack and use one of those hang-up bag thingys.

See y'all soon.
Love, MOMOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

either you see it or you don't

2004-09-09T12:29:00.000-05:00

Do you blog?

Duh. Is this the 21st century? Seems like everyone blogs, but no one wants to admit it. Or admit they enjoy reading weblogs.

I participate in a message board / chat room, where I posed this question a few days ago. The responses were relatively negative and derogatory. Like blogging was the worst crime a person could commit. Ironic, given the subject of about 90% of the threads posted on that message board.

A few of the responses to my posted question (Do you blog?):

“Nobody cares what you had for breakfast.”
“Some idiot blogged about cheating on his girlfriend …”
“I have little interest in posting my life online and I'm sure there'd be less interest in anyone wanting to read it. I do however have a few hi-lites each year that might be kinda interesting.”
“I don’t blog. Weblogging is pretentious. right along with taking pictures. TRY TO REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. GEEZ!”
“Hell no. I don't want to read drivel by some dolt about what he did last night. Nor do I want to be a dolt writing drivel.”
“Online journals are stupid.”
“Journals are supposed to be personal. There was someone on a social site that I use that had an online journal. She posted about people she hated and all the drama that came about. It does no use to put that so anyone can read it.”
“Whatever happened to paper and pen?” (this from a person who was reading an online message board and responded via the internet – and I’m wondering when was the last time HE wrote a letter, or a newspaper editorial, or a novel, or a journal with pen and paper)

To the guy that responded with “try to remember what happened”. Think what the world would be like without cameras. Film. Digital. TV. Movies. Videos. Are some of them bad? Yes. Does that mean we should ban them? Uh, that was a rhetorical question – the answer is obvious.

Admittedly, many people use a weblog to throw up on the world. Or to whine about how irritated they are by someone they don’t have the nerve to confront. Or to confess deep dark activities or hatred. Hey, it’s cheaper than therapy.

SO, the consensus was, no one wants to know what YOU are thinking. OK, so don’t read it. But don’t say it has no value.

Almost any activity is viewed as pointless to someone who is uninterested in it. Scrapbooking for instance. I’m too busy living my life to spend countless hours taking pictures of every detail, and then spend more countless hours arranging and clipping, and pasting, to sit on a shelf getting dusty and brittle with age, and ultimately be tossed in the trash by my children or grandchildren. Another example? Sports. Hey, if you want to play games, go, play. But why should I have to pay to watch? Sports support a whole segment of society – from the “athletes” themselves, to the sportscasters and even the gambling industry. People who would probably be on welfare, but for sports. Seriously, wouldn’t they be doing something else if they could? Yet whole channels on the television are devoted to game-playing.

Blogging is one of those great misunderstood concepts. And if you need to explain to someone WHY you journal online – well … it can’t be explained. It’s like describing a color. Either you see it or you don’t.

Blog on, fellow bloggers.

=)

Ady's Ashes

2004-09-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

Ady. Gladys. Widow of my father-in-law’s older brother.

Ady died back in February of this year. We finally buried her this past weekend – Saturday before Labor Day.

Ady wanted to be buried in the family “plot”, beside her husband, and sister and brother-in-law, and mother-in-law (and a whole lot more) at East Shady Grove in a rural Arkansas community. Who would not want to be buried in a place called “Shady Grove”? Down a winding country road, past the old home place to an old country cemetery, with great oak trees and chiseled standing marble headstones that mark the final resting spot of those we once knew and now remember when we make the occasional trip to that spot.

There seems to be a new tradition in our family. The last three family deaths were quiet passings of an elderly generation. All three requested to be cremated and have their ashes buried at East Shady Grove. Someone jokingly suggested we have a big picnic and family reunion to celebrate. Death is one of those topics that always inspires humor to lighten the mood. When the plan was first presented, we all laughed at the concept. But as we pondered those whimsical words, we became attracted to the idea. We would have a grand family reunion, bury the ashes, and then observe an old southern tradition - dinner on the ground (or as one friend calls it “gravy in the grass”). We would have a picnic and celebrate the blessing of family, and remember and honor the one who passed, and reconnect with those who have moved and traveled far and wide.

What had seemed almost irreverent was ultimately embraced by everyone in the family. After the first passing (about 2 years ago), the cremation was done, and we set a date for the family reunion. In the meantime, another died. There would be two “ash buryin’s”. The day came. Summer – Fourth of July. Arkansas is hot on the Fourth of July. Even under a great oak tree at East Shady Grove Cemetery. Family gathered from far and near. We caravanned to the cemetery, and had time to visit with everyone, to renew acquaintances. Then the patriarch of the family, my father-in-law, stood and cleared his throat. “We have gathered today to pay our respects …”

Respect. It is a word that seems almost foreign to this generation. But something that this family knows about. I know so many people who do not respect the members of their family. They make no attempt to connect with their family. I am thankful this family knows about respect. Respect for the elderly. Respect for the family. Respect for someone else’s personal needs when they conflict with your own. Respect for God. Respect for our government.

Do we always agree? No. Respect is more than agreeing. Respect is acceptance even in the face of differences. It is a mind-set that teaches tolerance and humility, and carries an eternal blessing. It follows the old idiom “we disagree agreeably”. We find a common ground, and focus on the positive – not the negative. And we are not afraid to admit when we are wrong. We are forgiven. And we forgive.

"Pursue peace with all men ... see to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble"
Hebrews 12:14

Cherish It!

2004-09-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

One day back in the spring, my middle daughter was home from college for Spring Break. As we were out shopping one evening, we ran into one of her high school friends who has finished college. She is working two jobs and preparing for her approaching wedding.

She asked my daughter about college and inquired why she was home mid-week. "Spring Break". The friend just smiled sweetly and said, "Cherish it."

It seems that we are always waiting for something, without being able to “cherish” what we have while we have it. The child wants to be old enough to start school, and then to become a teenager. The teenager wants to be out of high school and on their own. The young adult wants to be an independently wealthy investor who has the freedom to explore the world. The young married couple anxiously awaits the arrival of children, and worries when children do not come on schedule. Middle-age people work to earn a living and worry about providing for the children’s clothes and education. Perhaps they think about retirement, and how wonderful it will be to not be responsible to a boss anymore.

If accident or disease is postponed until a person actually reaches retirement, what do we then wait for? Goals are wonderful things; goals are what keep us motivated. But when do we stop and smell the roses? When do we take time to be content with what we have and where we are, and who we are?

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [Cherish it.]
Philippians 4:11