My Life, Upclose and Personal

January 12, 2011

2011-01-12T08:34:00.002-05:00

The following was written to my Aunt Dot. Everyone who knows me knows or knows about my Aunt Dot.

Janet lives in Birmingham and has been my friend since meeting her at work some 50 years ago. She attended my Aunt Dots funeral which made my heart glad. There is nothing like seeing the face of friend at a most unexpected time. Thanks Janet.
June

From: janetgriffin6@aol.comTo: lizabethto@aol.com, junedaab@aol.comSent: 12/30/2010 11:13:53 A.M. Eastern Standard TimeSubj: Farewell Aunt Dot

Dear Aunt Dot,

You should have been there to see and hear. But then I guess you were. So you heard the stories and the tears....and the laughter. But mostly I know you felt the love. And I got to know you even better. I know we never met, but I knew you. You have been June's mentor for most of her life. Oh how she loved her Aunt Dot. I have heard it said we are who we love, not who loves us. That was June. That was you. And I saw who you loved.....and heard who you loved. Love begets love, and that love was there yesterday. You passed it on. There were so many who came up to me saying they would miss you from their lives......who told stories of living with you over the years.....who talked about the influence you had on them........and I saw your influence on June's family. The care and respect those two young women had for their mother....well, you know. It was the same care and respect June had for you. It warmed my heart. Out of all June's travels all over the world...and the many powerful and influential people she met........it always came back to her Aunt Dot. Her time with you meant more than anyone could even imagine. June loves her life......as you loved yours. You passed that on also. The joy......the spice in life......especially the spice. Some of the spice was left out yesterday but that's what makes us, isn't it? Some people don't have it and they don't know what they are missing. But we do. What is the old saying......be yourself, everyone else is taken. I know June admired that in you as it is admired in her. Yes, I know I did not meet you in person, but I met you yesterday.....and you know what, I feel blessed to have been there. You have paid it forward......and you live on in the hearts and lives of those you loved....and the world is a better place because you were in it. Please give a hug to my mother and dad.....and my little sister. Tell them I'll see them in a few years.Janet Griffin"We are what we love, not what loves us." — Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation)DOROTHY WILLIS

Visit Guest Book

WILLIS, DOROTHY age 91, died Dec 20th at her home after an extended illness. Visitation will be December 28th at Elmwood Chapel, 5-7 PM. Services are December 29th at 11 AM Elmwood Chapel. Dr. Jimmy Wilson, Crestwood Baptist Church officiating. She is widow of Jack L. Willis of Doc Transfer and Warehouses.

Dot is member of First Baptist Church, Kennedy, Al; Member of Terry Walker Country Club; an avid golfer winning the 1973 Presidents Cup Tournament plus many more honors. She traveled extensively and was loved by all.

She is survived by sisters Martha Millwood of Blountsville, Al; Elena Burns of Crane Hill, Al; Brother, Van Wayne Waldrop of Satsuma, Fl; and three other siblings now deceased, Charles Waldrop, Woodrow Waldrop and Edna Earle Richards.

Nieces include Norma Langsdale, Ms; Frances Craig, NC; June Daab, Va; Cindy Newbold, Fl; Deanne Sweatt, Al; Teresa Geer, Al; Mary Etherton, Fl, Mary Willingham, Al;

Nephews include Mike Waldrop, Randy Millwood, Mark Millwood, Roger Waldrop, Ronald Waldrop, Joe Waldrop, all of Al; Tommy Richards, Va; and many great Nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all.=

Ancestry

2010-01-05T16:38:00.002-05:00

As soon as I uncover not only a reason, but THE REASON one line of ancestry has already been traced to the year 1000, my computer holds me in suspense by not allowing me online.

Finally by moving files, am back~

My Ancestry takes me to France and the year 1066, where Lancelot Lee (Lancelot du Leu) was born.
I couldn't wait to test this information with Sir Lancelot.

My ancestor named Lancelot dies ABT year 1114.

Could it be possible his lifetime would fit into the Legend of King Arthur?
Nothing is more intriguing than to trace and find a potential famous person ~

Such enjoyable reading about King Arthur and his Round Table, Lancelot, his most famous Knight, Queen Guinevere in Camelot.

Much is written but seems no one really knows if this story is only mythology or collection of stories. Nor are they certain which century Kind Arthur lived.
We know for sure, history in those days was passed down in stories and told by professional storytellers known as jongleurs. Therefore, we are left not really knowing.

TO SHARE SOME OF THE READINGS~
King ArthurKing Arthur is an important figure in the mythology of Great Britain. He is the central character in Arthurian legends (known as the Matter of Britain), although there is disagreement about whether Arthur, or a model for him, ever actually existed and in the earliest mentions and Welsh texts he is never given the title "king".

Early texts refer to him as dux bellorum ("war leader") and High Medieval Welsh texts often call him amerauder ("emperor"). However, a recent translation of newly discovered documents may have referred to him as a king.History of King Arthur.

One school of thought believes Arthur to have lived some time in the late 5th century to early 6th century, to have been of Romano-British origin, and to have fought against the Saxons. His power base was probably in either Wales, Cornwall or the west of what would become England, but controversy over the centre of his power and the extent and kind of power he wielded continues to rage.Some members of this school, most notably Geoffrey Ashe and Fleuriot, have argued for identifying Arthur with one Riothamus, "King of the Brettones", who was active during the reign of the Roman Emperor Anthemius.

Unfortunately, Riothamus is a shadowy figure of whom we know little, and scholars are not certain whether the "Brettones" he led were Britons or Bretons. Other members suggest that Arthur should be identified as one Lucius Artorius Castus, a historical Roman of the 2nd century, whose military exploits in Britain may have been remembered for years afterward.

Many of these appearances portray Arthur as a fierce warrior, and not necessarily as morally impeccable as in later Romances.
The French medieval writer, Chrétien de Troyes, recounted tales from the mythos during the mid-12th century, as did Marie de France in her narrative poems called lais.

In any case, the later stories told by these two writers and by many, many others, appear to be independent of what Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote. In these versions, which gained popularity beginning in the 12th century, Arthur gathered the Knights of the Round Table (Lancelot, Gawain, Galahad, and others). At his court, most often held at Camelot in the later prose romances, could sometimes be found the wizard Merlin.
Arthur's knights engaged in fabulous quests, famously including one for the Holy Grail.

Other stories from the Celtic world came to be associated with Arthur, such as the tale of Tristan and Isolde. In the late prose romances the love affair between Arthur's champion, Lancelot, and the Queen, Guinevere, becomes the central reason for the fall of the Arthurian world.

In Robert de Boron's Merlin, later followed by Thomas Malory, Arthur obtained the throne by pulling a sword from a stone and anvil. In this account, this act could not be performed except by "the true king", meaning the divinely appointed king or true heir of Uther Pendragon. This sword was presumably the famous Excalibur and the identity is made explicit in the later so-called Vulgate Merlin Continuation. However in what is sometimes called the Post-Vulgate Merlin Excalibur was taken from a hand rising from a lake and given to Arthur sometime after he began to reign by a sorcerous damsel (confused by post-medieval writers with The Lady of the Lake). In this Post-Vulgate version the sword's blade could slice through anything and its sheath made the wearer invincible

Arthur was a casualty in his last battle, the Battle of Camlann, which he fought against the forces of Mordred.

The Prose Lancelot and the later prose cyclic romances state that Mordred was also a Knight of the Round Table and the child of an incestuous union between Arthur and his sister Morgause. In almost all accounts Arthur was said to be mortally wounded, but after the battle he was taken away to Avalon (sometimes identified with Glastonbury in Somerset, England), where his wounds were healed or his body was buried in a chapel.
Some texts refer to a return of Arthur in the future.

In 1191, monks of Glastonbury Abbey announced that they had found the burial site of Arthur and Guinevere. Their grave was shown to many people, and the reputed remains were moved to a new tomb in 1278. The tomb was destroyed during the Reformation, and the bones lost. The antiquary John Leland reports that he saw the cross found with the remains, and transcribed its inscription as Hic iacet sepvltvs inclytvs rex artvrivs in insvla avalonia —

"Here is buried the famous king Arthur in the Island of Avalon".

If Leland accurately reproduced the script of this inscription, then it can be dated to the 10th century.

Taco Soup Recipe

2010-01-03T09:04:00.005-05:00

This is absolutely the best recipe for Taco Soup.
Found it online and made a big pot last week. Left it on the stove to have after snow sledding.
To go with it, the recipe called for a side of cornbread. Of course, when the big black iron skillet of cornbread came out of the oven, everyone smiled. As we sat together and enjoyed this meal, I have to say, it was totally tops as "comfort food."
Hearty and delicious leaving everyone requesting this recipe. No doubt, the hot crunchy crust of the cornbread was perfect food pairing.

I used plain stewed tomatoes, not the Mexican style.

THE BEST TACO SOUP !!

This taco soup freezes very well, however, we have never had leftovers to freeze.

Cook Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 can pinto beans
1 can whole kernel corn ,drained
1 can stewed tomatoes - Mexican style
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix -(opt.)
1 pkg. original hidden valley ranch dressing(dry)
2 1/2 cups water or more, to make soup broth
Preparation:
Brown ground beef and onions in a large pan, drain off fat. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for an hour or so.

When ready, serve in big soup bowls, and have a skillet of hot cornbread to eat, too.

Another Type of Scam

2010-01-03T07:12:00.002-05:00

A friend responded to my scam blog ~

Not long ago I bought some Lancome products online from a website in N.Y. saving a good bit of money. All of a sudden a charge appears on my Am. Express for $12.00 from someone calling themselves Shopper Discounts. Well I go to that website to see who they are and they are claiming that for 12.00/month you can receive all kinds of special discounts for various shopping. This had nothing to do with my purchase and I believe it was a pop-up ad that appeared in my transaction. If I had not caught this charge and questioned it they would have continued to charge that 12.00 every month for a year. Am. Express is good about helping in these situations and removed the charge but I'm still waiting to hear if I am truly cleared on this. There was something the other AM on TV about this sort of thing and how these companies are billing monthly because you CLICKED the wrong box. So be careful.

Yes, it doesn't take long to get into trouble here.
Credit Card Insurance is good but then comes the other type of billing.
Automatic billing is so convenient as we move into a non-paper world. The above example of automatic billing can slip by unless you are checking in detail statements each months.

Several email buddies have asked why I responded to such an add.
My defense ~
It was because of the timing.
I had
just enjoyed a long telephone visit with cousin who lives in Phoenix, Az. In the conversation, she detailed her job which is similar to the one advertised online. She is my age and really enjoys having a "project" to work for the past 11 years. That conversation was still in my head when I saw the ad. I was more curious than anything.
Yes, I know...."Curiosity killed the cat."

Fallen for Scam

2010-01-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

Until this morning, I have never fallen for a scam. There was a wonderful opportunity online that looked so honest, sincere and I will have to admit, it also looked too good to be true.
With the security of credit card insurance which is all they asked for, I filled in my name, address and phone number. They are going to contact me in 3 business days. When completed the information, I clicked the "next" and got a notice that there was a mistake on my application.
That happened 3 x's. At that point, I went back to start all over and "poof" it was GONE OFF LINE TOTALLY.
Not a trace of the offer was left. Wonder what comes next? Do doubt, nothing good.
So, that's how I started my year.
What about you? Ever fallen for a scam?
June

Happy New Decade

2010-01-01T09:09:00.003-05:00

A new "Apple" came down last night to bring in our new decade.
Couldn't believe it is made of Waterford Crystal. HOW NICE.
I love New York ~ perhaps the best part is to show it off to friends who have never been.
In fact~~
I so enjoyed our 2000 decade and am looking forward to yet another. Happy Wishes to all~
After seeing Julia movie, my resolution will be to blog daily and especially complete the China trip. Might be impossible to catch up on the rest of the year.
What happened here ?
Since my blog is my Diary, complete with photos, didn't take long for my printer to throw in the towel. I used that as my excuse...so now back up and running.

Our 2 feet of snow just before Christmas was wonderful. Using my new cross country poles I could easily go with the grown kids and grand ones going over the hills and down the slopes to the best sledding area in the world.
They built a ramp of packed snow at the bottom of a steep run. Coming down the hill and taking the ramp, the sled would come off in the air some 4 feet high before landing in the soft snow bank. The little ones flew nicely, but the heavier grown kids came down almost immediately. Was so much fun to watch that I decided to sled myself. Of course, I bypassed the ramp. I can't tell you how fun that was. Just had to go again. I do live by my philosophy,
"You only go around once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
Have told me children, should I die doing something I enjoy, then always know that I died extremely happy. Right?
Happy New Year to all.

Terracotta Soldiers

2009-12-11T17:47:00.004-05:00

A day to never forget being here ~

More photos to come...have about 20 more to add here~

The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 buried in a field in the eastern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province by local farmers drilling a water well. The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the First Emperor of Qin in 210-209 BC

The Army is estimated to be some 8000 soldiers are there in the three pits, 100 chariots with 400 horses and 300 cavalry ... The site is still under excavation, however, it is totally amazing to see what is already unearthed at this point. My heart raced at the sight.

Xian, China ~

2009-12-01T17:05:00.005-05:00

Lobby of the Hotel in Xian ~ BEAUTIFUL

We so enjoyed our big meals together ~

Will add only 1 photo per blog and come back to add other photos as am printing them for my book on our trip~

and missing so much I would like to Blog of today's news.

Xian ~ First Day

2009-11-29T07:02:00.005-05:00

We stepped off the train into the first and last rainy day of the trip.

We are in Xian~ The rain brought into our experience ~more good ideas of the Chinese. Umbrellas were all different brights colors of the rainbow.

Certainly brightened a rainy day.

Ladies sold them along the street~ I bought one, it turned out to be pink and a treasure. Cost? $3 ~

First stop, of course, another temple~

Prayer candles smoke in the soft rain~
Carved steps, a thing of beauty and seemingly commanded respect as you climb.

This is a quite morning for the Temple ~

I am beginning to wonder why we don't get our Gold out of Fort Knox for the world to enjoy.

Why keep it buried?

From the top, in the distance we see the city~

We see the polution which is said to be from cars

of the 11 million people living here.

A big issue the Chinese are working on is to make cars enviromentally safer.

We go from here to the large Wall around part of the city~

Overnight Train from Beijing to Xian

2009-11-24T07:19:00.011-05:00

Before dinner, we explore and enjoy a shopping mall ~

Boats on the lake seem peaceful catch the camera's eye.

Interesting to see store windows ~

Styles, hairstyles on mannequins catch my eye.

Outdoor dinning is appealing ~We walked by many that were indoor with large windows which show tables elaborately set in tasteful colors ~ too much to share here~
We end this interesting day with dinner at a local restaurant

before our transfer to the railroad station

where we board the train that takes us from Beijing to Xian.

Our train~

Each of our compartments slept four. We partied from compartment to compartment until the train started moving ~ then we realized we had a full day ahead in Xian. The guys bunked on top and we girls took the bottom ~ We slept in our travel clothes that we would wear the following day. Fell asleep immediately while the train shot through the night at speeds well exceeding 100 mph. Coffee was available upon waking, however, we had little time as we had arrived in Xian.

Beijing Hutong Area ~ Ordinary Chinese Life

2009-11-23T08:05:00.012-05:00

Here, we have a glimpse into ordinary Chinese life. These old residential neighborhoods, called hutongs, consist of acres of low, flat-roofed buildings crisscrossed by narrow lanes. On a walking tour, we put aside from our minds the grandiose palaces and monuments. We shift our focus to today's China's humanity. We walked the narrow lanes to intermingle and see their everyday life ~ proceeding unconcerned with the great events of nations.

Children Playing...the sounds and smells of food being perpared...construction...

older people sitting outside.

With this shift in focus ~

we soon realize we are beyond the experiences of most tourists.

This is how street names are posted.

My camera wants to photograph only the most beautiful ~

We didn't see toys for the children, however, they are clean, healthy, nicely dressed and obviously well cared for as well as seemingly happy.

Our tour included lunch

in one of the homes...

photo on left,

I am standing in the doorway of the home of our host for lunch on this day.

We are welcomed by the hostess.

Entrance way~

Their kitchen~

Hostess demonstrates how to make dumplings.

Daughter is a painter ~ her craft is painting inside

tiny bottles~ Small, small brushes

create beautiful scenes.

We got to try our dumpling making skills~

Before we went on our way, we sat with our hostess and she talked about her life. Click on play button. Michael interpreted for her.

Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

2009-11-21T06:40:00.016-05:00

Most of the 14,000,000 people in Beijing live in high rises ~ They seem to take to the Parks for outings when possible.

They encourage me, a foreigner, to fly ribbons.

We see women dancing in the Pavilion. Men playing domino's ~They are happy people.

We meet and see all ages throughout China~

"Dog ears" for little ones are universal and darling.

He told me he is two ~ no words needed.

We see two worlds meet ~ learning about others.

This little guy was my favorite of the morning, however, I chased him all over the place (as did his Dad) and never could capture his appeal on camera. Felt as if I were home, chasing my own little ones. TOTALLY DARLING BOY.

We see stylish young ~probably singles~

We see older people ~

This photos is looking down from "The Temple of Heaven to see the entrance gate~and close up of the beautiful tile on roofs.
Now to see the Temple of Heaven

Larger than it looks from the entrance.

Silhouette of our Group looking up to the Temple of Heaven.

Silhouette of our group looking up to the Temple.

From here ~ we are off to the Hotungs.

Next : The Hotungs are an area of private dwellings.

2009-11-17T17:39:00.002-05:00

Our last Breakfast in Beijing Hotel, our home for the past 5 nights~

Notice the fried eggs and pancakes ~

Chinese answer to grits ~ Rice soup

We pack up to check out~

One overnight bag to go with us on the overnight train ride some 800 miles to Xian.

Our large luggage will not be available to us until the next hotel.

Our bus awaits in front of our hotel.

We visited the Temple of Heaven and then on to visit Beijing's Hotung and have lunch in the home of a local Chinese family. Photo's next blog.

Beijing Opera

2009-11-16T07:17:00.008-05:00

Back stage, we see the preperation.

We speculated how long this wonderful lady has practiced her art.

Went back to get photo of full stage... from side.

Can't really pack this into a photo~

Dinner is served prior to the show~ We had front row tables...I walked around shooting photos.

What a beautiful Dinner Theater.

Click on the viedo clip~

We LOVED her !!

What a wonderful day in our lives.

Summer Palace, Beijing, China ~ Sept 09

2009-11-13T16:25:00.009-05:00

Entrance to the sprawling Summer Palace near Beijing, China.

This Palace and gardens were built in the early Jin dynasty ~ through the centuries it, a portion of the grounds and buildings were destroyed during wars. The Summer Palace we see this day is said to be more or less the same as it was ~ parts were rebuilt in 1903.

The Palace, surrounding buildings and gardens are set on Lake Kumming.

The buildings are filled with ornate furnishings and fine artwork.

Lotus Flower

I couldn't help but think of my pond

and Koi

on the other side of

the world.

I enjoyed intermingling and people watching. .

They are eager to nod and smile. When I ask to take a photo,

they are so pleased

and took great pleasure

in seeing the photo on the camera.

Wish I could show all here.

None spoke English,

however, the

universal language

smiles,

and nods , showing photos to them on camera

bring us together

for a brief while ~ `

we share happiness and

maybe

a memory for them too.

Mother and daughter

in the gardens.

Wouldn't it have been fun to actually talk with them?

Peaceful surroundings for sure.

A good place to escape.

Ornate structures enhance scenery ~

The Marble Boat. ~

In ancient China,

people often built a boat as part of decoration in classical gardens.

Here at the Summer Palace

we see this one made of marble.

Actually

it is not really a boat, but is a boat-shaped architecture~

They were built in the middle of water or port near the bank.

In parks, boats can enrich the beautiful scenery.
This Marble Boat was built here in 1755. It does not float.

Doesn't take you long to figure out that these people LOVE to build

and decorate what they have built.

Seems for centuries, all have been artists or entertainers.

Beijing is wonderful.

I could easily stay a month here ~

however

the rest of China awaits~

Leaving ~ was so happy that I could bring home visual memories ~ packed in the camera.

Bet we walked two miles and still could have spent yet another day or two here...

so, so

peaceful and beautiful.

We regretfully depart.

The OPERA AWAITS!

Silk Carpet Factory ~ Beijing, China

2009-11-12T10:39:00.009-05:00

Clean and spacious area within the Silk, handwoven Chinese Carpet Factory, we learned how the carpet is totally hand made...one thread at a time is selected from appropriate color from rolls of silk thread in spools overhead their work area. The thread is looped around the fiber backing, pulled down against the other, tied and then cut to exact length to make a perfectly smooth carpet... each thread and placement comes from the judgement of the worker.

Here, they are moving on with the design~

A closer look at the work...notice the carpet will be the depth of the top line of silk threads.

The carpet is so, so soft to the touch.

Here, we see how the "spools" of silk thread are hand wrapped.

Fascinating to sit and watch ~ The workers did not speak English nor did they acknowledge our presence.

Now we see hand woven silk thread paintings. Couldn't get enough as they are totally unbelievable. They have a large room filled with these...each beautiful.

My favorite carpet is this one. I love the colors. I thought about having it shipped...but then, I would have a hissy-fit if anyone actually walked on it...and no room to hang this treasure. AHHHHHH Beautiful! It stays in China until claimed by another.

We left there for lunch and toured THE SUMMER PALACE~ Photos from there next blog~

From The Summer Palace ~ we went to the Qin Yue Gong Theater for a Chinese Opera performance, followed by dinner. Photos in next blogs.

More Wild Great Wall Photos

2009-11-12T08:04:00.005-05:00

I think about the Great Wall experience every day~

This is the wonderful group who shared this experience.

Isn't this amazing?

This photo shows just how far we climbed!

Now you might understand why we were so proud of our accomplishment. The climb is 1000 steps to the top.

I did it with a brand new titanium hip which was, to the day, 6 months old.

Thanks Dr. Charles Engh!

This photo shows how the Wall hasn't been restored ~ left as it was found and added wooden steps and a rail to make it safe to climb to the mountain top where it goes on intact. Amazing!

This morning I added another dream to my Bucket List~ I can't explain how or why I am awed by the Great Wall. The extra step to make it our own expedition made it priceless for me.

This morning I woke and dropped a thought in my Bucket List. I would like to climb the same wall, taking a sleeping bag and spend a sunset and a sunrise there...in September. We learned that September is the best month to see China.

Cloisonne Factory

2009-11-11T09:28:00.009-05:00

We enter the vine covered Factory where we are met with our Tour Guide who explains how the brass vase on the left become the finished product on the right.

We then entered the work area...amazing~

The design is formed on a brass base by placing little brass loops and rings into place. Every tiny piece is placed by hand and later painted within the medal pieces which create the intended design~

Can you imagine doing this every day? Day after day?

The next step is to layer on paint. The brushes are tiny~and the paint delicate. If they make mistakes, the paint can be washed off.

Then it goes to the polishing machine where it is smoothed using rocks and water...

Now is our chance to paint. The "best" was to win a prize. No one got a prize. It was very difficult to manage the paint. No doubt they washed our bowls.

THEN comes the gift shop~ . We definitely understood the high, high prices as every step is tediously hand made ~ and one piece take months to complete.

I wanted something to have from this wonderful place and finally settled on a beautiful hunter green covered dish with a black dragon. I so wanted the first vase, but already had the Red Lacquer Vase of the same size...but that vase at the top of the blog STOLE MY HEART!

Lunch in a Private Home near The Great Wall

2009-11-09T19:26:00.015-05:00

We descend the Great Wall...if you look in the middle of the photo, you will see a pathway to the right, which we took up the first mountain that you can see to get to the Wall...

Our path is the one that circles the top and goes down out of sight of this angle...

It is a long, steep climb and descent of rock steps placed into the side of the mountain...all different sized....very natural with whatever bushes that grow there..not an easy path.

The name of WILD GREAT WALL is fitting.

At the bottom, we were thrilled with the sense of accomplishment as we continued down the long dirt path to where the bus was parked.

There, we loaded on, congratulating ourselves for everyone in our group of 14 making it to the VERY TOP!

We reached for the bottles water~ Water ...ahhhh what a wonderful, wonderful feeling!

We rode to a nearby village where we were invited into a private home for lunch. We were greeted by their hanging vegetable garden.

In China, they use all available land around their homes to grow food.

We are seated in the largest room of the 2 room house.

I can't believe I don't have more shots of the outside of the house...but now you see the indoor shots.

They have posters to decorate the walls here.

The kitchen was small, however, the owned of the home had created a wonderful lunch for us to enjoy.

We enjoyed a nice lunch and stories of her home. Most of all, we enjoying seeing her kitchen and small home. The bed was a roll-away rolled against the wall. They did have a TV and comfortable chairs in the room.

Back on the bus, we went back to Beijing and there we droves as close as we could for views of the "Bird's Nest" of the Beijing Olympic Games.

The building below is where all the water events were held. The building is made of unbreakable glass or some kind of material that won't allow anything at all to stick or stay on the sides. It is forever clean. (I want this for our house, don't you?)

Last but not least are 4 buildings which look like four computer towers...well

that's what the are...the buildings are giant computers that ran all the Olympic Event.

We so enjoyed seeing how the Olympic Games bettered this City and made me so happy that Beautiful Rio de Janerio, Brazil will have this too.

The Wild Great Wall of China ~ Most Authenic

2009-10-28T17:55:00.021-04:00

Photo of our FABULOUS, FUN GROUP who shared our lovely, fantastic adventure in China, '09
Story below with other photos...

How far from Beijing to the Great Wall?
About an hour by bus. From our bus, we
began to see parts of the incredible Wall ~ meandering over mountains and dropping into valleys and then going on ~ and on. History has the Great Wall to have been originally be some 6,000 miles long, however today there is said to be 4000 miles left.

We drove past the entrance for most tourist and continued on to seek out the WILD, and natural part of the Wall. Perfect, as no one was there except the 14 of us and 2 Chinese Soldiers.

From any angle, it was as expected from photos and TV specials.

I thought of the little girl crouched on knees exploring the National Geographic Magazines and reading about and seeing exotic places
that would go on her Wish List ...now referred to as a "Bucket List." (Things you would like to do before you die.)

In my memory, the little girl was then about eight years old and loved Aunt Zora's collection of the National Graphics.
They took her to places that didn't seem possible to be part of this world.

This Wall was the most unlikely to really see, as China was a closed and well guarded country at the time. My list...

The Amazon River,

The Nile River and Pyramids,

Hawaii, and The Great Wall of China.

This was the entire list

for the little girl who loved National Graphic Magazines.

Now that little girl was going to see not only the Great Wall, but a most important part~

We were going to a part of the Great Wall which is known as "Wild."
To see the WILD GREAT WALL is to see how it stands today...un-restored for tourism.
WOW... the original and authentic ...Only added wooden steps to make it safe to climb up the mountain to the peak.
WOW...going to climb up THERE?

Off the bus and walking up the dirt trail ~about a quarter of a mile, we

passed by part of the Wall that has collapsed and piled in a heap of rubble of stone

This is part of the Wall which has fallen and stacked back out of the way of the path.

This photo shows our path to a roughly constructed rock steps, outlined with hand rail which was our path upward to the Wall. Not these stones...but farther down the path...Climbing up to the Wall was no easy feat. About 100 steps...and then...900 more steps to the top of the mountain...1000 steps we were told was the climb~

If you notice a little extra weight around the waists...that disappeared by the end of the 1st week in China...

The little girl completes her "Bucket List~" I think of being at the top of this mountain and

wondering how it must be when it rains, or snows and wonder the beauty of sunset. I was an exhilarating experience to say the least.

My History teacher once said, "Read, study, and learn so that you will have something to think about when old." She was right.

If you see the opening in the floor of the Wall, we started down to see if the Wall had a room down there, however, were called back saying we would not allowed to go down there. For sure, it is an original staircase to enter the Great Wall. Perhaps soldiers took shelter, slept and lived when they were building or guarding the wall. I still think about that mystery.

Day 3 The Cinnabar Factory PLUS THE GREAT WALL of CHINA

2009-10-28T13:05:00.009-04:00

Excited as a person could be over the trip to The Great Wall, I sort of wished we didn't have a morning at the Cinnabar Lacquer Factory, however, later realized it was a perfect plan.

The first thing I see that had always been on my "wish list" was the Screens~ I stood looking at this one. Every aspect of it was totally perfect~ (I shouldn't have gone to this place).

Nothing would do but have it shipped home. Due mid-November...it is taking a slow boat from China.

The next item that I knew was going on with us was the most beautiful Carved Cinnabar Lacquer vase.

The art work that goes into them is fascinating, to say the least...we walked the factory to see Chinese women hand-carving vases...tiny instruments and electric sanders.

On the right I am writing my name on the one that will be shipped to us

. Wouldn't chance carrying it around for the rest of the trip.

Then we go to lunch~ The spread of food for all three meals for the 22 days we were together were beautiful and each meal brought new surprises. They only serve sliced watermelon for dessert.

Eating healthy and walking 3 or so miles per day was the best thing for all of us. I lost 15 pounds.

First Evening ~Dinner on our own ~ Beijing, China An adventure

2009-10-21T17:29:00.019-04:00

After a dinner on our own our first night at the Hotel Restaurant~ served by darling young women who spoke not one word of English ~ we were eager to get on with the trip..... The following morning, we visited Tienanmen Square ~ 100 acres~ the largest Square in the world and here is where we begin to understand that to see China will include miles of walking each day.
We also were understanding we would be introduced to many, many different Chinese dishes.
The entire experience was over the top. It was truly an Adventure from beginning to end, not for the faint of heart. We LOVED our group, our Tour Leader as well as each and every day!

Here is a few of the items on the Restaurant Menu~

Cantaloupe and pig face~ Stream pavilion pig hand

Chicken Feet with Pickled Peppers~ (actually America sends all our Chicken Feet to China.)

Donkey Meat ~

Marinated Goose Heads
Broiled Soft Shell Turtle
Fish Heads with garlic

We ordered something that looked like noodles with something....and Chinese Beer, which was very good. We NEVER went hungry and we also didn't run into these dishes above again.

First Days in China ~ Beijing

2009-10-20T17:42:00.013-04:00

Beijing, China ~
We had five lovely and busy days in Beijing. The first day was spent acquainting ourselves to this BIG MODERN CITY of 14,000,000. We exchanged the American $ for Chinese and memorized the exchange rates.
The city is crowded but all moving with discipline ~ everything and everyone seemed to have a place. Since the Olympics, the city has changed so very much we were told.
This made me happy to know Brazil will have this same opportunity to become just as fabulous.

Here in Beijing, there is the beautiful new Airport and mass transportation we see are new and built for the world visitors to the Olympics. The city is clean, bright and very progressive. We see happy people living there...it was a wonderful 5 days. China is a communist country, however, they are Capitalists which is working very well. They are hard workers to earn a good life for themselves. They can own their own homes/apartments/condos as we can. They can own anything except the land. The government owns all the land...but that makes no difference as they live free.

This is a photo of our hotel room while in Beijing.

After a lovely Chinese buffet breakfast, we began our day.
We visited the Forbidden City which is full of history and stories too interesting to imagine.

To the right is the moat surrounding the Forbidden City~ The Forbidden City was only open to tourists a few years ago. It is a 9000 room maze of courtyards, palaces and ceremorial halls where 24 emperprs and two dynasties rulled the Middle Kingdom. It is surrounded by a 160 foot wide moat as you see in this photo.

Once inside the gates we stand in the Courtyard where the newest young concubines were brought. The Emperor stood on this balcony to view them as they came through the gates.

Soldiers would go to villages to round up all beautiful young girls to bring to the Emperor and Forbidden City ...he stood on the balcony to view the new group and select any that caught he eye for immediate meeting.

The village people would try to hide their young girls as the life of a concubine was that of a slave. Their role was to be there for the Emperor's pleasure. Most Emperors had thousands who lived out their lives in the Forbidden City.

The favorite concubines of the Emperor was forced to commit suicide when the Emperor died, as were thousands of his soldiers.

To the right is a photo of the Emperor's bed. It is a high platform made of stone. This is where the eunuchs would bring the chosen concubine for the evening to visit with the Emperor. All Chinese sleep on stone or wooden beds with a thin mat.

Their time together was witnessed by soldiers and eunuchs. The eunuch's are the "guys" that lived with and took care of the concubines.

The story went that some of the women hated the Emperor and there was fear for his life and well being. For this reason, the eunuchs would undress the chosen concubine, prepare her, roll her in a rug and carry her across the courtyard so no one could see which concubine had been chosen and to make sure she had no weapons on her.

What is a eunuch? Boys of about age 5 or 6 were castrated so they could never desire or have sex. This was done so they could live among the concubines.

IF the boy survived this barbaric procedure, when they were grown, they were taken in by the Emperor to live with the concubines.

Amazing how one man can own as many as 20,000 or more concubines. There were times when he suspected some of the soldiers were having relationships with the girls and as a result, thousands of the concubines and soldiers would be killed.

That was a horrible time to be alive in China.
More next blog.

Regrets Not to Have Posted Events

2009-10-19T17:32:00.003-04:00

On the heels of the China Trip, we have enjoyed fantastic House Guests for the past two weeks.
With mixed emotions, we dropped the last of them at Washington Dulles Airport late today.

We completed their trip by going downtown to see the Holocaust Museum. It is one of those places which holds one spellbound. After seeing more than I wanted to, I began worrying about the future and uncertainty of our own country. We left for a very late lunch in Georgetown.
We decided on Clyde's.
A nice wine with a yummy sandwich of Grilled Portabella mushroom smothered by mozzarella cheese, topped with lettuce and tomato was as perfect as the sunny fall day all abound.

On the way to the airport we called those who were already home and went on to remember all the points of our wonderful visit with many, many side trips.

I so would like to get back to the China trip with photos.
June

A Little of Beijing

2009-10-04T05:15:00.018-04:00

Isn't it wonderful to be able to see on a monitor exactly where you are in this world?

Our plane went not-stop from Washington, D. C up and over the North Pole directly into Beijing. See?

You can see, we were right over the North Pole when this shot was captured.

Once on the ground, in Beijing, my camera was clicking at the tune of about 300 photos per day.

We see a City of about 13,000,000 in action as our bus takes us to the hotel.

We were in Beijing 5 days (4 nights) this was our room.

The city is amazing. Crowded, organized, and civilized, we see a beehive of activity. You would be so impressed as we are.

People, people, motorized bikes, cars, motorcycles made into 3 wheeled cars, trucks, and did I mention people? ~ major traffic everywhere. Everyone seems to have a place or somewhere to go ~some location to be...something to do. My grandmother used to say, "Do you think these people actually know where they are going?" (We didn't.)
Thirteen MILLION people ~ can we wrap our head about that number? 13,000,000?

The next day we begin to see and learn about China....beginning with where we where at that time ~
Beijing.

This little guy is visiting Tienanmen Square with his mother when his "pottie training" time arrives.

Babies all over China do not wear diapers;
their little bottoms are left open to the air. This practice is to keep their little bottoms from being irritated and saved the cost of expensive diapers.

Great idea, but I don't know how they handled all the wetting. It must work for them.

We didn't hang around to see if this first little guy is old enough to be covered...I only know that the mother is very patient with him as their interaction went on the entire time our tour leader delivered history of Tiananmen Square. Our Tour Director was doing a good job of teaching us about the past ~ I stood listening, yet more interested in learning about the present. It seemed clear the mother was going to stay there until her little son comes to a decision. As we left, I wondered how long they would stay...at what point does a Chinese mother take charge?

There was much to learn ~ and will share a little here~

Wise Government to only allow one child per woman, however, the guy can father more should he find another to marry. Divorce and remarriage seem as normal as in the States.

Marriage is simple... the couple decide they wish to be married, a paper of intent from the government and then throw a party. There is no religious ceremony.

There are many religions throughout China and all are free to believe what they decide is right for them.
They are free people. They enjoy Capitalism and the right to make what they wish of their lives. They are happy.

OK~ here is a shot of Tienanmen Square ~

someone else had my camera~

Standing in that enormous space called a Square, I couldn't help but imagine it full of soldiers in ancient times. Soldiers serving an Emperor who had to die when he did. Their ancient history is fascinating, to say the least.

Just look at the detail and beauty built all around.

Whew~ lunch time. Looks good, doesn't it? My world savvy husband taught me many, many years ago, "Taste it, if you like it, eat it~ never ask what it is." (We always asked.) The lazy-susan was filled with 9 or 10 different dishes. It was amazing and very generous.

Old "Bucket List" Completed ~ Now to start a New One

2009-10-01T17:42:00.005-04:00

My "Bucket List" is now finished. Now if you haven't seen the movie "The Bucket List," with Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman .... put that on your list to see~

What I refer to as my Bucket List is a list of places on earth I really, really wanted
to see, with the GREAT WALL of CHINA being last. I never dreamed China would be available.

With China enjoying capitalism and many other freedoms plus doing so well, they proudly invite tourism to see what they have accomplished ...especially in the past 6 years...
we decoded it was time to go. It was a very good decision.

In the past, we've done plush tours meaning we didn't lift a bag and barely have to put the dinner napkin across our laps...we stayed at the very best and were coddled.
This time...I don't know what we were thinking to sign on for ADVENTURE TRAVEL.
How did I know this meant that we would see the their world from every view.
I've never walked so far, eaten so little, climbed so high, perspired so much, slept so hard...nor have I come home loving the people so much.

The bottom line, we had a BLAST!!!

Beijing tomorrow~
June

In Search of Family History

2009-09-07T05:15:00.004-04:00

When searching for ancestors. the best is in discovery ~

The saddest is to come to the end of the line.

I have to begin this segment saying the least likely grandparent to have an interesting family history has heritage which blazes right into English Royalty.

The most likely has heritage leads us into English History as well as Fables.

All is worth sharing.

My Maternal Grandmother was a beautiful woman right up until her 86 years came to an end.

Smart, organized, independent...all good characteristics she embodied in abundance. She was my most admired person...not especially lovable, but admirable.

Orphaned early, she lived with her Uncles' family until 18 when she married. Her life was spent raising seven children in hard times.

Here is some of what has been discovered, which places new destinations on my list of things to do. My "Bucket List" so to speak.

Great (many times) grandparent was James Neals, Esqr who was granted 2000 acres in Charles County, Maryland when he immigrated circa 1636. There, he had built Wollaston Manor.

Wollaston Manor is made up of 2,000 acres patented in 1642 to Captain James Neale and was named for his Grandfather's home in Northamptonshire, England.

Neale's wife, Anne Gill, was Lady-in-waiting to the wife of Charles I, Queen Henrietta Maria. Arriving in Maryland in 1636, Neale traded with Indians, was member of the Privy Council, a Commissioner of Treasury and a Magistrate. Neale's four children were born while he was King's Emissary to Spain and Portugal, and became Maryland's first naturalized citizens after his return to province in 1660. A house built near Wollaston Manor, known as "Lone Holly," survived until 1900.

THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION: Transcribed material, correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning the Neale home in Maryland.

If one had the privilege of choosing the spot where he wished to be born, he could find none more attractive than Wolleston Manor. Long ago the old manor house was destroyed by fire, and not a vestige of it remains to tell its story,

Page 2 The site where once it reared its lofty walls still exists -a small plain fronting the majestic Potomac for a mile or more, and presenting a vista of such rare natural beauty and splendor as to have no compeer on either side of that noble stream. Standing on the spot where the manor was erected in the early days of the Seventeenth Century, to the left, as one looks out on the river, lies a grove of primeval oaks, beneath whose shade the heroine of this narrative played when a child. No doubt she heard from her parents and from her kindred the saga of her family, one of the proudest that ever came from England to settle this continent.

Beautiful women, the queens of Maryland issued from that race, and men of great ability, who, from the founding of the colony down to the day of her death, made and were making great history. On both sides of the Chesapeake Bay and on both banks of the turbulent Potomac lived families of the first distinction in whose veins ran the same blood that coursed through young Rose Maria's. Southern people, particularly those from Maryland and Virginia, paid more attention to their birthright than did the people of the other colonies, and that characteristic alone set them apart, as different from their neighbors to the north. It was a remarkable connection in which to be bred and educated. No aristocratic race was ever finer. And we shall see that this famous woman, descended from Irish and Spanish royalty and having the best qualities of each, was ever and always an aristocrat , deeply attached to the soil which her ancestors had cultivated, and deeply loyal to the traditions which made Maryland

one of the foremost States in the Union. Blood kin to many of the first families in Southern Maryland, she knew the history of each family and also the history of the other great families who lived on the shores of the Potomac and were neighbors to Wolleston Manor. Around one little town - a consequential town in colonial days and down to this century -Port Tobacco, there clustered the homes of some of the most distinguished men and women of their times - homes where Washington and Lafayette and other leaders in the War of Independence were often guests, wining and dining, dancing and reclining, and sitting down to a stout game of cards. At Mulberry Grove lived John Hanson, President of the First Congress organized under the Articles of Confed-eration. in 1781, and often called the First President of the United States, who extended to Washington the official thanks of his country when that great soldier came to Philadelphia to make formal announcement of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Nearby is LaGrange, named in honor of the home of Lafayette, where resided Doctor James Craik, the first Surgeon General of the United States Army, but whose chief claim to our remembrance is that he was Washington’s most intimate friend, who closed his eyes in death.

Neighbor to LaGrange is Rose Hill, where Doctor Gustavus Brown , the consulting physician in Washington' s last illness, with his incomparable wife, dispensed a hostility that is
Page 4 traditional even in our times. Just beyond Rose Hill is Habre-de-Venture, the seat of Thomas Stone, one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, although he did not favor a war with England. His fame lingers on with the passing years. Around it clings a romantic aura, for he died of a broken heart, while still a young man, grieving over the loss of his beautiful young wife. Some miles to the southeast of this cluster of historic halls stood Wolleston Manor, a great house older than any of the others. Here Captain James Neale, on October 21, 1642, established his residence, on a grant of two thousand acres, given him by Governor Leonard Calvert. Source:

This is an excerpt from an unpublished mss of Mrs. Robert Greenhow by David Rankin Barbee.

Response to Older Posts

2009-09-05T16:46:00.006-04:00

What great joy it is to have comments posted to a much older Post.
The comment is from a Military Wife to the Waiting Vietnam Wife posting.
She, too, waited at home with a baby while her husband served in Vietnam. Hearing from her makes me realize that perhaps we should write about subjects that will bring back memories to others who lived similar lives.

I loved her comment and it meant a great deal to me. She shared that she grew up fast in the first few months he was gone. Was touching to read. Thanks so much Sarah, wherever you are.

My husband was an AF pilot and when we talk that war, he said he would like to go back as he saw Vietnam from the air and airfields...even though he served three tours there. He
remembers the beginning when Saigon was calm and safe...they stayed in a Hotel downtown and took a taxi out to the Airfield to fly each day...a Gentleman's War at first, however, soon the Hotel was bombed and came under sniper fire, leaving Saigon one more hot spot.

The news crews were there and it became a televised war, remember? During those times, I didn't watch the news.

Sarah, not too long ago, I met with the Washington Writers where a book written by a Vietnam wife was discussed. The speaker read parts of her book...which you and I would take to be military life as usual, however, the entire room fell silent as they learned about that time in the woman's life. The speaker for the evening was amazed.
I encourage you to write.

We are planning a trip to see Vietnam as tourists in 2010. I have met so many Vietnamese who have come to the States. When they feel comfortable with you, they have stories that are so dramatic, they are hard to actually believe.
One of these days I will
get around to writing them too.
June

Major Trip Planning

2009-09-05T10:41:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite things to do is to plan a trip. First thing I do is to check the weather at the destination...next is to buy clothes, next, buy clothes and then maybe a few more clothes. Now the airlines have restricted our weight limit.

Perhaps soon, they will start charging for passengers being overweight. That really should be done for all who can't fit in one seat.

Thinking about the lowered weight limit, I found somewhat of a solution ~ I found new lightweight luggage. The luggage manufactures are doing a great job for us. I love my new carry on that weighs only 4 pounds empty. It even has wheels on one end which will roll down the aisles easily.

Ford tells everyone he loves to travel with me as it's like traveling with a Target Super Store...I take everything. At least have learned to pack and then take out about a third of what I wanted to carry. That makes us pack outfits actually needed and not everything I "might" want to wear. And a road trip? I toss in lots of shoes. Don't you?

Ocean City, Maryland

2009-09-02T12:22:00.016-04:00

Crossing the Bay Bridge in route to Ocean City. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (commonly known as the Bay Bridge) is a major dual-span bridge in the U.S. state of Maryland. Spanning the Chesapeake Bay, it connects the state's rural Eastern Shore region with the more urban Western Shore.

Kite flying is fun~ Baby discovers treasure in the sand.

Waiting for just the right wave to ride boogie board in~ And later, spending the afternoon on the Boardwalk. Jimmy and Megan Ride the Sling Shot!!! We enjoy Thrashers French Fries, etc...

I and, of course, I enjoy looking for just the right shot~

Photo made from balcony of our condo ~ lots of soft white imported sand ~ it's as soft and white as the Gulf Sand. Nice!

A lovey time with family~ Great food is easy to find~the beach wasn't crowded and the waves were HIGH ~ alternating a little rough to lots of fun.

Tuesday, a cool wind blew in to remind us we were in the Eastern Shores where Autumn arrives early. The sweat shirts came out and we went to the Boardwalk ~ The Drifters song, "Under the Boardwalk" danced in our heads as we enjoy all the goodies sold by vendors...absolutely the BEST Carmel corn I have ever eaten....or it could have been just being there with the carnival, unlimited junk food, shops and happy people walking along the Boradwalk.

It was all good! Very Good.

Skirts for Travel

2009-08-25T07:59:00.002-04:00

Skirts seem now to be on the comeback for travel.

While in Airports last week, there was a change for women's attire. Many wore full, tea length (calf length) skirts which looked as comfortable as I know them to be and very, very nice.
Many had thong shoes or sandals. What happened to covered toe shoes for travel?
Skirts?
I have long known to wear skirts for travel as so much easier.
HOWEVER...
A nightmare came true for me on a flight from Miami to Washington one time. I was in a then fashionable "jump suit" and of course, nature called. While in the tiny restroom on board and
in flight, with jumpsuit totally undone and down in place, the plane hit unexpected turbulence which altered the little room Naturally, the collar of my jumpsuit was soaked. Horrified, I realized
there was totally nothing I could do about it...what was done was done.

Arriving in D. C., my friends met me and of course, expected a hug, which would put their nose right into my collar. "I have a little cold...no hugs please." A convenient white lie which is allowed, I am assured.

We were advised to wear skirts while in China due to the atypical restrooms we will encounter along the way.

The Farthermost Corner on Earth

2009-08-24T16:09:00.003-04:00

To read just a little history of the farthermost corner on earth itself is an amazing experience.
I want to know their history, how the lived thousands of years ago and how that historical journey brought them to this point in history. I want to know what's in their head as they walk along the streets.
I want to go and walk with them on their journey.

Tibet, which has been on my "Bucket List" since I was young, Located where the highest mountains on earth rise to meet the sky...the country sits overlooking China where everything is BIGGER, LARGER than anything on earth. I am in a dream world which just can't be true.

I've read this and that, I've seen movies, specials, but never read in depth as am doing now. To see the Great Wall of China is the very last thing on my "Wish List" which was compiled when I was a little girl.
Have you seen the movie, "Bucket List"? If not, please do. My Wish List is actually my "bucket list."

Quality of Life

2009-08-22T18:50:00.008-04:00

Dear Readers,
I am just back from a trip south ~ while gone, I received a phone call from the daughter of a long time friend saying my friend had died peacefully. The daughter lives in Paris as did her Mother for many years. Sadden, I look back on my friend's life and all the reasons she is my friend~ I so admire her for the quality of children she raised and life she lived. She lived a many faceted life ~ and shared her secrets with me over the many, many years. She and I had totally different political views which I overlooked as she overlooked mine. She had too many other redeeming qualities and I assume she thought same of me as well. I will miss Cay.

All that said, and mentioning I have been away for this past few days ~
took an early morning flight down south to check on my elderly Aunt. God Bless her, she has entrusted her well-being into my hands as did an Uncle for the last few years of his life.

I look back on those years, and my responsibilities to my Uncle as being one of my finest accomplishments. With him, it was a monthly flight from Key West, Fl to spend time and shop with/for him. With my Aunt, at the point, that won't be necessary. Thank God. She is still in her home and I phone daily, so this keeps me close to her.

I found my Aunt Dot doing well...very well indeed. In fact I will say she looks fabulous to be rapidly approaching 90 and becoming her sassy self again.

We give thanks for Mike who was willing to move in with her so that she can stay in her home.
He is doing an outstanding job. He manages her, the house, lawn, food and over-see her medicines, Doctor's appts etc.. He's a great cook and loves to help her. He has actually brought her back from the brink of death.

It was heart-warming to see her laughing and happy. Met with cousins as she has no children, and some of us worked on legalities for her and then went on a shopping spree to enhance her life~ We met with her Doctor as well.

We showered her...new dresses for home wear, new shoes, hair cut, closets arranged and then, yesterday, we put the icing on the cake, so to speak ~ we bought for her the largest LCD, HD flatscreen TV they make...

She once was a pro golfer and of course an avid follower of the game plus football season is almost here. Seeing her new flatscreen, was amazed and thrilled~

She looked like a million dollars and everyone was HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!!!
What a wonderful four days in my life.

Hot Air Ballooning on Daughter's Birthday

2009-08-16T19:55:00.009-04:00

Ballooning over Northern Virginia

Aug 16, 2009.

This the top of their balloon while we were above them

Their pilot took them low enough for him to pick a flower for Birthday girl....

Today was the day we celebrated all of Birthdays...we sent all daughters up in Balloon together.

I went along with other friends in another balloon for photos of them in flight.
There were 11 of us who went up in 3 balloons....there were 7 balloons in the air total. Of course, it was so, so fun.

They LOVED it and thought everyone should have that experience in their lives.

Mint Julep

2009-08-14T08:04:00.005-04:00

Earlier blog about the Kentucky Distillery has generated lots of emails, especially from my Wine loving group. As you know, we are members of the American Wine Society, therefore, touring and enjoying a Distillery seems way off track.
Decided we needed to blog.

Yes, I love the ceremony of opening the wine too ~ I love the presentation of red wines on a silver tray already opened to breathe. I enjoy the little glasses of Port and the aroma of a fine cigar...

BUT, I tell you, NOTHING TOPS a MINT JULEP, especially when you are sitting in a big swing on a large porch, on a sultry summer afternoon, looking out on those magnificent Southern Magnolias and visiting with friends.

Today, we take a short-cut using Bourbon and sprite over crushed ice, crushed mint, topped with a sprig of mint, served in a tall glass.

Here is THE BEST RECIPE

MINT JULEP

The following recipe for Mint Juleps comes from Booker Noe, Jim Beam's grandson. It produces juleps on par with the recipe given to me by Bill Samuels of Maker's Mark, but it is much less labor intensive.

There are six essential ingredients for a proper mint julep:
good 90 proof bourbon whisky (I prefer Maker's Mark),
sugar,
fresh mint leaves,
metal cups (preferably silver),
short straws, and
shaved ice (the kind snow cones are made with). Once these accoutrement have been assembled, you are ready to proceed.

You cannot make just one mint julep and have it taste worth a damn. You must make them in batches. What follows is a recipe for one quart and change. Multiply accordingly for a big party.
Pick a bunch (enough to fill a quart-size bowl) of dime to quarter sized mint leaves - but no stems; they're bitter. Wash the leaves and pat dry.

Now prepare some simple syrup by combining two cups sugar to one cup water in a saucepan and heating over medium heat until it turns crystal clear. Do not let it boil, which causes the sugar to caramelize and ruins the whole wretched mess. Pour the simple syrup over the mint leaves in the bowl and let it steep like tea for 10-15 minutes (longer can't hurt).
Now you're ready to make julep. Pour a quart of whisky into a non-plastic container that holds more than a quart. Add four ounces of mint flavored simple syrup to the quart of whisky, and stir well. Put the resulting mixture back into the whisky bottle, cap tightly, and refrigerate for 24 hours. (Since you've mixed a quart of whisky with four ounces of syrup, you'll have four ounces of julep that won't fit into the bottle. The obvious solution: drink it!)

Next day, pack a metal cup with shaved ice. Cut a plastic straw so that the end extends no more than two inches above the rim of the cup. Shove the straw down into the shaved ice, and fill the cup with julep. Remove the straw and place a large sprig of mint in the hole where the straw was. (You won't be able to get the mint through the ice otherwise.) Replace the straw, sip and enjoy. Your nose should be right down in the mint leaves for full enjoyment. Be sure to put a cocktail napkin around the cup, because it will soon be too cold to hold.

The mixed up julep can be refrigerated for up to a year, and the syrup can be refrigerated for three or four months.

Garden Club ~ Gardens Through A Camera Lens

2009-08-12T10:24:00.010-04:00

Our Garden Club is lucky enough to have a professional photographer as a member. Jeannie presented the program for us on Monday evening. "Your Garden Through the Camera Lens."

She presented digital photo shots for us with and without special effects, even moving the camera to make the shot a little blurred. Of course, different lens produced this and that effect. I could have listened to her talk about her work for hours.

Was eager to try shots of my garden, but they are not wildly interesting.

Maybe it is time a refresher course to bring me up to day in today's technology. I always think I need a new camera...can't be me, right?

I really enjoy her presentation and learned so much about the capability of my cell phone camera. Unreal what that little thing can be programmed to do.
I did hear a report of the 40th Anniversary of landing on the moon. It was said our little cell phone has more capability than the computer that landed that Space Craft. Amazing!

I have taken the first photo with my camera, but can't figure out how to send it to my computer.
As soon as we think we are up with the latest technology, something comes along to throw us back to the stone age, it seems.
June

Miami County Museum, Indiana

2009-08-06T21:18:00.015-04:00

Raining this morning, time to see this Museum before leaving, going to Kentucky and on to Alabama and then back to Virginia.

This clock immediately caught my attention from all the others in their antique clock room. This one ~ Ah HA ~ I could see my grandfather putting a key in the face to wind it up ~saying that was one of his Sunday morning rituals.

The full shot of the dresser stopped me cold~ I know there were more than the one that belonged to my Granny Richards, but this was just too much of a heart stopper for me to think it wasn't hers.

In my mind's eye, I could see it in her bedroom along with a very high four poster bed plus more marble top furniture. It was elegant. White lace window dressings added her delicate touch.

She had fine furniture, all marble tops which she kept fancy dollies, not junked up as seen in this museum piece.

I always wondered where all her furniture was, but I just know in my heart, it was sold to someone who brought it all there.

The pump organ, I sat and made sounds as a little girl. My cousin Clara and I would take turns pumping, while the other played on the keys, as we were too little to sit on the stool and reach the pump peddles at the same time.

The My Aunt Audie could play her Mandolin like an angle. She taught me "You Are My Sunshine" to sing as she played. I was barely three so she had a show. Everyone would be happy and clap.

I long for these things to be the ones of my memory. I know they are somewhere...and I believe I found them.

The Old Victrola~ it sat in my Granny's hallway.

My Granny had such a fine house. She would put a record on to play for us. The last time I had her to myself was when I was 6 years old.

She died in I was eight. She was the most beloved person in the world to me. She was warm, sweet, loving and all good things. It's amazing how much I remember of my time with her.

The Buggy below sealed my hunch. These things were from my Grandmother's house.

Remember back in my blog about Amanda~ and her black buggy? The site of this buggy leaves no doubt in my mind ~ I was looking at my own history.

If you haven't read that blog....it is Amanda, My Great, Great Grandmother from Virginia story. At the top you will see a black buggy moving.

There were nice coaches uses in 1800's in Indiana~in the museum as well...

The mail man's vehicle.

They were really fancy and the best way to travel before cars.

And of course, Cole Porter came along to put their little town on the Map~

And, of course, he brought home a wonderful, black, shinny car of style~ Cadillac, of course.

Remember white wall tires? What a beauty~~!!!

Cole Porter's Birthplace Now a B & B

2009-08-06T07:14:00.010-04:00

We are still reading my Travel Journal and will go back to Peru, Indiana. When there last September, we discovered the picturesque home of Cole Porter.

WHAT? Way out here?

Where did I imagine a talent would emerge? Now, being here, one can understand how his creativity could grow and be inspired by the surrounding clam.

The next house is the ouse he built for his Mother.

An "Old Fashioned Garden"

From the other side of the Wabash river we saw an amazing sight. These perfect columns were cut by the river.

In the residentual section of Peru we found the his birthplace. It opened to the public as a B&B only two weeks before we were there this year.

I LOVE B&B's with style...and they all have a story to tell.

They have his cradle... and much more.

Decorated in his memory~

Music, music, music everywhere~

Look at the bathroom...this could be a photo of the bathroom in the house where I grew up.

I LOVE his dash....his panache, his flare.

Of course, being a grandmother of 8, I notice no evidence of children that would have torn the place down and driven him nuts.
Know what I mean?

A cafe in town was a natural place for perfect lunch.

Look at the creative Cole Porter Sont Titles on menu ~ Remember any of these?

I had the "Kise Me Kate on Wheat."

Delicious! Have to say it was a very interesting small town, USA.

The Miami County Museum on their Main Street was worth my time. Will go there next blog.

Patton Museum, Ft. Knox, Kentucky

2009-07-30T20:51:00.019-04:00

Visiting the Museum honoring the life of General George S. Patton was such an interesting morning. I was awestruck by the collection. There we were, standing in the middle of an unimaginable creations of great minds. All designed to free the world of cruel and oppressive dictators.

We are amazed by the similarity's of the actor who portrayed General Patton in the movie "Patton."

To me, Actors are born to play ONE ROLE and to George C. Scott goes an Oscar (which he refused) for his role as this colorful Army Four Star General.

Likewise, Vivian Lee was born to play Scarlett in "Gone With the Wind." Don't you agree?

General George S. Patton is truly immortalized by George C, Scott who so eloquently brought him to life on the screen.

There is no way I can add all the amazing photos here...

A segment of the Berlin Wall.

Of course, this wall wasn't there during WW ll ot in General Patton's lifetime, however, it represents world conflict.

On top of the wall is mounted a round pipe some 20 inches in circumference, which would make it impossible to climb over from either side.

A German donkey cart.

If you saw the movie, you will know the significance of this.

This is the car General Patton was riding in when it was involved in a minor traffic accident at an intersection.
Before the days of seat belts, he was "slightly injured" and taken to an infirmary. It was then discovered his neck was broken which paralyzed him from neck down. He died in the following few days. May God Bless his soul.

General

2009-07-30T20:51:00.001-04:00

Makers Mark Distillery, Kentucky

2009-07-28T12:58:00.020-04:00

Traveling south from Indiana into Kentucky where we planned to see one of the famous Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries. We selected Makers Mark which is located about 40 miles off the main Interstate over to Loretto.

The road is a two lane winding ride through the hills of thick trees and tall corn growing in all fields. We knew this corn is will end up being basis of a good Bourbon.

This little barn announced the local "Coon Hunters Club."

After lots of corn fields, we come to Whisky Cree.

While there at Makers Mark, we learned no Bourbon's are made outside the U. S.

and most come from Kentucky. Why? The state sits on a limestone bed which produces very pure water which gives the mellow flavor to their craft. I never knew that.

Makers Mark is the oldest continually running distillery in the world is based in a tiny Kentucky town. Its product? One of the most loved liquors of all.

The name declares it to be a Bourbon Distillery's Mark to beat.

Click to see video.

The bottle was designed by the owner's wife as was the idea to hand-dip each long neck into red wax.

A boring job? I'd say so.....better like your co-worker very much. Perhaps they rotate. There were a total of six bottle dippers working the line.

From the wax, they went directly into the box to be shipped out. They gave us a sample of "White Lightin'" although they didn't call it by that name...and a sample of the smooth amber colored whiskey after being seasoned in wood kegs. I don't see how ANYONE could drink that white lightening. WHEW!!!

Click to see video.

The weather was perfect ...I couldn't resist getting a couple decks of cards and their Cookbook, which is a Coffee Table Book of over the top ideas.

Clowns and Cast

2009-07-27T20:34:00.005-04:00

Not such a clear photo, this guy is real...

93 years old.

Seems most of these guys were around in 1938

for the making of the movie

"The Big Top. "

Ford is in this shot...can you find him?

In front is the fabulous elephant trainer.

Good bye Cast and Crew

Members of the International Circus Hall of Fame

plus one Air Force Colonel, Retired.

International Circus Hall of Fame, Peru, Indiana

2009-07-27T13:30:00.019-04:00

Our latest road trip took us from Virginia through scenic West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio into Peru, Indiana. (Had an email from a friend who mentioned we HAD TO HAVE traveled through Maryland, South Carolina and North Carolina...I sent her a map of the Eastern US. )

Arriving in Peru, we decided to find a nice restaurant for dinner. Much to our surprise the little town rolled up the sidewalks at 6 PM. Everything was quite, no cars, no activity and very unlike what we had expected. It was on the outskirts of town that we added yet another of the fast-food chains to our list of places to avoid.

The following morning we drove out of town to the large open fields, barns, museum and office that once where the circuses of the past wintered until they left in the spring for a new circus season. Now it is home of the International Circus Hall of Fame.
Less than 100 people were there this year. Sad to think the Circus is quickly becoming an entertainment of the past.

Each July, these people...ex performers and current performers and supporters come together to relive the past by putting up a tent and present an old fashion circus.
We dined under the Big Top. Naturally, amongst performers, ex-performers, model builders and supporters. Sadly there were less than 100 people there. Ford had been motivated to support them when we were there last year, thus the invitation.

We really didn't fit in with the entertainers there, however, it was so interesting to have a inside view into their life.

This was my favorite lady. At age 97, she didn't have a wrinkle in her face and the sharpest mind of anyone I've met and talked with at that age. She is very extroverted and never talked about herself unless asked a direct question. Her conversation was about people she's known and wonderful experiences she shared with them...

I overheard her talking about days gone by and some of the young girls "killed by a cat" and others she admired so.

She was involved in the making of
the movie "The Big Top." They all were on the set to double as the stars, of course. One of her favorite friends was Mickey King. She told me Micky doubled at the aerialist for Betty Hutton in The Big Top movie.

Mickey was born 1905 and died 2005.

MICKEY KING, One of the Greastest Lady Aerialists.

MICKEY KING, AERIALIST SUPREME

Circus fans world wide consider Mickey King to have been one of the all time great aerialists.

I could have talked with her for hours. She was born to circus performers and spent her life traveling, training and performing with elephants, seals, etc, she happily told me.

The elephants were the BEST I have ever seen.

We LOVED the show...more photos tomorrow.

Lunch in Leesburg, Virginia

2009-07-15T20:13:00.004-04:00

Lunching in historic Leesburg at Lightfoot Restaurant couldn't have been better.

I love these antebellum homes that are now upscale trendy shops, taverns and resturants. They are reminders of a grand society of days gone by. I enjoy seeing what has been so elegantly preserved and loved.

Only the company and conversation topped the food.
So~ What did we talk about? FOOD!

One of the girls asked if we get the instant oatmeal. Of course, one of my favorite quick breakfasts.

"Have you ever substituted apple juice for the water?"
NO!
Who would ever think of that? She leaned over her Ruben Sandwich and declared oatmeal cooked in apple juice is fabulous!
Going to try it. If you do, let us know what you think.

I so enjoy lunching with the bold and beautiful young professionals. They are all so in the know about everything...even talk about something I know ...oatmeal.

Summer 2009

2009-07-15T06:37:00.008-04:00

Where are the lazy days of summer? Mine are filled with one activity after the other.

Saturday we took four of the little ones to my brother's Airport where he complied with their wishes to go flying.

You can click on the two photos below to see the photos become a video.
They are off...Madison was up front with Tommy. They are to tap him on the shoulder if they wanted to land. They NEVER do and protest returning to the field. A low level flight takes them over farms which are picturesque from above. I think we have a bunch of little aviators here.
Once on the ground, they were ready to "take off" in the golf cart.
We had a great time visiting with my brother and little the little ones enjoy the wide open spaces.

Inspiration Hits to Capture Scenes to Share

2009-07-08T16:52:00.009-04:00

A two-lane road leads us through the heart of Bull Run Battlefield Park near Manassas, Virginia. This is a short-cut to a daughter's house.

What a beautiful trip~

Early morning light touches white mist hovering in low areas over tall grass that now graces the rolling hills. It will soon be bailed making the fields ready for another year.

Trees here and there, many along the creek called "Bull Run'"

The area near Bull Run is the location of the famous battle which was fought July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia. It was the first major land battle of the American Civil War..

Today, it is peaceful and beautiful.

All is under blue, blue sky...filled with puffy white clouds.

The scene catches one's breathe.

One wonders if our Civil War Soldiers saw the same sight on the last morning of their lives.

Am sure they didn't see the herds of deer that now graze near the tree lines...They sleep in the tall grass, making and leaving tell tell circles. When we find one, I always wonder if they return to sleep there again and again.

I want my camera, but alas, no time to stop and on a mission to baby-sit this day.

The following day, my daughter and I went to near-by Leesburg.

WHY don't I travel with camera? Ahh...but today was with friends and no camera.

Leesburg ~ always make me think of when I first knew of Leesburg.

I remember an old TV show sponsored by Lipton Tea.

I was a little girl and he was seen in black and white on a small TV in our living room.

Are you old enough to remember Arther Godfrey?

He was Mr. TV in the 1950's and as I remember, there was not much else to watch.

I remember he talked extensively about his farm in Leesburg. Virginia with an airstrip for his plane. He took the cameras there to share. He knew he lived in a little piece of heaven.

It would be fun to make a trip to the Court House and find which of the beautiful old houses belonged to him. Why? I don't know. Do I have this kind of time?

HUMMMM

Am going back alone to these places for photos.

4th of July in Washington

2009-07-05T08:58:00.021-04:00

Forth of July 09
We enter the Grand Hallway of the Kennedy Center
to spend the evening with friends to enjoy the Culinary Arts of D. C. before the National Fireworks.

We are greeted by the bronze bust of President Kennedy which is at the entrance of the Grand Opera House within the Center

What's playing at the Opera House right now?
~The gift shop is filled with marvelous books and great gift ideas~

We go to the top level about 7 PM for dinner before the fireworks.

The event is for Members of the Kennedy Center and their guests.

We overlook the beautiful Lincoln Memorial
The sun is escaping to the west...and notice
Boaters gathering on the Potomac River

We look back to see the famous Watergate Hotel with the circular balcony's.

Hello Mr. Lincoln~

and...Uncle Sam~

Children strike their own pose~

Statue of Liberty gives up her torch

Lady, can you spear a dime?

UNCLE SAM NEEDS YOU!

Night falls over the crowd...people move to the ledge for front row viewing. The flag waving crowd is awed by Big Name and Electrifying Entertainment Aretha Franklin takes the Grand Stage ~ her FANTASTIC voice is heard throughout the City carried by big screens with wonderful speakers singing to flag waving and screaming, standing room only crowds.
She is one of my favorites!

Is there any ice cream left?

Can you reach it?

OH! We enjoyed Dungeness Crab for dinner.

They are the BIG ones that are available on the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco ~ they come from Alaska and Washington State ~Northern Pacific waters.

Dessert~ watermelon, strawberry short cake with lots and lots of strawberries topped with whipped cream.,

and KEY LIME PIE. FABULOUS 4TH!

West Virginia

2009-07-04T08:29:00.009-04:00

The neighboring state to our West is West Virginia.
West Viriginia is such a unique state. I feel close to the people as one of my most beloved friends was
born in West Virginia. She has traveled the world and has accomplished more than most people ever dream of...she has lived in many stares and today, makes her home
in North Carolina .

I met her when we both lived in Key West, Florida. She was one of three who rode bikes most evenings on a little long deserted stip of land off Trumbo Point. We rode amongst the Palm trees and ocean spray ...an experience never to be recreated.

One thing we learned about her is that...her heart is forever in West Virginia.

Seems this is true for all sons and daughters of that state...memories of happy, down to earth simple life...amongst the beautiful natural beauty and abundant feelings of security and belonging.

Please ENJOY this "youtube" posting of the unique music of West Virginia.
Note the difference in voices and music from what is known as "Country Music."
This is true West Virginia...enjoy~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHvWvOsrMuo

Click the above link or cut and copy to open.

Summer of Parties

2009-07-03T06:10:00.006-04:00

Summer isn't complete without at least one Crab Fest

Two bushels of Chesapeake Blue Crab graced the table

along with boiled corn and potatoes, etc.

Our immediate neighbors are among our best friends.

Together, we plan to build a permanent fire pit for our Fall events.

Fun, fun group~ we feel so, so lucky to live in our tight little cul-de-sac.

Toddlers, college kids, grown kids to grandparents~ we have it all. Great group indeed.

The guys quickly put up tents as light rain joined our neighborhood group.

Make it cozy.

We have a great sense of belonging.

Summer Birthday Parties

2009-07-02T07:48:00.007-04:00

Pirate Parties

were popular this year~

Seventy-five gallon water spills at the Pool Park were lots of fun~

OH NO~ Another year gone already?

"WHAT IS THIS?? I want back in the pool!"

For sure, all the adults enjoy the parties much more than the B'day Kids.

Can you believe this is a homemade cake?
I have one more cake to show...Jimmy turned 5..
His cake was homemade with a cake airplane on top of a cake cloud.
Amazing what parents and grandparents do today.
I remember when no one made a big deal out of B'days.
Do you?

Part 4 Aunt Dot

2009-06-27T06:09:00.003-04:00

Beautiful Aunt Dot was quickly married Mr.Tall, Dark and Handsome. The years rolled by with a very good lifestyle but had no children.. As a little girl, I visited often and was pampered being there. About ten years after they were married, they built a large cabin on the Tennessee River where fun meant great meals, boating and skiing the summers away. The cabin was large with capacity to slept sixteen. We enjoy a large screened in porch with a sweeping view of the river. Many card game were played right there.

Summers in the south are memorable as heat and humidity interlace in a soft blanket which welcomes the evenings. I remember Aunt Dot making a grand breakfast every morning of eggs, sausage, biscuits and tomatoes. Uncle Handsome loved Aunt Dot and called her "Babydoll."

Nephew Edward was about 3 years younger than me and the only child of Uncle Handsomea' brother. They were always were at the River Cabin with us. I was somewhere between playmate and babysitter for Ed, which was great as he was a spoiled little brat who loved me. Edward actually turn out to be a great little pal and dare-devil skier. We double-skied taunting each other while skimming waters trying to derail the other.

Late one afternoon when the adults were in the cabin, he and I decided to play Tom Sawyer by building a raft of intertubes, ropes and boards from the boathouse. Four intertubes, tied together topped with secure boards and 2 paddles available, we set off rafting down the wide, deep and seemingly lazy river to an island which looked much closer then it actually was. The currents took us easily to our destination as the late afternoon sun became lazy in the sky.

We pulled the raft onto the little island and explored for a little while finding nothing of interest. We noted the sun dropping and now to the task of getting back upstream. The sun quickly was gone and dusk made the river current seem stronger. We worked our way but the going was slow. Seemed darkness came quicker that day and there we were in the middle of a river some five miles wide and only God knew how far we were from our pier. We continued, peddling as fast and hard as we could.

It wasn't long before we could see lights on the river ahead. The lights were searching back and forth. They soon came our way and we could faintly hear our names being called. The rescue was welcomed, however, our rescuers were filled with fear, relief and a proper amount of anger. It wasn't pleasant. Lectures galore followed.

Now a lifetime has passed.
Uncle Handsome died some thirty years ago. Just before he died, he asked me to come to be with her when that time came. I was there.

A few years later, I asked her if she ever thought about Mr. Too Good and why didn't she call him to see how he was. She remembered the love she always had for him, and knew where he was at the time, but never made a call. She, many years later, told me he had died. I didn't ask how she knew, however, he was a well known public figure. I wondered what her life would have been like if.....

Aunt Dot always visited us even when we lived in Brazil. She played Santa one year in Virginia when my children were young, She looked good in the Santa suit...what fun. Many years of memories of her will live forever for all of her niece's and nephews.

Now, we gather, cousins who she has loved and "mothered" over the years to talk about what to do about Aunt Dot. She has let everything go and allowed swindlers drain her money. It is our job to keep her safe. That is what we are doing about Aunt Dot.

Part 3 What to do About Aunt Dot

2009-06-21T19:06:00.007-04:00

Looking back to the 1940's and we know it was a most uncertain time. After Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. That very day, our country declared war on Japan and on December 11, that same week, we also declared war on Germany. The entire world changed at that point.

With the Germans trying to overtake Europe and America always on the alert for an invasion on our shores, and then we had Japan on the Pacific desiring to overtake our country from the West. We had blackouts, were all lights in large areas were required to be turned off until danger was over. In schools, the teacher taught us what we could best do to survive bombing should it happen. We practiced quickly getting under our desks, covering our heads with a book and be still. All along our coastline on the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific, there were troops stationed to keep watch for planes, ships or submarines approaching our shores. Populated coastlines had frequent "black outs."

Thank God for all the men who fought to keep us safe and brought an end to the horror.

After that week, times became really, really bad; men disappeared from the work forces and women took their places in factories, farms, hospitals, volunteered for the Red Cross, etc and many joined to go to the battle areas to care for the men abroad.

My Aunt Dot took a job at what was called "The Tin Mill." She wore regular clothes to work where she changed into work clothes. All the women wore slacks, work shoes, cotton short sleeve shirts, heavy gloves and their hair tied up in a turban made of a scarfs. This kept their hair from being caught in machinery. At the end of their shifts, she and all the girls went to a local cafe to socialize and have a late supper.

Times were hard. Victory Gardens were in every yard. Any surplus was canned for the winter.
Meat was rationed. We had no ice cream as there was no sugar. of course, no candy. I was blessed by being to young to remember having sugar and exotic fruits. We had dried fruit in the winter and fresh peaches and apples in season.

All tin cans, bits of aluminum and such were collected and taken to the collections bins for the War Effort.

Gas was not available for cars had there been any cars to buy. Older cars ran with a ration of gas for them. All that steel, tin, iron material used to make cars was going into building ships, planes, guns, tanks and whatever the troops needed
It was our job to survive while the world was at war.

If you can imagine a world without televisions, telephones (1 to each community to be shared for emergencies only.)

AH! The Ice Box.
The Ice Box was in our kitchen. Basically it was a zinc lined cabinet that kept the cooled air inside and ice from melting quickly We had The Ice Man make regular rounds to our neighborhood selling ice in chunks of 25, 50 or 100 pounds for which Mother paid.

I loved to see ice being chipped off into large or smaller blocks. The small icepick made a line in the large block of ice and it would simply break apart at that line. Amazing to a little girl. (There wasn't much entertainment for children in those days, therefore anything new was a treat.)

The guy using a large ice tong would placed the ice on the top shelf of our ice box.
Children were not allowed to open the door as the cooled air would escape and melt the ice.

Most everyone had a few chickens for eggs and a chicken here and there for a meal on special occasions. There were cows nearby and we had fresh milk. I don't know how my Mother lived without coffee, but that was not available as well.

The one radio was for the adults to listen to the news after we were put to bed. It was a terrible time to be alive, however, I was so young I didn't remember life being different.

Our neighbor, the lady who had the community telephone received news that her son was killed in what was later called, "The Most Colorful Battle of WW II"...the Battle of Midway. I remember that being a terrible time for all in our community. I noticed his mother didn't go to her mailbox at all anymore. Aunt Dot told me the lady probably didn't go because she could bear the mailbox being empty.

A little girl has such big feelings about things going on around her, but lack of power to control anything. I was told to "be cheerful and feel blessed for what we had , as there were so many children in this world with nothing to eat or a place to sleep." We were taught to pray every night for World Peace. I prayed for a handsome man to come home from the war for Aunt Dot. I also prayed for a dog.

To be cont...

Part 2 ~ What To Do About Aunt Dot

2009-06-19T15:58:00.005-04:00

Aunt Dot will be 90 years old in November. She seems to be trying to block out what has happened to her, therefore, she has started just saying "I don't remember" to complicated questions I have to believe she just don't want to deal with it anymore. To some, due to her age, she sounds as if she is losing her short-term memory. I believe she has just had too much on her mind and that mind just needs a rest and I truly feel she will rally. I feel this way, but my brain is questioning that feeling.

I just want my Aunt Dot back as she was. She has always been so independent and strong.

Living alone makes older people vulnerable to con men. They are easy targets for quick money . They are alone, they need so many small things done around the house and yard.

They soon make strangers friends as they are lonely. My Aunt Dot is like thousands of others, they are in need of someone to drive her... to the grocery, the drug store or to the Doctor....
PLUS someone to cut the grass and other odd jobs fir them. Once a friendship is established, they are invited into their homes for visits as they need visitors.

Aunt Dot has been through a year that no older person should have to endure.
Yes, she has been a victim of a scam that has gone on over this past year. The little guy slowly won her trust and soon her money took wings.
--- --- --- ---
I can still see her as she was ~ young and enjoying life. I can still visualize her gentleman friend who drove the shinny black car and wore stylish clothes. It didn't take her long to be head over heels in love as he was so attentive. As it turned out, he also was married. This devastated Aunt Dot.

The war came to an end and immediately she meet a tall, dark and very handsome Texan . He was as she always said, the someone who came back from the war. He had been a Flyer and had flown many missions over Germany. She was taken by him and she made him a quick cure for the failed romance with "Mr Too Good to be true."

Well, Mr. Too Good didn't want to lose her and said he would win his freedom for the wife and marry Aunt Dot...Mr. Too Good apparently was desperate...but his offer came just a little too late.

I remember the last time I saw Mr. Too Good. He came our house late one afternoon to see Dot. I rushed to meet him running about the house to the front stairway. Reaching the stairway I was stopped by the sight before me. My mother was standing tall, looking down at Mr. Too Good. She had stopped him before he had gotten to the top. He moved back and leaned on the concrete ledge and was looking up at my mother. Apparently, neither of them took note of my presence across from him at the bottom of those wide steps. My mother told him Dot was not at home. She, in her most cruel tone, seemed to gloat when she reported Dot had met another. Mr. Too Good, with hat in hand, slumped back bracing himself on the concrete

Children in those days were to be seen and not heard, but on this day, I was not even seen... I stood there being totally ignored as their adult conversation about love and fidelity filled my head with far more than a 5 year old should know about life. I remember holding my breath and wishing she would be nicer. I felt his pain. My mother blistered his ego and maybe broke his heart as well. He stood there ...I can see him now...dressed in the latest 1940's style suit and holding hat in hands. He was explaining to my mother that he loved Dorothy beyond words. Her reply to him showed no sympathy and ask him to leave and never come back or try to see Dorothy. I felt sorry for him, as he looked down at his hat and turned it around in his hands....and after what seemed forever, he whirled around, bounding down the steps to his shinny car. I hated to see him go. I was such a little girl and I felt so sad to see him hurt as I knew Aunt Dot loved him beyond words as well. That was one of the secrets she shared with me. She told me she would always love him. I felt I would never see him again and I didn't.

To be cont...

What To Do About Aunt Dot

2009-06-17T08:19:00.005-04:00

The second part of the trip to attend my College Reunion was to see about Aunt Dot.
Aunt Dot is becoming a sad case.
For sure, a fundamental fact of life is that we can never imagine the future.

Aunt Dot lived with us when I was a very little girl. WW ll was raging and seemed as if everything we needed was either limited or unavailable. Housing was unavailable as was cars, sugar, bananas and I can't remember what else. We all were aware of "the War effort." As I said, Aunt Dot lived in our big house on the hill with my family. I was about 5 years old when she moved in.

Aunt Dot was young, blond and very beautiful and single. She was outgoing and fun. I remember these times so well. It was a scary time in the world and what I knew about that War came by overhearing the adults talk among themselves after I was in bed. I had nightmares as I didn't know geography and didn't know where the bombing was happening. Another part was the sadness of the war that I felt through Aunt Dot's friendships.

Now she is 90 years old. I has to be very sad to become alone and have no children. We cousins came together on this trip to decide what to do about Aunt Dot. She is in need of everything to be done for her, yet she sits in her recliner as proud as ever, trying to be in charge of her live as major problems exist..

Today, I see her in the ashes of what she used to be. Age has a way of robbing beauty but now the love we have for her. Aunt Dot was a big influence on my life as she was very outgoing and fun-loving.

I can see her dancing the Charleston and Boogie Woogie in our living room as the Swing Music played. A little girl which was me, dances with her. She was the light of my young life.

I remember that she received letters from one of her boyfriends who was stationed in Germany where the harsh war was underway. Children don't have to be told directly, they pick up what is going on about there. I noticed she didn't rush to meet the postman anymore and she didn't sit at the table writing letters anymore. After a few weeks of being sad, she apparently decided to get on with her life.
Her social life picked up.

She had only those guys who were unfit for duty call on her. Everyone else was drafter and was gone.

She and I would sit in the porch swing where she told me secrets. She told me that the man she would marry would be someone who would come home from the war. (She was right.)

At that point, she only went out with men who took her dancing and bought her dinner. Nothing serious. She was very beautiful and had her pick. She had nice dresses and a fur coat which she bought herself. She soon caught the eye of a very important man who always wore suits with ties, highly polished shoes and drove a bigger car than anyone. He would come for her often and she really fell for him. The problem was that each neighborhood was allowed one phone to share and it wasn't in our house.

The only telephone in the entire neighborhood was at a neighbor's house. The reason the neighbor was selected to have the one phone allowed per neighborhood was that she had a son serving in the Navy and was in the Pacific.
For this reason, Aunt Dot never knew when her beaus would be coming over.

In those days, there were no blow dryers, or curling irons for quick hair fixes and for that matter, no clothes dryers as well. Many times Aunt Dots friends would call on her unexpectedly and have to wait for her to dress. At times she had to run to wash her hair and scurry to the kitchen to hold her head in the oven door to dry it as quickly as possible. Her caller waiting patiently in our living room. There were no TV's so they sat quietly. I would stay with Aunt Dot to see her work magic as when she walked out, she was a beauty queen well worth the wait.

To be cont...

We Are Who We Are Because We Where Where We Were When

2009-06-13T17:26:00.032-04:00

Our eventful trip to Texas was completed just a few days before departing for one of the most ________ events of a lifetime. (The perfect word fail me, it was so, so sweet, good, maybe bitter-sweet.)

This was a fabulous GOLDEN REUNION of graduation from The University of Ala Hospital located in Birmingham, Ala.

Little did we suspect that when we packed and moved out of our dorm, most of us would not be together again for 50 years. Our lives lay before us ~ We each went our separate ways and now we came together ~

50 years later

A few chose not to come ~

other beloved classmates had completed their lives.

~Our graduation photo~

How was our 50 year reunion?

Interesting, unbelievable, unrealistic, wonderful, loving, sweet, bitter-sweet, warm, happy, grateful and best of all, totally over the top !!!

Our Sweet Sarah worked many, many hours to find us and to make it totally perfect. SARAH, IT WAS !!!

What a lovely, loving event.

We were thrilled to come together again ~ 50 years later !!!!

Jean, Evelyn, Nola~

Sarah, Kathy, Louise
Betty, Joyce, Jean B.

Hearing every one's story of their 50 years in two minutes was interesting~

I was so proud of everyone. Made me think of the fact

"We are who we are today because we were where we were, when."

Charles, Patsy

Our Class Officers~Our Class Officers left to right June (me), Helen, Pat and Evelyn ~

Three out of the four of us were there~ we lost Pat in 04.

We had only 18 classmates at our fabulous reunion~

Evelyn and Sarah look back on our student uniforms~ all noticed how small the waist was...

Yes, we are proudly a part the University Medical Center Museum.

An photo of class~ maybe our Jr. Class photo?? The class had loss over half of the hopefuls who started with us...had to be our Jr Year.

Me? I am third from right second row.

Photos of our home away from home.

There were no secrets, we shared everything. We remembered all the card playing that seemed like an ongoing event. Some games were left in place while we had class. We had a wonderful, wonderful time with our classmates who were our close friends.

This was our goal ~ to wear the cap with that coveted BLACK BAND

Not only did we make it to that Black Banding Ceremony~ we walked across the stage and got the little rolled up piece of paper that started us in our lives to come.

The way we are now~
Photos doesn't have all who were there~.

In the hotel lobby

June,

Joyce,

Kathy,

Sarah,

standing is Jean R.

At the Brunch at Louise's

And is the lady who brought us together for this event~ Classmate, Sarah. She holds all degrees needed plus a few more to be the VIP she is at the University at this point.
Organized, intelligent, and thoughtful with powerful leadership skills, she found 99% of our graduating class and brought us together with love.

SARAH~
We can't possibly thank her enough.

Together, we watched the setting sun over B'ham. Sort of appropriate for the ending of such a momentous occasion.

The sun gave us a spectacular show.

I scooted around to the room in The Club, where my wedding reception was held over 43 years ago...they have remodeled and all is now different~ Nothing stays the same...another truism.

Thanks all for a fabulous event in my life, June

Comments~

From Gail~

Good to see you yesterday. I know each of you had fun Friday. I called Kitty when I got home and talked with her for a long time. She was busy remodeling her house and could not come. She said she should have but was tired of the mess in her house since Oct. She kept in touch with Annette and Peggy. We plan to meet some where close to Jacksonville or half way one Sat next month.All of us stay busy with family and close friends it is hard to keep in touch with long ago friends. We should. Make new friends and keep the old. I will call Peggy some time this week. That is why I like email. I like to hear what is going on in their lives. Not to big on forwards unless it is really good. Keep in touch. Send pictures when you can. Gail

From Bobbie:

Hi,
I hate that I missed the reunion. I know that you had a good time.
I think that I am about to old to travel ................I was so tied when we got home that I slept about 2 days.
We are going to Argentina in August.....if my energy level goes up.
Bobbie

BLOGS BELOW~

Check it out~

More to come

More To Love 'bout Texas ~ Day Four, Five and Six

2009-06-02T11:51:00.009-04:00

Yes, they have mansions in West Texas

andcows with expressions on their faces...he is thinkin'

"Say whut?"

This one could have been the inspiration behind

"Don't Mess With Texas" ~

Get a load of those Long Horns!

This one is thinkin'...

"Aint no way in hell you're going down this road, cowgirl."

AHHHHHHHH how I love to ride!

Especially in Texas were you can ride all day and never see even a house.

And last but not least...I love the Strong and Good Looking Cowboys~

AHHHHHHH ~ these are a few of my favorite things.

Our friendship with this cowboy, pilot, rancher, Judge has endured 45 years...years ago, he gave up flying to go back to his ranch in west Texas... While we were there, he gave us the grand tour to see that part of the world. Looks to me, he owns a lot of it.

We drove all day taking in some of his 6200 acres... I can't wrap my head about that number, can you?
Lunch time, we stopped at a little grocery store where the lady there had a little business making sandwiches for stragglers like us.
What a neat experience.

We really enjoyed the VERY WIDE and OPEN SPACES~
It was a lovely, lovely time there with Bobby.
We can't wait for Christmas as he will be here with us.
YEAH!!!

AH HA! Secret Shots of Photographer With Camers With Eyes on Texas

2009-06-02T08:02:00.006-04:00

Story of Texas will be completed when I am back from Reunion and trip to Florida.

THEN will have yet another story to share. Thanks Travis for catching this girl in action. Texas is a BIG STORY to share.

He even caught me saying "Just one more."

Never have enough photos of a good thing.

Day Three in Texas ~ Putting Over 1000 Miles on Rental Car

2009-05-31T08:03:00.008-04:00

We stopped at one of the oldest family cemeteries.

The intense heat, harsh winds blowing dirt, sand and rain onto tombstones soon wipe away all information left of the lives of forefathers.

Our destination took us by "The Hanging Tree" as it served just that purpose in that County in Texas. Of course, that was when judgement and justice were swift.

I can imagine a bunch of cowboys around the tree ~ saddled horses and dusty trails

as the backdrop.
None of our family were involved on either end of the rope.

We left Central Texas and drove across the state to West Texas to visit a dear friend.

OUR TOTAL MILEAGE on the rental car was over 1000 miles

and we never left the state.

Texas~ Day Two ~ Don't Mess with Texas

2009-05-30T11:44:00.018-04:00

We had a lovely day with Travis and Sharon, cousins who live in Central Texas.

We visited a quaint little town not too far from their home.

Found neat little houses with tin roofs and flowers planted everywhere~

We enjoyed exploring around this little Texas town. !!!

Lunch was fun; only two choices in the tiny town..

Both were crowded~ where did all the people come from?

Inside we settled in for a Texas cafe experience.
I was the only one not ordering steak. I went for the catfish...

When our lunch arrived...I had hit the jackpot~

five large catfish filet's topped fries and rings~ on a
Texas size platter. Another Texas size bowl of coleslaw came with it. DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!

Around the corner was parked THE CAR...seen before in my joke page.

Think it belonged to the owner of the other restaurant. I couldn't resist going in to just to check it out.

There I met the owner who was seated holding his 6 wk old baby ~ his young wife joined for the photo. ~ The place was packed with happy, happy people.

Made me want to sample their food too. .

This nice, neat sandwich and tea room had no customers at all. Back home in Virginia, this room would be packed...those Texans seemingly love being surrounded with lots of stimulation and real man food !!

Leaving the little town, along the roadwe stopped for a few photos.

Large and wild Jack Rabbits are very abundant in West Texas

We stopped for a close look at what was still in bloom of the famous and prolific Wild Texas Blue Bonnets ~

They grace the roadsides for miles and miles of Texas highways in the Spring.

As you can see...we were a little late in the season to see them at their best.

Have you ever seen Thistle in Bloom?

Wild and considered a weed in Texas.
One guy out there decided to gather, package and sell the seeds.

Word is that he made millions in the seed business.

I think I have actually bought some.

They didn't grow in Virginia.

Neat little wildflowers ... worth a stop and photo to share.

They are growing wild along the roadside and in the fields of Central Texas;

Texas Trip ~ Day Two ~ The Wedding

2009-05-26T10:08:00.010-04:00

Family Wedding at Texas A & M UniversityFather 0f The Bride on Left
Bride center with Sister, the Maid of Honor
Surrounded by all blood relatives there to help celebrate her big day!

I think August, the baby,
is perhaps the only one in the photo without at least

one Degree
from Texas A&M
To be an Aggie is family tradition and lives on.

All pictured have the same last name or maiden name

as the Bride

Texas family of proud

German Decent

This was indeed a wonderful day to be in Texas.
We really enjoyed being a part of this wonderful Celebration !

Deep in the Heart of Texas

2009-05-25T07:12:00.008-04:00

Arriving in Houston , we needed a rental car appropriate for our two weeks and
the many, many plans for

the Texas visit.

I kinda like this one...but many to choose from...

I really like the blue...

Comfortable? You BET..LOVE IT !!!

I think I had this one in a past life...just perfect to arrive in style...

all needed here is one of my BIG DERBY HATS!

But then....maybe not the convertible

....hummmmm

This one it neat too...

But back to the one I liked first...
feels good...

It is my style, with a picnic basket on the back...

And this color is perfect~ too many decisions...

I want this one... maybe...hummmmm

(Made this photos at a Cadillac Museum somewhere deep in the heart of Texas)

FINALLY~
just the right one caught my eye....

Get a load of this one...

Getting the car settled, we took off across the still wild and wonderful state to see all the family~

Still Going, Going, Going After All These Years

2009-05-24T07:37:00.008-04:00

High School friends travel to enjoy life together~

We just keep going, going and going~ Seeing the world together once more.

Neither rain or more rain keeps up for our planned picnic ~

Guess what we shared under the newest hanger at my brother's Airfield? Good ol' Virginia Barbecue~

Too bad we didn't get to go up for a low level flight~ Tommy is a great in the air host~

oh will...next time. AND there WILL be a next time for this group!

Can't resist these photo opps~ Can you believe these ducks are nesting right on the Mall in DC? Yep~ lots of baby ducks on our Reflecting Ponds.

We honor the Unknown Soldiers ~ wreath laying, which always is a time to stop and reflect on those who gave their lives that we may live in a free Country~ (thus far.)

Downtown we enjoyed everything dressed in flowers this Spring.

Always a place to spend all day~

Among the treasures at the Museum of American History is every one's favorite places...

The Inaugural Gowns worn by the First Ladies...

We girls can't get enough ~

We remember Jackie O in her life~and stand sadly at her graveside.

Last day, we visited the Civil War Battle Field.

This historic house stood during that first Battle of Bull Run~ The house was turned into a hospital during the war between the states.

Rain, Rain, Go Away~ Come Again Another Day

2009-05-07T07:00:00.004-04:00

Looking out on green, green grass of home~ grass that is growing double-time with a solid week of rain and more falling as I steal a moment to write.

Friends going back to High School Days arrived for a joyous visit. We didn't allow the rain forecast to dampen our spirits enough to keep us off the Mall in DC. Would you believe, the one day we had to spend there, the clouds parted and a little sun graced our visit there.

Tears rolled at the laying of a new Wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Taps sounded throughout and beyond thousands of white head stones, all standing in perfect order, silently overlooking the Grand Potomac River and Mall of Washington D. C.

Our Nations Capitol is a moving experience when we stand face to face with just what our precious Freedom has cost.

Now, we stand by watching news to hear how that precious freedom is being taking away by our own Government. Liberals appear weak and needy and now are in charge of our lives. I stand and weep at the thought.

2009-05-01T08:20:00.005-04:00

Spring reminds us that we will be reborn~
That thought makes me happy.

Walking the yard with camera in hand is the only way to capture the fleeting images to keep.

The full azaleas grace the split-rail fence line ~

Lazy morning or late afternoons are spent in the Amish built swing.

Our Garden Club Vice Chair reports to be a photographer with her work shown in our local Backyard Boutique.

Well....this is one little shop I try to avoid

as I want one of everything they have for birds and backyards.

I found myself drawn there to see Jeannie's photography ...

however...once in the door,

my feet took me right over to a new finch feeder. My old one is crowded this year...

and the newest style is the mesh wire to accommodate a crowd.

This morning...we see only 3 feeding, but later, the feeder will be covered.

I did check out the photography. Images of birds were beautiful, no doubt. Another artist has taken her photography of birds and digitally altered them and their surroundings.

Was a fun hour and I LOVE my newest finch feeder.

First Watermelon of the Season

2009-04-27T06:55:00.003-04:00

Two unseasonable hot days together here in Northern Virginia, it just seemed only right to have cold watermelon to savor. I returned the grandchildren from a "spend the night" and dropped by the green grocer. There was a large table of seedless and seeded melons to make my choice.
I stood and remembered another time over a stack of watermelons when I learned a very interesting lesson.

Years ago, I stood be the melons testing each with a thump. A man came up to me and said, "You are from Alabama, aren't you?"

I reeled backwards as I had not lived in the Heart of Dixie for 40 years. Did I know this man?
I looked at him for a clue and he smiled. I acknowledged to him I was actually born in Alabama and then he told me something I REALLY didn't know, "Only people from Alabama thump a watermelon."

I was thunderstruck.... Isn't that how you test for ripeness?
He was tapping the melons as he talked. I laughed and he gave me a wink.

I walked away with a wonderful melon that he selected for me with three taps and a new awareness that the world shared the love of watermelons, no matter where you were born.
Some of us thump and others pat. It really doesn't matter, the melons respond with the same sound.

Springtime in Virginia

2009-04-25T07:12:00.006-04:00

Early morning view from one of the kitchen windows~

AHHHHHHHHHH ~ Spring has come to Virginia~ The golfers are out early...notice the tracks in the dew behind the cart.

Early morning view of upper deck which offers splendid views for photos.

Yellow wild finch are males and brownish are female.

We have a big group each year~ both purple and yellow. They stay all winter and all become brown to blend in with winter colors in nature.

The fish pond is full of tadpoles~ The grandchildren enjoyed catching them to move down to the lake.

THEY HAD A BALL !!

Koi Spanning

2009-04-22T08:10:00.005-04:00

So much is going on right now for us when suddenly

another event takes front and center of our attention.

Our

wonderful white Koi had become very

erratic. Her usual behavior is graceful, gentle and mindful of all her pondmates.

I could see her from my

kitchen window ~

she was in the shallows and

seemed to be trying to

beach herself by thrusting and coming out of the water onto the flat rock. Once with her head on the rock, out of water, she would take in large audibly gulps of air.

WHAT was going on? I watched in fear.

Pondside, I wondered if there was a "fish doctor" I could call...seems

she was dying. I don't know fish CRP or anything except how to feed them.

Two of the other Koi were with her as if harassing her. She doubled and thrashed...and I stood by thinking, knowing there was nothing I could do for her.

"Let nature take it's course," I kept thinking to calm myself.

Came to the Internet to discover, she was spanning. It explained the behavior of the males around her ...again I am thinking and will let nature take it's course.

I placed an artificial thick greenery over the place where we spanned to give the little guys a chance....and then made "safe houses" for them as well.

I cut little doors and a bunch of little windows (about 1/2 in sq)

in a couple of discarded black plastic flower pots that have the holes in the bottom and have submerged them here and there in the pond.

Our fish are beloved as they are so interesting.

Isn't she beautiful? Her head is shaped like a 747 and she has eyelashes. Disney could make a movie about her.

Do you have experience with Koi?

Treasure Chest of Memories

2009-04-20T07:38:00.003-04:00

Fourteen of us went to dinner last night~ the chatter was lively and fun even when it came to swapping stories of mishaps involving traffic tickets. If you drive at all, seems everyone has at least one. Right?
Misadventures are always funny in hindsight as they reveal our naivety as well as kick you in the wallet to help you remember.

Dave said his simple, seemingly easy and safe U turn in North Carolina cost him $150.

One of my stories was how I had a little disagreement with a nice young policemen about just how red the traffic light was ~ and told him I would see him in court.
Well~
He happily obliged and with that, didn't fail to show up. What I didn't know was that the Judge ALWAYS sides with the policeman.
I didn't have a chance.
Cost me the ticket PLUS court cost~ took all morning to do all of this ~

When out to the parking lot and had a ticket on my car~ FOR PARKING IN THE WRONG LOT!
I mailed this one in~
This story has a moral~ Never attempt to fight a ticket.
It's like Wiley Coyote~
we laugh hardest when our dumb little misadventures blow up in our face. Right? (smile)

Easter Morning

2009-04-12T08:23:00.003-04:00

Beautiful flowing tree at our door~

And the Easter Bunny at neighbors door for the 2 and 3 yr olds there...

can you see the eggs on the lawn?

The Evening Before Easter

2009-04-12T08:10:00.003-04:00

Couldn't resist this photo as I joined the group. which soon tripled in size.

Our cul-de-sac neighbors are our extended family.

We started doing bonfires last Halloween~

a great way to enjoy the coming of seasons.

Later, the darkness brought us closer and more wood went on the fire... the children roasted marshmallows for all of us.

Nothing like lazy fireside chats, food and warm friendship~
Life is so, so good.

Skies over Virginia Plains 3 PM April 10

2009-04-09T18:51:00.002-04:00

Overcast calm day.

Monochrome Monday

2009-04-06T07:56:00.003-04:00

Old photos come to mind for me on this Monochrome Monday!

The above photo is actually my Great Grandparents and their grown children.

My Grandfather is in the back row, second from left.

He was always a handsome man.

All of his sisters became teachers and the boys became Doctors.

SkyWatch

2009-04-05T19:53:00.000-04:00

I have joined the Sky Watch Team who post skies over their part of the world. My first Plain Skies Over Virginia will be posted this Friday~ and every Friday.
June

Preserving Memory of Flower Gifts

2009-04-03T19:24:00.006-04:00

If I can photograph the flowers, they will bring me joy over and over...

Think I will do a wall of little framed flowers~

To catch them in their peak~ and then snap, snap different angles.

They lasted for an entire week~

and brought much pleasure~

Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota ~ unusual views

2009-04-01T16:43:00.010-04:00

We enjoyed two fabulous nights in the little western town near Mr. Rushmore~
Here I am, yours truly, the photographer, pictured on the left. Had only seen professional photos, therefore, became fascinated with the different views of this carved mountain.

The mountain actually sits in the middle of no where yet has acclaimed world fame.

The sculptors selected this mountain after considering all aspects~ sunlight, durability, etc.

We were lucky, as in the gift shop was a book signing for the last man living who worked on the schulptor. Is in his 90's and was so, so interesting. I bought his book, of course and enjoyed his stories....he was just a young kid who needed a job and they needed workers. He told many stories with unusual views as well.

Here are two photos of the work in progress.

Gives an understanding to just how large the images are.

To get the shots above, we walked the trail through the forest which was about 1.5 miles of one photo op after another.

the chipped away rock has been left behind. see below.

Good Bye Mr. Presidents of the past.

Photo taken as we drove around the mountain to head on west.

Sailing off St. Maarten, Dec/Jan 09

2009-03-30T17:42:00.005-04:00

Sunset Sailing is one of our favorite things to do...each time is is different.

I always sit right up front...and hang my feet down over the water...in into the sunset we go.

Often wondered if a barracuda could take a bite...I know they could if they could catch us.
Looks like a post card...the Condos on the shore...
Click on the two videos below to get a sense of being there with us.

June

Dancing Buffalo of South Dakota

2009-03-29T07:46:00.007-04:00

The bison is a member of the bovine family. Commonly called “buffalo” it is the largest land mammal in North America.

The bison has a large head with relatively small, curving horns.

Its dark brown coat is long and shaggy on the forequarters, including the front legs, neck, and shoulders, while the rest of the body has shorter, finer hair.
Go Wild!

Bison are considered a keystone species – they once roamed the continent in great herds, and their grazing pressure helped shape the ecology of the Great Plains.

Height 6-6.5 feet at the shoulderLength 10-12.5 feetWeight 900-2,000 lbs; males are larger than females.

Lifespan 18-22 years in the wild; over 30 years in captivity

Among the many books sold in Gift Shops was one titled "Why Buffalo Dance." I decided not to get it, however....

When we later enjoyed the company of this wonderful wild

animal, he danced for us..
HE DANCED FOR US. He danced for the entire time we stayed and was still dancing as we drove away. I can say for sure, THEY DANCE....and dance and dance. Think he was dancing just for us?

Of course, I then went on a quest to find the book "Why Buffalo Dance" as we continued our drive through the plains, but didn't find it. This is a good reason to go back, right?

Wild Buffalo of South Dakota

2009-03-28T07:25:00.006-04:00

This is my first attempt to add a video ~ taken to bring a little of our trip to you. Click on the play symbol to begin....You will hear our differences of opinions. The driver always gets his way.

The road trip from Northern Virginia over to Wyoming was semi-planned. We just let each day open like a flower. Allen Carmicheal met up with us and we just had a ball. Each day brought totally unexpected adventures.

The wide open spaces are home to million prairie dogs and buffalo. It is a trip we actually would like to do again.

Sweet Potato Casserole

2009-03-23T15:06:00.002-04:00

We are going to substitute Ruth's Chris sweet potato Casserole as is the BEST I HAVE EVER HAD~Your Family and Friends will be impressed.

Ruth's Chris special sweet potato casserole

Makes 12 servings

Crust
1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred)

1/3 stick butter, melted

Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter in mixing bowl. Set aside.

Sweet Potato Mixture
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs, well beaten

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat a medium-size casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and butter in a large mixing bowl in the order listed. Beat thoroughly with a hand mixer to increase the fluffiness of the sweet potato mixture.
Pour mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.

(At this point, dish can be covered and refrigerated.)

Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture and return to oven for 10 minutes. Allow to set at least 30 minutes before serving.
The brown sugar and pecan crust should be slightly browned and crunchy.

Green Beans Almondine

2009-03-22T19:48:00.003-04:00

Green Beans Almondine

4 cups fresh green beans

1 cup blanched almonds, toasted or 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano

Wash beans and bring to boil in 4 quarts water. Lower heat and simmer covered for 20 -30 minutes. Drain. Saute almonds in butter until lightly browned. Add almonds and oregano to cooked green beans and toss well. Serves 8