Snow

I got a new phone for Christmas and unfortunately I can't figure out how to download my pictures to my computer so I will have to borrow some from the web for this post.

After having Christmas eve morning celebration with our kids we headed up north. Not many places can you change from not needing a coat to snow and sking in just a few hours. The best part is that when you are tired of it...you can come back to the mild weather. We spent the first night at Little America It is a nice place to stay winter and summer with lots of pine trees and trails. The court yard was all decorated kind of like this.... and there were these huge icicles hanging from the roof in the dinning room. Although I have lived in this area all my life I had never been to the snow bowl so next morning we headed there....Was disappointed we couldn't sit and watch people ski but was a nice drive and the hot coffee tasted pretty good after trekking up the hill........This was Christmas morning and the parking lots were full!

Our next stop was Winslow, Az. The town of Winslow is pretty sad but they have a shinning star there...................La Posada This is a Harvey house that has been restored and it is wonderful!The trains still run here and the woman that owns it is an artist; She paints Historical as well as contemporary. Now, I am not much of an art fan but I find her historical paintings fascinating. She has a series of President's wives........... Here is one in the ballroom above the fireplace. If you ever have the opportunity to visit here you won't be disappointed. Their dining room is always packed so be sure and make reservations if you intend to have dinner.

It had been two years since we had stayed here and it was like going for the first time with all the changes they have made. If you don't know anything about Fred Harvey I would encourage you to do some reading about him.

How fun to enjoy the snow but not full time.

You are invited to the party!

http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/xmas.htm

Some Christmas scenes

My daughter gave me the little Santa and dog....You squeeze his hand and they sing "Jingle Bells".... My parrot goes nuts with this duet.

Got this at Savers one year for near nothing....love how relaxed he looks:)

This is my new addition...a wine bottle Santa Sweater and hat....just couldn't resist!

Good thing I didn't see this while out shopping....My dogs would hate me!

These cinnamon ornaments are wonderful!!

You can find the recipe here. I got this info from farmchick but what I didn't know is that they make quite a few, so along with having enough to hang on my mantle, I will have a few to give away.....There are two ladies at my church in wheelchairs and they live in care facilities so think it will be a perfect little gift for them and also for a deaf friend who is single and lives in an apt. I can't wait to give them to them and hang mine up.......smells so good.

Here is a side tip for you........

These really work!

Jackpot

I knew my love of cookbooks was going to pay off one day.....................

Made this for a party I was invited to this past Sat.
The greenery is sprigs of rosemary.

Disgust

ACLU =American Civil Liberties Union

Acorn = Association of Community Organizations for reform now

Both = Disgust

Sunrise cross honoring World War ll veterans in the Arizona Mohave Desert

Part of an opinion written by Rees Lloyd
On Veterans Day, many Americans visited veterans memorials as Americans have for years. Today, however, veterans memorials on public land are under threat from establishment of religion clause lawsuits.
These lawsuits are being filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on the behalf of individuals who complain that they are offended by the sight of a cross at a veterans memorial. Although generally unknown to most Americans, the ACLU seeks and receives millions in judge-ordered, taxpayer-paid attorneys' fees in these cases.
The U.S. Supreme Court will render its decision this term in one such case (Buono v. Salazar) regarding a World War II veterans memorial cross in the Mojave Desert National Preserve ("Supreme Court at crossroads over fate of Mojave cross," Oct. 8). A similar case involving a veterans memorial cross at Mount Soledad is before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (Trunk, et al. v. U.S.). It also appears certain to go to the U.S. Supreme Court.
At stake in these court cases is whether 300 million Americans shall have the right to choose how they will honor their war dead and other veterans or whether a veto power over those decisions shall be held by the ACLU or a single individual who claims "offense" at the sight of a cross honoring veterans. Thus, the importance of these court cases cannot be overstated.
However, I respectfully suggest that such issues, which fundamentally affect and shape our national culture and character, should not be decided by the courts. It is time for Congress to act to protect our veterans memorials from abusive Establishment Clause lawsuits by the ACLU, which has become the Taliban of American liberal secularism, and other fanatical organizations.


I agree with this opinion for the most part however, I am not sure our current Congress would be any better suited to making a decision. This cross now has a box built over so as not to be seen until the court's decision is made.

The argument used in this case is that this cross is on government land and our United States Constitution says there is to be separation between church and State.

Did you know that "separation of church and state" does not actually appear in the constitution? It is an Amendment and is a concept derived from the following letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote:
To Messrs. Nehemiah Dodge and Others, a Committee of the Danbury Baptist Association, in the State of Connecticut. January 1, 1802.
by Thomas Jefferson

Gentlemen, — The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist Association, give me the highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurances of my high respect and esteem.
( Thomas Jefferson, letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, January 1, 1802; from Merrill D. Peterson, ed., Thomas Jefferson: Writings, New York: Library of America, 1994, p. 510. )

If the ACLU and our courts truly believes that this amendment to our constitution means that it is wrong to have a cross on government property than I think they have started at the wrong location....they shouldn't have jumped on this cross out in the middle of nowhere that was erected to honor those brave men that died so that they could holler they are being offended...no, they should start here at this United States owned graveyard.
Monticello estates willed to the government by Thomas Jefferson himself and located in Va. where he is buried. You see the arched stone with a cross on top? That is the tombstone of Thomas Jefferson's grandson.
Listen folks....the acorn has fallen so far from the tree it doesn't even know it's an acorn!

Did you know?

The Origin of the Barber Pole

The modern barber pole originated in the days when bloodletting was one of the principal duties of the barber. The two spiral ribbons painted around the pole represent the two long bandages, one twisted around the arm before bleeding, and the other used to bind is afterward. Originally, when not in use, the pole with a bandage wound around it, so that both might be together when needed, was hung at the door as a sign. But later, for convenience, instead of hanging out the original pole, another one was painted in imitation of it and given a permanent place on the outside of the shop. This was the beginning of the modern barber pole.

When I was a girl I use to walk by one of these and it always made me happy with it's bright colors...would never have guessed this is what it represented.

Christmas Slippers

Just finished this pair of slippers for my one and only Granddaughter.......

She is 12 yrs. and yes these are pretty big........

but she is 5 ft 8 inches tall! and an amazing volleyball player.

Recently, she was handpicked to play on a 14 year old speciality traveling team ...yep, Grandma's button are popping.

Happy Thanksgiving

A Surge

Chatty's post this morning asking us to share why we started blogging brought to mind the recent surge concerning my book. It is hard to believe that it has been four years since I published it. I have to admit I am the world's worst promoter but fortunately there are others who aren't and I have had a surge of new interest of late. It started with another order for 10 more books from Brace Bookstore in Ponca City, Okla. (where the Wild West Show was based) and in my Fall 2009 101 Ranch Old Timers Association newsletter there was this picture
of a mural depicting the 101 Ranch & Wild West Show that was painted by Dr. Bob Palmer and Palmer Studios and four of his former students. It is very large and can be seen on the side of one of the old down town buildings coming into Ponca City. This is a huge boost for the 101 and Ponca City. When I was there doing my research for the book there was nothing to even give you a hint of the history of the 101 and even some of the people who worked there seemed clueless.

On Oct. 5th I posted about our trip to the Colt Show and how I was asked if I would speak about my book at the next Colt show that will be held in Tulsa, Okla. next year which was a surprise and I just got a card from one of the ladies that attended the show saying she had read the book and how much she had enjoyed it....all great pluses.

I also was asked a week ago if I would do a book signing by the owner of one of the restaurants we frequent!................but, I have saved the best for last.

I got a letter from a lady stating that she was a relative of Bessie's and wanted a book but she did not go online (which is about the only way you can get one of my books, either through the publishing company web site or Amazon if you don't happen to live in Ponca City) and fortunately she gave her phone number. I called her and told her I would just send her a book with an invoice and she could send me a check. She was a cousin of of Bessie's and yesterday this is what I received in the mail

Nov. 18-09

Dear Monica
I haven't been able to put the book down. To me it's hard to define perfection. It's perfect - you are truly a great writer. I felt that I finally got to know my cousin, she had always been a "myth" now she came alive. Thank you, thank you.

I just called Roger Herberg my cousin, and he has your book, and he said the same, It's a treasure.

I'll never be able to thank you enough - it seems that I chased the memory of Betty Herberg, and finally found the real person.

It sounds like you are living a very unique life as Bessie did - I envy you your youth, strength, and perseverance.

I'd love to read more of your works as you finish them. Let me know.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Sincerely,

Donna

I have no idea how old this lady is and if being in your 60's is young than call me a spring chicken:) but on a serious note........Once I read Bessie's letters (what the book is based on) I too was hooked with the life of this unique woman of so long ago and I could not throw them away. I tried to figure out what to do with them, even making a trip to Ponca City to a collector but found no peace in releasing them. When my hubby suggested I write a book I laughed but then decided I'd give it a try and was amazed at the results of research! Of course the two old photo albums that had also been tossed aside were an even greater asset and the other books and writings that paralleled the letters where of great benefit as well, and now........it is all history for any and all to experience. To have a relative write you a letter like this..............makes is so worth it all.

As far as more books to come.........I don't see any in the future, this was simply a labor of love and why this picture (under glass) continues to grace my office.

Buckskin Bessie

approx. 1912

Limitation creates stunning results

I am trying to have my kids over for dinner more often and I love to try new recipes so when I saw this recipe for Herb Roasted Chicken

I decided it would be just right. Since there are five of us I decided to fix two chickens and consequently there was not enough room in the oven to cook the dressing too so I simply removed the chickens and covered them with foil and let them sit while the dressing cooked.....Wow! this was the juiciest chicken I have ever eaten and found out later that it is often recommended to let your meat sit a spell before cutting....never too old to learn, that is my motto!

I will say that there is so much oil used in the recipe that you will need to use chicken broth with just a little of the drippings to make your gravy, but it is is mmmmm good.

At Random

I don't know about you...but I would be lost without Google....just type it in and puff! helped me fix my computer, provided a bunch of patterns, checked the latest movies, helped me figure out a knitting stitch, checked out the side effects of medications, grab a recipe and much, much, more. So how about you...do you have a favorite search engine?








Couldn't resist this one.........................................




Go Obama go?




The latest idea of how to not spread the swine flu?

You best not count us out!

Just for fun

I saw the "Where's George" post on It's a small town life and checked out the web site......

Well, it looked like fun to me, so I am putting a dollar into circulation and can't wait to see where it will go...........

Bandana

A bandana (from the Hindi: बन्धन bandhana, "to tie") is a type of large, usually colorful, kerchief, usually worn on the head.

Bandannas are frequently printed in a paisley pattern.
Bandannas are worn as a practical garment by:
Outdoor workers such as farmers and cowboys, who wear them around the neck to wipe the sweat off their faces and keep dust out of their collars.
Wildland firefighters, who wear them over the mouth and nose to lessen inhalation of dust and fumes.
Dancers and other athletes, who wear them during practice as a simple way of keeping hair and sweat out of their faces.
Some soldiers wear bandannas to keep their own sweat and blood out of their eyes.
Sports Stars, such a footballers and Tennis players, wear them to keep their hair in shape and off the rest of their face.
And sadly Bandannas in particular colors are also worn as a means of communication or identification, as with the prominent California criminal gangs, the Bloods, the Crips, the Norteños, and the Sureños or in sexual subcultures in the United States. In the late 1980s/early 1990s, the Bloods and the Crips, wore red or blue paisley bandanas as a signifier of gang affiliation.

And here are a few more uses for a traveling female by Tara Wilkinson

A dish cloth........................A Headband.........................A picnic napkin
A first-aid tourniquet.............Tie a ponytail......................A Hankie
Carry your lunch....................A pillow cover
To stay cool....just wet and tie around your neck
Clean your camera lens..............................Use as a placemat
Shine your shoes.................Tie extra stuff to your knapsack
Polish your fruit..............Wear as a funky bracelet
Collect shells on the beach or berries in the woods
Use as a belt........A bandage.............A washcloth.................A sling
A "sleep" blindfold...........................Shoooo aways bugs
Wrap a gift..........................Fill with Ice and use as a compress
Mark a trail...................Cheer at a concert or sporting event

and my added one....tie around your suitcase to set it apart at the airport

and here you thought they were just for protecting your head

Have Bandana ..will travel

Abandoned

I often go to Savers (second hand store) to purchase things for my charity packages and if you might remember I bought the little quilt and then couldn't give it away..................


Look what I found this time

This is a crib size cross stitched blanket and only God knows how many hours it took to make.

Here is a close up of just one of the larger hearts
I guess if you have never hand made something you wouldn't have any idea of the hours and hours that goes into it but I just can't imagine anyone discarding this treasure. It does have a Happy ending

A one nighter

Hubby and I took another little jaunt last week-end right smack in the middle of downtown Phoenix. It is amazing what you can find it you just look for it. The San Carlos Hotel was built in the early 1900's as noted by the cars in this picture

and is still in business today.

Before checking in we had a nice lunch and a made a trip to the Phoenix Police Museum which was a short distance from the hotel.......and...... took a ride on the Phoenix light rail. This happened to be around 4:00 p.m. and it was amazing to see how many people were utilizing this new mode of travel that eliminates the problem of limited parking down town.

Every floor of the hotel had wonderful old pictures like this and memorabilia from the early days of the hotel. We made dinner reservations at the Italian Restaurant that was on the premises and although we were pretty much the only people there ........... It was absolutely delicious! We sat at a table that looked out to the street and watched as three or four people gathered to offer rides in those bicycle carts. There was a Irish Pub next door that had a fun loving group kicking up their heels and although we were sitting in a very quiet space enjoying a bottle of wine, it felt like we were a part of it all.

The next morning we walked a couple of blocks to a "First Watch" restaurant and had a great little breakfast. The thing that was so amazing is how quiet it was. I guess few people live down town and only go there on the week days for business or work. I noted the rooftop of the hotel as we walked back because they were to have a swimming pool on the roof. As it turned out what I saw was the penthouse that was being remodeled and the pool was actually on the roof of the Irish Pub next door but what a pretty sight!

I almost wished I would have brought my too tight swim suit!

The most amazing thing happened as we stood in front of the hotel waiting for our car to be brought around.....

From somewhere.....The Westminster chimes played and chimed the hour.......

It's the little things that stick with you, don't you know.......... Love our little jaunts.

Words

Words

Exasperate.........To make frustrated or angry.

Deteriorate.....To worsen; to depreciate.

Legislate....To make laws.

Intimidate....to discourage or suppress

Disgrace.....The state of having lost grace, favor, respect or honor.

Dismantle....Tear down.

Illogical....Not observing the principals of logic.

Control............govern, regulate, rule, command, dominate, direct, manage, check, repress, curb, mastery, direction, restraint, superintend.

Devastate........to destroy; to ruin; to overwhelm, to overpower.

Approval of Congress has dipped below 20% for only the fourth time in Gallup history

I have discovered that knowing words and experiencing words are two very different things.

The Rolling Memorial

Where there is a will.....there is a way
Thank you, John Holmgren

I received this info from my son-in-law via email. I couldn't get the pictures any larger so it doesn't do it justice but you can go to the web site. John Homgren a trucker was inspired by Darryl Worley's song, "Have you forgotten" and has created this rolling memorial of 9/11.

Eerie Similarities

We have had two Presidents that were assassinated while in office

Abraham Lincoln

John F. Kennedy

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F, Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

The names of Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both were shot in the head.

Lincoln's secretary was Named Kennedy.
Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners.

Both successors were named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names comprise fifteen letters.

Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse.
Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were both assassinated before their trials.

Location, location, location

Indeed, location makes a difference. Last year the Colt convention was held in Houston and the hotel was not very good and was located in a poor area of the city right after the hurricane. They did not even try to add more help with all the added people to serve so needless to say....there was no service and only one little restaurant and bar......this year....................JACKPOT!!

The convention was held in Concord, N.C. at the Embassy suites and it was not only beautiful Glass elevator to the rooms that circled the atrium

or the winding stairs if you preferred but very accommodating with a complimentary breakfast, held behind the stairs and not just donuts but a full breakfast but also a nightly complementary two drinks popcorn/nuts managers reception. It needs to be repeated.....there is nothing like southern hospitality. The service was impeccable and they even made it possible to order a box lunch from the convention area and have it delivered so you didn't have to leave your table.....but the best part of all? The rooms...two bedroom suite with the best bed and pillows you could ask for. What a concept huh? So many times we can't wait to get back home to our own bed/pillow because the hotels are so uncomfortable. Well, needless to say, I shall consider staying at Embassy Suites again in the future.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Colt Conventions, they are held once a year the first week-end of Oct. at a different location in the USA each year. Only colt and colt products are displayed and sold at this show and there are some very unusual, high dollar items to be found here. There are many gun shows around the country but this is one I try not to miss because you see.....there is also a focus for the women. Every year they ask that you bring an item for the baskets they raffle and with the proceeds they pay for a woman's breakfast. They also build a special woman's gun and raffle it each year and the proceeds for that goes to youth organizations that help children to learn proper gun handling and etc. There are also special tours available that you pay to go on and I have to say that I have never been disappointed even when I thought I might...like this year. The tour I was able to go on was a wine tour and I have already been to many different wineries so figured it would be a little disappointing.....wrong! This was not just any old winery, it was the most beautiful place I have ever been. I truly believe it would be the same as what you would see in Italy. Even the behind the scenes had pieces of art and statues that just took your breath. Here are a few pictures snapped in the women's bathroom!

Can you see me?

The Richard Childress Vineyard (that name ought to ring a bell to NASCAR fans) encompasses 30 acres and it was harvest time. Pictures just don't do it justice but I tried....

The entrance and notice the hanging lamps on each side?

Up close and don't you love the flagstone?

Notice how they had decorated for fall

A spot in the atrium

After the behind the scenes tour we had a scrumptious lunch on this deck overlooking the vineyards

and then it was wine tasting time:) I didn't find anything I couldn't live without here but did find a few treasures in the gift shop like this pretty little serving dish and another cookbook!!!!! Oh, this one is different, everything is cooked with beer:)

Well, it was a great trip and we did good at the show this year, didn't need an extra suitcase to bring home the money but didn't have to hock one either.

Next year the convention is going to be held in Tulsa, Okla. and they have asked me to speak on my book at the women's breakfast; I consider that an honor.