Don't forget to double click on pictures to enlarge

Sunday, August 29, 2010

For sure

When I was younger, I was so unsure of myself and the world...it has taken years and years to come up with a few things I am sure of........here's a few I claim





Nothing is impossible if you look hard enough......




A picture speaks more than words





Never under-estimate a woman!




They don't make them like they use to....





It's hard not to notice differences...


Even a right can be wrong......




Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Catnip

I have never owned a cat so have to admit that I know very little about them. I did fall in love with one though....I was in Hawaii staying in a rain forest and this beautiful white cat took a liking to me. It would wait until we came home from our outings and jump up on my lap as soon as I sat on the porch and begin to purr......I came home and searched it out it it was....



a Himalayan. They are not only beautiful but expensive...figures.


I recently ran across a video about cats liking catnip and had to admit I had no idea what that was.

It is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family and can invoke a psychosexual reaction in some cats.....check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tklx3j7kgJY (be patient until the end)

I thought this was too funny and if I believed in re-incarnation I would want to come back as a cat loving catnip!

Monday, August 23, 2010

To honor

A while back Granny Annie posted about how our blogs are like little pep rallies and I had to agree....I treasure all the comments even if they are from a different perspective but I am also drawn to those blogs who do not accept comments. I suppose they have different reasons for that decision. I would like to honor one such blog......One Snap

I found her blog through comments left on another blog we both enjoy and I have enjoyed the photo snapping moments of her life ever since....there are some pictures that are so beautiful it just takes your breath, like the following:

I don't know that she will read this but I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your life on line.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Mission Accomplished

video.........Welcome Home


We welcome you home and say........Thank you!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Regulars

If you are a business owner you soon know what regulars are......priceless!

From the group of gun owners that meet at the gun shop every afternoon and then go to lunch together, to the group of old men who meet for morning coffee at Denny's to cuss and discuss the politics of the day to the Bible study group that meets at Starbucks and etc.


Hubby and I have become "regulars" in several locations but as I contemplate it....the reason for each situation is always the same...relationship. Now maybe you are surrounded by family and that is your main relationships which is a good thing but I have to tell you that there is something very unique about these out of the ordinary developed relationships that spring up in the most unusual places.


Over a year ago now, Hubby and I found a little restaurant that not only has good food but has Karaoke on Monday nights and a two man western band on Fri. and Sat night and a little dance floor and a group of old timers that really know how to dance. It very quickly became one of our favorites and we soon became a "regular" for both Karaoke and dancing. Now, not to brag, but hubby and I are pretty awesome swing dancers probably because we have persevered together for 43 years but also because we have developed a rather unique style during that time and often get lots of compliments and etc. Here is a little example...there was an older woman who came with friends every week and she often told us how much she loved to watch us dance.....one evening she came to our table and proclaimed "I went our to have a cigarette and I missed you dancing!!....please will you dance again?" Now, I don't know her name but of course I know her sweet face. That is sort of how it is...you know people but yet you don't really know them.....however, there develops a closeness that is hard to describe. You might think it is superficial but that isn't how my heart felt when we found out early this summer that she suddenly passed away and it was perfectly natural for me to go and express my sympathy to her friend that accompanied her every week, not does it seem odd that her friend extended an invitation to a memorial service that will be held in her honor at the restaurant later this summer.


When I showed up with a cast on my leg and being pushed in a wheelchair by my hubby...many came and expressed their concerns and good wished but there were a couple of situations that were just overwhelming....I hope I can share them with the credence they deserve.


There is this older couple (he is 90 yrs. old) that dance every week and I love to watch them as they have this very proper style...... She is a very tall, slender, farm looking woman that always wears a crisp cotton dress sashed at the waist, short grey hair, worn face with a smile that just seems to sneak up on her and she came and talked with me and then she told me...." I was in a bad car accident and broke both my legs several years ago so you can do it!" I asked her "how long did it take you to get back up on your feet".....she said "Well, the accident was on Christmas day and.......well, just don't give up". She came over again last Friday night to see how I was coming along and she shared a little more......not only did she break both her legs in that head on collision on Christmas day, but she also lost her husband........Her dancing companion was the widowed part of their foursome travel group from the past. Now, maybe that doesn't grip you like it griped me but if you have ever sat and felt sorry for yourself like I have....... it should. I wonder if true encouragement can only come from those who have exercised courage. I hope to learn more about this most remarkable lady.


The second situation will sound somewhat the same in the fact that her hubby is also 90 years old and she is like 75 yrs. She is a little tiny thing that looks like she was a California girl with an over tanned face. Her hubby slipped and fell one night while dancing and my hubby was one of several that went to help him up and see if all was okay. We have been waving friends every since. Friday night as we were leaving she came to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek and said "I will give you my phone number and you can call me if you need help or do you have a support system?" Pretty amazing wouldn't you say.................. Never underestimate the heart of a "regular".

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Before and after


My little love birds greeted my guests for over 12 years when one day.....it just wouldn't run any more. These old fountains have the pump buried down in the bottom and in order to fix it you have to dismantle the whole thing.....a big job and then you have to take into consideration that the sun had done a lot of damage and it really needs to be refinished sooooooooooooooooo the next best thing....go shopping for a new one.

I will always remember the day we got this new one....it was the day I broke my ankle. My son-in-law was able to go and supervise the installation while hubby was with me at the hospital. Although I loved the little cupid I think this new one is even better. Maybe it will be the same with my new stronger ankle once it is healed.

Ankle update:
After two hard casts I am now the proud wearer of a


boot. The best part? I can take it off ...which means, scratch, lotion, shave, shower....Yahoo!

I am to start some therapy this coming week and maybe start to walk in three weeks. Doc says I am doing good.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Up, Up and away


If you have never read about the magnificent Air Force one you need to go here




For me, it is not a question of whether our President should have full protection and comfort while traveling, but rather is the travel necessary.

The cost of trips on the Air Force One -borne by taxpayers- are difficult to measure but as of Oct. 2009 it was estimated that it cost $100,219 and hour to operate Air Force one and of course that was only the President's plane and not those that accompany him or any of the security upon landing such as cargo planes to fly armored limousines, secret service, staff and equipment. As example, a total of 77 other aircraft were used on one multi-country trip to Asia by former President Bill Clinton in 2000 and the cost of that trip was $50 million.

President Obama had taken 7 foreign trips and visited 16 nations as of Oct. 2009. I am sure you know those numbers are much, much higher today.

Even trips within the U.S. require great expense to secure our President and family. If you want an eye opener go here to see an extensive list of travel by President Obama so far since he has been in office......... After reading this list you will have to ask yourself....who's minding the store?