Changes in the wind

Wishing

2012-02-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

Before

After

How I wish our country could be put back together like my puzzle; am afraid we can't even find all the pieces.

High Noon

2012-01-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

No this isn't the Phoenix skyline but rather Mesa, Az............... of course here one city just flows into the next like over in L.A.
The Marriott hotel hosts the High noon gun show antique gun show every year.

You can find many things here if your pocket book is really fat......

I did a little window shopping:)

Lid of a fancy box....

If only they were my size.....

"Remember Valentine's" was quite cleaver and only $200.00

How about this antique serving tray.

A quilt for your little Bronco....

If only I had a horse.....(a big strong horse to tote this)

A table top with tooled leather underneath...

Too cute!

Jewelry galore

and

Indian blankets

and little x-rated items too.

Notice they take credit cards:)

When I snapped this picture the man on the left said I could take it home with me and it would be much better than a picture:)

I told him it fit better in my camera........

Many things for sale and some for display only like the gun and knife that accompany my book.

I could have sold this knife a hundred times over ..............

I spent most of my time in our room knitting a preemie baby blanket for charity and listening to a good audio book but there were some nice sights there too like this unusual desk lamp.....

and painting in the bathroom....

One of the highlights was dinner at the Landmark.

Had wanted to go there for a while and was treated by some friends.........It was excellent! A Mormon Church built in 1909 turned into a restaurant with great food and service.

And it's back to real life and wash day:)

Here are some of those really intelligent questions

2012-01-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

1.
Are you an innie or an outie?

Do you like catsup on or beside your fires?

3.
Have you ever blown bubbles in you milk?

4.
When at the grocery store do you prefer paper or plastic?

5.
Can you flip your eyelids up?

^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
My answers:

Innie

Next to my fries please

No blowing bubbles for me

I'll take either paper or plastic

Oh no..can't do my eyelids like that!

Your turn

Gun show in Las Vegas again

2012-01-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

If you have been following my blog you know that every year in Jan. we attend the Antique Arms gun show held at the Riviera is Las Vegas (can read some of the old post here).

The Riviera is one of the older casino's on the strip and there is talk that it will be closing down. The Sahara is currently closed. Vegas has been hard hit by money problems like all other area's. Every year that we have gone we look forward to eating at Christofers but his year.....they were replaced with Rsteak house. Went the first night and it was pretty good but the next night....it was a disaster. Should have known when we showed up for our reservations and there was a pressing crowd all trying to get the same time of reservation! We took friends and after close to 2 hours of waiting and them bringing us cold to touch steaks......they comped the dinner which included a bottle of wine some salad and bread....we left hungry.
This is our routine...we leave home early and drive to Wikieup, just in time for breakfast. .

Just a little spot in the desert (double click to read the history found on the back of the menu)

It has continued to grow and improve since 1980 and is a popular spot for many.

You are first greeted by the Indian and can choose the restaurant or the little country store to go into...basically go left or right or if you are in need you can go straight ahead to the restrooms which is usually the case.

Once we get to the hotel and check in, it is time to go set up......

This is the quiet time of the show and by the way this is only one very small section in one meeting room so don't be fooled thinking it isn't very big. This is the time dealers often buy and trade from each other so although it looks like nothing is happening a lot can be going on.

Here we are...all set up.

Unlike many...we only rent 1/2 of a table so our set up is pretty simple. Some people spend the whole day setting up with special displays and rifle racks etc.

Here is a close up of one of the guns.....

Notice the plastic band over the hammer? Those are required for all weapons for safety reasons. The paper you see under the gun is very important. That is a authenticity letter from the Colt manufacturing company. They cost $150.00 but are very important to verify how the gun left the company and where it was shipped to.There are many people who go to great lengths to fake guns and this helps to curb some of that. Colts are not the only weapons sold at this show but everything from spurs to guns to antique jewelry to swords and knives and on and on.

True enough the drive is all desert but most people don't realize how vastly different that can be....there are the little mountain ranges....

The rocks that looks like they were piled up by hand....

And those that are ready to topple....

and of course the cactus that look like sticks and some that look like they are flipping you the bird like the one on the left....

and unusual formations that just crop up....

and the drive through the Joshua tree forest....

Not sure what the next year will hold or if they will have the show there again. To tell you the truth...I would be delighted to go to a different location but it is very difficult to find a place that meets all the criteria needed for the show.....time will tell.

What were you thinking?

2012-01-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

If you are going to do any construction these days a permit is usually required whether for new construction, or adding on to pre-existing structures, and even in some cases, for major renovations. Generally, the new construction must be inspected during construction and after completion to ensure compliance with national, regional, and local building codes.

An example of Permit Requirements:

THREE (3) Plat of Surveys showing proposed construction.

THREE (3) sets of construction plans showing compliance with City codes indicating all building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work as applicable. All plans must be legible and drawn to scale. Plans should be of architectural quality with sufficient detail to demonstrate code compliance and to guide construction. State law or the Plan Reviewer will determine whether or not the plans will be required to be signed and sealed by an architect and/or structural engineer licensed by the State.

So, okay, after owning a construction business I understand that following City codes can be a bit daunting but how does one explain these?

Think of the hours spent completing these jobs and you have to ask yourself "What were you thinking!"

Unbelievable!

Today is Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Trepidation - a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension

Peace - cessation of freedom from any strife

The choice is yours.

2012-01-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

A Rose is a rose, in all its splendor

but never so much as one that blooms in the winter.

Hubby brought this in from our rose bush Sunday morning and oh how I wish you could smell it! We have had some unseasonably warm weather for about a week and I guess it fooled the rose bush.

Let's talk about........

2012-01-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

Manholes

Manholes, which interconnect underground sewerage pipes, and serve as a point of entry for cleaning the pipes, are located at every major sewer pipe connection, and are capped with round manhole covers. So okay, if you are like me you maybe think the manhole and covers are round because the men that go down them are sort of round? Well, here is the scoop....they are round because their shape is not affected by heat, cold and street traffic running roughshod over them so they do not fall in. But, not all manhole's are the same as proven by a few pictures.

For those that need direction

For those that need a warning

For the Chic

The beautiful ones can be found in Japan

To know where you are

(The Capital of Slovakia)

For the creative

Another reason for the manhole cover to be round is because once it is removed..

it can easiy be rolled away but that was before modern technology....

hydraulic manhole cover remover.

May you never look at another manhole the same............

Choices

2012-01-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. --George Bernard

2011-12-31T06:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012

(The real year of hope and change)

La posada revisited

2011-12-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

Back in 2009 I posted a little about our stay at the La Posada in Winslow, Az.

But the La Posada is one of those places you could visit several times a year and have a different experience. The fact that they are constantly working on the renovations and the Tina Mion paintings are always being rotated and they have many different displays at different times of the year.....of course in Dec. it is Christmas.
They have added a new section of rooms off the gift shopcalled the East wing where we stayed this past week-end. I have to tell you the thing I loved the most about this room was the bathroom! Here are some pictures...

They used the Mexican style tile in the sink area and incorporated it into the shower........

as noted at the bottom of the tub but see that middle section?

Here it is close up. Gorgeous!!

I also loved the black hardware they chose....

The rest of the room was nice as well but if it had been warm the patio just outside the door would have been lovely (it was a chilly 22 degrees when we left Tues morning).

I took so many pictures I will have to cut down what I post or you will be exhausted!

Many of the Christmas decorations were not only pretty but very different like these little cones just sitting on a table in one of the hallways.

They were made with pipe cleaners and little balls!

They have a lot of tin art but this was a star for Christmas.

They also had a train (how appropriate for the Sante Fe resort Harvey House)

He was going fast enough to blur the picture.

New was the miniature's of the passenger trains that so many people traveled on in years past....(something I hope to do one day).

In the dinning room they had a Christmas branch on each table....it was hard to get a good picture

but they had taken just an old branch and covered it with translucent beads. They were quite pretty. The food at the Turquoise room is very different; warning a lot of it is hot with chilies. None the less, if you plan on eating there you best make reservations. Although it is not as it was in the past (as seen by pictures) they have the old lights that are quite different...

and old place mats....

Added tidbits......

A photo of how the staircase looked in 1930 and here it is today all decked out for Christmas....

As I said before there are always new displays like this wooden horse

I mentioned the Tina Mion paintings earlier and they are quite different. I didn't realize that I wasn't suppose to take pictures so I snapped a couple of my favorites before I realized it....She did a whole series of Presidents wives but only this one was on display. The following picture is very large and is always displayed in the upstairs sitting room.

A lot of her art is a little unusual but some is very interesting.....you can read more about her here.

Of course the very best part of coming here is that is was saved from demolition and some the of rich history of the Harvey House's can actually be experienced, including the sound of the train whistle.

They had a new book available in the gift shop

It was a little pricey but there are many wonderful old pictures in it and info on this old movie that I didn't know existed. Will have to see if it can still be rented.

I doubt this will be my last post on the La posada:)

Merry Chistmas

2011-12-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

From my house to yours..........................................................

2011-12-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Look close...this is a wooden thread spool that has been hand carved (the picture doesn't do it justice) and I won it!
Thank you Connie (Far side of Fifty)........... It looks great on my tree:)

Snowmen

2011-12-19T06:44:00.000-08:00

I have always favored snowmen and so this year I decided to have lots of them, some old and some new.

A new collection......

Some close ups......

Snowmen carolers

This one is for hubby from daughter several years ago.

Up close.....

His and Her stockings

For hubby and me

Around the house.......

Night light that changes colors when on

Salt and Pepper shakers on the dinning room table

Cross stitch I made, by the front door.

Gift from daughter one year. See the spot on the snowman's hand? This is what happens when you squeeze it...

(turn off music to hear)

Front porch.....

(ignore the hands holding the camera)

Well, there you have it......Snowmen galore.

Twinkle Twinkle where you go......

2011-12-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

No matter where or who you are.....you can twinkle!

Puts a whole new slant on the little Christmas pin you stick on your sweater........

Christmas can be found everywhere

2011-12-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

Who would ever guess that in such a huge cold building as this you would find a spirit of Christmas.............

In Texas, companies like Mouser Electronics are encouraged to go all-out with their office cubicle holiday flair. Mouser, in particular, is tough to beat this year – their cubicles are brought together by one toy railroad track with a working train.
The train “actually makes sound and blows smoke,” says Sheryl Gaines, credit manager at Mouser. The railroad track runs across desks, connecting cubicles and curving around computer keyboards. The snow is made from cotton; small ponds are formed from blue Saran Wrap, and the little houses and figurines are part of someone’s personal holiday collection. Tunnels for the train — well, sheets of black paper made to look like tunnel entrances — were added at the last minute, Gaines says.

I think the quote "Grow where you are planted" applies here:)

Christmas gumble

2011-12-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Not only do I feel put upon when I am blasted with Christmas decorations competing with Halloween but whoever invented those blow up plastic decorations should be hung....I mean Christmas is for daytime too and this is not a pretty site...

nor this

and a blob is a blob even if it is paired with something substantial

A few years back the white plastic deer and etc. were the rage and I must say even though they weren't pretty without lights they were still erect.

Now if you are the proud owner of one of these...do your neighbors a favor and blow them up in the daytime as well as nighttime..........after all it is only air.

Sharing

2011-12-04T05:44:00.000-08:00

I recently found this blog and I am loving it........

Cute overload

Guaranteed to bring a smile and even a few laughs.

A visual

2011-11-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

Want a visual of what the politicians think of citizens taking control ?

^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^

They think it is just a game and we are but babies all while our country crumbles.

This and That

2011-11-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

The glory of sunshine

Clog socks off the needles for me.................

A handful of rose pedals

Happy after Thanksgiving and hoping you survived BlackFriday

2011-11-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

On this day let us each count our blessings......................

and not forget those who protect.

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am one of those people that eat lunch alone everyday and it is hard to have fresh items on hand but I have found a way to make things a little better......
There is a web site called minimus and they have all sorts of food, toiletry's and etc. in small packages. I buy salad dressings and small bags of croutons and keep them on hand. Then when I want to make myself a salad all I need is the lettuce and tomato and what ever else I would like.Cowpals cheese is just the right amount to shred on top of chili or salads and green onions and bell pepper can be frozen and sprinkled on top.

Owl

2011-11-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Just a little hoo hoo in the night and a head that swivels all the way around?

Check out the wing control and concentration shown on this amazing video....Get ready, you are the target!
http://www.dogwork.com/owfo8/

Government Expenses (tax payers money)

2011-11-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

In the United States, the informal political term "czar" or "tsar" is employed in media and popular usage to refer to high-level officials who oversee a particular policy.

Here is a interesting summary table -------

Number of czars per administration

Franklin Roosevelt 1933–1945...... 11
Harry Truman 1945–1953.............. 6
Dwight Eisenhower 1953–1961...... 1
Lyndon Johnson 1963–1969.......... 3
Richard Nixon 1969–1974............ 3
Gerald Ford 1974–1977................ 2
Jimmy Carter 1977–1981.............. 2
Ronald Reagan 1981–1989............ 1
George H. W. Bush 1989–1993..... 2
Bill Clinton 1993–2001.................. 8
George W. Bush 2001–2009....... 33
Barack Obama 2009–................. 38

The listing of Czars for President Obama that includes salary (most do not) range from.....

Faith-Based Czar * – Joshua DuBois
Title: Director of the Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Salary: $98,000
Reports to: President Obama
Appointed: February 2009
Department that might have handled similar issues: Health and Human Services

To...
Intelligence Czar * – Dennis Blair
Title: Director of National Intelligence
Salary: $197,700
Reports to: President Obama
Appointed: January 2009
Confirmed by Senate: January 28, 2009
Agency that might have handled similar issues: CIA

I wonder what the job description is for a Czar?
Why did we start out with 11 and end up with 38 when several Presidents in between had only 1 or 2?
Most are appointed and not confirmed by congress. How are the funds for these salaries appropriated? If the government had a budget (ha ha ha) how in the world would they be able to know how much money to set aside for this expense if it seems to vary like this?

Presidential travel

President Bush was the most travelled president in history, beating the record set by President Clinton, who in turn beat the record set by President George H. W. Bush.

Here is a report from the government of travel for out of country travel for President Clinton.

United States General Accounting Office
Washington, D.C. 20548
Results in Brief Presidential travel to foreign destinations requires planning, coordination,
and logistical and personnel support.

The estimated incremental costs of President Clinton’s trips to Africa, Chile, and China were at least
$42.8 million, $10.5 million, and $18.8 million, respectively. The largest of
these costs consisted of (1) operating expenses of the President’s aircraft
and other military passenger and cargo aircraft; (2) travel expenses,
including lodging for the travelers; and (3) telecommunications, vehicle,
and other equipment rentals and procurement in the countries visited.
These estimates exclude (1) Secret Service expenses, which are classified;
(2) regular salaries and benefits of U.S. government civil and military
travelers; and (3) agency planning expenses that may have been incurred in
preparing to travel.
The executive branch does not have a single system to account for the cost
of presidential travel overseas, and the agencies involved use a variety of
means to account for expenses. The Department of State routinely
accounts for travel, equipment rental, and other costs to support
presidential travel. Other agencies that incurred costs in support of the
Africa, Chile, and China trips had records available on their costs as well.

These were costs in 2001 market, not today's. This is a list of visits President Obama has made so far to other countries and how many times.....He is definitely the new record winner.

1 visit....... Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, El Salvador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Vatican City

2 visits....... Afghanistan, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom

3 visits....... France

This does not reflect how much travel has been done within the U.S.
Here is the travel that was done by Presicent Obama from Aug. to Dec. 2010

Aug 2 Atlanta, Disabled Veterans Convention
Aug 4, 5 Chicago
Aug 14 Obama Family to Panama City, Gulf Coast
Aug 16 ZBB Energy, Menomonee Falls, WI; Los Angeles CA DCCC
Aug 17 Seattle WA Nat Assoc Insurance Commissioners
Aug 18 Columbus OH, Miami FL
Aug 19 - 29 Obama Family Marthas Vineyard MA
Aug 29 New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana
Aug 31 Fort Bliss Texas
Sep 3-5 Camp David
Sep 6 Laborfest Milwaukee Wisconsin;
Sep 8 Cleveland Ohio
Sep 14 Masterson School, Philadelphia PA
Sep 16 New York City, Connecticut
Sep 24 New York City ASEAN
Sep 27 Albuquerque
Sep 28 Madison, Des Moines
Sep 29 Richmond VA
Oct 7 Chicago
Oct 10 Philadelphia
Oct 15 Delaware
Oct 22 Los Angeles, Las Vegas
Oct 20 Portland, OR
Oct 21 Seattle
Oct 25 Rhode Island
Oct 29 Maryland
Oct 30 Chicago
Nov 4 - 9 Mumbai, Amritsar, and New Delhi, India
Nov 9-14 Indonesia, Japan, Korea
Nov 19, 20 Lisbon, Portugal EU Summit
Dec 3 Bagram Afghanistan
Dec 6 Forsyth Technical, Winston-Salem NC
Dec 18 Hawaii (vacation)

Seems impossible right? Well remember that there is no airport parking needed, no ticket counter lines, no metal detectors and a whole lot more than peanuts!

Air Force1 is the most magnificent plane ever.........
Capable of refueling midair, Air Force One has unlimited range and can carry the President wherever he needs to travel. The onboard electronics are hardened to protect against an electromagnetic pulse, and Air Force One is equipped with advanced secure communications equipment, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command center in the event of an attack on the United States.

Inside, the President and his travel companions enjoy 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, including an extensive suite for the President that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. Air Force One includes a medical suite that can function as an operating room, and a doctor is permanently on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed 100 people at a time.

Air Force One also has quarters for those who accompany the President, including senior advisors, Secret Service officers, traveling press, and other guests. Several cargo planes typically fly ahead of Air Force One to provide the President with services needed in remote locations.

The problem is....it costs a lot of money to fly Air Force 1. How much money is allotted for Presidential travel? Oh that's right....we don't have a balanced budget....just a blank check.

Well, if you hadn't already figured it out I am a little hot under the collar and let me tell you, I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I think I could find something to cut other than our military!

A happy plant

2011-11-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

A little over a month ago I bought a little plant at the drug store. It was one of those little potted things that looked kind of sad with broken stems but It was a plant I have wanted for a while and it was cheap soooooooooo I bought it.
Well, I planted it in pot and found a spot to put it and look at it now!

^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^

Well, so okay, it is one of the easiest plants to grow and it is very aggressive but you have to admit this Wandering Jew is pretty with it purple under leaves...

and what a little gift, this bloom....

I call this a happy plant.

Amazing

2011-11-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Stream posted a picture similar to this a while back and of course I had to research it......

St. George's Monastery - Wadi Qelt

St.George's Monastery is an ancient retreat hollowed out of the sheer rock wall in the deep and narrow Wadi Qelt gorge. The monastery was founded in 480CE around a cluster of caves where, according to tradition, St. Joachim learned from an angel that Anne, his sterile wife and mother-to-be of the Virgin Mary, had conceived.

In 614CE invading Persians massacred the monks and destroyed the monastery. It was partially reoccupied by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages but only fully restored at the end of the 19th century. Some attractive 6th-century mosaics remain, and there is a Crusader-era church with a shrine containing the skulls of the martyred monks.

The sixth-century cliff-hanging complex, with its ancient chapel and gardens, is active and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks.

It is reached by a pedestrian bridge across the Wadi Qelt, which many imagine to be Psalm 23's Valley of the Shadow, and where shepherds still watch over their flocks, just as Ezekiel 34 and John 10:1-16 describe. The valley parallels the old Roman road to Jericho, the backdrop for the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37).

The ringing of the bells at the monastery.....

The monastery is open to pilgrims and visitors.

If I had a bucket list.......this would be on it.

Do you know?

2011-10-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Recently on Fools Rush In, Granny Annie posed the question of whether you should leave a tip for a take out order. The responses were very interesting and I left one as well explaining that we are friends with a few of the bar tenders at Red
Lobster and that was why I saw things in a little different light.

Last night was our night to go to Red Lobster so I told one of our friends about the blog and the question posed ........ he quickly answered..."Yes, I pay taxes on it!"......... I said "What?"

Well here is the deal. At this particular restaurant it is set up so that each server is recorded on the amount of money the consumer purchased and then they are taxed 15% on that amount and that includes to go orders. So when the bar tender takes the order and checks them out he is recorded with that amount of purchase and charged 15% tax to the government whether he receives a tip or not. Hubby and I usually share a meal not because we are trying to save money but rather to not over eat but we always leave a generous tip. Because we eat out so often I see servers in a different light because I have gotten to know them. It is a tough job and you wouldn't believe the things they have to put up with....good customers are appreciated and remembered.

Here is a little tidbit....Red Lobster and Olive garden are owned by the same people (have friends here too).....hmmmmm

Cheddar cheese biscuits and

bread sticks.

Recently we went to a new restaurant and the little server spoke very broken English.....I think she was Chinese, well anyhow, she took very good care of us so hubby gave her a hearty tip but he watched as she put all of it in a jar. She came back and made a great effort to speak with us (I think to show her appreciation) but hubby said if we go back...he will palm her a tip like you have to do in Mexico. Trust me on this folks...the servers are the good guys, be nice.

This and That

2011-10-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these in the grocery store?

Well, they are delicious

and especially with cream cheese with chives. Add a hard boiled egg and you have an instant breakfast.

Can you count them? Eight on the sock and 2 on the wire mesh. These are Lesser Goldfinch. They love the finch sock and I love to watch them.
Here is a great picture of one that I borrowed from the computer............

and they serenade with a sweet little song.

We have fed these birds for some time now as well as others. Sometimes it seems they are going to eat me out of house and home. Who ever came up with the saying "she eats like a bird"....... has never fed one.

Fall

2011-10-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

There is much excitement on blogville for the fall season. It is for us, a reprieve from the heat, but we don't have the experience of those beautiful fall colors like....

Connie on Far Side of Fifty

The fun on Susan's Daily doses

The creativity on Linda's life journal

It is for us in Arizona, a time to 'exhale" and not have a heat blast when stepping outside. Some plants even think it is spring again and give forth one last beauty like this one from my rose bush.............

There are a few signs of fall around my house like.........

this little book on a shelf and

this little wall hanging but I must confess they are always here but wait I did buy something just for fall......

Sure can't accuse me of over doing it:)

And I did finish this scarf..............

which probably won't be needed until maybe Dec. but then there has been some years that I did my Christmas shopping in shorts so only time will tell. For some of you it is more like Dawn expressed on her post "The Waiting game"

"It knows that as soon as it gives in to the fall,

the winds of winter will begin breathing down our necks."

I often miss the beautiful changing seasons but then.....comes all that snow.

Can you believe what you see?

2011-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

A while back I created a file I titled "amazing photo's" and began to save those photo's that bring those responses of ahhhhhh, wow, beautiful, awesome and etc. You know like some of these.....

and when I need a little lift I watch them on a slide show but recently I have begun to wonder if what I see is real. There are many photo blogs to peruse and I think many use programs like photoshop and etc. to enhance their photo's but how far do you go to enhance before it becomes photo manipulation?

Photo manipulation is the application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction). However, photo manipulation has been regularly used to deceive or persuade viewers, or for improved story-telling and self-expression. Oftentimes even subtle and discrete changes can have profound impacts on how we interpret or judge a photograph which is why learning when manipulation has occurred is important.

The growing popularity of image manipulation has raised concern as to whether it allows for unrealistic images to be portrayed to the public. In her article "On Photography" (1977), Susan Sontag discusses the objectivity, or lack thereof, in photography, concluding that "photographs, which fiddle with the scale of the world, themselves get reduced, blown up, cropped, retouched, doctored and tricked out".^[11] A practice widely used in the magazine industry, the use of Photoshop on an already subjective photograph, creates a constructed reality for the individual and it can become difficult to differentiate fact from fiction. .

Here are a few examples ....
enhancement...

Change of reality

Deception

Now you know how those diet ads work...

The sensational

Helicopter Shark is a composition of two photographs that gives the impression that a Great white shark is leaping out of the water attacking military personnel climbing a suspended ladder attached to a special forces UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The photo was widely circulated via email in 2001, along with a claim that it had been chosen as “National Geographic Photo of the Year”.

Manipulation for political purposes.....

a black face is inserted into the crowd.

Hoping to illustrate its diverse enrollment, the University of Wisconsin at Madison doctored a photograph on a brochure cover by digitally inserting a black student in a crowd of white football fans. The original photograph of white fans was taken in 1993. The additional black student, senior Diallo Shabazz, was taken in 1994. University officials said that they spent the summer looking for pictures that would show the school’s diversity — but had no luck.

Photo manipulation is nothing new....

This nearly iconic portrait of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln is a composite of Lincoln’s head and the Southern politician John Calhoun’s body. Putting the date of this image into context, note that the first permanent photographic image was created in 1826 and the Eastman Dry Plate Company (later to become Eastman Kodak) was created in 1881.

The bazaar for "entertainment".

So what's the big deal?

From the time we are children we look for models. With the potential to alter body image, debate continues as to whether manipulated images, particularly those in magazines, contribute to self-esteem issues in both men and women. It is hard to find a famous woman over 60 years old that really looks 60 years old and not enough long term marriages to give hope to even have one. There is a one shining light and I share it with you......

Weston Mo.

2011-10-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Weston, Mo. was our last stop and think we left the best for last. I discovered this town through a great little web site called Small town gems. It is indeed a very quaint little town with a most unusual B&B called....Inn at Weston Landing. They have four themed rooms available to rent and I choose the Andrew O'mallley room. I have never experienced something like this before.

Billed as a lesson in Irish History and indeed it was. I had already seen pictures of the room but my hubby walked into the bathroom and said..."You have to come see this".

Well, I took lots of pictures and am excited to share them with you.

An old pedal sewing machine made into a sink.

Creation of a shower

A little collection of mugs and right next to it.....

As you enter the room is this old cart with a extra quilt but trust me...the one on the bed was very sufficient....

and beautiful.

Old time dresser in the corner and see that light to the right?

There was one on each side of the bed and they lit up top or bottom or both.

Cozy little sitting area and guess what??? There was a Irish cook book on the table:)

The biggest highlight was the fireplace (not a real one)

But what a view a night.....

Sitting in the rocking chairs in front of it and just taking it all in. No phone and no T.V.

The hostess was the new owner and she was very sweet. We were her only quests for the evening so when we told her we didn't do stairs very well (to go to the parlor for morning coffee) she offered to bring it right to our door at whatever time we wanted:) Sure enough a pot of hot coffee and freshly baked scones greeted us a 6:00 A.M. with a wonderful breakfast to follow.

It was late in their season so the gardens were being let go but there were still flowers and glimpses of the beauty that abounds....

House across the street from the Inn

When you first come into this town you actually come through the housing section so again my handy gps lead us to the right spot and we were pleasantly surprised to find this charming little down town.

and this little buggy parked on the street

We are early risers so most of the little shops were closed but what a pretty setting.

We also discovered the town cat. I didn't get a picture !@#@#%$#^$^$% but she came right to us when we sat down on a bench for a little scratch. You need to read about the B&B...it was originally a ice house and the other rooms were just as impressive. Wish now I would have asked to see them since they weren't occupied.

What a great trip we had!

Quilt barn

2011-10-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

When we left Boonville, Mo. we drove "the backroads" and went through many little towns with funny little names like New Franklin, Fayetteville and Malta Bend to name a few. The fall colors were beautiful and I sensed such a feeling of peace and community as we drove along.

Every so often I would see a barn with a quilt on it. Now I have never seen this before so after coming home I checked it out and here is the info.......................
What is a quilt barn?

A quilt barn is a barn or other farm building that displays a quilt square. Often these barns are very old and have historical or landmark significance in the area.

There are quilt trails all across America and you can check it out on this site American Quilt Barn.There is conflicting stories but it appears that this this tradition dates way back but was re-introduced by Donna Sue Grows in 2001...here is her interesting story (turn off music to hear).

Just one person, one idea, touches many

Have you seen these before? Do you have then in your area?

Missouri trip to be cont.

St. Joe

2011-10-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons we took the extra time in Mo. was to go to the area where my husband lived before coming to Arizona. He lived in St. Joseph, Mo. until he was 9 years old and can you believe we found his old house. Thanks to my gps on my Ipod (I love it!!) we were able to find it and he was shocked it was still there. They were called "shotgun" houses.

It all held so many memories for him and as we toured the museums and drove the streets he would say "Oh wow, I hadn't heard that or thought of that in 60 years". The story that has passed down in the family is that they were distant relatives of Jessie James and they all came from the Halls, Mo. area so of course we had to go to the Jessie James farmhouse where he lived as a child...

Sadly when the police were after Jessie they came to this home one night on a tip that he was here and threw in an explosive....It killed his younger brother and blew off his Mom's arm. They think that is why Jessie and Frank James began to have such public sympathy even though they were thieves and murders.

We also went to the house in St. Joe where Jessie was killed. He was shot in the back of the head while straightening a picture on the wall by Robert Ford, a friend that had been in James gang with him. Ford got the reward money and him and his brother were pardoned for this act. Jessie James's wife and two children where in the house at the time.....

The museum was very interesting and had a lot of information and pictures. There has always been such controversy over Jessie James and his gang. Some people felt he was a Robin Hood taking from the rich and giving it to the poor but there really is no proof that he gave money to anyone but his relatives and those who rode with him. I was pleased to see a paper of declaration that gave all the names of those who died because of these robberies....

It kept things in prospective.

This painting was done only a few months prior to his death. There were pictures of him dead and even a picture of a bullet that was found in his lung during the autopsy.

There were two other museums we visited while here....the Pony Express and The Patee House. The pony express museum was not worth the time and saw more authentic information on that at the Patee House museum like this actual saddle they used...

You notice that it can be lifted right off the saddle and quickly placed on another freshly saddled horse. I was surprised how small the bags were but weight was an issue and that is also why they chose small framed men to ride. The Patee House Museum was magnificent " it has two full floors of exhibits. Inside Patee House, you can climb aboard an 1860

train and ride the vintage "Wild Thing" carousel. The museum also houses an 1877 railroad depot, stagecoach, cars, trucks, fire trucks, wagons, buggies and carriages, Jeeps, a racecar, horse-drawn hearses and a real gallows, a blacksmith shop, dressmaker's shop, model railroads, antique furniture and toys, a wing with Western art by artist George Warfel, and a wing designed to look like the Streets of Old St. Jo in the 1860s-1880s". Unfortunately I was getting a bit tired so didn't explore this as much as I would have liked to. There were so many wonderful antiques here like this baby scale..

and this old wash tub that my butt checks just wouldn't fit in....

On the way out my hubby pointed out this most usual rose bush..

All these colors on one bush!

While staying in St. Joe we stayed at the Stoney Creek Inn. A totally different hotel but still nice with a pretty back area..

The room was nice and thought some of the country touches were quaint like this light.

and chair...

Other places like in the lobby touted more of a Smoky Bear theme but it was all nice, clean and comfortable. They did not have a restaurant on the premises so we went to a place called Whisky Creek Fire Grill. Had the worse meal ever here....had to send it back and just settle for the soup! Well, that is travel you know, not everything works out great.

To be cont.

Second choice Winner (Missouri cont.)

2011-10-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Our plan was to tour some back roads and go to where my hubby lived until he was 10 years old. His Mother was born in a little town called Halls, Mo. and the family lived there and DeKalb as well as St. Joe but we first just needed to get out of Kansas City and not too far since the show didn't close down until around noon time. I originally picked a neat looking hotel in a place called Blackwater, Mo. but while making the reservation discovered the adjourning restaurant was not open on Sunday nights sooooooooooooo. Had to start looking again and I stumbled upon this historic hotel in Boonville, Mo.

Hotel Frederick

Built in 1905 at the cost of $40,000 and added on to in 1932 it still looks much the same

Welcoming before you even climb the stairs

The public areas of the hotel have been furnished and decorated with antiques from throughout the 19th century with an emphasis on regional pieces and throughout there are old reproduced photo's and historic maps.

Lobby and gift shop to the right

They were selling these little bags of very aromatic soap that filled the air everywhere (had to buy some and bring it home) and if I could post that I surely would.

We were assigned to room one, climbed the stairs and opened the door and WOW! What a surprise. First off it was huge, more like two rooms and in the middle they added

this bathroom

Everywhere I looked I wanted to take a picture so bear with me on this one but I found it all so unique. First off that is a claw tub and the towel rack....

is water pipes that also go around the top of the room

So many antiques that you could actually use....

and to top it all off...........

Silky red sheets!

The adjoining "Glenn's cafe" where we had dinner was just as delightful and they served family style with such things as fried okra and home made everything.

Since we were their only quests for the evening they set up coffee early for us and look what we found when we wondered with our coffee cups!!!

This sitting room with the window open and all these gorgeous plants.....yes, that is real! If you do a close up of the furniture you will see that it is antique that has been re-covered in glove soft leather. I could have just stayed here forever.

Our breakfast (included) was wonderful as we sat at a six foot long cloth covered table with matching chairs. I call this a jackpot! Don't know if we will ever be back in this area but if we are...I am coming back.

To be cont.

Our Missouri trip

2011-10-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

We headed to Kansas City, Mo. for the annual Colt show. If you have followed my blog you know we go each year and they hold it at a different location each time. The Westin Crown Center was our host...The room was great and this was our balcony view..I got some socks started on the needles and if I ever finish them I will give you a peek.

I had forgotten it would be fall there and was pleasantly surprised with all the changing colors and that over to the right.......is the Liberty Memorial tower

My Hubby's partner went out for a smoke and picked me some sunflowers:) Which were still beautiful when we left

Every year the women organize a Woman's tour and I always try to go, if not to see the sights to get acquainted with the ladies and see old friends from the years before. This year we went to the Nelson Atkins Museum and of course there was fantastic art there but how about this little ride.....

and here is the view up top while riding....

Many originals like this one

and lots of abstract art which I am not a fan of however, this one ended up on my camera after a explanation

We were asked what we saw...as for me I thought I saw a rocket. How about you?
Do you see a hand with fingers?
Will explain at the end of the post.

Many beautiful statues but the thing they were the most excited about was the building itself. Everything was in angels and specialty glass came from Germany and Belgium. Here is what I saw.....a lot of wasted space, and a architect's dream but a craftsman's nightmare. You can learn more about it here if you are interested. We had a lovely box lunch in the Rozzelle Court.

Our next stop was at the Hallmark Center which was connected to our hotel and it was great fun.

Free postcard

It showed all the old cards and toys and how they make them and the history of the family that still owns and operates it. They were celebrating a special anniversary and at the entrance there was this display. It was so large they gave a free postcard of it to capture it.

These covered walkways connected our hotel to a mall as well as other hotels and business's.

A real treat was dinner at the Benton Prime Steakhouse on top of the hotel with great food and a beautiful view...

Here is the explanation of the art...it is a fractured picture of a hand holding a paintbrush..the woman who painted it was supposedly going through a painful divorce at the time.

We spent another three days in the adjoining area and I can't wait to show those pictures:)

To be cont.

2011-09-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come......

Collection or Obsession

2011-09-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE cookbooks and you may not think it to be that unusual but when you consider I no longer cook it is a little odd.......I have them everywhere...

On the counter as a display

A shelf in the dinning room..see that one on the right? It was my Mom's

In a basket

On top of the kitchen cabinets

On top of the microwave

On top of the refrigerator

Shelf above the sink

But this is only a fraction of them because there is a cabinet reserved just for them above the little desk area

Notice the box on the bottom right....

It holds all of these.....

and see all these files?

They are filled with recipes I have cut out of other books or made copies of.

and of course I have my own recipe book I have compliled over the years

I often buy little recipe books when trave like this one I bought in San Antonio, Texas

But

there is even more.......

I collected all of these for a specialty resturant I was dreaming about and many of these

included pictures

and when I go to the grocery store or any other place what is the first thing I go to look at?

Cookbooks (I think I may have a problem)

2011-09-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

What do you call this symbol used in e-mail addresses?

Before it became the standard sign associated with our email address it was used to represent the cost or weight of something. For example, if you purchased 6 apples, you might write it as 6 apples @ $1.10 each. Only after the world wide use of it through email did it appear on the keyboard.

There is no official, universal name for this sign but there are dozens of strange terms to describe the @ symbol.

Several other languages use worlds that associate the shape of the symbol with some type of animal....
For example, some quirky names for the @ symbol include:
apenstaartje - Dutch for "monkey's tail"
snabel - Danish for "Elephant's trunk"
kissanhnta - Finnish for "Cat's tail"
klammeraffe - German for 'hanging monkey"
papaki - Greek for 'little duck"
sobachka - Russian for "little dog"

Although so commonly used among us.......... the actual origin of the @ symbol remains a mystery.

Another try

2011-09-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

I bought this sewing machine 40 years ago and have never had it worked on! Now that is getting your money's worth and yes I have sewed on it a lot over the years. It all began when I was competing in fast draw and it was required to wear western clothing (pants and shirts with a yoke on it, boots or moccasins and a hat as optional). The cost of those little tops with a yoke were way out of my budget so the best thing I could think of was learning to sew and make them myself. It was a process but back then polyester was the rave so fit was easier to accomplish and mistakes easy to over see. I made a lot of my clothes back then and even some of my hubby's. Guess maybe I wore myself out with it because I didn't sew for years with the exception of mending and adjusting good buys from the goodwill.

This sewing machine has sewed everything I put under the presser foot and pretty much adjusted the tensions itself. It still works as good as new but the plastic casing around it isn't faring so well.....

Now I could go and buy me another one but I am just a little partial to this one.

Maybe you are in a contented place with your clothes and body but I am struggling. Like most I have acquired the over 60 fullness. I can remember saying "I would give anything to have bigger boobs!" Well, I got them but little did I know that I would have to give up the flat tummy and little waist to get them.

I recently bought this book and have enjoyed reading it so far. The author points out that we often find ourselves in new roles with no guidelines. I don't want to have surgery and diet and etc. and try to look younger than I am but I also don't want to look like a bag lady either. One of the suggestions was to set aside a small area in your closet for your "feel good" clothes.
This is the definition of feel good clothes:
Clothes that fit and flatter your body, whatever its size.
Clothes that are comfortable to wear.
Clothes that help you feel the way you want to feel.
Clothes that give you confidence.
I was surprised to find that I had very few clothes that qualified. I hate to shop and rarely find things I like so I thought I might give sewing a try again. I have always dreamed of having one of those wardrobes where you can mix and match things and I have tried to accomplish this many times in the past with not much success but upon reading this little quote the other day
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try" I am giving it another go.......

Hear is a warning though...much like everything else about yourself, your feel good closet will be unique

One small accomplishment....silky to the touch, goes with several different bottoms and comfortable and it looks better on me than on the hanger:)

The belted Galloway

2011-09-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

We saw some of these cattle in Oregon and loved how they called them the "Oreo Cookie Cows".

The “Belted Galloway”, is a hardy breed of Scottish Cattle, and distinctive because of the belted, white band evenly distributed around the mid section of the otherwise totally black animal. Many breeders and cattle fanciers refer to the “belties” as Oreo Cookie Cows. This extremely hardy and dual-purpose breed are considered perfect cattle for the harsh and long winters. Belted Galloways are very hardy, covered in a dual hair coat that all Galloways possess. A short, velvety and water resistant undercoat acts like a downy insulation, protecting these cows from dampness of any kind. The long, course, and curly outer guard hairs protect them from cold, making these animals a wonderful breed for adaptation in Northern climates. Even their ears have unusually long fur resembling attractive fringe, protecting their ears from frostbite.
There many other great positives for these cows but just the fact that they look like a Oreo cookie

was good enough for me.

It's all over but the shouting.....

2011-09-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hubby shot GREAT!!! Placed second over all and the competition was fierce.

We flew to Boise, Idaho and drove to Pendelton, Ore. about a four hour drive. We stopped at a little place called Baker, Idaho and what a quaint little town! Would love to spend the night at the historic hotel "Geiser Grand ".

My picture of the dinning room doesn't do it justice and they had the best ice cream you can imagine.

Loved Pendtelton, Ore. and wished we could stay for what they are famous for that will be happening in a couple of weeks...

Pendleton round up Rodeo.

On our first night here we picked the Hamley Steakhouse to have dinner....

Sat in the bar and it was so good we ate there all three nights with the same little waitress named Haley....great time. Would go back in a minute. We stayed at the Oxford Suites and although not fancy they were more than nice....wonderful fresh breakfast, free drinks and appetizers and the place was spotless.

Cowboy church EARLY Sun. Morning. It was very special.......................

The rest of the trip did not go quite as planned.....we were to drive to the Coeur d'Alene casino which I was under the impression was about a three hour drive and that was pushing it because we wouldn't be leaving until the shoot was over...wrong, drove over four hours to get there and it was not worth the trip other than I won $40 on a penny machine. The rooms could have passed for a motel 6 and the food was about the same caliber.

Our next plan was to drive on into Coeru d'Alene and meet a young couple we knew from our church several years ago for lunch...that went great and we had a wonderful time with them. The area there is beautiful and the Coeur d' Alene river is a sight to behold. Thought it would be neat to drive on up to the historic Wallace, Idaho I had read about and spend a night there. The pictures on the Internet were not quite accurate or at any rate it is not how we found it but there were a few pretty sights here and there.....

The historic Saloon/Restaurant where we had planned on having dinner was closed and in fact it was for sale. Many other places were closed as well and the Wallace Inn where we stayed was nothing to shout home about.

Now I am getting a little nervous here as am batting zero on my big plans and we were to drive the scenic back way down to McCall, Idaho which was to be a long drive....around five hours.

Yahoo!! It was worth every minute of it as the area was gorgeous!! We had reservations at the Shore Lodge and it was more than expected and in fact the room was like a little apartment...couldn't possibly use all the space. Every where you looked was a snap a picture moment.

From out balcony

We must have hit the end of the season because we were the only people in the restaurant for breakfast....

And could you possibly have a more beautiful view!!!

Yaouzer!!!!

Now we were on a roll and our next stop was our plane home.....

Now how can two adults sit together and make the plane reservations and get the date wrong for coming back home? It is beyond me but that we did. The only good thing about this is that we did it together so we couldn't put the blame anywhere. It was going to cost $150.00 each to change out tickets and even then the plane was full and no guarantee we could get on...so we spent another night in Boise, Idaho at the Sleep Inn.

P.S.....only stay there out of necessity not pleasure.

We will be heading to Kansas City the end of the month...note to self: Check airline tickets!

Break Time

2011-08-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

If you could count them there are 25 all for one customer and hubby says he needs a break so we are off to a competition for him and a little road trip for me.................................

In your hands

2011-08-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to understand what it must be like to live in the Hurricane alley and face destruction year after year. I am getting so I can't watch the news anymore because it seems it is nothing but bad from politics to weather to economy and now add the cost of these storms and loss of life.....I place it all in your hands Lord.

Macy's

2011-08-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

When I hear the word "Macy's" this is what comes to mind. A retail store that is rather expensive and where I don't shop so you can imagine my surprise when after seeing this picture

On Daily Photo Stream to discover that this portrays Ida Straus, wife of Isidor Straus and co-owner of Macy's. They both perished on the Titanic on April 14, 1912 when Ida refused to leave her husband and the officer filling up the boat told Isidor that he could get into the boat with his wife, but he refused and instead sent his wife's maid, Ellen Bird, into the boat. Ida was quoted as saying "I will not be separated from my husband. As we have lived, so will we die together. Isidor and Ida were last seen on deck sitting in the deck chairs holding hands when a huge wave washed them into the sea.

They are portrayed in the 1958 film "A night to remember".

A memorial plaque can be seen on the main floor of Macy's Department store in Manhattan.

New Hork City Public School in Manhattan is named in memory of Isidor and Ida Staus.

The Isidor and Ida Straus Memorial above is located in Straus Park at the intersection of Broadway and West End Avenue at W. 106th Street (Duke Ellington Boulevard) in Manhattan.

who would have guessed such a love story could be found at Macy's.

Lunch for a week

2011-08-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

One package of grilled chicken =
Two chicken salad's with celery, boiled egg, green onions, cheese and Honey mustard dressing...yum

Chicken for lunch

Frozen baby peas (thawed)

chicken pieces

American cheese cut into 1/4 inch pieces

Mayonnaise to moisten

(I added celery and chopped hard boiled egg)

Served with crackers.

Two days of (Sensational chicken noodle soup)

4 cups chicken broth

1 medium carrot sliced

1 stalk celery sliced

1/2 cup uncooked noodles (I doubled this)

1 cup cubed cooked chicken

Cook the celery and carrot in broth til tender..add noodles and meat and cook til noodles are tender but still firm.

Who is watching you?

2011-08-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

The young learn from watching the older.....

Baby quail in my backyard

Just a friendly reminder.........Someone IS watching you.

The Elks Opera House

2011-08-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Daughter and I spent a night in Prescott, Az. recently and to our delight found that the restored Elks Opera house was offering free tours.

Such rich history within these walls. It originally opened Feb. 22, 1905 featuring

Florence 'ZaZa' Roberts

Picture of the original stage and boxes. The restoration has been magnificent and my phone picture just doesn't capture it...

900 seats but back in the day the Chinese were not allowed to sit with the white folks so they had to enter the theatre from the back door and their seating was at the very top of the balcony

Hard wood benches.

After the death of Vaudeville the Opera House eventually became a movie theatre in the 1940s, and the opera boxes and ornamental finishes were removed to accommodate wide-screen movies. The copper elk statue atop the roof and an inside box office also eventually disappeared as did a second set of balcony stairs.

The copper elk was visible for blocks in every direction and served as a landmark. It is made of copper donated by the United Verde Copper Mine in Jerome, Az and sits proudly atop the building once more.

Along with tours there are many events being held here including this

Much talked about upcoming New Years Eve celebration...for more information go here .

It is so wonderful that the Elks Opera House Foundation fought to hold onto this landmark and didn't allow "progress" to replace it or time to destroy it.

This and That

2011-08-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

When I planted this cactus in this glass, the long thing broke off the main plant but I just stuck it in the dirt and can you believe it is growing!

The other day I read that if you stored your celery in water it would last longer.....It really does!

Trying to use up scraps with this log cabin blanket pattern.

Found this sweet journal for my granddaughter.......

Pages of inspiration as well as blank for her to write on....click on picture to read the quote.

My African violet has decided to bloom:)

This is a picture of my friend (Caroline) grand kids and can't think of anything sweeter......

EXCEPT...........................

the one of him getting a bath in a pot............................................

TIPS TO STAY COOL...................

1) Go tropical

Take the lead of those who spend most of their lives in tropical climates: loose, lightweight cotton and linen clothing rules.

The guayabera, sometimes called the "Mexican wedding shirt," is constructed to cool you naturally. A relative of the traditional Filipino barong, the guayabera wicks moisture from the skin and is worn untucked to promote air circulation. Madras is another good summertime choice for both men's and women's clothing.

Don't forget the old standard of the American Deep South: seersucker. Originally an Indian import, its crisp cotton and cooling ridges make it a hot weather classic.

2) Cool that pulse point

When you were sick as a child, your mom may have brought you a cold facecloth. This idea works the same way.

Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or so each hour. Splashing water on your temples or face can produce a similar effect. And be sure to put some of that tap water into a glass and stay hydrated.

3) Don't eat: Graze

Ever notice how you feel hot after a big meal? It's not just because the food was served warm.

Big, protein-laden meals force your body to stoke its metabolic fires. The solution is to break up your eating into smaller, more frequent meals. You'll feel cooler — and it's better for you, anyway.

4) Eat to sweat

Latin America, India, Thailand — some of the world's hottest places. And they happen to serve some of the world's hottest foods.

Scientists have argued for years over why this is the case, but the most likely reason is that spicy foods make you sweat without actually raising body temperature. Chalk it up to capsaicin, a chemical found in things like hot peppers. Once your skin is damp, you'll feel cooled by its evaporation.

5) Stay cool under the covers

A lot of people find it difficult to sleep in hot weather.

Want to cool the bed down? Fill a standard hot water bottle with ice water. Use it to cool your ankles and the back of your knees — it works. You can also try bagging your sheets and tossing them in the freezer for an hour or two before bed.

Cooling your head cools your entire body. Opt for a cool and absorbent pillow of organic cotton it at all possible. Put aside down and latex pillows until the weather cools down this autumn.

Silent Film star.......Tom Mix

2011-08-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

You may or may not have heard of Tom Mix.......a famous silent film star.

His early beginnings found him working as a bartender in the Blue Belle Saloon in Gutherie, Okla. , wrangling horses, and he even performed at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition as the drum major for the Oklahoma Cavalry Band. This exposure took him to the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West show near Ponca City, where he performed from 1905 to 1908 as a bronc buster for thirty-five dollars a week (many stars got their start at the 101).

Tom Mix became a genuine Hollywood legend and his lavish lifestyle reflected that status. His name equalled big screen adventure and thrills. His- fancy stunts, trick riding, flashy clothes ... perhaps best described as showmanship over reality drew in the crowds and his salary at Fox reached $17,500.00 ... PER WEEK in 1920.

So why is there a gully named (Tom Mix Wash) in Arizona?

It is where he lost his life........ On the afternoon of Oct. 12, 1940, Mix was driving his 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton near Florence, Arizona where he came upon construction barriers at a bridge previously washed away by a flash flood. A work crew helplessly watched as he was unable to brake in time and his car swerved twice then rolled into the gully, pinning his body beneath. A large polished aluminum suitcase containing a large some of money, traveler's check and jewels, which he had placed on the package shelf behind him flew forward and struck Mix in the back of the head, shattering his skull and breaking his neck. The 60 year old actor was killed instantly. Eyewitnesses said Mix was traveling at 80 mph before the accident.

This is a memorial erected close to the crash site and the plaque says "In memory of Tom Mix whose spirit left his body on this spot and whose characterization and portrayals in life served to better fix memories of the old West in the minds of living men".

Our friend, Bob White, from Scottsdale, Arizona purchased the Tom Mix car

and is in the process of having it completely restored. Just about every piece of the car was taken apart and restored. His goal is to have it ready for a series of displays in Ponca City on Sept. 23rd at the Marland's Grand Home before beginning a long tour in California. Bob is a big collector of 101 memorabilia and allowed me to use several pictures for my book.

This is the Tom Mix Museum in Dewey, Okla. and although his guns that were displayed here were stolen in 2003 there is still a great many things to see including the deadly suitcase. I am pleased to say that you will also find my book here as I just filled my second order with them........ Bessie would be pleased:)

Un-mentionables

2011-07-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

You know that old saying...."Always wear clean panties because you never know when you might be in a car wreck"....Well, last year when I broke my ankle it was one of my thoughts as I lay in the rocks waiting for the ambulance. Yes, my underwear was clean but it was so old and stained you probably would have never believed it. I told myself that I needed to take care of that.....well, here it is is a whole year later and I am just now am getting that done...(did I ever tell you that I procrastinate?).

Shopping for lingerie always seems to be such a chore! But, I thought I would really take a big step and go to one of those speciality stores that will fit you for a bra. I don't know if it is just the store I picked but what a joke....three rounds with the tape measure and I was fitted or at least knew my size to shop for as she explained. I hauled my little butt back to Penny's and after looking at racks and racks and sales and sales I finally got 6 new pairs of panties and 3 bras and they even match:)

One of the biggest problems for me is that there is so much to choose from and they never have what I bought last time.

The panties I got this time are nylon/spandex Lycra and I mean to tell you...it is like wearing nothing! Oh, my pocketbook is lighter too.....over $100.00 and they were on sale and with coupons! I do feel better though from the inside out:)

Did you know?

2011-07-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

The magnificent Dalmatian

was originally bred and trained for the specific purpose of preventing highway robbery?

Dalmatians, or "coach dogs," ran alongside of horse-drawn stage coaches

and acted as a buffer and bodyguard to ward of robbers, also known as highwaymen.

When the first fire engines arrived on the scene

it was only natural to chose Dalmatians to assist them, since the breed was accustomed to running long-distances and to being around horses.

Their bright white coats, covered with large black spots, made them a highly visible warning sign to bystanders and onlookers, as the dogs ran ahead of, and cleared the path for, fire engines racing towards a fire.

Of course today they are no longer needed but fortunately, Firemen did not fire the gentle Dalmatian from his position in the Department. Instead, they honored him, by adopting the breed as the official firehouse mascot.

I got your back

2011-07-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

I have two long haired Chihuahua's

Little Bit

and

Max

They each have their own bed

But............... this is how you will find them sleeping

Between the end table and the wall and butt to butt....

The Siamese fighting fish (Betta )

2011-07-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is Charlie...a new edition to our home

He is a betta, a fighting fish so apart from a female he has to live alone.

The males are ones with the beautiful colors as seen in so many species.

The reproduciton of these fish is quite interesting.....

The male betta will flare his gills, twist his body, and spread his fins if he is interested in the female. The female will darken in color, then curve her body back and forth as a response. Males build bubble nests of various sizes and thicknesses at the surface of the water. The act of spawning itself is called a "nuptial embrace", for the male wraps his body around the female; around 10-41 eggs are released during each embrace, until the female is exhausted of eggs. The male, in his turn, releases milt into the water, and fertilization takes place externally. During and after spawning, the male uses his mouth to retrieve sinking eggs and deposit them in the bubble nest (during mating the female sometimes assists her partner, but more often she will simply devour all the eggs that she manages to catch). Once the female has released all of her eggs, she is chased away from the male's territory, as it is likely that she'll eat the eggs due to hunger. Henceforth, the eggs remain in the male's care. He carefully keeps them in his bubble nest, making sure none fall to the bottom, and repairing the bubble nest as needed. Incubation lasts for 24–36 hours, and the newly-hatched larvae remain in the nest for the next 2–3 days, until their yolk sacs are fully absorbed.

Can you believe it....the only role the female has is to get squeezed! I want to be a betta in my next life haha.

It ain't over till the fat lady sings

2011-07-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

The fat lady sang....

I grew up in this grocery store and before it was "Zettler's Market" (my maiden name), it was my Grandparents bakery. It has been a working establishment for 90 years or more so I was shocked to find it closed while giving my granddaughter a little tour of my old hometown.

I wanted to spend some special time, just my granddaughter and me (she is 13 Years). I tried to figure out something special..... As I contemplated my own grandparents the thing I wished the most is that I would have known more about their lives. My maternal grandmother came to the U.S. on a boat from Sweden and spoke no English...My paternal grandmother worked in a boarding house and birthed my father at home. I so wished I would have asked them more questions but when you are young you just don't think about things like that, so it was decided. I would take my granddaughter to my old hometown where I grew up in the grocery business, went through all 12 years of school, and got married. I figured she would probably be bored, but boy was I wrong. She was full of questions and of course we took pictures of her in front of my old house, and the little church where I got saved and married...

I told her all the funny stories and the sad happenings that occurred over my 19 years of living in this little town. I brought pictures of what it looked like...way back when and even a picture of me at her age.

We even visited the old graveyard and she took pictures all along the way.

It ended up being pretty special for the both of us and a time we neither will forget:)

Oh, did I tell you that she is beautiful?

On the drive home the subject of politics came up and of course Grandma can get a little on her high horse on that subject.....Granddaughter says "Tell me more Grandma...that don't teach us that in school".

The lesson............Pass it on.

Anniversary

2011-07-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Today is a mile marker for me....exactly one year ago today I broke my ankle

Three bones broken and one a compound fracture.....

After surgery that added screws and a steel plate to put it all together........

Months of therapy and today...

Almost as good as new!!
The left is always a little larger now but I am so grateful to have good use of it.......

Book

2011-07-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

If you hadn't noticed the bookshelf on my sidebar I would like to invite anyone interesting in reading books to join me on Goodreads. You can email me your email address and your name and I will add you as a friend:)

I mostly listen to audio books while knitting, sewing and going about my work. You can download a book free from your local library.

I just finished a really good book.......

that was inspired by this picture taken by Lewis Hine.

"Counting on Grace" is a historical fiction book about a young girl working in a textile mill at only nine years old. Child labor was a huge problem here in the U.S. in the early 1900's and in 1908 photographer Lewis Hine was hired by the National Child Labor Committee to document these many sad situations. Even with all these many photographs

it wasn't until 1938 That Congress passed the law that stopped child labor.

At the end there is also a interview with author Elizabeth Winthrop that is just as interesting as the book itself.

A privileged 4th of July

2011-07-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

One of the owners of the I and J restauarant is from Poland and after much hard work, she became a U.S. Citizen on this forth of July. I had never been to one of these services before and must say it was a privilege. There were 300 people from 60 different countries being sworn in as American Citizens after meeting all the requirements and passing the test.

There were camera's..........

a full auditorium of friends and families

People helping the elderly that didn't speak English (there is an exception for those over 65 years)

There were speaches and music and at the end of the ceremony they played the song (I am proud to be an American by Lee Greenwood).......all 300 stood and sang as they waved their flags.

Congratulations Izabela!! We are proud of you......................

Eating better

2011-06-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Ramen noodle coleslaw
1 Head of cabbage, shredded (I used a half bag of pre-shredded coleslaw)
1 bunch green onions, cut fine (I keep sliced green onions in the freezer)
5 oz. slivered almonds, toasted (I used about 1/2 bag and don't skip toasting them!)
2 c. broccoli florets ( I used about 1 cup from a veg. package of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)
1 pkg. chicken roman noodles, uncooked & broken into sm. pieces ( I used oriental that I had on hand)

Mix all ingredients in bowl. Toss with dressing just before serving.

Dressing
packet from Roman noodles
1/2 c. oil
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
3 tbsp. sugar

I added the dressing as desired......
This made two lunch salads for me and I added some store bought grilled chicken strips....delicious!

Showing off

2011-06-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

I usually post my knitting/crocheting projects on Rambling Rae on my side bar but these booties came out so cute I just had to show them off....

Completes this set to give to Charity

The Eagle

2011-06-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Often times I am asked why in the world did I post about a certain subject......

"Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spreads his wings to take them up an carried them safely on his pinions"............ Deuteronomy 32:11

This is what inspired this post....first off I had to look up pinions and found that it was a very fancy name for wings.

Borrowed from http://2011susansdailydose.yolasite.com/6-2.php you must visit this awesome site.....

After my research I found that no, eagles don't carry their young on their wings and this was more of a metaphor often found in the Bible but in the process, I learned some amazing things about the eagle!
The eagle is one the largest and most powerful birds of prey and they are notable for their powerful set of eyes. Even though their eyes are just slightly larger than human eyes, they can see up to 3½ times better than a person with perfect vision. An eagle can see a moving rabbit from a mile away from an altitude of 1,000 feet, and can see a fellow eagle soaring 50 miles away! It can also spot one of it's favorite food sources, fish swimming below the surface of the water. They can reach speeds close to 190 miles per hour and can and can glide from 35 to 55 miles per hour. They can rotate their head almost 270 degrees.

The eagle carries some 7.000 feathers from head to tail (now that's a lot of preening) and they can regulate their body temperature simply by changing the position of its feathers. It has a wingspan of up 7 feet

and the weight of its feathers are about twice as much as its skeleton!

They mate for life

and unlike many birds, which abandon their nests after their young ones are hatched, the eagle keeps building upon her old nest, remodeling it year after year.

An eagle’s nest, or eyrie, is started with a lot of large sticks, thorns and odd and ends to build the base. Next they get smalled sticks, twigs and grasses. Finally, just before they lay their eggs they pull down and feathers from their own bodies to line the nest. It is repaired every year with additional sticks until it eventually becomes a heavy structure weighing more than a ton! One eyrie in Florida measured 10 feet wide and 20 feet high. Another in Ohio contained two tons of material when a storm knocked down the tree that held it for 35 years.

They tuck their powerful claws in to keep from hurting the eggs as seen in this Abc video
http://abcnews.go.com/US/decorah-eagle-live-camera-draws-webs-attention/story?id=13291412

When the chicks hatch (by a hook on top of their beaks to poke through the egg) they are small, featherless and ugly and weigh only three ounces but quickly they grow feathers and in only 45 days the eaglets will weigh 40 times their birth rate. They are enticed out of the nest due to outgrowing it and because the parents begin to withhold food. It has been stated that only 40% of the eaglets survive their first flight.

The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782, when it was placed with outspread wings on the Great Seal of the country.

It is the symbol of strength, courage, freedom.

Click here for an amazing inspirational video

Movie Review

2011-06-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a movie review in a long time because hubby and I no longer go to the movie on Friday as we did in the past but it came to me that I do still watch movies I get from netflex and if I watch one that I think it really good I should share it....
Taking Chance

Great movie...get your box of Kleenex....
I learned a lot from this movie that had never crossed my mind before.

A Jaunt

2011-06-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday hubby and I took another one of our little "jaunts". Living here we are afforded a totally different terrain in as little as two hours so we left our dry 1.000 ft. elevation and drove north in time for breakfast at the Cliff Castle Casino. It is about 3300 ft. elevation and we spotted a tree I had never seen before..

The little sign said it was a smoke tree.

The casino entry had this pretty little view....

zoomed into the back

There are people who oppose the casino's on the Indian reservations but for me...I think they exhibit good taste and provide many, many jobs. What do you suppose this is?

Just a little ceiling decoration......

Had a great breakfast for $5.00 with no tax with and many wonderful pictures to see.

On the gambling note....our usual...hubby won, I lost.......... It is a good thing I stick with the penny machines:)

On north we drove until we were in pines of Flagstaff at 6900 feet but we turned south to Oak Creek Canyon and in a very short time we were at 7200 feet and just in time for lunch at the Hideaway restaurant. We have eaten here several times over the years. The first time we had lunch here (many years ago) we had hiked the west fork.

I don't have any personal pictures of that hike but here are a few from other hikers.

This area is beautiful and the only way to truly appreciate it is to hike.

Typical for this area, this time of year...the place was packed with visitors and heavy traffic.

In less than 20 miles of this lush green looms the famous red hills of Sedona at 4400 ft. elevation.

Sedona is well known as a power spot - metaphysical spiritual. There are many resorts that cater to this type of experience. As you drive through the town you will see most anything that will attract the tourist......

All to soon we were back on the freeway and headed home but I still had a little yearning so we headed back west to what I call a jaunt......

Where the roads turn to dirt....

rough and washboardy and you can stop to go tinkle without intrusion...

So where in the world are we going? Cherry, Arizona. A little mining ghost town between Dewey and Camp Verde that now is home to those who are retired and want a secluded life style at 5000 ft. elevation. There are old places that you wished could talk...

and new pretty places off in the distance with (no trespassing) signs and those close enough to the road to get a glimpse...

We rounded the corner to see this sign....

Cherry Creek Bed and Breakfast

Just might have to come and stay sometime....would be a great way to learn more about the area. In no time were were headed back to the dreaded freeway but not before hubby spotted these!

As far as I am concerned...this was the highlight of the jaunt!

Saw these along the road....

Some wild daisy's

Dropping back down into the desert.....

In all, it was about a 300 mile jaunt and a perfect little day get away....

Thanks for coming along.

Around home

2011-06-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am attempting to make myself some different and more healthy lunches so yesterday I fixed myself

This pork and bean salad

I don't know why I thought it might be good but it was.......fantastic! I cut the recipe in half since it was just for me and I ate the whole thing! Go here for the recipe.

Aluminum foil

2011-06-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

Does it matter if you cook with the aluminum foil shiny side out or facing into your food?

Does it cook faster? slower? Does it matter?

"The difference in appearance between dull and shiny is due to the
foil manufacturing process. In the final rolling step, two layers of
aluminum foil are passed through the rolling mill at the same time.
The side coming in contact with the mill's highly polished steel
rollers becomes shiny. The other side, not coming in contact with the
heavy rollers, comes out with a dull or matte finish."

So the answer is that shiny or dull has no affect on the cooking or storing of food but....
now the real question....how do you use it.....shiny side out or facing the food?

I didn't forget

2011-06-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

I posted a lot about our Costa Rica trip but forgot to add that I did indeed bring home a thimble

Fits just fine in the collection:)

Box sealing tape

2011-06-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

My hubby ships lots of packages so he has one of these box sealing tape dispensers....

It is quite fun to use but it never fails that I get it twisted before I get it smoothed out on the box.......

so how in the world can Mark Jenkins create his street installations with it?????

Ends

2011-06-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

A the end on of a rainbow

is a pot of gold.

At the end of the brick walkway

is a pot of pretty red flowers.

I can't believe it but it seems they might survive the heat...

Costa Rica (cont).

2011-06-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

Our third tour was to the Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs; remember when I said I needed to learn to read more about the tour? This was definitely a lesson. Yes, we got to see the Arenal volcano and here it is

It is active and supposedly at night you can see the embers and yes the hot springs heated by the volcano were nice but this ended up being a 13 hour tour with 7 hours of it driving. Not just driving but miles and miles of climbing on a curvy road. Now, you have to trust me on this but on the trip back I seriously thought I might die. The roads are narrow and winding and on top of it there was fog so thick we could barely see the taillights of the car in front of us and a full size bus passes us and the car in front of us! The people of Costa Rica drive absolutely crazy (they say they are aggressive). More than twice cars passed on double yellow lines. I can't begin to tell you how relieved I was to get to our hotel. This was not a good day in paradise.

For our last day in Costa Rica we decided to experience downtown where they have 5 blocks for pedestrians only, it is called Avenida Central.

But not without another haring ride....

This gives you an idea of the width of a one way street and motorcycles drive in between the cars. The right of way if not controlled by a light was whoever could push in. They do not move to the right for a ambulance; they have a special lane for bus's in town and we passed several of them trying to make their way through the traffic with their lights on. The police ride motorcycles and make their way through. This was the worst part of Costa Rica and the one tour guide told us they are trying to improve it.

We finally made it close enough we could walk after a horrid traffic jam in which we had a bus merging in front of us and motorcycle trying to get ahead of the bus and stuck almost in my lap in the back seat...whew!
Once we got to the central I felt very welcome

We walked and walked and finally stopped for lunch in a little open air restaurant....this was the view as I returned from the restroom in the back..

Yes, all those ferns are alive

and we enjoyed the little downpour from the inside.

Our plane left at 7:30 A.M the next morning and driving to the airport at 4:30 A.M. it was peaceful...................A good ending.

Costa Rica cont.

2011-06-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

After such exertion I was glad that our next day tour was a city tour and we would mostly ride. This ended up being exceptional because we were the only people on the tour and the tour guide said "ask anything you want" and he showed us different places apart from the tour that interested us personally like the American Embassy.

I had read that prostitution was legal in Costa Rica and asked about that...the prostitutes (men and women) have to get a medical check up weekly and they live in certain houses in the down town area. Most are from adjoining countries like Argentina.

There were beautiful building like this art museum

and this beautiful Spanish architecture building in disarray...he said there were plans to restore it.

The most interesting things to me were learning about their culture and lives and he spoke freely about that...here are some interesting things he shared. The country is by law Catholic..the President has to either be Catholic or become Catholic to be President and he may serve only one four year term in his lifetime. Right now their President is a woman and there are two Vice-Presidents. Other religions are allowed to practice their faith but the guiding principals of their laws and etc. are based on the Catholic faith.

They grow all their own food sources and do not import any foods.

Their biggest imports are autos and gasoline. They are paying 25,000 colons ($5.00) per gallon for gas right now.

$1.00 = 502.20 colons at the moment. It gives Americans an advantage in some areas but not in others.

The average monthly income is $500.00 American. They have government health care and he said it was rated very good by the U.S. insurance companies. Their water bills and electric bills are very cheap compared to U.S. and most of the people eat a stable food of meat, beans and rice and lots of fruit (wonderful fruit).

They are mostly a socialist country but do have a conservative party.

You never go anywhere without an umbrella any day any time of the year.

Here is an interesting twist....The government pays the children to go to school and make passing grades. Most families have strained incomes so the parents insist their kids go to school not only for the education but also the extra money it provides for the family. Free college is also available by testing the students and top scores get those opportunities. There is very little drugs there and no gangs. I have to admit we never saw gang looking kids anywhere and very little graffiti.

The people in general are calm and excepting of all. There are hundreds of people walking everywhere and yet they are calm and go about their business.

Not too many beggars on the streets and the city was pretty clean.

The bars on the buildings were commonplace even on their homes...the reason? There is only 10,000 police for the whole country and according to our guide they do this to do their part in not having to call on the police very often.

They preserve this building riddled with bullet holes to remind the children of the horrors of war and this monument stands tall and proud

This was during their last civil war in 1948.........

According to the traditional account, on April 11, General José María Cañas (Salvadoran) suggested that one of the soldiers advance towards the hostel with a torch and set it on fire. Some soldiers tried and failed, but finally Santamaría volunteered on the condition that, in the event of his death, someone would look after his mother. He then advanced and was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Before expiring he succeeded, however, in setting fire to the hostel, thus contributing decisively to the Costa Rican victory at Rivas.

After this war the country released all it's military. I asked him what would happen if they were attack...he first stated they wouldn't be because they have nothing other countries want...no oil.....and if it happened the U.S. and Canada would defend them. Sounds strange? Think back to Nicaragua and Ortega.

I have to tell you the most amazing thing I received from our City tour guide....Pride in his country. I don't know how many times he said "I am so proud of my country". That really got to me...I mean when was the last time you said how proud you are of your country? It is very sad that most of us Americans aren't very proud of our country as it is today. He also said that they see their country has some problems like traffic (will share about that later) and they are working on it.

The market place.................

(to be continued)