Words

The female vocal cords are just stronger.  They get more practice.  

It seems we have heard a lot more about how much Obama and his administration has flaunted the Constitution and have done pretty much as they darn well please especially if it was to undermine the USA and our elected leaders sat on their hands and did nothing to stop the abuse. 

Friend Marge sent this picture about a walk in the Redwoods.   I've been there and  done that many times and I can assure you it is well worth the trip out to California and  a stop at the Redwoods.   Trees of beauty, size and width, straight and circled, peace and quiet reigns in a beautiful lush forest.

This was son John's answer to his birthday wishers.   

Here it is Tuesday and I am going for a hair cut today, trying a new place and a new hairdresser in hopes of finding someone who can undo the damage some of the young ladies at the el-cheapo place have done.  They are beginners, or hopeful future hairdressers and cut the customer's hair all similar and neglect to follow the way the hair grows.  Sometimes the ladies walk out with an all male haircut, close cropped and glued to their head or an Indian Mohawk standing up straight and tall.  I always thought I wanted to wear  one of those French Knots but never could stand waiting for my hair to grow long enough to pull it up and twist it.   I always thought I'd like a cap cut, it is what we used to call a close hair cut, but if it isn't cut just right it looks pretty sad.   So today I will sit in the expensive beauty salon and tell the young lady I am her challenge for the day...do what you can and make me beautiful;   an impossible task but everyone needs a challenge for their day.

 

If you think finding a hairdresser for a decent hair cut is hard , wait until you have an unexpected tooth act up and you try to get into the dentist .   I walked up to the corner where there is a dental building and walked in to sign up with a dentist.   I have a tooth acting up due to my own poking and probing around with one of those fancy imitation  dental wands.  I know better, but bad habits are bad to break when you want to have your teeth nice and clean and free of bits and pieces of food.  It is not ours to do as we probe and pick like we know what we are doing and then find out we started a problem we didn't want or need.   I spent yesterday waiting for a call in hopes I would get I and get some relief from a tooth ache.  They are not fun.   No call and now have to wait until tomorrow to get in.   The pain is bothersome but not unbearable, almost, but not quite yet.  

 

From the sounds of my words and musing this morning you would think I am falling apart...I am.....Katrina The Great has been seen walking down that pathway slowly  but surely......singing that song about the hip bone being connected to the back bone and all that good stuff.....things are wearing thin, but not me...smile.

 

So today take a check on YOU;  make sure that you are taking good care of your body, your mind and your heart.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and do a good deed or two before this day is over.   Find someone to like and to love;  find someone you want to make smile;  find someone you want to hug;  find someone who thinks you are very special and wants to share their seconds with you  and light up your first day of summer.  Hugs to all.

 

Parade Day

Imagine having to drive over this road to get to a parade.    I think this one was in the Carolinas and the roads up in Nevada are mountain roads but nothing like this.  Looks like a roller coaster ride when the stomach greets the throat  

Some one has a sense of humor.   Rocks on the beach, never thought o make people out of them.    Clever.

Ha, ha,  I think I heard that squeal from here and the expression is familiar when I had a hair brush in hand.  

My son Mike at the wheel, the float he help build with Mike Amacker, horses from the ranch,  a lot of sunshine and folks out to cheer them on and a great day and good time was had by all.  The pirates had a great day on the Rum Runner.

A new week starting and hopefully everyone is in top shape to deal with whatever comes up.    The horror of another shooting with fifty killed and as many more injured.   A terrible, horrible tragedy leaving heartbreak and grief in its wake.

Our freedom is slowly eroding as any and all large gatherings seem to invite the fanatics out of their hiding places.   No one is aware of  the mental breakdown , the thought process, the hatred for their fellow man which brings about the desire to take a life, or many lives.    Our world has taken a decided turn and it is not for the better.  

 

I don't know about you but the media sure makes me sick with its constant barrage of second guessing the details of such tragedies.   They go on for hours and hours rehashing the event without a second thought to the survivors who have to pick up the pieces of their lives and get on with it.    They do not give the families time to process what has happened , or give them  time to proceed with all of the details the horrible event has created for them.  The heartbreak alone is more than enough for them to handle.   

 

I turn the television off, it is time to do something constructive, like offering prayers for the souls of those who have been claimed long before their time.   Like stopping in and lighting a candle for these souls.    We can only help by offering our prayers and good deeds for the folks taken  and include the family members who have to face the loss of a loved one.  Keep in mind, 'there but the grace of God go I' .  Not one of us know what the day has in store for us.   So take one second as it comes and vow to make your day the best you can make it.  Be good, be kind, be gentle, be the one person in the life of someone you like and love who will cherish you as much as you cherish them.    The old adage of 'what comes around, goes around' is a truism.   It is a page out of life lessons that teach, that create, that modify behavior so we treat each other with love and respect.   It isn't always easy, but then whenever has life been easy. . . Go!!!!  BE YOU and share YOU with those you like and love.

 

Hugs to all. 

 

Rum Runner

WE WON    The Rumrunner FIRST PRIZE in the Parade yesterday up there in Gardnerville, Nevada and a great time had by all.     Son Michael should be real proud of himself, a master builder of floats.

Mike Amacker loved walking off with the First Prize again.   He is a master of great ideas for the parades up there in Nevada.   Great Job Mike, congratulations !!!

The Winnie The Pooh Tea was yesterday and there was a good showing of folks.  The ladies came all dressed up and the Gallery looked beautiful.   The tables were set with the golden silverware, lovely beaded napkin rings and a three tier plate with some very tasty sandwiches and deserts.   There was ;plenty to go around and not many crumbs left.   The ladies are clever and placed a small saying by Winnie the Pooh under each plate and when the hostess read off a saying the matched one was the prize winner.   Aggie and Doris, friends from Ridgemont, joined me and they really enjoyed high tea,  and Christine's friend Bec joined us at our table, a lovely lady and a good conversationalist..   Daughter Patricia played chauffer and did a great job getting us over and back.    I would say it was a huge success. We didn't get to visit with Christine as she was busy keeping the lovely teen Princesses busy filling plates.   Several of the male artists poured tea and did a great job, didn't spill a drop.   The Gallery Board Members put two teas a year on and each one is of a different theme.    There is always a lively interest and the members join in the making of the decorations and supply the delicate sandwiches and deserts.   Those little chocolate treats I helped Pat make were delicious and went over really well.   I don't know who made the lemon tarts but I 'd like to have a half dozen more.   Let me just say there were few crumbs left.   My hats off to the committee, can hardly wait to find out what the theme will be for the next one.

 

It was a busy week, good weather, lots to keep us busy so no one had time to complain.    So today, know keeping busy means that you will not have time to complain either.   The key word...busy....its opposite bored....so you know what to do with your seconds today.    Go, find someone to share time with.   Go, be a good guest and take a surprise along be it something good to eat or someone to hug.    Take time today to do one good deed.  Someone is waiting for YOU.   Be a charmer, a goodie two shoes, a fun someone to be around and sparkle.   Make your today even better than yesterday. . . put a twinkle in your eye, lighten your footsteps and don't be bashful...hug a lot.    Hugs to all.

A Birthday Salute

Mom and John

Mom and John

John is celebrating a birthday today....Happy Birthday my son, I hope your day is as special as you are.  

His Name is John

John means peace and serenity
so when I named this child
I gave him a title to live up to
and he made it all worthwhile

He stands tall and straight
will look you in the eye
and be so compassionate
it has to make me smile

He has grown up adventuresome
and travels all about
doing work he loves
and helping others out

He never is to busy
to help in any way
and manages to let you know
your special every day

We travel near
and travel far
and sometimes just hang out
No matter what it is we do
John's fun to be about

He never makes me feel
I have to rush about
Says take your time
enjoy
I'll be back to pick you up

I feel blessed
with peace and serenity
His name is John
my son
whom I love so very much.

Are we all in good voice, everybody ready.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JOHN,  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....AND MANY MORE!!!!!

Birthdays are special, just like the person who is having one today.   Be a ray of sunshine and bellow out, make your voice heard for that special person celebrating one more year of  being a son, a daughter, a friend , even a new acquaintance and let each one know what a blessing they are in your life.  Think cake and don't settle for a sliver, cut of a chunk and enjoy.

As for gifts, give each birthday celebrant a gift of your time for that is the best gift you can give anyone.    Sharing time, sharing memories, sharing cake and a bit of ice cream . . .or..... go all out take the birthday celebrant out for dinner and finish off with a piece of birthday cake....keep a small candle in your pocket so you can light it up and clear your vocal cords and sing....

Join in the chorus and celebrate!!!  Hugs to all.

Guns

And YOU do what I say, not as I do!!!  

I haven't heard anyone say they were giving up their right to bear arms.   Own one early in life as you get older the hands don't work as well...but shaking is good  as you might never miss your mark.  

A good question  There is a time to teach and a time to learn, if you pay attention it means the difference in that pay check you depend on for your life style.

Mari and Mike, a happy couple, two loving wonderful people who share their love and laughter every day.

Happy Celebration!!!  How much you are liked and loved . . . a great example of love at first sight; sometime back in high school and each anniversary has only gotten better and better.  

I had a music afternoon as I listened to some new used discs, one a George Burns four disc offering and he doesn't miss a beat.   The old vaudevillian does a great job reminding me of the old shows he and Gracie put on.  He didn't sing a lot and should have as he is quite talented.  The second disc was all piano.  I love to listen to someone play but this pianist overdoes it, much like a singer who holds a note way too long. all the flourishes and rippling spoils the song.  I want to hear the music so I can sing along and enjoy it.  The third one was from the operas and very well done.   I can hum along to a few familiar arias.   It is a nice way to spend some afternoon hours listening as you sing along and hum a lot  and even hold on to the side of the door casement and do a little dance.    Fun indoors on a cool day.   Yep, cool almost cold, downright Northwest weather that takes some getting used to.   The breeze comes up and the sweater comes out.   But. . . not to worry as it sure beats the excessive heat days and nights.  Those I could do without. 

It was fun to get out to shop and buy some of the fresh fruits that are out there.  Cherries were on special and are delicious.   The stop at the thrift store is always fun and there is always some one little object that never stays on the shelf.   I was good , didn't bring home any little 'thing' but the music and that takes up just a little space.   I need to adjust a few items on  the book shelf and make room to store them between play.   I did walk around with a few trinkets but then put them back as I really do not have space here in the studio apartment.   It is so easy to find some little trinkets to make you smile but if they are not useful it is a waste of space.  It is just not fun to be frugal.   smile.

So today look around when you go to a thrift store and see if you can find some trinkets to salvage.   There was a little old fashioned vase I walked around holding then put it back but that is the second time I've done that and I think next time I'll bring it home...if it is there....taking any bets?

Today is a good day to share YOU with someone you like and love.    Find a reason to be generous and take that someone out to lunch.   It is good for both of you and if you don't know of a special place to go, think, and find one.  We have the Market here in Port Orchard where they serve a fish chowder that is excellent and there is an ice cream bakery shop right next door so you don't have to leave without a little desert.    We find all good reasons to lunch out and it does wonders for your disposition.    So develop your disposition today and take a friend to lunch at your favorite place.  Hey Marge invite Eunice out to Panchoes, I'd like to join  you...sigh!!!  Go, have fun and be good to one another today.  Be kind, be good, be gentle, be a listening ear and change someone's day from dark to light as only YOU can.  Hugs to all.

 

New and Old

Jake.  It is nice to be a great aunt.   This young man is  the great grandson of James and Mary  Sullivan.  His grandmother is Marybeth Sullivan Smith who keeps us up on the newest members of our clan.   What a handsome young man he is and how much he resembles his grandfather ( I think.) I bet he has inherited that sense of fun and will keep us all on our toes. 

This is a picture of the kitchen area of the Log Cabin Museum.   It is a wonderful step back in the history of Port Orchard.   The doors are open every Sunday and the folks do come by to check out on some of the history of the family that once lived in this little cabin.     Come to think of it, I used to have a kettle just like that and gave it up for a much smaller version.

George and Barbara Bush , center field, bet she has a good throwing arm.    Nice to see them up and about.

The first week of June has gone.   The weather is changeable and it is a puzzle to decide what to wear for the day.   This morning the heat is on and the windows were wide open as it was warm yesterday.   Hot to cold, hot to cool, hot to trot as the spring weather nudges its way into summer.  Baseball weather, maybe I'll take a walk up to the corner and see if the youngsters are playing a practice game.  

 

I  had a nice long catch up read with Vinnie yesterday.  We are getting closer to the end of the book...we both hope;....we read about the Leyte Gulf battle yesterday  and it was quite exciting to say the least.    The Japanese set themselves up on that one.   Herman Wauk does a great job of writing in detail the history of World War II and believe me you are 'there'.

 

Vinnie has been on a buying streak and came down with some colorful pens made in India so you know how colorful and elaborate the decoration and colors are.    He insisted I have two.  He hoped I would choose the very ornate one but I liked the green one so am now owner of a very fancy pen.    He seems to be on a buying spree lately and buys things in bulk, so to speak, then shares.  It is a very nice gesture on his part.  I think he just likes to get packages in the mail.    He now has a miniature car collection and they are well made and very nice.    His latest was one of the older first models...a model T.    Cute and very well made.   I'd be tempted to get a couple for display as they are cute but I already have enough 'junk' on the bookcase shelves already.   For someone who was not going to fill those shelves again, I am not keeping my word and am filling them as fast as I can.   Another bookcase wouldn't hurt....no, no ,no.  banish that thought.  I gather once a collector, always a collector even when one swears they will not longer ad to their collections.  Just one more......famous last words.

 

Do  be a collector, collect all that extra 'stuff' you have laying around and donate it to Good Will .  If you are like me and a few family members I could name,, you will be visiting the thrift stores before long and bringing home some cute little things to fill those empty shelves.   We can't beat it, might as well join the party!  Some special things make great book ends.

 

So today be of good cheer.   Share YOU with those you like and love.    Somewhere nearby someone is sitting alone and lonely wishing for a kind word, so . . . what are you waiting for?    Get going, stop off and buy a couple of fancy breakfast buns, the big round ones with icing and nuts , or a jelly donut if you prefer, pick up a latte and stop in and spend some time with that someone and make their day bright and beautiful;  just like YOU, be a budding flower and open up.  Hugs to all.   

 

 

 

 

Morning

A beautiful humming bird to greet you this morning.   the colors of the rainbow and then some. 

Here are two of the scenes Mary McInnis painted for her showing.   the daisies were a favorite of mine.

Friend Angie who just took that picture by camera and was very proud of it, then went to a painting class and came up with this replica of her snapshot and did a tremendous job for a first painting.  this young lady is a marvel; there just isn't anything she cannot do.  She is very talented.

Jock has been on the road since three a.m., bound and determined to make it back home to Gold Beach, Oregon , depending on his back and if it will hold up for a ten hour ride.    He left early so he would miss all the heavy duty traffic in the Portland area.  It is horrendous first thing in the morning .  We had a final dinner out at the Lighthouse and it was about five o'clock when the sky filled with magnificent clouds.  There was one area the likes of which I have never seen before, a scene of trees and a lake, actually a reflection of some of the woodland across the busy highway from the waters edge.  The sound is huge and the boats many, one huge very old ferry boat was out for a spin.   I was fascinated and wished for my camera.  It would have been a beautiful sky to share with you.  I wasn't really hungry so ordered the Nachos and shared, didn't take long for that plate to empty.   I am glad I didn't order the hamburger special as it was huge, plate size, and topped with lots of onion rings.    The word diet comes to mind...and it should.    I had my annual doctor visit and the scale did not change; it didn't go down for sure but then it didn't go up so I can stay on my forever diet as it isn't going to change at this age.Yes, I am still waiting for a greeting that says I am so thin . . . Katrina the Great thin, I don't think it will ever happen in this world.   I liked the new doctor, smiling eyes, a gentle voice, a good ear for listening and he thinks I should continue whatever it is I am going .  I can do that.

 

So today, think health.   If you have not made an appointment for your annual check up, get busy and make one today.   It is up to YOU to take care of yourself and eating right, exercising a little and feeding the body and mind with all the 'good' stuff is what keeps you going.   If you have developed a few habits that are not so good for your body then it is the time to think about making some changes.   Moderation is the key.    We are all inclined to be a little to good to ourselves and we go overboard  indulging and bulging which is not only foolish but dangerous.   So start being good to yourself and find a happy medium to keep your body and mind healthy.  Healthy means Happy!

 

So my sermon for today is to be knowledgeable, know a little about a lot of things and be good, be kind, be wise, be gentle and be the best YOU can be.    Share YOU with those you love and like.   Give a little of YOU and indulge in a burst of big open arm hugs and envelop the magic of  L O V E!!!   Don't forget verbal hugs go a long way in making someone 'shine' today, be a beacon, a ray of light, put a little magic in your lantern.    Hugs to all.