Tidings and Tidbits

Check out this video link below. It's very funny. Lighthearted...turn on your sound.

http://www.epica-awards.org/assets/epica/2004/winners/film/flv/06037.htm

I am.....

EARTH!

which chinese symbol are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

This is dedicated to all my bloggy friends and non-bloggy friends & family who are experiencing some rough patches. Good thoughts, warm and comforting thoughts and prayers are finding their way to you. Be open to them. We are all here for you. Use us for whatever you need, a shoulder to cry on, a voice of reason, a diversion, a joke to lighten the load. You have a burden to bear, let us help you with it.

With love and concern, Pam and Bill

Hello and Good Morning!

Hello all you wonderful bloggy friends and non-blogging family and friends.
Isn’t it a wonderful day?

What?

Not appreciative of Monday morning cheerfulness? Ohh, for shame.

Monday MeMe

#82 I wish I could live on a 2,000 or more acre ranch in the mountains.
I would love to be able to afford to do that, to be brave enough to make such a significant change. See, I believe I can achieve that. Yeah, 2,000 acres is expensive, but I know if I set my mind to it I will make it happen. But then the second part comes into play. I live in suburbia, I have always lived in suburbia. Would I be as happy as I think I would be or would I miss the convenience? My beloved husband grew up in West Texas. 4 hours from any significant population area. He is adamant about not leaving city/suburbia behind. So, he’s lived it.

On Thursday last week, I was in Denver for my ‘Staff Development’ day. I give 2 presentations to staff in the morning, check on a few projects/programs and then head out with one staff member to mentor them or if you like, observe them doing their job, spend some time with them, encourage them, offer constructive criticism if needed etc.
I was very fortunate to go with a PT and one of her patients was in Evergreen. Yeah baby!! Got the company vehicle, a beautiful day, I am out of the office, seeing patients in their homes and, and, and I’m going someplace I’ve never been before. (Doing the happy dance here** :0])
Evergreen is west of Denver and a smidgeon south. It was easily a 45 minute drive. The patient before this one lived in one of the priciest Lodo condo’s in Denver. Smack downtown…hence Lodo. I digress.
As I am driving back from Evergreen, after thoroughly enjoying myself at this 82 y/o gentlemen’s home, I wind thru the canyons and eventually I catch sight of the plains and see Denver sprawling.
First twinge.
The grade is fairly steep. 5-7%. But the weather is phenomenal. No jacket, windows open partially, and heater is off. I continue without a na’er you mind.
285 dumps into 470 and that’s when I feel it. I focused inward looking for words. Looking for something elusive. It’s the feeling I get whenever I come back from spending time in the mountains. The first time I remember feeling this was back in ’82 when I went with a friend to her hometown in the Smokey Mtns. On the way home I was dumbstruck with the feeling.

I got no stinking words. It’s like a weight settles over me. Not a burden. Just a weight. A heaviness. So, what was I feeling before? I didn’t think I felt…lighter. Or freer. Or what have you. It's like a change in spirit. When I was driving back from Steamboat I didn’t have that experience. I was a little perturbed about something and it was late at night so maybe that’s why.
But it happens frequently when returning from the mountains. I was working so it couldn’t have been that. (That being a mini-vacation kind of feeling) I have traveled in the other direction from the Front Range. Yoder, Rush, Calhan, Hanover, Ellicot. That’s sparsely populated as well, just happens to be flat and fairly devoid of interest except birds of prey and antelope.
Never had ‘that’ feeling.
It’s so quiet in the mountains. I can smell the earth, the pines, the aspens, the grass and hear the wind in the trees. I feel peace. That’s what it is. Peace. I’m still working. Have projects on my mind, planning and organizing stuff in the ole noggin while I’m driving, but I feel peaceful. Until I return.
It’s not the whole of it. But it’s a start.

Sunday Reminiscing

I think I will take a cue from my friend Marianna and have a standing Sunday theme. Reminiscing. About anything older than 10 years. I'd like to focus on my heritage and my early years for a while. I think it's good toperiodically review where you've been or what your family and heritage is like.

This is my Nanan.

Otherwise known as my maternal grandmother. Her name was Anne McCooey Parkinson Genac. She got the name Nanan because her nieces and nephews had trouble with saying, "Aunt Anne" and it came out Nanan. That's okay. Her children had trouble saying her sister's name, Aunt Marguerite. And it got changed to Aunt Deet.
Things I personally remember about Nanan: She was very smart. Intelligent and possessed a great deal of common sense. She smoked. She had long tough fingernails, long eyebrows and she liked red lipstick.
She died when I was in my early teens.
My mom has the table she used to sit at all day long. Nanan would lay the cigarette on the edge of the table (I am told this is what you did because ashtrays weren't manufactured yet) so she could do something and then forget about the cigarette. It would continue to burn and leave a burn mark. We call them "Nanan Tracks", at least my mom and I do.
I was about 4 when Nanan and I were traveling to my Aunt Anna Riley's when I must have been playing with the door handle of the old Chevy and the door swung open while we were driving. I don't remember much about the incident itself. Some apprehension while hanging over the tarmac passing underneath my body. It wasn't until later that I learned the enormity of the stress my Nanan had gone through in her retelling of the story to both Aunt Anna and then my mother and father. I think this is testament to the calm, level headed woman my Nanan was.
When Nanan used to take some of us grandkids up to see Aunt Claire in Cadyville, we would drive by a Dairy Queen type establishment. We would yell out.."Nanan, STOP QUICK." And she would slam on the brakes and ask us "WHY" and we would convince her we needed ice cream. (Well, that's how I remember it!!)
Things I 've learned about her since she passed away: Nanan had 8 children. Claire, John, Marilyn, Joey, Barbara, Lyle, George and my mom. Lyle only lived 4 days. He was born "with a veil over his face". I googled it and this is what that means. A veil or caul is "membranes or portions of the amnion covering the head of the fetus at birth." Easily removed. However, he had substantial health problems and did not survive.

Nanan met my grandfather when they had a minor traffic accident. She was living on the farm with her children, her sister in law and sister-in-law's children in upstate NY. (Her first husband had died in an auto/horse accident) West Chazy to be exact. (Pronounced Chayzee) They did not have electricity. She eventually married my grandfather, and some years later, the farmhouse caught fire and Richard, (my grandmother's nephew) died of his burns. Shortly after that, my grandfather, an engineer, was hired to work on the locks of the St. Lawrence seaway and they moved to Messina. That's where Joey died. He drowned in the Raquette river.

They moved back to the farm and later purchased a victorian style, 3 story home on South Catherine street in town and sold the farm. They renovated the house into small apartments. Then they purchased a laundry and ran that for many years. Nanan's sister and brother were against her purchasing the laundry. But she made a go of it along with my grandfather.

She had heart disease. At the end of her life, my cousin Barbara had to go over to her apt, 2 times a day to assist her with wrapping her legs (to keep the swelling in control). Barbara did that for over 2 years.

I sometimes get those emails about..."if you could meet or have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?" It would be my Nanan. I have so much to ask her. I sometimes wish, during a difficult time in my life, that if I could just spend a few minutes with her I would be able to get thru the current difficulty. I do have my mom for that. I mean, my mom is my very best friend. My confidant, my saving grace, my mentor, my mom. That story is for another day.

I am lucky. With so many children and grandchildren, I inherited some cherished pieces of teacups and saucers along with the odd luncheon plates. My mom gave me her antique Irish shawl which I have since had framed in a museum quality frame. I have an antique amethyst brooch, a pill box, her curlers and the 'Ancestors'. A story for another Sunday.

Yup, it's me

I took the DNA test and it was FUN. I've taken the Meyer's Briggs and came out an ENFP so I was surprised to be an ESFP this time around.


My Personal Dna Report

What Next?

Clearly, we as a race...the HUMAN RACE have some issues.

Check it out!

Albino Animals












I am supposed to be at work, but I came home for lunch and well....got a bit sidetracked. Gonna post this and head back. :0/

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Choose one: moving to another state, having triplets, or never being able to eat chocolate again.
I think this is supposed to be 'choose the best of the worst' but I don't think the first two would be bad, actually I'd love to move to Montana or New Zealand! I would sincerely be thrilled to have triplets. But I wouldn't give up chocolate. So, if I have to pick the worst of the three then it would be giving up chocolate 'cause I couldn't. If I have to pick the best of the three...moving to Montana.
Soup
Name a news story that truly shocked you.
Mass graves...Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Salad
What was your very first job?
I will tell you the one I first qualified for a W4. I worked at a dry cleaners as the afternoon closer. I took in clothes, made tickets, handed out cleaned clothes, swept, dusted, cleaned windows, read alot of stupid magazines and drank a bunch of soda. And ate chocolate from the pharmacy next door. Had a crush on this one guy who played in a band called Main Street. He had his suits cleaned every week. Reminded me of a band member from the Doobie's.
Main Course
If you had the chance to read the diary of someone you're really close to, would you? Why or why not?
I am an exceptionally curious person. Some might be tempted to call it nosey. I would have read it in a flash some 10 years ago. Now, I would not. It's not mine, it's disrespectful and just wrong. If it was my kid (if I had one) I might, to prevent trouble. In that case I would have to really, really, really weigh the pro's and con's.
Dessert
What's something you're looking forward to?
Going to San Francisco with my boy, my business partner & her husband and some other good friends, in August, for Shaklee's 50th Anniversary Celebration!! Wooohooo!
http://fridaysfeast.blogspot.com/

Mail Art From Marianna

Saaaweeeet! Can you see the bandaids? I especially am fond of the 'Wiley Coyote' one. Very clever!! And so thoughtful. I have big, ear to ear, lip-splitting grin!!

THANKS M!!

For Shephard

Okay, I get a daily "Thought for the Day" email. This one makes my head hurt.
What do you think?

Life is a game. In order to have a game, something has to be more important than something else. If what already is, is more important than what isn't, the game is over. So, life is a game in which what isn't, is more important than what is. Let the good times roll.~Werner Erhard~

OMG!

Pictures Are Here!!!

My tracks in 12 inches of fresh powder. Me and Barb! Goofy hats an all.





Just too darn gorgeous!
Cowgirls At Heart! Me and Barb


Just turn me loose
Let me straddle my old saddle
Underneath the western skies
On my Cayuse
Let me wander over yonder
Till I see the mountains rise
I want to ride to the ridge Where the west commences
And gaze at the moon
Till I lose my senses
And I can't look at hovels
And I can't stand fences
Don't fence me in

New Haircut

Okay I got a new haircut and now I want to update my profile photo.
Help me pick. Head straight or head tilted?

My Budding Thespian & Monday Meme

Thursday Is My Day For Cleaning,

A One Woman Show by Jordan Crittenden, directed by Roger A. Ochs.
The Suffield Players
'Louise' has a disagreement with her vacuum.
Joan Perkins-Smith stars.



My mom is a HOOT. Certifiable. Hasn't slowed down one iota since retiring three years ago. Now she is in to acting and has one production after another. Can't flippin' get her out here to Colorado because she is so busy. I'm so proud of her!!

Monday Meme

My friend Marianna does this and so do some others. I don't know if it is a link or something, but I posted 100 Things About Me on December 31st. I guess you are supposed to explain one thing on the list every Monday. So if I've got this bass ackwards...someone let me know mmkay!?

#15 I was a head taller than anyone in my elementary school by the 5th grade.

Much to my embarassment I was indeed a head taller. There was another girl, Joyce Langan, who caught up to me by the sixth grade. I was also quite skinny. Lanky and very prone to clumsiness. My mom sent me to ballet classes over at this lady's house on the next street. It was held in her basement. All the kids took classes from her. I don't think I asked my mom if I could go...somehow I was going. So who knows how that came about. I'll have to ask my thespian mom about it!!

I remember having a crush on my 5th grade teacher and not having any friends except Theresa. Her family rented a house up the street from me. They didn't stay more than a year. She was different. Had dark hair and dark skin. Couldn't tell you any more except that she was my friend. The other girls on my street, Mary Ellen Hartley and Anne Zebdski wanted nothing to do with me. I liked Mary Ellen, but Anne was uhhh...not so nice and so I wasn't missing much. 'Course now that I look back, I bet Anne was worried I would take her friend away from her. Hmmm. Interesting.

I also had matured in other ways (#16) so I just didn't fit in. Seems like that has been a subtle theme for me in social groups. Hasn't stopped me from being social. I just ignore it. Go on about my merry way. Truly. Merry. Which brings me to #1 on the list-WYSIWYG. Which is for another Monday.

So, off to mail some surprises to some people....and I can smell chorizo and eggs that Bill is making...hope he made 'nough for me!! Have a great Monday everyone.

Mail Art from Laura among other things

Isn't she
TALENTED!!!

I felt like a queen for the day when I got this in the mail. See, the USPS will never go out of business as long as folks get SO DAMN TICKLED to get "hardcopy" mail. Makes me want to bust open the inks and nibs and get to work.






Some time ago, someone posted a tag to all who read to list the concerts they had been to. I think I 've been to more but can't remember. Some I bet you've never heard of before. I am not 'tagging' anyone. Just thought this was fun to do.
First concert ever:

Doobie Brothers pre Michael McDonald c. 1976.

Other concerts:

Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald.

John Denver

Jethro Tull

Loverboy

Steve Miller

Steely Dan

Lollapaluza 1993-Primus, Alice in Chains, Dinosaur Jr., Fishbone, Arrested Development, Front 242, Babes in Toyland, Tool, Rage Against the Machine

Jimmy Buffet

Dave Matthews

The The

Jellyfish

ZZ Top-twice

Indigo Girls @ Red Rocks in Denver no less!

Ottmar Liebert

John Lee Hooker

WOMAD1992-Peter Gabriel

Scorpions

Pretenders

Violent Femmes

NRBQ

Carl Perkins

Midnight Oil
Anne Murray
Beach Boys
Sons of the San Joaquin
Waddie Mitchell

You Are a Prophet Soul

You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone. Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people. Sometimes this faith can lead to disappointment in the long run. No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way. You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle. Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people's feelings. A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning. You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer. Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Do you ever think about the word 'soul'. I went to catholic high school so I got the whole religious view on it although, I know a few folks that would beg to differ. But I'm talking about the myriad of meanings and subtleties when one uses the word- soul. The metaphysical soul, the soul of R & B music, a soulful expression, and ad infinitum.

Guess what came in the mail yesterday!

My dig. They acutally gave us a new one. COOL. Pentax Optio 50.
Our house....Okay, it won't suit everyone's tastes nor is it meant too. I desperately wanted to move about 5 years ago and buy a log cabin. This was our compromise. Bill put all the wood up himself. The outside of our house. Taken 17 February, 2006
OOoo Baby it's COLD outside!

Our Front Room. Yes that is a Bison and an Elk. No, we did not hunt them. The Bison is a very poor taxidermy job and we "rescued" him. The Elk we purchased at an antique store. It had it's original 'license' attached to the back. It was shot and mounted in 1940. Please reserve your comments about taxidermy and hunting for another time, if you would. Next to the Elk is a pair of ski's. Circa 1920's. As well as a fishing creel, pole and net. Bill made a replica of a lamp in a trendy high priced store that is lighting the corner. He bundled young willow branches and tied them with scraps of leather and the shade is made of birch bark. The old trunk coffee table his parents collected way back when. It stores spare linens for the sleeper sofa.
The wall has girl scout, boy scout and cowboy canteens.

Other 'stuff' you can't really make out on the bookshelf below are my 30 year old hiking boots, ice skates, antique puzzle of a bear in the woods, bits of rock and feathers and pine cones collected on hikes as well as all of our games. We wanted it to feel as though we were on vacation when you walk in the house.















Bill made the bookshelf by the front door from Aspen. That's an old radio the lamp is sitting on. Still works although it doesn't pick up any radio stations. We put a wireless speaker inside so that when the stereo is on sound comes out of it!

That's a circular moose antler chandelier, my pride and joy. It was the 'final piece' of major purchases for our redecorating some 5 years ago. The pictures make the walls seem dark but most folks have no idea we painted the walls a sage green. The round oak clawfoot table and chairs is on loan from my stepsister. We have tile counter tops and they suck with a capitol S. In two years we are putting in a granite or a slate counter top and a 6 burner, two oven stove. Whoohoo.



Those are Hawkeye and Redmon picnic baskets circa 1948-1965, purchased from Ebay!















Our antique oak sideboard is where we hide the stereo. The oil painting above is an original of Mt. Washington done by my gram.
Our Family room is well lived in with books, magazines and DVD's. It was quite chilly so Bill started a fire for me. So nice to come home from work to a roaring fire!! I'd like to cover the fireplace with river rock and we may just do that next weekend!


The wall-to-wall mirror is one of the things I dislike about the bath and I was planning to take it down until we put up the wood and saw that it made the bathroom look twice it's size. I made burlap curtains and used a horse halter for a towel rack to complete the look. Bill made the shelf out of old cedar fenceposts. You can really see it but we have an old duck decoy, a rusty lantern and several 1st edition poetry and medical books on the shelf as well. I am planning to change the rug and soften the look of the commode with fabric.


So that's the main level of our house. Really, it's too much house for the two of us. I can't clean all 3 floors in one day.
Thanks for visiting us. Nuestra casa es su casa. If you are in Colorado Springs and need a place to rest, give us a heads-up!

My Handsome Husband

As you can see, he has lots of hair and actually, now it's quite long and he also has lots of grey! On him, it looks good.

Every year for the last four years, he shaves his head to raise money for Childrens Cancer. It's called St. Baldricks Day. It's usually held around St. Pat's day and 2 years ago, Colorado Springs had the most participants!

Here is his email that he sends out. I like to support him so this is how I am doing it this year among other ways of course!.

Howdy all,

It's that time of year again. This will be my fourth year of "Shavin' my Head" for Children's Cancer Research. I hope you can help. To donate on line just click on the link below, and try not to laugh too hard. If you don't feel comfortable donating online and would like to send a check, there is a line just below my fabulous picture asking you to print a donation form, and mail it in.
All contributions are tax deductible and more than 90% of ALL donations go to the St. Baldricks foundation.

Thank you,
Bill

Here's the link

I will of course post pictures before and after. My Mom is actually organizing an event for St. Baldricks day in her town and will be shaving her head as well. I will shave mine in 7 years. The year I turn 50.

I've got HUGE Balls!

Two to be exact. They are rather large!

One at home and now, one at work!

One is blue and the other is purple.

So now you've guessed that I'm not referring to either an anatomical anomaly or describing my hutspah!

I'm working on my core strength. When I left work yesterday after sitting on my ball all day long, my thighs were tired and my abs were whispering as well. This is a good thing.

Plus...it's fun to BOUNCE on it!

Friday Feast

A curtsey to Leesa , who has the most beautiful blog on the internet.

About the Feast
While our questions may sometimes be related to food, the main idea here is to feed your mind by asking thought-provoking, mind-stimulating questions. Each Friday when you visit this meme, you will find 5 enticing courses for your mind to gobble up:Appetizer- a quick, tasty morsel to get you started, Soup- smooth and warm to soothe your mind, Salad- a nutritious blend of "veggies", Main Course- a hearty portion that is sure to satisfy and Dessert- light concoction for your sweet tooth.

Here's my Friday Feast:
Appetizer-If you were a color, which color would you be, and why?
I would be Purple, I don't have a clue as to why.

Soup-When was the last time you went to the doctor, and what was your reason for going?
I went about 2 1/2 months ago for the annual female stuff.

Salad-What do you collect?
Besides dust and debt? I love Longaberger baskets and yes, I am a consultant for them. I also love antiques of the rustic, hardworking pioneer type or recreational antiques. I'll post pictures of our house soon as my dig comes back! I also collect Brighton's heart shaped earrings. I love to wear hearts on my ears!! Not just any hearts though. Very particular. Some call it fussy. Hrmph.

Main Course-What were you like in high school?
Name one thing you miss and one thing you don't miss about those days.
Shy, sometimes painfully, especially in the beginning. Always felt left out. The odd child. Got better towards the end. Because I stopped trying to fit in. I miss Babka bread that the nuns made. I had it every day for lunch. Hot, crusty on the outside, soft and chewy, mildly sweet with raisins on the inside. $1.50 a loaf would feed two hungry Catholic high school girls! I don't miss the male lay teachers. They were WEIRD.

Dessert-Pretend you're standing in front of your home, with your back towards your home. Describe the view - what can you see? Trees? Cars? A zoo? Wal-Mart?
The rest of my cul-de-sac. Two story, 10 year old houses with a few cars in front, winter landscape of bare trees, bare gardens and brown grass with a light dusting of fine, powdery almost sugary snow. Sky is grey and visibility is limited because that fine snow is trying to come down.

I don't have time this morning, but I will get a link for the next time I do Friday Feast, or you could pop over to Leesa's and go from there.

Wednesday Seven?

"Wednesday Seven?"
Greekchickie had an open tag to this one so here goes.
List 7 songs I'm into right now. No matter the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're any good, they must be songs you enjoy right now. Post these instructions in your blog along with the 7 songs, then tag 7 people to see what they're listening to.

My Favortie Things, by Julie Andrews from The Sound of Music
Cruisin' by Huey Lewis and Gwenyth Paltro from Duet
Stan and Burt, by Joni Harms, "Are We There Yet?"
"Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, "Facing Future"
Ridin' in my car, by NRBQ, "Kick Me Hard"
If I Only Had A Brain, by Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tinman and the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz (I whistle this ALL the time as I go about my day)
Long Legs, by Pousette-Dart Band, Never Enough

Hat Tip

I 'borrowed' this from Jules over at Faith or Fiction

"I'm Sorry, I'm Booked...
I was driving home for lunch today and noticed there were signs on the side of the road that said, "Right lane closed ahead." Then, as I got further down the highway, more signs with big arrows pointing to the left accompanied signs that stated, "Merge. Right lane closed ahead."I watched as car after car stayed in the two right hand lanes. Closer and closer to the cutoff point we moved and still, no turn signals, no slowing down, nothing...At the very last possible second when the orange cones had totally cut off the entire right lane, THEN people began to CONSIDER merging into the left hand lane.I thought to myself, "Can these people not read???"Now, I know that in reality this has nothing to do with the ability to read but, instead, the ability to be a decent human being and drive like a normal person and FOLLOW WHAT THE SIGNS SAY BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY BEGIN HITTING THE ORANGE CONES WITH THE SIDE OF YOUR CAR but, when I got back to work, I "googled" the phrase "illiteracy rates in the United States." Here is what I found out:The U.S. population grew to around 250 million in 1991.Over 10% (25+ million people) cannot read or write at all.Another 45 million are considered to be functionally illiterate.That's around 28% (or more than 1 in every 4 people) that are (literally) out to lunch.As if THAT wasn't shocking enough, consider this:44% of American adults do not read even one book a year.NOT ONE.I'm...sitting here...in....shock. Total...shock...Not one book? In a year? Not ONE?No books for the little kiddos? No trashy romances? No "How To" books? No cookbooks or bibles or novels or crossword puzzles or mean-spirited political humor books?NOTHING???NOT ONE???I can't IMAGINE my life without books. A life without knowledge? Without imagination? Without creativity? Without humor? Without characters and plots and twists? Without conviction and opinions and statistics? Without pictures and art and inspiration?Living life without the ability to read is horrendous enough to think about but a life without books??? I can't imagine...I don't know who I'd even be without books."

I concur 100%!! PB

Guy Rules

I kinda like this! My husband sent it to me.

The Guys' Rules

We always hear "the rules"From the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules!Please note.. these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men ARE not mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat.You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.We need it up, you need it down.You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport.And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want.Let us be clear on this one:Subtle hints do not work!Strong hints do not work!Obvious hints do not work!Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly Acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one
1. You can either ask us to do something..Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will Be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. When we ask you where you would like to go out to eat, it isn't meant to be a game of 20 questions.
1. Yes, quite often our sex organ does think for us.
1. We will never be able to think like "one of the girls". We aren't girls.
1. Unlike women, we only speak about 5,000 words a day, not the 100,000 words that women do per day. That is why we go "uh uh" and respond with one word answers most of the time.
1. Don't expect us to cry or let our emotions out. Cause when we do, you don't respect us in the morning.
1. "Never Mind" and "That's Ok" will be taken at face value when said to us.
1. Going to a fabric store with you is NOT spending time together.
1. The last thing we want to do when men get home is "talk about our day."
1. The "Lingerie Bowl" is a sporting event.
1. Unless we are being invaded by aliens from space, do not expect to "talk" in the last 2 minutes of a game.
1. Beer is one of the food groups.
1. Using the remote is better than sex.
1. We are all going to die of something some day...so just serve the steak and leave the talk about the heart attacks and colon cancer for your lecture to medical students.
1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Mumble, grumble..arrrggghhh

Oh I have something on my mind and normally I don't have a problem deciding what to do about it. I guess as I get older I consider more how my actions affect others. I also consider what is my motivation for my action.
So, am I being spiteful? Am I trying to salvage some pride? Do I want to put her in her place? Do I have misplaced anger?
I am frustrated. That I know. Frustrated at my own indecision. Frustrated that I let myself get into this situation. Yeah...actually, angry. Angry that I didn't prepare better and I let the opportunity to say what I knew to be right as well as important, slip away. FOOL. If I go back now and talk with her, what does that say about me? If I email it or mail it, what does that say about me? If I put it to bed...what will that do to me. CRAP! I hate this. Why can't she trust that I know what I am talking about and accept it? Why do I feel the need to not only to have her approval but to have her validate me. What is my major malfunction? Jaysus, Mary and Joseph.
I think the best thing to do is to give it to my subconscious and when I wake in the morning, I will know what to do. I cannot do anything else, really.
I still want to kick her in the shins though.

Sing It

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

Bundle This!

Bundle Up for Valentine's Day
Say "bundle up," and you probably have memories of mom insisting you wear mittens on a cold winter day. But the history of bundling is a far more romantic affair. In fact, it's one of history's sexiest little secrets. This Valentine's Day, snuggle up with your sweetheart and learn how your ancestors got away with more than you ever imagined.
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
Bundling was the practice of two young lovers sharing a bed without undressing. Though it allowed courting couples a rare and thrilling opportunity for pillow talk, the custom was mainly a practical one.Before planes, trains, and automobiles, a suitor might have to ride or walk some distance to see his sweetheart, and guests often spent the night. Economically minded parents could sleep tight knowing they'd saved money on costly candles, fires, and guest beds, since two teenagers wrapped in a quilt could produce their own heat.
But bundling was hardly an invitation to free love. Since a damaged reputation (or worse) had huge consequences, the rules had to be strict. There were lots of ways to ensure a safe and successful bundling. The oldest method, dating back to the Middle Ages, was to use a bundling board--a nearly body-length piece of wood secured upright between the lovers. Parents using this method relied on the modesty of the couple, as eager bedfellows could easily jump the board.
Another, more popular technique was to sew the boy or girl into a "bundling bag," a linen sheet that would bind, confine, and conceal the legs, and consequently, the potentially offending parts of the body. For especially determined lovers, more extreme restraints might be employed. Boys with Houdini-like talents might be bound right up to the neck in a bundling bag, with their hands tied behind their backs. Judging from the large number of children born out of wedlock throughout the 1700s, they escaped more than once.

How Do I Love Thee....

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seem'd to lose With my lost saints,-I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of ally my life!-and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

Sonnets from the Portuguese - XLIII by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Most Romantic Couple of All Time:

Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning

On January 10, 1845, Robert Browning wrote to Elizabeth Barrett for the first time, after reading her volume of poetry, Poems. He was a little-known thirty-two-year-old poet and playwright, she was an internationally renowned poet, an invalid, and a thirty-nine-year-old spinster. "I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett -- I do, as I say, love these verses with all my heart," the letter said. Over the course of the next twenty months, they would write each other close to six hundred letters -- one of the greatest literary correspondences of all time.The pair's last letter was exchanged on September 18, 1846, the night before the two left for a trip to Italy, and two weeks after their secret marriage. Their romance, which she would eventually credit with saving her life, lasted for fifteen years and spawned some of the world's most beautiful poetry. Elizabeth Barrett Browning was the daughter of Mary Moulton Barrett and Edward Barrett Moulton Barrett, an extremely wealthy landowner who owned sugar plantations in Jamaica. Her mother died when Elizabeth was just twenty-one, after having given birth to twelve children. Although Elizabeth, the eldest, was probably her father's favorite child, she struggled along with her siblings under his tyrannical parenting. Incredibly controlling, Mr. Barrett insisted that none of his children marry, baffling even the family's closest friends.

To add to her difficulties, from the time she was a teenager, Elizabeth suffered from a mysterious illness that caused her uncontrollable spasms of pain, breathing difficulties, and a general malaise that made her unable to leave her house. In fact, she rarely left her room, and believed that she was destined to forever remain a sickly shut-in and spinster. When Robert Browning first began to court Barrett -- through their correspondence -- she seemed to enjoy the relationship, but dismissed any romantic aspect of his attention, unwilling to believe that he could really be interested in her. Browning, the son of Robert and Sarah Anna Browning, a bank clerk and pianist, was a direct and ardent suitor. But despite his obvious affection and the mutual admiration that is prominently displayed in their letters, Elizabeth refused to see him until the spring -- months after their first contact -- as the cold weather of the winter made her health poor. The couple's first meeting occurred in May 1845, after five months of regular correspondence. It is believed that Browning wrote to Barrett immediately afterward to declare his affection -- flouting Victorian convention -- but this letter has not survived. Elizabeth, sickly and so long in isolation, found it difficult to trust his intentions and was already skeptical of the institution of marriage and its treatment of women. Despite the obstacles, Browning's visits continued, though always when Elizabeth's father was not at home. In the summer of 1845, Barrett's physician recommended that she travel to Pisa, in Italy, for the winter because he felt sure she would not survive another harsh season in London. Her father, for seemingly unknown reasons, refused to allow the trip. After writing to Browning about her predicament, he wrote back, saying, "I would marry you now." Instead of dismissing him as she had done before, she embraced his sentiments. They continued to see each other regularly, and, thanks in part to an unseasonably warm winter, Barrett's health began to improve. In January 1846, Elizabeth, inspired by Browning, took a major step toward recovery by leaving the room where she had spent the last six years of her life.By May 1846, Barrett began to walk outside and, in her letters, credited Browning for having a large part in her recovery. Also, she had begun to decrease her use of the morphine and opium prescribed for her condition. By summer, she was living a much more active life. On September 12, Barrett and Browning were married, before another London winter could again weaken her health. Sadly, the wedding was held in secret, with only her maid and Browning's cousin attending as witnesses. Although she was then forty years old, Barrett lived in fear of her controlling father's wrath if he found out that she was disobeying his direct order not to marry. When her deception was revealed, she was disinherited by her father, as were the two other Barrett children who dared to defy him. Just a week after their marriage, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning left London for Italy, where they would spend the next fifteen years of their lives. Barrett Browning's Sonnets From the Portuguese (1850), of which the line "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways" has since become one of poetry's best-known, was written during their courtship and early marriage and is about her dramatic romance with Browning, and how he helped her save herself from a life of sickness and isolation. In Italy, both poets would enjoy many productive years of writing, as well as the birth of their son, Robert Wiedeman Barrett Browning, in 1849. She completed a second edition of Poems, as well as Casa Guidi Windows (1851), Poems before Congress (1860), and her well known verse-novel, Aurora Leigh (1857). She also became active in the fight for Italian nationalism, the abolition of American slavery, and the advancement of the condition of women. He published Men and Women, which was dedicated to his wife and is considered to contain his best poetry. They remained in Italy for fifteen years, until Elizabeth died in her husband's arms on June 29, 1861. Casa Guidi, the Brownings' home in Florence, Italy, has been preserved and is open to visitors.

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!

Your Candy Heart Says "Hug Me"

A total sweetheart, you always have a lot of love to give out. Your heart is open to where ever love takes you! Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a surprise romantic evening that you've planned out Your flirting style: lots of listening and talking What turns you off: fighting and conflict Why you're hot: you're fearless about falling in love

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Okay, for all of you that have forgotten what St. Valentine's Day is all about:

The History:

St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial -- which probably occurred around 270 A.D -- others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival.

The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

Blog Your Dog Day

Borrowed from Pilot Mom, "Jules over at Faith or Fiction has declared tomorrow, Monday, February 13th, Blog your dog day" in honor of the first day of the Westminster Kennel Club Show.

This was Lady. She was a German Shepherd. She was my first dog when I lived on my own. Believe it or not, I got her at the Humane Society. She was my constant companion. Ever faithful. I still miss her.


Sazi is our big bear. Her lips remind us of a bears lips however attmepts to capture that on film are highly unsuccessful. Her name is a nickname for Anasazi Moto. All our dogs have a middle name. We got her when we were living in a 27 foot travel trailer while our house was being built. She was such a cute puppy. She is an Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd mix or say they say.

Of course, here is our Gretta Garbo. I think this was her second combination rope/plush toy and it lasted all of about 10 minutes in it's pristine condition. That was 2 or more years ago and we still have pieces of it that she likes to drag around. Her nickname is Stinky or Baby Girl. She is an Australian Shepherd/Rough Collie mix.

Here is Abby and Max. From left to right. Abby's full name is Abberant Phipps and Max's name is Maxwell O'Shaughnessy. Abby was rescued from under a Military Police vehicle by tempting her with a "Mr. Phipps Pretzel Chip" and Max is Bill's dog. He went to the Humane Society looking for a Dalmation. Well, he got the black and white dots okay!! Abby is a pure bred mutt! Have absolutely no idea what she is. Max is an English Cocker Spaniel. He had a penchant for running away...just to visit the neighborhood. He was so friendly people would scoop him up and take him home. We put a tag on him that said: Hi, my name is Max and I like to roam. Please call my Mom, so I can go home". He's stopped his roaming since he became blind except for one incidence. Somehow, the sneaky fella, got out and Gretta went with him. I am pretty sure she was protecting him based on her reaction when we found them a few streets away. Abby's nickname is Flabby Hips and Max's nickname is Pinball Wizard.

P O W W W D D E R R R ! ! !

Here I am, in front of the computer…kinda hard to type anyplace else eh! I had a great piece written in my head but, it’s gone now.

Update: FABULOUS time skiing. Made up for not going for the last three years. I am pretty sure however, that I was the only one on straight ski’s on the entire mountain. Everyone’s gone to parabolic's. I demo’d a pair of Atomic’s, since I ski on Atomic’s now. Heavy, much heavier than my straight sticks, which are longer. Didn’t notice anything spectacular until I got back on my old ones the next day.

I don’t wanna praise Steamboat too high because then everyone will start going there. But not only is the mountain a great ski area with Champagne Powder (which is trademarked, BTW) but I LOVE the Elk River north of town. I would move there in a flat second. Couldn’t afford to live there, but what the hey.

Barbara was thrilled with the 12 inches of fresh powder on Monday morning. She’d never skied untracked powder. It is a dream. It’s like you are floating. The clouds moved off, no wind and that brilliant blue sky. I not only managed to forget about work for once. I also just enjoyed myself. Haven’t done that in a very long time. Yeah, Ireland was awesome, stunning etc. last summer, but skiing, being outside and moving, is the best way to heal the spirit and the soul. I am a bit annoyed with myself for forgetting that very important fact.

I also managed to forget my ski pants at home, so after briefly looking in some of the “ski” shops on the mountain and downtown Sunday afternoon (Nope, no Superbowl for me)…I went to Wal-Mart and got a great deal on a waterproof/windproof shell. They’ll fit Bill the next time we go.

The condo was very nice. Almost slope side. I mean, we were able to ski in and we skied out, but with a little poling. Was a good way to warm up first thing in the morning. We were on the slopes by 0830 and came back to the condo for lunch. First time I’ve had hummus. It was a red pepper version. I am pretty sure I’ve had this before in something else and didn’t know it. I liked it so much I started putting on my roast beef sandwiches. Our dinners were yummy. We ate out one night at an Italian place downtown. Good food and fun atmosphere…Mazzola’s I think.

Got a photo of “The Barn”. Barbara is funny. She didn’t ‘get’ why Steamboat would use some old barn as their mascot or trademark. There were pictures of it, everywhere you went, just like the one I posted below. However, there was so much snow, you couldn’t really see the barn all that well.

"The Barn"

I 'get it'. "The Barn" is the epitome of the west. Steamboat was and still is, a horse & cattle town. We weren't able to see the Winter Carnival events because most of them happened today. We did meet a great lady on the Gondola who invited us to watch the "Lighted Man" on Saturday night. She is friends with a local fella whose house is across the street from Howelson Hill where the festivities take place. Man, if only we were staying!!!!
Well, Barbara, I guess all I can say is, I have gone western and if you move out here, it will happen to you too! Then, you will 'get it'

Then when we were driving past the Black Sulpher Hot Spring, she was definitely not impressed!! Can’t say as I blame her. First time I smelled it I was repulsed too. But after awhile, especially after you sit in a sulphur spring, you associate the smell with relaxing, believe it or not.

Jacki joined us early Monday morning. She’s such a nut. She left Colorado Springs at 2 am and arrived at 0730 in time to join us. Was a good thing, as we had all that fresh powder, as I mentioned earlier. It was good to catch up with Jacki. She had to leave Wednesday after a day on the slopes. Too many commitments and not enough time.
I was a tad sore but nothing that made me want to crawl back in bed or anything. Except after the first day. By lunch, my quads were toast. I could only do a few turns and then I’d have to stop or they would have failed. I took my Shaklee shakes designed to help with sports activities and they did what they promised. Next day, felt great, no residual. Skied all day. And the next and the next.

Folks asked me yesterday when I showed up to work after dropping Barbara off at the airport at noon, if I had a good time on my vacation. My only response was… “too good”. That usually got me a chuckle or at least a smile. But I wasn’t kidding. I did not want to come back to town. To my job. I missed my babies something fierce and my boy of course. But, what a feeling.
The last day we skied a half day and then went horse back riding on a ranch north of Steamboat called “Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch”. It was gorgeous. I had Captain who liked to take his own time but did follow my commands the few times I asked him to. The owner’s dogs were so friendly. Lilly followed us or rather led us. She is a sweet little Brittany Spaniel.

The drive up was snowy. It took more than 7 hours because Rabbit Ears Pass was closed and we had to go back south over Gore Pass. The drive home was nice. Barbara hadn’t seen all the scenery because it was snowing so she thoroughly enjoyed herself I think. The coolest thing was just after leaving Kremmling, like maybe 1.5 miles, we spotted a herd of 18 elk just off the highway. ‘Bout peed our pants!! Of course, along this same stretch were over a hundred deer just grazing peacefully. I had one foot hovering over the brake (cruise control was on) and one hand hovering over the horn. I’ve had my share of hitting deer and don’t desire to repeat that experience.

We stopped in Breckenridge for dinner at another Italian restaurant. Pretty good. Barbara gave me a great, GREAT piece of advice. She suggested that if you notice that portions are big or suspect that you will eat too much, when you place your order, request only half the meal be brought to the table and the other half boxed up in the kitchen for you. That way you won’t be tempted to overeat. I don’t usually do that anymore because I really can’t tolerate that uncomfortable feeling after you have made a porcine of yourself. But what a great idea! I will definitely be using that and sharing that with whomever.

Besides the skiing, the best thing about the whole trip was Barbara told me Friday morning before her flight, that while she was showering that morning, she was trying to find some way to get another trip into Steamboat this year!! I am so glad she had a great time. I did too.

Told ya I loved these things!

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Hey

Just checking in with some of you. Having as spectacular time. Can't load pictures from dig because my VPN is not functioning and I refuse to pay for traveling internet access when I have VPN.
So, be checking in with you all this weekend. Thanks for all your good wishes and comments. You all are such an awesome group of people. I am so very lucky.

Over the River and Through the Woods...

to Steamboat Springs We Go!!!

SNOW REPORT AS OF 0615 HRS TODAY:
New Snow24 hrs mid mtn: 6 inches
24 hrs summit: 7 inches
48 hrs mid mtn: 12 inches
72 hrs mid mtn: 16 inches
Snow Depth Base mid mtn: 76 inches
summit: 101 inches
Cumulative Snowfall(Since 10/05/05) 320 inches

Temp34° F
Winds2 NW
WeatherPartly Cloudy
Lifts Open19
Trails Open164
Surface Conditions: Powder


Barbara flew in yesterday and we went to Whole Foods. Her only comment about the place was..."I've never seen so many brands that I have never seen before!"
Then we went home and Bill was awake so we all visited while I made meals for all of us. My own Arroz con Esparago casserole, Broccoli & Wild Rice Soup, Spinach Cheese Enchiladas and chocolate chip cookies. (This morning I made banana nut bread and beer bread but I used Fresca citrus soda instead of beer) That'l keep the boy fed properly while I'm gone and save us from having to eat out or cook after a day on the slopes.
Now, instead of blogging... :0] I need to pack the car and a bag for ya know stuff. Clothes, toiletries etc. Then strap the ski's on top and we're off.

Gonna take the back way out of Colorado Springs, go out 24, over Wilkerson Pass to Hartsel, north to Fairplay and over Hoosier Pass, then up to Frisco over I 70 up to Kremmling and over Rabbit Ears Pass. We could take I-25 to I-70 to Frisco but this way is more scenic and she might get to see some Bison or Antelope.

So, we should be there by 1 or so. After we get settled, we do a little sight seeing, since she's never been, and maybe some hot spring'ing!

Strawberry Park Hot Springs-looks delightful!

This week is the 93rd Annual Winter Carnival and I have ALWAYS wanted to see the ski joring event! We may also take a hot air balloon ride, sleigh ride and/or a horseback ride. But definitely a LOT of skiing.

I can't wait to post my own pictures because Barbara brought her dig and I'm bringing my laptop. So keep an eye out!

Ski ya later everybody!

Life

I really enjoy taking these 'quizzes'. I like to see if I run true to form or if there are things to which I am blind concerning myself. I would have to say that this is right on the money. I wouldn't argue with anything.

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

I am reminded of one of my favorite, if flawed quotes:

The unexamined life is not worth living.

Socrates

Why is it flawed you ask? This is difficult to answer in a brief context, however, I will give it a try and you have my permission to leave an opposing comment as long as you put as much thought and care into it as I do.

I first became aware of this quote in my early twenties and what came to mind were the kids with whom I went to high school. After high school, I had left home, attempted to make it on my own in Florida, then joined the military and had done some amazing things. Then, while I was working on my degree and helping my mom out after her divorce, I went back to my high school job. The same people were there doing the same thing. I thought then, such a waste. You must embrace life and seek growth. I hasten to add that there was a great deal more to this scenario. Just because you never left your hometown or joined the military doesn't mean you haven't examined your life or sought enlightenment or personal growth. You must trust me that after much contemplation and interaction, it became apparent to me that a majority of these folks were content. Nothing wrong with that. Heavens, that is what makes the world go round. So I still believe this quote to be full of meaning and value, for me. I have been told many a time that I 'think too much'. My response, though never voiced is, 'you don't think enough'.

Then, my sister's health declined. She is mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed. When she was young, she rode her bicycle, swam in our pool (she's blond and had a great tan every summer, the stinker), hooked rugs, went to school, had friends and was able to do chores and participate in some games. But her emotional problems got so out of hand that she had to be put on some heavy duty meds and has been on them for almost 20 years now. They have finally taken their toll. She no long speaks except infrequently in two or three word blocks. She is fed thru a PEG tube, which is placed thru her skin into her stomach, and she is incontinent as well as bed/chairbound. (She has wonderful caregivers at her home in CT) The meds make her sleep as well as continue to incapacitate her and the effects are now permanent.

I have raging, conflicting thoughts and feelings about this whole situation, which I will not go into here. However, I am brought up short by my own belief in the quote by Socrates. Certainly, my sister cannot examine her life. Probably never could, as her highest level of function was maybe 5 or 6 years old. Do I think her life was not worth living? Absolutely not. How about now that she is in serious decline? Again, my response was a resounding NO. Her life was and possibly is still worth living. To me and my mother, that I am sure.

It wasn't until very recently that I had an axis shift in my thinking. Socrates said, the unexamined life is not worth living. Trust me when I say that I examine my sister's life, the quality of it, the value, the burden to society, and unequivocally I can state, I examine her life and I find it worth living although it breaks my heart to see her like this now.

So maybe it does mean that if you don't do some introspection, reflection and growth/change you are wasting your life. But maybe it also means, your life is worth living if it causes others to do some introspection, reflection and growth/change.

In the end, all I can say is:

I was given the gift of a sister. She is my flesh and my blood. I wish I could do more for her, medicine could do more for her. But I must accept, although not quietly, her life and situation.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Dylan Thomas

EPHEMERAL

n. short lived
I have seen this word no less that 8 times in the last 4 days. Must be the latest 'buzzzz' word.
Well, off to bed for this little girl. Have a good night!

Close!

You Have a Melancholic Temperament

Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything. You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life. You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you. Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace. You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life. Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times. At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you. You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others. You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult.

What Temperment Are You?

Well, I borrowed this quiz from Leesa. What do you think Claire? Anyone?

Some of my fav photos

My cousin Laureen at her wedding 2 summers ago. She was a beautiful bride. I love taking pictures of people from the back!