February ends!

The last day of February and we have rain moving in so we should warm up a bit. This picture was taken of the back porch after our 'snow' storm, but as you can see it was hail stones and they are more slippery than snow. I didn't have to shovel or sweep as the sunshine did away with them quickly. The roof tops got more of the same so we here on the coast have been very lucky in not having the raging snow storms that everyone else in the country had to bare this winter. Each of us are yearning for the warmth of Spring and it is on its way.

The roses are still beautiful and light up my room. I say a little prayer for Jo for being so loving and generous. She had a fall on the ice a few weeks back and it didn't seem like much until a week or two passed and something snapped. She wound up with a problem that is going to be slow going away. She has been on crutches and has high hope of a slow recovery but no operation. Our knees are so much more that we give them credit for so walk out carefully so you do not fall on them and be laid up for a time. I am so proud of her for taking this misfortune so well. She has managed to hobble around and keep herself busy as well as getting a little help from a friend. When I spoke with her yesterday she said she was reading all of my novels from the first to the last. Oh my, she must be desperate being bored and housebound, but isn't it wonderful to know she is reading the best author in town.....smile....I can pat myself on the back . So thank you Jo, now you can critiques and know there are more tales being told.

A cold morning and the sun is trying to come up through a stormy cloud cover. This was taken a week ago when the big storms were moving in and I opened the blinds to this beautiful view. Even stormy skies can be beautiful.

So today, no matter what the weather, get up and get going. Your new week is about to start, the ending of the month of February with its cold stormy weather. Next comes March with what we hope holds a few surprises . The ninth of March is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, forty days to give up some one thing you love until the Easter 'Son' arrives in all His glory... talk about sunshine and warmth . . . be strong, be brave, give up some one thing, but not 'me', I am just not sweet enough.

Here it is finished. The first of eight puzzles given to me as a gift at Christmas. This one was tough, only seven hundred pieces and it took the better part of a week to do. I had help, Pat found some of the illusive tree pieces which stayed hidden from my view. The bridge was a doozy, harder to put together than I thought it would be. All in all I had a great time finding the pieces and organizing them; half the fun is pushing the pieces around until you get them color coordinated and when you put in four or five almost at the same time the feeling of accomplishment is there. It really is a patience game. I say no more for awhile but Pat told me this morning she gives me two days as the rains are coming in all week. She may be right. I'll let you know.

Make your Monday a good start of your week. Be happy Colin Firth won the oscar and the picture "The Kings Speech" won best picture as they deserved recognition. I wish Geoffry Rush had been nominated as he was excellent and one of my favorite actors. Just plan on seeing the picture you will not be sorry. Hugs to all.

More of the Same

We could have a wonderful debate about Unions and how the politicians depend on them for huge donations to their coffers to run for office. As far as I can tell Unions are the people, the public workers in all of the businesses. The Union was formed in its infancy because the 'company' owners thought more about their own profits than the salary of their employees with families to feed and clothe. There was an imbalance in the 'honest days pay for an honest days work' and something needed to be done . . . Unions came into being. It was to bring justice to the work force, but as we all know, everything does not stay the same, but changes and the demands became greater as the Unions became stronger. Like spoiled children the wants overtook the needs and a monster was born . . . and politics enters the scene . . . where oh where is common sense?

Every time I go to use the ATM the sun is shining on the little window pane and I can't see. I hold my jacket up so I can. This picture sure is funny. I can identify with it, can you?

This was another of those angle shots. This one is pretty clever. For a minute I wasn't sure what I was looking at.

And it seems as though Sunday morning is going to be bright as the sky is a pale blue and the trees are still. It is cold out there but clear so hopefully it is going to be a 'nice' day. I am going to cook a boiled dinner today as Pat found a piece of corn beef that looks like it should be tender and tasty. One of our favorite meals. We will be eating off of the kitchen counter as the dining room table has a puzzle on it. It is coming along slowly but surely and has about a hundred pieces or so to get to the finished product. I didn't work on it very much yesterday as I took time out to go to the theater and see "The Kings Speech"; if you haven't seen it, treat yourself to a great movie. I can understand why it is up for nominations and expect it to be a winner. It is the first time in a long time that I heard the audience clap when a movie ended. It is one of those movies that becomes a favorite rainy day movie or, like "Amadeus" or "A Man For All Seasons", or "Sabrina" . . . they make a rainy day come alive as you enter a world of another time and place with people you enjoy.

So today, if you can make it to the theater to see this wonderful movie, it is well worth your time. If not, I hope you will fill your day with the things you love to do . . . it is, after all, Sunday, A God day, a day to give the brain a rest and the body a walk out. Go . . . have fun. Hugs to all.

Pathways

The first time I saw a double rainbow, I did a double take, as I had never seen one before. I love to see the clouds spread across the sky with their varied shades of gray, some dark and some the color of pewter but all arranged in a pattern to bring about these beauties in our skies. I still have hopes of finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow but so far it has been a illusive journey. What would I do with it? Um . . . I do have a lot of ideas.

You can hear the silence in this picture, not even a tiny fish is making bubbles. The air clear and crisp and the walk around the lake peaceful. You could stop at the exercise places and follow instructions on how to stretch those muscles and the company of a grandson and his mom filled your world with love and acceptance. A memory picture that brings smiles as well as tears. Life is so short for some and much too long for others, so let us all join in taking one day as it comes and making it the best we can.

Not the same park, but again, a memory picture. There is a lake in R.I. where a small cottage held two of the most compassionate folks you could ever meet. They were community oriented and their three small lots were filled with every flower, fruit and vegetable you could grow. Old bicycle baskets were hung on the trees and filled with the suet and seed the birds loved. They came and sang their song for the couple who cared so much that they had a special place to live. I am smiling as I have written about this lake in my novels more than once. A lot of good times were spent at the lake and the memories linger. I didn't want them to go by the wayside so wrote about the people and the places which have been a part of my life. If Hobo and Minnie Mouse, as my children called their surrogate grandparents, were alive they would be so proud and pleased to be a part of my stories. Just thinking about them brings a myriad of memories which could be a part of another tale.

So today, think about the folks that are or were a part of your world. You may not want to write a story about them, but you may want to jot of a note or send a special card, if you are lucky enough to have them in your lives, and let them know just how special they are. Speaking of special, YOU are. Make today, the first day of your weekend, a good memory day. Visit a few of the old haunts that make you smile. Hugs to all.

Angles

Good morning. The teeming rain on the sky light sounded like the Scottish drummers last evening, but, it was not snow as predicted so I am not complaining. Today is to be a stormy day, but I will wait and see. Meanwhile I have coffee to brew, the other eye to open and I'll share some pictures that were sent to me yesterday about taking pictures with your camera at just the right angle. They are something to see and funny as well. I will have to keep my eyes open when I am out with my camera and see if I can find some angles like these, or I might embark on a journey where I can find just the right picture to show a letter of the alphabet. One of my daughter's had that as an assignment in an art class years ago and it was fabulous to see the outcome of the pictures. I remember "O" was depicted by looking up into a basketball hoop, and a 'W" showed up on a wooden fence.

Now this is making bubbles . . . cute and funny and so misleading It is all in the angle of the camera.

The flowers are getting a good soaking and it looks like the fellow resting is too, but you know he wouldn't sit still if he was being 'soaked to the skin', well maybe if it is a very hot day, he might think it was a good idea. The facial expression says a lot.

This is clever. Imagine the weight of the statue on a car . . . it wouldn't look like this. Some one photographer has a great imagination and a good eye.

So today, it is Friday already . . . can you believe it? Where did this week go? I have an impossible jigsaw puzzle going so am far from bored, but I must remember to look first to see if there is a lot of dark pieces as the eyes are not what they used to be. This puzzle takes on a look of copper pieces at night so there is no way you can find anything. The best time is when the sun is going down and the brightness shows on the table. I am planning a trip out doors today if the weather cooperates and may make it all the way to Walmart. I want to see some of those people that show up on the little videos, who knows, I might be caught on camera. Take yourself out and breathe some fresh air, do some one thing that is relaxing and shake the cobwebs out of your brain. Be sure you take your camera along and look for some of those angles to shoot at and send me a picture or two. Have fun, that is important, that is what having a weekend off is all about . . . no work . . . just play! Hugs to all.

Life and Roses

The e-mail I received yesterday had lovely roses and their meaning in our life. In case you missed them, I thought I'd share a few with you this morning. I know how meaningful they are as Jo just sent me a beautiful bouquet of long stemmed red roses that are making my living room come alive as they bloom more every day. The purple rose is for inner beauty and I can believe that with its deep color and its sense of thoughtfulness. Purple is a color of depth, thus it can give us a sense of our inner selves and if we were talking the talk of roses, we would send them to our family and friends when they had a feeling of depression to show them that within themselves is a beauty to unfold, to hang in there and 'smell the roses'.

A bunch of beauties, pink for knowledge, a good choice and a bouquet that some grads get on their special day to honor their hard work in earning their diploma. Several means success.

My daughter Eileen's favorite rose. She planted a bush outside her entrance door. According to the write-up yellow stands for financial wealth, and if she were here, she would tell you that is a misnomer as they only brought smiles of happiness, but think about that, that is wealth all its own.

Red the color of unconditional love . . . wow . . . we could all use a red rose in our lapel. Think of the times you have received one, or even given one to a neighbor or friend from your garden. What a wonderful statement to make, another form of a hug. Like Ethel Merman signing "Everything coming up roses." It could happen, we only have to plant our rose bushes and fed them with as much love as they give us.

A beautiful picture depicting our earth from space when Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong landed on the moon . . . July 20, 1969 . . . and one of the stories we never heard because of those who do not want 'religion' mentioned in their presence, Buzz Aldrin read a verse from the Gospel of John. In the silence of the moon, some 250,000 miles from home he opened a small vial and a wafer and offered up communion to the "Giver of Life".

So today, stop off at the flower stall in your store and choose a single rose to take home to someone you love and watch their eyes light up. Choose a color you associate with them, but remember you cannot go wrong with a red one. Hugs to all.

Hugs To You

Good morning. We are suppose to have a huge storm moving in on us today, or tomorrow, depending on which of the weathermen you listen to. All we do know is that our four weeks of summer weather disappeared without notice and we are left with a daily report of another storm moving in. It has been cold this year, a deep penetrating cold that makes the old bones stand up and take notice. Well, weather is what it is and there is not much we can do to change it, but we can head for a cozy warm place and stay there.
I talked with my daughter Christine yesterday and she said there were snow showers up in the Seattle area. She was busy trying to finish off her day in the office and head for the boat and home. I wonder what it is like to ride the ferry every day in all kinds of weather. I wonder if the ride every gets bumpy, well it would have to when the big winds blow. She never complains and seems to enjoy the ferry ride and has caught up with her reading as well as her knitting so I gather there are some advantages of riding the ferry every day.
This is the weekend for the annual fund raising dinner in which twenty ladies produce beautiful tables according to a theme they have chosen. I miss helping as it used to be such fun to spend time searching for the items to make the theme of the dinner come alive. It is a festive occasion and the whole town comes out for it as every penny goes back into the community. There are fun filled trips for people to win, and many auction items, some baskets filled to the brim with wondrous items. I won a set of china mugs one year that are really beautiful. I should use them instead of just looking at them. The ladies work their hearts out so be sure you offer a small prayer for the success of the dinner.

Here at home, there is no dinner to go to, no fund raising this week although there was a big chocolate affair for Valentine Day. We have our Second Saturday Art Walk which is always fun, although there has been a big change in the past couple of years with some of the galleries closing. I think we have at least eight store fronts empty on the main street. That is sad, but our economy is such that everyone has to pull in their belts. This morning the news is about the gas prices. We never think of oil prices but with the revolutions on going in all of the oil countries, we are going to be the victims of some very high pricing. Maybe we should revolt and not drive our cars as much, maybe set up a neighborhood car pool. It has been done before and it does take a lot of cooperation to make it work. The gas prices can go up to five dollars a gallon, now that is beyond the pale, and it is time to think of ways to keep some money in your own pockets. Be like me, walk . . . or bum a ride . . . it is cheap at half the price to take someone to lunch or put a couple of dollars worth of gas in the car. All I can say is that I lost my freedom when I lost my car, but then I knew I couldn't afford the upkeep and that was twenty some years ago. You are laughing . . . well some of us just didn't have the income to buy a car, keep it up, fill it with high price gas to sit in a driveway or in a parking lot while spending eight hours inside working away. Seems to me there should be a better way . . . mass transportation. . . Disney did it with ease, wonder why something was not done years ago....oh, that's right, big oil companies . . . pledges to politicians . . . oops, the soap box is coming out . . . I'm off to make my day a good one.


So today, be thankful we are not in the midst of a revolution or an earthquake of tremendous proportions. Make your seconds count. Keep in mind there is someone you can hug today, and if you run out of someones, I'm here . . . Hugs. to all.

Towels Anyone?

Poor baby! I'll never complain about my wrinkles again.

I can see where this little guy could be taken for a used towel thrown on the floor.

Just a pile of rags, with a Santa face, see the eyes, the nose and the moustache.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" as the old adage goes, and we all know beauty is only skin deep, but this poor little guy doesn't stand a chance of taking first place in a dog show but I am betting its owner thinks it is the most beautiful dog in the world.

Yesterday, La Verne came in to say hello and brought her dog, Skylar, with her. I don't know the breed but it was a costly five hundred dollar specialty and the owner went through about four dogs in one year trying to find the one she wanted to live with. Several were given away and two huge 'mad' dogs were given up to the local pound. I'd say she shouldn't have a dog, but then it is none of my business. Meanwhile La Verne takes very good care of her black and white hairy dog with the sad eyes and slow wit. She hears the command but seems to have to chew on it for a little while before obeying. I guess being an expensive dog doesn't make it smarter. La Verne seems bent on making me a dog lover but it isn't going to work. She has two dogs over at her little house and complains of the hard work to keep the house clean of dog hair. Me, I like animals but prefer them outside in the fresh air. We had dogs over the years and they were well taken care of but they were taught to love the outdoors. Keeping them cooped up in the house was not my idea of keeping them healthy and happy. When inside they were taught to mind their manners and didn't sleep in my bed or eat from my table. They were allowed to be dogs. So I have a reputation of not being a dog lover and it really has nothing to do with love but with training; the love come naturally and easily as they are such wonderful creatures. Besides, I actually prefer children and believe me they can be a lot harder to 'train' than dogs and cats, white mice or hamsters.

So today, if you have a pet, be extra kind and loving. Train it well so it is a joy to have around and not a pest. Give it the love it deserves and remember it is a warm blooded loving animal and does best without 'people' rights. Hugs to all.

Report Card

The beautiful Emma had her first obedience lesson yesterday afternoon. I have not had a full report on how she did, but knowing Emma, I am sure she got an F on her first report card. Why? There were dozens of other dogs there and when Emma sees friends to play with then there is no stopping her. I am sure Pat had a rough time trying to get her to settle down and it may take nine more lessons before she 'bends to the idea that one is to behave' . . . what is the fun in that? A lesson we all had to learn as we grew and most of us had a hard time 'bending to the will of others'. So say a little prayer for Emma and know she is in the 'dog house' today. She will have to practice, practice, practice to get her 'A'.

Our weather stays wintry and there is much to be done in the house today. The vacuum is waiting for a spin around the rooms. I don't want to admit that dust kitties could be hiding in corners as well, but a week of no attention means that Monday is a good day to catch up with the mundane chores. Like Emma, I can think of a few other things I would rather do, but . . . lessons are inbred and housework is never ending so one might as well enjoy it.

So today, your first day of your new week, filled with seconds to be used up and lived, organize and devout as much time as is needed to prioritizing your priorities. As for me, I do have a new jig saw puzzle on the dining room table and the frame is almost done. Bob and Andrea will be pleased to know I finally got to their Christmas gift which is an amazing box of puzzles of all sizes. The pictures are beautiful and I know there are a lot of pieces, 4,800 in all, eight puzzles all together from three hundred to a thousand pieces just waiting for me to get busy. My neighbor Laverne was all smiles yesterday as she came in to say hello and stayed an hour turning over pieces. She forgot her glasses and told me she is buying a pair at the drug store to keep at my house just so she will be prepared to do her part in putting the puzzles together. She loves to do puzzles yet will not set one up in her home; she needs companionship . . . and it is better to have my table tied up for weeks than hers. She has to be watched though as she is known to shave a piece to fit where she thinks it should go. My organizational skills drive her crazy but when she does find a particular color sequence many fit and she is always surprised. Along with the help of putting a puzzle together, she is able to vent about her problems and sometimes this is just enough for her to resolve them. Wide shoulders do come in handy now and then. Stop, look and listen today and lend a shoulder if needed. Hugs to all.

Empty Nest

Son John has returned to the land of the midnight sun, only this time I think there is more dark than light and two inches of ice on the road without snow to help with traction when riding about the town. He had a good flight back to Anchorage for the most part, that is if you do not count the delay when the back loader didn't work and the little truck ran over the landing gear. Not damaged enough to ground them so off they took and had a successful flight. It had to have been a long day. Meanwhile I baby sat Emma, the beautiful Golden Retriever who insists on staying a puppy forever. She does understand commands and she can be very good but she prefers to ignore all and do as she damn well pleases. I think she and I have come to an agreement as she was very well behaved yesterday. I throw the Frisbee for a time and wear her out, then I give her half of a treat and soon she is catching up with herself until she figures I have had enough rest and then she starts bringing her toys, one at a time, shaking her head begging me to play tug of war with her. I worry about her teeth as she is strong and will not let go, even the command drop is a joke to her as she shakes her toy and looks at you with those soul full eyes. I don't know who was happiest, Emma or me, when Pat walked in the door. She went wild for a second or two as her favorite person in the whole world came to rescue her from that mean old witch who insists on reading a book. Pat said the roads were slick here and snow covered the roads inland, and it was cold. She had no problem which was good and I was very happy to have her home. Today she is leading Emma to a class in obedience. It should be something to watch as Emma has a mind of her own. Hopefully she will get the message early and learn a few good lessons on deportment. I can only hope. Puppies are fun but oh they can wear you to a frazzle.


So today, if you have a pet, be sure to take it out for a long run and tire it out so you can rest and relax for your Sunday. I was happy to hear that those of you who have had a 'bit of the bug' are now feeling much better. Stay warm and dry. The last week of February is coming up for the snow boarders and it is a time of hope for the rest of us as Spring isn't too far away. The jonquils are out in some of the gardens around here. The tiny single one at the edge of the hedges is peeking out too. The television program this morning mentioned that the Tee Shirts will be coming out much thinner as the cotton is going up in cost and the shirts will be made much skimpier but pricier . . . aah, the economy! Have you been watching the food prices? Up, Up and away, a great time to consider just what you will pay for a loaf of bread or an apple. Maybe if we become very choosy they will get the message. Life may not be fair but it certainly should be. Hugs to all.

1911

Eugene Ely wore a bicycle inner tube as a life jacket should anything happen as he made a landing on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania on January 18, 1911.

It looks like there was a flotilla out there in case he didn't make it.

The first Aircraft Carrier.

My friend Bob was a airplane mechanic in World War II and if anything comes across his computer that has to do with planes then you can be sure we all get a bit of history and it is amazing the pictures and stories he comes up with. Another attachment was a video in real color, the first naval pictures of World War II of the action of a real air battle. I gather it was when the pictures changed from black and white to color and it was very expensive. The film gave more than a birds eye view of flying planes. The action was real and horrifying and the landing of the fighter planes trying to reach the deck of the moving carrier was much to real as the planes broke up or went off to the side and so many of our pilots were killed. It is never too late to offer up a prayer for the souls of the men who gave their all for all of us.

So today, your weekend starts and you have an opening to your seconds to do with as you will. What are you going to do today? John is flying back to Alaska. Pat is driving him over to catch his flight and I am baby sitting Emma until she returns. Emma doesn't like long rides in the car. Her idea of a ride out is to the dog park and play. She will settle for a few Frisbee throws but if it is cold and rainy she will be happy to join me on the big couch and we will watch a little television, or I will read and she will sulk. She wants to be petted. She wants to go for a walk. She wants a lot of things she is not going to get today . . . um. . . doesn't that sound familiar to all of us; we just don't always get what we want!! So settle for having the best day you can and find reasons to smile. Enjoy your seconds as they go bye so fast. Hugs to all.

Designs

The dictionary says that "design" l. to conceive in the mind:invent:'designed his dream vacation.' 2. To form a plan for: 'designed a marketing strategy for the new product.' 3. To have as a goal or a purpose: intend. 4.To plan by making a preliminary sketch,outline, or drawing.A decorative or artistic work a reasoned purpose . How is that for finding the word for this beautiful picture this morning. I was thinking about what to write about this morning and the picture brought to mind about any holiday you could think of, all it needed was the right words, but design came to mind as I thought of some e mails I received yesterday and words like persistence, insistence and purpose came to mind. There is a computer world that grows like the tentacles of a octopus and each day there are updates or new programs to charm a person into thinking they have to keep up with the 'Jones'; well, a lot of folks feel they have to and then then there are some who wonder about the intrusion into privacy, not every one is out there, some are content to being non intrusive . . . it takes all kinds to make our world.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, but trying to do a bit of explaining that I, for one, do not want to have all the new gadgets and programs on my computer. It works fine for the work I want to do on it and I am content to have the ability to keep in touch with those I care about. I have to perfect the programs I have and it is not an easy task. I want to become more proficient with the photographs and learn how to crop them or to make them stand out so the beauty of the scene or the person is at its best. I am also a bit of a coward in trying new and different things and know with time I could master anything if I wanted to, but the crux of the entire conversation is that I really do not want to stretch the brain any further than I have as it has become a delicate piece of equipment that could short out at any time. Well, that's what happens to octogenarians . . . they wear out!

I admire all of you who have the mindset to try all the new programs and enjoy them but know there are some of us who are from the OLD school and one to one verbal conversation is still our number one priority. To hear the spoken word is a boon. To see the action of the words spoken and hear the sweetness of the dialog is special. To sit in a room with folks all into their own little world of computers or other new gadgets and not hear the sound of voices is sad. It can also be rude as they continue with texting while the 'person' waits for a moment of their attention. Progress is good in some ways, but leaving all of the old ways is not the best of our world, according to me . . . but who listens to me as I scream for help when the screen freezes up and stomp both feet when the ads 'dance' on the screen and I can't continue to write.

Anyway, to make a long story short, be patient with me when I don't want the latest gadgets or new programs. It takes my seconds away and I have plans for them already. So today, when you are finishing up your week and the weekend is waiting for you to relax and enjoy your time off, try using some of your seconds in solitude and rest your eyes and your mind. Design a plan of rest and relaxation just for you. Hugs to all.

Old and New

I received an e-mail this morning with a picture of a cell phone for seniors, now that one I could use; wonder where I could get one.

Here is a better picture of my Valentine roses. Aren't they lovely? I took four or five shots but got nothing but very dark pictures. I gave my camera to son John who took a picture of the roses and it came out bright and beautiful. I have no idea why the difference, maybe the lighting was different when I moved the vase to an other higher darker spot . . . maybe it is because John is so tall . . . maybe I should have stood on a chair . . . just a puzzle as to why electronics don't work for me. I guess I just need more practice.

This grassy area in front of a home in Michigan was visited by a momma moose and her new baby. They just took up residence and I'm wondering how the folks can use the front door. They certainly look comfortable and I'd say immovable.

I had another e mail about drinking water. We have heard all kinds of advice and some have said eight glasses a day; others only when you are thirsty; but a Cardiac Specialist said there is a certain time for drinking water that will maximize its effectiveness on the body. So here is a list of what to do to stay healthy

two glasses after waking up to activate internal organs.

one glass of water thirty minutes before a meal - helps digestion.

one glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure

one glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack.

So today remember when to drink your water and stay healthy and happy. Enjoy your seconds especially if a moose and baby come to your front door . . . thank God for back doors. Take time to smell the roses and know Spring is coming, slowly but surely, just make it a good one. It was nice to have a mini vacation but it is so nice to be back home. It is cold, wet, slushy, thunder hovers . . . um . . . a baking day. Hugs to all.

Hello......Hello.......I'm Home!

Well you try getting up in the morning at four a.m. and going off to breakfast in a delightful restaurant in Coos Bay where the oatmeal is thick and real cream is served along with brown sugar and a huge warm bran muffin with apple sauce, then hit the road home with the worst storm on the coast in years. Of course we didn't believe the weathermen, they never tell it as is, well . . . almost never. . .unlucky for us as they forgot to change the sign telling us of the twenty seven miles of very high winds and the snow on the valley floor, which had happened a day or two before, so we worried for nothing. It did hail here and there, and it did rain in spots but very few and by ten a.m. we were back home safe and sound. When I got to my front porch I found it was covered with hail and slush, slippery, the results of the storms they have been having here. We didn't hit real weather until we got closer to home. Well, all in all, we made it and I would say for the most part we had a very good time. Our problem is that we, daughter Pat and I, are not in what you would call athletic shape. Pat has M.S. which creates walking problems and, as for me, old age is the deciding factor as to whether I will get around . . . the old gray mare ain't what she used to be!!!

One of the best parts of travel is looking out and to see the storm clouds take over the entire sky. The imagination soars as the clouds part with sun rising in the east coming behind them and making spectacular pictures. We saw a conch shell in the clouds that was so pretty, oh where is the camera when you want to take a special shot...home..of course; well live and learn, next time I'll be prepared.

When I got my key out to open the door, I saw a long florist box, wow, flowers for me? yeah! I never get flowers, well I can't say never, I have gotten flowers over the years from my children. I had to ask them to stop as I thought they were outrageously priced and I didn't want them spending money on me, when I'd be happy with a big hug, but here was the box and I brought it inside and then spent a good half hour trying to open it. There were no directions on the outside and it was glued shut, I swear. I finally wised up and got out my scissors and made quick work of it and what did I find??? Roses, long stem roses that are so beautiful. I have never, ever, had long stemmed roses and here I am with a bouquet that fills the room with the aroma of summer and the beauty of our world. Joellen sent me this beautiful bouquet as a thank you gift for staying with us at Christmas . . . so unnecessary as she is a welcome guest anytime and all it costs her is a scrabble game. How lucky I am even though I sound ungrateful as I say 'don't do that again . . . save your money for a trip out and come soon. It is a Valentine I'll always remember.

All in all the trip was a success. We came home broke . . . an expected fact . . . after trying out some of the new penny machines which have been changed quite a bit since they first came out. You can now play up to one hundred games and even more and you can play starting at forty cents up to three dollars and even more but I didn't stop to count all of that up, I just looked and thought of how dumb to try to fight those odds. I did win a five spot and I did put it back into several new games that were fun to play, so I had my play time and our trips around town to the thrift stores looking for a special book for friend Marge. Not lucky this time.
I'm not sure we will make that trip again. I sort of felt like this was a last time. The economy is taking its toll on businesses and the quality is not there anymore. The stores are all but empty even with a seventy-five percent discount. I asked a clerk in Macy's , "What happened to the quality of Macy's merchandise? We always paid a little more but got such good quality for our money." Her response was one of shock that I had such nerve, then responded with, "Well, we are at least better than Walmart." I wanted to say ''not by much, as everything comes from China at Macy's too." I didn't but I also didn't buy a thing. We have been taken to the 'cleaners' by the big companies going abroad for cheap labor, a sad but true fact of life and now we are paying a price for it. So before I make up all my off days in one blog, I had better wish you a good rest of today and hope that you have been having a good time doing what you love to do best. Did I tell you I missed all of you . . . I did!! Hugs to all.

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY

Art work by Sharon Guinn . It reminded me of a lovely valentine.


Valentines are love notes to remind us that we are loved. In case you were remiss, take time out today to call a few friends you have been neglecting lately and let them know that you are thinking about them and will make a date to see them soon.


A little bird sat on a wire stretching over my yard
and soon came another and sat beside its friend
Before I knew what happened
six more came on this line
and made the musical scale
that seemed to come alive

It has to be a Valentine
I hope it was meant for me
For the birds were like little notes
tweeting a melody

Did I hear Happy Valentine?
I'm sure I really did
I laughed so loud
I scared them
and chased them all away
but know that each one of them
really made my day.


May you receive lots of candy kisses, along with a real one too. Hugs to All . . .

A Break

Here it is Sunday morning mid way in the month of February. According to the write up in our newspaper yesterday, our four weeks of early summer is leaving and our winter weather is returning. It was cold here yesterday as the sun decided to change its pattern and leave us with our winter gray. We certainly cannot complain as the entire USA has had a winter to write home about. Maybe the pattern is changing for all of you and spring is coming your way, I hope so. Meanwhile we will relax as we are used to this weather as it brings needed rain to our area. The article in the newspaper talked about a draught so nature has a way of bringing up to our senses in a hurry. We cannot rush the seasons. We cannot have it 'our' way and as any old timer would tell you, there is no way you can do anything about weather . . . well, we can take it as it comes and enjoy it for whatever it is. Tomorrow John and I are going for a ride up 101 to Coos Bay where he will drop me off at The Mill, complete with gaming machines, hot tub, swimming pool and a lovely restaurant where I will sit by the window on the bay side and watch the boats as they go by. Pat will join me later on Monday and we will visit some of our favorite haunts and walk the mall. For all of you who live with a mall close by and big stores to visit, it probably sounds like we are a bit loony to get excited about walking a mall, but here in our town there are not malls . . . well they tried to build one a few years ago and it remains empty but it is so small you couldn't really call it a mall. We did have hope though. Anyway, walking a mall is good exercise but visiting the shops is fun. Who would think one would get so excited about visiting J.C. Penny, Macy, and a few small shops. Then there are the book stores and the antique shops and the thrift stores. We know where they all are . . . ah . . . the big town. So for the next couple of days I will be out and about and will give you a much needed break from the 'musings' of Jean . . .

I learned a few new things yesterday. I didn't realize I could Google me and find me out there. It is amazing how little I know about this computerized world and how really 'out there' I am. My love of writing leads the way and I found that someone has my first little novel on there for sale for $16.95 . . . wow, it was for sale for $12.95 when Publish America published it back in 2005 and I think I was the only one that ordered some for friends and family. Well, I hope the seller has a banner day. "The Blakely Field Stories" was my very first published novel by a vanity press and there is not enough time or space to go into what a vanity press really is. The short tales were about how it was when I was a small child written for my granddaughter and it was such fun to do. It wasn't done well, believe me, but it was done with a lot of love. The second was "The Dauntless One" and then, I have gone on with self publishing and I think I now am on number fourteen as I have continued to write and my small fan club has been the bane of my existence and a harbinger of pride in the tales I tell. There is a little truth in each, a lot of imagination, a lot of uncaught errors for they are far from perfect but good stories about nice people. All I need is an editor, an agent, and a best seller, as I strive to be the Grandma Moses of Literature.



Make your day a good one. It is Sunday, all day, I'll lighting a candle for a quick recovery for my friend who had a fall, and one that had a visit from a 'bug' that didn't want to leave. I am wishing you all a day to remember. Hugs to all.

Oh Yeah!!!

I don't know about you folks, but I get very upset when the computer imps take control of my space. They, whoever they are, call it updates and I wish they would just leave things alone especially when things are working right. I'm a creature of habit and when the imps take over my computer and I cannot get to my e-mail, or my blog, I get frustrated and like the big orange cat, I want to smash someone even if all they are doing is their job.




I am lucky son John is home on a visit as he was here to fix things . . . 'what did you do?' I asked. . . I shut off the machine and rebooted . . sheesh, how was I to know that is all you have to do to make the glorified changes go away. I know the imps mean well and they want those who have computers to be up and running at the top of the mark . . . but . . . they have to realize they have some octogenarians struggling to keep up with the things they have learned to do and there just is not enough 'head' room to take on changes that really truly are not doing much of anything but confusing the issues. Well, that is my opinion and I'm stuck with it.


It was really traumatic to turn on the computer and find a picture of Dell and not my beautiful ocean scene. It was even more so to find out that I could not get on the I.M. and toggle Pat to say good morning. When I found my way to the web and found out there are a hundred or more people reading my blog, I couldn't believe it and it scares me . . . but, not enough to stop (smile) and thank you for your interest in my musings. I love to write. I have a curious mind and it is fun to share the things I find new and different. I have taken the liberty to write about my family and friends, maybe I will have to start asking permission to keep shouting to the roof tops how wonderful they all are.



So today, enjoy your computer and be thankful you are young and able to make do with all those changes and smile while you continue on with all of your work and correspondence. I would like to find a way to stop the jiggling ads so I can write but ads have taken over our lives no matter what medium we are looking at or working on. I've done enough grousing for today, just know I am thinking about you and wishing you good health, a bit of wealth and more hugs than you ever imagined. Hugs to all.

Snowed Under

When Paula wrote yesterday it was to say the picture I had on my blog of her couple of inches of snow was passe, the blizzard came in yesterday leaving several feet of snow, so she sent along a new picture for all to see. All I can say is it looks peaceful, quiet, uninviting for an outside bar-b-qu, but it sure is pretty.

I have to admit it looks stormy, cold and staying inside in front of the fireplace is a good idea. If I know Paula she is sitting in her favorite chair working away at her counted cross stitch. This woman is an artist when it comes to painting a picture with thread. I have a couple of her works that I wouldn't part with. They really are masterpieces.

This is a satellite picture of a storm hovering over the United States. It didn't say which one, but it could be any one of the dozens that went through this winter. Folks all over the country are waiting patiently for spring. It is coming as we have one tree that has turned a lavender shade and is like the red robin, a harbinger of spring. The buds on the trees are a good sign also.

This picture reminded me of 'my' birds that sit on the wires that run across my back yard. There was only one lonely one out there yesterday chatting away as if he was in the midst of a tea party. I whistled back at him, or her, and I got a few chattering remarks which I just did not understand. The bird was probably telling me it is time to clean up the bird houses and fill them up. I am waiting for it to warm up and then I'll get busy and make it nice and clean out there and buy some of that birdseed they love.

So today, Friday . . . all day, take stalk in what you accomplished this week and be proud of yourself. You can finish off your work week and enjoy the weekend. Make a plan or two to do something different for yourself, get out of your winter rut slowly, dig out the bird house and get it ready. Look for the crocus buds they should be showing up any time now. We have a few jonquils blooming. There is one in the crack of the cement on the property line between my tiny Christmas tree and my neighbors bush. It comes up every spring just like it is suppose to, but only one. One of the birds must have found a tiny bulb and dropped it there. It is small but colorful and reminds me that spring is almost here. I am smiling as I got my first Valentine in the mail yesterday, a lovely one from Elaine and Joe with sentiments of friendship, I treasure. If you forgot and let Valentine Day creep up on you, don't 'sweat it' just pick up the phone and greet the loves in your life. Hugs to all.

A New View and the Dog Run

The Wave and the Rock

Incoming Wave Building

Homes Along the Cliff

The First Wild Flowers of the Season

A very narrow steep pathway to the ocean.

Three trees, three trunks, all different.

Emma out in the dog run fields

Pat throwing the ball way out and Emma chases it.

The entrance to the Dog Run

The big rock and this park like area are called McVeigh Park. I have no idea who McVeigh is, or was, so cannot impart any information about the park itself but I can tell you the dirt road in is pitted with huge pot holes. Why the city does not fill them is beyond me because for the very first time there is a lovely dog park all fenced in and gated. There are chairs to sit on, although the dogs have different ideas of their masters resting . . .it's, 'throw the ball' . Emma got the message quickly and she ran her legs off for a half hour. Meanwhile I used my trusty cane and walked over the bumps and lumps of the other part of the park which leads out to a semi circle of grass where the ocean roars below the cliff I was standing on. The view is lovely so I put my trusty camera to work.

The sun was shining and the wind was a bit on the cold side but it didn't feel bad at all. I would love to have walked down the path to the ocean sand and looked over the little rocks down there to see if by chance there was an agate or two. The pathway is narrow and very steep so it was a lost cause for me, there is no way I could go down . . . well I could have sat and slid on my rear but I never would have been able to get back up, so I stood and watched the waves and sighed.

The trees in the outer area of the park were very different in that each trunk of the tree was different. There was one that was twisted like a pretzel and I wondered why as the other two were fairly smooth. They all grew the same height and only the three trees in the center of a big field. It would make a good setting for some picnic tables, but then they would be better placed nearer the cliff, or would they? No, children would be running and playing and it would be to close to the edge so maybe the field would be a better spot. Well let us hope that the pot holes are on the list of 'to do' hopefully before summer comes around.

So today, know there are beautiful spots for you to go and visit in your area. Make a plan for the weekend, pack a lunch and take yourself out in the fresh air, if you can, some of you are still snowed in and that would not be the place to go . . . nope, you have to plan to stay where it is cozy and warm . . .so, grab a good book or the latest travel magazine and take yourself on a mental journey to the sunshine. Just make your seconds count and use those facial muscles and smile. Hugs to all.