Happy Valentine's Day

Is Valentine Day supposed to be a day of love or romance? Or both? Or friendship? In grade school I looked forward to that day more than any other. I would take my hoard of valentines home and look at them over and over. With luck there would be a few candies too. Kids would scan the valentines for anything that looked like "love" - then there were hoots and giggles.

In other countries and other times, Valentine Day has been for friends as well as lovers, for children and for religious reasons.

Can romance and love be different? I think......yes! Its best when combined though!

Wouldn't it be awesome to have both?

But when I think of romance, I think of the movie "Dr. Zhivago," Frieda Kahlo and her lovers Trostsky and the man she married who devastated her with his affairs - Bogart & McCall - most of the time romance doesn't turn out so well.

Then - is it love that kicks in for the long haul? Who knows?

This is most absolutely awful - but I have to confess the most romance in my life occurred when I was not married. The exotic foreigner who wrote me tons of love letters, extolling my virtues and beauty. So he said. Romance in the forest on the reservation filled with the scents of woodsmoke and sounds of birds. Romance with the wild Irishman. The professor whose smile was dazzling and lit my days. The artist who wanted me to come with him to an artists' commune in Canada. Would I have married any of them - no. They were wildly romantic but poor long term prospects. Or am I afraid and have been afraid for a long time?

Why is it that often those that one should be most intimate with - those are the very ones one a person will avoid such intimacy with. Yeh, bad sentence.

The wild Irishman is dead. He wanted to marry me. I looked at his ex-wife and five kids and thought, "You've got to be kidding." That kicked in some reality for me. We split. A few years back, "H" came home from Iowa and told me, "Faber is dead." Then watched me closely for my reaction. I guess we are a piece of everyone who has loved us. That was my secret. That piece was tucked far away in my heart. I just said "That's too bad."

I remember:

The days with thoughts consumed by the object of romance. The waiting by the phone - (when we didn't have cell phones). The thought of meeting soon...........
of hearing a song and every word belonged to the romance....wouldn't it be nice if this could stay in marriage?

Is it possible to be in love with romance?

What is it all about anyway? Remember being consumed with the thoughts of someone? At least for a while never being able to see their flaws nor they yours. The heat of passion - the sweetness.

Valentine Day can have as much disappointment for some as any other holiday because of expectations. Anyway, I hope you have a Valentine to share with today - or you have a good book to curl up with, maybe a box of fabulous chocolate (yeh, just go buy some yourself if you haven't a box!) - have a good romantic read or movie or music on your agenda tonight! Fond memories. Or someone in your past, present or future. Or, grab someone, and MAKE a good Valentine Day! Might be the cat or dog....sorry, just joking!

Fog, Long Needles, and White Flowers

We have had a lot of fog lately. I like it. It is still and quiet and adds another dimension to just being alive for the day.

I dropped the boy off at school and pulled into a Long Needle Pine Preserve. Like too many beautiful things on our earth, these southern forests are disappearing. Remember the two trees in my yard that disappeared, but everyone denied they were there...and I found the photo which established the fact that I was not insane, the trees were actually there--they were long needle pines.

I found the fog alluring and walked far back into the Preserve. The palmetto palms were twice as high as I had seen them anywhere. I hoped to run into an alligator - no, I mean I wanted to see an alligator in the wild. The only wildlife I encountered was the sounds of singing birds. I will go back in the summer when the pitcher plants bloom. These are also disappearing at an alarming rate. I want to paint them. When I first started painting, I had a period of painting endangered species of animals and earth.

I remember living in the woods In Alabama a few years back - I would go out and lay on top of the picnic table in the night, sometimes pulling a shawl over me for the night, and look up at the long needle pines against the deep blueness of the sky and wish with all my heart I could paint them: the deep night colors, the angle of looking up. I felt as if I were in another earth somewhere with these pines. My son died during that time and I bought his paints home with me. I still owe him that painting. I wish I had purchased that little mobile home out there in 'Bama on the bay. There were trails to walk, possums living under the shed, the smell of wet leaves and the bay within short walking distance.

When I drove to Mobile to see Dr. Lovely I encountered more fog. The horizon disappeared in fog, and the bridges I crossed disappeared into the fog. Another other-worldly experience it was.

Last night the birds sang all night--another reason I love Florida. I laid in a half slumber listening to them. Their song was absolutely heady.

Yep, I'm in an esoteric mood where I want to plant white flowers, moon flowers with blooms as big as dinner plates and a scent like no other, so I can sit on the patio at night with a bottle of wine, good music, and look up at the mystery of the two majestic long needle pines in my yard, watch the stars play off white blooms and inhale their scent and listen to the birds sing in the night. I would pick a bloom and hold it against my lips and be drunk with the sensation of petals. I could feel white with my lips, I would inhale white with my nose!


I think that surely there must be some place for me some day, a place of green, of moonlight and sunlight, tall pines and wild animals that come to the porch for food, abounding with nature and peace and the time to paint and create. Someday.

Dream Dancing in the Sun

Well, I still don't feel like blogging, but ok, I'll tell ya why. Stress from relationship problem. I'm so tired of living with so much anger, denial, and control. Even if you refuse to participate, it wears ya out. An analogy is the atomic bomb - it blows up, but not just the impact site is damaged - the fallout goes for miles and miles.

There - its out of the closet so to speak. But................

Today the sun was out and it smelled like spring. Like the first days when you head for the beach to get tan and hunker between sand dunes because the breeze is still a bit chilly. I've lost one dress size - another couple of months and I'll be ready for that tan - for long, luscious hours in the sun and sand with ice cold grapes and ice water in the cooler. Of course, I'll have little tag-a-long fellow with me - but he makes friends with kids there and plays happily close to shore.

So anyway, life has its fun areas!!!! I love my class - spent 3 hours today riveting two pieces of metal together with an 18 gauge wire that was an eighth of an inch long. Over and over and over. About 15 rivets later, I think I sort of have it. But compulsive character that I am, I enjoyed the challenge of proving to myself I could do it. (Do not drink lots of expresso before attempting this.)

I lost the three pieces of metal that I cut and needed to rivet. Took them to Mobile when I went to see Doc Lovely Tuesday. I showed my daughter what I'd done and she was her always encouraging self. I bought them home and then lost them. They were in an envelope - I fear it may have been thrown away.

Next we make a ring.

I need to get back to painting, (yes, that is a refrain) and also to send photos of the hibiscus as requested to a prospective buyer.

Spring is here - although its chilly, its time to trim all the winter dead off, get some good top soil down and plant cool weather flowers. We've had some days in the 70's - but today it didn't get much above 61 F. Yesterday I was scared to death we were going to get tornadoes - parts of the sky were absolutely black. Fifty people were killed in States around us.

Youngest grandson has started baseball (for the first time) and I'm so proud of him, he was scared to death, but decided he wanted to do it and is giving his all. I admire him for doing new things. However I've a lot more work now getting him to practices.

The political machines drone on and on and will until after November. We have too many TV's in the house - I love it when I'm the only one here and they are all turned off - no news of this candidate and that one. I will admit it is one darn interesting political race. Mitt bowed out today. Lots of speculation on how his supporters will vote now. Mention was made of a "deal" with Huckabee - wonder what that's all about?

Mardi Gras, the big days anyway, is over and I didn't go to one parade. Didn't eat King Cake, no moon pies, didn't catch any beads nor show my boobs to a single soul.

Well, the goal tonight is to make it to all of your blogs and see what I've missed.

Clearing Cobwebs

After some thought, I've decided to take a short break from blogging. I feel dry and am working on some semblance of order in my life and I'm having trouble setting limits for myself in several areas. I go through times of giving too much of myself and find there is little left and thus need to refuel. Many times blogging has been that refueling, but I feel I've not had my heart in it and I want to rant - and no one needs that.

Ha, I probably won't be able to stand it and will be back quickly - but for a few days anyway I am paying bills, cleaning up study, getting organized, working on a few simpler maintenance things with the house long postponed and no one else will do them, so rather than see the place fall down around me, I'm it. I also have junk I don't need that I need to sort and clear out. I also need time to think some personal things through....meditation time, not obsessive thinking time, hopefully!

Be back soon.

Sins of the Flesh

This is it - FINALLY! Running well. Grandson runs and runs. Daughter runs. I make it to .3 miles and try again. I've spent my life on my butt in a career my mother chose for me. How weak is that! I did have some exciting positions though throughout.

Anyway a person that sits on their butt for a living should really work out a few times a week. Should. Actually my middle needs the whittle the most. The walking and elliptical, according to Doc. Lovely makes the cortisol disappear. (New theories out about that nasty cortisol, lack of sleep, stress causing weight gains on the middles.) The "Suburban Sprawl" has more than one meaning.

One thing I loved about Europe - people actually went out strolling in the evenings, lovers, families, what fun was that? When I lived in Baltimore, I walked miles per week. But ended up in Suburbia, USA.

Have deleted posts today, one after it made up to "publish" - I was full of gloom and dread last night and this morning. I'm better now. I had a very long post. A long gloomy post.

Today didn't turn out like I thought. I've been reading Stephen King's "Song of Susannah" and am falling back into the worlds he creates. Would like to read the whole series. Better add this to my reading list, huh?

Signed grandson up for baseball, last minute. Then I bought myself a set of stadium cushions on sale - quite elegant ones! We'll see. He needs some manly things to do instead of hanging around with Nanna all the time. Lots of testosterone hanging around the ball fields. Anyway the folks seemed nice and testing will be next week so they will be on a team with similar capabilities. He'll go to a camp to give him a general idea how to play. The coaches told me this is just good sportsmanship anyway. Actually I didn't tell him other grandson played and I observed parents acting like asses quite often, embarrassing their children.

I hungry. I wants chocolate candy. I wants steak, a huge baked potato slathered in butter and sour cream, greens of every kind, cornbread slathered with more butter, and pecan pie for dessert (with whipped cream), yes I do. And about half a bottle of a delicious red wine. And maybe a lots of spaghetti smothered in Feta cheese and Parmesan, with Eggplant Parmesan on the side. Mmmmmmm. I am having to stay out of the "Valentine" isles in the stores. Certain destruction lies on the chocolate covered aisles.

One bite could lead to more and more and more, to where I finally ended up homeless, lying in the gutter with chocolate smeared around my lips.

"H" bought me home lamb chops, that I have loved dearly since childhood, and I can't eat those either. Tonight he is trying to get me to eat buffalo chicken strips. Yeesh. Alright already. I have read about these things, what are they called - manage au twa, triage, uh...you know that threesome thingie - him, me, the lamb chops.....

The only times I have fallen involved popcorn. So it could have been worse. See, I have my illicit times like anyone else. I have LUSTED after those lamb chops.

Received a call from the school art teacher. They want to know if I would display some of my paintings during the art fair and also set up a demo of oil painting. I need some fresh work. Grade school - nothing big, but who knows, maybe a budding artist will get inspired and be famous some day!

Enough - tomorrow church (confession of the thing with the lamb chops will do the soul good) and then getting my planning out and painting too.

Where have all the Endorphins Gone?

I have lost two posts - the "save now" button seems to be non-functioning. I much preferred the old "save as draft." At least that one saved.

Have been mired in technology traumas which are shredding my nerves. My new camera has a problem with adjusting for lighting - or I do. Needs lots more practice. I spent two hours downloading drivers for my scanner that quit working, checking connections, etc., and it still won't work. I have been trying to saw a copper circle for hours on end and am 99% convinced jewelry making is not my forte. It makes me mad though, because there isn't one artsy, craftsy, creative thing I have tackled that I have not been able to conquer and be good at it. Not the best, but pretty darn good. The metal and the saws laugh at me. The heat from the torches and lights in the studio make me feel ill. The class is overcrowded so it takes five times as long to achieve something than it should.

The elliptical hasn't arrived. I called the store and threatened to bring the receipt back for refunding. Just received a call though that the delivery guy is on his way. I'm thinking I probably made a mistake. The evil side of me is saying, just go to bed, eat and watch TV. The channel lately holding my fascination is Discovery Channel and the battles of the extremely obese. I'm thinking, "oh my gosh, that could be me!" Then I think, no it couldn't - these people obviously have someone in their lives that would be extremely codependent because they weigh so much they can't even get out of bed or roll over. Now, that would exclude cooking and grocery shopping - so what is going on THERE? Love gone wrong? Actually feeding someone to the point of death is not love exactly. I'm afraid to have back surgery because I won't be able to take care of myself. No codependents here. Well, maybe there are - just not the overfeeding type. And "J" cleans up enough poop at the hospital, I would not have any luck there. No one here to feed me until I reach 800 pounds. Hey, how's that for an impressive bout of morbid compulsive thoughts?

In regard to the folks on the Discovery Channel, I have to admit to some admiration - I realize eating can be an addiction as well as anything else. I struggle. At some point, they made a decision to regain their lives, and against all odds began the climb back to active, whole lives.

Next, aren't the above pics wonderful? I love the water - I love it so much. It soothes my tortured soul - mountains scatter it. The crawfish - not so wonderful - but thought y'd get a kick out of seeing them. Maybe.

I made rice crispy treats with a thick chocolate crunchy top. The boy likes a treat when he gets home from school. He would live off of sugar if left to his own devices. He has to be rationed. I wanted one. Didn't.

Yas, I'm in a weird mood. Give me an hour on the elliptical and i'll report back in! Hopefully I still have endorphins waiting to be released somewhere!

Great Start for the New Year

Nice birthday gift - a jewelry making workshop! I get to pick which one I want to take. The artist giving the workshop does work of the type that evokes an emotion of awe. This morning I just dropped in his studio to pick up a pair of pliers and see HIS work and the studio setup, and ended up with a most pleasant visit and even more excitement about jewelry making. For such a dubious start, I am now gung-ho!

Stopped on the way home and purchased a pound of crawfish for the boy who had been asking for months now if it was crawfish season yet. Beats me how he can eat them outside of a nice etouffe. The deal was that he peeled them. I think I was taken for a ride so to speak, as I ended up buying them AND pealing them. Ick.

I'm feeling tired - need to adjust the diet I think - have to call the doc Monday and report in.

So cold (43 F) outside, with a cold rain, and that cold, cloudy look. I was really hoping for a snow so the boy could see what snow was like. Anyway the cold is invigorating still and not unpleasant, like in snow cold with 70 mph winds.

Its happening today....

Making metal jewelry - I've wanted to solder and work with metals for a long, long time! After finally getting the metal and the saw in my hands, I think I'll love it. But I should paint. Just sitting on the painting. Off to another adventure! Looking at books, I'm finding beautiful art in the metal smithing.

Watched the news this a.m. I know I promised I wouldn't anymore. BUT I fail. Found out that Tyra is interviewing Hillary about Bill's indiscretion, supposedly today. Not everyone will like this, but I think she would make a good president. Anyone that can go through that with their husband without killing them or leaving them will make a great President - especially with keeping their cool in heated situations. I'm also proud that she is fighting back against Obama. This is an exciting election. Anyway, I will hang around the house for the interview. I love Tyra anyway.

The only health care proposal I like is Dennis Kucinich's. And he doesn't stand a chance in whatever of winning anything.

I'm allowing myself a lazy day, a do anything or nothing day. The only pressing thing is to find my absentee ballot and get that mailed in and to go pick up some metal pliers.

The press is like a huge vulture waiting for Britteny to die. What would it feel like in such a screwed up condition, obviously contemplating suicide, knowing the press was lurking - waiting - . Child stars pay a high price for the money and fame.

The President is proposing giving low income people an "advance" on their tax refunds of next year. What if a refund isn't in the making next year? Owing IRS is about like owing one's soul to the devil.

The sun is shining today, a switch from our gray, raining days. But its still cold - 50 degrees F on the average.

My back doesn't hurt this morning. I love my new shoes. I wait anxiously for the eliptical to be delivered.

Well, to the ballot search....perhaps I can figure out how to get my new cameras photos to the computer as well.

No Pain, No Gain

Haven't posted much - its been a frantic week and gone by too quickly - OR not quickly enough. Some things going on at home I just don't want to talk about on the internet leading to a couple of sleepless nights, even though I know I can't do problem solving while worrying.

The first jewelry class - arrrghhh. Don't know if I like it. It will be challenging. However my main challenge is in putting myself back together now. I went to class today, then forgot my drawing so I couldn't cut metal if I had to, so I went to the Sports Authority store. Me, the bookworm who hates sports and physical activity, sticking out like a sore thumb in a sports store. I actually bought a pair of walking shoes that are sooooo comfortable. Much less pain when I walk. I hate lace up shoes as badly as I hate exercise. But I hate pain even more. I am finding the shoes are lessening my discomfort. Will I succumb to always wearing athletic shoes and leave my Birkies behind? Dunno. Might. That's a beloved freedom of not working - don't have to dress up!

Yesterday I visited the YMCA and found it to be a really cool looking place, which I would love to hang out in. There were some fit old men in there too that weren't half bad looking. Just kidding. Maybe. I was hurting so bad, I could barely take the tour.

While at the sports store, I tried out five different eliptical machines. I liked it when I found one that didn't hurt my knees. Amazingly enough, the movement didn't hurt the back or aggravate the sciatica. The doctor was right!

I started testing machines. I started shedding clothing. I started sweating. The nice salesman stayed with me. I found a machine in a decent price range and loved it. I calculated "Y" membership fees and a 30 mile round trip everyday to get there and decided to do some wheeling and dealing and hope beyond hope my credit would pass. My income level makes most creditors laugh at me. But - it went through! I should have my machine by Monday or Tuesday next week. It will be a living room fixture. Or maybe the study. Goal: 3 miles a day eventually. It has cool gadgets - calorie counter, mileage counter, heart rate monitor - you can hold onto stationary bars or the handle bars that move. Go Granny, go!

Next, I feel horribly guilty spending much money on myself. Even the shoes.

Then, there is a phenomena that seems to happen when I try to get in shape. It is the reason I am sure that Satan really exists: Crises happen, deep crises! Discouraging crises. Or I get sick. Or let someone sabotage me. Or I can't afford the extra vitamins or supplements or whatever it takes. I am carving out a niche in the wilderness - no pain, no gain. Determined. Hit me with sticks, I am "sticking" with it. Twelve pounds off in a month now. Yay! I'm feeling more well, except for my back, than I have for some time. Hooray! Life, here I come--full steam - uh, soon.

Gotta go pick up Boy, and then get ready for evening class. Lucky for me they are interchangeable. The classes, not my grandson.

Its that time of Year again! or (Politics and Religion are dangerous subjects.)

Interesting! This year it was time to renew my driver's license. Fabulous to have the option of completing that task online. But, I was wondering if "checks" were in place to see if I were still alive and still really me. Also on the license were

"new, advanced, security features."

Ok!

I moved on to the government website to find out what "they" were doing now. It was ok by me, advancing security issues upon the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. At least this one is being acted upon. There was no information that the database from the State might be connected into a national database for uniformity, but I think it indicated this was probably so.

During last voting season, I noticed that foreigners had driver's licenses issued in the U.S. No problem there, but there was no way to identify that they were U.S. citizens qualified to vote. Of course, we had the option of sending them home to gather up a birth certificate. Some appeared to not have returned when citizenship ID was insisted upon.

I often wondered what would prevent a person from voting several times from State to State or a group of persons? Sure, there are laws to prevent that, IF one were ever caught up with and the question came up AFTER the election.

Also the new voting machines, without a paper trail, seem to provide no method of verifying accuracy should a recount be needed. It seems odd to me that after one we shall not name got elected, or rather managed to take the election, that THEN the U.S. government decided to change long standing voting methods.

Notwithstanding, I admit to being kicked out of a voting booth the first time I tried to vote in Florida because I was "taking too long." The poll worker informed me I had five minutes in which to vote. I'm telling ya there is a huge ballot in any place in Florida and it takes a while to vote responsibly, and not purely by name recognition. (Now I have learned to do my research on voting records, etc. etc. and mark my choices on a sample ballot so I can complete my duties at the poll within a five minute time frame.) This year I got around that by requesting an absentee ballot. I can sit in front of my computer looking up candidates records for three days and nights if I have to.

At first I like what Obama had to say, but then realized that what he is saying now, is far different in some areas than what he was saying in an earlier book that he has written. He has very little experience compared with others. Next, my "gut" - (don't they say "vote your conscience") tells me he might be a bit deficient on foreign diplomacy skills. "Gut" and from listening to speeches while he was in Africa. I do think we will have either a black or a woman for president next. Which is far overdue. However, I would prefer a person that had less reputed ties to the radicals who have threatened to "take America down." Even a tiny hint of such associations is enough to scare many of us away. But then some of our presidents have had mafia ties. However the mafia never took down the World Trade Center and thousands of our citizens in one fell swoop.

I've had my fill of persons who claim to be Christian to get the conservative vote. A rock in an egg carton does not turn the rock into an egg just because it is in the egg carton. I believe morality extends far beyond the abortion issue.

We never really get a person we think will be 100% fitted for such an awesome "job" and our checks and balances system is supposed to pick up that failing. However it has become corrupt--filled with good old boys fond of "pork" politics. Still, our country remains, if not somewhat tattered, one of the more "free" countries about the world.

Sure, I have my worries - lots of them. Tons of them. Mostly because we don't live in a vacuum. Because its such a delicate balance of trade, war, and peace, and diminishing planetary resources.

God help us all.

The Cats Rule Here

Parchment sent to my sister:

Hail! Just to let you know Kronus is now demanding not only breakfast, lunch, and supper, but a bedtime snack. However this has precipitated a miracle, "H" is buying the cat food but do not let him know that I sneak two extra meals in. Kronus has adopted the true posture of a King, and refuses to eat in front of his subjects, the people and the other cats. However, he has now claimed the Head Serf's bathroom for an official banquet hall and beats up any furry interlopers into aforesaid territory, despite his history of being run over badly in the servant's kitchen and left to dwindle away. The bedroom serves as a moat, and Kronus has installed himself on the tower to watch - Lady Serf put a blanket there which clearly had to have been for him and has now been converted to the tower throne.

In the meantime, Sir Pssssycho, refuses to be disciplined and runs willy nilly and somehow manages to sneak into the banquet bathroom for plunderment of the garbage can that contains fumes of liver, tuna, and salmon. And other items. Miss Meowi, now under the curse of the Hag of Harmouth has lost the fur about her private parts and tail and up over the tail. She is doing penance for prior food snatching and will be taken to the Healer 17 days before the next moon phase.

The serfdom is slowly being set free from the gargoyles of pasttimes, however the knights have not been in the castle for a long time.

The Lady Serf has decided to make jewelry to fill in the hours that her secret lover, Knight Begone, has left her to. She shall sing much Plainsong in hopes the shaking of the hands will cease.

In the meantime, King Kronus has issued an edict that the hunters be sent far and wide as he anticipates snacks in between the meals by the fortnight.

By your liege,

Lady Sislebehere-Serfdumb

Cats send Birthday Card

Speaking of cats, I got a birthday card from my three. I've been eating a lot of salmon on this diet, and the front of the envelope was addressed to "Hey You!" "Lady!" "Yeah, you, the one that smells like salmon!"

The front of the card had a picture looking like the above cat fiend and it said "Happy Birthday to one of the most thoughtful, sensitive, and lovable people I know." Just when my head blew up with some pride, I opened the inside and it said "Normally when somenoe pays you a compliment on your birthday, you're supposed to feed them."

Signed, "Love, (yeah right)Psycho, Big Meowwie, and Miss Kitty.

Signed up for the jewelry class. I'm excited. And crazy, probably. The supplies were expensive and I have all these hobbies I never quit get finished as well. Oh well, life is short, lets go for what we can, when we can.

Going to have a Greek salad with a friend!

Aren't I Just the Most Boring!

Ok. Even the cats think I'm boring anymore. No more political intrigues. No new art recently, no vacations, no dancing with drunk drillers from the oil fields, no landlord stealing panties anymore, no car sliding across the icy highway in a blinding snowstorm to rest in the barrow bit, no surgery, all my blood cells are now there and intact and carrying oxygen to my brain which is now catching up but still not thinking too deeply. No cute little (a foot shorter than me) guy with huge brown eyes stopping by my office to chat of politics and the human race being started by aliens from outer space. No employees telling me where to stick it, no coworkers sabotaging me. No pressure to get 50 years of land records on line by March.

Do I miss working? No. Yes. Maybe. I love sleeping in when I want to. I love not having to juggle twenty things at one time. I love solving problems on how to put a painting together rather than what to do with two custodial staff trying to get each other fired or driving to meetings out of town in white out icy windy snowy conditions. I miss the paycheck. I miss the challenges. I miss the routine. I love the idea that if I can travel, I can pick up and go and not worry about when I have to return. I love the fact that I can volunteer and pursue hobbies like reading, art and photography which I don't do often enough.

Actually, I don't care if I'm boring if I'm not boring myself and I am getting dangerously close!

Perhaps tomorrow I will amble out to the college and see if there are any openings in the silver jewelry class and get back into the art building and the excitement, I don't know.

Puzzling Pot

Finally! I found something about my mysterious cooking pot, Iwachu Nabe or Mabe or Nebe.

Eating from this pot which is placed on the table over a heater usually, and dipped from by the whole gathering is supposed to bring relationships into being and bring folks together as they share from the pot. What a cool present.

I baked a chicken in it and the wooden lid infused the chicken with a delicate wonderful flavor, the skin browned nicely and I was so tickled. Can't wait to try to traditional Japanese fare now. But no Pufferfish, (a prized fish that if prepared carelessly can kill the diner), I promise.

The cast iron is great for anemic people as the iron leaches out into the food.

I waded into reading some of the history of Japanese cooking and its really quite interesting. Nationally, I am told the Japanese have a low incidence of overweight individuals. Looking at some of the dishes, I don't wonder why! But some look incredibly delicious, so I definitely need to make a visit to the Japanese warehouse market for ingredients and begin to put the pot through its paces.

To Puppy

Did you know your blog is down? I miss it.

Birthday at Hibachi

The grill starts up....


Onion Ring Volcano


Trying to catch rice with mouth

We had a great time at my daughter's house. I got a Imachu Mabe for Christmas - if anyone knows how to cook with one on an electric stove, please let me know! Or any recipes?

My oldest grandson turned 17 and we all went to his favorite hibachi restaurant. He and his friend had their first try at sushi -that was cute to watch. The hibachi cook decided to throw rice at the boys to see if they could catch it in their mouths. We had a good time laughing.

We have had some serious cold snap here - it froze two nights in a row. Now, I need to get out and trim bushes (at least try) and put the trumpet flower trimmings in a bucket to reroot and plant in the spring.

Youngest daughter and I went to see Sweeney Todd last night. It was a good movie, except for the graphic blood scenes - the horror was in the graphic murders. As usual, Depp was brilliant and whoever played his daft girlfriend was good as well. In fact the whole cast was rather good I thought.

Don't know what I'm doing today. Not successful in my planning as I had determined to be. Maybe I need to order a filler for my Franklin Planner - well, I'm not THAT busy - that would be a waste of money.

Over the Bayou and through the Woods to Daughter's House We go

Bays, Bayous, Estuaries, Springs - the South has water, lots of it. However the past few years, planners are gathering to devise ways to share the water with states north of us. Predictions are that even drinking water might have to be rationed. Hopefully there will be enough publicity around the meetings that the public will be able to know what is planned and the time frame surrounding the plans. If all the artic sea ice is almost melted, where did it flow to?

I'm also reading that corporations are buying water rights and water systems in the future will most likely be privatized. Which I expect means, we will be paying a bundle for one of life's very basic necessities. How long in the future? It's happening now.

We're getting ready to go to my older daughter's to deliver Christmas presents. She called early to warn me that her "other" is in a foul mood, so it will probably be a short trip. This holiday season has disappeared in a hurry.

Cleaning lady is coming, thank heaven, so I am trying to put anything that I think I might never find again if I don't put away, away! All the laundry was done yesterday with the help of "H" because this pain in leg grinds on, difficult to walk. Tomorrow will seek some relief from a doc or health provider.

Happy New Year

Meant to post a photo of firecrackers and not finding any truly inspiring ones, I thought about symbols for New Years. What is the meaning of the old man with the scythe? I did some research which I love to do and will probably bore most to death, but anyway here it is:

Santa Claus tied to the Old Man? Holly King / Santa Claus: There are as many theories of a "historical" Santa Clause (or "Saint Nicholas") as there are ethnic cultures. As an Keltic folk archetype however, the old man wreathed in holly is the Holly King. He represents the "waning year", the "old year", or the "dark half" of the year. At winter solstice the Oak King (or the Sun, or the New Year) is born, and the Holly King's reign is over.

In Masonry:
Other authors consider Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius as the three murderers of the sun, inasmuch as Osiris was murdered by Typhon, to whom were assigned the thirty degrees of the constellation of Scorpio. In the Christian Mysteries also Judas signifies the Scorpion, and the thirty pieces of silver for which he betrayed His Lord represent the number of degrees in that sign. Having been struck by Libra (the state), Scorpio (the church), and Sagittarius (the mob), the sun (CHiram) is secretly home through the darkness by the signs of Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces and buried over the brow of a hill (the vernal equinox). Capricorn has for its symbol an old man with a scythe in his hand. This is Father Time--a wayfarer--who is symbolized in Masonry as straightening out the ringlets of a young girl's hair. If the Weeping Virgin be considered a symbol of Virgo, and Father Time with his scythe a symbol of Capricorn, then the interval of ninety degrees between these two signs will be found to correspond to that occupied by the three murderers. Esoterically, the urn containing the ashes of CHiram represents the human heart. Saturn, the old man who lives at the north pole, and brings with him to the children of men a sprig of evergreen (the Christmas tree), is familiar to the little folks under the name of Santa Claus, for he brings each winter the gift of a new year.

Next in mythology we have:

Pictures of Saturn are always portrayed an old man. This comes from the idea that Time is old and eternal. Often Saturn is also seen carrying a scythe, which was depicted in the Greek myth as the implement used to castrate Uranus. The story also in mythology represents the live cycle of plants as well as people. Here, with the curved scythe tells of the harvesting of the crop in spring. Although this may seem the end of life, the set aside or unused seed from maybe replanted for the next generation of crops.

I thought these comments were rather interesting. The first notion left my head fuzzy, but both summarized, it seems the Masonic view is that of a religious point of view anyway - the sun as a God, Hiram? Mythology appears to arise out of a need to explain what is going on in the earth around the man. Well, I'm far from a philosopher but when I celebrate something, I want to know what I'm celebrating!

Today - I will have split pea and ham soup in honor of the old year 2007 passing away into history and the new year beginning with some hope. "H" will watch ball games all day, that is his celebration. We've never once gone out on New Years. Odd. (Maybe I will go see Sweeney Todd.)

This year is supposed to be challenging according to some, and others are saying it will be the year of new beginnings for many. We'll see. No matter what we think, it comes!

Ticking........

Not much going on at the homestead and I'm too tired to read the news. I have been sleeping a lot due to one of the meds. I think I've had the flu. Still coughing and coughing. And the darn sciatica - the best place for me now is laying down. Period.

Miss Meowie knows I'm ill - she climbs up behind me when I'm sitting, puts her paws on my shoulders and nuzzles my hair. Awwwwwwwwwww.

So this is to let everyone know I'm alive and ticking.

Going back to bed. Bye.

Doors

Doors - ambiance & interpretation laden. A lot of photographers specialize in great photos of doors. I love to photograph buildings as well.

Thinking about the New Year and doors I want to walk through this year. I want a deeper spiritual walk. I would like to walk through the door of good health and to be able to be active. I want to clean all my doors and windows' nooks and crannies of the hurricane debris. This would not only make them work better, but would signify an end of the hurricane times of my life. There are maximum changes in the landscape after a hurricane. There is much that is never the same again. But, come to think about it, all the dead debris makes room for new growth. Doesn't happen overnight, but it comes eventually.

I want more patience with myself and others.

I want to lose extra weight, work out and walk, and be "lean and mean" - well, not mean, but fit for action. I want more discipline in my life. I have the tools, but where to put them and which screw or nut or bolt do I twist tighter? I can laugh thinking maybe more than a few screws and nuts and bolts have come loose! The doors around the house either need painted or oiled. They look bedraggled and they squeak. All it takes is some paint and some oil. And a determined person to touch them.

I want to learn to take care of myself. Seriously. To say no to things that are not good for me mentally or spiritually or physically. To find a suitable bed so I can sleep without having to roll it up everyday. To de-clutter. As I go through my list, I'm realizing some of the things are spiritual things manifesting in the physical - like the clutter. Clutter paralyzes me. What cures clutter? Discipline - pick up things, have a place for them, get rid of the unused...organize.

Determination arises to quit wandering the days endlessly. The time management chart will be drafted as soon as I leave this blog. Yep, I'm starting this project with a crackdown, big time! We'll work it it until we get it.

These things, most of them take a lot of trust. Trust that the God I believe in will meet my needs as they arise, trust that I will be truly well and in the mean time that all the resources I need will be available to me. I have done all I can in that area, all I can. Then, trust that all the things I worry about are things that I can either do something about or put in God's hands if I can't. Hmmmm - starting to sound like an AA meeting here this a.m.

I'm not so sure these are resolutions as much as they are the coming year's goals.

The Day After

Is it over yet?


Grandson & Dad busy with "putting together" grandson's executive office chair. This has been his close companion - takes it everywhere in the house.


When is dinner?


My new birdbath.

Its over. The month preceding and the day disappeared too quickly. Part of that was due to a week of being in a fog of a cold and two naps on Christmas Day. "H" cooked the meal, thank goodness or it would have been canned soup.

Called the doc today who is wont to phone in prescriptions without seeing me. Due to whooping cough in childhood, I get the bronch (bronchitis) at the drop of a hat, and that seems to be where its gone. The general "malaise" part is over except for being tired for lack of oxygen. That too shall pass. May even try to take grandson to "Water Horse" this afternoon.

Didn't make it to my older daughter's for Christmas, they don't need this to rampage through their home. We'll try for exchanging presents later.

I love the bird bath, it is sort of aged copper looking, but it has yet to traverse its way down to its place by the red berry bush. I also got a camera but it is lost in the house somewhere much to my dismay. It has a wide angle lens and a zoom lens and all the nifty things that digitals have progressed to: 10 megapixals (yes!) and 10 optical zoom. Soon I will be posting pics of ants. Just kidding. Providing we find the camera. "J" got one for herself too - both are missing. "H" gave me a book on healing with the bird bath. Is that a hint? I'm trying, "H", I'm trying.

Well, time to tank up on vitamins, and fix a breakfast, shower, etc., etc. Work on the destruction of the holiday. The tree seems forlorn, but may wait until after the holiday to take it down.

Merry Christmas

Hope your holiday is wonderful.

A head and respiratory something, perhaps the flu, has hit me, I should go to the doctor but its the weekend and now Christmas is coming up and doctors will be very scarce until Wednesday. ER is too expensive. I can't just pick up a normal virus, it mutates to a long term bout with bronchitis. Grrrr. The vaporizer full of Vicks has been running for the boy, I'll keep it on for myself. I've been nursing the little fellow, maybe he'll nurse me now.....we can order pizza if we have to.

We had planned to go to my daughter's for Christmas eve, but I would not take this illness over to them. Perhaps younger daughter can carry the presents to them. This is rotten!

Cooking is out of the question, although they all seem to have no problem eating what my germ laden semi-comatose body has prepared for them if I could cook. Drat, drat, drat. Wish I had a hot buttered rum - a bucket of them, some movies, and more kleenex.

So on this clogged up, nauseous, weak note, I wish one and all a Merry Christmas - and hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends! I hope all you and your children and friends and pets are well and can enjoy this time. Candy, hope you do too!

Christmas Story

Here is a wonderful Christmas Story from the AP Press that I've provided a link to since it is against the law to reprint an AP story:

Pastor's Challenge Shocks Congregation

Photo Gallery: What Happened to the Money?
Amy Sancetta, AP

There, I'm legal!

Mashing Hugs for Bloggy Friends

Blogging has been a part of my life for over two years now. Blogging and blog friends saw me through a winter of my life, in every sense.

I'm still blogging (obviously) although sometimes I haven't much to say.

Two of my blog friends have made my heart thump with concern with resulting prayers arising for their situations recently. I'm amazed at the feelings of emotional involvement and attachment for many of those that I've been essentially corresponding with for several years.

What was "a hobby" and "outlet for writing" has become an integral part of my life. So have the people behind the blogs. In fact, I swear some of us have said things on the blogs we wouldn't in our lives outside the blogs.

Here is a thought that comes and goes - (because I have lost someone near and dear to me in life and know it can happen) what if "something" happened to one of us? Who would know, how would we know?

I have given someone my password so they can tell folks if I've gone over the edge, ran off with Fabio, or to the great beyond or the long sleep or whatever so they can post to let everyone know. ("L" it's you!) Kind of like leaving a will. Only the benefit is knowing why a blogger that has been around for a long time has ceased to blog because of a major event. Ever think about that?

And, whoever made the call overseas in an emergency out of care and love and concern - that's above and beyond the call of bloggy duty, and it was the depth of caring.

Many have shared boxes, advice, recipes, talents, parts of themselves, calls, and emails, for that I thank you.

So even if you aren't a huggy person, I am sending you all these enormous hugs right now. Be hugged! You are so appreciated!

In Our Country?

Some of you are familiar with my New Orleans posts which are more than just interesting pictures. Candy Minx also posted several about the aftermath of Katrina.

People are protesting living quarters being torn down for a more "homogeneous" neighborhood. We now have a diaspora of African Americans - will it become even greater in number? I think our future history books will look back on this whole situation with shame. Maybe further into the future, the outcome will be better for them, but I can't help but think of the "Trail of Tears." How can the outcome be better when the decision is not in your hands? Still, only time will tell.

Here is a link to demonstrations in New Orleans protesting the demolition and the police reactions.

The Week Before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the house

Creatures were stirring, except for the cats on their evening carouse;


The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that by Christmas they would still be there;


Grandson & family all nestled in beds,

While family cats schemed to run over their heads;

And Nana in her jammies, and me in my sleeper,

Had just settled down hoping the cats would sleep and not play the creeper,

When out on the lawn there arose such a howl,

I sprang from the floor mat to see what was about.

Away to the window I limped all in a fog,

Tore open the shutters and to see the neighbor's dog.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen decorations (sob)

Strewn about lights gave the lustre of mid-day to objects near,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,



But a dog catcher's truck, the kitty cats laughed and said, "Good Luck!"

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

The doggie knew in a moment it must be the most feared catcher, St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers he came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Doggie! now, Kitties! One, Two and Three!

Oh how will I get them out of that tree!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Net swinging wildly to catch them all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, the cats sprang very wry,

So down from the house-top the dog catcher fell,

The master felt sorry and fed them all well

Cat tuna, dog bones, cookies for catcher.



And then, in a twinkling, we heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each reindeer hoof.

As we drew in our heads, and turned around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, (why, he is a CAT!) from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his whiskers how merry!

His cheeks were like cotton balls, his nose like a pink berry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the fangs that hung out were as white as the snow;

The stump of a bat he held tight in his teeth,

And the soot encircled his head like a wreath;

He had green eyes and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old Cat,

And I was amazed when I saw him, spitting like that.

A wink of his eye and a flash of his paw led,

Me to think I could have something to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his claw aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney, with a spring, he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a histle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.



But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Just for Fun....

Odd time of the year to be thinking of diving - but I've always wanted to learn how - this place is driving distance from us. I used to snorkel every chance I could - underwater is a world of its own - so quiet, so beautiful.

Just Fooling Around

I'm always up for interesting photos. These are from an old garage - I would say probably the late 40's, early 50's.

What a weekend - I'm tired. Weekends are such a whirl of activities. The little boy has about two hours of homework and then a church Christmas Skate Party. I'll take him for a while, then we'll come home early and crash.

I tried to finish up Christmas yesterday, but it started raining like crazy, so I came home to wait it out and just never went back out. I hate not having things done super early so I can relax and enjoy the holidays more. Well, I panicked at Thanksgiving and it turned out fine anyway.

The doc told me to start human growth hormone with the other supplements (great for Crohns & injuries like my back) but I've been calling and visiting pharmacies looking for a decent price. Some of the pharmacy folks treat me like I'm some kind of freakazoid, which I resent. The lady at Scroogemart (Walmart) was whispering and giggling with a co-worker while looking at the prescription. Twits.

Then I read in the newspaper today about a baseball player being under some sort of censure because he took it for an injured elbow. What the???? I have heard of no murders, suicides, beatings, dog fight kingpins, etc., etc., from HGH as in another drug whose name I won't mention.

Had a fascinating discussion at the vitamin store where I went for whey powder with a weightlifter/clerk. He said he got one of those sleep masks that are for people with sleep apnea and he lost 30 pounds within just a few weeks. I dropped a hint to "H" thinking he might be interested. No response. Clerk also knew someone with Crohns who was "cured" from incorporating the HGH. That's pretty interesting.

Well, have to set the boy on the computer for his FCAT practice. Here in the U.S., I think, don't know for sure, that teaching is done to standardized government promoted tests.

Follow the Money

Why would the White House and EPA not want to take measures to improve our atmosphere? Oh, duh, of course - follow the money to the oil companies!! The following looks tedious but is not too hard to read quickly:

Federal Judge Upholds California's Right to Tighten Fuel Economy Standards. By Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, December 13, 2007. "California's first-in-the-nation effort to limit cars' emissions of gases that contribute to global warming took a big step forward Wednesday when a federal judge upheld the state's right to control air pollution and dismissed a challenge by the auto industry. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Anthony Ishii of Fresno also was a victory for 16 other states whose laws or regulations on tailpipe emissions were modeled after California's 2002 statute. The 17 states represent nearly half the U.S. population, and their laws would effectively require automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions nationwide, despite President Bush's rejection of mandatory national standards. The California law, however, cannot be enforced without the approval of the... EPA. The state asked the EPA two years ago for a waiver that would allow it to exceed federal clean-air requirements and regulate cars' greenhouse gas emissions starting with 2009 models. The EPA has never denied California such a waiver, but the agency has been lobbied by auto companies and by Bush's transportation secretary to deny the request. The state has sued the agency to force a decision, and EPA Administrator Steven Johnson has promised to decide by the end of the year. Ishii's ruling 'leaves the Bush administration as the last remaining roadblock to California's regulation of tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions,' said state Attorney General Jerry Brown, whose office defended the law. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed another groundbreaking law last year seeking a 25 percent reduction in all greenhouse gases emitted in California by 2020. He said Wednesday that with motor vehicles contributing nearly 30 percent of those emissions, 'it is imperative that we be granted the fuel waiver from the federal government.'"

Gore Blasts U.S. Obstruction in Bali. By Marian Wilkinson and Mark Forbes, The Age (Australia), December 14, 2007. "Former U.S. vice-president Al Gore has made a dramatic 11th-hour intervention at the faltering climate change talks in Bali, accusing his own country of obstructing progress and calling on other nations to forge a new deal without Washington. With less than 24 hours to today's conference deadline, the newly-awarded Nobel laureate last night made an impassioned plea to conference delegates to leave an 'open space' in a new climate change deal, and to hope it will be filled later by President George Bush's successor. 'I am going to speak an inconvenient truth: my own country, the United States, is principally responsible for obstructing progress here in Bali,' Mr Gore said, to rapturous applause." (For more on Gore's speech, go to Sify News' Al Gore's Oratory Electrifies Bali Summit.)

EU Gives U.S. Ultimatum. The Associated Press, December 13, 2007. "European nations will boycott U.S.-led climate talks next month unless Washington accepts a range of numbers for negotiating deep reductions of global-warming emissions, Germany's environment minister said Thursday. 'No result in Bali means no Major Economies Meeting,' said Sigmar Gabriel, a top EU environment official, referring to a series of separate climate talks initiated by President Bush in September. The U.S. invited 16 other 'major economies' to discuss a possible program of nationally determined, voluntary cutbacks in greenhouse gas emissions, as opposed to the binding targets favored by the EU and others now meeting in Bali. The U.N. climate chief warned Thursday that a deadlock between the U.S. and the E.U. over emissions cuts threatened to derail talks aimed at launching negotiations for a new global warming pact. 'If we don't get wording on the future, then the whole house of cards falls to pieces,' said Yvo de Boer, as [the summit in Bali] entered the final stretch. Washington... [is insisting that it is] taking steps to tackle rising temperatures and that many of its actions to promote energy efficiency and switch to cleaner technologies [are] going unnoticed by the rest of the world... But most environmentalists listening [to the U.S. presentation] Wednesday came away unconvinced. They said the U.S... -- which promoted ramping up energy efficiency, nuclear power, renewable energy and biofuels -- failed to include necessary emission reduction targets or discussions on setting a price for carbon dioxide pollution... 'The presentation was an impressive display of a variety of important initiatives, but the parts don't add up to a meaningful whole if there is no leadership,' said Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. 'What the United States desperately needs to do at these talks is make it very clear that we are ready to accept responsibility for our historic and current emissions and then help the rest of the world to the next round of binding commitments.'"

U.S. Succeeds in Blocking Specific Emission Targets in Framework for Post- Bali Talks. By Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post, December 13, 2007. "U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon conceded Wednesday that the United States had succeeded in achieving one of its key objectives at the climate conference here, blocking a proposal that called on industrialized nations to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 25 to 40 percent by 2020. Having jettisoned the idea of incorporating specific emissions targets in the framework that will guide international climate talks over the next two years, participants were hoping to find other ways to make meaningful progress here in the two-week-long meeting of nearly 190 nations. Ban, who told reporters that the initial U.N. negotiating proposal submitted to the conference might have been "too ambitious," said he and others would work to ensure that any climate pact finalized in 2009 will be much more specific than the consensus document expected to come out of Bali... Danish Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard said Thursday that European Union members would continue pressing to include a range of emissions targets as part of a final framework document. 'We all came here with the expectation that something has changed in American politics, which to some extent would be reflected here in Bali. It's still sort of strange to see the American delegation is not particularly engaged a lot in the debate, to put it diplomatically,' Hedegaard said in an interview. 'We think it's time for the U.S. to engage a little more in trying to come up with solutions.'"

Metabolic Meltdown

How about sending some snow this way - anyone? Help! It's still close to 80 degrees Farenheit - whoo, hot. My roses are certainly enjoying the weather - this one is huge and so sweet smelling.



The lab results finally got where they were supposed to go. I spent at least an hour with the doc - who looks like an angel. Truly! He is about 6'2" - very thin, blue eyes, crystal clear complexion, reddish golden hair on his hands, his thin full lipped face was framed with curly hair tied back in a knot, reddish gold with some silver in it. Yeh, I looked too closely if I can see the hair on his hands and the pores - but purity it is - I only looked that closely at the hands - but hey, its because I'm an artist. I really, really wanted to ask him to pose for me as I have a huge canvas I wanted to cover with angels, but figured he would think I was really weird. He told me that I must have had a major metabolic meltdown somewhere along the way in life. At least I felt validated about all the complaints I've been carrying on about for the last year. In six weeks to two months, if I do everything he says, I will be a new person. Then he asked me for my lowest weight - and I told him. He says, "Wow, you must have been gorgeous." in his quiet, matter of fact voice. Well, hey, this is about 80% more exciting than Antonio Banderas (the Dr. that did the non-surgical disc decompression stuff)!



Where else could a grandma have so much fun? I must add that his office manager watched over him like a pit bull over a steak.

Then he gave me a bunch of medical studies on several issues for my reading and prescriptions and told me to go buy "The ABS Diet" and the accompanying smaller book with it. And to begin walking next week and work up to three miles a day. I gazed in those blue eyes, momentarily forgetting my avid hatred of anything that smacks of exercise, and said, "anything else?" Yes, more - he handed me a long list of vitamins. At least I can still have my lattes - I can't wait for six weeks to pass!

This dr. turned my oldest daughter's life around - she went into a rapid decline after a surgery and spent about two years mostly in bed. She's looking gorgeous again and back in life with her usual gusto.

Spent the morning today going with daughter to the cell phone store - she was craving a new Blackberry, which she got and gave me one like her old one, which really was a replacement for the slightly malfunctioning old one, a Palm Treo. Did I ever dream those techie phones I lusted after would actually be mine? I always bought the cheapest ones.

Then I got some groceries - the ABS diet seems peculiar in that you can even have ice cream. However, since Thanksgiving, I've decided I have a problem when it comes to anything with sugar in it, so I had best avoid the stuff. I've finally made the break, but its been a couple of weeks. Didn't put on additional weight though! I don't eat sugar often, knowing that when I do, its like crack and it will take some time to get back off it. Well, no, I've never did crack, but only hear stories.

So the next few days will be spent gathering in the prescriptions, vitamins, and also in making charts, menus, etc., so I can begin a new disciplined era. Eeek. Maybe I'll eventually be able to get somethings done!

On the Run

Going to the doc in Mobile today - I think. Tests have not reached his office. If I stay I'll post a proper blog.

I wish it would get colder here. It has been almost 80 for a few days. Whew! Still running the A/C.....

Just read all the Artic sea ice will be gone by 2014! Scary!

Back soon.

Nerd or Non-Nerd?

From Tweety's blog - The Nerd Test:

Cat Owner Blues

Sometimes the cats drive me crazy. Nuts.

Like today. The litter box was emptied and clean upon arising. So, what happens? All three immediately run in and poop, they, like, wait in line.

I got up really early to clean the box because they were running around knocking balls off the Christmas tree, jumping on the kitchen counters, yelling at each other. Since I started sleeping on the foam - a good thing happened - they, all three, HATE THE FOAM. Yeh, no cat sleeping in my face no mo', no cats running over me when I try to sleep no mo'.

I just ran across this article and laughed.

Does your cat have aching bones or joints?
First, consult your vet to see what he or she recommends. They may give you pet
vitamins with glucosamine in them. I bought some off of Doctors Foster and Smith
website. They have a lot of good products for senior cats. Another good item to have is a
memory foam cat bed or cushion. Memory foam contours to your pet's body, and takes
the stress off of old bones and muscles. I have a slab of it on my bed, and it takes away
my back pain completely. Memory foam is definitely a good thing, for humans and pets.

First, does my cat have aching bones? I dunno, they speak Catease, not English. Mz. Meowie is so ornery that sometimes when I touch her she bites me. Does that mean she has achy bones? Am I a psychic? Is the vet (who now won't let you get out the door under $85.00) a psychic?

The same article recommended a cat litter box per cat plus one extra. That would mean that every room in my house would become a cat bathroom. No thanks. If I can potty in the same toilet that other family members potty in, so can the cats.

I know these animals are smart - when I pull a can out of the cupboard they know if it is catfood or not. IF it is catfood they start screeching and running across my feet, which is not good if I'm walking. Yet, they refuse to be trained. I have seen trained tigers, why not the ordinary house cat? Does this indicate a dumb animal - NO!

Well, enough cat gripes - on to the day. Lots to do.

A Holly Jolly Christmas

It is in the air, everywhere! The white camelias blooming around town add a bit of white to our Southern Christmas. The downtown lights are up, Christmas carols are in the air.

Traveling to the shopping part of town for the second weekend in a row was a traffic-harrowing experience with so many shoppers out. We ended up stopping at the movies for The Golden Compass, a movie geared toward children and released for the Christmas season.

Grandson wants to see it and a review by the adults of any controversial movie is worthwhile before letting the kids see it. At first I thought I would not let him see it, but mom was thinking about taking him, so the "spy" (me) went out.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding this film, with some Christian groups strongly against seeing the film. There are pros and cons. It is full of "magic" - and each person in this world has an animal counterpart - the movie script calls them demons. There are witches flying in the air and there is a war against the establishment. But I found it no more offensive than fairy tales, the SciFi channel, or Harry Potter. The polar bears and animated animals make seeing the movie worthwhile I think. It's another fairy tale. I think the "moral" of the story was that good is preferable over evil and that much is clear. Some objections probably come from the term "demons" (talking animals) and witches being on the "good" side.......

I am a spiritual warrior, I know about familiar spirits and I have seen enough of the spirit world to know things exist that we should NOT mess with. I also went through the era where some of the church would see a "demon" behind everything. I do not believe that God wants us to be in fear, but we do need caution and wisdom.

If in doubt, see the movie before taking the child. I think the key is to know your child and to explain where and why the movie or film or cartoon or whatever conflicts with family beliefs. This movie will not be the first or last exposure a child gets to these points of view. Lewis' book, "Chronicles of Narnia" which is often called a Christian allegory has its witch and scary components.

From experience, forbidding something often makes it more alluring when the child gets older.

Some critics say the books from which the movie is taken are about throwing off the authority of the church. Well, so were the accusations against Wycliffe and many others during the reformation. Some say the books kill "God" who turns out not to be God, after all. Maybe the false god that died has a message about the false gods many Christians carry in their lives? (I'm not leaving myself out of this.)

From the popular characters, Batman, Superman, Heroes, etc., my grandson began to wish that he had super powers to keep evil out of the world. I explained to him while super powers would be a very cool thing to have, some people would not use them wisely. So God did an over ride and gave us a Super Power that God ultimately controls. The super power is prayer. We can pray that evil will leave the earth, we can pray lots of things. But if the prayer is not a good prayer, well, God will over ride that and, having much more wisdom than we do, will honor the goodness in our hearts and fix that prayer up before working on it.

I raised the first child too loosely, thinking he would find HIS own way. Well, turns out he was a child, not a miniature adult and needed way more guidance than he got. The second one and the third (for a while) were raised very strictly and somewhat controlled. Neither way was the right answer. Kids live in a world that can hurt them, but they need guidance (not over-control) to learn how to handle things that they encounter.

I know not everyone will agree with me, but that's ok. And I might change my mind down the road, who knows?

Anyway, then we had gingerbread lattes and gingerbread, and enough left over to bring home treats. We looked for Christmas presents for teachers, and decided to - for now work to get the boy to make them.

Tonight I hope to do a Christmas letter, its getting too late to send Christmas cards. For all those that I have email addresses for, I can email the letter. Christmas letters have to be so carefully written - have you ever received one with glamour shot photos (popular in the U.S.) of mom, and so much bragging on the kids' exploits, you've gone ho-hum? I have. And I have written some too, haha.

Well, homemade meat pies are in the oven, I'm calling in the boy and Dad - they are putting up the outdoor lights. Funny, I have lots of pink roses blooming under those lights!

The Movie Star as Goddess

We still got it! Here's to all the older ladies out there - a recent post by Candy Minx reminded me of an actress I've long admired - Sophia Loren. She's older than I am, and ready to pose for a calendar.


Pre-bony, voluptuous Goddess days.


Elegant Sophia.



"Earthy" Sophia.

This actress who did many foreign films as well as U.S. films was famous for her roles depicting common, ordinary women particularly in non-English roles. She was not afraid to roll in the mud, to scream, to show a wide range of emotions. Her versatility is amazing. She's also Italian and rounded - not one of the slim-hipped blond Nordic goddesses. (Angelina, I adore you, but I would never be mistaken for you - but in my youth, from a distance, I had guys tell me I looked like Sophia!)

Sophia has long been married to Carlo Ponti, a balding, but sexy dude in his own right, but not the "James Bond" type.

So here's to Sophia today! Here's to rounded women, here's to older women, here's to those of us who have wallowed in the mud, who have experienced the gamut of emotions, and those of us who have bodacious cleavage whether we intend to or not - and, er, to those of us who have men with shiny heads.

Science Project

Wow! Science Fair Project due tomorrow. Now, if it were mine, I would have had it done a couple of weeks after the subject was approved. But no - daughter saved the putting together part until the day before it was due. And, of course, as always happens with procrastination, something happened. A patient died as she was getting ready to leave her shift and she had to deal with taking him where he needed to go and with comforting the family so she got home pretty late to start. I felt sorry for her so I keep my mouth shut and pitched in and helped finish it so she get get some sleep before going back in tonight.

So, it was a wild weekend. Did a wee bit more shopping - well, actually the boy wanted to go look at dogs. We were at the pet store and he wanted to pet the miniature pinscher - until I asked how much it was. Then we ran. There was a darling little terrier too - but the prices on pets in pet stores is absurd and I've read that one shouldn't get a pet from a pet shop anyway. So where? I went to a breeder once to get a Persian kitten and it was malnourished, full of ringworm, and deformed. Well, who would want a poor little monster cat? We nursed it to health with much effort and $. It was always insane too. Too much inbreeding, cross breeding can be animal cruelty.

I think what we want is a toy peek-a-poo or shi zhu.

Then he spent too long in a collector's store - choosing an action figure and some comic books. Well, he was happy. I purchased four used movies from the movie store.

Planned to go to church this a.m., but science and religion clashed once again.