Shop With Me

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Weather Lore





Weather lore passed from generation to generation has a lot of charm. Some predictions may sound a bit strange but it is surprising how many are. true.

When I was a kid we used these old predictions to predict the weather . We also relied on The Old Farmer's Almanac. There was a great deal of information in that one little thin book. I believe at the time it was either 15 or 25 cents but it was well worth it.

Here's a little weather lore.

Hornets are also said to be good predictors of the quality of a coming winter. If they build their nest high, the winter is supposed to be a difficult one. Low hornets nests are supposed to indicate a mild winter.

The woolly worm tell of a bad winter if there are a lot of them crawling about or if he has a heavy coat.you see him crawling before the first frost. If he's brown at both ends and orange in the middle, the winter will be mild. If he is black in the front, the bad weather is coming.

My father used to predict snowstorms in winter by putting beans in a jar. For every time there was a fog in August he would add a bean to the jar. At the end of August he would count the beans and that would be how many snows we would have during the winter. As we got each storm he would remove a bean from the jar. I always thought it kinda silly but most years he was correct.

According to old timers, you can tell what the winter will be like by cutting a persimmon seed open.
If the shape inside the seed is that of a knife, it is believed to mean the winter will be cutting cold. As my grandma would say: So cold the wind feels like its cutting right through you like a knife.
When the shape inside the seed looks like a spoon it is said to mean it will be a heavy winter. The spoon represents lots of shoveling.
The appearance of a fork shape within the seed is believed to mean that winter will be easy with only a light dusty of snow.

I hope all my persimmons have the shape of a fork.

That's it for today!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Weather Words


Well, today has been a slow kicked back day sitting by the fire with a good book. The weatherman has almost exhausted words that describe the partly cloudy weather here this week. Here are a few of them.

Cloudy, rainy, snow showers, foggy, blustery, drizzle, winter storm, snowfall, wind, breezy, damp, rainfall, snowflakes, stormy, thunder, wet, chilly, freezing, air pressure, frost, dreary, black ice, barometric pressure, slick, flurries, conditions, air in version, windstorm, wintry, moisture, precipitation, jet streams, drab, misty, icy, grey skies and on and on and on.

It sounds like we are in for more of the same this week. I guess I will grab my hat, don my raincoat and my waterproof boots, add my gloves and my scarf, get my umbrella and slosh through the puddles while the rain and snow beats against my face. On second thought, sitting in front of my computer looking at sunny photos with the heater on my feet sounds like a better idea.

One of these days I will be sitting on the beach somewhere sipping a cold drink and basking in the sun.


Keep on dreaming, Jenny. You will get out of the yard someday.


That's it For Today.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Angel Wings


Well, A while back when i was in Tennessee I was visiting with my best friend, Jean. We were discussing my going fulltime in my motorhome. I asked her for a small memento so when I was traveling the country I would remember her. She says, "I have the perfect plant it's very special and it has a story". Here's the story.

Green Christmas
Despite the frost on the ground, one special plant still bloomed.
By Joy Shoun Day
Mountain City, Tennessee

Mom and I lived near each other, so I was used to seeing her whenever I wanted to talk. After she died of breast cancer I didn’t know how I’d cope. I had my faith, but sometimes I just needed Mom. As Christmas approached I felt worse and worse. I couldn’t imagine celebrating the holidays without her.

In late November my brother invited me to spend the weekend at his house. Randy was having a hard time without Mom, too. “Remember that big plant she had when we were kids?” he asked.

How could I ever forget? “It was called an angel wing,” I said. “I haven’t seen one for years.”

Next morning a heavy frost lay on the ground. The grass, plants, bushes─everything in Randy’s yard sparkled in the icy covering. Except a lone branch on the back steps. The leaves looked familiar. Could it be? An angel wing! I went out and picked it up. I counted 12 leaves and saw a bud on the tip.

“Where did it come from?” Randy asked. The answer seemed clear to me.

All we had to do was put the plant in water, and it has grown ever since. It will last forever, like our love for Mom. Somehow, during that Christmas of the mysterious angel wing, Mom knew we needed to talk. (This article first appeared in Angels on Earth magazine.)


What a story!! "I would love to have a start off that plant" I replied. So she cut me off a start. I babied those special leaves all the way home. I sat them in water and waited. One by one the leaves fell off until only the stalk was left. I kept watching for roots at the bottom but I didn't see anything. I thought about throwing it out but I just couldn't bear to part with it.

And then it happened. I looked at the top and there was a brand new leaf. Small roots were beginning to appear at the bottom. I was so excited.

Joy, Jean and I have made a pact to share our Angel Wings to show there are truly Angels everywhere.
That's it for today.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanks


Well, the shopping is done, the pies are baked, the cranberries are chopped, the dressing is made and the turkey is ready to pop in the oven. Thanksgiving is almost here. It is a time to reflect on the blessings we've had in the last year and to give thanks to God for all of his goodness.

I am most thankful for my family, my children, grandchildren, inlaws, outlaws and all those that make up our family unit.

I am thankful for my friends. I was blessed to meet many new friends this year. Each of my friends are really special to me. For their love and support I cannot express how intensely thankful I am. For their advice, trust and encouragement, there is no equal.

I am thankful for my country and all those who serve to keep us free from harm. Also, to those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom.

I am thankful for all good with which
I've been blessed throughout life.
For hardships, and for heartaches, too,
For failures, trials and strife.
I'm thankful for each little prayer
Someone has said for me;
For loving thoughts, for friendliness,
For all good will I see.

My thanks for hands, with which I could
Scribe someone on life's way;
For all small deeds of kindness
I'm allowed to do each day.
I'm thankful for all happiness,
Each long hour of deep sorrow;
God thus in his great mercy gives
More wisdom for tomorrow.

"Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100:4-5).

That's it for today.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving Funnies

What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving,"
little Timothy wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."

If a man wants to eat a turkey on Thanksgiving, what does a turkey want?
Ans- It simply wants to run away.

What did the turkeys sing on Thanksgiving Day?
Ans- God save the kin.

What did the turkey say to the man who tried to shoot it?
Ans- Liberty, Equality and Bad aim for all.

What will a turkey with a dramatic bent of mind say to another turkey on Thanksgiving morning?
Ans- To be or not to be roasted, that is the question.

The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"


What key has legs and can't open doors?
A Turkey.


Gobbler said, "Doctor, help me! I can't stop acting like a turkey!"
"I see," said the doctor. "How long have you had this problem?"
"Let me think a second. Mom laid the egg in 1954..."

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims!

Why did the turkey cross the road?
It was the chicken's day off.

If the Pilgrims were alive today, what would they be most famous for?
Their AGE

Why can't you take a turkey to church?
Because they use such FOWL language

What are the feathers on a turkey's wings called?
Turkey feathers

What's the best dance to do on Thanksgiving?
The turkey trot

Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building?
Yes - a building can't jump at all

What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus?
Enough drumsticks for Thanksgiving

How can you make a turkey float?
You need 2 scoops of ice cream, some root beer, and a turkey

What kind of music did the Pilgrims like?
Plymouth Rock

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside

Why did they let the turkey join the band?
Because he had the drumsticks

Why did the police arrest the turkey?
They suspected it of fowl play

What's the key to a great Thanksgiving dinner?
The turKEY

What did the turkey say before it was roasted?
Boy! I'm stuffed!

Where did the first corn come from?
The stalk brought it

Why did the Indian chief wear so many feathers?
To keep his wigwam

What happened to the Pilgrim who was shot at by an Indian?
He had an arrow escape

How did the Mayflower show that it liked America?
It hugged the shore

That's it for today.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Counting My Blessings

Well, its countdown to Turkey day....only four days until the big bird graces the middle of the table. I am challenging my family, friends and readers to write a short synopsis of the things you are most thankful for. You can email me at kimilauri@msn.com. I will post your responses on my blog on Thanksgiving. If you prefer I don't use your name just let me know.

That's it for Today.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Tribute To Cowboy


Today I attended the funeral of a friend.

His name was James William Robertson but I knew him as "Cowboy". His siblings and family referred to him as Jim. The minister officiating referred to him as "A kind and thoughtful man".

The minister spoke of all the things Cowboy had done throughout his life. He had accomplished lots more than he ever talked about. He told about his early life in Stillwater, Oklahoma and how hard it must have been on his parents to raise five children through the depression. He talked about Cowboy's military service and the fact he had served in Korea and Japan during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge he settled in Oakland, California where he worked for Pacific Gas and Electric installing gas lines. He retired after 30 years and moved to Spokane to be closer to family and help take care of his aged mother.

In Spokane he continued his education at Spokane Community College. He took computer classes in order to use his computer more efficiently and a couple years ago when digital cameras were the rage he took photography classes to be sure he understood all the "bells and whistles" of his new digital camera.

Cowboy had a diverse array of interests ranging from restoring old cars to collecting recipes. He not only loved horseback riding but also riding his two wheeled horse "His Harley". He and his brother "Red" loved restoring old cars. He had five old cars in his garage which they have restored. He loved fishing and spent many hours with his Catholic friend Father Bill on different lakes and oceans fishing. He had wonderful pictures of those fish "which didn't get away". He liked bowling and bowled in a league. He liked photography and developing his own pictures (before digital cameras). Another of his hobbies was gardening. In the years I have known him he always had his garden out back. He not only supplied his own vegetables but vegetables for his neighbors and friends as well. He was probably known best for his herbs and his zucchini. One year I shared with him some bean seed I had special ordered from Tennessee. He babied those beans all summer until they were ready to harvest. He then professed those were the best beans he had ever eaten.

Along with his gardening abilities, he had a great love for cooking. He loved to read the grocery ads and to grocery shop. He also loved collecting recipes and once he found how easy it was to copy and paste recipes from his computer to his printer he would spend hours searching for recipes, printing them and filing them into a big three ring binder. Once, I remember he had a thing about okra and it became a staple in his diet for three or four weeks until he had had his fill. Then it was over and I never heard him mention okra again.

Another thing that was outstanding about Cowboy was the love for his family and his friends. He often spoke of his parents, his brothers, Bob and Red and their wives, his sisters, Rachel and Ruth and their husbands and his nieces and nephews. It was obvious that he loved them very much and it was also evident today by their presence they loved him too.

Cowboy also loved all his friends and one friend in particular, our dear departed friend Tommy. He spoke of Tommy with great admiration and respect. As Tommy grew more feeble he was always bringing Tommy little gifts from his garden or something he had cooked. He told his sister he wanted her to paste a picture of Tommy on her bulletin board so her children would know Tommy and the influence he had on Cowboy's life. You always knew when Cowboy was coming through the door. He usually had to duck to get in he was so tall. He was a storyteller and he had lots of stories. It didn't matter to him if you had heard the story before (many times) or if you could recite it word for word he just had to tell it one more time and it was always the same time after time.

Cowboy did have his little quirks. The minister's word was stubborn but I prefer to think of it a little differently. He liked things "His Way". He may not have fit the mold of what people think of as a "good" person. He may have said a curse word or two once in awhile. He may have had a few beers with friends and not went to church as often as some people thought he should. He may have danced to the beat of a different drum but he was a man of character, he treated others with respect and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love and laughter.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!


Oh the last goodbyes the hardest one to say.
This is where the cowboy rides away.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

90 and counting

Well, this is the third time I have tried to publish this blog. I hope it works this time. Gotta rewrite it--- it is a special one.
(I am still having trouble posting photos - I will post them separately).

Well, today is a very special day in Tennessee. It is the day my Aunt Bonnie celebrates her 90th Birthday. Her actual birthdate is November 17, 1918. There will be a huge celebration with family and friends. Before I go any further I want to tell you a little about why Bonnie is very special to me.

Bonnie is my Mothers only sister. They also had four brothers Wiley, John, Stacy and Rod. When Bonnie was about 18 months old her and her brother Rod contracted scarlet fever. Rod was terribly ill with the fever but it didn't seem to bother Bonnie except it left her deaf.

Despite her disability Bonnie has done some amazing things. When it was time for her to go to school she went every day alongside my mother. She learned to read, write, spell and count. She also taught herself to sign. She can tell you the time and the day of the week and if you have missed an appointment with her.

Along with my grandmother she kept house, helpiing with cooking, canning, washing and ironing. She taught herself to crochet, knit, sew and quilt. She also helped my grandfather in the fields hoeing corn, tobacco, and outside chores around the farm.

When my grandmother died in 1956 she took over the running of the house even teaching herself how to milk. Previously this had been my grandmothers chore.

My grandfather passed away in 1964 and she was able to buy a small two bedroom house just a few yards from where she was born. Until about five years ago she still had an outhouse but was finally able to add a modern bathroom and do some remodeling to the house. It is small but modest.

Bonnie loves to travel. The first trip we went on was by car to Indiana to visit relatives. I remember she was so excited and talked about it for months afterward. She and my mother made a trip west to Idaho by Greyhound to visit me. My mother thought she would test her to see if she was really paying attention. My mother went out and started to get on the wrong bus when Bonnie grabbed her by the arm and told her in no uncertain terms it was the wrong bus. She loves going on trips to the beach with her family.

She doesn't get out much anymore but loves company and she has lots of it. Neighbors and friends drop by to see her. One particular lady had left home right after high school to be a missionary in Cuba. Bonnie had not seen her since but a couple years ago she was in town and made a point to go visit Bonnie. The minute she walked in the door Bonnie knew exactly who she was and went to get a missionary card she had kept for more than 50 years with the ladies picture on it.

She loves watching TV especially westerns and can relate the show to you.

Due to her medical condition she has nurses who check in on her periodically. She has retrained them so they can assess her condition correctly. A couple months ago a visiting nurse thought she should go to the hospital. Bonnie informed her the answer was no. The nurse then took it upon herself to call family members to discuss the situation and convince them of her opinion. The bottom line was Bonnie had made her own decisions for the past 90 years and she had the final say so and the answer stood.

Bonnie has always been my favorite aunt. I practically lived with her until I was a sophomore in high school. I have many many great memories of Bonnie and can never say thank you enough to this wonderful woman who has been so special to me.

Today she will be surrounded by her wonderful family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends who will celebrate with her. Bonnie, I wish I could be there with you to share your birthday fun. For today this blog and your flowers will have to suffice. I hope to see you in the spring, probably around Easter.

You can bet she will have it circled on her calendar.

That's it for today.

Friday, November 14, 2008

No Couch Potato Today

Well, there is not much to report here except I did see the sun. It actually appeared for just a few minutes. Then it turned dark and there were clouds and some wind. I did manage to get up from the couch to "waddle" around.

Off the couch, I decided an Apple Crisp might as well be the dessert of the day. Every good meal should start with dessert. Along with the Apple crisp I made some Shake and Bake chicken legs and some potato skins. It was very good, so good as a matter of fact I forgot to take a picture.

I also retrieved my jewelry making suppllies from the Out House where I had stashed them. I had some crimp beads and Sandra has been making some beautiful necklaces using crimp beads and I wanted to make one too. It was very nice but it is evident I need some more help with the crimp beads. The grand girls can use it for their dress up. No pictures of it either.

The other major thing I did was to move the Out House closer to the Big House. I didn't want the Out House sitting between the two trees and I don't know when I will manage to get it out of the yard so I moved it beside the carport. At least it will keep the snow from blowing in under the carport. I did have help getting it moved. Thanks, Rich.

Surfing and reading blogs and chatting took up the rest of the day. I will have to find something else to get into tomorrow. Maybe I will sweep the floor.
That's it for Today.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Still Raining!!

Well, I promised yesterday I would let you know what I did with my day....absolutely nothing ---- well almost - I had a couple naps and in between napping .....a little surfing......on the internet--not in the puddles outside....and later in the evening -- a little chatting ---and that was my day. Today I think I will be a little more active than a couch potato. Heck if this rain ever stops I may go for a walk. You can tell there is not a lot going on here.

Here are some photos I had laying around.

One of my all time favorite country music singers is Bill Anderson. I was listening to his music way back in the fifties and sixties. We had an old radio that my dad picked up somewhere. To get it to play we had to lay it on its side and stick a knife in it. On Friday and Saturday nights we would go to sleep listening to The Grand Old Opry.


Ralph Emery Ralph used to have a TV show in the mid to late 80's on The Nashville Network. It was a great show.
Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright. They were married in 1937. They have performed on the Opry for over sixty years. Her first number one hit was It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels in 1952. Johnny was part of the duo Johnny and Jack who also playd the Opry.
Here they perform with their son Bobby Wright.


And "That's it for Today".

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Rain Rain Go Away!!


Well, I feel a little like Noah and the Ark it has been raining for so long and more is predicted before it stops. And then the winds are to come and then the snow level is rising. Here is what the weatherman has to say.

"Showers will arrive from the west this morning and will be on and off through tomorrow. Snow levels initially start out around 3500' but will rise throughout the day. Expect breezy conditions today with stronger winds tomorrow. We'll start to dry out later this week."

I guess the rain is better than snow. I hear Colorado has four inches and South Dakota has a foot or more. Passes in Washington are bare and wet so far.

It is a good day to stay inside. I may get out my jewelry making supplies or again I may not. On the other hand a good book, a blanket and a nap is also a possibility. Of course if a surge of ambition strikes I may do some cooking. Some comfort food like a pot of beans would be a good thing to cook up. I will let you know tomorrow.


As always, I pause to remember all those veterans who have fought in previous wars and also those who fight today at home and abroad to keep our country free and safe. My father was a Veteran from World War II. We never knew much about his service time, he just didn't talk about it. However, he was a very patriotic man. He loved his country. One thing I do remember was his love for elections and the people who govern our county. He was a staunch Republican and always voted a straight ticket. He would sit my mother down and explain to her who she had to vote for . It was the one thing they always agreed on. Most times they were in disagreement about something.


May each
of you have a safe Veterans Day. God bless each of you and your families, God bless our Army, and God bless the United States of America.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Happy Birthday Ladies!!


Well, its that time again. Time to wish a very Happy Birthday birthday to my two favorite ladies. Yes, my grand girls, Lauralei and Kimberlei turn 13 today. We have teenagers in the house. It is amazing how they grow up in just a few short years. These photos will prove it.
Grandpa and the girls age 3 days.
Proud Grandma and Grandpa
Look Alikes
Camping with Grandma at Beauty Bay

Check out the size of this play pen. Boondocking at Carlin Creek in Idaho.

Grandma's Little Girls
Fishing with Uncle John at Mirror Lake near Sagle, Idaho (note Kimberlei's 2 broken arms)

Sprinkler Fun
UT Volunteer Cheerleaders meet Santa Claus
Backpacking at Lunch Peak Lookout Tower in Northern Idaho
With Our Special Friend Tommy Costello
Vacationing at Oregon coast with Grandma
Grandma's Favorite Flower - A Dandelion
We sing Karoke
The Blues Sisters
Popcorn Anyone??
We are Junior Rangers at Heyburn State Park
Summertime is Fun!!
"Twixt Twelve and Thirteen"

Thanks for the best thirteen years of my life , Ladies!!
That's it for today.



Friday, November 7, 2008

Raindrops Fallin' On My Head


Well, I awoke this morning to rain - not those little bitty raindrops that make music on your roof but buckets full. It was coming down in sheets and not only that but it was dark which made it a little bit on the scary side. As of this writing it is still raining very hard and the forecast is for rain the next five days. It will be a good time to check the Out House for roof leaks although I don't think I have any. I may need a row boat to get to it. There will be no camping out in the yard this weekend.

Rather than dwell on each individual raindrop here are some pictures of a sunnier day.

Farmer Brown
An Elvis Sighting

Vincent Van Gogh

Old Butler


A Real Scarecrow

Mr Smith and Mr Cockett Attorneys At Law

Courthouse Beauty

This guy played banjo for hours non-stop


Punkin Topiary

A Couple "Old" scarecrows on Main

and the Sheriff and the Undertaker (photographer needs classes in photo 101)

and the Funeral Home in case you need to find me!!!

That's It For Today!!!!!!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

I Ain't Dead Yet

Well, yesterday I got a phone call. The conversation went something like this.

Jenny: Hello

Caller: Are you dead?

Jenny: No, why would you ask?

Caller: Since I haven't heard from you and you haven't blogged in a very long time I thought you must be dead. I even called the funeral home to see if there had been a service and I had missed it.

I guess that means I should start blogging again. It is difficult when there is not much to blog about. I do have a lot of subjects floating around in my little pea brain but that is as far as they get...they are still floating around in my little pea brain. I do realize I haven't been as "perky" as I usually am and I have my own reasons for that. I promise to do better about blogging though.

The election hoopla is all over with for another 3 years and 363 days. Lets all hope something changes for the better between now and then.


Not a lot happening in Spokane today. Weather is changing and we are to get rain and snow level is at 3500 feet. Now that's just too close for comfort. I understand rain is in the forecast until Monday and there may be flooding on the opposite side of the state.


I have a couple pictures to post today -

Here is a picture of one of my best friends from high school. She and her husband and their three puppies are currently fulltiming in their Montana 5th Wheel. Currently in South Carolina on their way to Florida.



Here is their fifth wheel set up.


And here is a picture of the kids I went to school with. They're not kids anymore. Time slips on by doesn't it?

Just one of the kids!

I may be sick---I may be old --

my git up and go has done got up and went



but I ain't dead yet!!


That's it For Today!!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Tis' November



Well, October has come and gone and it is the 1st of November - only 26 days until Turkey Day and 54 days until the Big Man in the red suit comes sliding down your chimney.

Christmas decorations and merchandise have been in the stores for the past two or three weeks and now they are are beginning to have the Christmas sales . K Mart is pushing layaway and even the internet has e-layaway with lots and lots of stores participating. The biggest shopping day of the year will be coming soon.

I have a problem when they start merchandising so early....even before we have put the knife to the pumpkin or thought about how many place settings we will need for Thanksgiving dinner. Christmas is getting so commercialized. It's not about the birth of Christ any more..... it seems to be about the rushing around to see how many trees we can buy to decorate, how much shopping we can do, maxing out the credit cards. It's about how many presents we can get, how many we can return because they weren't exactly what WE wanted. Then there is the kids -- what kid needs twenty five video games? or an expensive toy that will be lost among the mountain of presents.

Why does Aunt Martha always send us homemade fruitcake? It never gets eaten. Doesn't she know we don't like fruitcake.

Then, there's the office party ---I have nothing to wear to a party. I certainly can't wear the dress I wore last year. I will need a new dress and a pair of shoes. Then there's the jewelry and the makeup and a new hairdo and the manicure and the pedicure and when all is said and done it will probably cost at least one paycheck if not two to spend a few hours with the same people I see every day. Will I impress the boss enough to get a raise? or should I try being the blonde wearing the lampshade?

During my growing up years, the stores never put our Christmas merchandise until after Thanksgiving. We were lucky to get one or two small presents, a few oranges and several sticks of candy. We only had one tree which we went into the woods and cut ourselves and drug through the forest. Our decorations were mostly homemade. Handstrung popcorn from kernels we had planted in the spring, one string of lights, homemade ornament, and a handmade star covered with new tinfoil each year always graced the top of the tree. We always put it up the Saturday before Christmas and took it down on the last day of the year.
Life was simple back then.
That's it For Today.