Attracted To Shiny Objects

Playing on the Fire Escape

2010-09-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

On my wordpress blog, I recently posted about a field trip to TRAHC, Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, and a display they currently have, entitled Write on Art! featuring "The Chairs."

Going to TRAHC was not planned. Originally, we had planned another outing, and finding the Four States Fair closed until 4:00 p.m., we happened upon the chair exhibit. Since I have posted several chair pictures on Wisdom, I'll show you what my silly girls did.

And when I say silly, I mean silly.

Queen Mother (Mom) is watching Kid #5 Mary and friend Rosa. What do you call that? They had us rolling with their antics.

When we left the building, the girls asked (being from the country and all), "Mom, what's that?!" Poor girls. They'd never seen a fire escape. Well...you don't see these things in the country!

"That's called a fire escape, girls. You want to climb it?" And they did. See their excited faces?

I love this building. I'm intrigued by her age, her architecture, her color, her stories. Please visit their site; they love having visitors.

July 4th Fun

2010-07-06T15:01:00.000-05:00

...popping firecrackers...

...eating buffet style...

...enjoying family...

...shaking hands with celebrities...

...guarding the coconut pound cake...

Oh, what fun!

911...What's your emergency?

2010-07-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

911...What's your emergency?
                         Ma'am, my closet floor is an inch deep in water!
Where are you located?
                         I am in a trailer house in the middle of nowhere.
I'm showing your location to be nowhere in the middle.
                         Yes, ma'am, that's correct.
What is your name?
                         Does it really matter? Just send somebody!
What seems to be the problem?
                         Danged water heater is busted!
That IS an emergency! We'll have someone out there right away! Is there anyone getting wet?
                         My feet are wet! And all my shoes are wet!
That's a huge problem! What brand of shoes do you wear?
                         Wal-Mart and Payless!
Oh, well, ma'am, we can't help you with that. Sorry. We don't consider wet Wal-Mart shoes worthy of an emergency.

Dang it! Then I called the plumber. He was out to our trailer house in the middle of nowhere in short order. Believe me, he knows the way!

Debbie, where did you get this water heater?
                         It's been so long ago, I don't remember, Steve.
We can't find one anywhere in this size.
                         What size is it?
Thirty-five gallons. And it runs on a 110 circuit. How does your family even take showers with this size heater?
                         We can only take two three-minute showers at a time. Anybody after that
                         gets a cold shower.
*swear word* I'll have to order one this size. It probably won't be here until Wednesday with the holiday weekend and all.
                         I'll give Rick a call. He's a genius.

So I dialed Rick's number. No answer. He's probably in the court house.

To you, does this look like a fun-filled July 4th weekend? With company coming, I think I'll rig up an outdoor shower. At least, it's hot enough.  That will make memories, won't it.

Y'all have a great weekend. See you in the funny papers.

You Biscuit-Eater You!

2010-06-25T21:53:00.001-05:00

My biscuit eaters - Chris and Sam

As I was saying in my last post, these fancy-schmancy phones are self-attached to these kids. They can't put these things down!

Kid#3 Jeremiah and my 'son' Chris had both come in from a long day at work. It was 9:30ish and both were tired and hungry, so I agreed to make them homemade biscuits and eggs. (Man, I should have negotiated something for all that work in the middle of the night!) I've been making homemade biscuits for years, so I whipped up some and scrambled a few eggs.

While I was doing so, Chris sat down at the computer to get on Facebook. When he got up to move to the table, he left his Facebook page open. So I took his place at the computer, and he told me to exit his page for him. I said ok and heard the guys cuttin' up at the table, so I sneaked this message onto his page:

Hello. My name is Chris, and I'm a biscuit eater.

I was over here trying not to laugh out loud. He is permanently attached to his phone, and I knew he would soon enough get a message regarding his Facebook post.

Sure shootin', a few seconds later, I heard his phone beep. I looked at him sideways and was shaking with laughter. He had a puzzled look on his face but didn't respond. Not five seconds more passed, and he received another message. And on it went. I was about dyin' over here just watching him. He wasn't getting it!

Finally, he looked over toward me. I was typing away on something else, trying not to bust out laughing. He said, "Mrs. Debbie, did you put something on my Facebook?"

I said, "Yep, I did." And you should have seen him make a bee-line to the desk.

"What did you write?" he whined. So I showed him. You would have thought I was telling all his love-life secrets or something. Like I know any of his love-life secrets...

Why can't these kids take a joke?! Within seconds he had changed his status, but not before plenty of his friends found out he is a biscuit eater! Horrors!

See y'all in the funny papers.

Beep Beep Slow the Train Down

2010-06-22T02:29:00.001-05:00

Well, hello again, friends! I haven't posted here since March 13th, and I appreciate my friends who have gone around the block with me. Thanks, dear ones.

I was reading Brenda's blog about slowing down and gerbils and smelling flowers and romantic things like that, thinking 'how do I slow this train down?'

Do you remember the children's book "The Little Train that Could?" How the little train kept saying 'I think I can, I think I can...'

And I'm sitting here thinking (that's dangerous!) about how we have stuffed that mantra down our throats and our children's throats, forcing ourselves to go and think and do faster and faster, and don't stop, push, and keep on, harder, harder, harder...

Now, don't get me wrong. It's good to teach diligence and persistence and perseverance, but as in many things, we have pushed it to the extreme. Maybe that's the reason why we have so many extreme TV shows and sports and the like. Extreme people, extreme lifestyles, extreme behaviors, extreme attitudes...

So, I'm sitting here thinking (again...dangerous!) about what has changed in our culture that's created the extremes. Extreme sex resulting in deviant behaviors. Extreme sports resulting in death-defying behaviors. Extreme food resulting in obese behaviors. Extreme communication resulting in wacky behaviors - like my young adults at home constantly having a form of communication attached to their ears and at their fingertips and in their pockets, never out of reach, becoming communication addicts.

I mean, the iPhones and Droids have come to the dinner table. Actually reading a book is now archaic. Proper speaking is now outmoded. The proper English vocabulary is passe'. Family communication is limited to smart-alack blurbs on Facebook, Twitter, and email.

I don't know about you, but I tire of 24/7 media, seeing on-going political campaigning, Kate Plus Her Eight, public figures getting slammed, and the if-it-bleeds-it-leads stories.

We parents should call a moratorium once a week and at least a week-long activity suspension once a year from the media and the constant pressure of push. We are media prunes, washed-wrinkled in technology.

I love the scene in "The Devil Wears Prada" where Andy throws her cell phone into the fountain and opts for the simpler life. How many of us would actually do that?!

Moratorium.

What have we lost?

Real friendships. Real dinners. Real conversations. Real reading. Real letters. Real emotions. Authenticity. Genuineness. Integrity. Honesty. Character. Our love for each other. Our love for God.

I need a vacation.

It's the Process

2010-03-13T01:33:00.000-06:00

Hello, good friends!

I'm moving! This moving process has been in the making, but the kinks are not completely worked out yet. Yes, I'm going to Wordpress. It's just a personal preference.

My new address will be http://dcwisdom.wordpress.com/ If you want to keep following, please come on over. Or this is your opportunity to dump me like a hot rock. I won't be bothered by it, but I'll just write you out of my will.

I'll still be around for a little while, but I will export myself from here within a week or so.

I've written my first post, and it's a good one. You will be amazed! Please check it out.

I'll talk to you funny people later! :)

Missed Opportunities

2010-03-12T11:17:00.000-06:00

Kid #4 Sam is coming home. How I miss that young whipper-snapper!

Sam has big plans this summer. The school he attends sends missionaries abroad every summer, and his group has elected to go to Asia. He'll be going to four different countries - Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia; yes, he'll be traveling without his mama. I cannot imagine the experiences and opportunities he will have.

Years ago, I had an opportunity to travel to Brazil. I got my passport and then backed out at the last minute, afraid to leave my husband and daughter and my country. How I have wished many times to have that opportunity back!

And in thinking about missed opportunities this morning, my mind settled on the daily opportunities I miss. When I get all wrapped up in blogging or errands or television, I am missing those times to minister. Of course, I need to blog. Really? Honestly, I choose to blog. I need to run errands. Well, I choose to run to Wal-Mart and pick out a new purse and pick up bath soap and toilet paper.

And I need to turn off the tv. I don't normally have it on in the day, but in the evening, that monster blasts its spew all over my house. In the 80's, Rick and I participated in an experiment of watching tv program and rating them. Then we tried going without tv for a month. Wow! It was awesome! (Why didn't I learn something from that...)

I am reading in Galatians this morning. Chapter 6:9,10 says (The Message) "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued in doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance (opportunity), let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."

So, I'm making my little list of opportunities to take on a daily basis:

Go ahead and be angry - You do well to be angry -

but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge (meanness).

And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry.

Don't give the devil that kind of foothold in your life. 1

Let's see how inventive we can be in

encouraginging love and helping out... 2

Guide slaves (I'm reading children here)

into being loyal workers, a bonus to their masters

--no back talk, no petty thievery.

Then their good character will shine through their actions,

adding luster to the teaching of our Savior God. 3

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.

Be gentle with one another, sensitive.

Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as

God in Christ forgave you. 4

...dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:

compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.

Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to fogive an offense.

Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.

And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.

It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. 5

Five opportunites. Daily opportunities and strong principles to build a good life on. My kids have called me "perfect," being sarcastic, of course. I am FAR from perfect, as anyone that knows me well can testify, but I do know where my hope of reaching perfection is, and all I can do is strive toward that mark.

There are certainly more opportunities I can take, but these will do for today. Now, if I could just be convinced to stay out of Wal-Mart.

Y'all have a wonderful weekend.

Flea Bag Motel

2010-03-11T22:07:00.000-06:00

Howdy, out there!

I just had an interesting text from Kid #3 Jere: "Hmmm well I just sat on the couch and looked down at my legs and i had fleas all over them."

Poor Flea Bag Millie. Left all her little friends at the rent house. So Jere has tossed the flea-ridden blanket out the door, stuck his clothes in the washer, and is vacuuming the flea-heck out of the couch and hardwood floor. Poor guy. The things one has to endure in a rent house!

Several posts back, I told you about Kid #4 Sam's wreck in Dallas. His car is now fixed and on the road again. Hmmm, that rings up a song in my brain: "On the road again. I just can't wait to get on the road again." hahahahaha

Queen Mother had a follow-up appointment in Dallas yesterday from her radiation treatments and surgery in December. She is doing great! I thank the Lord for that good report.

Tonight, the homeschoolers met for the monthly meeting and a marshmallow roast/campfire. The weather was a little nippage and the open fire warmed our toes and our hearts.

Mary edited this picture herself, so I left it as is.

Very cute!

Las Tres Amigas - Rosa, Mary, Janie

Beautiful girls!

See all you beautiful peeps in the funny papers.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T19:27:00.000-06:00

Paper Roses and the Tulip Tree

2010-03-10T00:51:00.001-06:00

How weird, I thought. I'm walking into Wal-Mart singing, and I mean singing where I could be heard, Paper Roses. Not blasting, mind you, but if you just happened to walk close enough to me, you could have heard me.

Driving to Wal-Mart, my radio was off. Walking through the parking lot, that silly song just came to my brain and off I go...

but they're only

imitation

like your imitation love

for me

How random is that? Have you ever wondered how things just *pop* into your mind? Do you remember weird stuff?

Like, I remember one boy named Steve that liked me when I was 14. We would sit by each other at lunch, and one time on the bus, we held hands. His fingers were short and stubby, and I remember thinking what a fat hand he had. He also wore thick glasses.

Or the time in fifth grade when I accidentally kicked our only class soccer ball onto the building's rooftop, and my old teacher, Mrs. Drake, who had wickedly long painted fingernails, came to me in class and pinched the beegeebees out of my arm and was mad at me all day. She scolded, "I'll have to ask the maintenance man to get on the roof to get the ball down!" We didn't know things about post-menopausal things back then, but that must have been what she suffered from.

Or the days in junior high when I would sneak my mom's nylons from her bathroom and wear them to school under my fishnets. At school, I would take the fishnets off and wear hose all day. Very grown up. Boy, those old nylons would sag at the knees and only attach with a garter belt. But I know they made me especially beautiful, if you didn't look at my skinny legs and boney knees.

One summer, my mom actually made my bathing suit from cotton fabric. It was about the color of the tulip tree flowers. The top was all right enough, but the bottoms were made like little girl panties, and they held the pool water like a water balloon. The boys would call me 'water butt.' "There goes water butt!"

Or the time I ran my bike into a trailerload of canoes in a parking lot. Don't even ask.

My tulip tree (which is actually a type of magnolia) has opened her first spring buds. Isn't she beautiful!? The willow tree has budded, too. The paper whites are happy along with the daffodils.

Today, I planted Chinese fringe, camelias, shrub rose, and dahlias while Mary rode her bike around the neighborhood. Thank goodness, this time she wasn't dog bitten.

Paper roses

Oh how real those roses seem to be

See you good people in the funny papers.

A Visit to the Graveyard and Some Texas History

2010-03-08T01:55:00.001-06:00

I always thought that people that visited graveyards were weird. They are, you know.
Especially people who travel great distances just to see where their ancestors are buried are in their own bubble. Have you ever talked to those sorts of folks? You know, the ones who go on and on and on about their frightening escapades through the cemeteries?

My pastor recently told our congregation a story from his teenage years. Bro. Bill and his best friend liked to wonder through the cemetery going from his house to his friend's house. One late evening, they were walking through and noticed a bright light shining out from behind a very large marker. They had the fight or flight thing going on; one of the boys fainted and the other took off. They later learned of a big brush pile being burned somewhere beyond the marker.

When I was in high school, a group of us girlfriends bound and blindfolded another girlfriend and took her to the black cemetery in town and dumped her. It was her birthday. A few minutes later, we turned the car around to go find her, and she was hightailing it up the road, screaming all the way. I'm sure her therapist has attributed all of her life's problems back to that one incident.

Anywho, Rick and I went to visit my dad today at the cemetery. Actually, he's not really there. Just his earth suit. I sure miss him.

This massive magnolia tree is probably one of the oldest trees in the county - probably even the world!

Underneath the tons of branches are markers that date back to the early 1800's. One such family was the Lumpkin family.

In 1988, my dad and mom purchased their homestead and fifty acres from my dad's aunt, which was a fraction of land previously owned by my great-grandparents.

But, back in the mid-1800's, the Lumpkin family owned the land. And here's the rub: My sister married a Lumpkin whose ancestors were prior owners of Mom and Dad's property.

The old water well still exists where the Lumpkin home once stood. Interesting, huh?

Thirty years ago, I didn't give a whiff about information found in a graveyard. Is it just me? Or does history seem to come alive when one gets older? Is it the appreciation of life and legend? Or is it knowing that the old bones in the wooden boxes indicates a life fully lived in another time?

1803. Thomas Jefferson was in the White House. He ordered the expedition of Lewis and Clark. President Jefferson acquired the Lousiana Purchase from Napoleon for $15 million. In Tejas, the settlements were sparse and miles apart with friendly Caddo Indians in this area. Then began an inpouring of Irish, Scott, and German settlers wanting to purchase cheap land from Spain who required all new land buyers to convert to Catholicism.

Settlements and small towns were being established. In 1844, the King of Spain heard of Texicans wanting independence, so he sent Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana to quell the unrest. Santa Ana won the famous Alamo battle (yeah, like, the Spanish outnumbered the Texicans 400 to 1!) and chased fearful Texicans to San Jacinto. That's when Sam Houston entered the picture. A small, loosely formed band of Texicans that SA had just run over just about brow beat Houston to lead them to fight old SA. The Texicans were out for blood! And not theirs.

I love this story. Such a picture of a chicken. War was somewhat different back in those days. Respectful, even. The Spanish are famous for their siestas, and Santa Ana required at least a two hour siesta every day for him and his troops. Siestas were also reserved for his 'manly time' with local mulatto women.

Sam Houston, knowing that the soldiers and Santa Ana himself would be off duty for siestas and 'manly time' in mid-afternoon, slipped his troops across a bayou at San Jacinto, launching a surprise attack on the Spanish camp about three o'clock. Santa Ana came to the door of his tent with his pants down (really) and turned and ran chicken. Just left his troops. He was later found a few miles away at a farm house dressed in some dude's farm clothes, hiding in some bushes. Such a picture of bravery!

He was then marched back to camp and tried, even offered an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with the president. At the end of negotiations, the old ~~bas~~ coward fully surrendered and told his men to walk home. That's a long walk from Houston to Mexico.

And, the rest, as they say, is history.

Glorious Spring Is Almost Here!

2010-03-06T19:10:00.000-06:00

This day was perfect! Perfect wind, perfect sun, perfect temperature.

And we worked like banchees!

Rick cut up a fallen tree and burned brush piles.

And I raked and raked and raked. And when every single body part hurt

(except my ear lobes), I got out the camera.

I never get tired of this view. One day soon, you'll see Jane out here.
She's beautiful!

A good day's work. Tomorrow, we'll rest.

And then, on the way back home, I saw one of my favorite people in the world,

Lori, and her new husband, Paul. I've known Lori since she was a wee one.

They live in my larger neighborhood across the railroad tracks

and were out walking. Aren't they cute?!

While Rick was finishing his work, I came home and put some supper

together. Rick came in, showered, and now he's watching Andy Griffith right now

while we're waiting on the Mexican rice.

Ol' Barney's giving us some smack.

Y'all have a wonderful day of worship tomorrow.

I see the moon, the moon sees me...

2010-03-05T01:24:00.000-06:00

I see the moon

The moon sees me

God bless the moon

God bless me

~ Author Unknown

It is 1:20 a.m.

This is a wonderful new day, already.

I have now finished my corporate taxes!

A huge reason to celebrate!

Hooray!

Now I'm going to bed, so...

Goodnight...

Sleep tight...

Don't let the bedbugs bite!

God bless you all!

Cake In a Mug

2010-03-03T20:55:00.000-06:00

Scenario:

Home alone

Favorite movie on the tube

Craving chocolate

No Snickers in the house

What to do?

Chocolate Cake in a Mug

I discovered this recipe...don't know where or when...but have kept it tucked away just waiting for the right time to try it. And Friday night was the right time.

Queen Mother has been at her sister's since February 2, and when she arrived home Friday evening, I invited her for homemade pizza and Cake In a Mug.

This recipe is simple, and, from beginning to end, takes about five minutes. Really.

Cake In a Mug

4 Tbsp. cake flour (or all purpose flour with 1/2 t. soda and a pinch of salt)

4 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. cocoa

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

3 Tbsp. milk

3 Tbsp. oil

1 coffee mug

Mix flour, sugar, and cocoa in a mug. Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well with a knife, incorporating all ingredients to make cake batter. There's NO need to spray the mug.

In the picture below, the Fruit of the Spirit mug has unmixed ingredients.

The white mug has mixed ingredients. Chocolate sweetness is in the bowl.

Put mug into microwave (1000 watt) for three (3) minutes on maximum power.

After using a mug, I tried cooking it in a cereal bowl.

As you can see, one recipe easily makes two servings,

or one recipe can be divided into two mugs.

Stir ingredients together in a separate bowl and pour into mugs.

Remember to shorten the cooking time in the microwave.

"Flowers and champagne may set the stage, but it's chocolate that steals the show."

~ Unknown

Enjoy!

Triple Date Night

2010-03-02T00:20:00.001-06:00

Queen Mother rang the telly this afternoon: "I haven't done anything fun in a long time; let's catch a movie this afternoon."

I was ready. I'd been going cross-eyed with corporate tax figures and ready to see something entertaining and not have to 'think.' I was ready to laugh and celebrate since my corporation figures are showing a good loss.

We picked The Tooth Fairy for something to laugh about. Besides, I will see every movie Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is in! I normally don't swoon over the romantic Hollywood men, but the knee-slap characters like "The Rock," Jethro Boudine (The Beverly Hillbillies) and Kramer (Seinfeld) and Klinger (*MASH*) just tickle my funnybone.

So, we triple dated - Mom, Mary, and I.

Between a light supper at the bakery and the movie, we shopped in B-A-M, and looky what I found for $6.97! How old do you think the woman is on the cover? My guess is sixty-nine, and not a day over.

Now, for all you beautiful, younger bloggers, I would like to say 'thank you' for making the competition so tough. I remember the days when I could turn a few heads; these days, they look at my face and then my body, and go throw up. Who knew back in those early days what motherhood could do to a body, and nobody told me. I feel totally disadvantaged now.

The other day, my much younger friend and I were talking to a man about my age. (We weren't talking about my age.) He totally focused on speaking to me just because he wants my vote in the upcoming election. Bless my young friend's heart. The young thing was actually jealous because the man wouldn't look at her. And she's not ugly. After it was all said and done, I thought, 'I've still got it!' Whatever 'it' is.

After I first dyed my hair blonde (better to go blonde than gray, that's my motto), I was sitting on a bench in the mall, and this twenty-ish boy walked by, staring at me and giving me that 'hey mama' look. Really. I thought 'what's up with him?' I tried to read his expression. Was it 'will you be my mama' or 'will you buy me something to eat' or 'can I have $20.' I just don't get the seduce-the-older-woman thing. I mean, what's the point? I've trained one already.

Unless you are a Hollywood woman --

Now, who would look at her lips? Hmmm?

I'm beginning to think there are no more real women in Hollywood. Everything is lifted, plumped, painted, plucked, colored, lazered, lipo'd, capped, veneered, tanned, straightened, curled, fluffed, flattened, buffed, whitened... Yeah, look at Sharon Stone in matte red. Just pitiful.

The message here is...faux is better. That's right. Fake 'em out.

Forevermore, don't show your age. And certainly don't act your age.

So, I'm going to read about how to 'manage your wrinkles.' I saw this thing on tv once about this woman that looked very young. Then she revealed her secret: Every day, she performed her own plastic surgery by using Scotch tape. She then proceeded to remove all the tape from her scalp underneath her hair which was holding her face up. Amazing!

My daddy used to tell us about the couple who recently married. The guy just knew he was the luckiest man in the world marrying such an extraordinarily beautiful woman. On their honeymoon and before bed, she began to remove all her 'aids,' her hearing aid, her glass eye, her false teeth, her wig, and her lift-and-separate bra. The man promptly had a heart attack and died.

Oh, well. Hollywood doesn't have a thing on me. I'm a real woman. But, I'm going for the ten years younger tricks for $6.97. I'll let you know how they work out for me.

See you in the funny papers.

Local Talent

2010-02-27T22:19:00.000-06:00

Mary and I drove to the neighboring town tonight for a bit of local entertainment.   The elementary and junior high students performed their many talents - plenty of music, dancing, singing, and acting. Lovely.

These photos were the first opportunity in this type of venue that I've used the manual settings without the flash.   Not too bad, huh?

(NOTE: I was sitting up very straight; Mary wouldn't let me stand up to take pictures.
Too embarrassing for her.   *sigh*   Are mothers ever loosed from their older daughters' scorning?   I'll say that my boys are much less uptight about my 'craziness.')

I loved this little girl. She was part of three (I think) different acts and was poised and dramatic. And also beautiful.

This is my cute friend Aaron who is a pro-videographer. He was maybe 20 feet away from me, and I was turned around in my chair, playing with my settings. I didn't know he was watching me, couldn't see him well in the dark, and wasn't wearing my glasses. I wonder what he would think if he knew that his picture is on this post. I will have to tell his equally-cute little wife. She's a young, fantastic pro-photographer who takes the BEST baby pictures in the world.

Mary and I left at intermission, much to her chagrin. I was hungry and tired from doing a lot of nothing all day.

Well, actually, this morning Mary and I ran to Beall's to look for a black jacket, to the hardward store where I knew they don't sell black jackets, and to Wal-Mart where I found a black jacket, and then attended a wedding shower this afternoon for our friend Starla where I didn't wear the black jacket after all.

Isn't she absolutely gorgeous?!

Thanks for letting me experiment on you with my camera. I'm learning, slowly but surely. It's an awful lot of fun. I welcome any and all comments for camera education. Thanks.

An episode of Chuck is on, so I guess I'll join Mary and Rick for another fun-filled Saturday evening figuring out yet another hilarious murder mystery.

See y'all in the funny papers.

How Much More Does He Care For Us

2010-02-27T09:51:00.000-06:00

I received this in my email. It is just as it was written.

Love, Sorrow, and Swallows

"Here a female mate is injured and the condition is soon fatal.

She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road."

"Here he brought her food and attended to her with love and compassion."

"He brought her food again but was shocked to find her dead."

"He tried to move her - a rarely-seen effort for swallows."

"Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never come back to him again,

he cries with adoring love."

"He stood beside her, saddened at her death.

Finally aware that she would never return to him,

he stood beside her body with sadness and sorrow."

"Millions of people cried after seeing these photos in America,

Europe, Australia, and even India.

The photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee

to the most famous newspaper in France.

All copies of that edition were sold out on the day these pictures were published."

"The Bible says God knows when a sparrow falls.

How much more He cares for us."

Little Girl at the Park

2010-02-25T11:09:00.000-06:00

The air was a little nippage in the mid-40s yesterday, but Kid #5 Mary and I shoveled, raked, dragged limbs, transplanted, and weeded the spearmint and bulb beds.

She hustled up a little friend as seen in yesterday's post. A young lizard. Have you ever seen a baby lizard?

Notice the ENORMOUS talons on this creature, Debbie! Scary! *faint*

Mary loves the huge Six Flags rollercoasters and the bunge line that swings over the fair crowds and, notably, the Royal Gorge in Colorado. Anything daring like that, she's game.

But, to reach out and grab a small, moving lizard is a huge feat for her. I was such the proud mother! Up until she was 15, if she saw a spider or roach in the house, she would scream in fear and trepidation and beg one of us to handle the eight- or six-legged problem. She's finally brave enough to grab a shoe and *bang* whatever it is, plus it helps to have pest control come every three months.

On our lunch break to Taco Bell for soft tacos, we opted to eat at the city park which has been a hangout of ours for years. We've had manya homeschool picnics and play days there. I do wish the maintenance of this park was better by our city. It could be a beautiful park. But, as we say, I digress.

After eating, Mary said, "Mom, I have to do something." And off she flies to make her own obstacle course and relive some memories.

My little girl at the park. Still the dareangel at 17! And now, she has faced her fears, and the little creatures phobia has vanished. Bless her heart.

See you in the funny papers.

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-02-24T20:54:00.000-06:00

The Old Movie Theatre

2010-02-23T21:12:00.002-06:00

I was probably eight years old, thereabouts, and lived in a tiny town in northeast Texas.
Mom would allow me to walk, by myself, several blocks to the Saturday matinee. No worries.

Before the movie, which cost about $.15, I would take my little nickel into the grocery store and load up with Sugar Babies and cinnamon jaw breakers to eat during the feature. Anybody remember Sugar Babies?

Don't remember the name (like I really should) of the movie, but I do remember a town being taken over by small frogs, and then the frogs grew larger...and larger... That was the kind of movie that terrorized people back in the mid-sixties. Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds was as scary as it got. *shiver*

When I was 10, The Sound of Music thrilled my very soul. That prim and proper
children would sing their way through bad weather, a new nanny/stepmother, and escape the Nazis by singing a good-bye song was so cool. As a kid, I thought anything could be accomplished by singing. 'Debbie, where are you going?' Me singing: 'I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...'

At thirteen, my first kiss from a boyfriend was in a movie house. A bunch of us kids met at the show to watch Romeo and Juliet. Right in the middle of the movie, he just leaned over and smacked me square in the kisser. I just sat there, stunned, and wished he'd never done that. We were close to the front, and I was just embarrassed. Yuck. I didn't like him after that, but apparently he liked it so much that he tried to do it again and again, and I had to keep fighting him off. But, I liked the movie and the English-ness of it, what I could see of it.

Sometime in that era, my parents actually had a date to see the close-to-X-rated Dr. Zhivago. Oooo, so sexy, it was. The ratings were different then, and I couldn't see it. Since, I've rented the movie a few times, and it's one of my favorites.

On one of our first dates when I was 17, Rick and I went to the drive-in to see Poseidon Adventure. Anything, anywhere with him! I was excited to go to the drive-in, because all I knew was that the drive-in was make-out city. Actually, we got so engrossed with the movie, we forgot to make-out. PA was just one of those movies. I still remember Shelley Winters swimming her size 16 body with a rope in her teeth through the water in the sinking ship to save all the people on board. Oh the thrill and excitement!

The rest is movie history. Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Billy Jack, ET...

Sorry to say that I cannot give you any history of this particular theatre. I only know that my family wishes it were alive again. The nearest old movie house in operation in this area is Daingerfield's where the movies show for $1.50 admission. What a bargain!

Quiz time!
1. What is the first movie you remember?
2. Which movie is your favorite?
3. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen?
4. Where did you see your first movie?
5. What movie would you recommend, and why?

See you in the funny papers.

Rear-ending

2010-02-23T00:25:00.001-06:00

A few posts back, I wrote a small paragraph about Kid #4 Sam having a little accident on a Dallas freeway.

I am so very thankful that he was not hurt, but I don't like that his ride is down for the count. Rick and I drove to Dallas on Saturday to check on Sam and the car. On our way to the U-Haul which is about three miles, maybe, from his school, he showed Rick and me where he catches the bus to go to his job at On the Border. Just a simple corner stop with no weather shed. The first day, he arrived late after waiting at another bus stop, only to wait for fifty minutes longer in the cold rain. No umbrella. No shed. Just stood on the corner in the rain. Waiting.

If you know anything about Dallas, you know that the Oak Cliff section of Dallas is sleazy, dangerous, loud. If you are from Oak Cliff, dear reader, my apologies; you may have another perspective, but the one I know by reputation is not so great. Just hangin' thirty minutes in the U-Haul parking lot was scary.

That being said, Sam walks about a mile to catch the bus that goes downtown Dallas. Rain, shine, sleet, or snow, Sam walks. As a mother, it bothers me that he's walking on a busy street in a rough neighborhood. As a mother, I, too, know this will build much character in him, prayerfully without mishap. As a mother, I also know this will be a story he will tell his children and grandchildren some day if the Lord tarries: "Kids, I walked a whole mile, uphill both ways in a foot of snow everyday, to catch the bus to go to work and get back to the dorm."

I've learned over the years to make my way past emotions of the stressful events in life. Emotions are wonderful ways God enables us humans to feel life, but sometimes they get in the way of making practical and wise decisions. After proper decisions are made, then I cry and feel the blessing of emotions.

Remember when several of us talked earlier in the year about perspective? Emotions get in the way of perspective. To push away from emotional reactions, initially, requires great effort, but it gets easier with practice. With some prior practice, my perspective today became this: "Sam, what will we do now? PRAY! God knew this would happen; let's just trust Him to do His provision. He already has an answer to this problem. Sam, while you are walking and riding the bus, pray. You never know ahead of time how God will use you on your route. I'll be praying for you, son. I love you."

I love the way The Message/Remix tells Jeremiah 29:11-14: "I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I'll listen. When you come looking for Me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you...You can count on it."

I have to commit Sam into God's hands, else I would rent a space in the dorm parking lot, live in the backseat of my 11-year-old Suburban, and be his own personal chauffeur. Yeah, how cool would that be! 'Hey, somebody's grandmother is out there.'

See you in the funny papers.

Weekend Beauty

2010-02-21T23:41:00.000-06:00

This weekend's weather was somewhat anomical, if that's a word. A Texas anomaly, which really, I suppose, isn't that highly unusual. In Texas. The colors, textures, new spring blooms, and change-by-the-minute atmosphere are good indicators that spring is on our doorstep with its first gentle knock. I was grateful for this 'gentle' knock; not all knocks around here are pleasant.

Warm sunshine and blue skies...

Quiet, tall forests...

The native holly tree amongst the pines...

Spits of rain and cool, foggy air...

A sweet little birdy home ready for occupants...

The first little yellow daffodils smiling

through last fall's leaves...

Don't they make you happy?

*smile*

The stillness and beauty of the pond...

I love the textures and colors of this picture below.

And my true love who will not be happy

about me posting his picture...

(But I love this picture! I love the shape of his ear and the color of his hair.

And he looks good in blue. Don't you think?)

All the above pictures were taken by yours truly

between three and six o'clock in the afternoon

with a Nikon D3000 and DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm lens.

I will be sharing my anomacle... anomalicy... anomalytical... anomahistocephalic... weekend with you later. Until then, see you in the funny papers.

*smile*

Things Passed Down

2010-02-18T13:30:00.001-06:00

Me? I've never been a super materialistic person. I do love books and good music and junk jewelry and old pictures; my husband would say I like shoes, but, no, just to go shoe shopping, that's not me.

The things I really like are passed to me from my husband, children, relatives, and friends.
Like my new swing. Rick bought the swing online from here. (If this word is not highlighted, click on the word 'here.')

In the last few years, my mom has been on a quilting spree and has made dozens of quilts for her children and grandchildren.

My granny quilted this nine-patch probably back in the 1950's, I'm guessing. (It's a good day to air out the quilts!)

This picture was given to us as a Christmas present from Cyndy and Joey. I like this description of faith.

Salt glass is from Rick's grandmother via my mother-in-law, and the chicken and rooster sat on my grandmother's kitchen shelf all my life. Mom says that she was very young when she gave them to Grandmother as a gift.

Tell me about some things in your life that you particularly like.   Whatever it is, I promised, I won't laugh. :)

Have a very wonderful day!

Beautiful People

2010-02-16T23:52:00.000-06:00

I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony today, and I snapped a few shots of the crowd.

Beautiful People

Beautiful everyday people.

Quiz and Sunday (Valentine) Afternoon Date

2010-02-14T22:29:00.000-06:00

Five-sevenths of the whole met for Valentine's Dinner last night at Johnny Carino's. Two-sevenths of the five-sevenths of the whole didn't want their pictures included. Spoiled sports. The menu included Spicy Romano Chicken, Sixteen Layer Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, Skilletini, Grilled Italian Chicken Pasta, Italian bread loaves, and endless drinks.

How many sevenths of the whole are in the picture?
Who didn't want their mugs included?
How many plates included chicken?

Oh, gosh, I love these kids!

*****************************************

This afternoon's date with Rick was typical/atypical.

TYPICAL:

This store is our winter Sunday afternoon stop for a hot drink.

Typical. God bless 'im.

Typical. He buys me hot chocolates.

Typical. He pays.

And typical, he sees an old friend to visit. This particular friend was our sons' church group leader when they were young boys (four, six, and eight) fifteen years ago.

Our six-year-old son walks into the room where the boys' group is meeting and says,

"What the h*** is going on in here?"

*aghast* *gulp* *shock*

Where did he learn that?

We're still friends, I think. He still talks to us.

He loves me. Still typical. I'm glad.

So, we drive up to restoration house, and guess what I see?

Atypical.

A BRAND NEW PORCH SWING! My valentine present. Isn't she a beaut?

No, not the human...

I've been wanting a porch swing for a few years, but our porch is less than sixty inches wide when the rails are installed. Rick finally found one. She fits perfectly.

Decorating ideas?

Have a wonderful week, friends.

A Texas Snowball Fight - A Kodak Moment

2010-02-12T14:15:00.001-06:00

At noon, Kid #2 Rich showed up at my door.

He and Mary found a way to spend a few quality moments together.

They love each other.

Mary begged for a snowball fight.

And she got one.

There's Millie getting in on the action.

Rich is running in terror and great fear

of Millie's teeth and Mary's aim.

Rich is doing some fancy posing here.

He apparently didn't see it coming...

Look at the surprise in his face as he gets nailed

in the chest by the little sister.

Ahh, the joys of childhood.

"A Kodak Moment"

See you in the funny papers.

Jake and Now You Can Say It

2010-02-11T22:28:00.000-06:00

Aunt Debbie kept little twin Jake the last two days. His big brother, Walt, was hospitalized, and Jake came to stay with me. The guys are four weeks old now. Unbelieveable.

Little Precious was not happy unless there was a bottle attached to his mouth. Plus, he missed his big brother; he kept screaming, "Waaaaaaalllt! Waaaaaaaalllt!"

Totally reminded me of why God gives babies to young couples.

There's a little bell in the ear drums of my old person head, and when baby hits those certain decibels, that little bell ringsringsringsringsringsrings...SCREAMIN' RINGIN'! I already know now that when I have grandchildren, I am going straight to Freight Warehouse for a box of ear plugs. I think that might help with the bells.

Finally...Isn't that just the sweetest little face.

I delivered little Jake to his mom and brother this morning. On my way home, I grabbed a few pictures at the restoration house of the beautiful snow.

Ok, you can say it now. I can hear you across the miles. "Hahaha!" (Especially you, Chicklet!) Not to worry, however; this snow will be gone by Sunday.

The woods were so quiet.

Peaceful.

Can you pick out the critters in the shed? Two young calves sought shelter from the storm.

(I can see my camera was focused on the barbed wire -- my bad.)

Mary made the snow angel. Millie and Bella helped.

Look out for the poles!

Mary and Millie with friend Frosty

Gotta love the pink boots!

That's some cold love.

Sending some Texas warmth your way.

Aw, C'mon, Chicklet

2010-02-10T07:14:00.000-06:00

Sunshine, blue skies, and no snow! Ah, the proverbial dangling Texas carrot.

Yes, Chicklet, you know what to do about it! Sorry 'bout your luck. Ya know I love ya up there in GlobalWarmingVille.

P.S. Look what came out of my faucets after all the rains...

P.P.S. I think our luck (read forecast) changes in a couple of days! *boohoo*

See you in the funny papers.

What Is That?

2010-02-09T22:11:00.000-06:00

The sunshine after the rain

The grey darkness is gone

The sun back mighty in glory

Crowned with golden rays.

Sherif Monem

This glorious morning, there was light. And it was good.

Blue Skies

Irving Berlin

Blue skies, smilin’ at me

Nothin’ but blues skies do I see

Bluebirds singin’ a song

There’s nothin’ but bluebirds all day long

Seems like all the days are hurryin’ by

When you’re in love, my how they fly

Those blue days, all of them gone

Nothin’ but blue skies from now on

Seems like all them days are hurryin’ by

Cause when you’re in love, then my how they fly

Them blue days, all of ’em gone

And there’s nothin’ but blue skies from now on

blueskiesblueskiesblueskiesblueskiesblueskiesThankYouLordblueskiesblueskiesblueskiesblueskiesblueskies

Have a glorious, wonder-filled day!

Romance Me

2010-02-08T22:46:00.000-06:00

The kissing booth always aroused mixed feelings. While the proper woman would hurry her little children away or stroll in another direction, the line of giddy men formed, waiting to kiss the pretty, young girl pursing her lips for a price. Is the kissing booth a thing of the past? Has anyone seen a kissing booth lately?

My kids think 34 and I need a booth. He is such a romantic, always has been. I, on the other hand, am not. He gives me mushy cards; I give him the funny ones. He buys me perfume every Christmas (I love perfume); I buy him tools (he loves tools). He loves to hold hands and kisses my neck; I pinch him on the butt. He just grabs me and lays one on me.

Like this...

I love this picture.

Saturday night, he and I joined our Sunday School class members at Bryce's Cafeteria in Texarkana for dinner. Not a romantic place, a cafeteria. After the meal as everyone was leaving, Joey ask me what Rick and I were going to do when we left.

I looked Joey square in the eyes and said, "We're going parking."

You should have seen his face. Shock and awe. Actually, we went to Home Depot and ordered a storm door.

But on Sunday, 34 and I went out to the renovation house, and with it being so cold, sat in the truck drinking our cappucchinos, our typical Sunday afternoon date, except that sometimes we sit outside.

This is how a romantic date would go: We would be sitting in the truck. I would say, "Wanna make out?" He would burst out laughing. Then we would hold hands, lean on each other, and, after a few rapturous moments of hand holding, I would hear:

*slow inhale - pssssssssssssss*

So much for making out. Romance is so over-rated.

Just give me a little kiss and some chocolate, sweetheart.

I love you, honey!

See you in the funny papers.

A Three Dog Night

2010-02-06T18:09:00.000-06:00

These nights have been a little nippage down here in my corner.

Understand, I'm glad. I'm glad it will kill back the stupid fire ants, for one thing. If you asked me if I'd rather have my toe nails yanked off or stand in a bed of fire ants for ten seconds, that would be a hard one. Let's see: toe nails or ant bites... That's a tough one.

Actually, I wanted to show you some pictures I took of Millie and Bella this morning. This cool temperature had them feeling fiesty.

Brin will love this picture of Millie.

Get her, Bells!

Millie will not let go of that squeaky toy, which irritates Bella.

Gimme that thing, you brown dog!

Hey, don't turn your back on me. Hey, come back here!

I'm yelling, "Get her, Bells! Go get her!"

She turned around and prissed her little bottom over to me

and jumped on my lap for a nap.

Little stinker.

P.S. I have a retraction to make regarding the "What's In A Name" post. Governor James Hogg only had one daughter, Ima, which I stated he had three. In the comment section, I stated that my daddy used to tell us about Ima, Youra, and Wera, but it was all in fun. My apologies.

Have an excellent weekend. See you in the funny papers.

What's In a Name?

2010-02-05T03:08:00.000-06:00

I was checking in with Mary at annie's goat hill where her four-legged escapees had Mary running around the countryside. One of her pigs is Henrietta, but, alas, Henrietta's sister has no name, so I made a little suggestion to Mary to call the sister Lillie Belle.

In the Old Testament where names really meant something, mothers or fathers would prolong the naming of their sons and daughters, perhaps, to match their personalities.
When Rebekah delivered her twins, the firstborn son came out red and hairy, so he was given the name Esau. (I don't know why she just didn't name him Harry.) The second twin grabbed Esau's heel as he delivered and received the name Jacob, meaning "deceiver (trickster)." Those folks held no opinion back.

One particular mother must have been mad at the father. She named her son Jabez, because she delivered him in sorrow (pain). I can totally relate. I had Jabeza-Cheesta, Jabezy-Rooster, Jabezo-Rodriguez, Jabezoo-Bobcat, and Jabezbubba-Daddy'sLittlePrincess.
Kids 1&2 were big time breathers and pushers; the others were spits.

Anywho, back to the name calling. Now dig this:

Here are my paternal grandparents, Lillie Belle and Clarence Henry.

Lovely country people. Mary, they even had pigs!

(Clarence - Celtic "one who lives near the River Clare")

(Henry - Old German "home ruler")

(Lillie - Babylonian Lilith "belonging to the night")

(Belle - French "beautiful")

Here are my maternal grandparents, Mary and Onnie Chester.

Lovely town people. In fact, my grandmother will be 109 on February 21st.

(Onnie - pronounced OWN-ee - couldn't find origin)

(Chester - Old English "camp of soldiers")

(Mary - Latin "star of the sea" or Hebrew "bitter")

Don'cha love those names?

Here's an interesting FYI. I was given the name Debbie because my folks loved Debbie Reynolds. (Going to do a switch thing here.) My husband's grandmother never married, but had she married, her married name would have been Reynolds. So, my name would have been Debbie Reynolds if one event in history had occurred.

Finally, just for fun I googled 'weird names' and came up with celebrity children's names:

Moon Unit, Diva Thin Muffin, Fifi Trixibelle, Apple, Coco, Ocean, Kyd, Sage Moonblood, and Memphis Eve, just to name a few. Whaaaaaa???? I wouldn't be surprised if someone came up with Phatboi or Rhettard. These crazy Hollywood people should be arrested for that. Those poor kids.

BTW - Texas had a governor back when by the name of James Hogg. He had three daughters: Ima, Youra, and Wera. Bless John Smith's mother.

See you in the funny papers.

What Is Butt Dust?

2010-02-04T05:30:00.014-06:00

It's been a while since I've sent you some funnies. Enjoy a good laugh.

What, you ask, is "butt dust?" Read on. From the mouths of babes...

JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while, he asked, "Mom, why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?"

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, "If you don't remember, you just look in the back of your panties. Mine says five to six."

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. "I love you so much that when you die, I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window."

BRITTANY (age 4) had an ear ache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof cap, and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked, "How does it know it's me?"

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. "Please don't give me this juice again," she said. "It makes my teeth cough."

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked, "How much do I cost?"

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, "I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in it?"

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in watching a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad, "Why is he whispering in her mouth?"

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, James asked, "What happened to the flea?"

And, Mommy will never forget this sermon...

"Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face, "Without you, we are but dust..." He would have continued, but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four-year-old voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?"

Hope you enjoyed those. See you in the funny papers.

Random Dozen and Sam

2010-02-03T13:04:00.001-06:00

I've been looking at y'all's crazy answers for so long that I just decided to throw mine in the mix. Thanks to Linda at 2nd cup of coffee for the challenge. Hey, Linda...who was your English teacher?

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”

I haven't bought mailing labels in years! Thanks to all you good folks out there who send 'free' labels. Can't say I reciprocate with a contribution, though.

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?

I love the clear, bright night skies especially. Good for a nice walk and star gazing.

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)

When I was in high school, I had a choir director that liked to barbeque wild game. He was a great hunter and would catch and cook anything - possums, skunks, snakes, rabbits - and then he would invite everyone to try his offerings. His wife would make a pot of beans. Great memory. (Sometimes the meats were not so great.)

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)

I've heard rock-n-roll and rock stars. A rock sing? I don't think I've ever listened to a rock. Think I'll go find me a good rock today. I'll let you know.

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?

Took Spanish in my early years but have lost a lot, too, just from not using it. Would like to speak French and go to France. I've heard they are really snobby unless you can speak French.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

"This world is not my home; I'm just a'passin' through..."

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.

After I married, my nickname at my job places was "Ms. Wiz." Some funnybone called me "Whiz." Maybe just "Wiz."

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?

The last good show I was "into" was Dallas. That dates me, huh?! Husband likes 24, but I currently like White Collar just because the men are so dang good-looking. Dancing With the Stars is pretty good.

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?

When I sneeze (or cough), it ain't purdy! Definitely have the legs crossed. It's embarrassing in public.

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?

I still enjoy a good newspaper, but I normally watch FOX news for information. Periodically, I'll look at the internet.

11. Are you a good speller?

My mom and I are spellers and always look for spellling errers. Reely, we do. It's our game.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about ~~Lost~~ lunch?

I don't really think about lunch so much as dinner. Since I don't particularly like to cook, it's a chore that I do because I have to, even though I am a good cook. So, I start thinking about something to cook around 5 p.m. But, I've never seen Lost. Is it any good?

*************

Please keep my kid#4 Sam in your prayers. He had an accident on a Dallas freeway last night that totalled his car. He's fine, thank the Lord; those angels were doing their jobs, but he'll have to resort to the bus system for a while. If you are in the Dallas area, he works at the original On the Border on Henderson/Knox (north of downtown), so stop in for a meal and leave a large tip! Thanks.

See you in the funny papers.

Education Beyond "Formal" - The Challenge

2010-02-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

Howdy, Friends!

On my walk this morning, I took my camera. As you can see from previous posts, I am not the greatest picture-taker, although I've taken many pictures throughout the years. But, my wonderful husband bought this budding photographer a very nice camera for Christmas.

Thank you, dear. The picture hog gets a new toy. You may proceed to wonder how the pictures here and this story correlate. Please let me explain.

Twenty-one years ago, our family began an educational process that was completely out of the ordinary. We chose to educate our children at home.

My parents, being highly educated and in the educational system, encouraged us even though they scratched their heads on the 'whys' of bucking a good public school education. My mom gave me some great advice: "Give them a good foundation in the three R's, and show them how to find information on their own."

Thereby began the process of non-traditional learning. We provided books, maps, encyclopedias, dictionaries, library materials, videos, field trips. So often I would tell my kids "Learn everything you can today."

In addition to book learning, we attended church and Bible lessons, took mission trips and music lessons, participated in cooperative teaching with other families and community sports/education courses, worked the family business, and helped with volunteer projects.

We continue to do many of these things.

All but one have graduated from home high school and are attending/graduated college. They are working, traveling, writing, skydiving, body-building, and are continuing their quests to learn something new every day.

"Ok, Debbie," you are saying. "What's up here? Bring it together."

This is my project beyond "formal." I want to learn how to take a good picture. I have a new, part-time job learning how to take professional photographs and videos and also enrolled in a photography class in the nearby community college. Will this not be a fun way to spend the other side of 50?

The most wonderful way I am encouraged to continue my learning is by watching all of you. I love seeing your projects and reading your stories, and you are teaching me something every day.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

"Learn all you can today."

Whether you all realize it or not, we are all home schooling every day beyond "formal."

Continue the challenge.

Playing With Angels

2010-01-31T23:50:00.000-06:00

Don't let these angelic faces kid you!

Between church and lunch, these guys hammed it up!

Hear no evil. Speak no evil. See no evil.

It's a trick.

Trick #1. Rodney

Trick #2. Chris

Trick #3. Jeremiah

See the pain in Chris' face.

Enter the little sister. Isn't this every young girl's dream?

To play with big brother and his friends?

Uh-huh! she says. This is fun!

Angels playing leap frog...in dress clothes, no less...

...adding some gymnastic tricks...

...and getting a little artistic...

...and enter little sister...again...

Come on Chris! You can do it!

And little sister gets the lift. That was special.

After a fantastic lunch of Mexican chicken and banana pudding with Grandmother

and before hitting the books, we opted for a calm game of 'spoons.'

Those young spoon players took out us old women first.

We got no respect.

Then it got a bit rowdy.

A challenge for the last spoon ensued. The angels are going at it.

It went to the floor.

Oh, it got really dirty.

Fighting tooth and nail...for a spoon!

Victory at last! for a spoon...

Look at the excitement! You'da thunk it was a gold medal.

But, alas, it was only for two kisses from old women who lost out early.

Somehow, I don't think the angel minded. A kiss is a kiss.

Just don't mention it to his girlfriend.

I was his first girlfriend.

Just sayin'.

See y'all in the funny papers.

At the Edge of the Wood

2010-01-30T21:22:00.000-06:00

I reside at the edge of the wood. I like it.

Yes, we are all cramped here and have to sleep side by side with AC in the winter and heat in the summer, but we've made it and successfully raised five kids living like this. Well, none of us is exactly 'normal.'

~ haha ~

Actually, this was Defenbacher's dog house when he was alive. Our best-bud German Shepherd passed away several years ago, and we've never moved his house. The steel poles are cemented into old tires for a volleyball net. Before our big, fancy family center was built at the church, the kids would come here to play volleyball once or twice a week. I miss those kids.

On my morning walk, there was a convention of pigeons, as usual, on the electric wires.

The flock is my neighbor's "pets." Some years back, she began feeding a handful of pigeons each morning.

The birds fly in to her place about dawn each day and expect the full meal deal.

Around four in the afternoon, they all beat it back to town.

Their family and friends have increased to 70, give or take a few.

It has always amazed me how birds teeter-totter on small wires

or that there aren't more fried fat pigeons and ugly turkey vultures around here.

It actually took me several minutes and a good zoom lens to get these pictures, having to zigzag my way toward the pole, moving very slowly and not looking up.

You know, pigeons on wires don't like eye contact.

Be Kind One To Another

2010-01-30T00:39:00.001-06:00

It was a most lovely sight.

Every big white truck that passed, I blessed 'em.

I was moving south along US Highway 59,

and I witnessed travelling north a posse of men

in their white steeds on wheels - dozens -

coming from points south and

heading to aid the folks who are without lights and heat.

Girlfriends and Mr. Bill, I cried.

Because I thought

who else in the world would rush to the aid

of their fellow citizens,

and even people in other countries,

to provide help in time of great need?

God bless those electricians!

Wish I had a picture to show you.

It was a beautiful sight.

"And as you would that men should do to you,

do you also to them likewise."

Luke 6:31 KJV

Yes, I cried...

...from a grateful heart.

Ok, class, today...

2010-01-28T10:48:00.000-06:00

My little corner of the world is in Cass County. There's an old saying, apropos to anyone in any county or parish, "You can take the girl out of Cass County, but you can't take Cass County out of the girl."

Beg pardon, but I was neither born nor reared in Cass County. However, my ancestors have a long history here in northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas.

Travelling through Linden the other day, I noticed that the court house is getting its l-o-n-g, overdue facelift. This court house is the "Oldest Working Court House in Texas." Very historical.

In 1846, just after Texas won its independence from Mexico on December 29, 1845, by an act of the new state legislature, Cass County was declared an independent county. The county had been included in with the current Bowie and Morris Counties (Morris being in Arkansas) making one big county. Court was held in Jefferson and was moved in 1854 to Linden.

In 1848, E.W. Story donated 50 acres on which to build a new county court house. That first two-story building was constructed of hand-sawn lumber with the logs transported to the saw mill by oxen. The first court in that building was held in 1852, but the building was sold shortly thereafter to the Baptist church.

The county quickly contracted with T.J. Foster Sr. in May 1858 to construct the current brick building which was completed in May 1859. The Civil War activity stopped just three counties away.

Two wings were added to the east and west sides around 1917.

Building used since 1859

On August 19, 1934, fire destroyed the top story. It was quickly rebuilt to house jailbirds.

Being the "oldest working court house" means it's the oldest court house in the whole BIG state of Texas still being used as a court house.

Initiation of the restoration project began about 10 years ago. Texas Historical Commission is working to restore many of our state's buildings. I realize that this is a "young" building compared to those in the New England states and elsewhere, but we are proud nonetheless.

To appreciate what we have, we have to appreciate our history.

Angel-infants

2010-01-27T12:10:00.001-06:00

Angel-infants

"Happy those early days! when I shined in my angel-infancy."

Henry Vaughn - The Retreat

Jake and Walt at two weeks.

They arrived five weeks early.

Their beautiful mama is 50.

Their dad's an old geezer.

Aunt Debbie visited them yesterday.

I just couldn't get over the size of their hands and the length of their fingers.

Definitely classical pianists' hands.

Just don't tell their dad.

He thinks they will play professional football.

Sleep now, Little Walt.

Dream of playing Mozart.

Jake is stirring, snuggling with his mom.

"Mom, I will play Rachmaninov."

Keep dreaming, tiny angel-infants.

The Greatest Toastmaster Story of the Year

2010-01-26T09:01:00.001-06:00

The simple truth about this story is that very few people know this. It is, in fact, true, and I have a witness, and one who thinks he is a witness, and I am posting this oh-so-terribly-embarrassing-but-hilarious story about myself just so I can say that I still have no skeletons in my closet.

Ok, I actually do have one or two huge secrets that I might share about myself some day... Maybe... since y'all are my BFFs...

As I have shared back in October, I am a Toastmaster. Not a current member, but I'll always think of myself as one. I am an Advanced Communicator Silver, Competent Leader (under the old leadership program). If any of you out there know about Toastmasters, you'll know it took me over three years to gain this status. I worked hard for it.

Two years ago, I won the humorous speech contest for my club, my area, my division, but did not place in District 50.   The five to seven minute speech is written and expanded into three parts posted in October 2009. Check the archives under "I've Got to Lose Weight." (Maybe someday I'll figure out how you click it from here.)

So, the story goes as such:

At the division contest in Longview, I was so ready to give this speech, very hyped up. This speech had proven to be very funny to the audiences which fueled my excitement.

It was a cold day in March, so I had worn a broomstick skirt with boots, fortunately. As I prepared to take the stage, my excitement was mounting as the audience was revved up from the previous speeches.

The introduction into the speech went well. As I was telling the part about shooting the raccoons and jumping up and down, the audience was shaking with laughter at my antics. It was kind of like one of those out-of-body experiences where your eyes are the camera, and you are panning around in slo-mo, seeing everyone's mouths wide open and hearing deep, deep HA.........HA........HA.........HA...........

The more laughter, the more excited and animated I became.

And then it happened.

I became so wired that I peed all under my skirt; I even crossed my legs underneath my skirt but could not stop the flow. My hose, my socks, my slip, and my boots were totally wet, and I was 100% flushed. So, with great effort on my part, I finished the speech, hoping and praying I wasn't leaving puddles on the floor.

When I was excused from the stage by the Toastmaster, I left the stage with, seemingly, great confidence and poise and darted straight to the ladies' room. In the stall, I shed all my clothes but the skirt and boots. Just tossed them into the trash can. Can you imagine the janitor emptying that can thinking, "What do these Toastmaster people DO at these meetings?" I retrieved my tiny bottle of parfume from my purse's abyss and sprayed myself.

I returned to the meeting room and sat in my chair. My friend beside me asked me if I was sick.
"Yes."
"Are you ok?"
"No."
"Is there anything I can do?"

I looked straight at her, no expression, and said, "Do you have an extra pair of underwear I can borrow?"   I could see the light of great understanding dawning in her face.   Did she smell something? She died right there.

At the end of all the speeches, the Toastmaster had all the speakers return to the stage for the ending questions and then the results of the contest. Only one other person knew that I was standing there naked under my clothes, and she wasn't telling.

I graciously accepted the trophy and certificate declaring me first place in the division.   Smiled a few smiles for the cameras. Shaked some hands. Met the judges.   Took congratulations from other Toastmasters. Left the building and had the carpool head straight to the Dollar Store for a package of underwear.

So, haha, Toastmasters! I pulled one on you. The Naked Winner! And you didn't even know it!

Oh, yeah, and one of my secrets.....
one of my secrets....
is...........
is...................................
is...................................
drum roll.........................
I can't believe I'm going to say this.........................................
I should wear the sign.....................................................
just between you and I.....................................................................
you'll still be my friends, won't you............................................................

Sorry...I just can't say it...
You would forever think of me as _______! (YOU FILL IN THE BLANK)
If anyone can guess, I'll send you a used Texas Roadhouse gift card with a $9.97 balance.

See you in the funny papers.

Right Around the Corner

2010-01-25T01:23:00.000-06:00

Nature lovers, it's time (in Texas) to get those hands dirty. Time to dig. Plant trees. Bushes. Bulbs. Spring is right around the corner.

34 loves to plant trees. This weekend, he planted over half of the 50 tree seedlings he mail-ordered from the nursery. First, he planted the dogwoods; he loves dogwoods. Then, he planted a good many of the pawpaw trees.

Pawpaws, he says, are the only native fruit trees to Texas; however, with the forestry industry forging into the beautiful pineywoods of northeast/east Texas in the past forty years, the pawpaw trees, along with other native plants, were cleared for the planting of pines and hardwoods for the burgeoning number of paper mills popping up in the South. It is, indeed, rare to find a wild pawpaw tree growing in these here parts. Hence, the comeback of the pawpaw trees planted by simple landowners.

Even after several years of owning this property, we are still finding all sorts of junk scattered about under leaves and soil. Gosh, have we dug up the junk!

Look! The first sign of the coming spring is here!

Jonquils...

rosemary...

The greatest thing about growing herbs is even I can't kill them!

spearmint and chocolate mint...

I thinned out this bed of mint in November, but not to worry.

Mint is invasive and comes back with a vengance.

If anyone wants a cutting, I'll share. Leave me a comment.

Wild garlic has come up in the pasture.

The tulip tree has velvet buds guarding lavendar flowers.

The promise of spring, just around the corner.

Great Day for Cooking

2010-01-23T14:00:00.002-06:00

Gray, windy, a little bit nippy...a good day for cooking and planting trees.

While 34 is at the renovation house planting pawpaw trees and flowering dogwoods, I'm doing his laundry for next week and puttering in the kitchen.

The girls, up at noon, decided to make pancakes. A couple of budding chefs, here...

...who need a lot of practice.

My cooking project for the day is shrimp gumbo, which starts with roux

(pronounced 'rue') and water.

Looks gross, but let's continue.

I know plenty of folks who make their own roux,

but I buy mine at the local grocery.

There's a gumbo recipe on the jar.

I add as much of these ingredients as I want - bell pepper, onion, garlic,

celery, crushed Italian tomatos. Chop all these veggies and add to roux.

I do not follow a specific recipe on gumbo. Just whatever looks good to me.

And, it comes out like this:

Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about!

Ok, well, maybe not.

Since the gumbo is well away from being ready and presentable,

I'll just tell you the rest.

Sprinkle a fair amount (probably 1 tablespoon) of

Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning into the mixture.

Cook the roux/vegetable mixture for two hours on low temperature.

Increase temperature to medium high, and add

frozen sliced okra (no specific amount) and cook until the okra is soft.

Then, incorporate thawed, shelled, deveined shrimp.

Cook until the shrimp is pink in color.

(If you buy the shrimp pre-cooked, heat thoroughly in the mixture.)

You could also use pulled cooked chicken or crab meat.

Serve gumbo over a good bed of dirty rice.

(The actual dirty rice recipe is very involved, so I just buy the boxed version.)

Serves 4 to 6.

Need to go out and check on 34 and the tree planting process.

See you in the funny papers.

Stand for Something

2010-01-22T00:30:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, thousands of pro-lifers marched in Texas.

In Dallas

In Houston

In Austin

In San Antonio

Let the children come to me; do not try to stop them;

for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.

Matthew 19:14 NEB

In the temple blind men and cripples came to Him,

and He healed them.

The chief priests and doctors of the law saw

the wonderful things He did,

and heard the children in the temple shouting,

'Hosanna to the Son of David!'

and they asked Him indignantly,

"Do you hear what they are saying?"

Jesus answered,

"I do; have you never read the text,

'Thou hast made children and babes at the breast

sound aloud thy praise'?" Psalm 8:2

The picture at the top is my Kid#4 Sam.

This mama is telling, no shouting, to her child,

"Run, son, run to Jesus,

for your soul will find rest

and your soul will live."

Selah

Family Ties

2010-01-19T22:28:00.001-06:00

It just all depends on how you look at some things...

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory.

On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'

So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.

"Let me tell you how to win friends and influence people."

Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:

"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

And that's how it's done, folks!

That's real political spin.

See you in the funny papers.

Instead of Painting...Tag!

2010-01-19T15:46:00.000-06:00

Instead of...

painting the bedroom
visiting all my friends at Wal-Mart
washing my hair
doing yard work
cooking something yummy
keeping the washer and dryer going...

I've been...

tagging pictures
reading The Hour I First Believed
generally lazy...

...and it doesn't look hopeful for the remainder of the day. One of those few-and-far-between days that are slow-moving, melancholic, wistful, and the I-don't-want-tos all rolled up like a burrito and eaten with Taco Bell Fire. Even Millie and Bella are snoring on the rug.

Welp, spoke too soon. Now Millie and Bella are up and headed out the door. Which means maybe I should be, too.

So, since I'm in the 'tagging' mood, and as my friend Tara tagged me not long ago, somebody get ready, because you're next. Here's my fourth picture folder with the fourth picture:

Good gosh, you say? What's that? Your guess is as good as mine. Really I don't know. 34 took the picture a few years ago, and I think it's an oil/gas gauge on some kind of old drilling equipment site where he was working. Apparently, it's not pumping anything right now. But look at the lovely colors and the clarity.

Boy, that was exciting...

I'm tagging Shawnee, Layne, Brin, Debbie. Have fun, my friends.

The Technicals of Security Systems

2010-01-16T20:41:00.000-06:00

34 and I installed a security system in the renovation house. We ran hundreds of feet of little red wire to every door and window. The solar sign is posted close to the road warning any would-be intruders that the house is armed and ready for bear.

Our neighbor has one of those automatic gates operated by a laser and a code. He actually trusted me with the code years ago which I've long forgotten. So, he doesn't get nosy neighbors coming by or any vacuum cleaner salesmen, either.

Lots of folks around these parts have a shure-fire wireless system that never fails. This is how they do it:

Go to a second-hand store, buy a pair of men's used work boots ... a really big pair. Put them outside your front door on top of a copy of Guns and Ammo magazine. Put a dog dish beside it ... a really big dish. Leave a note on your front door that says something like this:

"Bubba, Big Mike and I have gone to get more ammunition - back in 30 minutes. Don't bother the German shepherds. I just wormed them."

Shoot! I could have saved mucho dinero!

The Last Two Grandchildren = 18!

2010-01-14T23:46:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, the last two grandchildren were born. Queen Mother and I made a flying trip to Dallas to welcome my littlest nephews into the world.

Walt and Jake

My Kid #4 Sam came to celebrate between college classes and the part-time job at On The Border. Sam is handling his tiny cousin, the husky Walt, weighing in at 4 pounds/14 ounces. Queen Mother is drooling over her last grandchild, the lithe Jake, coming in at 4 pounds/8 ounces.

My middle sister, who is 50, delivered these two beautiful boys. No comment.

Let's take a head count:

5 Nieces (Jamie, Caroline, Nikki, Megan, Kelly)
6 Nephews (Kyle, Kel, Drew, Steve, Pete, Aaron)
2 New Little Nephews (Walt, Jake)
5 Little Wizzies (Big Chista, Rooster, Rodriguez, Bobcat, Buglet)

which equals

18 GRANDCHILDREN - not mine, but Queen Mother's.

Congratulations, Mom! You've done a fine job.

Twice as nice? How about twice the money, twice the clothes, twice the diapers...

All I can say is "God be with you, dear sister." Maybe she should have adopted a couple of dogs...

Freak out!!!

Dogs or Children?

2010-01-13T08:54:00.000-06:00

How many HI.LAR.I.OUS. friends do you have?

A few days ago, one such sassy gal named Nancy sent me this email. I just had to share it.

DOGS?

~ OR ~

CHILDREN?

See you in the funny papers?

Always Choose Life

2010-01-12T21:22:00.001-06:00

In my sidebar under "Life, Light, and Laughter," there are three powerful words: 'Always choose life.'

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,

that I have set before you life and death,

blessing and cursing:

therefore choose life,

that both thou and thy seed may live."

Deuteronomy 30: 19 KJV

As I shared back in November, my dad passed on into eternity last summer and is now face-to-face with Master Jesus, worshiping at the Thone of The Almighty God The Father. How comforting to my heart to KNOW that Dad is whole, healed, and laughing again. How I miss him.

More than two years before his physical death, there was a life-changing decision to be made. While Dad suffered with symptoms of Parkinsons, neuropathy, demensia, drug-induced hallucinations, and all the such of illness, Mom was faced with the decision 'what do I do now, Lord?'

Dad had become seriously dehydrated, losing quickly his ability to swallow, move, communicate... I'm not so sure that Dad himself might have initiated his decision to not eat or drink. He had just entered the nursing home, upon his request, after a long and arduous period at home, considering and suffering physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally from an unfair, wicked disease.

Struggling with the life and death decision became a spiritual battle. Inspecting from the natural, electing death to occur due to starvation seemed an obvious choice. His body was already failing from disease symptoms. But, starvation; when he could not feed himself or hold a cup. His spirit was still attached. He remained cognizant.

I watched Mom debate the decision. There were those on either side. But, standing before and answering to a Holy God, how does one answer the question of 'life or death?' If one errs, it's best to err on the side of life.

Choose life.

Beautiful Dad

That's the only option. Why? So 'that both thou and thy seed may live.'

For two more years, Dad made us laugh and cry. We learned from him and from his surroundings. God taught us how to empathize with the lonely, the crippled, the neglected, the forgotten. God gave us a glimpse of what true suffering is and what sacrifice requires.

Then, the deep, deep love of Jesus carried us, healed (and continues to heal) us, and brought us closer to the heart of God.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus

Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free

Flowing as a mighty ocean

In its fullness over me

Underneath me, all around me

Is the current of thy love

Moving onward, moving homeward

To thy glorious rest above

"...that both thou and thy seed may live."