Tuesday, December 29, 2009

2009 Christmas at The Linnas

I had great intentions of being all ready for my guests. I had a time line down, today I wash clothes. the next day plan the meals, shop on another day so on. The weather threw me off, my son and boys came early because of the stormy forecast. That was a smart thing to do but I didn't get done what I planned.
That was OK because the grandsons wanted to cook, so clean counters(not dirty but cluttered) and floors were not important. Yes there was pancake batter all over the counter and drawers. Ice cream left out so counter had to be cleaned up. Oldest grandson was making smoothies. Oldest grandson also wanted to make what I believe is called Puppy Chow. It calls for powdered sugar that blows around easily. I was busy with cleanup, yes they cleaned up but they do not have grownup eyes. They had fun and the food created very good. We made saffron rolls. My son Pat made the dough and I made the different forms. I was on my feet for three hours and very tired so my grandchildren offered to cleanup. There was a pile of pans left and a mixing bowl, also odds an ends of cooking tools such as spoons, measuring cups. The odds and ends got cleaned but the bowl and pans were still there dirty. That was pointed out to them and back they went. The bowl got clean, but the pans remained, I laughed and did the pans. Like I said they don't have grownup eyes.
Melli told about spilling the beans at her place. My daughter bought for me a garbage disposal, that was to be a surprise. There was problems with communication about where and who picks up the disposal, Pennie or the plumber. Pennie left it there, but the sales clerk thought it should be brought to the house. She left it on the step for the plumber to get it. I came to Pennies with the mail and saw the disposal. Surprise gone but I knew I had to get the kitchen clean for it but like I said up above that didn't get done before the son and grandchildren arrived. The plumber still has not been here.
The church service was very nice, with a banjo, bells and choir. We had a candle lighting service. The boys got to go sledding twice.
Next I will tell you about the meal. I had a standing rib roast which I put in the oven at the right time. I also had a ham and that went into the oven at the right time, but I forgot about the apple roast which I was putting in the slow cooker. I did finally remember and put it on but it was not going to be ready at the right time. Alex made the fruit salad. We also had rolls and mashed potatoes. Pie, apple and lemon were for dessert .

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Merry Christmas

This is late and I did want to do I nice and pretty post for Christmas but it didn't happen.
Pat and the boys came up early because of the storm. We had a nice christmas, but the weather has not been. I know many others had the same problem. So:

Merry Christmas!!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Raven challenge 93

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
This week's 10-word challenge are: spaghetti, woe is me, mythology, avarice, windy, pathetic, paper towels, water, all my children, books


And for the mini: best deals of the week, Nobel Peace Prize, sleep deprived, cauliflower, practice


Mini:
Sandy Shore could not get to sleep. There had been now many nights of little sleep, and she feared she would be sleep deprived. Could it be what she ate such as the cauliflower she had last night? She might as well get up. Maybe if she read the paper for the best deals of the week, she would get tired enough to fall asleep.

Not finding any deals, she turned to the news portion. There was an article on the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. She knew who should really win the prize, Knight her invisible penguin. Of coarse they would not give it to him, because most people could not see him, or knew what he had done. He had all that power, and with practice he was becoming more skilled at turning dangerous situations into safe ones. Like the other day when those kids got their hands on the medallion that could bring someone into another place, and then that Larry put it on taking him off to another land. Many people wanted that power. The news had spread fast the medallion had been taken away from the wizard Jem. Now it It was in Knight's custody. That photo Larry had would becoming a blank paper.

Sandy found she was becoming tired and she returned to bed to sleep.


Ten Words:

The spaghetti was all over the kitchen floor. Sandy was on her knees sopping up the spaghetti with paper towels dipped in water. She was whining "Woe is me." It was not the mess on the floor that was causing her distress, but the message she had received from Knight. It is surprising what a penguin can do with a beak. The mess was caused by her as she moved quickly to get to her computer. Wrong information was circulating that she had possession of the dimensional medallion. The avarice creatures she had seen in the world with out sound were planning to take the medallion from her.
A study needed to be done to see what weaknesses they had. She left the house, leaving the show All My Children playing on the TV. It was windy, and the walk to the university library a little difficult. She took out an armful of books on Mythology, and cornered a table just for herself. She observed the students going about their business unaware of the danger from an unknown world. How pathetic she thought.

Although she gathered a list of things to protect her, they were from this world would they work on creatures from another? She would do her best to keep from revealing were the medallion was.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Raven challenge 92

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
Words for ten words: sugar, mortgage, logical, roller skates, outlandish, Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, cumberbund, unexpected, photo album, scarecrow


And for the mini: tomatoes, turtles, basement apartment, circumference, make my day


Larry after putting on a necklace with a medallion on it that was being played with by some children, found himself in a forest where nothing made sound except himself.
Sitting on the bed in the wooden shack, waiting for the one who occupied it, the one who had a roasting chicken on a spit outside, Larry pondered on the outlandishness of events. Nothing was logical.
He waited and waited, but no one showed up. He finally got up and using a stick pried a piece of chicken off, and ate it. He returned to the bed,laying down he fell off to sleep.
Morning came and again the unexpected happened. The fire and chicken were taken care of and a large leather bag was on the door step. He opened the bag and found a pair of roller skates, a cummerbund and a note saying follow the trail until you come to a building called Scarecrow.
Not knowing anything else to do, Larry followed the trail.
The walk was long, but became less difficult as Larry went. He came out of the forest into a field. Beyond the field there was a highway. Automobiles moved along the highway, but in this land of silence they did not make a sound. He spotted the Scarecrow and walked toward it.
The Scarecrow was a roller rink.
A sandwich board outside the rink,gave him the information that the Scarecrow needed help with the mortgage, and skating in formal wear would be an attraction to bring in skaters.
Larry could not understand any of this. He was brought here from the beach. He was wearing shorts. How outlandish would it look to wear a cummerbund with shorts while he was skating. He put on the skates and the cummerbund, and entered onto the rink. Only the other faces gave away the fact they were laughing at him. To a few, only the medallion drew their attention. One of those who were paying attention to the medallion was sitting at the coffee bar, and was putting way to much sugar in his cup.
He began to feel that he might be in danger, when the hands of the man began to move in threatening motions toward him. He saw a flash of a young woman come in then nothing.
Larry was back on the beach now in roller skates and wearing a cummerbund. Standing next to Larry was a young woman. He felt the medallion pulled from his neck.
Larry looked around and exclaimed," Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause."
The young woman extended her hand and Said,"I am Sandy Shore. I am sorry for what you had to go through, but there is something you may want." Sandy handed Larry a photo of Larry at the rink with skates and wearing a cummerbund. "For your photo album"

Friday, December 4, 2009

Raven challenge 91

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
edge, haven, sunglasses, sprightly, telling, frazzled, juicy, quartet, tied, necklace And for the mini: bees, crackling, wooden, staple, earful

Ten Word:
The lanky lad Larry wearing sunglasses sat in the warm sun as he pealed his juicy orange. He hoped this beach haven would bring quiet to his frazzled mind. On the edge of his area of the beach there was a quartet of sprightly swimsuit clad chattering children, running about. One of the quartet , a girl had a necklace with a large medallion. She was not wearing the necklace, but was swinging it around and around challenging the other three boys to catch it. Larry was annoyed with the children disturbing his quiet, but they had not breached what he considered his spot. Then it happened the necklace flew out of the girls hand, and landed in his lap. The children became silent,there was no telling what this person would do. Larry glared.
"It is mine," he said. He put the necklace on. He heard and saw at that time a figure of a brown robed older gentleman, with a white beard, trying to run toward him in the sand.
"No", screamed the robed man.
It was too late. Larry found himself, by himself in a different location. The beach was gone. He was in a forest with no sound. There were no animal noises. He snatched off the necklace. He did not return to the beach. Where was he? He tied the necklace to a tree limb. He began his exploration of this new location.


Mini:
On a tree branch over his head Larry saw a swarm of bees. He did not hear a buzz, but he moved away from that site. He walked on a narrow path through the woods until he came upon a wooden shack with a fire in front of it. There was no crackling of the burning wood. Over the fire on a spit was what looked like a chicken roasting. Chicken was a staple of his meal plan. He felt as if he had lost his hearing. Whoever was causing this, would get an earful when he found them, but what if he could not be heard. He let out a scream. Yup he could be heard, for the scream echoed among the trees. He opened and went in the shack. It had a cot with bedding on it. He would wait here for the person who was using the shack.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I am thankful for Jesus and His love.
I am thankful for my husband John. I am thankful for my children and their children.
I am thankful for my friends through my life.
I am thankful for my sister, and for her family.
I am thankful for my new friends at St Marks, and those I have met blogging.
May you have much to be thankful for.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Raven challenge 90

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
Words for this week's 10-word challenge are: love is a many splendored thing, trucks, inspector, symbols, rising, organic, liberation, costly, smug, naughty


And for the mini: the nature of the beast, identical, charcoal, braggart, vacation


The words, love is a many splendored thing, were heard by all of Hal's neighbors as he sang while showering. Hal was a truck driver for many years, a truck driver who had not known a love like this. This inspector who turned his life up side down. She had stopped his truck for a routine inspection of the organic grown crop he was hauling. He believed in the movement. Liberation from the use of pesticides. True they were a bit more costly,but to save the planet well worth it. He had pleated his case, but felt his temper rising as she found points of criticism. His truck was not in trouble, his argument was. She laughed at the symbols of peace, smug in her stance. With such different political views, he thought his pass at her would not be accepted. It turned out that the traditional inspector had a naughty side. Hal did not care what his neighbors thought, they could get ear muffs, he was in love.

Mega:
Lucky howled and howled. The neighbor Hal was singing love is a many splendored thing. He was being tortured, tied up to his dog house having to listen to that noise. Ah here comes Joe his pack leader carrying a bag of charcoal he put into the trunk of the car. They were going on vacation. Lucky wanted liberation. It was the nature of the beast to want to chase cars and trucks. He was not being naughty. Then it came by, a symbol of every thing good, a small ringing bell. The truck stopped and out from the neighborhood houses ran children of all shapes and sizes. Lucky knew what they wanted because Joe would take him, and together they would share ice cream. He pulled with all his might, and suddenly he was free. he rushed toward the truck, barking in his excitement. One small human was holding up her cone, Lucky made a quick grab, and off he ran with his goody leaving a screaming child. The Olson boy, who was a braggart shouted,"I will get him. I am the best dog catcher in the world."
Lucky quickly made distance between him and the pack chasing him. The park was the perfect place to head into. Through the organic grown flowers, and grasses, he was having a good time then the noise was rising and the crowd was surrounding him. Joe had his leash out in front, and Hal's friend the inspector lady , and Hal were in the back. The leash went around his neck none to gently. Joe was shouting something about being costly. He heard the meows of the identical twin tabby cats with their smug looks sitting by the fence. Next time he would make their world exciting.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Raven challenge 89

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
Words for this week's 10-word challenge are: officer, candid, drowning, turtles, sugar-coated, prospecting, shame on you, recliner, luggage, brains


And for the mini: paragon of virtue, cats-in-the-cradle, swamp, sprinkles, garbage

Charlie Johnson was walking indignantly down the side walk. He promised him, yes he did, he promised to let him go his grandmothers. He was pulling his luggage behind him. Packed were all that was necessary for his stay, swimming trunks, goggles, and water shoes. He packed it himself. He was promised when it still had snow, to be able to stay at his grandmothers, when the weather was warm and they, his parents ,would be off work. That was today.
He asked but his father stayed in the recliner, making no effort to call grandma. His mother was still in bed. He would walk there. He couldn't wait to catch the turtles in the lake by grandma's.
Joe Johnson was talking to the officer. He gave the officer a photo. June Johnson was angry at her husband. "You would think that anyone with brains would be able to look after a six year old ." Both parents were scolding themselves.
The officer was open and candid, there was no sugar-coating the danger the child was in. Prospecting for the child was more difficult than for gold. There was the possibility of drowning in the near by river, or abduction by some sick minded person. The ringing phone drew the attention of everyone in the room. Joe got to the phone first. It was his mother, who started her conversation with" Shame 0n you." A very tired, and hungry child had found his way to her door. All were glad and thankful that Charles was safe.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Raven challenge 88

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

Week's Ten Word Challenge will be:  Cute,
come with me to the Casba, bloodhound, respiration,
Facebook, Canada Geese, modern, gravity,
spider webs, sea shells
 
And for the mini: curiosity killed the cat, charming Victorian,
railroad tracks, tower, salt and
pepper
Ten Word Challenge:

This was not what Jesse expected. It was her sister's birthday and Jesse planned a surprise visit, but she was the one surprised, with a vacant apartment. Furnishings and personal items were there, but there was no sister to greet her. Spider-webs had now adorned the furnishings, so her sister had been gone for some time. Jesse was angry with herself that she had not tried to contact her sister earlier, but Homecoming, a new boy friend, and school had kept her busy. What about her parents, they must know where she was. They had not said a thing to her when she told them she planned to visit Janet. On the dusty shelf was that cute picture of the two of them on the beach picking up sea shells with the Canada geese behind them. There was defiantly something wrong here. She called her parents, and they had not been contacted by Janet. They had sent messages to her , but felt she was just to busy to get in touch with them. Janet was a modern girl and had a computer. She was on Facebook even. Jesse listened to Janet's phone messages,"Come with me to the Casba" What was that all about? She was going to the police, and try to stress the gravity of the situation. She was hoping they could use a blood hound. Her respiration quickened as she made the call.

Mini:

Janet gave that large hug to her sister at the police station. Janet related her story to Jesse and the police. "We went sight seeing getting a way from the usual tourist places. Over the railroad tracks there was a charming Victorian home, which became a museum. It contained the most interesting exhibits. One of the exhibits was a collection of salt and pepper shakers. The exhibit of salt and pepper shakers was in the tower apart from the rest of the exhibits through a door and up a circle staircase. We knew the museum hours, but we were so engrossed that we did not hear a call that the museum was closing, and the door shut and lock. We had not paid any attention to the fact that this was their last day of the season to be open. We did notice that we were getting hungry, and the people coming to the exhibit were zero. We tried to leave but could not get out the door. We tried the small window but it was covered with a mesh, so that no one would fall out. At this point we started to panic. We were afraid that curiosity killed the cat. The museum was abandoned and so were we. I grew a year older," She laughed a nervous laugh, because her birthday came and went while she was in the tower. The police officer then spoke. " We located your car in the parking lot so we called the museum host to open it up, giving us a happy ending. There will be some changes made at the museum for safety."
"Call mom and then let's go celebrate my birthday," said Janet.

Mega:
Sandy and Bob wanted to go to The Flame for a celebration of the first year of marriage,but their plans were altered by fate. As they crossed over the railroad tracks their car stopped on it's own. The fog, and the descending dusk gave the coming night an weird feeling. Bob checked the gas tank, but it was not empty, at least the gauge said they had half a tank. He got out of the car and checked under the hood, and could not see anything wrong. Sandy tried her cell phone, after all she was a modern girl, and knew about Facebook. It didn't work.They heard the wail of the train whistle as it passed behind them. They abandoned the car and began walking up the street lighted by some dim street lights. The wind picked up and brought a chill, forcing them into each others arms for warmth. "If I was a Canada goose I would fly south, " said Bob. Back from the road was a charming Victorian house. A light was on in a room in the tower part of the home. " Let's go see if anyone is home and can give us some help,"said Bob. "Maybe when they see the gravity of our situation they will be willing." The home was an older place but not uncared for. The stairs did creek. The door had a knocker and a door bell. They used both, but no one came to the door. The evening had become darker and
Bob could not see another home nearby. He turned the doorknob opening the door, as he did they heard a voice say"Come with me to the casba"
"Cute" said Sandy.
The howl of a blood hound was then heard. Their respiration quickened, but that did not keep them from entering the hall way. "I know that curiosity killed the cat, but shall we see if we can find someone home?" Bob hollered," Is any one here?"
In the hallway was a small aquarium with sea shells lining the bottom. Sandy bent over to get a closer look , and got caught in the spider webs. She brushed them off. Down from the staircase with a slow gate came a tall gaunt man with salt and pepper hair. He was oddly dressed in a blue suit.
"May I help you?" he asked.
Bob told him the story about the car.
"Take a seat in the living room. I will take a look at the car, I was a mechanic."
The man ushered them into a pleasant room with large plush couch and chairs, well worn. Bob and Sandy took a seat on the couch, and handed the man the keys. The man took a jacket from the closet behind the aquarium, and left. It was not long before he returned.
"Car's working."
"Thank you," they said.
They gratefully drove to The Flame, but found it was not open.
Back at their home, as they entered Sandy said,"That was a most unusual evening. We didn't get the name of the man."

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Raven Challenge

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
This Week's Ten Word Challenge is: plumber, autograph,
Florence Nightengale, a chill wind’s a blowing,
watering hole, sleek, triplets, backwards, surface
tension, parrot


And for the mini: Free estimates,French fries, carpet,
Braille, silver-tongued bandit
The Watering Hole
It was chaos, in Anna's watering hole as she tried to get her three children fed and off to school. Every morning had a bit of chaos, true but this a little more than normal. The pipes broke and that would mean a call to a plumber. The turning off of the water to the kitchen made breakfast a challenge. A thanksgiving to Pop-Tarts was given. They would give more sugar than needed, but there were no bowls to clean. Juice in boxes meant there were no glasses. Anna gave an autograph to her daughters homework report on Florence Nightengale, when the surface tension came. Alex brought in the sleek family parrot Silly without the cage. Anna felt a chill wind's a blowing as the kitten triplets attacked Silly on outstretched Alex's arm, pushing him backward. Alex slipped on some water on the surface of the floor not caught with the mop. Anna's waterless watering hole was filled with feathers, fir, and swinging arms of children trying to catch the kittens and bird to bring order. The plumber arrived as the children exited for school.

Free estimates the Brody company advertised, and Anna called them to come to the house to advise her on what needed to be done to fix the pipes. Jim weaved among the children to come in as they left. He complemented Anna on her children and her home. He gave her an estimate that she could afford, and she signed a contract for the work. The contract was not in braille, she was not blind so that was not needed. Jim left and promptly came back with a work crew. Anna went to the living room and vacuumed the living room carpet. At lunch she went to a close by fast food restaurant and got a hamburger and french fries, and a soda. She placed them on the counter along with her paper game board with the game pieces in it, old and new. She was sure she had won. The crew broke for lunch, while Anna ate hers. When the crew came back, Anna went back to her house cleaning in the living room. The job was done before the children would be home for school. Anna paid the bill, and the crew left. She then looked for the game board, it was missing, taken she believed by the silver-tongued bandit who had just fixed her pipes.

Anna left no time for calm thinking, she rushed to the plumber company that advertise free estimates, Brody. She ranted on and on how they stole her game board. Jim stated he did not know what she was talking about. She received no satisfaction. She returned home and there was someone in her living room. Lance, her husband was sitting in the comfortable recliner and reading the book her son had on Florence Nightengale. He was eating in the living room, against her rules, french fries. Eating in the living room leaves the possibility of something spilling on the carpet. Anna was upset still from the game board loss, the eating of the french fries only added to her anger so Lance felt the chill wind's a blowing toward him. This is not the homecoming reception he envisioned. He could not tell Anna about his conference and what he had learned when she was in this mood. He had an autograph copy of a rare braille book, and photo's of a watering hole in Africa, with sleek cheetahs. His own triplet kittens jumped in his lap, causing the parrot Silly, now in her cage to begin her repertoire of conversation,and the recliner to slip backward. There was a lot of tension in the room, but it broke when Anna saw on the surface of the end table, next to Lance, the game board . She grabbed it seeking to see if they won $10,000. They had not but only a free drink. The plumber was not a silver-tongue bandit after all.

Monday, October 26, 2009

What Parents Do For Their Kids

My son told me about helping his oldest son with his homework. The assignment was to get impressions of deer tracks. This fell of course on a weekend with rain. In the woods they went. The rain was washing away the tracks. They walked and walked. Just as they were about to give up they {my son had all three boys} came upon a corn field. In the corn field tracks were found. Now if they had done it correct they would have had a plastic bag to mix the plaster, and make the impression so as to not make a mess. The bag was forgotten, and a mess was made as my son kept an eye out for the farmer who would get them for trespassing. The younger boys had fun playing among the corn stalks. I do not know what grade my grandson got, but he will have a memory.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Tire

Friday morning of the day we were going to have the retreat, I found a flat tire.
the tire was fine when I drove in. Well it really wasn't, it had a large nail in it but that I didn't know. It was down to the rim. The car should have a hose to attach to the blowing up device, but the hose was missing. My car was to be used to haul items to the church. I looked for the pumps we had, I would even take a hand one, but I found only the ones used for blowing up mattresses. One of the ladies on the committee said she would come by and use her car to carry some of the items. I agreed, but meanwhile I called the Bergstrom garage. They came blew up the tire and took the car to the garage. Then patched up the tire and returned the car to me at the large cost of $16.00. Impressed? I was but they have always given me great service.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Retreat

The retreat was held on Friday Oct 2 evening and Saturday Oct 3 all day. I was spending all my time preparing for this retreat. Sweet Life Cafe was the name of the retreat. The theme was Jesus is the bread of life. We had a committee of five. The retreat came from Group and it was set up very nicely. The cost of a starter kit was $99.00. Our work came in the decorating. They also had boxes which you could purchase at $22.00 a piece, which we thought was too much for our ladies so we made our own. We also bought bags from Walmart instead of buying theirs. Their bags cost five something for each bag we got plain bags 4 for five bucks. We let the women decorate their own bag. We bought from them besides the starter kit charms and a journal for each participant.
The ladies said they had a good time. The women were divided into groups of four. This was accomplished by having the ladies pick out a mug from a display of mugs. Although the mugs were bought in groups four alike they were placed in the display away from a mug that looked like another. The ladies then found the matching cups and sat in that group.
A blessing we also had was that some men in our congregation prepared the meals and served them.
Setting up took most of Friday. We kept moving the heavy tables trying to find the best place for them. I was glad that no decision had to be made when we cleaned up after.
I am sorry I don't have pictures yet. I was too busy to take them but others did and they are going to share later.
We had a speaker also who participated with the woman. Sometimes the speaker just does her or his speech and then leaves. The speaker was Sheila Luck, she was very good. The men preparing the meal came out to listen to her. She spoke about forgiveness.
In one of the sessions I lead just before breakfast. We had a porridge which is served to refugees made of corn meal , powdered milk, and beans. This was to remind them of the need to feed the hungry. We also made up bags of pancake ingredients covered with a pretty towel including directions and a prayer. These are going to be brought to the people we do not see often because they can not get out by youth who will make and share the meal. Some of the bags with towels will go to the food pantry.
We ended with communion. I made the communion bread.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Raven's 82

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: Tibetan sky, symbols, won’t you come home Bill Baily, shadow figures, brain cortex, practice makes perfect, life, start of school, lavender, chow down And for the mini: mental hospital, falling leaves, apple cider, packing crates, clues





Ten Words:

The Tibetan sky began to emerge from behind the brush as stroke after stroke was put on the canvas. Lester Frost did not work quietly, he sang "won't you come home Bill Baily" while he painted. A moon was in the sky and shadow figures of lavender. Where did the images come from? Lester did not know, or did he care if they came from the brain cortex. Painting was his life. Practice makes perfect he heard, but he did not consider his works of art practice, although he spent many hours working on the canvas. Practice is what you had to do with the math symbols. The start of school was soon and he would have to chow down and practice. Maybe he pondered he would have an art class this year.
15 words:

Mary Beth felt the sadness as she put Lester's belongings into packing crates. The paints of many hues even lavender would not go with him. He would not be able to finish the painting of a Tibetan sky. Mary Beth studied the shadow figures trying to find a clue in them of Lester's illness.
What in Lester's brain cortex pulled him from the world, where it was the start of school. He should be walking through falling leaves, chowing down on cookies, and drinking apple cider. Lester's life had taken a new turn from the working on symbols, practicing to make perfect what he learned, to a life in the mental hospital. Now silent not singing "won't you come home Bill Baily." That careless driver had ruined many lives that day.

5 words:
Seated by the mesh covered window of the mental hospital Lester watched the falling leaves. He sipped the apple cider he was just served. He then turned to observing those in the large lounge. He grew bored and returned to his room.
The room was sparse but he noticed the packing crates in the corner. He wondered if they would give him some clues to why he was not at home. He found framed pictures of Mary Beth, his sister, and of his parents , who he knew passed away. He placed them on the small table next to the single bed. That was all there was, the rest were cloths used as packing material. Then one of the cloths jarred his memory. The cloth was covered with blobs of different colored paint.
"My painting," he exclaimed.
By speaking those words he drew the caretakers to his room. He had not spoken a word while he was in the hospital. He had grown silent after witnessing a hit and run driver killing two of his classmates while they were on their way to school, the first day.
Mary Beth was excited. There was a breakthrough. Lester was speaking and interacting. She rushed to the hospital.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Confirmaton

I was so blessed by the confirmation service. The students each made a statement about their faith as part of the service. All presentations were different using their different talents. One using her art ability used the word faith drawing pictures explaining her faith. One wrote a story of a child's faith as he faced death from cancer. My granddaughter did a PowerPoint presentation using a song that expressed her faith and growth. She included pictures from her baptism. There were very few dry eyes when it finished. I think the name of the song was " I thought I knew" but I am not sure, I will have to check. The others spoke about their faith.
I am not sure yet if I am back to blogging. I was away for many reasons, caring for Pennie, VBS and planing for Sunday School. Pennie is one of two leaders. I am teaching crafts or art with another teacher., This Sunday began the Sunday School year, and St Marks begins with something called a cluster. the classes all meet together parents included. We were not going to be able to be there. This rotation is on prayer, and we have only five classes, music, art, science, games, bible learning, so cooking was decided to be used this week for the cluster. Cooking was making pretzels, one the child takes home a name to pray for with a pretzel and the child gives someone in the congregation a name and a pretzel to pray for. There would not be enough time to do the actual cooking so we decided to bake them at home. We also volunteered to do two bulletin boards. Pennie does not have a key to the church and all week she was getting home late from work. Last night was an all nighter. We made over a hundred pretzels and had two bulletin boards ready to put up, before we had to go up north.
Adding to my problem of blogging, my monitor went, and I could not get on the net if Dr. John or Pennie were on. The printing on the monitor was very blury and the letters small. I thought it was my eyes but others saw the blury letters. I could not read any blogs I tried very had but I had to give up. We moved Dr John's monitor from the old computer to the office for me to use. So maybe I will be back.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Life's Challenges.

I thought things would calm down. but they did not. I have been driving Pennie to work each day. I will have to do that for two more weeks.s Today they forbid Pennie from using the wheel chair or crutches. The nurse said she should be on her feet. It still hurts under the knee. I am sorry but I have to stop because I can not keep awake.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Hearthstone with Bree

No Raven's words. I have been with my granddaughter. I have felt sorry for her because of Pennie's foot sprain, I have been driving her to work, and back. She is using John's scooter, so we have had to spend most of Bree's time here with us at home. Pennie decided to not go into work until the afternoon, Bree and I went to the Hearthstone Museum. The home build by Mr. Rodgers
has nine fireplaces so it was named Hearthstone. It had the first electricity in the Appleton area.
When we drove Pennie to work because it was in the afternoon we decided not to go back home , but stayed to window shop in Appleton. We went through a number of small shops with character.
It was a good day.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Photo Story Myah

A Picture Story from Portrait of Words












My story begins when I was just a pup. I lived with a very nice family, and they named me Myah.





My family provided me with food and water. I also had some time to play. On the day of the beginning of my adventure I was out on the porch when I saw a brown furry blur, which I wanted to see up close. I wiggled out of the leash and ran after the brown furry animal that climbed up the tree. I jumped and jumped. I tried a run and then a jump but I could not get to the what I now know is called a squirrel. The squirrel widened the chase by jumping to the limb of another tree. Then it jumped to another tree while down below I ran following it.
We traveled fast. My family which was calling and trying to catch me had to give up. I didn't stop as long as I could see the squirrel. Then the squirrel disappeared. I heard the chattering but couldn't see it. I then took notice of where I was. I could not see my family. There were no sidewalks, or cars. Surrounded by trees, I had no way to tell how to get home. I saw a path which I followed. I almost tumbled over a cliff. I was on top of a mountain over looking a lake. The lake looked like it was in the clouds. The path did continue on, but it was so steep that I many times, lost my footing.




I heard the sound of running water. I maneuvered my way to it. I took time to take a drink and go wadding. There were little fish swimming about in the quiet water.










The path continued to the highway where the cars and trucks sped by. I saw a large building with cars in the parking lot, across the street. I am not very courageous, but a bit foolish so I dodged the cars and trucks. I sat and trembled a bit. Then I approached some humans getting into their cars. I did my very best whine, and gave my cutest look, and sure enough they picked me up. They looked at my collar which was separate from my leash. I was carried into The large building which had a neat living room with a fireplace. A women at the desk petted me then picked up a phone and made a call. I did cause a bit of commotion because I wet on the person that was holding me. Another person took me out side, put me down, and told me to do my business. The sky clouded up and the rain came. I felt no rain for my family arrived and came running toward me. After thanking the humans that brought me in, my family brought me home. They built me a fenced in area of my own, where I could chase the squirrels but not get lost.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Raven challenge 73

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
The words for this week's ten word challenge were: riverboat, procrastination, drank, demons, invisible, candle, enough, film stars, summer job, computer For the mini: general demeanor, surprisingly, masked man, reach, standards


Sandy Shore could not believe the call she received offering her a summer job with other film stars on a riverboat. She wanted that job so bad, none of the other jobs she had done held a candle to this offer. She must not procrastinate, but promptly confirm. She went to her computer and sent out her reply.
She was accepted. She wanted to celebrate, she poured out just enough diet soda into a cocktail glass, holding it up she toasted her good luck, and the invisible demons who brought her name to the director aboard the riverboat. Feeling on top of the world she drank down that glass. She was surprised when another glass was brought out from the cupboard, and some soda was poured into it, Then she saw that penguin, she named knight. Knight probably would be making this adventure on the river eventful she was sure.

Mini:
The general demeanor of the director was surprisingly calm as he welcomed the actors, and actresses for his show aboard the riverboat. He was not taken aback by the masked man. The director began by giving an emotional speech about reaching for the highest standards.
Although the masked man did not bother the director, he made Sandy uncomfortable. She questioned to herself if that was because, the man reminded her of The Phantom of The Opera."
Sandy might be concerned about the masked man; the cast was unnerved by scenery seeming to be moving by itself.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Dog Progress 2

The head front and back have been sewn, but then the machine could not sew the foam and lining.
I tried many different settings only to give up and sew the back foam and lining by hand. It took an hour, with a machine five minutes at the most.
Watched the live feed again, Peter brought Bree down so they saw it too. the going in and out makes it difficult to understand the speeches. Pennie just called and every thing is going fine. They put up some walls for Habitat For Humanity. Went on a scary ride. Getting into the stadium is scary because of the heat and the pushing to get in, so they are going a little later hoping to miss the pushing and shoving. We have not been able to see them because they are in the shadows Pennie said.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Dog Progress

I have the eyes. eyebrows done on the dog I am making. The ears have been sewn, but not attached.The front of the head is pinned.
I got to watch the evening service at New Orleans, they had a live feed. It had trouble with choppy picture and I could not hear. There were more people watching than what they planned for. They scanned the crowd but I could not see our group. The Bishop of the church came in in a rolling bathtub and he was in a bathrobe and slippers. I plan on watching Thursday night, hope they can improve on it. You can get to the live feed this way; first go to Dr. John's blog then use the St Marks link , then to the Youth gathering and choose the live feed. There are probably better ways but that is how I got there.
I forgot about Quilly's words. I went and looked so here it goes. Lancy was a self indulgent as Acrasia and gave a oncethmus sound when no one could tell her about muklins.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

They are off.

Pennie and the youth of St. Marks and the other two churches are on their way to New Orleans. The bus left right at 2:00 pm . I followed the bus out of the parking lot. They went left I went right and I got turned around, so I went the wrong direction, on the correct road. I did a little tour of Menasha.
When I got home I worked on the dog costume I am sewing for VBS. I started working on the head after finishing the body. I am afraid of the difficulty. I had to do some practicing because this is a new machine, because my better machine broke just before we moved.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Glimps at Lifest 2009

Here are some photos of Lifest 2009. We sit in the back so we can move in and out when in the evening the crowd grows and you can't see well. The stage is right of the man in the blue shirt. We watch the large screen.























There are many different areas to listen to different bands. Above was the Grand stand. Below is another area where they were judging up and coming bands. Each day a band won and then on Saturday the winners played in the Grandstand. A winner was chosen from the winners each day and that band got to do a show.

















i




This is a video of the end of the playing in the afternoon a oldie.







Raven challenge 72


Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

This weeks Ten Word Challenge is: corn pone, delegation, nectarines, happiness, 12 going on 13, prancing horses, magenta, butterflies, fragmentary, arthritis


For the mini challenge: lavender cowboy, over the moon, preparation, zebra, area rug




As she entered the room she glanced around,the table was just the right size for Misty Leaf, and she gave a sigh of relief. Usually the tables in waiting areas were very small, made for toddlers. Misty wanted an area to draw, and sitting in a chair was cumbersome. Misty was a bright 12 going on 13 year old. Her time in a waiting room was because her grandmother was part of a delegation at a convention on arthritis. She was staying with her grandmother while her parents were overseas. She knew that she would have a long time just waiting and she came prepared with her drawing materials and a lunch, corn pone and nectarines
The waiting room was filling as Misty arranged her material. There was a small toddler table which two youngsters,a boy and girl, occupied. A boy Misty's age joined the toddlers showing them a book from which he read to them.
At first her ideas were fragmentary ,but soon Misty's art began to take form, with bright colors. Prancing horses were surrounded by magenta butterflies. Flowers bloomed everywhere in many hues. The toddlers and the boy with them came over to the table where Misty was working. Misty drew the toddlers,Caleb and Lisa, into the picture. She drew Caleb with a butterfly net running among the flowers. Lisa with a big smile, showing her happiness, was picking a flower and holding it out to Randy the boy who was with the toddlers.
A pile of paper began to form as Lisa told a story, and Misty would illustrate the story. Randy and Caleb would add a little to the story also.
Randy, Caleb and Lisa shared their lunch with Misty and she shared her lunch with them. They were all a little sad when the adults returned. They were happy playing with the horses and running in the fields, and the day was just too short.


For the mini challenge: lavender cowboy, over the moon, preparation, zebra, area rug

Mini Challenge:


It was not his imagination, but this house had strange noises. Harry Fisher debated with himself
as he laid in bed whether to check out what he was hearing or to remain as safe as he could in bed. He got up. He walked around using a flashlight to check out the rooms. He found no intruders or ghosts. Now he could rest.
There they were again the bumps in the night He knew that unless he checked he would get no sleep, so flashlight in hand he made a tour of the house he inherited from his uncle Jim. He had the same results as the last night, but he could get some sleep.
Tonight he decided to do some preparations before he got into bed.
Under the area rug in the living room he put peanut shells , put up a motion censor, placed baby monitors in each room, and had the CD player set up to play "Lavender Cowboy." Now he went to bed sure that he would know before morning, who was making the noise. He slept peacefully.
The CD player did not play, he heard no peanut shells cracking, or unusual sounds from any rooms. The neighbor talk of haunting must be causing him to hear strange sounds at night. Tonight he would just go to bed and not let any noise bother him. Harry pulled the covers up to his chin and he closed his eyes. There came a loud crash. His resolve left him and he grabbed the flashlight and ran out to find a zebra in his living room. Feeling he was crazy, or over the moon, he called a friend, a young women he met named Sandy Shore, who had told him about a penguin she saw.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Us Together Again

Penny Sue Tractor and Colonel Montana were the names that Mr. And Mrs. Reginal Maki decided to use for their big Hillbilly party this evening. The party would be held at a small cabin in the woods they rented for the night.
It looked just like they thought a Hillbilly home should look like. Every good Hillbilly home should have a pig. But the only pig they could find was one of those fancy pet pigs that belonged to a rich friend and they had to promise no harm would come to it to borrow it for the evening.
Mr. and Mrs Maki came up with mud wrestling as one activity, since greased pig catching was ruled out not wanting to harm the pig.
At the last moment they even found a dog named Duke to complete the picture.
Turning into Penny Sue Tractor and Colonel Montana brought them to giggling as the transformation took place. Everything was ready including the fake still from which the liquor would be served in fruit jars and the deer in the pen behind the cabin for the deer tackling event.
Old hats long beards and missing teeth were the norm but Lester Cain, or at least who ,the now, Penny Sue thought was Lester Cain had deep scratches over his face, and cuts on his arms. He looked like he had been in a fight with a mountain bobcat and she assumed it was part of his costume. He staggered as he picked up his fruit jar and sat at the teeter-tottering table. Suddenly the table went over and he fell to the ground looking very much like he had died. Mrs. Maki screamed out his name, and ran to him finding that the blood pouring from him was not fake but real.
That was when the Federal Agents choose to raid the party and arrested them all for a long list of offenses including having an illegal still. Mr Maki tried talking to the agents explaining that everything was fake for a party, but the with the body they were not buying his explanation.
As the agents were rounding up the guests, a couple and a teenager, Billy Jones and his parents walked in , Billy also with multiple scratches. It didn't take long to discover that Lester and Billy had a fight and according to Billy he stabbed Lester while defending himself. Billy was caring a pitch fork as part of his costume, but Lester, somewhat drunk, thought he was the devil.
Tomorrow they would be arraigned and the authorities would discover they had among others the District Attorney, the Mayor, and the Chief of Police, the strangest group of Hillbillies ever arrested.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

POW #2 Thom &John

A Picture Story from Portrait of Words






It was with anxiety Penny Sue Tractor waited for the arrival of the crew with her award. Only two weeks ago she participated in the mud wrestling contest

at the State Fair, and won first place. The winner of the contest won an all expense trip to any resort in the area or a city for a week. She decided to take a week in the city, where she had never been. Leaving behind Edgar the pet pig
and Shadow her dog
was hard enough, but she would also have to leave behind the familiar cry of the eagle,
and the shy intrusion of the deer.






The official car arrived and those giving her the award got out. The formal wear and the expressions on their faces made her want to run back into her home. She could not leave this place. What she had to wear would be unacceptable in the city. One of the people a lady stepped forward and with a gentle voice asked Penny Sue to come with them. She encouraged her to take the adventure, they would make all the arrangements, making sure that someone would come and take care of her pets.
In Penny Sues eyes the hotel was a palace. The lady who had encouraged her to go on the trip Lacy Hope,became her companion aiding her in the city tour and the shopping. At the end of the week Penny Sue had changed her look of a country girl to a city lady.
Her name also won her some more good fortune. With a name like Penny Sue Tractor who else should be a sales person for a tractor manufacturer
Had her fortune changed Penny Sue? At the end of the week, Penny Sue packed up her new clothes, and returned to her home in the country. She was relieved to be back home, but she kept her job selling tractors, traveling to work by first a long walk and then taking a bus.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Raven challenge 71

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.


sober, spoilage, knight, laugh and the world laughs with you, peak, blueberries, owl, drugstore, lampshade, keyboard

The peak season for blueberries had arrived, and Sandy wanted to go out picking. She did not want a lot but enough to make a pie. Too many there would be a danger of spoilage. An area with wild berries would be best. Wild blueberries tasted better than those found on the farms although the farms had larger berries.

Sandy drove out onto a country road, and pulled her small blue Saturn over on to the edge parking there. She sprayed bug spray, and then grabbed a bucket to put the berries in. Concentrating on finding berries she did not see but, felt an others presence. Beside her wearing a large brim straw hat was Sandy's invisible penguin. Sandy glad for the companionship began talking to the penguin. "I think you need to have a name, how about Knight?" Sandy began to giggle, but the penguin did not look happy. "Hey, laugh and the world laughs with you," said Sandy. The penguin remained sober. Although it was light, an owl sat on a branch near them and did a "Whoo"

"Who Mimicked Sandy, Knight should be its name, because he has rescued me like a knight in shining amour."

Her bucket full Sandy returned home, after stopping at the drug store to pick up her prescriptions. Adjusting the lampshade as she entered the apartment, she went to her computer keyboard to find a pie recipe. She found many. One seemed to stand out. Sandy had discovered long ago that she was not a neat baker so she began her pie making by putting on an apron.When she had taken the pie out of the oven she was joined by Knight for a taste of her labors.


For the mini challenge: economy, Michael Jackson, ladder, clue, structure

I am sorry, but I have been at Lifest and up very late, I have not been able to finish and I probably will not be able to read others until later.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Our Fourth of July in Photos

Bree lighting fireworks.

Caleb


Peter Lighting Fireworks


Turtle taking off.

Patrick Grilling








I found this meme on Thom's blog on Saturday the 4th of July. I hope he doen't mind if I use it.





Yankee Doodle Dandy

1. What is your favorite 4th of July memory? (If you aren’t in the U.S., then use your own national holiday.)I have many, including this 4th. The bicentennial was the one I was most involved in making costumes,& making a float.

2. Do you consider yourself patriotic? yes

3. Do you like fireworks? Not the noise but the pretty ones. We have always have done are own fireworks. Dr. John at one time with the help of his sister and mother would put on a display for the small community that his sister lives in. There have been some scary moments.

4. What are your plans for this weekend?We had the whole family here. We did our fireworks, which I still have to clean up. Grilled steaks. Had strawberry shortcake.

5. Are you optimistic about the future? I think we are in for a change, do not know,for good or bad.

6. Do you think everyone should serve in the military?No. I think there would be some who if serving would be a hindrance.

7. Would you support a constitutional ban on flag burning?Flag burning makes me unhappy, but peaceful protest should be able to continue.

8. What end of the political spectrum are you?Depends on issue.

9. Where do you get your news? On channel 7.


This gives a outlet for what I was going to write about today. We had a very nice Fourth of July. No major problems. We laughed through the fireworks display. The males were all outside and the females inside watching plus Dr. John. We critiqued the display and the presenters. They put a cardboard box under the display table which at one time was smoking. My oldest grandson was wearing a green elf hat and beard not the safest get up which he was told he could not wear.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Raven challenge 70

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

Next Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: Florida, spit, child bride, operatic, busy, holding pattern, sunflowers, ginger jars, office, superintendent


For the mini challenge: music to my ears, plot, powerful, braggart, super model





The gang with invisible animal companions were in a holding pattern waiting for the police to investigate the man in the multi-colored hooded sweatshirt they brought in for causing the explosion at Poets Corner. William and Stan had warmed up to Sandy after what they went through with her to get back her penguin. [The penguin that didn't need to be rescued.] Of course if they did not think the penguin was in danger they would have not caught the hooded man.
William paced back and forth in front of the office of the police superintendent and making the others nervous.
" I know a lady you should meet. Let's go over to her place, and get out of here. I will give them my cell phone number in case they need to talk to us some more. Her name is Winter Florida," said Stan.
Sandy followed Stan and William's car out into the country away from the busy city streets. They came upon a cottage nestled in the woods, and the car with William and Stan came to a stop in front of it. Sandy pulled up behind it. Sandy felt she was playing a part in fairy tale. The cute shuttered cottage had sunflowers lined around a winding brick path up to the door. She expected the flowers to burst into song. They were silent not even singing an operatic chorus, a bit disappointing. Stan knocked on the door, and a petite young dark haired girl opened it. A tall red haired gentleman stood behind her. Her face became glowing as she grabbed Stan in a hug.
"Oh, come in , come on in," she said. She dragged Stan in. William and Sandy followed him into a spit and polish clean house. Stan introduced William and Sandy to Winter Florida and Dale Florida. Winter led them into the living room past a kitchen door where Sandy could see ginger jars on the shelves. To Sandy, Winter looked so young. Sandy whispered to William,"She must be a child bride." Her whisper carried to Winter's ears, and Winter said," I was."
The three sat on a couch facing Winter on a recliner and Dale on a matching recliner. Stan told them about the catching of the man expected of bombing the Poets Corner. As they were speaking Stan's phone rang. He smiled as the conversation over the phone transpired. That is music to my ears. Stan related the conversation. The police had enough evidence they felt to charge the man. He confessed that he was with a powerful group that had plotted to cause fear in the community, and the braggart even confessed to wanting to kill supermodels. Once he started he was not able to stop and gave up other names.
"We can be a powerful force, but that power should be used to help those without, "said Winter. As she was speaking a wolverine curled up on her lap. Sandy began thinking about the beginning of seeing her penguin and how she wanted to get rid of it. It did cause some trouble for her, but maybe it had to grow up too. It now was part of a force for good.


Mini Challenge:

Super model Celeste was cruel to her step sister Mable. A braggart in their home she would rag on Mable about her hair color and style, her weight, and her gate. Mable could do nothing right. In her mind Mable would plot to bring the powerful model down.
Jim Rose, a very handsome man, a super model also, became interested in Mable not Celeste.
He came to the home with flowers and gifts to woo Mable. Mable's attitude slowly began to change about herself. The change showed in her demeanor. When Mable told her mother that Jim had proposed, her mother exclaimed," That is music to my ears."
Mable no longer wanted to humiliate her sister but found it enjoyable to rejoice in her success.


Happy 4th of July!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

One + One = One


This is another story written by Dr. John and I,exchanging sentences.



With disgust Rex threw both the rope and the old drumsticks on the ever growing pile, filled with memories of long past days. Some of the items brought pain, memories such as the rope from his once owned yacht. The next item in the closet was that great big safety pin and as he took it out he began to cry. This was a wall decoration in his babies room. He could almost hear the baby cry, and knew he would never hear it again.
He was questioning how he could begin anew, and removing the painful memories was a way to begin again. Over and over he could see the yacht exploding with his wife and baby on board.
Sue was offering a new beginning with her Sweet shop. They would be partners , he would make the baked goods while she served customers. She was a lady that always had a smile, and a get up and go attitude. "At least I will get out of this house" he thought as he put on his hard hat and walked through the never finished addition. "I should go and contact her to confirm, and then contact a realitor," he thought.
Sue was waiting for him as she hoped he could let go of the past and just maybe fall in love with her. She had cared for him since high school, but he had picked another lifestyle marring Joann the millionairess. Now she wanted to help him get over the guilt he felt, because he got carried away playing the drums, and was late getting to the boat.
He need not feel guilty, because she planted the bomb not knowing how much he cared for that woman and her brat.