Betty's News

Spring Break

2011-04-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

My grandchildren came up to my house for spring Break. My birthday was also last week. It was a busy week but fun.
This SS rotation uses Jelly Bellies. My small living room was filled with jelly beans. My daughter and I even drove to the factory. The flavors we were missing, were no longer being made, so the trip was not as fruitful as we had hoped.

A Test

2011-04-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Where have my posts gone? I write, I post and nothing shows up. It tells me I posted on March 31, but I can not find it.

Fence Jumper

2011-03-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

Maggie did it. Yesterday Maggie jumped the fence and ran into the field, and toured the neighborhood. She did this twice. She is using the snowbanks to leap over. I went out to shovel down the bank she used meanwhile she found another which also let her return to the yard. Spring please come soon.
The "State budget is also not helping me to be calm. I voted for Walker, I want to balance the budget, but I do not want to take away the rights of workers to bargain. I have worn red. My daughter wrote her legislatures, and protested in Appleton, and my grandchildren protested in Madison.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T05:35:00.000-08:00

I hope all have a great day. This day has been very hard for me. I do not remember last year's celebration because John was just trying to live. His loss has made this day hard. I have been cleaning and reorganizing the Christmas decorations, and came across a box in the wrong spot. The box contained, a journal I wrote as John and I dated, and our wedding cross that was on the cake.
Making this day better was an event I attended Saturday night at the church. There was a fund raising event for the youth going to the National Youth Gathering in 2012 at New Orleans. The name of this event was The Not So Beautiful, Beauty Contest. There were five male contestants who dressed in formal wear, and competed in a talent show. They were such good sports, and we laughed all night. Over $700.00 was raised. I wish I knew how to but up pictures.

The Pack is back!

2011-02-07T05:21:00.000-08:00

I can stop being nervous, the Packers won the Super Bowl. If someone said the Packers would win, that was not good news to me, because I was afraid that the Packers would not be ready to play, but if someone would say the Steelers would win, then I felt they know the strengths of the teams, and they would be right. I think we have a great coach, and coaches as well as a great team.
I did go to Peter's to watch the game. I did not go into the hot tub until after the game, it was just too close. We had tasty Chile for supper. No drinking except soda, all we needed to get high was the win. The dogs did not get into things they should not, but did not like the cheering.

Packers Win!!!

2011-01-24T10:10:00.000-08:00

I am very happy because the Packers won yesterday. I have been cheering for them no matter if they win or not, but winning is the best. Can not afford to go to Texas, but will watch from my chair in front of the TV,or maybe from a hot tub. Had an invite yesterday but got the message too late.

Christmas

2010-12-28T21:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
I have not been able to get on the Internet. Peter fixed it on Christmas when he came down.
We had a nice Christmas with more to come when Pat and the boys come tomorrow. Decorating was haphazard. Pennie thought that cleaning was more important than decorating. I got a tree up and one drawer of balls on it,and the star on top. I got a new fibre optics tree and John had a train that also glowed in different colors. I put them on top of the bookshelf. When Luke saw them, he suggested that I get them to move with music. His Grandfather would have loved that.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Church Service Cancelled

2010-12-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

Today was the first time for me that I did not attend service, because there wasn't one held. It felt strange. Next week is the children's Christmas program and of course we were to practice. The choir was doing a special program, and the stewardship committee was hosting a tailgate party, and we were to watch the Packers after service. Pledges were to be made before the party. The blizzard made all this unsafe to hold. Pennie cancelled, the practice before the church service was cancelled. Next week all that was to happen this week will happen then, with the addition of the Christmas Program. Wrong. The choir's program will be held on Christmas Eve.
My snow shoveler broke his snow blower on what he said was a extension cord. There were no extension cords on the side walk or driveway. He is trying to fix it with parts so he will not have to but a new blower. Only part of the driveway got cleared. He thinks that Pennie may be able to get out. I know I can not get out.
As a Christian, I have a concern. We pack bags for the Sunday School children to get after the Christmas Program. I went looking for items to but in the bags. Small toys and candy. I could not find any with Christian symbols on them. It was Santa. Rudolph, or Frosty. Pennie ordered some from Oriental Trading, but have we replaced Jesus with Santa. Is Santa an Idol? I could not find any wrapping paper with a Christian design. I would like to keep Santa and his friends from the church, because he has taken over everything else. If the Children do not have the pastor, teachers, and congregation talking about Jesus, not Santa, how are they to learn about the real meaning of Christmas? Instead of reading about Jesus birth to the children Christmas Eve, It is The Night Before Christmas, on TV shows, and maybe in homes. Just something to think about.

Who Has The Sermon?

2010-11-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

I hope all had a Happy Thanksgiving. We went to my son Pete's house for the meal, we all went including the dog. The food was very good, and we all ate too much. The dogs[Pete has a dog too] also shared in the meal, but that was not the way we thought it should be. As we were eating apparently a dog or dogs had some pie crust. We were not sure if the pie had been crushed on the way there or not. One pie was missing crust on one side, but later Spanky was after the pie so that answered that question. My oldest grandson made five pies. One of the pumpkin pie was made from scratch starting with the whole pumpkin. Canasta was played. As Lori's mom was leaving the house she placed the left over beans in a pot on the floor, not having a dog of her own at home, and the dogs added to their meal for the day.
Pat,Curtis, and the boys had to go back early Sunday. Pennie and I were at the church at 7AM to set up. I carried in the cookies I made for fellowship after the service, leaving my purse behind. I returned to the car to get my purse, and the church door locked behind me. I was left outside in the very chilly weather. I knocked, and knocked. After about five minutes Pennie heard me, and let me in. It was celebration Sunday for the children and they got to play a quiz game going over the material they had for the last unit. They also take part in the service by being ushers, greeters, and reading the lessons. At the beginning of the service Pennie explained how the children's offerings were used from last year. The children took part in the heifer program and bought a goat, sheep, a pig,and geese. She had pictures of the animals on sheets of 9x10 paper, she placed them on the pulpit holding them up one by one. Ending her presentation she picked up all of the papers on the pulpit. Pastor Steve when he got up to do his sermon starting looking around, and then asked has anyone taken my sermon. There were no responses. The children did a play for the children's Sermon and there was a thought the the sermon got mixed in with the scripted. Pastor began without his notes, and half way though Pennie looked at her animal pictures and found Pastor Steve's notes. She then brought them forward. We all had a laugh.

Oldest in the House

2010-11-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

I went to the latest Harry Potter movie at midnight,with my daughter. We were the last to be getting tickets, and knew that all theaters were sold out, so we went early to get good seats. I watched as the theater filled with mostly teens with a few middle aged scattered about. I saw no one who looked to be my age, and that could be because seniors do not want to out at midnight,but I could sleep in. I enjoyed the movie. I have read the book, along time ago, but I am looking forward to the ending,in the theater.
It has been long a long time since I have blogged. My bathroom got painted finally after four years. When they put in the walk in tub, they replastered, but they did not paint saying I could save so much doing it myself. I thought that was true, and it was small, no problem. Problem how does a height challenged person paint over a tub with no room for a ladder to be safely placed in the tub? Answer, call in the family troops. My son, daughter, and grandsons Alex and Caleb. They did a fine job. I now have a beautiful coral room, which I added a verse and stick on flowers and butterflies. I would show a picture but I have lost the cord and the instructor to put pictures on the blog. I hope to figure this out.
I got a big scare last month when I discovered my bank had not been paying my mortgage for eight months. I discovered it not my bank. They had not done as I instructed to make the new account as the old. I got a new account because of John's death. I asked several times if they had done that and they said they had taken care of it. The loan was from them so I figured they had done that. On the statements that came from the bank there was no record, and that bothered me, I finally decided instead of worrying I would check into it, I should have done that much earlier. I had the money because it had not gone out from my account, but I was thinking I was doing so well, I could take a trip to Germany. Glad I did not do that. I now have little trust in that bank, but I am afraid of a change. This whole incident left me shaken. I kind of shut down for awhile.

Week With Grandkids

2010-09-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

Pat had vacation, and did not want to spend money, so he came here. Bree and Luke were coming for the week. We planned to go to Door County. While looking for things to do, we found geocaching. It is sort of a treasure hunt from the Internet. This was a time were everyone could enjoy, we even brought the dog. She did have to spend some time in the car while we ate supper at Al Johnson's. A Swedish restaurant with goats on a sod roof in Sister Bay. The food was very good. Across from the restaurant at a ice cream shop in the ground was hidden one of the caches. At lunch in Sturgeon Bay, we ate at a coffee shop with tables outside, and they let the dog sit with us. In Sturgeon Bay there was a cach at the Welcome Center. There were three others that were progressive. When you found one it had a clue to the next. The first clue was at the start of the canal. It was a nice park area. The next clue led us to a field next to the canal. The last one was at a lighthouse. We did not find the treasure. The kids loved the beach and managed to get wet. I held the dog away from the water, a ride home with a wet dog would not be pleasant.
Our first outing was to a Harley Davidson resort, kind of. There was a zoo, a museum, a restaurant, a flea market, and a pirate sailing ship the kids could play on.
Pat wanted to just sit around the house reading and playing computer games, and we did that too.
On Thursday,Pat and I went to the Packer preseason game, with Pete and Bree. It was fun and they won. The boys stayed at their aunt's home with her and Luke. Pennie came up later after work.
On Saturday we went to the "Y" so the boys could go rock climbing. They would like to stay longer than our paid for time.

I have had a hard time getting on to blog, but apparently I was not going the correct way because Pennie got me on to do this post.

VBS was fun. We did High Sea Adventure. Pats boys came for that the first week in August. The older boys were part of the staff. I was the bible story person. We acted out Peter's escape from prison, Paul's shipwreck, and the healing of the lame man by Peter and John. Kay and Jane made us a great ship in the fellowship hall. We were sad when we had to take it down.
We did something different that we will continue into Sunday School. The kids were placed in crews not grades. In each crew there was a child from each grade level except the skippers, which formerly were the preschool. They were apart except at the beginning and the closing each day. The music was great.

Busy Time

2010-07-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

I have been painting, not my house, but in the church. Kay who is not a designer by trade, but gifted and her family have taken on the challenge to spruce up St. Marks. Finished are the library, and Pastor Steve's office. Pennie and I are painting her SS office. We have finished two walls with two coats. We have two panels between windows with one coat. The walls are tan. the panels are are maroon. We have to move numerous items to get to the last wall, which is an area above the shelving units.
Pennie and I took some time off, and went up to Green Bay to the Heritage Hill State Park for the Laura Ingalls Wilder days. Lori and Brea joined us. The place was packed,so we did not get to see Dean Butler, Melissa Anderson or William Anderson. They let only a few in the Library at a time and there was a long line. We went to all the open buildings. It was a nice day, but storms preceded and there was a lot of muddy trails. Pennie did get to grind coffee. We chose not to scrub clothes on scrub boards. It was a very nice day, but we will come back when the park is less full. It was fun to see all the children in costume.
Vacation Bible School is coming soon. It starts on Aug. 8. Pennie and I have to figure out how to build the canon.
Quilly I have not been able to get to your blog. I have not been able to blog myself. Don't know what is going on.

The Fun Busy Week

2010-07-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

We went to Lifefest from Wednesday through Thursday. Peter brought down Brea and a friend. The bands were great, and which were the best, depended on your choice of music likes. It rained Wed. night. The show did not stop, and we did get wet. Thursday we dodged puddles, and mud. I was embarrested for my car as Pennie and I traveled to Indianapolis on Friday for my nieces wedding.

I thought the word that my daughter used to discribe the wedding was perfect "elegant". The bride looked like a princess. The reception was across the street from the motel. The caterers did an excellent job. Each guest was served salad and a meal of stuffed shells, roast beef, potatoes and shrimp. The cake was sooo good.

The bride had a friend make up a small jar of honey, which had the couples name and date on it, given to each of the guests.

The being with family for a very happy ocassion was so nice. I don't get to see my sister often, only about twice a year. Her whole family less. Her older daughter lives in Spain. My sister's grandson from Spain was adorable. He was the ring bearer at the ceremony.

Eating well may lead to exploding.

2010-07-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th, late.
Busy getting ready for the fourth, Lifefest, and my niece's wedding. Everything comes all together.
Pennie and I are back eating healthy. We were cooking our steak, when a alarm went off. Think it was the smoke alarm. Your wrong it was the carbon monoxide alarm. We thought it was the smoke alarm too. The alarm is very loud. The alarm was plugged in under the card table I have up. I crawled under the table to read it and found it was telling that there was gas. I unplugged it and moved it to another location and it continued to sound. I got out the other alarm I have in the bedroom. It did not go off, but we called 911 and the firemen came. They found no gas leak.
We had a nice Fourth, Peter ,and family came down after church. We grilled, played canasta, and set off fireworks. Luke helped his father, and had a great time. Grandpa would be proud.

Dr John's Memorial in Crystal Falls

2010-06-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Many things were planned that did not happen. Pennie put some pictures together for a slide show and I was to talk with it so I did not have to stand in front of the church where I was sure to cry. We worked on it through the week, but something would go wrong. The memorial was to be at 1:30PM, but we were to at the church at 12:30PM to visit before the service. We stayed in Iron Mountain 45 min. from Crystal Falls. We were still working at the slide show at 11:30. We were to meet Peter at Fabs Restaurant for lunch, the memorial was going to have only desserts. They had finished eating, but Pats kids were hungry so we ordered. I ordered toast and a egg, quick and easy. It took a half hour to get our meal. Fabs is not fast food, but it does have good food. We were late getting to the church.

This was not a bad thing it turns out. I came in the back way, and my circle was serving. They were in the kitchen so I got to greet them and was able to have a short visit with them.

It was hard going through a service twice but it was so very nice to be able to see our friends again. I also got to visit with members of the choir before the service. Our first Intern was there.

The service was very nice, but long. The one hour became two. Borning Cry was dropped. the flowers were beautiful, red roses.

On Friday at the motel the whole family was there, and we got to go swimming. On Sunday we went to one of Pats favorite restaurants in Iron Mountain B's. It has huge cinnamon rolls. We got three and shared.

Long day Sunday

2010-06-07T20:37:00.001-07:00

I am writing this for the second time,because I can not get it to publish. It then disappeared.
I am shortening this now. Sunday service honored those graduating. After church Pennie and I worked in the SS office organizing last years SS material so it will be easy to get to when we decide to use it again. We were there for five hours.

Early Morning Surprise

2010-06-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday night those interested in VBS gathered to do some more planning. Those gathered were excited at the way everything was going. Stations to teach were picked.

Saturday a Christian Ed meeting was called for at 9:00 AM. Pennie was on call, and had many calls out, one coming at 7:00 AM. She was to be off at 8:00 AM. It was five minutes to nine when I picked up the agenda on what I knew she wanted to discuss and headed out to the church. The back door was locked. I had Pennie's keys so I unlocked it and came in with the agendas. The superintendent office was open and two of the committee were sitting in the room. I was a bit surprised, but figured they had keys also. I noticed the cupboards were open and again I figured they opened them. Then Pastor came over and asked if we were the first people in the church, and if we noticed anything wrong with the locks. The lady who had the trouble with the talking parrot said she was there first and had let the others in. They noticed nothing wrong with the doors. Pastor said that his office was broken into, and the gift cards he gave to those who needed help were taken and a small amount of money he had in his desk was taken. Pennie came just at that time. So we explained what had happened. Pastor went back to wait for the police. We sat down to begin our meeting , when we noticed the safe which was not used but taking up our space was opened and a metal box with keys were laying on the floor. Then we noticed the door jam was pulled from the wall. Pennie's office was broken into also. We reported this to Pastor, and then we did a check of the other rooms. In the nursery we found where they had entered through the window. In the library where the food pantry is the door to it was open which is closed but not locked. Nothing was taken. There is a paddle locked door with items to give away which showed signs that there was an attempted to enter.

We made plans for next years SS. Another meeting was held to find out the teachers wants for their rooms, it was 1:00PM when we left the church a little unnerved.

The good part of this was there was no damage beyond what was done to break in. The large expensive copy machine, printer, and office equipment was not taken. We were also advised to not enter the place where they broke in by the police. I will leave you with that advise, if your office or home is broken into do not go in just call the police. To do that you have to be more observant than we are.

Fun Time

2010-06-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

My oldest son had vacation last week so he and his wife came down here for a visit and to help me. I had boxes of items to go to Goodwill. They were loaded up and taken there. Then we went to Steins to pick flowers for Memorial day to put on Dr. Johns grave site. I did not want to plant this year because I was afraid that I would not be able to take care of those planted. I found a nice stand that would hold the beautiful flower basket I picked out. We went out to lunch at the Old Country Buffet.

On Saturday my daughter and I drove up north to Norway for my nephew's graduation party. We were a surprise. Coming in early gave us time to visit. The weather was perfect, although my sister-in law thought it was too warm.

Memorial Day we rested in the morning. I went out later to shop for items for my mantel, for the summer. In the evening we started to prepare for next years Sunday School. We are hoping that then my daughter will not have the stress during the actual teaching time.

Earlier in the week my sister and brother-in-law stopped over on their way up North for a family reunion on his side. We had a nice visit and we went out to eat at Oslos's. This is the place that was full so Pennie and I could not go. The road to get there is now all torn up under construction. It was hard to get to it, but it was open, and we were the only people there to eat.

The food was very good, and the choices were not your ordinary ones. I had Norweigen chicken. I am not sure of all that was on the chicken for sure cheeze, and mushrooms. It was served with new potatoes[ there was a potato choice] rutabager and a large beet slice.

I ho;e every one had a good Memorial Day.

Stiff Polly

2010-05-19T14:35:00.001-07:00

When Dr John and i first married we got a parrot called Polly. I think Dr John did blog about Polly. When Pete was born we had to sell Polly. Dr John continued to want a parrot. Christmas a few years ago Walmart was selling these talking dancing parrots. I thought perfect parrot for Dr John. no clean-up. Polly's leg broke when we took it out of the box, but I taped it up, and Polly sat on the perch in the bedroom.
One of the rotations at Sunday School this year was Treasures in Heaven and it had a station in it that needed a parrot. We took Polly off the perch and she went to church and sat in the Palm tree the church has for decoration, and was used in the station that needed the parrot. Kids and adults would be startled when Polly would squawk hello. After the rotation was done Polly was placed in a box with the other items used in the rotation and was forgotten about.
There is a lady in the church who volunteers to clean-up the bathrooms after their use, and she takes care of the food pantry. While she was working last week she heard a voice saying hello. She looked around for who was in the church, because she thought it was empty. She could not find anyone. She went back to work. Again she heard hello. She did a search and after many hellos she found the box with the parrot. She took the parrot to her car to silence it. On Sunday she was telling another person about the parrot just as I came in the church after the sack race. I told her that was my parrot so she gladly went to her car and brought him to me. I turned off the button and silenced him and brought him home. Some gifts in up with many uses, and in places they were not intented to be.

Busy Weekend

2010-05-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

The end of Sunday School had come for the year. My daughter, the Sunday School superintendent, had great plans for honoring the students , and the teachers. The students, and teachers were to get certificates, which a member of the Christian Ed. committee created and gave to my daughter to sign. My daughter also wanted to give a plastic red apple filled with candy to the teachers and a box filled with candy for the shepherds. My job, if I chose to take it, was to fill the apples and boxes with candy. Filling the boxes and apples was not hard, but tying small ribbons on them, not easy. My old fingers had difficulty with the bows. My daughter also wanted to give each teacher, shepherd, and the piano player a slide show of the year. Dr John had taken pictures during the Sunday School hour, and during the services. Pictures became fewer after his death, because you forget to take pictures while you are teaching. Pennie began the week before last Sunday collecting pictures, making sure each child had their picture and name on the slide show. Background music music came next. The close of the year was to be a family event with games and snacks to follow the the awards. My daughter found a shoe cookie cutter{explain later the significance of shoe}, she planned for cookies to be made.
The problem with her plan is that everything did not go smoothly. Her slide show kept crashing even though she bought a program that was to make the process easier. She had difficulty putting the music exactly where she wanted it. On Saturday evening I made the cookies, but I do not do decorations well. My idea is to frost then throw on sprinkles, not what she wanted. I went to bed at 1:00 AM Sunday morning. Pennie was not able to get a separate show for the pianist,or the students First Communion. She did get the the cookies decorated cutely.
Part of the last six week rotation was a shoe drive. The rotation before was a toy drive for the shelter. We got two boxes of toys. We did not expect too much for this drive although we advertised each week.
Sunday came. We were at the church at 7:00 AM to set up. I was in charge of the sack race. I brought out the games for the other teachers. Teachers , parents, and students arrive. Pennie began showing the slide show, using wall as a screen, as they arrived. Awards were given. The cookies, jello feet, cut out cheese of shoes, licorice shoe laces, and juice were eaten. The sack race, bean bag toss, hula- hoop contest, Pennie toss, and relay race were played. Questions were asked covering the year's learning, before the game was played making a review.
The children sang in church. They had two pieces. One was "God is so Great" and the other the Beatitudes. During the Beatitude song the children had duets, even the kindergarten children. Because of a Baptism, the children got to sit in the choir seats.
After the service ,Pennie had a meeting where they planned fund raisers for the next youth gathering. I had fellowship and ate cake.
Pennie took me home and she went to a Tupperware party. She bought, I stayed away so I would not buy.
We went to Olive Garden for supper. We went back to the church after supper to take care of the shoes brought in. There were bags and boxes to go through. We were ready to call it a day when we counted 225 shoes but as we were locking up the office I found two more boxes. We left them.
Story of the church parrot to follow.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

I had a very nice Mother's day. My class at church was fun. It was the fourth grade, and they knew the Beatitudes. They did a great job in making their Kingdom Cups. I had time to fellowship after the church service, because the students helped me in cleaning up after class.

My daughter took me out to lunch but where we wanted to go changed. At fellowship a lady recomended Oslo's for it's food and being quiet and peaceful. They were full, so we could not go there. Then we went to Olive Garden, and they had an hour wait. I looked over at Red Lopster and they had a line out side, so we went to Noodles. No line and very good food.

My sons and family gave me a call. Hope you had a great day too.

Comments on Storm

2010-05-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Many were brave or foolish and photographed the storm, we got to see the photos. I was glad to see their work.

I did have some of my siding come off, but it came off today. We had high wind gust today also. I am not sure what to do with a two foot piece. I wiped it down and stuck it back up on the house. I had comments from the different people who gave bids on the roof how badly the siding job was. One person showed me how there should be nails and there were none.

If you do not like to have consistent weather, Wisconsin is the place to be. We had 70 to 80 temperatures the end of last week and sunny, then it rained but was warm, followed by storms with tornado, clear and cool with gusting winds of 50mph came next. We are expecting snow next. They advertise to buy plants for Mother's Day to plant. Not for me I am waiting for June before anything is planted.

I am going to wish to all mothers a Happy Mother's Day. It is early but I may not get back.

Scary Evening

2010-05-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

It all happened so fast. We were watching The Biggest Loser, when the news broke in and said there is a tornado warning. I said "that means they saw a tornado." Pennie said "Yes." The news begins to explain where it was sighted. Then the siren goes off. Pennie and I said together" That is where we are." The night before we had a tornado watch and we decided to go to Pennie's basement if we got a warning. We went out our back patio door, and ran over to Pennie's. I looked to my left and there was the angry cloud. I felt I was in the Wizard of Oz. We had a bit of a problem with the dog who did not want to go to the basement. When we were down in the basement Maggie wanted to explore. The basement had a TV and we continued watching the weather news. My basement has a battery run radio, in case we had to go down there. I forgot that. The electricity does not go out. We were in the basement for an hour. The tornado was moving away from us not toward us. There was damage to buildings, but no injury to people.
The scare made us forget that today was garbage pick up day. We missed the pick up, but we only had one bag this week.

Luke's Birthday

2010-05-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

My grandson Luke will be 9 tomorrow. After church Pennie and I drove to Luke's house to celebrate his birthday. Before we went out to eat we went to Hazelwood one of the first large homes in the area. My granddaughter was giving the tour of the home. She volunteers, but had not been in the home for five weeks. She had not also given the tour on her own. This was the day she got to give the tour solo. She did a good job and we gave her a hard time with questions she did not have the answers for. There were no other visitors at this time, so it was a good practice. She got to discover items she had not noticed before. After our tour my granddaughter got to join us because she was through for the day. We went to Perkins, Luke's choice. We went back to the house for cake, and Luke opened his gifts from his sister and parents. Pennie and I will celebrate again on mother's day because it will also my son in Madison birthday.
We had an active morning at church, because the children in the kindergarten, and fourth grades got their bibles. Pennie because she is superintendent had to sign all the bibles and put the child's name in them. We did this on Saturday but as she was doing that she put the wrong name on one of the bibles. There was a white out pen but that did not work. She then wanted to put in a new dedication label. She had to get one more bible for a child who had not attended Sunday school all year, but because he got a letter he might show up. Pennie also thought that it would be nice to bring him the bible even if he did not show up. We had the bibles from before stored, and we wanted to get a bible that would be alike, but they are now out of print and had to get a new version. We then asked for a label, and the store did not have them, but would engrave the bible. Not what she wanted. She tried all Saturday night and Sunday Morning to get a nice dedication label made, she had one made, but it was too large . She had left the bible at church so it would not be forgotten. We went to church at 7:00 AM. I also had to set up to teach and I could not do that on Saturday because the Chippers were using the room I teach in. The chippers are wood workers. They do beautiful work. She could not sleep because she was disturbed about the name in the bible. Sunday morning she found a bottle of white out and it worked. Problem solved. Starting at seven it took me until the children were to enter my class to get the room prepared.
The Bishop was at the service. He gave the children's sermon with a puppet. He gave the adult sermon not in the pulpit, and he did a short prayer with the child and family as they received their bible. It was a very nice service. Each of the children who got a bible also got a backpack to carry the bible in.
I will explain why I had to take so long to set up. I have the art workshop[class}. We are making Kingdom Cups a symbol of their lives open to the Spirit's working in them. We are using Crayola Magic clay. A template of a rectangle is taped down covered by wax paper taped down. Each child gets a larger ball of brown or white clay and three small balls of red, blue and yellow clay. They also get gems, and a plastic knife, and a small rolling pen, and a paper cup. The time comes from taping down the papers, and making the balls of clay. I put the clay in small baggies. We are studying the Beatitudes. The art workshops covers the first and third. On Sunday I had the Kindergarten & first grade. Every class I have had loved making their cups.

Blogger Found.

2010-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to blog for over a week , but not able to get here. I would sign in and then I would get a white page. This happened before, but one night it came back. This time I came in another way and it worked.
My friend called me last Saturday and asked me to go with her to the 66th Annual Fox Valleyaires Men's Barbershop Show. She won the tickets. She picked me up and we went the back roads into Appleton. There was a park I didn't know about that she showed me. There was also an island. It is occupied by large condos on the water , so all the land is privately owned. The show was very good. They had a group Lunch Break which was very funny.The Lunch Break repertoire includes barbershop, jazz, gospel and folk-hiphop fusion. The other guest Quartet was Skyline. Skyline won the Central States District Quartet Competition in 2009. The Valleyaires were very good.
Pennie had a bad car time last week. She had to go out of town, and her GPS sent her on a round about way home, which was good because her transmission went. If she went the direct way her car would have died out in the country. She was able to hobble into her work parking lot. This was the second transmission that went in five years. Her protection had expired on the car but not the transmission. There was no cost. She then put new tires on. She was told her tires were bad and needed changing, almost a year ago.
My son Peter and family came down Saturday and took me out for my birthday, he would have included Pennie for her birthday but Pennie went out to lunch with the other Pennie.[Former roommate also named Pennie.] We went to Applebees. I had the steak on the 550 calorie list.
It was just the right size. Nothing came home.
Hope I can blog again.

Snow

2010-04-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Snow came back to remind us about the winter. Next week we should be in the 70s. I still do not feel well, there is pain in my chest when I have to cough, and I am still doing that too often.
We have medicine for Maggie[the dog] to help her loose weight, and we lost the directions. I found them today. We should have increased the dosage a couple of weeks ago, and we are to bring her in tomorrow. We will bring her in to see how much she lost and tell the doc what happened.

Young cooking

2010-04-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

There is a lady in our church who was and is interested in working with the youth from 6th grade to 8th grade. In a series of her meetings she provided cooking instructions. The children learned how to cook different foods. Then one evening they prepared a full meal. Pennie and I were invited to the meal. There were a few burnt edges on the potatoes and green beans but the meal was very good.
I am going to provide an answer why we did not go to Peters for Easter. Bree came down with what Pennie and I had. We still are coughing, and we did not want the chance to come down sick again.

I can blog.

2010-04-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have not been able to get here to blog. My screen went white and moved no further.
Happy Easter!
I went with my daughter to see at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center" Little House on the Prairie"the Musical with Melissa Gilbert as "Ma". It was very good, but Melissa Gilbert did not perform. We went in the afternoon maybe that is why.
Pennie took me out to Red Lobster for my birthday. She does not like fish but she went anyway.
We also took a trip down to Madison to see my grandson get a certificate of honor. My son's X had the kids but she let them come out with us and my son for supper.
Pennie and I had Easter dinner alone, baloney sandwich, but the day before we were at Red Lobster. We did not need any more food.
Easter felt different. I went to Maundy Thursday service, Good Friday service and Easter. The Education Committee filled bags on Saturday and hid them Sunday for the kids. Toddlers got small stuffed animals and animal crackers placed in a very large plastic egg. The bible campers prepared and served Easter breakfast.

Dead Sea Scrolls, and more

2010-03-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I went with 24 people on a bus to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. I found it very interesting. There was just so much to take in in the time we had. I should have bought a book, to help in the memory of what I saw.
There was a bad part and that was I had a cold, and was not feeling the best, and I was soon very tired. I was introduced now to the museum and I can go back when I am feeling better.
Sunday I was still feeling bad, but I had to teach so the plan was to go home to bed after church. One of the ladies from my bible study group invited me to go with her to her son's church, the one on the end of my block, to eat. The youth prepare a meal once a month to raise money for a mission trip. Her daughter- in -law helped in the preparation of the meat sauce for the pasta. My friends granddaughter was not able to come. After the meal, my friend gave me a tour of the church. A friend of hers, and a member of the church is an artist, had a mural in the church, and she shared it with me. My friend asked if I had time to go for a ride. We went down to the park. In the park there is a museum which has a collection of paperweights. We went in and I learned about glass making. We called it a day then. I came home feeling much better.

Moving Slowly

2010-03-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Institutions do not move quickly. Insurance companies, banks etc. go at their speed not at the speed I would like them to move. When I am facing something I do not like to do, I face it right off the bat so the uncomfortable feeling will go away. Paper work is not something I like to do. and I started there, and now I am holding waiting for new checks and forms from one bank. The problem is I get stuck. There are probably other things I could be doing, so I am going to do other things today.
Pennie got the St Marks web page working but it still has problems.
I had the wrong date for the Dead Sea Scrolls trip. The trip is on the twentieth of March. I was ready last week, and then I checked the bulletin and saw the correct date. I have that to look forward to.
The service was a nice healing service last night. It was not attended well. There were more at the meal before the service. I did not go forward because I do not know what to ask for. A former pastor sang "In The Garden" all sang the chorus. The pastors sermon was on the difference of being healed, and a cure.

How am I doing?

2010-03-02T20:47:00.001-08:00

I have been asked by many concerned friends how am I doing. I think I am doing well. I have my sad feel sorry for me time, but for the most part I am OK.
I have given this some thought. Thirty-five years ago Dr John developed fluid on the brain which acted like a tumor. They thought he might die. His heart stopped many times on the six block trip to the hospital. He had surgery in Green Bay Christmas Eve. He recovered.
Eight years ago in September he went into a coma, and the Dr. called me and said he was dieing and to call my children to come home. They sent him to the larger hospital in Marquette. They told me he was a dead man when he came in. God performed miracle after miracle. It was a very hard and scary time for me, for he was never out of danger. Dr John had many challenges in the six months he was there. He went home on a ventilator, which he used at night. It took three years and help from Mayo to get off the ventilator to the Bi Pap.
These eight years have not been easy for him. We may have had longer time if we have been able to get to Dr. Wilson. He just seemed to go down hill in the last two weeks before his death. He did not want to go to the hospital and face it all over again.
The eight years might have not been easy , but he got to see his grandchildren grow up. They worked on the model trains with him. Bree shared Pigeon Falls with him writing the Co-coo song. She wrote a story for his contest. The move to Neenah brought the family closer.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I thank God for the extra years He gave us. We found a new church family at St. Marks, and friends on the blog.
I attended the weekend visioning for St Marks. We looked at our strengths. We also thought about how we would like to see the church grow. We made plans and times for the changes.
This coming Saturday I am going with a group from St Marks to Milwaukee to the museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit.

Help

2010-02-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

My daughter has a problem in trying to keep up Dr John's St. Marks web page. She has a new home page constructed but can not get it into the old page. Is there help?

Life Goes On

2010-02-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

I am doing ok. Evenings are the hardest, although my daughter has been here until late. I have been to two bible studies and the Lenten Service.
The service for Dr John was very nice. There was a representative from the Bishops office a former Pastor of my son spoke. Also a former intern now pastor and a former president of the congregation in the UP. Pastor Steve's sermon used Dr John's final page on his study on grief. He is buried in the cemetery opposite from our home. I can walk there. The flowers were beautiful but the cut flowers are now fading.
Leaving Dr John's page as it was for now. There have been requests to have the Sunday sermons printed and Pigeon Falls printed.

Thank You

2010-02-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all who have come to me with their kind thoughts. I want to come to each individually, but I am not ready yet. I miss him so much. I know that my friend, brother, and Lord Jesus will be with me. The funeral will be on Thursday at 11:oo AM at St Marks in Neenah.
John's younger sister came home from the hospital to get stronger for the surgery in a month.

Sorrow

2010-02-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

Dr John died Monday Feb. 15, 2010.
I am numb, just came from the funeral home.
We {my son and I} were taking him to the Dr. He had a rough morning and was going down hill.
At the stop light he slumped in his seat. They called the ambulance from the clinic. They tried to save him but could not.

John's sister

2010-02-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

John's sister needs to have a valve put in. She is high risk but they are going to have it done. She is also in need of your prayers. Thank you for your support.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day
Dr John still sick in bed. New drugs do not seem to make a difference yet.

Updates

2010-02-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Dr John has been weaker. I called Dr. Office they said to call 911. He will not go so no use to call. I asked to talk to Dr and he was out of the office until Monday. I called home nursing places and they need a Dr. order. I called the Dr on call and and he increased pills and nebulizer treatments. I have an appointment for Monday morning.

Update

2010-02-10T22:02:00.000-08:00

Not a good night or day for Dr. John. The equipment man came to look at the machine but not the Bi pap. He does not do those. He thought maybe I could get a nurse in to evaluate Dr. John's physical condition and he or she would call in a doctor. John wants to wait until Sunday to see if he would be back in ok health.

News after last post

2010-02-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

Called Dr. but Doctor had to move to Fond du Lac because of flooding in clinic. Too far to travel because Dr. John needed Bi Pap at that time. Dr by phone increased the pills that took out water. He has improved since Sunday so he is dressing and can be on just O2. Thank you for your prayers.

End of January notes

2010-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday Dr John went to the Dr. He was OK then but has been having a hard time since.
I will call the lung Dr and see what can be done. Asking for prayer.
Pat and the boys came up on Friday, and Peter came down. Saturday the boys built two bookcases for me for the study, and they took out the old microwave cart which I was using for a bookcase. It was falling apart. I now have a place for E-Bay boxes, paper and mailing material.
Pat also fixed Pennies toilet.

I

Raven challenge 95

2010-01-15T22:34:00.001-08:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

This week's words were: alternate reality, shadows, frantic, tomatoes, field, lilies, DVD,snow mobile, aggravation, music
And for the mini: grounds for divorce, pink panther, salutations, wavering, lasagne

Ten word:

Sandy Shore was frantic seeing shadows of creatures from the alternate reality world of no sound trying to steal the medallion from her. She did not have it, but knew that Knight her companion an invisible penguin was protecting it. To keep her calm, and not thinking about the aggravation that would come if they found her, she put on a DVD with soothing music and pictures of fields of tomatoes and lilies. A DVD of snow mobiles racing in the UP came next.

Mini:

If she were married her lasagne would be grounds for divorce. She was not married, and at this point in her life probably a very good thing thought Sandy Shore. Her life had become much too complicated, with an invisible penguin. In this world of hers there were panthers that were invisible also, but not pink panthers. She had finally left the TV and had made supper of lasagne. The door bell rang, and she went to the door. She wavered as to whether she should open it to the unknown gentleman in formal attire standing there. She decided to open it. "Salutations," he said.
Strange she thought. He had a large smile, but she found that she felt that it was false. He pushed his way into the apartment . He was talking , more like rambling on and on about her fine apartment, and the smell of the burned lasagne. He was looking intensely around as he talked.
He went into her bedroom, grabbing her jewelery box tossing its contents unto the bed. Sandy picked up her cell phone, and started to dial the police, angry at herself for not doing that immediately . The stranger noticed her actions, and hit the phone out of her hands.
"Where is it?" he asked.
" Where is what?"
" The medallion ?"
" I don't know what you are talking about."
It seemed like a force hit his legs, and he fell to the floor. A pot of left over lasagna hit him on the head. He was still on the floor. Sandy's Knight to the rescue.

Raven's Challenge 94

2010-01-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

10-word challenge are: space cadet, silver lining, wood, turtle soup, minaret, ice, grease, sales, mandala, mug

And for the mini: broken bones, slide rule, garbage, Chinese, sanguine

I am not doing a Raven's challenge because I smashed my fingers yesterday while taking down the Christmas decorations to the basement. I had to carry a large box so I put it on Dr. John's chair that goes to the basement. At the bottom I turned to lift the box off the chair and it got stuck. I pulled and the chairs button got hit and my hand was wedge between the box and the wood railing. with the chair heading back up the stairs.
I didn't have any broken bones but the hand was bruised. I put an ice pack on the hand. I got to use a word, that might be a silver lining. I did not drink turtle soup from a mug. That is the best I can do.

Happy New Year !!!

2010-01-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all.

May God Bless You.
I hope I am able to get healthier this coming year.

2009 Christmas at The Linnas

2009-12-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

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 .

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

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!!

Raven challenge 93

2009-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

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.

Raven challenge 92

2009-12-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

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"

Raven challenge 91

2009-12-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

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.

Raven challenge 90

2009-11-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Raven challenge 89

2009-11-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

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.

Raven challenge 88

2009-11-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

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."

Raven Challenge

2009-10-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

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.

What Parents Do For Their Kids

2009-10-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

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.

The Tire

2009-10-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Retreat

2009-10-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Raven's 82

2009-09-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Confirmaton

2009-09-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Life's Challenges.

2009-08-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Hearthstone with Bree

2009-08-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Photo Story Myah

2009-07-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Raven challenge 73

2009-07-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Dog Progress 2

2009-07-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Dog Progress

2009-07-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

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.

They are off.

2009-07-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Glimps at Lifest 2009

2009-07-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Us Together Again

2009-07-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

POW #2 Thom &John

2009-07-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Raven challenge 71

2009-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Our Fourth of July in Photos

2009-07-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Bree lighting fireworks.

Caleb

Peter Lighting Fireworks

Turtle taking off.

Patrick Grilling

2009-07-05T05:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Raven challenge 70

2009-07-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

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!

One + One = One

2009-07-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

POW

2009-06-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Smiles Lake lived in the small island community of Harbor Bay. Harbor Bay was an ideal place to vacation in, with small shops catering to the tourist trade. Fishing was the main occupation of those living on the island. Before Smiles retired he worked as a fisherman, a hard dangerous job. His wife Leslie worked and was still working in Sweet Sues shop, which sold home made candy. The sound of the lapping water and the cry of the seagull, Smiles did not want to leave behind. For many years they rented, but plotted and planned to build their own home on the island. They managed to save enough to start building that home. Smiles had obtained enough skill as a carpenter to do some of the work himself.
Leslie ran the Sweet Sues for Sue Elder. Sue would drop in now and then but Leslie was really in charge. It was one of the favorite places to visit There were three other employees who would make the candy. People could watch the candy being made from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Samples were given out.
It was just before closing time and there were three people still in the shop. One made Leslie feel uncomfortable. A gentleman , handsome, medium height, fair skin with a nice haircut, was wandering around ,but his eyes did not study any item. Leslie thought he was waiting for something. A young lady brought up her purchase and Leslie checked her out. An other customer checked out. Leslie used the store phone to call Smiles. She spoke in Finish to him hoping her last customer could not understand. Smiles did. As she turned back to the counter the gentleman had pulled out a gun and demanded the money from the till. Her suspicion proved to be true. Her hands shook as she placed the money into a bag. They did not have a security camera a fact he had probably check out. She knew her life was in danger because she had seen his face. His back to the door he was about to shoot her when the police came through the door. The message, suspicious customer get police, understood by Smiles. Small community police knew she was in trouble.
Sue was grateful for Leslie and Smiles action and she gave her boat as a reward, and took time to run the shop while Smiles and Leslie went for a boat trip.

Left the dock.

Raven challenge 69

2009-06-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
The words for this week's ten word challenge were: Chorus line, clam chowder, apples, jack-in-the-box, puddles, Iran, quarry, housekeeping, speed, letter For the mini challenge:motorcycle, grandiose, summer, flying off the handle, blue jays

The next few moments made William wish that he could bring in a chorus line to rejoice.The penguin encased in the clear plastic box sprung out of it like a jack- in box. The attitude of the penguin as he moved around the room just out of the reaches of the polar bear, was one of ah ah I fooled you. With the penguin released, the polar bear wanted nothing more to do with the panther, William and the penguin, so with great speed he departed the barn, and headed for the quarry.
William wondered what had transpired at the Toy Shop. He began his trip back, walking now, but with the panther and penguin. He was tired and didn't bother to walk around the puddles. He also became aware that he was very hungry and a bowl of clam chowder would taste great. Passing by an apple tree he reached for an apple on a lower branch, and pulled it off. As hungry as he was the bitter taste did not deter him from eating it.
Arriving at the Toy Store, he found a letter taped to the door, addressed to him. Sandy explained how they caught the multi-colored hooded sweatshirt man, and had taken him to the police station.
He went into the store noticing that it needed some housekeeping. He did not volunteer to do it, but went to the police station meeting Sandy and Stan. Sandy wanted to run over and throw her arms around her penguin, but she figured that would detract from her creditability since the officers could not see a penguin, or panther or llama. The only information that Sandy could give William about the man they caught was he was not Polish but from Iran.

Mini Challenge:

It was summer,with twittering blue jays and finches, and Terry Fox could ride his bike and play for as long as he liked. As he drove to the playground he had a grandiose day dream that he was riding a motorcycle and was Evil Knievel, suddenly the balloon he had tied came flying off the handle startling him.He lost control of the bike and he fell to the ground causing a scrapped knee. He thought to himself as he inspected his bike at least I am not going to the hospital as Evil has done many times.

The bird house

2009-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Pictured is the bird house that my granddaughter and grandson Alex help me put up on Sunday. It looks lonely with out birds, but I am happy to report that this morning I saw a bird at the door. On further investigation I saw grass or straw in it. I will try to capture the birds with my camera, but they move fast.
We did put up the bird house in the wrong direction for us to see the birds from inside our house, but the birds do not seem to care.
Because of our recent heat of upper 80's to mid 90's with high humidity my daughter and I have begun walking Maggie at 5:00 AM. Pennie is training for New Orleans making sure that we walk at least a mile. There is a mile walk there between events. For the first two days we walked we had to add distance to our usual walk. Today we discovered that what we had thought was a mile going around the soccer field two or three times did not come near to a mile.
Report on gardening. My up side down tomato plant has two tomatoes. I have transplanted my grown from seed tomatoes to a large pot and put them outside. My hanging strawberry plant has flowers. The weeds have grown very well. I weeded the front garden after Maggie's walk., also I watered all my flowers.

Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our weekend for the most part was great. Dr John got to see all of his kids and grand kids. All except Dr John and Pete's family got to go to Monkey Joe's. It is a place to bounce around and slide down slides, all protected. There was a picture of Caleb going down the slide at the Fortress. there were games where they could win tickets and turn them in for something. There was a nice room for the adults with a large screen TV. Computers were available in that room. An aside, there was a little boy with a father in the room with us using the computer to play games, but the father was up set because he paid money for the kid to play on the bouncy things and the kid played computer games he could play at home for free. The computers played a part in the next part of our adventure.
Caleb is on a baseball team that has not been defeated. Caleb got the game ball, and his dad wanted to get a plastic box that would protect it. My daughter went on the computer and trophy stores and hobby stores or a name of anyplace we thought we could find one. It was after five an a number of stores were closed. We stopped at a hobby shop and it was a great place. It had comic books,something that Dr John has a collection of. Father's Day gifts were purchased. No train stuff however, but dragons. There also was no box for the ball, we asked where they thought we could find one and the clerk suggested just up the street. We went there next. No parking, so we pulled up into the drive was a a house next door, while my son went in. He found a box. That place had comics but old ones, that means costly.
On Sunday we went to church. Part of the money raising effort for the kids to go to New Orleans was a "Best Seat in The house" contest. A fathers name was put in a pot for a dollar, and Sunday they drew two names to sit in recliners at the back of the church and be served coffee and donuts. The sermon was good. After church we came home and had pasties I made on Saturday. We played a new game called Munchkin. Any number can play. It is a complicated game and takes awhile to understand. I was tired and I slept until it was my turn and then they would tell me what to do. I do it and go back to sleeping. We also played canasta. Dr John and I won.
The bird house got put up. My granddaughter, and oldest grandson helped me.
The not so good part is Dr John got sick and did not get to go to Monkey Joe's

Raven challenge 68

2009-06-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
The words for this week's ten word challenge were: sow, close, console, lives, minute, polish, bass, pussy, complex, resume

For the mini challenge: bow, sewer, house, import, intern

A continuation of Sandra Shores struggles from Ravens Challenge 67

Stan and Williams plan appeared to be working. The hooded man tried to brush off the caterpillars, but the crows swooped down, and began to peck away at the caterpillars sometimes missing them altogether ending just pecking at the jacket. The crows attack slowed down the hooded man making it possible for Stan and William to become close enough to tackle him. The stuffed polar bear rolled to the ground. The invisible polar bear and llama scrambled for it. The polar bear won and ran away. The panther chased staying just behind the polar bears pace.
Subdued the hooded man was pulled to his feet by Stan and William.They pulled back his hood, revealing a stranger to them. He was dark skinned, with thick black hair.
Sandra as preplanned returned to the back of the Toy Store. She was upset over the taking of the ransom money by the polar bear. Stan tried to console her.
" Minutes are passing by and we still don't know where the penguin is," said Sandy.
" The panther is chasing him down, and he is no pussy", said Stan.
" Proving that this man is the person who caused the explosion at The Poet's Corner will be difficult. The use of the invisible animals makes it complex, but lives maybe at stake. We have no knowledge of his intention. I think the best course of action is to bring this man down to the police station. They may have something to link him," said William.
William and Sandra went down to the police station bringing in the man they caught, while Stan resumed the search for the penguin, following the marked path the panther made. The panther would make a noticeable paw print.
The police question the man brought in by Sandy and Stan, because they told the police they saw him at The Poets Corner in the kitchen area. The name he gave the police had a Polish sound to it. Stan and Sandy waited to see if they could get some information.
William came upon the panther outside of a barn on a farm. The panther had a bass in its mouth which it caught in a lake it passed by on the chase. There was a sow in a pen in front of the barn door. The panther threw the bass into the pen for the sow distracting it so that they could inter the barn. They were shocked to see the penguin in a sealed plastic box. William and the panther moved toward the penguin quietly trying not to let the polar bear see them as he was occupied getting the ransom from the stuffed bear.

This will continue next week.
I have no mini this week to it is to late and my grandkids need to sleep in the bed in the computer room.

Quilly Three Word Challenge#19

2009-06-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Words chosen for week 19
phlyarologist-Talks nonsense
pulchritudinous-Characterized by or having great physical beauty and appeal
summotion-Removal

Quilly click here for other posts

The room stately and eloquent showed the hand of a great designer. Every plant, table ,chair,plate ,glass, and silverware was where it should be. The beautiful people were in formal wear, and a quiet buss,and clinking of glass could be heard as all were in polite conversation as they ate.
This scene was disturbed by pulchritudinous Stan West. His voice carried through out the large room. Every head was turned toward him, the faces skewed trying to understand him. Stan became a phlyarologist. Myrah, his date for the evening, had a rose tint to her face as she tried to pull him down to a seated position by tugging on his suit coat. That action only prompted more verbiage and hand swinging. Not being able to understand him and fearing he was threatening the clientele, the manager called for security. Security summotion Stan West leaving him alone seated outside the building on the front steps.
To his credit he did not call for his car, and leave Myrah to have to find away home.
Myrah could not understand what had transpired. Stan was an excellent speaker; the reason they asked him to be there. Fighting back tears, Myrah excused herself from the table, and exited to go to Stan. She did not glance back, and catch the smirk on Helena face.
Helena had worked her way up in the social circle, but how people did not understand. Although having pulchritudinous, she was harsh and abusive to those around her. Sympathy went out to Larry Hunt her newest target of her aspirations. People knew that she would push him up to the top only to have him have a free fall to the bottom. This charity function was only the beginning for Larry. To get him known she had to get Stan West out of the way and a little black magic did that. Helena called over the director of the event, and whispered in his ear.
" Ladies and gentlemen in place of Stan West, who had to leave unexpectedly, our new speaker for the night will be Larry Hunt," The director began the introduction.
Larry gave a moving and eloquent speech, there were tears and nods of heads. The conclusion brought the room to a standing ovation. " The author of this address was Stan West. I followed Stan out and he gave me the notes of his speech. Helena was in shock. At first her face was blank then it twisted into anger.
"I am sorry Helena, but I will not hurt others to get ahead. This gather assembly must come to know you are a witch, an evil witch and I won't assist you."

Together again

2009-06-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

A story written by Dr John and Bettygram, alternating by sentence.

Metha was having a hard time in this new world where the songs she was hearing were not the ones she knew and loved. Even the kids hair was different as the hair of the girl in the yard across the street was a dull brown. Not the bright blue of her own, but a dull brown, which was another difference of the worlds, the colors of her world were so much brighter.
The food here was different, as well with people eating funny rolled things called Spring Rolls. She had the luxury of not having the need for physical substance. She ate at home only for enjoyment and never for sustenance.
What was that yellow contraption near the wall? Kids here rode on them and she missed the moving sidewalks that took you where you wanted to go.
As she observed those walking, there was something about the walking that was different also. They may have looked like her but they were certainly different.
She was pulled from her world in a flash, just when she was about to use her sonic blaster on the villain Nasty flying from the scene of a robbery. She had ended up on what these people called a chair though how they could sit on such an uncomfortable thing she would never understand.
She could not understand why she was thrown into this crazy world,when she was needed in her world.
Suddenly Metha woke up screaming still clutching the super hero comic book she was reading when she fell asleep.

Jeff's Photo Story June

2009-06-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Loti Lovely was a singer in the rock group Blue Lions by night. With a little sleep, she was on to her way to her day job.
Well it was not a paying job, but one where she volunteered from her church, Prince of Peace. She would visit the shut ins bringing an arrangement of flowers and a small meal, keeping them company.
She had not visited Mrs Schell before, and she did not want to be late. Loti's feet petaled as fast as she could. Arriving finally at Mrs Schell's home, she laid the bike against the brick wall, picking from the basket her plant with the lovely yellow flowers. She also had to carry in the Chinese egg rolls. Balancing everything made her feel like a juggler.

Mrs Schell had put on the coffee. Loti handed her the flowers, and she placed them on the small round table next to the chair. The room Loti noticed was sparsely furnished. Mrs Schell sat on the chair and Loti stood to eat. There was a small TV in the corner of the room with a DVD, it caught Loti by surprise. So she asked, "What programs do you like?"
" I like a variety. I have a DVD that you would like also. I was so happy when you arrived, and I saw who my guest was, because I can share this with you."
Mrs Schell put on the DVD, and there was Loti with her rock group. Mrs Schell sang along knowing all the words, and Loti joined in. This was a perfect match.

Raven challenge 67

2009-06-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: nausea, everything is on sale, expect great things, frying pan, pledge, birds of a feather, stick, Saturday morning, liver and bacon, caterpillars

For the mini challenge: aggravation, protective, bargain basement, take me out to the ballgame, break a leg

Stan and William came to Sandy's apartment early Saturday morning to execute their plan to rescue her penguin from the man in the multi- colored hooded sweatshirt, and his invisible polar bear. Fear made Sandy have nausea and the suggestion that for breakfast they should have liver and bacon did not help in settling of her stomach. As they put the fake money into the stuffed polar bear, Stan said, " Expect great things and they will happen."
"I am really afraid for us, but I pledge to try to stay calm as I bring the stuffed polar bear to the Toy Store, but you must do all the work of getting back my penguin."
Sandy brought out the frying pan and made eggs and toast for breakfast.
Two things were noticed as they approached the Toy Store, the polar bears were not on sale, and a flock of crows was perched on telephone line going into the store.
"You know what my father use to say when something was on sale, it is a store everything is on sale."
"It looks like birds of a feather stick together. I have something for those invisible crows,"said William. William pulled out from his pocket a box, which he opened showing caterpillars. He closed the box. "but just not yet."
Sandy went in the front door while William and Stan went to the back.
"May I help you return that bear?" said a voice from behind Sandy. She turned to face the man in the hooded sweatshirt. The hood was up still hiding his face. The store clerk was in the back of the room. Sandy handed the man in the sweatshirt the polar bear. She turned and ran out of the store. The man in the sweatshirt also quickly left the store but through the back door. William was holding the box of caterpillars. He threw the caterpillars over the hooded man. The man looked startled but continued running away.

Continued next week.

Mini Challenge:

The aggravation Glenda felt at the snide remarks Marybeth , her co-worker, made over her fainting on meeting her new boss Matthew, was great, but not as much as the fact she was sure Matthew was Fredrick, her long lost love. There was no recognition of her at all in his eyes.
Glenda was protective of the fact that she recognized Matthew as Fredrick with everyone. She tried to draw him out by talking about baseball, a sport he was all into when they were dating. She sang "Take Me Out to The Ball Game" a song they would sing together. No indication or recognition of baseball or them singing together. He would talk about bargains in the basement of a department store.
Matthew joined the local theater group. Glenda joined the group also to be able to get to know this Matthew better. Matthew learned his lines quickly, but Glenda would draw blanks often. She could see the frustration on his face as she missed her lines. This acting bit was not going well for her, and it was not drawing the two together. The first performance before an audience Matthew said, "Break a leg." Although this was a usual statement before a performance wishing everything to be done well, his tone of his voice said he wanted her to do just that.

Quilly Three Word Challenge#18

2009-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Quilly

Words:
Opsimath-a person who becomes a student late in life, or learner late in life.
Obarmate-to arm against
Assiduity-1Constant or close application or effort,diligenes industry

Lena Lark an oparmath sat a picnic table, her eyes glancing between her book, a portable laptop, and her two toddlers on the preschool playground. Lena planned to obarmate these toddlers quickly by learning the ends and outs of the computer. She could not give assiduity to the youngsters, and she heard a cry for help, as Jeff her youngest got stuck in the tunnel. She ran over to Jeff and assisted him to freedom. It was at this time she noticed the sky had turned from blue to gray, and she felt the pelt of a rain drop. She gathered up the young ones, putting them in the two seater stroller, and closed up her laptop, and took the book placing them in the pocket behind the stroller. Ah well the kids won the first round.

Raven challenge 66

2009-06-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: swashbuckler, heads-up, dry martini, recovery, jungle gym, whiskers, bathing suit, spade, circular reasoning, abrasive and for the Mini Challenge: butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, stagnation, chart, star crossed lovers, apricot brandy

Would a dry martini help in getting some recovery from the shock of the kidnapping of her companion from the gypsy curse, the penguin? She tried so hard to get rid of the invisible penguin, but it had become an aid, and in the solving the explosion at the Poet's Corner an necessity. A dry martini would not give her the answer to where to get $40,000 for ransom, or the answer as to whether she should even think about giving a ransom. The police of course could not be called.
She would have to get in contact with William and give him a heads-up, and even through he was no swashbuckler and a bit abrasive, he might be just the one to help.
Her mind just went crazy at this point, because she thought about William's invisible companion the Llama. She could not see the llama going against the polar bear. Maybe we could get the invisible polar bear and the hooded man by making them fall down laughing at the sight of a llama in a bathing suit, a flowered one at that." Oh come on girl,"she said to herself. "Get it together. This is serious."
Sandy called William ,he agreed to meet her at the jungle gym in the playground near her apartment. William brought along Stan who had his invisible panther. The panthers whiskers twitched as he traveled in a circular pattern around the jungle gym. Sandy felt better a panther was a match against a polar bear. Stan also was carrying a spade. Sandy was confused by the spade and even more so when Stan started using it, digging a hole in the ground.
Stan uncovered a bag and pulled it up and said," our $40,000,"
"What?" said Sandy. "We are not going to give them a ransom. "
"ssh Keep your voice down. I am hoping they are watching us and will believe that this is $40,000 I hid. They will accept that we put the money in the stuffed polar bear. We should go back to your apartment now."
Sandy had more wonderment when she saw a flock of crows fly over head.

Mini Challenge:

The words, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth, smarted , and Glenda cringed. She was aware of the stagnation in her life, and how embittered she had become. The words still hurt. If she had not just over heard them in a conversation she was not included in, except she was the topic of conversation, she would have had a stinging come back.
The charts said, by those who could read them ,that she and Fredrick were star crossed lovers.
What a load of ==that was. As she sipped her apricot brandy, Glenda remembered the short romance and the long time of loneliness. She loved strongly, but he could not have. They had a lovely date. He ended with the promise to pick her up for a show the next night and he left after a long kiss. He left and never returned or called. She filed a missing person report, after she had not heard from him in a weeks time. The police believed there was no foul play. No body surfaced. That was twenty-five years ago.
She had met him at work. She was still employed at the same place of work, moving up in her career which meant a larger and plusher office and a higher salary. Apricot brandy a perk of the job. She over heard those painful words as she passed through the workers lounge.
To add to her pain was a note on her computer that there would be a new CO Matthew Lang. They had passed over her again. He was not from this office.
A knock came and a door was quickly opened and her co-worker Marybeth came in with the new CO and introduced him. He might be called Matthew, but it was an older Fredrick. She could not help exclaim "Fredrick," with a gasp. Fainting makes for a quick exit from the situation.

Quilly Three Word Challenge#17

2009-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Quilly

Words:
risab;e-1causing or capable of causing laughter
2having the ability,disposition or readiness to laugh
3pertaining to or connected with laughter

A card is what the other students called the fourteen year old Hardy Camp. The teacher had other names for him, but the other students would have said if they lived in an earlier time of Hardy he was a risable chap.
Mrs Hamilton knew of Hardy's reputation for causing an uproar during an examination, so she planned she would invigilate the exam, by walking among the students as they took the exam. If Hardy opened his mouth she would immediately send him out of the room.
On the day of the exam, Mrs Hamilton gave the explanation of her rules, making sure that Hardy knew the expectations. All was going smoothly until Hardy read the word stagnicolous and it turned on his humor button. Poor Hardy could not finish the exam.

Raven challenge 65

2009-05-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: parasite, meals on wheels, crows, it's my fault, everything but the kitchen sink, on sale, patriotism, the love of my life, library card, common sense And for the mini: blackmail, California, stethoscope, postage, crank

A continuing story of Sandra Shore.

The comic book, her only clue, Sandy read very carefully. During the intense study, she made numerous trips to the kitchen, and her cupboard was bare, eaten was everything but the kitchen sink. Its my fault that I have gained so much weight she said to herself. She wished she had meals on wheels.
The invisible hero in the comic book were crows. A parasite had mutated ,and was threatening the world. Patriotism was encouraged by the lab Common Sense. Common Sense was the lab that the parasite had begun its growing. Dr Fling brought in an American Eagle to eat the parasite,but it was too large and clumsy in the building. Flying without impediment the crows took out the parasite's leading troops. The credit went to the American Eagle, and the truly patriotic invisible crows graciously let him have the honor.
Sandy could not find a clue. What did that story have to do with the explosion? While she was pacing back and forth to the kitchen, her penguin dressed like Shirlock Homes appeared handing her a library card on which the book The Love of My Life was taken out. It was her card and the book was way over due, although she could not remember having had the book.
The over due book required Sandy to make a trip to the library to pay the fine. Really she suspected that the penguin gave her the card to get her to go to the library. As she climbed the steps to enter the library she noticed the sign toy polar bears on sale in the window of the building next door. After paying the fine, Sandy decided to check out the toy polar bears. The polar bears seemed to be an odd item to put on sale.

Mini Challenge:

The building next door to the library was a toy shop, but to Sandy it looked more like a museum. The toys were vintage, and the prices were high. Odder if there was such a thing, was each of the three medium size polar bears was holding something different. One had a letter, one had a stethoscope, the last one a crank. Sandy picked up the bear holding the letter. The envelope had a postage stamp. It was addressed to Sandra Shore at her address in California. The envelope was not sealed, and a letter could be seen. Sandy removed the letter. It read:
Sandra you should look closer at your penguin. That was not your penguin that gave you your library card,but a substitute. If you want your penguin back safe and sound, buy this bear and put $40,000 in this envelope, and bring back the bear. Also stop your investigation into the Poet's Corner explosion. She stood in shock. This was a blackmail letter. From the corner of her eye she caught the exiting man in the multicolored hooded sweatshirt and a large full sized polar bear.

Continued next week.

Putting in the Dirt- Taking out theDirt

2009-05-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Putting in the dirt and taking out the dirt is what I have been doing for weeks. We bought the bag for growing tomatoes. We need something to hang the bag on so we bought a yard pole with four hooks thinking we would get hanging plants and my strawberry plant to even it.The pole comes with and end with two fork like bottom pieces to put in the ground. We began with trying to put the pole in the ground. The ground was too hard. We bought and auger to go on the end of a drill to make a hole. We tried that. Ground still too hard. I had a small barrel on top of a large one last year, so I took the smaller barrel and filled it with dirt and put the pole in there. The pole would stand with hanging baskets until the 40 mile per hour winds came. Down came the pole and baskets. I took the dirt out. John cut two 2x4's nailing them together and drilling a hole for the pole we put them in the barrel covered them with dirt. Did not hold plants. I took out the dirt. The next thing we did was cut a circle the size of the barrel bottom from fiber board put that in the bottom and nailed and bolted the cross 2x4s to it. We covered them with the dirt. That did not work. I took out the dirt. We using L shaped clamps bolted the fiberboard circle to the sides of the barrel. Put back the dirt. I can hang two basket still not sure if they will stand in a wind storm but there is no way four baskets can hang. We don't understand why the pole falls over. It could be I am not getting the pole to the bottom. Dr. John is going to watch as I put the baskets on the pole on Friday. Dr John works in the garage and I am doing the work outside. He can sit on the walker.
Now to the question of the bird house. The bird house project got postponed do to the problem of the hanging plants. The house is painted and on a pole that should be above Maggies leaping abilities. The pole will sit between the pickets on the fence. I put the L shaped brackets so we can fasten the pole keeping it standing. The top brackets are on, but the bottom are not. I would also like my daughter to help me put it up holding it while I fasten the pole.
Meantime the tomato plant is at Pennies she has a hanging pole which was in when we bought the house and it is in cement. We are not leaving them at Pennies because Dr John would to see them grow.
When Dr John said he had a dull day on Tuesday that did not include me. I went to bible study, and, when I came home I planted two rose bushes, and weeded out my front garden, and planted it. I used the hose for the first time this year, and found that the nozzle had cracked at the trigger and I got as wet as the plants.
We have had a rainy week, and the boy down the street did not cut the grass when the sun finally shone. We have very tall grass.

Quilly Three Word Challenge#16

2009-05-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Quilly

Words:
niddering-cowardly person, a wretch
amanuensis-person employed to write what another dictates, secretary
tyro-a beginner in learning anything, novice

Sam Smith escorted people from their cars to a circle around the casket at Peaceful Rest cemetery for the burial of James Hasten. The steady softly falling rain added to the somberness of the small group. There were no voices, all that could be heard were only the rain drops hitting the umbrellas, and soft sobbing accompanied by twittering of the birds. Breaking into the quietness was a large gasp and "He can't be buried there, that is my plot." The voice heard was that of Mary Ann Ross, cousin of James Hasten.
Sam Smith quickly went to talk to Mary Ann. The more they talked the a more agitated Mary Ann became. Frank Short's name was repeatedly thrown out. After fifteen minutes Sam suggested that the group go to a local restaurant on his tab, while he went back to the funeral home to check on the facts.
People who become funeral directors should go into the business to want to serve someone in a time of need. That was not niddering Sam Smith's reason for becoming an undertaker. Funeral directors make good money, and he inherited the business from his father, so there was little outlay at the beginning, the building furnishings, and reputation were establish.
Sam did not do the work, it was done by a tyro Frank Short. It was March and Frank came down with the flu, and Sam had to do the work involved in the Jim Hasten funeral. To make matters worse Janice Huff the amanuensis had caught what Frank had, she also was gone.
Paper and charts were pulled out and thrown around as Sam searched for the information. Sam took out his anger on the absent Mary Ann. She should have just kept her mouth shut. What difference where she would be buried make? He finally had all the paper work to find she was right. He called in the gravediggers to make another burial spot for James. He contacted the family to make arrangements for the funeral the next day.
The next day had better weather and James Hasten was laid to rest. Frank short and Janice Huff returned to work. Janice turned to Sam after she restored the office to order," Did you know that James is now resting in your plot?"

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Remember those who gave their lives, in the wars past and present.
To us who do not have love ones in danger, a reminder to pray for those who are. It is so easy to have picnics and good times and those are good, but give some time in prayer for those who are making the land safe.

Raven challenge 64

2009-05-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: albino, trench, marble, assistant, Indian, What's that supposed to mean?, sound first principles, the key thing, moat, curtain Mini challenge: under the surface, doomed, grand design, temple, aspirin

This is a continuation of Sandra Shore's Curse.

Sandy felt frustration at communicating with the police. She knew who set the explosion at the Poets Corner. This information came to her in a dream, hard for the officers to accept that as a reliable fact. To tell them that her invisible penguin also knew it to be true would send them into laughter, and her, detained for observation. She would have to track down that hooded man on her own, well not really on her own she had the penguin as an assistant.
She would have to use sound first principles, that would be the key thing. The changing of the hooded sweat shirt from a dark color to a many colored one, what's that supposed to mean? There was an Indian museum near that shopping mall where she saw the man in the many-colored sweat shirt, and she could go back to the Comic Book Shop to ask to see if anyone recognized a man in a hooded sweatshirt that had many colors. The more she thought about it there were a number of little shops she could inquire about the man. Her first step now was to go back to the shopping mall via car, not foot this time.
First she decided I will go to the Comic Book Shop, because the man seemed familiar with it. There appeared to be no one there until an man came from behind a curtain behind the marble counter. He had a spike hair style died in orange and blue. His tattooed arms were visible as he was wearing a blue jean vest. On the wall above the man were enlarged copies of comic book cover pages. The one that struck her was of an albino tiger protecting a small boy from a polar bear on a bridge over a moat in front of a castle. It was a reminder of her encounter with the polar bear at the Poet's Corner.
"I have a question of you. Do know a man in a hooded many colored sweatshirt? "
" Why? Are you the Police?"
"No, I just want to talk to him. I followed him in here yesterday, but did not get close enough to talk."
"Followed, You were chasing Him."
"Yes, I need to talk to him."
The clerk said"hmph," and turned away.
Sandy felt that she was getting no where, so she asked," Do you have a copy of the comic book up there. Unseen Heroes?"
He silently went over to a near by table with boxes of comic books and pulled out a copy of Unseen Heroes by Ino Trench.
Sandy paid for the book, and left the shop. She went into the other shops, and no one identified the man in the Multi- colored sweatshirt.
Disappointment swept over Sandy as she returned to her apartment. The comic book her only possible lead and that was a very slim hope.

Mini Challenge:

Unseen Heroes would be an ordinary comic book to the average person, but Sandy saw there was more under the surface. The writer wrote about a grand design. The heroes were invisible and were part of a group that met at an ancient temple. Although each victim seemed doomed an invisible hero would step in and save them. What was different is that the heroes where just not humans but part of the animal kingdom. Sandy needed an aspirin to study this comic book further.

Quilly Three Word Challenge#15

2009-05-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dr. John

Quilly

rubefacient: 1 causing redness of skin
2 application as mustard plaster
senticous prickly, thorny
divagations: 1to wander, stray
2 to digress in speech

Sandra Shore was enjoying her leisurely walk, on a beautiful day, down the paved path in the park. Her mind was processing though the facts of the fire and her curse, but she noticed the well cared for gardens as she passed them. The only plants she cared for were in her apartment. The invisible bear was confined therefore giving her no concern, but something evil started that fire she was sure even if the fire department had not as yet said how the fire started.
She was not startled when she was joined on her walk by an invisible penguin. She wished he would have a conversation with her, and give her a explanation of the curse or the fire. Now in the normal world there would not even be an expectation of that happening, but in her crazy world she sat down on a park bench hoping it would do just that. It just stood there.
The warm sun and the calmness of the park led her to close her eyes and she slept. She was back at the Poets Corner sitting at a table when she notices movement in the kitchen, a person not a cook or chef, someone who should not be there.The individual has on a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up covering the face. The sweat shirt is black or dark blue. The individual places an object under the counter and moves among the cooking staff with a false smile. Sandy follows the individual through the kitchen and out the back door. The hooded sweatshirt becomes flowery multi- colored. The explosion happens and the hooded person vanishes.
"Look out!" A young child throwing a large ball looses control and the ball is headed toward Sandy. She awakes with a start. Putting up her hands warding off the ball, she notices the penguin motioning her to follow.
The paved path becomes dirt and disappears. Sandy finds she is walking through senticous bushes. The penguin picks up the pace and sandy is running, her calves in pain from thorns. Way ahead Sandy sees a young man in a hooded sweat shirt with the pattern from her dream. Sandy runs faster, she wants to get to that man. They run into a small shopping mall parking lot. The young man runs into a comic magazine shop. He is followed by the penguin and Sandy.The hooded man knowing the shop exits out the back door, penguin and Sandy following with an angry shop clerk shouting at all three.
They exit onto the parking lot only to lose the hooded man.
Back in her apartment Sandy applies rubefacient to her wounds, and calls the police. Her excited conversation is full of divagations. The police hear her but do not understand her.

Together Music

2009-05-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

This story is written by Dr. John and myself, writing alternately.

Bud put on his old fishing hat and shirt and decided no matter what his wife said he was going fishing. No one will miss him and he needs a change of scenery. He could see himself driving across the bridge on his way to the old fishing hole up in the mountains. Into that little blue car would go his fishing gear.He might even stop at that nice roadside stand and pick up some grapes.
" Bud! Bud! Don't forget we're going to my mother's today and I already have the motel reservations."
"No, no! Mothers! yes, yes Fishing, Oh well mothers I guess."
So the dream ends, maybe next week.

Jeff's Photo Story May

2009-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

The crowd milled around the exhibit room, some showing interest in Flash's work others just quickly passed by. Flash did not paint for others but to express a feeling that needed to come forth. His attire expressed him as did his art. Oh he did care that something sold so that he could eat and sleep. He just did not cater to what the general crowd would want to buy.
"That has bright colors"
"I like the balance in that work"
Then he noticed her. He could not help noticing her, The late arrival, a clumsy set up, and her attire. She had a sculpture exhibit, and he feared that her items would hit the floor before they could be seen. He put down his drink. Stepping out and over to where her exhibit was to be set up. " Could you use an extra pair of hands?" Her dark eyes studied him, she wiped off the sweat from her forehead, and she wiped them on her orange bib overalls. A smile broke forth and she extended her hand. "I am Rose Elder, and I could indeed use a hand." The smile made the face beautiful. Her dark brown braided hair encircled the beautiful face. Flash had to catch his breath. They shared personal information as the display developed.
Rose had traveled a great distance but had jumped at the chance to be part of this show. Her work had become known locally but, not through out the nation. This show would give her that chance, and because it was for a week she thought it well worth the effort to come out here. She was staying in a cheaper motel, but cheap was not the same out here as it was in Michigan. The price she paid would have put her up in a four star motel back home.
The display set up, she excused herself. Flash had a double take on her return. She had changed in to a peach tea length dress and her hair was now flowing down her back but the smile remained.
During the days that followed Flash would take some time away. Rose was also absent from her display. No they were not together, although at the show room they could be found together often.
On the final day of the show Flash had another painting to add to his display. There was something magical about that painting. As a person came into the room their eyes were drawn over to it. The painting was called Rose. The painting was not for sale, but because it drew attention to Flash's work he sold his art.
Rose had another piece added to her display, and there was no question about who the bust was.
Flash could now accompany Rose to all shows.

Raven challenge 63

2009-05-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.
Ten Word Challenge will be: Green goddess, shampoo, filibuster, please and thank you, Operation Marigold, throw pillows, up the creek without a paddle, spandex, ubiquitous, wedding ring,

Mini Challenge: Skittles, lamb chops, stingray, chagrin, clever devil

Mega Challenge

Even though she was a green goddess, and said please and thank you, she had a person threatening her life. This last attempt left her up the creek without a paddle. The doctors had found a way to reverse the effect of the poison from the bubble gum. Jennifer after a month of therapy was able to go home. The ubiquitous killer was not caught.
Propped up with the throw pillows, Jennifer along with Martin Flask and Mr Lemer launched Operation Marigold, pretty but with an odor. They would get Gary Stoner and she could think about wearing spandex and getting a wedding ring. Around the house, over entrances, were buckets of shampoo disguised behind fake flowers. When a wire was tripped the shampoo would flow over the head of the interloper causing a reaction, and bringing him to their attention. They set up surveillance around the clock, and consuming bags of skittles.
Not everyone was in accordance with the plan. The police were very skeptical, but Martin did a filibuster at police headquarters. The police added manned unmarked cars in the neighborhood. Gary Stoner although thinking himself as a clever devil got stung as if by a stingray. Much to his chagrin he was caught. No more lamb chops for him.

Mini Challenge

There was no doubt in Sandra Shores mind that her invisible penguin was a clever devil. A new adventure she knew was awaiting her at the aquarium, where it led her. A Large crowd stood in line waiting for the doors to open. Skittles was the candy of choice for the mothers with toddlers.
The stingray was a popular exhibit, although there were cries heard from the very young, who were frightened when it swam towards them.
Why was she here? She walked along looking at the exhibits and the many species of fish. The variety of colors and types was so amazing. Then she saw her penguin swimming along side of the large window. Being in the water was a more likely place to be than in all the other places she had seen it.
Then she saw the bear, the one that tried to attack her at the fire scene. It came in swimming behind the penguin and she was afraid that the penguin had not seen the bear. It must have seen the bear and was prepared for it to be there, because the penguin threw the bear a lamb chop attracting him along a path that the penguin had in mind. Lamb chops bones fell to the bottom and they were visible to the tourist, who in curiosity asked the guide about them. The guide stumbled in trying to explain lamb chops in the tank , and what fish would be eating them. Much to Sandy's chagrin the guide fumbled an explanation, which no one was understanding or believing. The next thing the crowd saw was a large cage tumble to the bottom of the tank with an open door and a lamb chop inside. Suddenly the door closed and the chop was eaten. Sandy was the only one who saw the bear go into the cage. All saw the cage rise to the top, and it appeared to fly away.
There was much chatter about the strange events at the aquarium. Sandy felt a bit of relief that the bear was confined.

Quilly Three Word Challenge#14

2009-05-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

Quilly

Words:
quiddle-waste time
uxorious- excessively submissive or devoted to one's wife
glabrous-no hair,

There was no quiddle by Larry Hops. A uxorious glabrous man who using every spare dime he had went searching for rings for his wife. He collected them in all gem stones. He had a showcase constructed, and had it stealthily brought into their home.
"Rose," he called. Come see the gift I have for you. Rose entered the music room from where Larry called and exclaimed when she saw the showcase. "I want earrings not rings."
Poor Larry Hops.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game.

2009-05-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday I got to see a professional baseball game for the second time in my life. The first was when I was in grade school. My family took a trip to Chicago and my mother an avid fan took me and I am not sure if my sister went or not. We went down to the park on the El. The Yankees played a sox team, not sure if it was red or white. Mickey Mantle hit many home runs, and although I should have been cheering for the Chicago team I liked Mickey Mantle.
This time I was asked to go by my daughter-in law. The whole family was there except Dr John. We sat up high,and I was lucky because the people who had the seats down two rows and to my right did not show up so I could see the batters. Unlike my first game there were not a lot of hits by anyone. The Cubs won. We sat in a row so it was hard to just talk, but we walked out to the parking lot together.
Another difference between the first game and the second was the stadium. The first game did not have the high teck.
The hardest part was getting to the stadium. We used Map Quest and as we got closer to the stadium the map did not follow the instruction we were getting on the signs. We stuck to the map and it got us there and back up North. It was a good time.

Tea and Cheese Cake

2009-05-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

The tea on Friday was a very good fund raiser. Pennie did a lot of complaining about it but, it went off well. We were in a pickle because I sold or gave away my tea cups and table linens. I found John's mother's tea pot but no cups or saucers, the reason for complaining.
We shared a table with Mary Jane. We had asked Lori and Bree to come but they could not. Mary Jane asked her daughter, and granddaughter, and niece and a friend. Mary Jane's daughter could not come because she was working but she wanted to help so she set the table up for us.
Set the table with what you ask? Pennie went out on the Saturday before the tea with a friend from college the Other Pennie as we call her. They went to Hobby Lobby they saw these unique tea pots in bright colors with odd shapes. Pennie found three pots. She bought eight orange place mats . One of the pots was purple and legs in black and white stripes and orange handle and spout. It had a lid with what looked like legs coming out the top and they were black and white striped.
I found a white plastic table clothe that looked like linen. I then I picked artificial flowers in bright orange. purple, yellow, red and blue, at Walmart. The flowers went into the purple tea pot,for a center piece. I got paper dinner napkins in white. I found coffee mugs in white with back stripes, they had to do for tea cups.
When she set the table Mary Jane's daughter brought black plates and black trays for serving the silverware was colored plastic. Our table looked like New Orleans where the youth are going. The other tables were Victorian looking. Pictures of the tea are found at St Marks web sight found on Dr John's blog.
We served cheese cake, tiny eclairs, and pumpernickel bread spread with mayonnaise and a cucumber slice on top. Each table did their own goodies to eat.
The program had a woman who had a shop that sold tea. We learned that to the English dunking the tea bag is bad manners. Also you do not but the bag after use on the table or plate but ask for a separate plate. We learned about making tea leaves. Then there was a man who had shop that sold bird seed. He talked about the best seed to use for what birds and the best feeders. He gave away a number of bags of seeds. Mary Jane's guest won a large bag of seed.

Raven challenge 62

2009-05-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I face another Raven's Challenge.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: gentle spring rain, mammoth, soap opera, worry, bubble gum, garden gate, seizure, of Biblical proportions, paralysis, wrinkles Mini Challenge: operatic, stuffed animals, anger management, biographical, paint splatters

Ten Word Challenge:

Thee soap opera Fair Lands was advertising they had a crisis of biblical proportions, but since she does not watch it Jennifer was not worried about that. She had other worries. A mammoth search had gone out for the capture of Gary Stoner. Mr Lemer and Professor Flask continued to reassure her that he would be behind bars very soon.
There was a gentle spring rain, not enough to keep her cooped up in the house any longer. She thought she would take a short walk to the garden gate, so using her crutch, and grabbing a piece of bubble gum, she limped down the sidewalk. The gum had an odd taste, she felt suddenly unable to control her body. Jennifer questioned if she was having a seizure. She slumped to the ground.
Opening her eyes she saw the familiar room and heard the familiar machines, she was back in the hospital room. Unlike before she felt nothing in her legs. She tried to move them. They remained immobile. No voice came, although she wanted to scream.
Martin Flask explained that the doctor said that there was paralysis. He had found her lying on the ground. The body was immobile but the brain was running over the past. It was the bubble gum. He had got to her. Gary Stoner had got to her. Suddenly the wrinkles on the sheet were annoying her for no good reason.

Five Word Challenge:

The Stuffed animals sitting on her shelf heard an operatic rendition of the days events. The flat tire was the last straw even if had nothing to do with the curse or maybe it did. A way of anger management Sandy Shore took out her canvas and added some more paint splatters. She added some more biographical material to her journal. She needed to talk to someone that could give her a clue to what war she was in.