Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

I hope the New Year brings health and happiness to everyone!

Tylenol PM

I must get my beauty rest.  At least 22 hours.  That is the reason for this beauty.  Yes.  Now go away!

Merry Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Santa's Workshop

This cartoon is older than I am! Ho ho ho! Didn't you use to love to watch cartoons like this? I'd get up every morning early to watch tv before school.

For God So Loved the World

I Believe In Father Christmas

GRACE

"One night a farmer who was a skeptic about Christ stayed home when his family went to church one Christmas Eve. Then he heard a loud thump, something hitting against the window. And another thump. He looked outside but couldn't see. So he ventured outside to see. In the field near his house he saw, of all the strangest


things, a flock of birds! They were apparently flying to look for a
warmer area down south, but had been caught in the snow storm.

The storm
had become too blinding and violent for the geese to fly or see their
way. They were stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter, unable to


do more than flutter their wings and fly in aimless circles.
He had compassion for them and wanted to help them. He thought to
himself, "The barn would be a great place for them to stay! It's warm
and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm." So


he opened the barn doors for them.

He waited, watching them, hoping they
would notice the open barn and go inside. But they didn't notice the
barn or realize what it could mean for them. He moved closer toward them
to get their attention, but they just moved away from him out of fear.
He went into the house and came back out with some bread, broke it up,
and made a bread trail to the barn. They still didn't catch on.
Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them toward
the barn. They panicked and scattered into every direction except toward
the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where there
was warmth, safety and shelter.

Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed, "Why don't they follow me?
Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?
How can I possibly get them into the one place to save them?" He thought
for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human.
He said to himself, "How can I possibly save them? The only way would be
for me to become like those birds. If only I could become like one of
them! Then I could save them! They would follow me and I would lead them
to safety."

At that moment, he stopped and considered what he had said. The words


reverberated in his mind: "If only I could become like one of them- then
I could save them." And then, at last, he understood God's heart towards


mankind, and he fell on his knees in the snow and worshipped Him."

Paul Harvey

Coldplay-Never cease to amaze me

Can I say I am a fan of Coldplay? Yes!

Such a lot of great things happening in the future. Christmas, of course. And an announcement that I am to become a new, first-time Grandmother! Yes, my youngest daughter is pregnant and will be giving birth to a daughter in June of 2009. We are very excited. She is continuing to finish her degree and working very hard to make excellent grades. Her apartment is on the third floor, so she must be cautious this winter walking up two flights of stairs.  My oldest daughter is working in labor and delivery at Saint Francis.  My son is majoring in Psychology and just celebrated his birthday last night.  

I have had the strep throat this week.  Every time I get sick anymore, I realize just how wonderful it is to be well again.  At least I will be well before Christmas.  I only put up a puny 6 foot tree this year.  With all children away at apartments and being sick, I just didn't feel like going through the process of putting up my major tree and ornaments.  But I have done well with shopping this year.  I'm almost finished.   I will mail two packages today and send cards and Friday, one more time of shopping for last minute gifts.  

Merry Christmas, everyone!  "God bless us, everyone," as Tiny Tim would say.  

A Christmas Carol

I went to see "A Christmas Carol" with two of my children this weekend.  It was very good.  

Wordless Wednesday-He Built It

For more Wordless Wednesday, go here.

U.S.S. Oklahoma

U.S.S. Oklahoma crew members burial marker
U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial
Pearl Harbor Battleship Row:  U.S.S. Missouri docked where the U.S.S. Oklahoma sunk.

Kevin King's Memorial to the U.S.S. Oklahoma.

One person can make a difference!

Pearl Harbor Remembered

When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow, these gave their today.

Went the day well? We died and never knew,
But, well or ill, freedom, we died for you.'
(A translation of the poem by Simonides (557-476BC) written to commemorate the three hundred who fell at Thermopylae (480BC)
The second verse also occurs in the anonymous poem of the Battle of Britain:
'Sweeping squadrons filled the summer sky,
White trails across a brilliant blue,
We met head on five miles high,
There were so many, we were few.

Went the day well? We died and never knew,
But, well or ill, freedom, we died for you.
And left the vivid air signed with our honour,
And now, do you remember us
They called The Few?

We need to know that we are not alone,
That here and now our sacrifice is known,
And we are not forgotten.'

Oklahoma One

Oklahoma wins!

OU vs. Mizzou for Big 12 Title

OU vs. Mizzou for Big 12 Title

No. 2 Oklahoma plays Missouri tonight in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.  It will be aired on ABC starting at 7 p.m.

Go Sooners!

Advent Conspiracy-Christmas Can Still Change the World

Thanks to Ashpags!
If you, your church, or your organization would like to know more, just go to www.adventconspiracy.org

Christmas is about The Birth of Christ

What do you think about when you hear the word Christmas?  Presents, food, family, traveling?  All these things are what Christmas is about, but the number one meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.  You can't leave Him out.  
Jesus' birth happened while his parents were traveling to Bethlehem to be counted in the census that Caesar Augustus had decreed.  So there was traveling involved.  Jesus was born in a stable and placed in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  He was visited by shepherds after angels announced the good news of a great joy which was for all people:  "for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  I have always loved how Charlie Brown's Christmas included Lionel reading this passage from the Bible.  It is always very moving to me.  

Jesus was also visited by magi (the three wisemen) from the east.  They were sent by Herod to search for the Child.  The magi brought Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.  "And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way."  This is why gifts are given at Christmas time.  So Christmas does involve family and gift-giving and traveling to homes but never forget that it is the celebration of the Birth of Christ.  A Christian holiday.  A Holy Day.  

Wordless Wednesday-What's Your Name, Little Girl?

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Old-Fashioned Cornbread Dressing

I realized after I posted questions about cornbread stuffing that people had googled about recipes and got my post (which was only questions).  So now I will post a recipe for cornbread stuffing.  It is called stuffing if it's in the bird and dressing if it's baked separately in a pan.  

2 cups cornmeal

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, beaten

2 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons bacon drippings, melted

3 stalks celery, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

12 slices day-old bread, crumbled

2 to 2-1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth

1 cup milk

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage

1/4 teaspoon pepper

• Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; add 2 eggs, buttermilk, and melted bacon drippings, stirring well.
• Place a well-greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet in a 450 degree oven for 4 minutes or until hot.  Remove skillet from oven; spoon batter into skillet.  Bake at 450 degrees fro 35 minutes or until cornbread is lightly browned.  Cool; crumble cornbread into a large bowl.
• Saute celery and onion in butter until tender.  Add sauteed vegetables, bread, and remaining 7 ingredients to crumbled cornbread, stirring well.  Spoon dressing into a lightly greased 13 X 9-inch pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  
  

If you like you can use some of this to stuff the turkey just before roasting.  

The Saints Are Coming

Just Nod If You Can Hear Me

Hello.
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone home?

Recipe for Cornbread dressing or stuffing

I have a request of anyone who reads my blog.  Could you tell me if you have a really good recipe for cornbread stuffing or dressing for Thanksgiving?  I make mine but I would like to know what kind and amount of seasonings that you put in yours?  Do you use eggs?  I usually use a cornbread made from a Jiffy mix because we are used to that and like the sweetness of it.  Then I also would like to know if you stuff the turkey?  or just cook the dressing separate?  I have done both and usually do both so there is plenty of dressing.  Another question is:  do you ever find that the dressing inside the turkey nearest the cavity of the bird is dark like the blood from the turkey? And do you not use that part?  Please answer in my comments and if you have a recipe on your blog already, just tell me.  Thanks.  I just wanted some actual personal input.  

She was Hungry!

We had to fell this pear tree to make room for a new garage building.  I hated to see it go since I planted it, but it was necessary.  Trees are beautiful creations.

She was hungry!

One of my favorite movies of all time.  I used to watch this movie every year and I couldn't wait for it to show again.  I can remember watching this from the age of five and upwards.  Life is so different now.  We used to have to wait for good movies to come on tv, now we're instantly gratified.  I can't say I'd want to do without all the technological advancements, that would mean there wouldn't be an internet, but that slower paced life might be nice once again.

Calvin Kitty thinks my leg is a tree to climb on.  His sister does too.  They are my new babies on the block.  A gift from my brother.  

Chris Martin

I know these are very sad camera phone photos and video but at least I got them!  We were sitting in Section 104, Row P, aisle seats 1, 2, and 3.  I was in seat 1 next to the steps.  We were happy with these seats even though they were distant from the stage.  Near the end of the concert, the ushers roped off our aisle with crime scene tape.  Then the ushers stood guard while Coldplay continued playing.  I thought to myself that someone had gotten sick and they were going to carry them out.  But then we realized that Coldplay was going to walk up the steps right next to us.  After that song they did.  I got a short video of the band walking past us with people screaming, of course!  I reached out and patted Chris Martin on the shoulder.  My daughter touched him too.  He was the last band member to walk up.  He was wearing a cream colored thermal shirt.  Very sweaty.  :D  

Then the band stood above our section and played three songs.  It was amazing.  This was the best concert ever.  

Viva la Vida-Coldplay

Hurray!! I am going with my two daughters to see Coldplay tonight.

Oklahoma City Ford Center and Bricktown.  We're going over 

early to get a parking place and eat at Bricktown.  

Musical Interlude

Wordless Wednesday-Bridge to Somewhere

The bridge to somewhere.  For more Wordless Wednesday, go here.

Somewhere so scenic, I'll be going back as soon as possible.

On My Watch Tonight

We are grateful for all Veterans past and present.
We would not be the country we are today without you.

All gave some...some gave all

On My Watch Tonight

In the arms of the angel

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month...

Fun Monday

Fun Monday participants:
Janis is the hostess this week.

"Here is the assignment!
Since Next Tuesday is Veterans Day, I thought it would be nice to salute our Veterans and show our appreciation. Photo requirement of something patriotic."

This is in honor of my dad.  Also, I do honor all men and women who have served or are serving in the military.  Freedom isn't free!  Thank God for you!

Here is my dad and his buddies shipping out.  
This is my dad in front of his barracks.  


This is my dad.  Please visit Janis for more Fun Monday.

Wouldn't You Agree?

Wouldn't you agree it's time for some more Phil Collins?
I've missed him lately. The world needs more of him.

Redistribution of Wealth-Will it Work?

I found this article in Newsweek magazine, written by Robert J. Samuelson.  You can go to Newsweek.com for the complete article.

Judgment Calls

As The Rich Gets Poorer

Making the rich poorer doesn't make everyone else richer

For years, we've debated rising economic inequality. On one side, liberals denounce it as unjust. Redistribute wealth to the poor and middle class, they say. On the other, conservatives minimize its importance. What matters most is overall economic growth, they retort. Well, the conjunction of the presidential campaign and the financial crisis is giving the debate a curious twist. Liberals have triumphed politically; soaking the rich has become more acceptable. But conservatives may have won the intellectual argument; making the rich poorer doesn't make everyone else richer.

If Barack Obama and John McCain agreed on anything, it was this: Greed is bad. They competed in denunciations of reckless investment bankers and avaricious CEOs. Obama proposed raising taxes on higher incomes (couples making more than $250,000); though McCain didn't, he suggested that much recent wealth accumulation was ill-gotten. Unintentionally, perhaps, he buttressed the moral case for more redistribution. Let's tap the gold mine of the rich.

Judged only by economic inequality, the financial crisis is a godsend. It will probably narrow the gap—though still vast—between the rich and everybody else. But what good will that do? Economic inequality also declined in the Great Depression. The country wasn't better off. By and large, the poor aren't poor because the rich are rich. They're usually poor for their own reasons: family breakdown, low skills, destructive personal habits and plain bad luck.

The presumption implicit in the criticism of growing economic inequality is that society's income is a given and, if the rich have less, others will have more.

Americans legitimately resent Wall Street types who profited from dubious investment strategies that aggravated today's crisis. And government properly redistributes income to reduce hardship and poverty. But that's different from attempting to deduce and engineer some optimal distribution of income. Government can't do that and shouldn't try. Scapegoating and punishing all of the rich won't do us any good if the resulting taxes dull investment and risk-taking, discouraging economic growth that benefits everyone.

But the redistributionist argument is at best a half-truth. The larger truth is that much of the income of the rich and well-to-do comes from what they do. If they stop doing it, then the income and wealth vanish. No one gets it. It can't be redistributed because it doesn't exist. Everyone's poorer.

To read the full story go to Newsweek.com

Congratulations Senator John McCain

Congratulations!  Senator John McCain.  You were so gracious in your concession speech.  God bless you!

Congratulations!  President-elect Barack Obama.  Your acceptance speech was gracious too.  May God bless you.  I hope you turn out to be the best President America has ever had.  Yes, you can!

This is actually my Wordless Wednesday post.  Go here for more.

Australian Pink Floyd

Camera phone shot.  Not bad!

We went to see the Australian Pink Floyd "The Wall" concert last night. They were very good.

I'll Take Audrey

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Halloween Scare

Once upon a time, a family of six went trick or treating together.  The father drove his car with all four children dressed in some manner of costume.  The costumes were certainly home-made as this family was fairly poor.  The four children carried big brown paper grocery sacks to hold their cache of Halloween candy that they would be receiving.  Father drove the children into the small town that they lived in (this little family lived way out in the country with houses few and far between).  The three older boys walked with their little sister down sidewalks and up to front porches that had their lights on.  The boys rang the doorbell and when the doors were opened, "Treat or Treat" was chorused loudly.  We soon had our bags half full which equalled lot of candy and popcorn balls.  The little girl was five years old, and her brothers were almost 7, almost 9, and ten years of age.  

Suddenly, a pick-up truck with three high school boys stopped near the children as they were leaving another house with their sacks of goodies.  The little girl was in front of the boys walking towards their car.  The high school boys ran towards the little brothers and stole their sacks.  The little sister ran as fast as she could to her parent's car and jumped in with her sack.  The brothers also ran to the car and jumped in crying.  

Father started the car and took off after the high school boys' truck.  The chase was on and it was fast.  We finally ended up at a dead end and the edge of a cliff.  No pick-up in sight, but dust was flying.  They didn't go off the cliff though.  We never knew where they went.  

The family returned to their home in the country with only one sack half full of candy.  The little sister had to share her candy with her three brothers.  She was somewhat disappointed 'cause it would have been a huge load of candy and lasted a long time.  Father was certainly mad about those rotten high school boys stealing candy from children.  But Mother had been so afraid that they were after the little girl and very thankful that we were all safe.  

The little girl that grew up of course was me.  My husband and I never celebrated Halloween with our children.  We always took them to a Hallelejuah Night which was a dress-up in costumes at church with games and candy and prizes.  

I found this little funny from Sandy and she found it from momunscripted.

Halloween Art?

Such "tasteful" art!  Halloween brings out the best...

*I hope you noted my sarcasm.  I find this extremely

offensive for any race, color, nationality, denomination,

political party, language, gender, or lifestyle.  **I wonder

who they are voting for?**sarcasm again**

Wordless Wednesday-Little Missouri Falls

More Wordless Wednesday here.  

Redistribution of Wealth

I'm sorry but this is too much for me not to share.



You can think for yourselves.  

Definition of redistribute:

verb [trans.]

distribute (something) differently or again,

typically to achieve greater social equality:

their primary concern was to redistribute income

from rich to poor  (source Dictionary)

Talimena Scenic Drive

This was a beautiful trip. I did not make this video. But we did drive this road two weeks ago. It was beautiful.  I can't wait to go back again.  This is Rich Mountain in Arkansas and Winding Stair Mountain in Oklahoma.  The tops of these mountains are about 2500 feet.  The pine trees are fantastic and the leaves changing color of the other trees are too.  This road is 54 miles through the tops of these mountains.  Highway 1 in Oklahoma and Highway 88 in Arkansas.  From Mena, Arkansas to Talihena, Oklahoma.  Well worth the trip.

Trips Down Memory Lane

They threw a party for us before we went

on our cruise to Alaska in 2005.  I haz my

cake and I eat it too!  Alaska is much colder

than Hawaii so this attire did not make it

on the ship!  No, I did not see Russia and 

not even Governor Palin.  

Here we are in all our formal attire.  They did 

feed us like kings.  Oh my, the lobster tail was 

delicious!  If you ever get the chance, go on a cruise.

The Princess cruise to Alaska was the best trip ever.

This is my family on the most exciting trip we ever took.

This is the Arkansas River in Colorado.  It was similar to

riding a roller coaster, only better.  I laughed and laughed.

Here the family is in a fantastic cave, also in Colorado.

Colorado is the best place to visit.  I am thankful that my

grown kids are still happy to go on trips with us.  We are

planning a trip to Yellowstone next year with them.

Togetherness

This is a lot of togetherness in a basement during an 

Oklahoma storm in 1957.  I am the baby on the left being

held by a girl named Janet.  I think we lived in Checotah.

My brother Dennis is next to Janet.  Then next to the end

is my brother Kenny and brother Wayne on the very end.

My mom could name every single one of these children.

I believe we were having fun.  I know I was.  You see, Fun

is my middle name, if you take off the J, add an F, and knock

off the e at the end.  That's me!

Grill, Baby, Grill

Grace Falls Like Rain

What the world needs now:  Grace

Happy Trails

Happy Trails from Junebug57 on Vimeo.

These are the Wolfpen Gap Trails.

Wordless Wednesday-Steeper Than It Looks

Mena, Arkansas from Junebug57 on Vimeo.

For more Wordless Wednesday click the link.

Roman Colosseum

My youngest daughter in Italy

Land of Opportunity=Mena, Arkansas

We had the opportunity to go 4-wheeling in Mena, Arkansas.  I highly recommend it.  It is the most beautiful place.  Mountains, fresh air, trails, cabins, good food.  We had a blast!  

Homecoming Flower Girl

Here's our little Homecoming sweetheart.  My

great niece, my brother's granddaughter.  She thoroughly

enjoyed herself at the football game.  Her uncle was

the Homecoming King too!  

Blue Madness

To say I'm fond of blue patterns and cobalt blue glass would

be putting it mildly.  Blue Willow, Blue Delft, Italian Blue

Spode, or any cobalt blue glass gives me a thrill.  See my

teeny, tiny cat in the basket?  The teapot in the middle is

actually from James Sadler of England.  The Oklahoma

plate is a present my mother bought for her mother many

years ago.  When I was a child I had a blue Fiesta ware plate

that my grandmother gave me.  I still have it.  I used to eat

all of my meals on this plate.  It must be over 60 years old.

Maybe that is why I like blue so much.  It gives me such

good memories.

Reasons to Love Being Over 50

"When you get older, hopefully you've developed the smarts to know that if you wake up in the morning and you're vertical and your kids are healthy, that's 90 percent of being happy.  That's it."    ~Judge Judy

“You can't be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning: 'Holy Christ, whaddya know - I'm still around!' It's absolutely amazing that I survived all the booze and smoking and the cars and the career.” ~Paul Newman

Paul Newman~"Why fool around with hamburger when you have steak at home?"

Because Our Music Rocks!

AARP The magazine's music critic, Richard Gehr, picks five

songs music lovers will still be listening to in 100 years.

The Beach Boys "God Only Knows"

Aretha Franklin "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)"


Booker T. & the MG's "Time is Tight"

Merle Haggard "Mama Tried"

The Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever"

Interesting choices. I can certainly say they would not have 

been my first choices.  They are an interesting mix.  I do agree

the late 50's, 60's, and 70's had some of the best and classic

songs that will endure until time ends.  What do you think?

See, there are many reasons to love being 50+.  

I Spy

Calvin and Susie (Derkins)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof-Mendacity

The powerful odor of mendacity: (untruthfulness)

What a powerful pair of role models:

Two people who spent their lives helping others.

Two people who stayed together: (they loved each other)

Wordless Wednesday-New Toy

For more Wordless Wednesday look here.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof? No, Cat in a Bread Box!

I took the lid off and she just jumped right in there 'cause

she's curious like that.  She was laying down completely

and I could have put the lid on, until I went to get the camera.

Yes, I purchased my Italian Spode bread box.  I bought it

off  Ebay, it was brand new though and came in its original

box unopened.  Kissa thinks everything is for her.  Every

box that comes in the mail is inspected for quality.  Our 

outdoor kitty Minny came running in the front door the

other day and walked past Kissa and growled at her.  But

Kissa decided she was mad as hell and wasn't gonna take it

anymore!  Kissa hunkered down like a panther, flattened 

out her body, and ran after Minny, pounced on her.  They

rolled around for a few seconds and Minny headed for the

front door which I opened and zoomed out.  Kissa looked 

rather pleased to have taken care of business.  I could only

laugh.