God put a Smile upon my Face

Going to Try a Little Something

2012-01-26T22:21:00.000-06:00

I'm going to try a little something. It's time to memorize. I haven't done that in years. So to get started I'm going to use the Beatitudes.

Here's the first few weeks worth:

Matthew 5: 1-2
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

Matthew 5: 3-5
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5: 6-8
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

I will admit the last verse (seeing God) is my favorite. But mercy rates up there highly!

Costa Concordia

2012-01-21T14:27:00.000-06:00

Unbelievable. It goes to show how a little recklessness can shipwreck your
reputation. It will make you abandon your pride. To err is human, to forgive
Divine.

Source: piccsy.com via Terri on Pinterest

Time with Lola

2011-08-25T21:06:00.000-05:00

Lola and I went to Central Park today. Just not "the" Central Park you might be thinking.

The first time she went down this slide she was holding on to the bar above and just plopped down and I believe it surprised her because it surely surprised me. But have no fear! She got over that immediately.

It was a lovely playground made by the city near us. We enjoyed visiting. This was our first time since the day started out so cool (77 degrees). We plan on making this visit many more times in the future since cooler weather is coming with the fall.

I am busy planning and working on our backyard for my youngest daughter's wedding. We, at least, are going to be able to put our money in our own landscaping. We're building a pavilion for the ceremony and later will use it for grilling and a hot tub. I am excited about that.

The week after her wedding she and her husband will be honeymooning and we will watch Lola.

But the following week we are leaving with our RV for a short trip to Arkansas four-wheeling. That will be a welcome relaxation from all the wedding plans. Then on to planning our oldest daughter's spring wedding. This time it will be held at a mansion.

Alpha and Omega

2011-04-24T23:11:00.000-05:00

"I am the Alpha and Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

Today we celebrated Easter. All of our family went to church together and afterwards had dinner there. Lola, my granddaughter, got to hunt eggs with several other toddlers.

My oldest daughter got engaged earlier in the week and we were able to visit and see her ring. She was very excited and happy. We really like her fiance. He called her dad a week ago and asked to come over for a man-to-man chat. They got together and he asked permission to ask Melissa to marry him.

Time really seems to fly these days. They will be getting married next year in April. Lots of time to plan the wedding.

When I was a child we had a large family Bible that I would read. There was a passage that always intrigued me. It was from the book of Revelations chapter 1 verse 3: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near." At the time I was especially interested to know that I would be blessed for just reading the Bible.

Blizzard Brings out Memories

2011-02-01T10:59:00.000-06:00

I never read the Little House books until I home-schooled my children. We read through the series and I cried at the appropriate places (couldn’t help it). That blizzard was the saddest part. I thought they were so brave and strong. We also loved the series on tv with Michael Landon. I have all the books. The Long Winter was all about the blizzard. Here is an excerpt:

“This life is a difficult riddle,

For how many people we see

With faces as long as a fiddle

That ought to be shining with glee

I am sure in this world there are plenty

Of good things enough for us all

And yet there’s not one out of twenty

But thinks that his share is too small.

Then what is the use of repining,

For where there’s a will there’s a way.

And tomorrow the sun may be shining,

Although it is cloudy today.

Do you think that by sitting and sighing

You’ll ever obtain all you want?

It’s cowards alone that are crying

And foolishly saying, ‘I can’t!’

It is only by plodding and striving

And laboring up the steep hill

Of life, that you’ll ever be thriving

Which you’ll do if you’ve only the will.”

On the Banks of Plum Creek has a chapter about The Long Blizzard in it too.

My favorite books from childhood were the Little Women series. I loved Jo so much. I also loved Heidi. But I believe my favorite books as a child was The Boxcar Kids. I could make-believe that life all day!

Also we had a magical time in the fourth grade with our teacher Mrs. Gray. She would read to us after lunch for an hour. She read Silver Chief Dog of the North by Jack O'Brien to us. We waited excitedly every day for her to continue the story. I loved that book and that woman.

Too Much

2011-01-18T22:20:00.000-06:00

   You can never spend too much time with the ones you love. I remember the times spent with my children so clearly now that they are grown. There were times we played in the sand. Times we tinkered with blocks. We went for walks in the pasture. Took a fishing pole with us. Good times we spent swinging on the glider of the swing set singing, "How do you like to go air in the air? Up in the sky so blue? I think it is the most delightful thing ever a child could do." That was only yesterday or so. We played with Barbies, built Legos and Duplos before that. We drove our firetruck and hot wheels and tricycles all around the porch. We sat on the rooftop. Baked the tasty cookies together. Swam in the pool on hot sunny days. Trips were made to the zoo and parks. With picnics here and there.
   There was bath time, supper time, bedtime, stories to tell, nursing time, rocking time, and days to fill. There were tears to dry, laughter to share, hearts to hear, and time to listen. We played dress up and make believe, and forts were built. In winter we made snowmen and snow ice cream. In the fall we raked leaves. But spring and summer were always the best. Trying to skate with roller blades was difficult for me but I tried. We played basketball and softball. Attended a lot of football games and watched a certain cheerleader proudly. There were parades to watch, proms and dances, contests and competitions. We drove many miles and shopped many hours.
   Trips made to shop for groceries, time spent reading books aloud, especially enjoying Little House on the Prairie together. We read the Bible together, prayed together, and attended church together. We went to many concerts and even won tickets for backstage passes a few times. We stood in lines to meet our favorite music artists and get their autographs and photos taken with us.
   Time was spent learning to drive. And taking that driving test. Whew! Three graduations from high school and three first time trips to move into colleges. This mom had the hardest time with that. Moving them several times through the years since. All these years and all these joys have never been enough.
   You can never spend too much time with the ones you love.
   You will never look back and say it was too much.

Arkansas Fall 2010 Moccasin Gap Trails

2010-10-26T10:03:00.001-05:00

We rode at night with a full moon above

Our four wheelers are in love

My love

self photo non gratus

This our group shot. We set my camera's 10 second timer and Mark (the one
leaning down ran from quite a distance through rocks and water to get there)

Close up of our Scorpions

Here is the first attempt at running to make the shot. Mark runs every morning.

Arkansas Trip Fall 2010 018.MTS

2010-10-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

this and that

2010-10-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

I do love this

and I do love camouflage

Happy Halloween

2010-10-25T16:27:00.000-05:00

My cat Kissa yawning

Long Time No See

2010-08-14T22:32:00.000-05:00

I have been away so long. I'm on Facebook practically every day but I haven't found the energy or time to look at blogs lately. Can you believe I don't read The Pioneer Woman's blog anymore? I used to check it religiously but now I can't find the time. I see her posts on Facebook sometimes and wander over if I feel like it but I have just not been interested in spending that much time on the computer. Except I manage to give FB a quick check several times a day if I'm home. It's just easier I guess. I still have everyone on my google reader and perhaps will get the urge to read blogs again. But it does take a lot of time and before you know it you haven't gotten anything done that you need to do.

I have a new development in my life. My granddaughter's dad has gone to work for my husband and he brings the baby over to me five days a week. Now do you see what I've been doing with my time? I am enjoying every minute. I can't think of a more important thing to get to do. She is on a list for the daycare at the hospital where her mother works but until she gets placed she is at my daycare. And I'm good! No one is going to take better care of this baby. I'm certain of it. :))

Sunmaid

2010-05-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

My daughter told me that when she was little she thought I looked like the Sunmaid girl on the Sunmaid Raisin boxes. Yesterday was Mother's Day and after lunch the girls snapped a shot of me. What do you think?

Golden Driller

2010-03-27T21:02:00.001-05:00

The Golden Driller is reportedly the largest free-standing statue in the world. He is 76 feet tall, so high that he rests his right hand atop an actual production oil derrick. Built of iron and concrete, he weighs nearly 22 tons and is expected to survive 200 mph tornadoes. He was declared Oklahoma's official state monument in 1979, and the plaque at his base dedicates him "to the men of the petroleum industry who by their vision and daring have created from God's abundance a better life for mankind."

There is surprisingly little room between the Golden Driller and the parking lot, and standing near his base provides a steep and somewhat saucy angle. Every few years some official talks of moving him deeper into the Fairgrounds, where he would be less likely to alarm passing motorists. But The Golden Driller remains where he has been for over 40 years, guarding the entrance to the International Petroleum Exhibition Building, which showcases trucks with three-story-tall tires and the latest models in back yard derricks.

Today was a windy day in Oklahoma. We visited the RV and Boat Show and I shot this photo of the Golden Driller. He was built in 1953.
****Disclaimer***I know this is not the largest statue in the world. Not by far. This was just information about the driller from an old article. :))

Flamingoes

2010-03-24T17:52:00.009-05:00

I love flamingoes.

I didn't realize they were such a noisy and rather mean bird.

We visited them at the zoo yesterday. They are a lot more pink

at the zoo because of the dye that is in their food pellets.

In the wild their color comes from

carotenoid proteins in their diet of animal and plant plankton.

Caribbean Flamingo

Some flamingoes live high in the Andes of South America. They do a funny dance of courtship.

Massive volcanoes and flamingo colony-South America -BBC

Can You See the Real Me?

2010-03-03T20:24:00.002-06:00

I am black and white, antique, and original. Will the real me please stand up?
We went to see Roger Daltrey of the Who and Eric Clapton last night at the BOK Center.

Roger Daltrey sang some classics such as "Behind Blue Eyes."

Clapton sang some classics such as "Layla" and "CrossRoads". One of my favorite songs he sang was "You Look Wonderful Tonight."

He sang "Rock and Roll Heart."

He also sang "Change the World."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGDIxcuPT7s
But "You Look Wonderful Tonight" tops it for me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaMuBX4aMmw
WT: Did you see Clapton in Hyde Park back in 1966? I guess you aren't that old...

Chauffeur For a Day

2010-02-26T22:20:00.001-06:00

Once Einstein was on his way to deliver a speech to university students. His faithful chauffeur not only drove his car, but was always present amongst the audience during all his speeches. Einstein had delivered this particular speech so many times that his chauffeur had actually memorized it. On that day Einstein, while on his way to the university, said aloud in his car that he felt tired. So his chauffeur suggested that they change places and that while he delivers the speech, Einstein could drive them back home. Their identities wouldn’t be a problem because Einstein wasn’t more than a university professor then and so no one in that university would recognize him. So he agreed but was a little thoughtful about what his chauffeur would do if he was asked any difficult questions by the students, after the speech. However, the speech went well but Einstein’s thought came true. A student came up with a question. Here’s what the chauffeur said “Why, that question’s so simple, that even my chauffeur can answer it.” And so Einstein stood up from the audience and easily answered the question, much to the amazement of the audience.

Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow: 15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease

2010-02-16T20:13:00.000-06:00

Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow: 15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease

Absente, mais pas d'esprit

2010-02-03T16:16:00.002-06:00

I have been absent from my blog for quite some time. I just have not had a thing to say I suppose. I've been messing with facebook and reading my google reader of blogs but not diligently. Being a grandma takes time. Especially when the daughter is finishing college. She will graduate this spring. We've went through some changes over here at the hacienda. We put new bamboo floors down in the living room, hallway, and bedroom. That took a lot of my time moving furniture and CLEANING and getting rid of unnecessary items. Also cleaning a few closets. We bought some new leather furniture for the living room and that required more moving too. You should have seen my husband and I moving a sofa bed into a distant bedroom. We had to stand it on its end and then turn it around a tight corner and remove the bedroom door for it to fit. I am surprised we made it and no arguments either. Whew!!

I have been making new recipes and eating out occasionally too. We are planning a spring break trip to Arkansas again. This time we will be sleeping in our RV and our friends have toy haulers. We will get to try out our little shower and I do mean little! I don't believe we will use the toilet, don't want to clean that out or be left with any fumes. The campground we are staying out will have showers and bathrooms.

I bought a new laptop for our business computer so I could be portable and the old computer was failing. I got a monster screen 18.4". It's taking some getting used to with the keyboard being so different. I had the most difficult time loading my Quickbooks and importing my old files. I have done this before but this time it seems that everything that could go wrong did. Being on the phone with support team was not the most pleasant experience. I had to have remote access help. After about four hours, it was accomplished.

I will finish with this update. The title of this post reads "Absent, but not minded".

Guess What Grandma's Been Doing?

2009-12-25T21:15:00.004-06:00

Swampy in New York, New York!

2009-12-04T20:24:00.007-06:00

Swampy in New York, New York!

Swampy is in New York this week.

She was outside the Today Show with

her sign. I was watching tv this morning

and got to see her wave.

She took this photo request for me.

Here she took a photo for me in front of Tiffany's.

Thank you, Swampy.

The Best Cat in the World

2009-12-03T14:49:00.004-06:00

Pebbles

He was the best cat in the world. My son could

carry him around like this and he loved it. We

named him Pebbles 'cause we already had a Bam

Bam and we also got his sister Wilma. We had him

for about eleven years. He got sick one day and died.

He is buried in our yard with a stone on his grave.

He was a very loving cat. He was nice to all the other

cats we had and loved to play with new kittens. We've

never had another cat quite like him. Rest in peace,

Pebbles.

Christmas time is here again

2009-11-28T15:48:00.003-06:00

It's gonna be fun this year! I went Black Friday

shopping and found some bargains. Early Christmas

start for me.

My Baby Fell Over

2009-11-24T22:51:00.002-06:00

She's my little director. She directs the day when

I'm with her. She's all sunshine most of the time.

Today, her tummy hurt and she cried a little.

Lola fell over before I could catch her.

She loves Grandma anyway. Today she was saying, "ma

ma".

2007 BMW meets 2009 DEER

2009-11-18T22:12:00.006-06:00

This was not "my" idea. I had no prior knowledge that we would meet so abruptly.
I was happily and I do mean "happily" driving along early that morning before

dawn enjoying myself because I had an extra hour of sleep the night before.

The sun was beginning to come up and the weather had turned cold. I was wearing

my warm camoflauge hunting jacket with sherpa pile lining. Quite a coincidence if I do say so. I don't think the deer could use that for an excuse. "I couldn't see

her. She was camoflauged!"

So what did I see to the right of me in the ditch? What a funny looking dog!

Oh no, look at how high it jumped! Oh, it's a deer jumping the fence. Cool.

Then I remembered there are always more than one. Oops, too late!

Here comes a truck with bright lights in my eyes. What was that thud? Oh my!

We met in the middle of the highway. It all happened so fast. I was driving with

my cruise control on exactly 65 mph. It was such smooth sailing. Until we met.

In that moment I felt remorse for the life of that deer. Then my mind switched to

my little beautiful car. I did not want to see the damage. It seemed such a small

thud. Maybe, just maybe I only lost a headlight. After all, my car dash control did

send me a signal that looked like a big headlight pointing downward. Maybe my

car's computer was telling me it's only a dream. You only have a headlight out.

I drove on twenty more miles to the next town before I stopped to survey the

damage. I guess I really should have stopped very soon after but I just couldn't.

I wasn't shaken by the ordeal at all for some strange reason. I didn't cry at all.

I kept thinking to myself this is only a car and not the most important thing in life.

I thought of the necessity to get to my daughter's apartment to watch my grand daughter that morning. All I could think of was, Lola. She's important. People are

what's important. I am not hurt and it's going to be all right.

I stopped in Skiatook and got out hoping to see very little damage. But alas, that

was not the case. From the front to the rear, the meeting with the deer left many

scars. I have been reminded many times throughout life that the rain falls on the

just and the unjust. We are not immune from bad things happening to us even though we are children of God. The Bible says in this world we will have tribulations. But we are reminded that Jesus said to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. Ahhh, I'm not trying to preach, really. I just have this in me and it comes out. It is called peace. I honestly don't know how people can make it in life without peace. But you know the corny answer that beauty contestants always give when asked what they wish for, "world peace." I do so wish the world had peace.

"so may peace rain down from heaven like little pieces of the sky" "little keepers of the promise"

Share a day.

2009-11-15T20:59:00.001-06:00

A day in the life of someone I don't know. Just found it interesting.

Louis Giglio ~ Indescribable Part 1

2009-11-12T00:02:00.002-06:00

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Ree Drummond-The Pioneer Woman Cookbook

2009-11-01T20:26:00.003-06:00

I got to meet Ree at her cookbook signing in Tulsa on Friday.

She was a lot of fun to meet and listen to her talking to others as I

waited. I got to the store first and could have been first in line

but I decided to shop the little store and bought my grandbaby

some cute onesie's. One was a pink Cain's ballroom and the

other was a "I love (heart) Tulsa." I found a very cute purse that

was handmade. I will post a photo soon. It was made out of an

old linen tablecloth, very vintage. I know no one else will ever have

another one like it. I also bought a small Uglydoll. Big toe.

I'm about ten people back from the front of the line.

We all got to watch MM carry in boxes of books. He

didn't have his hat on and he looks even finer in real

life. Forgive me, but I'm much older than both of them!

I had pre-ordered one cookbook from Amazon but

I bought another to give as a gift.

And here I am posing with Ree. She was so very nice

and it was so fun to talk with her. I told her I would

like to go to the Pawhuska signing but I had tickets for

Dracula (the ballet). She said she would have liked to

gone to that. I also mentioned that I had never read a blog

before hers and that was when I started blogging two years

ago. I told her that I had met Swampy and of course she

knew her also. I had a very fine day! I left there and went

to Utica Square and shopped in Williams Sonoma. And

even better, I took home Asian Grilled Salmon from PF Chang's.

I honestly cannot get enough of it. I wish I could eat it every

day!

The Economy of A Police Officer

2009-10-31T11:03:00.009-05:00

Economy: sparing or careful use of something.

There has a been a heated controversy going on in Tulsa over letting some police officers go. The economy is to blame. Budgets have to be cut.

Here are some of the cuts: TULSA, OK -- The cutbacks at the Tulsa Police Department include the helicopter unit. Five officers who have spent most of their careers flying - are replacing rookies out on the streets.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Officials have figured out what to do with horses from the Tulsa Police Department's mounted patrol unit, which has been eliminated because of budget cuts.

Twenty-one officers turned in their equipment on Wednesday after learning they were laid off. The city says the budget is to blame. We watched as they emptied their cars and turned in their badges. They say they simply don't understand.
There is also a discussion about officers who do not live in Tulsa don't get to drive their cars home.
Tulsa - The Fraternal Order of Police is being asked to help the City keep police officers on the force by forgoing its take-home car benefit for officers.

I think the police budget should be the last item to cut. During this bad economy the crime rate has been going up. Every day there are more reports of bank robberies, hold-ups at convenience stores, home invasions, and car break-ins. When I drive a little over the speed limit I always keep my eye out for police or highway patrol and guess what? I rarely see them anymore.
I also think the parking of a police or highway patrol car in a neighborhood or apartment complex is an excellent crime deterrent. I know when I see a police car parked in my daughters' complex it makes me feel a little safer for them. I don't think giving this up would save enough dollars to matter.
When you think about the sacrifices these officers make every day, you just can't justify denying them their due. I've heard that officers get their coffee free at the places they frequent but that's a small price to pay for their presence. I would welcome them.
I believe they are worth every bit of pay or benefit they get. In fact, they are worth more. The economy of a police officer (sparing or careful use) is a delinquent (formal failing in one's duty) idea.

Egg in the Hole

2009-10-29T11:28:00.006-05:00

I made "Egg in the Hole" for breakfast this morning. It is a recipe from "The Pioneer Woman Cookbook." My husband taught me how to make this when we first got married almost 34 years ago. His mother called it, "Hobo Sandwich." She made a story about a hobo who was hungry and so he borrowed an egg from a chicken and milked a glass of milk from a cow. I don't remember where he got the bread. It is a quick, easy breakfast. I love eggs anyway. Did you know that Dr. Oz says you should eat an egg a day? No more problems with cholesterol like they used to say. It is full of protein and all the vitamins except C. It is a good source of iodine and vitamin A.

The recipe is in Ree's new cookbook. It is obviously very easy to make just by looking at my plate. Bread, egg, butter, salt and pepper. You just cut a hole in the center of the bread with a biscuit cutter and brown the bread in butter in the skillet. Drop the egg in the center hole and cook on both sides. Voila! Instant breakfast. No need to make toast. You already have it.

What can I say?

2009-10-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday-Baby Face

2009-10-28T09:44:00.003-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, go here.

The Milk of Human Kindness

2009-10-25T14:09:00.008-05:00

Milk of human kindness

Meaning

Care and compassion for others.

Origin

From Shakespeare's Macbeth, 1623:

"Yet doe I feare thy Nature, It is too full o' th' Milke of humane kindnesse."

I watched Marley and Me last week. I was unprepared for the sadness at the last half of the movie. I thought it was a comedy. I do recommend the movie to any animal lover but be warned: tears could fall.

I also watched an episode last week on Dr. Phil about "Marcus Wesson molested, abused and controlled his family in cult-like ways, impregnated some of daughters and nieces, and murdered nine of his children one horrible night in 2004."

It was horrible beyond belief.

And you see these sad commercials about animal abuse. Sometimes she sings "In the Arms of the Angel." It really is a sad statement about human nature. These are my beliefs. I believe that all humans are capable of evil. I believe that man was created in the image of God. I believe that Adam and Eve fell by choosing to follow their fleshly desires. I believe that there is a devil that tempts us but I believe that we make the choice. God has made a way to escape temptations but we must look for the way. Not every one is taught this. But everyone is without excuse: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."

"Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen."

"Futhermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless."

"Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1: 20-25; 28-32)

I think this describes our society quite well. Man apart from God can commit atrocities. I am not talking about religion either. Religion has been the cause of most wars. Religion is just a belief that you practice. Mankind loves darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. Turning away from God and being separated from Him has made a lot of evil deeds possible. I am not trying to judge anyone, I think the Word of God has clearly done that already.

I am thankful that not all people turn to darkness but it is sad to view the depths that some have fallen. God help us.

This is what I believe. There is so much more to this life than meets the physical eye!

Camping

2009-10-20T10:38:00.004-05:00

Our trip to Dover, Arkansas was successful. We used our Chalet Alpine rv for the first time. We stayed four nights without too many problems. Since this was our first trip we had to get used to the camper. Hauling it was no problem, we were able to haul it and the four-wheeler trailer hooked together with our Toyota Tundra. We could run 70 and 75 miles ph easily. The first and second night our furnace came on and several times we would hear a beeping sound. My husband finally figured out the 12v wire needed to be hooked up so the spark igniter could work properly. The freezer worked great. Things were so cold in the refrig part that the milk partially froze. I had to turn it down. All our meat stayed frozen solid in the freezer. We didn't try out the shower because the campground had a shower and bathroom to use. Our air bed was great but we have decided to get a regular mattress because we will never use the table under the bed. We'll just dedicate that space to the bed full time. We had our flat-screen tv and dvd player that we bought for the rv. We got an off-air antenna that worked great picking up 9 channels with HD even. The only thing I cooked this time was waffles for breakfast. We ate a packed lunch every day out in the woods on the trails. Every evening after trail-riding we would get cleaned up and go into Russelville and find new places to dine. The weather was beautiful. It was pretty cool every morning and would warm up to about 60 degrees. We did not get rained on except the first night and that was while we were sleeping. We rode the Moccasin Gap trails every day. There were four couples all together. Two couples stayed in cabins and two of us stayed in RV's or toy haulers. It was a great trip.

Wordless Wednesday-Home Away From Home

2009-10-07T08:11:00.003-05:00

2005 Chalet Alpine

Home away from home

Hauling toys. Headed for Arkansas Mountains.

For more Wordless Wednesday go here.

That's All Folks!

2009-10-02T16:03:00.000-05:00

Visiting Marauder

2009-09-30T15:25:00.003-05:00

Here is the rogue. He invades our yard. He eats

our cat food. He torments our cats. He's adorable.

He stays a week or so and leaves. But he always

comes back. (The cat came back...)

Ronald Reagan`s Funny answer

2009-09-26T15:44:00.001-05:00

So funny.

Kissa

2009-09-26T09:20:00.003-05:00

This cat is so much fun. Every day. I get lots of scratches because we play a lot. She likes to play hide and seek. She always wins! She is now four years old. She's not a sit on your lap kind of cat. She doesn't rub up against your leg when you walk and try to trip you. But she does stay in every room I'm in and sit near me. In the bedroom she sleeps on the recliner and occasionally at the foot of the bed if I've been gone all day. She's a good house cat.

The Eyes Have It

2009-09-23T14:17:00.002-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go here.

Colbie Caillat Breakthrough

2009-09-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

Must be Music Monday.

All in a Day's

2009-09-16T22:04:00.004-05:00

I've been awake for a while now
You've got me feelin' like a child now
'Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tinglees in a silly place

It starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

Aunt Melissa & Lola Abigail

Mama Rebecca and Lola Abigail

She is more fun than ever now that she is three months old. She laughs out loud now and is all smiles when she wakes up. I am all in a daze over her. Or did you not notice?

Class is Out

2009-09-15T22:12:00.003-05:00

You know, I can't even say that I don't like Kanye, I just don't get

this behavior. Of course, MTV must condone it because they let

it happen and put up this video immediately with an ad.

In the course of this world, this is just one minor incident. But haven't you noticed the lack of respect that goes on world wide?

MTV Shows

Breitbart's Big Government exposes Acorn prostitute scam with video and text from James O'Keefe

2009-09-10T20:07:00.002-05:00

Does this bother anyone?

Breitbart's Big Government exposes Acorn prostitute scam with video and text from James O'Keefe

Posted using ShareThis

Who Let the.......

2009-09-09T23:04:00.003-05:00

I would love to have this guy in my front yard.

I am sure that Julie will recognize this gorilla.

I wonder what there motto is for selling cars?

Just where are those tethered? Ouch!

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

2009-09-08T12:56:00.006-05:00

Here is my Honda with new paddle tires

We're taking a break in the shade.

By the light of the moon

Top of the dune

Night riders

Flying high

Father and son

See the orange moon?

Our trip to Little Sahara turned out great. We had a decent little three bedroom house to stay and I made Ree's rib eye steak recipe with onion/blue cheese sauce. I grilled hamburgers the next day. We had pancakes for breakfast one morning and the next morning we went to a cafe for their buffet filled with good selections. I had to do a little extra cleaning on the bathroom but the super cold air conditioning made up for it.

My husband and son and I rode all day and night. We were able to ride from the house to the dunes on our four-wheelers. On the way home we stopped in Enid and ate at El Chicos.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that my husband rolled his four-wheeler on Saturday night and I rolled my four-wheeler on Saturday. Boy, was that an experience! Both of us were fine, just surprised, but we were wearing our helmets. And on sand it is a soft landing. I actually just slipped off mine and it rolled over on top of me and then one more time before landing on its tires. I was in the middle of it where your leg is and there is just enough room for clearance. I remember thinking as it was on top of me that I hope it goes on over. And it did. My son came to my rescue immediately. I was trying to go up a really tall dune and decided at the last minute that I wasn't going to make it so I did the wrong thing- I turned sideways. Something you don't want to do at the top of a soft backside of a dune unless you are going fast and are turning on purpose and I suppose a lot more experienced at driving than me. I fell off and it turned over on me. It all happened quickly but it seemed longer. The four-wheeler didn't turn over immediately, it just hung there for a second and then it was on top of me for a second and then back off and on its wheels. I actually didn't mind the experience, of course mostly because I wasn't hurt but I don't want to do it again. Now anywhere else besides sand this would be much more dangerous.

All's well that ends well.

Little Sahara Dunes

2009-09-03T11:35:00.003-05:00

We are heading to Little Sahara dunes for the Labor Day

week-end. We've got to try out our new Honda TRX 450.

It's a little hotter than our Honda Ranchers. You have to

shift it with a clutch. I haven't even tried it out yet. My son

or my husband will be driving it. I'll stick with my Rancher

and my new paddle tires. We're going to stay in a house we've

rented. I hope the house is clean and spider free! The last house

we stayed at had fiddlebacks. One house we reserved was so bad

we had to decline and stay at the fiddleback house. The house

we didn't stay at was a nightmare on Park Avenue. The banker's

daughter's house from 1904. It was the most run down house

I have ever seen. The wind was blowing in from every window

and it was 104 degrees outside with one window unit (swamp cooler).

It had an upstairs that you could not go in to but you could see the wind

blowing the curtains above the living room ceiling. It was very creepy.

It had a locked door to the stairs and a window that someone had broken

beside the stairs. The broken place was covered with a tapestry and

the breeze was blowing it too. I wondered if there was some homeless

person up there. We didn't stay around long enough to find out.

Wordless Wednesday-Baby Baby

2009-09-02T08:06:00.003-05:00

Baby Baby

For more Wordless Wednesday, go here.

August 27-The Way We Were

2009-08-27T11:24:00.003-05:00

Here we are back in 1962. A family.

Happy Birthday Dad. Today you would be 80 years

old. You are missed.

Wordless Wednesday-Look at my new baby

2009-08-26T09:48:00.003-05:00

D90

For more Wordless Wednesday go here.

Ziggy

2009-08-23T22:33:00.001-05:00

A Little Bit of This

2009-08-22T16:39:00.002-05:00

Guess who I will be watching on Tuesday?

Mommy's got to start back to college

full time classes & intern 8 to 5

My little Lola

She rolled over for the first time

Call It Love

2009-08-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

We've had our share of ups and downs:

I'm still going to "Call it Love."

Just remember I love you. We were born in the time of

great songs. Nothing like the 70's.

When it all goes crazy and the thrill is gone
The days get rainy and the nights get long
When you get that feeling you were born to lose
Staring at your ceiling thinking of your blues

When there's so much trouble that you wanna cry
The world has crumbled and you don't know why
When your hopes are fading and they can't be found
Dreams have left you waiting, friends have let you down

Just remember I love you and it'll be alright
Just remember I love you more than I can say
Maybe then your blues will fade away

When you need a lover and you're down so low
Start to wonder, but you never know
When it feels like sorrow is your only friend
Knowing that tomorrow you'll feel this way again

When the blues come calling at the break of dawn
Rain keeps falling, but the rainbow's gone
When you feel like crying but the tears won't come
When your dreams are dying, when you're on the run

Just remember I love you and it'll be alright
Just remember I love you more than I can say
Just remember I love you and it'll be alright
It'll be alright, it'll be alright, it'll be alright, well it'll be alright

Wordless Wednesday-1977

2009-08-19T11:16:00.002-05:00

1977 Long ago and far away.

For more Wordless Wednesday go here.

The Last King of Scotland

2009-08-17T18:17:00.011-05:00

James McAvoy

While watching the movie, "The Last King of Scotland," I noticed just how familar looking the good Scottish doctor appeared. Who did he remind me of? Bossy's son!

Bossy's son

It was a very good movie. I hope Bossy approves of the comparison. They are both great looking guys.

Grandpa

2009-08-17T14:47:00.005-05:00

Isn't she precious?

Guess who came to dinner? Lola Abigail: Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful?

It's A Long Way There

2009-08-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Daughter

2009-08-11T08:13:00.002-05:00

We love you!

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?

2009-08-06T11:01:00.006-05:00

Well, Colorado, I'm telling you now!
Our vehicle above traveling on the Million Dollar Highway.
O Beautiful, for spacious skies! For purple mountains majesties!
We met a shepherd and his 2,300 sheep and three dogs along the way.
The above is where we stopped to decide if we needed to turn around before the

going got any rougher. Just so happened I backed into a bear cave. Don't know

if she was at home!
The abandoned silver and gold mines of Colorado. There's gold in them hills!
Untrailering for the day!
We ate our lunch every day on the mountain. Nothing ever tasted so good!
Relaxing after a long drive. The wildflowers were in bloom everywhere! I love you, Colorado. I can't wait to return.

Mobile

2009-07-31T21:52:00.002-05:00

Mobile in the Palisades of Cimarron Canyon, New Mexico from Junebug57 on Vimeo.

This is the reason I didn't take a photo of the Palisades. I was videoing it. I did not even realize that I had captured it on video.

Palisades of Cimarron Canyon New Mexico

2009-07-29T09:34:00.006-05:00

Mountains thrill me. I could so live near mountains! These are the Palisades of Cimarron Canyon in New Mexico. I borrowed the first two photos from Towanda of Santa Fe. I don't know how I actually missed photographing these as we were driving by. I think I was so in awe I forgot until it was too late.
If you enlarge the photo below you can read the historic marker.

I truly loved the scenery starting in New Mexico and all the way to Colorado. It was a feast for the eyes.

Another Year Passes

2009-07-27T21:20:00.003-05:00

Another year passes without my Dad. August 27, 1929- July 27, 2007

Some day I'll see you again in heaven. How I love you, Dad!

We're Back!

2009-07-26T20:38:00.003-05:00

From the best trip ever to Colorado! Details to follow...

Lola Abigail

2009-07-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Enough said!

Flower Power

2009-07-16T11:11:00.003-05:00

Glorious morning

Hidden jewels

Two young lovers

Star of the show!

And do the other things

2009-07-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.

Wordless Wednesday-Four-wheeling

2009-07-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go here.

The Scorpions Go To Ouray

2009-07-14T09:58:00.005-05:00

From the last trip to Arkansas

Our group: the Scorpions

I love these people!

Four-wheeling is a blast!

Just look at this scenery where we

will be. I am in awe.

The temperature today is 64 F in Ouray.

Oklahoma temp. today is 104 F.

This is Ouray, Colorado.

Happy Anniversary Honey-pie

2009-07-13T08:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary. 34 years. Seriously 2/3rds of my life.

I hope to go on for another 34 or more! We are leaving for

Colorado on Saturday. Oh Happy Day!

Photo Booth

2009-07-11T16:45:00.004-05:00

Precious birth announcement

2009-07-11T14:11:00.002-05:00

I just received this birth announcement. I thought it was kind of special.

I Have a Photograph

2009-07-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I have a photograph:

My step-mom, MaryAnn, and my dad around December 1985.

Old Friends
Old Friends
Sat on their park bench like bookends
Newspaper blowin' through the grass
Falls on the round toes
Of the high shoes
Of the old friends

Old Friends
Winter companions the old men
Lost in thier overcoats
Waiting for the sunset
The sounds of the city sifting through trees
Settle like dust
On the shoulders of the old friends

Can you imagine us years from today
Sharing a park bench quietly?
How terribly strange to be seventy...

Old Friends
Memory brushes the same years
Silently sharing the same fear

(Musical Interlude)

A time it was
It was a time
A time of innocence
A time of confidences

Long ago it must be
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left you

Wordless Wednesday-Dear Dad

2009-07-08T09:06:00.002-05:00

Dear Dad,

I still miss you.

Love, Junebug

For more Wordless Wednesday, go here.

Ziggy

2009-07-05T13:59:00.002-05:00

Smile for the camera!

2009-07-05T13:58:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday-Creatures of Habit

2009-07-01T08:40:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

Grand Child

2009-06-27T09:43:00.005-05:00

Nothing could be grander!

Michael Jackson-One Last Post

2009-06-26T08:16:00.003-05:00

Childhood. He said this was the song closest to his heart. I only grew up watching Michael Jackson and his brothers on tv. I was one year older than him. I never kept up with his music much past "Puppy Love" and such. But I'm not gonna judge him.

Heal the World

2009-06-25T22:14:00.002-05:00

Good-bye Michael Jackson. I hope you found a better place.

Wordless Wednesday-We Shall All Be Changed

2009-06-24T09:47:00.003-05:00

In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye!

For more Wordless Wednesday, go here.

Shade Garden

2009-06-22T12:44:00.001-05:00

Shade Garden from Junebug57 on Vimeo.

Hangin' Around

2009-06-19T16:33:00.005-05:00

Such is the cat's life! Just hangin' around.

Fun Monday-Breaking the Mold

2009-06-15T00:01:00.005-05:00

Jill over at Lil Mouse is hosting Fun Monday.

What happened the day you were born? Did you ever think about what your birthday shares with the rest of the years in your life? What happened then a tragedy, a funny stunt, or a sports phenomenon?

My birthday was August 4th, 1957. I was born on a Sunday in Enid, Oklahoma at 8:10 pm. I was born in St. Mary's Hospital. Here are some happenings on that day.

Births:

Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon- Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother was born on this day in 1900.

Louis Armstrong was born on this day in 1901.

Percy Bysshe Shelley was born in 1792 on this day.

And last but not least the President of the United States, Barack Obama, was born on this day in 1961.

Here are some events (tragic ones) that happened on August 4th.

In 1892, Lizzie Borden axed her step-mother and her father 40 whacks!

Anne Frank and her family were captured in their annex by the German gestapo.

The First World War began on this day in 1914.

The number one song hit on this day was "Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.

The cover of Time magazine looked like this:

The best picture was "The Bridge over the River Kwai" starring William Holden. I always wondered why I loved this movie!

And how could I forget the best reminder of my birth year? The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air? We are both classic models.

My first Postcrossing postcard

2009-06-14T22:08:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Karmyn I joined Postcrossing and I have received my first postcard from Ingrid in the Netherlands. She once lived as an exchange student in Mississippi. I am sending my next postcard to Mari in Finland. This is fun!

The City of Light

2009-06-13T22:58:00.002-05:00

Paris.

So beautiful.

Here's Baby!

2009-06-04T18:07:00.005-05:00

Here is Lola Abigail.
She was born the 4th of June
1:51 PM
6 lbs 7 oz

My new granddaughter

Daddy and Mommy

There's immediate joy after the birth of a baby

More details to come. It was quite an emotional experience.

For now I must get some sleep.

Wordless Wednesday-101 Ranch

2009-06-03T00:01:00.003-05:00

Only remnants of the past 101 Ranch

This is the White House foundation

The floor of the store

For more Wordless Wednesday click the link.

Lola

2009-06-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

The time has come. If the baby doesn't come before

Wednesday, June 3rd, she will be induced Wednesday

evening. My daughter is certainly excited and a little

nervous, especially if she has to be induced.

Here are some lovely photos of she and her boyfriend.

Life brings change.

Not looking backward, but forward!

It's a journey. Together.

Flowers Every Where

2009-05-31T00:01:00.001-05:00

I've not tried Weekly Winners in a long time, but for more go visit Lotus.

Why Would You Pull An Ambulance Over?

2009-05-27T20:36:00.007-05:00

The outcome of this have yet to be seen but it probably won't be good. The woman was being transported to the hospital for heatstroke. She is ok.

For more of the story, it's here. You've just got to ask yourself, why? Couldn't it have waited until they got the woman to the hospital and unloaded her? What a setup for a lawsuit!

This We'll Defend

2009-05-25T16:42:00.005-05:00

Army Song

Caisson Song (1908, original version)
Over hill over dale we have hit the dusty trail
As our caissons go rolling along.
Up and down, in and out, Countermarch and right about,
And our caissons go rolling along.

For it's hi-hi-hee in the Fifth Artillery, Shout out the number loud and strong.

Till our final ride, It will always be our pride
To keep those caissons a rolling along.
(Keep them rolling - keep them rolling)*
Keep those caissons a rolling along.
(B-a-t-t-e-r-y H-a-l-t!)*

The Army Goes Rolling Along (1956, current official version)
typically only the first verse and refrain are sung (not including the intro)
Intro:
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory
We're the Army and proud of our name
We're the Army and proudly proclaim
Verse:
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along.
Refrain:
Then it's Hi! Hi! Hey!
The Army's on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong
For where e’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.

Verse:
Valley Forge, Custer's ranks,
San Juan Hill and Patton's tanks,
And the Army went rolling along
Minute men, from the start,
Always fighting from the heart,
And the Army keeps rolling along.
(Refrain)
Verse:
Men in rags, men who froze,
Still that Army met its foes,
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in God, then we're right,
And we'll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.
(Refrain)

1973-One of the most memorable years of my life

2009-05-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

M. Jagger/K. Richards)

Angie, Angie, when will those clouds all disappear?
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
But Angie, Angie, you can't say we never tried
Angie, you're beautiful, but ain't it time we said good-bye?
Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we cried?
All the dreams we held so close seemed to all go up in smoke
Let me whisper in your ear:
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?

Oh, Angie, don't you weep, all your kisses still taste sweet
I hate that sadness in your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain't it time we said good-bye?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
But Angie, I still love you, baby
Ev'rywhere I look I see your eyes
There ain't a woman that comes close to you
Come on Baby, dry your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain't it good to be alive?
Angie, Angie, they can't say we never tried

The Rolling Stones - Angie (1973 -)
Uploaded by guenael76 - See the latest featured music videos.

Ziggy

2009-05-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday-Shrunken Heads

2009-05-20T07:58:00.006-05:00

Head shop

Two heads are better than one!

For more Wordless Wednesday go here.

These heads brought to you by Woolaroc.

Take a Little Trip with Me

2009-05-15T20:49:00.008-05:00

Woolaroc

Still a beautiful and fun place to visit.
Navajo Fire Dance

What are you looking at?

Making use of a timer

I used to sit on these lions

when I was little.

It was the most beautiful and sunny day we have had

in weeks. So we took a little trip to Woolaroc. It's very

near our home and such a wonderful place with

lots of animals to see.

Wordless Wednesday-View From the Top

2009-05-13T08:52:00.003-05:00

Gloss Mountain

For more Wordless Wednesday, check it out.

New do

2009-05-12T22:49:00.006-05:00

Gluten Free bread

2009-05-11T12:59:00.000-05:00

Mothers and Daughters

2009-05-11T11:27:00.004-05:00

My son took our photo for us, he does not enjoy being in a photo.
Flowers, cards, a rose, and presents. I fixed fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, biscuits, and gravy for lunch. We had a nice day together. My mother got to hold her new great-grandson the evening before. That would be my nephew pictured a few posts ago.

Extra Long Lasting

2009-05-10T22:15:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

I love you Mom!

Women make the world go round! Where would we be without moms?