What's new?

Angie went fishing again.    I didn't hear if she caught anything though.   All I did hear was that she had fun in the sun and worked hard to try and catch a ling.   Check Angie out on Facebook as she has a little video of her dog Queso meeting her grand nephew , a little tiny guy who was up to the task. 

I wonder why it takes one so long to learn that lesson.    You are the only one who can walk your own path.  It is always nice to know you have family and friends in the background with love and hugs to spur you on....but, only you can walk your own path and choose the life you are satisfied with.  

ah those word problems;   mysteries. 

A new week starting, getting closer to Thanksgiving and decisions on when to shop, what to buy, how many are coming, who is bringing what  and is all the best dishes ready or do they need washing since you haven't used the good china for a year.   Time to make the list , baking items first , size of turkey second, what vegetables other than Hubbard squash which is now selling over two dollars a pound.   I guess we will go back to Bell squash, it is tasty enough.   Cranberry sauce vacillates between two for five dollars or a dollar and forty nine cents and it  'used' to be eighty nine cents. I know, you are sick and tired of my finding fault with prices, but I really don't like to be feeding into the greed that exists in our world.    It just is not 'fair' for some folks to make millions of dollars, like the athlete playing a game he loves,and a hard working man can't make enough to feed his family. A little injustice in life.    So that leads the mind set on hoping the athlete will help fill those little red kettles around town this holiday season and that hard working man will be in line for some food to feed his family.   I'd really like it better if the jobs were available and the poor man could get one and a decent wage and be strong and independent in his own right.    I can't think of a soul who likes to beg, borrow or steal when he can 'fend' for himself and stand tall.  All this rhetoric because of the raised prices of those that have against those who have not .    The managers probably go home with free food, the clerks with a rake off of a few cents and we the consumers pick up the tab for it all.   My, what would I do without my 'soap-box'. . . I hope you never find out.     SO. . . a good deed today and one every day as you fight the fight to live and let live.    Be kind, be gentle, be a person everyone looks up to.   Find reasons to share and care and keep some loose change in your pocket for those little red buckets outside the stores this holiday season.   It is good to be generous!  Hugs to all.

Hello!!

Of course there is . . . all we have to do is think about it;  look for it;  and be grateful that we have so  much to be thankful for.

A truism.    It is okay to acknowledge an actor who brought so much laughter and life to the screen and entertained u s over the ears... but, our soldiers give so much more and they deserve to be acknowledged and honored by each and everyone of us.  So light a candle for those who gave their lives;  others who gave their sight and limbs;  and those who retain the horrors of war within their minds.   Donating to the  Paralyzed Veterans or the Wounded Warriors doesn't seem to be much of a burden for us to participate in.   The VA should be doing a bigger and better job of caring for our veterans, and if we are sending more young men into harms way we should free them to do their job.   

I may have shown this picture before but it popped up again and is much to beautiful not to admire one more time.   This time it has a caption about 'snow in Oregon' ;  getting ready for the ski season and what better way to show a snowy mountain side.

So get out your skies , sleds, inner-tubes, heavy duty clothing and don't forget the mittens and plan a ski trip or two up into the mountains.    I wonder how they are doing in Nevada.   I hope the snow pack is a good one this  year.   

My trip over to the high school for the Christmas bazaar  was all I expected it to be.  The room was very warm, no air, and crowded both with lookers, some buyers,  and some booths had cards to hand out so you could order and they would do the work of delivering;  a good idea as it really saves time and money and energy in the long run.    There was one called "OtterBee's" Farm and Fungi and they had samples of  dried fruits dipped in chocolate that was very delicious.  They had packages of mixes for soups and other dishes.   Another was the Light House which had jars of jams and relishes and sauces that looked inviting.  Both on the internet so if you are looking for something a bit different , check it out.   I got in my walking exercise as there are two buildings to go through and when I came out to meet Pat at the car, I took a wrong turn and found myself in the back parking lot with a fence you couldn't open or climb to reach the front sidewalk, so, I had to walk all the way back around the building to the get to the street side.  We had parked across the street at the Church sale and walked over.  I had a chance to count my blessings as it was not raining.   So . . . go, count your blessings and enjoy the sights and sounds of  your holiday bazaars.    You will be sure to meet someone you haven't seen in awhile and you can get in a bear hug or two.   Hugs to all.

History

Hard to imagine that the Huge Harley David Company started out in this little cracker box.   Baby, look at them now!!

This is Mt . Rushmore before the faces were sculptured.   Someone had a good eye and knew just where to build a fabulous monument .

Reminds me of the day my son was showing me how to use the computer and told me to concentrate on  the screen and follow the words on it.  I wanted to be smart, bright and intelligent  and when he said "now hit the 'enter' key" which I couldn't find on the screen . . . he reached over and hit the key on the keyboard . . . I felt  so dumb . . . but it wasn't on the screen . . . how was I to know.   I know where it is now as well as the on and off button.   Now if I could get the computer to cooperate and not do such strange things we might  get along a little better.   Oh to be computer literate!!

I was sent an attachment of wonderful pictures of Iceland.  I put them into the picture library so I could put them on the blog but the computer change has created a problem we have not found an answer to as yet .   The picture comes up in the library as a brightly colored circle;  it doesn't convert back into a picture for me to show you.   Once in awhile one will open and I have no clue.   Just another bump in the computer lane.  Hope my expert can fix it, long distance.

The weekend is here to enjoy.   The weather is iffy but that is no biggy...smile.    The Christmas bazaars are at the school today.  Pat and I will probably go take a peek and see if there is some new artisans at work.   It is never to early to look.

Go, find a bazaar or two in your neck of the woods.    We do have to support our community.   Don't forget the good deed of the day;  make it two today .    If you see someone with a 'hang-dog' look, go over and give them a walk in hug and let them know the end of the world is not here.   It is a new weekend to spend your seconds as you like . . . make them all worth wild.    Those three little words make our world go around and around....."I love you." and I do!!   Hugs to all.

Books

A truism.   Yep, the book sale yesterday at the library and all of the books were set u in big boxes;  no taking them out and placing them on the shelves and counters to be put  back when the sale is over.  Smart folks.  Worked great and for someone down sizing with three boxes of books waiting to be put in a  yard sale, I did good, I only bought five.   I found a second book of Ken Follet's  "Pillars of the Earth".  I didn't know, or hear, that a second book had been written on this eleventh century history.  And, of course, I couldn't leave Clive Cussler's  books behind.   He is a fantastic adventure story teller.  So I am all set for m winter reads.

An unusual colorful bird, a lovely picture to look at on a cold winter day .

and he is visiting China, wonder if he has extended an invitation to a few million Chinese folks to replace those who didn't get out and vote Democrat in the mid election.  

The coffee is brewing , almost ready so I can wake up and start my day.   Time flew by quickly this week.  I had a chance to visit a few of the  small stores in town and am amazed that they are already set for the Christmas rush.   Bi-Mart has aisles of every conceivable gadget you can think of, aisles of candy of all kinds that would make Halloween candy look small in comparison.   Why so much candy?   A box of chocolates is quite pricey this year.    They did have cranberry sauce on sale. I remember when it only cost eighty-nine cents;  we've come a long way from two digit pricing.    The Bird Store has some interesting garden art and some jewelry made by a local artist that is very well done.   Granddaughter Erin is having a birthday this month so it was easy to find something special for her.   We took time out for some chowder at the Hungry Clam then rode around to see a very busy ocean as the wind was picking up.   The seagulls were surrounding a woman in a car .  I guess she had decided to feed them and they were waiting .  The pelicans were not there.   They had flown in last week and were perched on their favorite rock in the river area.   Soon the whales will be going by and we will go whale watching in hopes of sighting some.   A busy time of year for all of us.   Take some seconds out and give your mind and body a rest.   Take time out and  visit some of  your favorite spots.    A little rest and relaxation will give  you the stamina to  make this coming holiday season merry and bright.    It starts in your four walls and spreads with all your good deeds, your smiles, your hugs and your wiliness to share YOU with those you love and like.  Go, Be wonderful!  Hugs to all. 

Oh Dear!!

I need a couple of grand kids around to show me the ropes.    I learn, every day, how little I do know about computers.   

I have a picture in  my photographs of my grandson in a similar pose.  His mother was standing by a wall mirror and holding him in her arms and he was looking at himself in the mirror wondering who that little guy was.   Babies are such miracles.

A truism.

A good thought . . 'when you are full of bull, keep your mouth shut',   Some folks never do, look at me, I rave on every morning and smile as You are a captive audience but with a choice of shutting me down at your leisure.  Wouldn't it be good if we could do that when someone gets on their soapbox and raves on and on about purely poor me thoughts.  I try to be a good listener but there are times when repeats become boring not only to  the listener but the talker.   The best thing and the hardest thing to do is to  face up to a problem.  The best solution is to face up to it and resolve it but we seem to think hiding from the truth will help make it go away . . . we know it wont.   We know we eventually have to resolve it painful or not.  Festering comes to mind, ignore a problem and it festers and grows and  sometimes creates a loss that is never retrieved.  So today face up t o a problem big or small.   Chop it down to size and get rid of it.   Hold out that hand in love and friendship .  On the other hand, today is a good day to start with a good deed,  cotton in y our ears and a big smile on your face.   Nod, once in awhile.  Hugs to all.

Crabby!!!

Crab Pots . . . I'd like to have one of those filled to the brim and have someone  hand me a bowl filled with succulent crab meat....oh my what a treat that would be.   

An idea for next  gardening season.   I'd like some beds like that but much higher as once I got down to plant the seeds I would not be able to get back up again.    Smile!!! 

A truism for sure.    I remember being told to 'mind my tongue' and I did, and I am still 'running off at the mouth.'

A terrific picture of Mike Amacher and one of the horses.    The horse is a beauty.  He is a handsome man.  I really like that vest.  

I've been singing this tune since I bought Halloween candy I like and no one showed up to take it away.    Snickers and frozen Milky Ways....still have a taste that make the taste buds stand up and be counted.   Sad that the 'good stuff' is fattening, if only one tiny piece would satisfy . . . but. . . one leads to two and three and.......an inch in the waist line.

It is Hump Day, seems to get here faster every week.   I had a Skype visit with daughter Christine this morning and that is always fun.   She keeps very busy with her at home job and her Woman of the Year duties all around town.   She covered for a lady yesterday who was down with a 'bug' and took a troop of  boy scouts through the Gallery.   I bet they enjoyed that and probably a treat or two with the visit.   I always thought she would make a terrific teacher as she was and is a no nonsense gal.  The children would learn, that is for sure.   She chose a different path and is successful and is content .

Meanwhile, daughter Pat just popped in with the newspaper.  We get the newspaper twice a week.  she is baby sitting two dogs and has her own Emma and put all three in the car for a treat. So if  you see three doggy noses out a car window you will know who is out there sight seeing.   They are used to walking out every morning and with Jock off  hunting in the big storm country of  Wyoming , they are not getting their usual exercise.   The sad news is that Pat has been dropped from the program she was on and put back on Medicare.    It means a very hard road for her to walk.   It is Obama-care in action.   How the powers that be can bring in thousands of  illegals to fill the roles and deplete the system is beyond me.    We have thousands who through no fault of their own have  a degenerative disease that is slowly taking their life away and they are being shunted and dropped of  the only means of support.   Fair is hardly a word . . . unjust is a better fitting one.   I wrote to our Congressman,  did I get an answer....NO!!  Will I. . . NO. . . what I will get is an office friendly letter about some subject I could care less about.   Politics in action.

So today, I pray for patience.   Today I hope that you have patience.    Mid week, time to take stalk in what you have to complete in your 'laundry-list'  and get it done.    Don't forget to check with the Post Office and see if the Christmas stamps are out .  Last I heard they were on order.    Don't forget to look for a Hostess Gift if you are invited out for Thanksgiving dinner.    I found a very good Merlot, a California wine called "Twisted".  It received thirty gold medals.   A really good choice if you like a red wine.    Speaking of wine.  I made four wine cakes  yesterday so am including the recipe in case you want to make one for a Hostess gift.


WINE CAKE:  ONE BOX OF CAKE MIX WITH PUDDING;   2/3 CUP OF OIL;   FOUR EGGS;  3/4 CUP OF CREME OF SHERRY WINE.    MIX TOGETHER UNTIL SMOOTH.  BAKE IN LOAF PAN FOR 40-45 MINUTES;  OVEN 350 DEGREES.   SPRINKLE WITH POWDERED SUGAR.


Delicious, delightful and extra special served warm with champagne .  Try it you may find you like it.

Go . . . be good, be kind, be generous, be loving and don't forget  to smile with your eyes and pass out a bear hug or two.  Hugs to all.

English Castles

Cambridge

Think Robin Hood liked this glen. 

Canterberry

Salisbury

This is Averbur Stone Circle founded in 2850 BC , much like Stonehenge but not as famous.   These seem to have more shape.   

The Beatrice Potter  Shop.  Wish I had known about this area when I visited London.

Another street I wished I knew about.   This one has a pub named after Thomas Beckett who was murdered by King Henry the  Eight .  A sad tale.  I just  read about it in the Ken Follett's book "Pillars of the Earth" ;  if you haven't read it, do . . . it is quite a history.

The computer has been 'blessed' several times this morning as it is not sure it wants to connect to the internet.  After shutting down and retrying it finally  let me in or should I say out.    Not a great way to start the day, but patience is a virtue.   I hope  you are all patient when it comes to the 'confuser' as one of my friends calls his computer.    I guess the answer to all of the computer problems is to chuck the old and buy new and it should not be like that.  We should be able to purchase a computer that is built to last  but the new thinking is to buy, buy, buy with each change that is made.    See, I may be patient , but I stand by my rights to roar and bellow about the injustice in our world.  Whatever happened to pride in making everything the best it can be so it will last as long as you are content with the product . . . aha, made in China, I should have known.

We have smoke in our town, really  unhealthy as some outfit is burning  piles of  forest debris and it is to go on for at least a week.    It mixes in with the morning fog  but has a smell and it does create breathing problems for some.   It seems to hover over the southern part of our little town  but a bit of wind can change that in a hurry.  So getting upset doesn't do much but a nice ride out of town to Gold Beach may set the mood for a lovely ride and a stop at some old haunts.    Lunch at the Bistro would be nice.   The little spark of sunshine in a smokey world.

The Marine Corp celebrated 239  years of existence.  All four Sullivan men were Marines and proud of it.    Today we celebrate Armistices Day, the ending of World War I.   So be sure you put out your flag and let our veterans know how much we care about them.    There are not many  veterans left from World War II, all getting up there in age, but those that are up and moving are the first  ones to stand and salute when our flag goes by.    Don't forget the Viet Nam vets;  those that went over for Desert Storm, and those who have been giving their all over the past ten years in towns we have never heard of in Iran and Afghanistan..   Remember to light a candle for those who gave their lives and for the families that are left behind.   

There is a quote from "The Crowns of God, a novel by Morris West which I like to read as it gives a tiny bit of  peace of mind when it comes to  accepting the loss of love ones.    " . . . My dear brothers and sisters, my little children, we all fear death, we shrink from the suffering which may precede it.  We quail from the mystery of the last  leap, which we must all make, into eternity.   But we are followers of the Lord, the Son of God who suffered and died in human flesh.  We are the inheritors of the good news which he left  with us that death is the gateway to life, that it is leap, not into darkness, but into the hands of Everlasting Mercy.  It is an act of trust, an act of love, by which, as lovers do, we abandon our selves to, become one with, the Beloved. "

Don't forget to 'Go with God', do your good deed for today, be good, be kind, be gentle, be patient . . . it takes work, so work hard.    Hugs to all.