Arrrgh!!!

In 1913, Eleanor H. Porter wrote the novel "Pollyanna." The main character's name evokes the image of a person who is cheery and positive, who looks for the best in people or her surroundings. Walt Disney brought the story to the movie screen in 1960, with Haley Mills as Pollyanna.

In my lifetime, the term "pollyanna" has come to imply someone who is naive and unrealistic, or someone who is a "goody two-shoes." But, I think that we have lost touch with that simple and gentle part of our lives. Perhaps we need to take a step back and find the good that runs throughout each day.

Would you say that you have street smarts??

I think I have more now than I did when I was 20, and yet probably not enough. I've read the articles that have been published for women about things they should consider when they are walking or traveling alone, and try to take them to heart. I suspect that we naturally become more wary as we grow older. I think younger women have simply not lived long enough to sense that they are mortal.

My cat snores.

My dog SNORES.

My stepson snores.

MY mother snore.

My husband SNORES!!!!!

What are the chances I snore, too??

Go read the entry for March 3, 2004, titled "Of Mice and Muppets" at Tongue Oil. Be sure to get to the part that's collapsed.

Mike had a risky Sunday, not the worst of which was running around in his mini-briefs. Let him tell you all about it!

I can NOT believe that the last time I posted was March 2! In my mind, just a day or two has gone by since the last time I blogged.

This week a medicine that I'm on was changed, and I spent a good part of the week sleeping. I had some trouble focusing my eyes to read, and kept wanting to take naps at 11:30 in the morning. Finally, Thursday night I decided that I'd had enough of THAT! I need to have a little talk with the doc about returning to the original medication.

Sometimes you just have to take life into your own hands!

I hope you are all doing well. March has been the traditional "lion" this week. We've had blustery days with up to 60 mph wind gusts, and occasional rain. I'm ready for the "lamb" part of the month. *G*

Dear Husband and I are contemplating the purchase of a new personal computer. We have unlimited access to the computer we use for business, but I'd like to be able to blog at night while I sit in the living room with DH.

We've been lost in a maze of choices that have to be made: how fast a processor, how much RAM and what kind, what kind of screen, speakers, sound card, operating system, memory, software, ethernet, and on and on and on....

It seems to me that we purchase a computer for the office about every three years, and in that period, they manage to change the entire world of how to order. I can remember the first time they started talking about megahertz. What the heck is that??? Now we toss it off with aplomb!

Gigahertz. Good God, what is a GIGA?? (I know. That was rhetorical. I counted on my fingers and toes to figure it out!) How could things have changed so fast?? Dear Husband wants to buy the most adaptable computer he can, thinking that it's going to have to last us a while. The next younger generation look at him and shake their heads knowingly. It will be outdated before we open the cartons and get it set up.

I can't believe that we are now debating a DVD player and burner! Who the heck has time to watch movies on their computers? And I have to make a point of ordering a floppy disk player now.

I have to make a call to our cable company to confirm that we are eligible for a cable hook up. We hope to be joining the world of faster communication. We live in an area that has such old infrastructure that gerbils run up and down the lines carrying messages. And with that change, we'll be leaving AOL as our service provider. (Listening to RedEagle shouting YEA!!!! in the background.)

So, if you have any advice on what is a necessity on a computer these days, leave me a note, won't you?

Now, THIS is REALLY scary.....I got the same answer as billy. I stole the quiz from him, and figured we'd be miles apart. Go figure!

Furnulum pani nolo.
"I don't want a toaster."
Generally, things (like this quiz) tend to tick you
off. You have contemplated doing grievous
bodily harm to door-to-door salesmen.


Which Weird Latin Phrase Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

I'm amazed at what I hear on the radio. I was fixing dinner and listening to my favorite personality at WGN in Chicago this evening. He was talking about a phenomenon that is developing thanks to DVD players in cars.

Well....actually "threesome" is more correct here. I was listening to WGN yesterday. They have two women, Kathy and Judy, who do a morning show, and you NEVER know what you're likely to hear there.

I've been trying my darnedest to visit my blogging friends, but the oddest thing is happening. I can't get into any of the TypePad blogs. I've tried two different computers, but both run AOL, so I can't tell whether it's AOL or TypePad that's squirrely.

If something's going on with TypePad, let me know, won't you? I miss Bogie and billy and P.J. and all the others over there!

Do you make your bed every day?

My mother taught me to make my bed each day. I learned how to make "hospital corners" so that the upper sheet was tight and flat. While I can't drop a quarter and have it bounce, as my sister the Navy Officer was taught to do, I do make a reasonably good looking bed.

The problem is, the very first thing Dear Husband does when he greets this newly made bed is to rip the top sheet out from the mattress.

That's right. We're doing a do-it-yourself baby shower. My daughter and one of my nieces will both have babies in May, and I wanted to do showers for them. Unfortunately, trying to get my extended family together is one of the more impossible tasks of all times. Getting them together twice in March was a total impossibility.

I talked with the girls and they were willing to share a shower. My oldest sister and I have planned the simplest of evenings: a potluck supper and shower! We'll decorate the tables and set up a table for the gifts. We'll put together one complete meal and let everyone else bring what they'd like. One of the girls is eagerly planning appetizers, one is bringing a decorated cake and another dessert.

The men of the family have been invited to this party. We'll gather about 6:30 on Saturday night for our dinner. We plan to serve buffet style, but there will be a seat for everyone at a decorated table. I have to rent about ten chairs, but I have all the china and silverware and glassware I need. I think we'll need to seat about 28 people. (I'm probably lucky that at least 16 members of my family live too far away to attend!)

We've already been shopping, so I have gifts to wrap, and little last minute things to do. I'll shop for the meal on Thursday, and finish the cleaning on Friday. Saturday we'll set up tables and cook.

Sooooo...if I'm conspicuously absent for a few days, it might not be AOL's fault this time. I'll let you know if it was a success.

I don't often loose my temper, but I have today. Mindful of the fact that youngsters visit here now and then, I won't be using the words that are actually on my mind. I don't intend to use the cutsey symbol replacements for certain letters, but don't let all that lull you into thinking that I am kidding about being angry!

I have a mircowave with a carousel. I put my mug of tea in the microwave and it circles round and round as it heats.

Recently it occured to me that when I open the door to retrieve the cup it is ALWAYS as far away from me as it can get. Of course, that means the handle is facing away from me, too. I swear there are gremlins at work.

I'm planning to buy a new computer. I thought I had all my "I wants" in order until today. I was going to size a picture to embed in my blog, and was reminded that the imaging program I have takes a genius to run. My stepson is busy working on the project for me now, on one of his imaging programs.

If you have an imaging program that it really user friendly, would you let me know about it?

Tonight on the news there was a story of a 14 year old boy who took a gun to school with him. In the past three weeks three children have been hit, and died, while walking on train tracks. Each of these children were old enough to know that what they were doing was both dangerous and a bad choice. Where did we stop insisting that our children make good choices?

At the end of the 1800s our goal was to educate our children though the eighth grade. Gradually over the following century that goal moved to a high school education for all. Then, those who could sought two years of college. By the 1960s it was common for students to assume a bachelor's degree was a necessity. In the 70s, colleges stretched a B.A. from four to five years of study, and then a Master's Degree became essential.

With each of these changes, young people were delayed from entering the workforce. A century ago, teenaged children in the working class, worked. Now we do our best to keep young people out of the economy by sending them through school.

There's been talk of Iris at Bogie's blog. She's blessed to have a mother who shares her plants. This Spring Cop Car will visit and they will plant iris descended from plants in Bogie's grandmother's garden.

I couldn't resist sharing a picture of my iris. I counted last year, and there are more than twenty varieties.

The HUGE white tree/shrub at the house is a viburnum. The landscaper SWORE it would simply fill up the space between the windows. Much to my disgust, we'll have to have it taken out.

I'm pleased to announce the shower went well. Yes, Legomen, the shower shared by two girls was a hit! *G*

My oldest sis came over about 1:30 on Saturday and set up tables while I worked on some of the food. Between us we offered a balanced meal, and told everyone who came that it would be "Pot Luck." It seems that my family would be entirely happy to have appetizers and dessert!

The invitaions were for 6:30 and most of the family had arrived by 7:00 when we sat down to eat. Needless to say there was too much food. Isn't that always the way it is at this type of gathering? We offered sausage and green peppers, ham, funeral potatoes, green beans, carrots, bread, all sorts of pickles and olives, a tostada casserole, and Caesar salad. One of my nieces manages a bake shop for a major grocery store chain, and she made a cake and a fruit tart for dessert, and there was a fruit tray.

And there were several layered taco dips, a shrimp and salad dip, and spinach dip....all with assorted crackers and scoopers.

It was wonderful to have the chance to chat with everyone. I made a point of collecting hugs on the way in and again on the way out. The children were few in number, but we had a five month old, a three year old, a four year old, and an eight year old with us....and they kept us entertained.

The girls were both registered at Target, and there were gifts galore! We bought the bedroom furniture for our new granddaughter, and I shopped for cute clothes for both of the new babies. My niece asked for an instant read thermometer that sounded like a great idea. This is her second baby, so she had clear ideas on what she would need this time. I encouraged my step-daughter to read my niece's wish list so that she could see what a recent mother thought was important.

My sis organized the clean up. I had them leave the dishes for us to do, but they cleared tables and helped put away food. I sent ham home with anyone who would take it, and loaded the dishwasher for a late night run.

This morning, Dear Husband emptied and refilled the dishwasher, and then we worked together to wash china and put things away. It was fairly painless.

It was cold out today....will be very cold tonight, but it was a pleasure to bask in the sun this afternoon, and just be a couch potato. If my family is reading this, thank you, one and all, who participated! You helped make the evening very special, and I'm delighted we had the chance to celebrate together.

I know....it's supposed to be the FRIDAY FIVE....but I couldn't get to it then....

If you...

1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Cajun food

2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell? Quilt fabric and accessories (Actually....I've done this.)

3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be? What is euphamistically called "Sensual Romance" (Actually, I've tried this too....but it would have been called "Porn" so nothing has come of it.)

4. ...ran a school, what would you teach? Instrumental music, preferably wind instruments. (yeah....I didn't run the school...but I did teach.)

5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it? Jazz and blues. No....I haven't done this....but I'd still like to give it a try! I'd like to sing like Diana Krall when I grow up.

I have three sisters. The second oldest one is the Director of Christian Education for a large church in the Chicago suburbs. This afternoon she took the Youth Group skating.

Around five o'clock I got a call......

ML has the WORST LUCK!

What's happened now?

Well...she went skating with the Youth Group and fell.

NO! Is she okay???

Well...they took her to the hospital. She has a broken nose, a lump on her forehead, a concussion, and a shattered right elbow.

OUCH!!!

The upshot of all this is that my sis will be having surgery tomorrow to repair her elbow. It will have to be pinned.

My oldest sis is a nurse, and I asked if ML would be able to take care of herself. It's a moot point for the next few days.

If you lost the use of your favored arm for some time, think of all the things you would have trouble doing. Showering (no getting a cast wet), dressing, hooking a bra, writing, tying your shoe laces, or putting your shoes and socks on for that matter. Even eating will be a struggle. All the things you take for granted are going to become extremely difficult.

ML....I hope your recovery is swift!

I was invited to join a daily inspiration Yahoo Group for herb gardeners. Each day I get a brief quote in my mail, and I want to share Monday's with you.

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance,
the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Oppenheim

So true....in so many ways. Many of us feel that happiness is just around the bend. Some feel that if they just do one more thing, and one more thing and one more thing, happiness will be their prize.

We need to live in the moment, not in the future. We need to find pleasure in the every day things we do. I have several very old-fashioned hobbies that bring me great joy. The herbs I grow reflect our life cycle, as do the seasons. Some of my herbs are annuals, and remind me that I need to live my life today, and not put things off until tomorrow. Others are perennial, and they show me how to take the best in my life and carry it from season to season.

I also quilt, and my hand quilted quilts give me the chance to create a useful item, and hopefully a beautiful item, which will be here long after I've gone. So, each stitch I make today, may serve to warm someone in the future, or delight their eyes. These stitches are my gift to myself. I have the pleasure of the moment, and the pleasure of knowing that I can pass my joy on.

With my herbs and quilts, I have the best of both worlds. I believe that the things you do now, may create the basis for your happiness in the future. For each of us, the accomplishment is different. For some, it's raising exceptional children, for others it's leadership, of a business, of a platoon, of a country. Whether your focus is narrow or wide, you are still responsible for your own happiness. Each day, I try to do my best. There are days when I fail, but I brush myself off and try again.

If you find happiness elusive.....look closer to home.

There's a new girl on the block at RedEagleSpirit. I encourage you to go visit The Daily Planet. Lois Lane is a friend from my chatting days, and Red Eagle is decorating her blog as you read.

Go see her first entry. She has a novel idea for stress relief!

Welcome to the group, Lois. It's nice to have you here!

I'm really ticked!

We have been shopping at the same Jewel Food store for about fifteen years. The employees there have been incredibly kind to my mother, so we return that kindness by shopping there.

Albertson's, the owner of the Jewel chain, is making it's presence known, and there has been a recent shift in the management of this store. There's a new employee who is absolutely grating on us. This person's job is to oversee the checkers. She keeps track of who should be on break, who is collecting carts, who is checking, and who is bagging.

You are Lord Byron! Quite the Ladies' man, Byron
wrote during the early 19th century. He was
born with a deformity, and much of his life was
spent with a sense of urgency, trying to suck
up as much life as he could to make up for his
own insecurities. He was a bisexual and died
very young of fever.


Which famous poet are you? (pictures and many outcomes)
brought to you by Quizilla

I lifted this quiz over at P.J.s blog. I want the one HE got! I wonder now how I answered the questions, because this doesn't sound much like me at all. I'm getting farther and farther afield with these "test" results. *G* Cop Car is right. They are intended for 13 year old girls.

Finally! It's Friday, and I remembered to visit Friday Five, only to find that there is NO Friday Five today. I'm crushed!

Okay....I want each of you to contribute questions for an ARRRGH!!! Indefinite!

You may contribute anywhere from one to five questions. You're welcome to borrow the list of questions and answer them on your own blog, or you can post your answer them here. I just think we need to keep the tradition going, now that I've finally come around.

I have three e-mail accounts. Long ago I got to the point where I used just one of them, and I actually forgot my password for my second AOL account. I let it lie fallow until tonight when I noticed I had 44 e-mails. I had to go in and change the password so I could access the account.

I'm sure you're way ahead of me at this point. What I had was 44 pieces of spam, which had come in over the past 30 days. I realize that this is a very minor amount of spam; I get a lot more than that on my active account. I'm astounded that it has crept into an account which isn't used. I never surf with that account, and have not even opened it in more than two years.

AOL seems to feel that I should open that spam, collect the addresses and then report the mail as spam. In return, they will identify the mail as (spam) when it hits my mailbox the next time around. Why don't they delete accounts which send spam? Why do I have to risk opening mail from strangers in order to do their work?

I noticed that AOL was proudly announcing that they had seriously cut back complaints about spam. I suspect that members have simply stopped talking to them about it. Until they develop a better method for deleting it, why should we bother?

It seems I have a mysterious kiss. It's 12:45 at night. I have to be up in about five hours to get ready for a long day. I just finished balancing my checkbook, and wanted to blog for a moment before crashing.

I know....if I was wise, I'd have gone to bed hours ago, but I thought I might have a better chance with this quiz, so I took the time to run through the questions. Mysterious......that's not the response I expected. Cop Car, is it time for me to give up on the quizzes??

You have a mysterious kiss. Your partner never
knows what you're going to come up with next;
this creates great excitement and arousal never
knowing what to expect. And it's sure to end
in a kiss as great as your mystery.


What kind of kiss are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

This morning, LONG before the sun came up, a visitor bird was CHIRPING, non-stop! I can't tell you what kind of bird it was; his call is one that I'm not used to hearing. It's probably a bird that stopped in our grove for some rest on his flight North.

I was aware of his call around 4:30 this morning. (Remember....I went to bed about three hours earlier.) The bird had to be making quite a racket because our windows were closed. I tried my best to ignore him and go back to sleep like a good girl, but he chirped and CHIRPED and CHIRPED!

I finally pulled a pillow over my head to block the sound. At that point, I didn't care if I overslept.

I love the birds. We spend a lot of time watching them. We put out feed year round to encourage them to visit. But, I think I need to hand out a manual for acceptable birdy behavior. No noise before 6:30. 7:00 would be even better. Just twitter quietly among yourselves until I'm ready to face the day, otherwise, GO VISIT THE NEIGHBORS!

I was visiting the English blogs this morning and came across the Mr. 5000 war on Billy, Kev and Elsie's blogs. It seems Elsie has had 5000 visitors, and both Billy and Kevin claim to be number 5000.

That prompted me to go check my stats. When I wasn't looking it rolled past 8,000. I was the 8,088th visitor since late June, 2003. At this rate, by the time I reach one year of counting I should have had more than 10,000 hits. Unfortunately, probably a quarter of them are mine (or more).

April 23, 2004 is my first anniversary as a blogger. It's hard to believe that I am close to having blogged for a year. When we shift over to the new ISP I'll be able to edit out my own visits, and then we'll REALLY see how many people I put to sleep each night! *G*

I'm totally ticked with my neighbors! We used to live in lovely isolation, until the farmer who sold us our land decamped with his family to Idaho. He sold the rest of his land to a developer and now we have six houses along our western lot line. Unfortunately, neighbor number three has nothing to do all day but look out their window at the very old willow that is falling apart bit by bit on OUR land.