Noah Grills Butterflies

I never liked butterflies; well, I've never liked bugs, and butterflies are just bugs with wings. I know it sounds crazy, but I swear, they fly right at me. (*shudder*)

What do you think of whenever you see a butterfly?


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Beverly at How Sweet the Sound hosts a Pink Saturday. She had a terrific idea to feature something pink on her Saturday posts, and then she invited others to join her with their own pink items. I just participated for the first time this past Saturday, and it was fun.

My favorite color is blue. So, I thought, "why not have a Blue Monday?"

Every Monday, I'll have a blue post, starting tomorrow, and I'd like to invite you to participate. All you need do is:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue.

2. Drag the Blue Monday button from here, and place it on your blog.

3. Return here and leave your URL (blog link, or address to your blog) in the comment area. (I will have a Mr. Linky installed.)

4. Visit other blue participants by simply clicking on their links.

Sound like fun? Gather up your blue items and we'll play together.

Pink Saturday - Apples

Beverly at how sweet the sound hosts a Pink Saturday, and I've joined in the fun this week. Although I'm not a pink person, I have found something to share with you.









An apple a day keeps the doctor away! I collect apples, and this is one of my first. When my children were married, I began to go to college. I went for four years, got my degree, and began to teach. My daughter bought me this beautiful apple to commemorate that special happening. It's a soft opaque pink with a clear green stem. I just love it.


This pink apple does not show well in pictures. I worked so hard to get a good shot. It hardly showed up at all sitting on my kitchen counter, so I moved it to my white kitchen table. (You know I'm not a very good photographer.) This apple has a crackled look to it and is a clear, pink glass. I'll admit, it kinda looks like a squashed pink tomato here, but it really is quite pretty.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!



PS I've decided to do a Blue Monday. Every Monday, I'll have a blue post.

New Shoes

I'm getting a pair of custom made, leather shoes--every woman's dream-come-true. However, not mine.

Another blogger wrote a post lamenting the loss of her ability to wear pretty shoes. She wrote about having to toss out all of her shoes. I know the feeling; I've been there. I left a comment, encouraging her a bit, and promised her I would post on this subject.



When I was eleven years old, on the 4th of July, I had sparklers and jumped up and down, making the lovely swirls in the darkening sky. I'm the most nonathletic person you'll ever meet, and as proof, I landed on my right ankle. My mom heard a snap. My family did not have money for doctors, and so it was decided that the ankle was just a bad sprain. I could not walk for over three weeks; I hopped on my left leg until my mother insisted I stop babying myself. It hurt to put weight on it, but Mama said to begin to stand. So I walked. My ankle was painful; it swelled every day for a while, but eventually life went on.

Many years later, x-rays showed a broken bone that had healed, leaving me with a badly deformed ankle. The bottom of my foot slants! I've had problems throughout my life with my feet and legs. (Don't even talk to me about wearing high heels!)



As I aged, I became bow legged, and my knees had to both be replaced. When the right knee was done, the doctor was proud of how well he straightened the leg, but because that ankle was deformed, my Achilles Tendon couldn't take the additional strain and tore off the bone! In fact, it tore three times! I had two surgeries for the first two tears and then wore leg braces for a long while.

The first Achilles Tendon surgery damaged a nerve, and my right big toe now thinks it's a mountain. It protrudes such that I can no longer put my foot into a shoe--even a diabetic shoe. Therefore, I need the custom made shoes.

I went last Friday and had casts made of both feet. My new shoes should be ready in another week.

I will be grateful for those shoes. I will!


"The wear pattern on your running shoes suggests that you watch too much TV."



PS Please don't take this as me feeling sorry for myself; it's just my story and how I came to be what I am today. God is good. I will have shoes, and I will be grateful.

ALERT! Don't miss this fantastic video over at Melodie and Hymn Songs of a mama moose and her twins visiting a backyard with a sprinkler going!

Booking Through Thursday - Stories

If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite reasons to read is for the story. Not for the character development and interaction. Not because of the descriptive, emotive powers of the writer. Not because of deep, literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor. (Even though those are all good things.) No … it’s because you want to know what happens next?

Or, um, is it just me?

Yes, I read for the story. I think that's the main reason I am turned off from romance novels--so much pablum. Girl is alone. Boy is alone. Girl meets boy. Love happens. (boring!) Or run-of-the-mill mysteries that are easily solved by the third chapter. If you know what happens next, or who did the deed, why bother reading?

I appreciate authors who know how to turn a corner in the plot and give me something unexpected. In addition, I like to experience new things.

I'm currently reading Dark Star by Creston Mapes, a story about a rock star on trial for murdering his psychic. It's written in first person in a flip-flop style as the young singer finds success and then flips to the trial. I find it a gripping read, because I want to discover not only what happens next, but how did it come about?

How do you feel?

Quirky? Who, Me?

I've been tagged by Rachel at Christians in Good Company to list 6 Quirks about myself.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. List 6 unspectacular quirks.
4. Tag 6 bloggers by linking to them on your post and then commenting them to let them know that they are "it!"

1. I'm a neat nut. I'm forever adjusting and tweaky things. I go so far as to straighten the canned goods on grocery shelves and to fold sweaters from a department store display! (However, I would never straighten another person's things. I didn't say I was RUDE!)


2. I use a post-it for a bookmark. It works much better as it doesn't slide all over the place like a regular bookmark.

3. I go far beyond hate when it comes to bugs. I simply cannot tolerate them. My poor husband knows that if EVER any bug--no matter how small--finds its way into our home, there is no sleep until it has been destroyed. Further, the ENTIRE house must then be drenched with bug spray. We may one day die from poisoning, but we'll be bug free!


4. I sleep with socks on my feet. What can I say? My tootsies get chilly.


5. I eat the same thing for lunch every day: Martha's Vineyard Salad from Arby's. I used to eat Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad, but switched when I learned that the Arby's was lower in calories and carbs.


6. I must have a totally straight back chair to sit in as I've had back surgery. Therefore, if anyone else rides in the passenger side seat of our car, they will find the seat in a uncomfortable straight up position.

Here's who I'm tagging:

Kathy at Artis1111

Carol at Charli and me.

Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

Dawn at Dawn's Daybreak

Shelia at Note Songs

Debbie at Friday Friends

Have fun!

And the Winner Is ...

Killlashandra at Full Time in New Mexico has given me this award! I am so pleased that she deems me worthy. I've drooled over this award quite a bit during my journeys around Blogland. I think it's beautiful.

Remember the game of gossip where you whisper a sentence into a person's ear and then that person tells the next, and so on until the last person repeats what she has heard--usually quite a different sentence? That has happened here! Something looked missing from the rules so I determined to get to the origin of this special award. Impossible you say? Ha--fooled you! Nothing is impossible if a person is willing to sacrifice untold hours! I did find the original name and rules, which I've listed here.

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and which also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog so that it can be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link of the blog that presented him/her the award.

4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link arte y pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award. [If my high school Spanish serves me right, this is translated to mean "little art."]

5. Show these rules.

So many of my blogging buddies already have the Arte y Pico award, and even though they are eligible to receive it more than once, I'd rather give it to one who has not yet had the pleasure. The winners, in no particular order are:

Kay located dish diva.

Sally (nice name!) found salmagundi.

Suzanne located Colorado Lady.

Cathy found Melodies and Hymnsongs.

Elizabeth located Thoughts from an Evil Overlord.

Drop by these blogs and see if you don't agree that they are deserving of this beautiful award.


Patty at Pip Stitch presented me with this colorful commenter award. Now, does this mean I talk too much?

Patty loves things vintage, especially aprons. She is a crafty person--the good kind who has an informative blog, and she's eager to share ideas and patterns.

I appreciate this because I really try to make positive comments on the blogs I visit, and it's nice to be noticed. Blogging is a conversation, and to visit a blog and not leave a comment, is just like visiting in a home and not speaking to the hostess. Therefore, I try to always "put in a word."

There are many who deserve this award, but I'm limited to five. I pass it along to these terrific commenters who often make my day:

Carol at Charli and Me.

Theresa at Sentimental Journey.

Rachel at Christians in Good Company.

Shannon at Confuzzled Books.

Judi at Judi Creations.

I urge you to visit these ladies and check out their blogs, making certain to leave them a comment!

Blue Monday - Fats Domino

The first time I remember hearing the expression "Blue Monday" was around l958. It was a wildly popular rock and roll song sung by Fats Domino. Ah, we had REAL music then! The lyrics aren't the greatest; I'll give you that. I've copied them here so that you can sing along.

However the song, as we kids used to say, "has a good beat to dance to." That was all that mattered in the 50s--being able to dance to the beat. As Kathy reminds me, we used to stroll to it. Take time to enjoy some good music.

Blue Monday how I hate Blue Monday
Got to work like a slave all day
Here come Tuesday, oh hard Tuesday
I'm so tired got no time to play

Here come Wednesday, I'm beat to my socks
My gal calls, got to tell her that I'm out
'Cause Thursday is a hard workin' day
And Friday I get my pay

Saturday mornin', oh Saturday mornin'
All my tiredness has gone away
Got my money and my honey
And I'm out on the stand to play

Sunday mornin' my head is bad
But it's worth it for the time that I had
But I've got to get my rest
'Cause Monday is a mess

To answer Diane, yep, Fats Domino is singing and living in New Orleans.

Noah Leads Sunday Service

I love Reverend Fun cartoons, don't you?

This would never might happen where I worship as my church is a contemporary one, so we sing a good song like Our God Reigns. Okay, okay, forgive the old gal with swiss cheese for a brain! We sing it. We sing it!

Arrive on Time

After twenty-five years in the same parish, Father O'Malley was saying his farewells at his retirement dinner. An eminent member of the congregation--a leading politician--had been asked to make a presentation and a short speech, but was late arriving. So the priest took it upon himself to fill the time, and stood up to the microphone:

"I remember the first confession I heard here twenty-five years ago and it worried me as to what sort of place I'd come to. That first confession remains the worst I've ever heard. The chap confessed that he'd stolen a TV set from a neighbor and lied to the police when questioned, successfully blaming it on a local scallywag. He said that he'd stolen money from his parents and from his employer, that he'd had affairs with several of his friends' wives, that he'd taken hard drugs, and had slept with another woman and given her a disease.

You can imagine what I thought. However I'm pleased to say that as the days passed I soon realized that this sad fellow was a frightful exception, and that this parish was indeed a wonderful place full of kind and decent people."

At this point, the politician arrived and apologized for being late, and eager to take the stage, he immediately stepped up to the microphone, pulled his speech from his pocket, and began: "I'll always remember when Father O'Malley first came to our parish," said the politician. "In fact, I'm pretty certain that I was the first person in the parish that he heard in confession."

Chicken Childhood Memory

When I was a child living in Washington, D.C., my father came home with two chickens that he won in a card game. Yes, he had been drinking! Chickens are not allowed in the city--after all, this is the nation's capitol! We could not keep them. We didn't have much money for food...well, you get the picture.

Not too many days later, my mother, a city gal, who had no previous experience with farm animals, wrung one of the chicken's neck. I stood and watched. I am still traumatized by the memory of that headless thing flopping around the backyard.

Next, using scalding hot water, she removed the feathers. Whew! What a smell! I don't think that thing EVER took a bath!

Chicken dinner was served that night, but I ate none of it.

All childhood memories are not pleasant, are they?

Booking Through Thursday - Libraries

Inspired by Booksplease

Whether you usually read off of your own book pile or from the library shelves NOW, chances are you started off with trips to the library. (There’s no way my parents could otherwise have kept up with my book habit when I was 10.) So … What is your earliest memory of a library? Who took you? Do you have you any funny/odd memories of the library?

The love of reading is a gift my mother gave to me. She often took me and my twin brother with her to the library. Just before our fifth birthday, she took us on a special day. We were going to get our own library cards!

To obtain a library card, the rules were that you must be at least five years old, and be able to sign your name on the application. I could I could print my name; Mama had taught me that, but I had a rough time writing it in script. My twin brother, who always seemed to be ahead of me, signed his name with no problem; I struggled, but just could not grasp it. The librarian and Mama kept encouraging me. Finally, the suggestion was made to draw little connecting lines between each printed letter so that it looked scripted.

I got my precious library card! Card in hand, I remember turning the corner of the room, seeing all those books available, and being told that I could read "any book" I wanted. That day, I took home five books, and I determined then and there to read all of the books in the library.

I must admit, I've adjusted that goal. (My husband, looking over my shoulder, grumbles, "I don't think so; you still want to read all the books!")

When my children were nine and fourteen, I began working--in a high school library as a clerk. I loved that job, being surrounded by books every day. Of course, many came home with me for a visit. Talk about Reader Heaven!

What library experiences have you had?

Blogger Carol

Carol at Charli & Me shared these two awards! I love getting awards. It's a blogger hug and kiss! And who among us doesn't need more love?

Carol is a nurse, who lives in Michigan with her husband and a pretty, little Schnauzer named Charli. She, like me, has grandchildren. Unlike me, she has a backyard filled with flowers and butterflies. (Butterflies! Yuk! The only thing she and I disagree about!) I met her through Booking Through Thursday, a terrific meme for those who love reading. We stayed in touch not just on Thursdays but throughout the week. She always has something interesting going on in her world.

Carol and I just clicked, and I feel that if we were next door neighbors, we'd be BFF (best friends forever)! But isn't that what blogging is all about? Blogland allows us to become friends with people whose faces we may never see. Instead, we get to know and care about the real person, and as my pastor says, "do life with them."

Keeping with Carol's tradition, I give these awards to all who pass through my corner of the world. If you read my blog, and especially if you leave a comment--I do love comments--please accept these awards and know that you are much appreciated.

The First Day of School

Where I live, today is the first day of school for this year 2008-2009. It's a couple of days late because of Tropical Storm Fay. I won't be going, and I'm a little saddened by that fact.

As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. But, I married shortly after graduating from high school at age seventeen. (I skipped fourth grade.) When my two children married, I enrolled in college, keeping my dream of teaching alive. Four years later, degree in hand, I began to teach. I am one of those fortunate enough to live my childhood dream! I taught high school for many years. People used to tell me I had courage to teach in high school. Not so--it was pure joy. I loved teaching! It's not an easy job, but it's a rewarding one.

I know that on the first day of school, parents and students are anxious; teachers are too. I don't know of any of my colleagues who ever got a good night's sleep before the first day. Exciting times await! Today is a good day to pray for your child and for your child's teacher. It should be a very good year.

Do you have memories of the first day of school?


PS The powers that be removed this video from yesterday. It's too good to miss!
There's a sport called kite surfing. You grab a bar that is attached to a giant kite and strap yourself on. Here's an example of why you should NOT do this during a tropical storm. Notice, please, the other people on the beach who are not blown away.



The foolish fellow is in critical condition in a local hospital. I'm sure the sand in his mouth will remain for awhile.

Blogger Beverly

Beverly is a blogger who shares. She conducts a meme called Pink Saturday and another What's My Question Wednesday.

Beverly shares the Tree Of Happiness award. "You have just received the tree of happiness. It is scarcely a small plant, which depends on you to grow firmly and strongly. Plant it on your heart, water it with smiles and kindness, feel the aroma of its flowers, savour the sweetness of its fruits and protection under its shade whom you love."

Thank you to Beverly for thinking of others.

This award requires you list 6 things that make you happy right at the moment.

1. I am happy that blogging has introduced me to so many kind folks.
2. I am happy that Tropical Storm Fay decided to dump on Lake Ochechobee instead of on me. The lake supplies water to much of Florida and is down several feet. So this is a good thing.
3. I am happy that school will begin tomorrow, and our local world will get back to normal again. Some of my grandchildren are homeschooled, and others attend public school. I'm grateful that all of them love learning.
4. I am happy that I have a husband who understands and supports me with the time I spend on the computer. Of course, he is thankful that he gets to watch sports!
5. I am happy that my mother gave me the gift of reading. Whenever she had a minute, she always had a book or a magazine in her hand. I have the same love of reading.
6. I am happy knowing my family is safe and healthy.

I heart your blog award is the second award that Beverly shares.
The rules of the award are:

1. The winner should put the award on their blog.
2. Link to the person that gave you the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Add links to the blogs you nominate.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you've nominated.

Using Beverly as an example, I am sharing these two awards with each of you reading this post. Please feel free to take these and pay-them-forward. Please let me know if you post the six things making you happy so that I may share in your happiness.

Tropical Storm Fay & Bloggy Giveaways

No school again today. Tropical Storm Fay isn't out of breath yet. We're still standing just fine, though. I had someone who will remain nameless (Justine!) beg me to take pictures. I tried to tell her it's just RAIN. Why does anyone want to see rain? Well, to shut her up make her happy, I took some, but you know what they look like? Yep, RAIN! Dark, gloomy, blurry--rain. So sorry, no pictures. Please don't hate me.

However, to placate those of you who want--really want to see how windy it gets, I have a video. There's a sport called kite surfing. You grab a bar that is attached to a giant kite and hang on. Here's an example of why you should NOT do this during a tropical storm. Notice, please, the other people on the beach who are not blown away.


The fellow is in critical condition. I'm sure the sand in his mouth will remain for awhile.

We should experience gusts up to 60mph soon. It's rained all night long--heavy rain, but Johnny and I slept through it. The good news: it will pass over Lake Okeechobee, our natural lake that provides water for the state. We've had drought conditions lately, so this is a very good thing. God is good. We need the water, and we're getting water. The bad news: some people have their electricity out; that's irritating. I've done that before, and it's no fun. However, it should be restored today. Tornadoes are predicted, and there's the real problem, but they're not BIG tornadoes like Kansas sees. We get category one tornadoes. Enough of this. On to more interesting news.

Remember the week of June 28-August 1, when there was a Bloggy Giveaways Carnival? There's one every three months. The time before that one, I entered a bunch of giveaways, but I did not win a one. However, I had fun trying! Truthfully, it was all about winning then.

However, this time, I have a blog, and I had even more fun. I gave away a $10 Target gift card, and I had fun meeting the winner and her family. That's the real fun of the carnival--meeting all the wonderful people in Blogland.

This carnival, I won three prizes! Take a look:
Daisy sent me a computer game, Brainiveristy that is going to go to some already smart grandchildren. I tell you, if it worked on a Mac, I'd have kept it for myself. (Yes, I am that selfish!)
Cindy sent me this book, Help Me, I'm Married! It is written by Joyce Meyer and is out of print. People stand in line wanting to get a copy of this book of gems.
Killashandra at Full Time in New Mexico created and made this jewelry. I received it in this beautiful lavender bag.
My camera is one of those cheap ones, so I do apologize. The red blobs are delicate red roses, my favorite flower.

The carnival is a great idea. It stirs up excitement in Blogland and allows the opportunity of meeting even more friends. I have only been blogging since June, and I am amazed at just how many new people I have grown to care about--people I talk to every day. There'll be another carnival coming up in October. Have you entered this giveaway? Did you give something away? Have any good results? Start thinking now about what you might plan to giveaway.

Hurricane Season

Today was to have been the first day of school where I live, but school is canceled.

It seems we have a storm a-comin'. Hurricane Fay is huffing and puffing much like the Big Bad Wolf did in the tale of The Three Little Pigs. You might recall that he was inept, and like him, I expect Fay is nothing but a bunch of hot air. Most often, these things turn out to be a good rain. That's all--just a good rain.

The official Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th. However, the folks I know pay more attention to the Caribbean saying:

June - too soon.
July - stand by!
August - look out you must.
September - remember.
October, all over.

In South Florida, we are constantly bombarded by a barrage of local weatherpersons interrupting our television and radio programs to tell us to "batten down the hatches!" I've lived here for over forty years, and I still don't know where these hatches are located! It's August, so following the Caribbean warning, I'll look out--for the hatches, I guess.

Our schools will open a day or two late. The children will have a longer summer, and my lawn will get a nice watering. I hope your day is sunny.

PS The weather guys and gals have taken over the airways (no Regis for me!) and are warning us to stay inside (all while they stand on the beach, with lovely palm trees swaying in the background).

The Perfect Dress

Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her
excitement--not even her parent's nasty divorce.

Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best
dressed Mother-of-the-Bride ever!

A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's new young wife, Kat, had bought the exact same dress! Jennifer asked her to exchange it, but she refused. "Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I'm wearing it," Kat insisted.

Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind sweetheart. I'll get another dress to wear to your wedding. After all, it's your special day."

A few days later, they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, "Aren't you going to return the other dress? You really don't have another occasion where you could wear it."

Her mother just smiled and replied, "Of course I do, dear. I'm wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding."

Blogland Visit

I visited in blogland yesterday and read a post that haunts me still. Although I almost always leave a comment, I did not this time because this was an emotional post, and I didn't yet "know" Blogger. I didn't want to intrude.

It seems a friend told Blogger that a mutual acquaintance (Negative Nosy) remarked about time wasted blogging. Blogger "sure must have a lot of time on his/her hands."

Of course, this bothered Blogger. No one wants to be judged--especially negatively. Blogger went on to explain about time used in the day-to-day schedule, and even gave excuses about lack of television viewing and not having much time for reading.

Blogger went so far as to think about taking a break from blogging to "keep [my] blogging time under control."

Many of Blogger's friends left comments with soothing words of wisdom. The benefits of blogging were listed. Blogger was encouraged to "Keep on!" and to "Ignore such comments."

I have a different take on the issue. I think that the friend who told Blogger what Negative Nosy said was out of line! Who needs a friend who will tell you what a Negative Nosy says? In fact, IS this a friend at all? Why didn't "Friend" straighten out Negative Nosy? Tell me your thoughts.

I Have Pink Hair! (inside--deep inside)

Don't get all excited. I haven't colored my hair punk pink.

My hair still perfectly matches L'Oreal 7 1/2 A Medium Ash Blonde--not that I have ever used that stuff! It's just happens to match that color--yeah, that's it!

I found this cute quiz here at qtpies, asking about my funky inner hair color and took it. My results make me sound better than I really am:

Your Hair Should Be Pink

Hyper, insane, and a boatload of fun. You're a traveling party that everyone loves to follow.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Let's play! Check it out. (It's only five quick questions.) Come back and leave a comment to let me know what's your funky inner hair color.

Booking Through Thursday - Gold Medal Reading

You may have noticed that the Olympics are going on right now, so that’s the genesis of this week’s question:

* Have you ever read books about the Olympics?
* About sports in general?
* Fictional? Or non-fiction?
* Do you consider yourself a sports fan?
* Do you watch sports movies?

I have never read a book about the Olympics, but I did recently read the non-fiction Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Someone gave it to my husband, and any book laying around here gets read by me.

I am NOT a sports fan; funny you should ask; however, I have become addicted to the Olympics. (Please see my most recent post.)

I do watch sports movies because I am married to the world's number one sports nut fan.

How do you answer this week's question?

I'm Addicted to the Olympics

First, a disclaimer: I don't usually watch sports. I am married to a sports nut, though, and the Olympics are on. That means our television is on NBC. I can't help but see some of it, right? Well, it happened; I'm addicted!

Michael Phelps has got me hook, line, and sinker! I've missed so much sleep staying up to watch him pile up the gold, that I can barely type!

President and Mrs. Bush watched in the stands and cheered as Phelps won his first bit of gold. That made an impression on me as I watched Laura Bush yelling at the top of her lungs.

This is a shot of Phelps just after winning gold medal number two in the four-man relay race. That's the race that really hooked me. The French had bragged that they were going to smash the Americans, and the American announcer seemed to agree with them. Hmm, someone please tell me how silver smashes gold?

He won another gold medal after that relay race, and Tuesday night, he won two more.

I'm not alone with my addiction. NBC is credited with having "the largest audience ever recorded for the first Sunday of any Olympic Games broadcast." The world is watching this young man become the most decorated individual athlete in the history of the modern Games.

NBC owes Michael Phelps a check. "Without question, Michael Phelps is our biggest star," NBC marketing vice president Mike McCarley said.

Tonight, I plan to watch again as Phelps continues to pile up the gold. In fact, if you want me in the next couple of days, I'll be glued to the television. I hope Michael Phelps wins them all!

Comfortable Sleeping Positions

Time for some fun!

Shh! There's just something about dogs and cats sleeping that makes us go, "Ahhh." I've numbered the pictures to help you choose. Which one is your favorite?

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I've been tagged!

Carol at charliandme got me again!

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the person who tagged you know your entry is up.


1. I am a twin. My twin is my brother, and several times throughout my life, people have asked if we were identical! I always answer, "No, he was born with blue booties, while mine were pink." (Fraternal twins, come from two separate sperms and two separate eggs.) And a bonus fact: I married an identical twin! No, we did not have twins; we had two single births, and all seven of our grandchildren were single births.

2. After my children were grown and gone, I started college, and I got to live my childhood dream of becoming a classroom teacher. I have a print of this painting by Norman Rockwell hanging in my home. It's titled, "Surprise." My classroom looked different than this one; I taught high school.

3. Most of my life, I bit my fingernails until they bled. At around age 40, I stopped; I just decided to have pretty nails! I put a clear coat of nail polish on every day, and that helped me remember not to bite. I grew my nails long. Today my fingernails are never without polish--usually mauve.

4. I've had both of my knees replaced--total knee replacements--two separate operations. Ouch! Ouch!


5. I love dachshunds. I laugh just to watch them walk or run; they have a way of jiggling side to side. Through the years, we've had two--one lived for twelve years and the second lived for fifteen and a half years. Now we only have three dachshund granddogs. No more for us. Each year we have a local weiner dog parade. Hundreds of these cuties turn out for the parade and get in the newspapers and on local TV.

6. I'm a wimp! I have nightmares if I watch anything scarey on TV or in the movies, so I won't go see films like The Dark Knight. For the same reason, I avoid reading books or newspaper stories about man's inhumanity to man.

Here are the six losers winners I tag. Please don't feel pressured. If you are unable or unwilling, to play, I won't get upset.

Judi at judicreations
Rachel at rlscovens
Kelli at kelli in real life
Linda at 2nd cup of coffee
Sally at salmagundi
Linda at linda n jake

$ave $ome Money; Drink Tap Water

If you are trying to watch your spending, here's some good advice: don't buy bottled water; drink tap water!

In an article from this Sunday, August 10, The Miami Herald, Sharon Harvey Rosenberg reports, "Bottled water does not taste better, according to blind taste tests, and tap water must meet stricter safety measures." She cites studies from the Center for a New American Dream, a nonprofit consumer group in Maryland. They state that 40 percent of bottled water sold is just tap water!

For those who live in areas where they feel they need extra filtering, there are filtering systems that would still prove far less costly than buying bottled water.

Rosenberg adds, "A gallon of water from your kitchen sink costs about $.002, which is less than one cent, based on the national average. In contrast, you'll pay on average about $1.50 for a 20-ounce container of bottled water."

If you are still doubtful, try calling your local water center and ask for a safety report.

Note: Cold water tastes best. Keep cold water on hand in the refrigerator in reusable, nontoxic bottles.

How often do you buy/drink bottled water?

• daily
• weekly
• every now and again
• never

Another Use for Your Lawnmower

In Britain, summer means lawn mower racing. An amazing fifty-six teams entered this race last weekend to win a twelve-hour race. They even drove through the night!

One enthusiatic gentleman predicted, "The bumps are really going to be the worst part of it." Matt Jones, the winner of the prestigious race, surprised me when he stated, " That's it! Never again!"

Click on the window to see a short snippet (1:29) of the race.


How about it? Is this something you would participate in?

• Would you be the driver?
• Part of the crew?
• A spectator?

What Time Is It?

The trouble with being punctual is that nobody's there to appreciate it.
~Franklin P. Jones

My husband is a punctual person. If he tells you that he will meet you at a restaurant at 6:30, you can count on his arrival no later than 6:15. A doctor's appointment at 4:00 means that he will hop to it and report in around 3:30. He's explains that doctors will be happy if he arrives early!

He came by this naturally. His father once telephoned us asking, "Well, are you coming or not?" It was 7:30 and we were due there at 8:00.

Although I'm not like the woman in the joke who is always late, I have never felt the urge to hustle to get someplace earlier than the appointed time. Over the years, this has been a cause for my husband's concern.

How about you?

• Are you an early bird?
• Are you one of those who slides in just under the wire?
• Or are you one who seems to always be running late?

(Johnny thinks that most people will admit to being in the late category. I'm not certain just what that says about him!)

How Many People Have Your Name?

Names are important. Parents spend time with books that list baby names and their meanings. The future parents choose a name, talk about it, think some more, and perhaps still select another!

During the Bloggy Giveaway, a pregnant blogger had this hoop to jump through: look in the left sidebar and select the name you would prefer for her child BEFORE entering the giveaway! I couldn't believe that any parent could allow a pack of prize-hungry strangers to select the name of her child! However, when I looked, there were only two names to choose between; apparently, the couple each had a different choice. I guess that's better than flipping a coin.

To see just how unique your name is, click on the underlined blue question, and please come back to let me in on the fun. My results are listed in the box below.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 3 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Booking Through Thursday - Other Worlds

Suggested by Miko

Are there any particular worlds in books where you’d like to live?

Or where you certainly would NOT want to live?

What about authors? If you were a character, who would you trust to write your life?

(This came to me when reviewing a Jonathan Carroll book - I’m not sure I’d like to live in the worlds of his books.)

I think I might like to live in Mitford, the small town written by Jan Karon, but only if I were one of the much loved secondary characters, although they are all quirky. Main characters have too many complications in their lives. And that's the very reason why I would NOT trust any author to write my life!

As for worlds where I'd rather not live, the first image that came to me was the tea party found in Alice Through the Looking Glass. I certainly would not want to live--or even visit--there!

Another world that would make me shudder would be Ray Bradbury's Farenheit 451. They burned books in that world of the future!

No thank you. I'm grateful for my life, with its complications, struggles, and joys. I'll stay right here.

What choice would you make?

The Woman's Remote

I wish they'd make these; I'd sure buy one.

We all need to laugh more, don't you think? When Charles sent this to my email, I just had to share it with you!

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona

Valerie sent this to me by email. I checked it out with Snopes, and it's TRUE.

Maricopa County was spending approximately $18 million dollars a year on stray animals. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors agreed.

The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows.
The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million.

The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities and building maintenance. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.

The rest of the country should take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work and grow their own fresh vegetables by hand. He has a pretty good-sized hog farm, which provides meat and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 - $8.

Yup, he was reelected last year with 83% of the vote. He's a "Git-R- Dun" kind of Sheriff.

Would you vote for him?

My Rich Heritage

I had the greatest mom; she tried to gave my twin brother, our younger sister, and me a variety of experiences. We lived in Washington, D.C. and did not have much money; we had no car, but I have a rich heritage.

I saw at least two presidents drive by our rental house! Mama would call out, "Look, the president!" and I'd see a line of long, shiny, black cars driving by. The men inside could scarcely be seen with the darkened windows. However, she'd have all three of us stand on the front porch and wave! "Did you see him?" she'd ask, knowing we couldn't possibly have. That moment would make our day exciting. She'd give us a brief history lesson.

Many times, Mama took us on streetcars to see the capitol building, while in session. I remember sitting in the balcony having to be ever so quiet while the men below talked. (There were no women then.) Those would be the times we'd learn about how bills became laws.

I walked UP the 555 feet tall Washington monument three times and down only once; I took the elevator down the other times! It was free to walk up and ride down; it cost a dime to ride up. Mama would give us the history of George Washington and how the monument came to be. Authorities won't let anyone walk to the top now. This obelisk has a beautiful reflecting pool, as seen in this picture.

Every Christmas and Easter, my mother took us to visit the Botanical Gardens, an aluminum-and-glass conservatory. We all would gasp at the beauty of the blooms and learn some of the names of the many growing things. Once again, the only cost was the price of a streetcar ride.

Other sights we experienced were: the Japanese Cherry Blossoms that surround the Jefferson Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution (a collection of free museums), the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the National Zoo in Rock Creek, and the fireworks while listening to the Marine band on the 4th of July--all free, and all came with fun lessons.

Everyone can't grow up in the nation's capitol, but all parents can give their children a rich heritage by exposing them to inexpensive sights close to home.

What childhood excursions do you remember? Where have you taken your children lately?

It's Time for Ice Cream!

Linda gave me this idea.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

* What's your favorite flavor?
* What's your favorite brand?
* Hand dipped or soft serve?
* Sugar cone, waffle cone, regular cone, or in a cup?

My favorite is Baskin Robbin Pralines and cream in a sugar cone, pictured here.

Remember the ice cream parlor? Are there any of those left where you live? We have Jackson's close by.
Does anyone remember the colored cones sold in the grocery store? You'd bring it home, fill it with a scoop of your choice, and it is just like going out for ice cream!

Bathroom Beauty Snappers Are Published!

Each day there are more and more Bathroom Beauty Snappers. Theresa is the official first new BBSer (Bathroom Beauty Snappers). Of course, Shelia is the first; after all, she thought this whole thing up! Another BBSer is Judi. Carol gets a small mention as she still has some chicken feathers left on; Charli helped. But she does have a bathroom picture for you to see. Then, there's Alex who likes to wear hats. Justine did a fantastic job and even showed off her new, blue hair! Kathy showed her style in true bunny fashion. Kady displayed her lovely blue bathroom. Robyn tucked her photo shoot at the end of a patio piece. Shimmy visited her mother-in-law's rabbit den. Heather showcased a couple of mini divas while she was at it! Diva Darling Daughter doesn't have a blog, but you can see her entry at Shelia's blog. Cielo, Cathy, and Alaura have their bathroom photos up August 6th. Check out my post right below this one to see how I met the challenge.

This thing is taking off; it has a life of its own! Ladies all across the country are grabbing their cameras and racing off to the public bathrooms of America! If you listen carefully, you'll hear the snap, snap, snapping. I doubt if any work is being accomplished. Amazing! Don't be the one lady left out!

I thought that this would make a fine magazine cover. Do you agree?

Double Dog Dare Ya!

Remember when we were children if someone dared you to do something silly and then backed it up with, "Double Dog Dare Ya!" you almost HAD to do it? Shelia at Note Songs takes a picture of herself in the bathroom mirror every time she eats out at a restaurant! She blogged about it, and then after getting some ::blinking eyed:: comments, thought up the Bathroom Beauty Snappers Challenge. She even made a Bathroom Beauty Snapper logo for her stupid brave readers to put on their posts.

I never have carried my camera into a restaurant. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, it's just not something I have ever done before. Not only have I never taken a picture of myself while looking into a mirror, I have never before taken a picture of myself in a bathroom. But she dared me! Friends, I had no choice, I tell ya!

I took the first one at home, just to get the feeling of looking into a mirror and snapping away. Actually, this should count twice as it's really two mirrors--a big one with a white frame and a side mirror that's a medicine cabinet.














With this experience under my belt, I took a deep breath, along with my camera, and off Johnny and I went to have lunch at Olive Gardens, one of his favorite restaurants.

You can see him munching here. Still to come is his order of spaghetti and sausage.

















Soup, salad, and breadsticks are my choices when we go here. I don't care for the food. I only go here because I am such a wonderful wife! (humble, too!)











Then came The Moment of Truth. Dare I? Do you for a moment doubt me? I walked into the ladies room, camera hidden in my pants pocket. I smiled as I spotted the handicap area. It has a door! I can take this picture while I'm still in a private place! No one will ever see.

However, I was so nervous that my hand was shaking. I took several, and this was the best of the lot.

















When I realized that it was blurry, and that the closed door could be clearly seen, I stepped outside into the large public area, a bit more determined to meet the challenge. The door opened and in came a lady with her child. They took one look at me, camera in the air, and hurried into the nearest stall! I quickly snapped this second picture and left. I didn't take time to adjust the camera, and it's not very well lit. But if you look closely, you can see the absence of the handicap grab rail, proving that I DID IT in a public restroom. (Theme music from Rocky to be loudly played here.)

















Now some of you may think me chicken, but at least I tried. Later, I dragged convinced my husband to go to Las Vegas, a Cuban restaurant, for dinner so that I could try again to get a clearer picture. Here's a shot of us there.
When I went to get my Bathroom Beauty Snappers picture, I discovered the bathroom had two inefficient lights overhead. I stepped under the lights, in front of the lights. I snap, snapped away! This turned out the best picture from the six shots I took. Bathrooms are dark, people!

Oh! Once again, a lady with a child in tow, walked in while I was snap, snap, snapping away. However, now I'm cool, so I merely stated, "I lost a bet!" The lady laughed and moved along. You can't call me chicken. However, you may say I'm a rotten photographer.
How about you? If you want to join the Bathroom Beauty Snappers club, just grab the challenge button and begin snap, snap, snap away. Be sure to share your post with Shelia and me!

What do you think? Have you ever taken your picture in a restaurant mirror? Do you have the courage to join the BBS challenge? I Double Dog Dare Ya!

Whew! It's Over, and the Winner Is...

The Bloggy Giveaway has ended! What a successful carnival we had this year. There were 1,050 different giveaways going on this past week. I did not enter them all, but I did enter a bunch. There's not too much skin left on my right index finger tip! I sure hope I won something this year. I hope you did too!

Out of 226 comments left on my post, the winner of the $10 Target gift card picked by Random.org is:
Here are your random numbers:

62

Timestamp: 2008-08-01 23:12:19 UTC


Congratulations, Qtpies7! I've emailed you, and I need your mailing address.

If Qtpies7 does not respond within the next 3 days, another winner will be chosen and notified.

To those who entered but did not win, I'm sorry, but I wish you a happy day. I trust that you had a good time. Meanwhile, please come visit again.

Forrest Gump Goes To Heaven

My friend Donna sent this one to me.

The day finally arrives. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is met at The Pearly Gates by Saint Peter himself.

Saint Peter says, "Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven."

Forrest responds, "It sure is good to be here, Saint Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was."

Saint Peter chuckles, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions." First: What two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'? Second: How many seconds are there in a year? Third: What is God's first name?

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees Saint Peter, who waves him up, and says, "Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers."

Forrest answers, "Well, the first one: which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'? Gee, that one is easy. That would be today and tomorrow."

Saint Peter's eyes open wide and he exclaims, "Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point. I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one? How many seconds in a year?"

"Now that one is harder, responds Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve."

Astounded, Saint Peter states, "Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how did you come up with twelve seconds in a year?"

Forrest replies, "Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... "

"Hold it," interrupts Saint Peter. "I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind. But I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let's go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God's first name?"

"Sure," Forrest says, "it's Andy."

"Andy?" exclaims Saint Peter. "Okay, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how did you come up with the name Andy as God's first name?"

"Why, that was the easiest one of all," Forrest stated. "I learnt it from the song, 'Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own.'"

Saint Peter laughs and opens the Pearly Gates saying, "Run Forrest, run."


It's good to laugh with jokes about Heaven, but isn't it even better when we reflect that Heaven has no entrance exams? All a person need do to get into Heaven is to accept Jesus Christ as his/her Lord. If you'd like to find out more, push the red READY button in my sidebar.