Back to Basics

Have you noticed that sometimes even a good thing gets so far out that we must stop, take a deep breath and go back to the basics? Do you ever feel that Xmas is at this stage? Don't get me wrong, I am probably one of the biggest offenders (for lack of a better word). However, in the quiet of the morning while thinking back to why we are celebrating Xmas I can't help but wonder if this is what God had in mind when he sent his son.

That reflection raised these thoughts. For Jesus' birthday, there were no feasts, stacks of presents, lavish parties, etc. It was a very awesome day. Not even a bed to lay him in. Yet based on that day's event, we as Christians believe we were given the gift of eternal life. Think back to each of the gifts you received, did any of them give you such an awesome promise? It made me think that we should do further soul searching on how would Jesus want to celebrate his birthday? Would it be with overspending, overeating, jealousy that someone got more or better gifts than we did, partying to the point of drunkeness, just focusing on the entirely different concept than Jesus had in mind for "HIS" birthday party. Has it become "OUR" party? If so, can we give the same gifts he does? Can we give patience, charity, unselfishness, and all those other virtues he so generously bestows?

What if there was just one town in this world that chose to celebrate Jesus' birthday as he would choose? How would they do it? My thoughts are that they would spend their time and money celebrating family, orphans, elderly and those less fortunate. I don't think there would be drunken parties, credit cards maxed out, jealous confrontations, etc It made me stop and ask myself how would I feel if I were Jesus?

Do we need to go back to basics?

Do You Have a Title?

See, even the blog ask for a title! Are titles important to you? They are to most people. For instance, my title is "Executive Senior Research Associate in the Field of Child Development and Human Relations". I know your next question, how did you get that title? Well, I earned it by becoming a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Now if you will read the title carefully you will see how all this fits together. First, I am diversified and able to multitask which is extremely important in my field. I am willing to work long hours and seven days a week without asking for overtime or comp time. I work in the field (some call them playgrounds) as well as inside. I am not geared to get my reward through monetary compensation. I am a dedicated employee who will probably never retire. I will never file for workmen's comp or sue the company for sexual harassment. I do not require vacation time or sick leave. So now you know how I earned my title. "Just a Mom"

country girl or city boy

I have just had my amusement for the day. Can you believe it came from reading MSN's home page? Jon Katz wrote a very detailed story about his "steer" and how the steer named Elvis fell in love. I was practically rolling in the floor laughing. If Jon would look up the word "steer" in the dictionary he would find out why I found this so funny. Of course, I confess to being a country girl so I knew the impossibility of an occurrence such as this happening. Goes to show, "You can't believe everything you hear and not much of what you read", sorry for modifying this quotation a little.

Warty Frog

The warty frog is not pretentious. It does not berate its Maker for its lack of beauty. It lives and thrives in spite of its outward affectations.

Perhaps it is far wiser than mortals who would strive to cloak that which they truly are.

Lots of wisdom imparted by Mary Summer Rain in this quotation don't you think?

Elfdom

If some of you are wondering if there is such a word as Elfdom, I will answer that quickly. If there wasn't before, there is now. I like that word. Better still I like elves. No wonder Santa is always so happy. He has all those little elves helping him. What jolly little people they are. Now here comes the kicker!! If anyone asks you what I want for Xmas, tell them I want elves. Lots and lots of elves. The more the merrier!

Clan Update

Hopefully all the ailing members of the clan are up and over the sneaky little bug that caught them. Just a quick note from the cave to update what is happening here.

We totally enjoyed all the cubs and their families that made it here for the big day. I think all of us had more to eat than we needed. One neice has called me to remind me that I didn't fulfil my role in the making of a chocolate pie for this specific person. I promised two for Xmas. It seems she has appointed me to take her Grandmother's place in making these pies.

J came through her surgery today. It was quite lengthy, almost five hours but thankfully no report of any lingering problems. There were several of us there to give her moral support and it sure seemed like a long time to sit and wait.

Gerbeans and spouse will be leaving tomorrow. Boy their time here sure goes fast.

I have started another new project. Genealogy! Boy is it ever fascinating. I am about to decide that I may have too many projects going but sure enjoy both the land searches along with the "people" searches.

Will sign off for now -

"Latest Endeavor"

Grammy is into another search. I am now doing genealogy searches working on my family tree. How interesting!! I have gone back as far as several "greats" on certain family ancestors. When Xmas rolls around and the grandkids come and find Grammy glued to the computer on ancestry.com they may get a little irritated, lol.
Howver, I will try to make sure that we don't have to many "sad days". I have discovered that one of our distant relatives was married to the Gatlins of the Gatlin Gun inventors. Another one was captured in the civil war, one was witness to a lynching, etc.

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving. Don't know for sure who all will be here but will just enjoy the time. I am trying out a new rocky road chocolate pie recipe. One of the cubettes asked her Mom to make sure that I didn't forget to make the broccoli/rice cassserole and the cherry cheese cake. And they think us "older" ones are the traditionalists, lol.

We had the energizer bunny all day Sunday. She went to Church with us. We then went out to eat and on to the Couches for a visit. She got to go with Papa G out into the pasture to see the longhorn cows. He couldn't get her on the four wheeler though, she said, "no, I too scared". She does not want to miss her bible class and since her Mom and her Nina were going to the city, I talked them into leaving her with us.

I have come to grips with the situation with the cub to the north. Still have some very sad thoughts but don't obsess about it. It is in God's hands.

Happy turkey day to all of you - as you know our family has our love -

New Experience

I had a new experience yesterday that I enjoyed immensely. My siblings and I are in the process of leasing some of our royalty that we inherited from our Mom. As is my usual inquisitive nature, I couldn't figure why the numbers of acres seemed to change each time a land company leased the royalty. I decided that I would try to find out how all this worked. That involved me going to the court house in Atoka County and doing research on two Sections of land. There was one lady that worked there that sort of took me under her wing and taught me the tricks to find information. That was so interesting. I was able to learn how to trace the history of ownership clear back to their beginning. I was able to find out that we were being "underpaid" for the number of acres. The siblings were encouraging but didn't participate in the hunt. I have two more court houses to visit. One in Pittsburg County and one in Cooks County, Texas. Oh yes, another visit to Atoka County for two more sections. That is so fascinating to see all these records. Fortunately, these parcels of land so far have not changed ownership too awfully many times. Each time any transaction takes place, it is notated in first the legal description book under the specific Section, then the deeds are in yet more books and if the mineral rights have been sold they are also kept in minerals deed books. The land in Texas in question that my Papa kept the mineral rights on was land owned by his Dad and it was purchased back in the 1800's. After his death, Papa bought his siblings share of the property. We have no idea how much royalty we may have there. So far, there has not been anyone attempting to lease it. Anyway, I am looking forward to that challenge. Should be very interesting to read about that great grand father on the D side.

Casper had his beauty shop appt today and got his yearly vaccinations. He was really glad to see us when we picked him up.

Thanks for visiting!

"True Family Sagas"

There was this family who lived in a small rural community. They were extremely poor in material things but very blessed with what matters most - family - This family consisted of a mother, father and three girls. Two of the girls were much older than the third one. They were surrounded by grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and too many cousins to count. This family lived in a three room house without running water and had an outside outhouse. The birthdays were not always celebrated with gifts, parties or even cakes. Yet each family member knew they were loved. Christmas also was very lean. Not always even a Christmas tree. Yet each member knew they were loved.

Now when future stories are written about this family, you have the setting.

The episode that I am writing about today took place when the two older siblings were quite young (around ages 11 & 13). Their parents had to go to the Northwest to pick up the patriarch's brother(who was going through mid-life crisis). Anyway, the parents left the two girls with a great-grandmother and great-grandfather hereafter called Pa and Grannie. Pa and Grannie lived one block over in a fairly large house. Grannie was not to keen on cleaning and had many cats that lived inside. Unfortunately the cats got their food from the dining room table also. Now the second night there, the siblings were in bed trying to go to sleep and the wind was whistling through the windows and the house seemed to be creaking. They decided then and there that they would go home and spend the rest of the time there. Which is exactly what they did the very next day.

Now before the parents returned the youngest sibling decided to clean the house and do the laundry. The older sibling refused to help so this created a large confrontation that resulted in a rather spirited fight with feather pillows. Much to their dismay, one of the pillows came apart and those pesky feathers went everywhere. The youngest sibling thought by sweeping them outside, they would go un-noticed. Afterall, they had chickens so feathers were common place. However, piles of feathers are different from a few scattered around or at least that is what the parents said.

Stay tuned!

And Life Goes On!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, with the election behind us what oh what will the networks find to blast away to the unsuspecting watchers! Of course, we could always push the "off" button, heaven forbid. I realize that I am probably in the minority but I actually enjoy politics. Could that be because my Dad had me handing out candidates cards at a very young age? Or calling people to see if they needed for my Dad to give them a ride to the polls? Or maybe it was just the "lively" debates between my Dad and his Dad. One a staunch democrat and the other just as staunch in his republican view. Oh well, my one attempt in running for an office (School Board) was interesting. Even though I came close enough for a run-off, I didn't win. You know those incumbents are hard to beat, lol.

Our cub is currently suffering with "pink" eye. She is sure that this is the disaster of the year. I don't think she minds missing school but does mind missing the academic trip to a nearby town tomorrow afternoon.

The Alien is sure enjoying his new truck. His brother-in-law is very worried that the Alien is going to wash the paint off if he doesn't quit washing it so often.

Our little energizer bunny is sure blooming these days. At Church Sunday, she sat in my lap and immediately she said, "Grammy, where is your purse?" She has already learned where the goodies are.

Earlier Halloweens Remembered

With the recent celebrations going on for this Halloween, it brought back memories of "many" Halloweens ago. There was not the huge attention paid to it in the small rural area where I grew up. Although, the most dire thing done back then was to turn over people's outhouses. For all you young whippersnappers that don't know, there were times when we actually had an "outside" toilet. Come to think of it, there are good sides to everything. You sure didn't have complaints of someone "hogging" the bathroom. It was sweltering hot in the summer and icy cold in the winter. Anyway, there was this one guy in our town who was also the janitor at our school. He was extremely "cranky" so the kids that were inclined to be mischievous seemed to always accomplish turning over his outhouse. That was pretty amazing since he would sit out by it with his shotgun most of the night. In retrospect, the crankiness could have come from him having to put up with all of us everyday, ya think?

My Dad was very involved with young people and had some curious ways of making us think. For instance, one Halloween, he loaded up his pickup (with a camper shell on it) with kids and took us to a town about 35 miles away. His brother-in-law was the deputy sheriff. This uncle took us down in the basement where the jail was located and gave us a tour. To this day, I remember the prisoners yelling and screaming at us. Valuable exposure to that side of life given to us in a purely unassuming way. We all thought at the time that it was just a scary thing to do.

Another time, he suggested that a bunch of us go walk through the cemetery. He recommended a certain route to take. Off we went, it was getting dark with just enough light to make out outlines of things. When we got to the cemetery, we were already worked up in frenzy thinking about all the ghosts that "might" be there. Sure enough, all of a sudden, we heard this "ohhhhhh" noise and looked over to see this ghost just gliding through the graves. Talk about run, anyone of us could have qualified for the Olympics. We beat Dad back to the house and we were excitedly telling Mom about the ghost. About that time, Dad walked up so we told him the story. Before we got to the "ohhhhh" noise Dad said, "Did it sound like this and he made the sound". Needless to say, he was in big trouble. More from laughing too hard than our pommelling him I think.

We had a few trick or treaters last night, not many though. Our Cub worked at the Fall Festival at our Church. She made a "cute" cat.

Never could stand misspelled words

Two men were walking home after a Halloween party and decided to take a shortcut through the cemetery just for laughs. Right in the middle of the cemetery, they were startled by a tap-tap-tapping noise coming from the misty shadows.

Trembling with fear, they found an old woman with a hammer and chisel, chipping away at one of the headstones. "Holy cow, Madam" one of them said after catching his breath, "You scared us half to death -- we thought you were a ghost! What are you doing working here so late at night?" "Those fools!" the old woman grumbled. "They misspelled my name."

"WATCH WHAT YOU SAY"

A man staggered into a hospital with a concussion, multiple bruises, two black eyes, and a five-iron wrapped tightly around his throat.
Naturally, the doctor asked him, "What happened to you?""Well, I was having a quiet round of golf with my wife, when at a difficult hole, we both sliced our balls into a cow pasture. We went to look for them and while I was looking around, I noticed one of the cows had something white at its rear end.""I walked over, lifted its tail, and sure enough, there was a golf ball with my wife's monogram on it stuck right in the middle of the cow's butt.""Still holding the cow's tail up, I yelled to my wife, 'Hey, this looks like yours!'""I don't remember much after that..."

Acts of Love

When we allow ourselves to understand the impact our actions have not only on ourselves but the planet we live on, we realize the necessity to take loving action. We each have the power to correct conditions within as well as to affect the world we live in.

There are so many ways to apply love in our everyday lives. Yet, if we do not take care of ourselves, it is virtually impossible to feel and share love with the world around us. As an act of self-love, we can begin to educate ourselves and learn to take care of our physical bodies as well as keep our thoughts and feelings positive and loving. Nurturing ourselves also teaches us how to nurture life around us.

Practice constant acts of kindness and you bring kindness upon this planet. Forgiveness is the easiest and most powerful act of kindness you can make. Both for yourself and for others, this activity promotes unity, harmony and oneness that transmutes the old into the new.

This magnificent planet is filled with opportunities to experience love, tolerance, peace and joy. When we, as individuals, realize our potential to love unconditionally, we transform ourselves and the planet at the same time. Such is the power we wield every moment of every day. The choice is ours to create a world of joy and happiness, love and goodwill.

Every moment of every day is a new beginning. This can be a powerful mantra or affirmation. The meaning held in these words opens us to a new way of living and experiencing life. Each moment holds a new beginning of possibility and an opportunity to create without limitation. We can let go of what we perceive or believe is before us and allow our personal potential to shine through. Start each day as a new journey of self discovery. Let go of yesterday and tomorrow and embrace the power of now. Remind yourself daily of the newness of life in the moment.

Mixing Oil and Water

Oil and water do not mix - the mantra is familiar to every schoolchild.
Now teachers may want to rewrite their lessons. If you first remove any gas that is dissolved in the water, it will mix spontaneously and even stay that way indefinitely, according to chemist Ric Pashley ix. newscientist.com

However, I doubted that theory even then because I saw first hand how they did mix. I will attemp to explain why I believed that they could mix.

First, I have to give you some background on some history of my grandparents (from both sides). I will begin with my mother's parents.

They were of German and Dutch heritage and were very hard working. They were somewhat reserved but we never doubted their love and dedication to family. However, when we visited their home, at mealtime, everyone ate at the table and it was very quiet. No loud laughter, elbows on the table (you get the picture). Their home was very organized. There were very few idle moments. Papa was a rancher by trade and a very prosperous one. They owned a great deal of land, had cattle, sheep, etc They were also very thrifty. Even though the children were expected to do their share of the work, they also lived a pretty privileged life for those times. Piano lessons, nice clothes, etc Granny D was one of those people you never seemed to see working but her house was always clean, food was always cooked and she always had large gardens and put up food for the winter. When we made the beds in the morning, they were not touched until you got into them at night. If you have never made a feather bed, you are truly deprived. It takes swatting them with a broom to make them nice and smooth. While this might sound like a "stiff" environment, it really wasn't. We grandkids loved to go there in the summer.

Now for the other side of the family. These grandparents were of Irish, English and native American heritage. My dad's parents were totally the opposite. They were farmers and hard workers but never had much but what they did have they would give to others less blessed. An overnight stay at Granny M's house could very well include the kids playing music at night and Granny getting up in her long flannel gown with braids hanging loose and doing the polka with us. As she was a rather large woman, this was truly a sight to behold. Granny M's house was one step ahead of the health department. When there were two or three M's together, they made more noise than 50 of the D's. Mealtime was choatic. Everybody talking at once, don't ask for someone to pass food if you could reach it, (you get this picture also?) Granny M had a reputation as the place on Hwy 99 for transients to stop to get a meal. She didn't invite them in but she did sit them on the porch and fed anyone who came to her door. If you visit with people who relocated to CA in the 50's, at least 50% or them will tell you that they stayed with the M's (free of course) until they found a job.

Now that you have a short synopsis of the background, you see why I grew up thinking oil and water could mix. My mother was a D and my father a M.

One interesting tidbit is that while I enjoyed going to the M's, I chose to go to the D's more often. My older sibling chose the M's. I guess that would give a clue to a shrink on our personalities huh?

Does this remind you of Grandpa J?

The duck and the lawyer

A big city lawyer went duck hunting in rural
Tennessee. He shot and dropped a bird, but it fell
into a farmer's field on the other side of a fence. As
the lawyer climbed over the fence, an elderly farmer
drove up on his tractor and asked him what he was doing

The litigator responded, "I shot a duck and it fell
in this field, and now I'm going to retrieve it."
The old farmer replied, "This is my property, and you

are not coming over here."

The indignant lawyer said, "I am one of the best
trial attorneys in the United States and, if you don't let me get that duck, I'll sue you and take everything
you own.

The old farmer smiled and said, "Apparently, you
don't know how we settle disputes in Tennessee. We
settle small disagreements like this with the "Three
Kick Rule."The lawyer asked, "What is the Three Kick Rule?"

The Farmer replied, "Well, because the dispute occurs
on my land, first I kick you three times and then you
kick me three times and so on back and forth until
someone gives up."

The attorney quickly thought about the proposed
contest and decided that he could easily take the old
codger. He agreed to abide by the local custom.

The old farmer slowly climbed down from the tractor
and walked up to the attorney. His first kick planted
the toe of his heavy steel toed work boot into the
lawyer's groin and dropped him to his knees. His
second kick to the midriff sent the lawyer's last meal
gushing from his mouth.

The lawyer was on all fours when the farmer's third
kick to his rear end sent him face-first into a fresh
cow pie . The lawyer summoned every bit of his will
and managed to get to his feet.. Wiping his face with
the arm of his jacket, he said, "Okay, you old fart.

Now it's my turn."
[I love this part....]

The old farmer smiled and said, "Naw, I give up. You
can have the duck.

This is so like someone we all know and loved don't you think?

Things are not always as they appear

One day a small lizard was walking through the forest. He smelled pot and looked up to find a koala bear sitting in a tree.The little lizard looked up and said, "Hey koala bear, what are you doing up there?"The bear replied, "I'm getting high, come on up." So the lizard joined the bear in the tree.They continued to smoke joint after joint until finally the little lizard said, "My mouth is dry like cotton."The koala bear agreed and told the lizard to go down to the river and get a drink and in the meantime he would roll another joint.

The little lizard attempted to lean over to drink water from the river and was so stoned, he fell right in and started splashing around.A crocodile saw this and swam over to help the lizard to shore. He said, "Lizard what is wrong with you?" The lizard replied, "I've been getting stoned with the koala bear. I needed water and fell in the river."The crocodile said, "I don't believe this. Take me to the tree you were in."

So they walked through the forest and they come to the tree where the koala bear was sitting. The crocodile looked up and said, "Hey koala bear, what are you doing up there?"

The koala bear looked down and said, "Holy crap dude, how much water did you drink?"

POSITIVE VIEW OF LIFE - After birthdays

As all of you know, there have been several birthdays going on these past few weeks and in the weeks to come. It started me to thinking about all the things that were positive in my life as it pertains to "another" birthday. I will share a few of these things with you:

I am happy and blessed to have another year as I am not through being a "thorn" in my cubs' flesh yet. I figure that is the least I can do.

If there is a little too much dust in the house, instead of saying something tacky, the cubs say,"you know its hard to see all the dust when your eyes begin to age".

If I put on a little (okay maybe a lot) weight instead of saying, "Boy is she letting herself go, they say, "you know, for her age, she looks pretty good.

The days that I am just plain out of sorts instead of taking it personal, they say, "poor thing, her arthritis must be acting up".

The cashiers no longer have to be reminded that I am a senior citizen, they just automatically give the discount.

Even the IRS gives extra deductions.

Another plus is it doesn't matter if I get off the track, its kind of nice not to have to outrun the train.

So as I count my many blessings, I will gracefully welcome my upcoming special day with a thankful heart.

Rain, Rain don't go away

We are receiving some very much needed rain. It rained most of the day yesterday in a slow soaking manner that does so much good.

Hope all had a cheerful weekend. The Alien and I took off Friday and just goofed around. We drove to a nearby town and ate at the Crackerbarrel, my most favorite place. Then on to Lowes where we checked out every aisle. Deliver me from the malls, just take me to a home improvement store and its like Xmas.

The little great cubette was in true form yesterday at Church. She had to sit in Grammy's lap during Church. She was so good and quiet "until" she put her finger close to my mouth and I just barely touched it with my teeth and in this very clear distinct voice she said, "Grammy don't bite me". Needless to say, Grammy just cracked up. We didn't cause much of a disturbance, hee hee

So far, this appears to be a fairly routine week. I hope to get back on track with my neck adjustments, Casper goes to the beauty shop, Alien's big play day at work is over, Cub's games are finished so MAYBE - what is that old saying, "the best laid plans of mice and men".

Have a happy and peaceful week.

Update

Short note to update you on Ztuffy. He is much improved and has gone home. Still has some recuperation ahead but is on the way.

Back and Forth; Up and Down; Around and Around

This pretty much describes our activities these days. We are experiencing sadness as my older sibling's husband has lost both of his sisters in the past week. The last funeral is tomorrow. She was just 72 while the other was a little older, 82. These two troopers are handling it in their usual heroic manner. They are simply amazing people.

We are missing our Gerbeans and Mrs. Gerbeans. I never realized just how much comfort it was in knowing they were close. I imagine that is one thing that makes them appreciate being out on the open road, lol.

Well Ztuffy is having some difficult days right now. It seems he is in the VA hospital detoxing and is very ill this time. He has been very incoherent and they have had him on a heart monitor. I had my airline tickets to go up today and his significant other convinced me that he was probably going home today. Needless to say, I was more than a little frustrated when in talking with his head nurse today I hear that he is too ill to even consider being discharged. The situation with the miscommunication with this significant other is getting to be a problem. I am not sure what is going on. We plan to drive up this weekend if he is still in the hospital. I have called him several times but he doesn't usually make any sense. I asked the nurse if he was medicated and she said, "no it is just that he is very sick and is inconherent most of the time". Just remember him in your prayers.

Our cub is finishing up her softball season this week. They have been playing several games a week and were in a tournament last weekend. We enjoy the games. We take our folding chairs and sit in the shade and cheer for the home team and visit the concession stand, lol.

My Alien's big day at work is tomorrow. He is in charge of the big employee appreciation day again this year. His theme is the old west and he has mock building fronts depicting Dodge City, has some gun fighters that will stage a gun fight around lunch time. He remembered to tell the police that it wouldn't be real so they wouldn't come and shoot I know it will be very successful. They have thousands of dollars in prizes, free food and entertainment for the employees and he has coordinated all of it.

I have to get back on track with my neck adjustments. Hope I have not lost all the progress I had made.

Casper is doing fine and has a beauty appt on Monday. He has decided that his favorite place on our bed to sleep is on my feet or up against my back.

Well on to bed for me. See you

!!!!!!BIRTHDAYS!!!!!!

Birthdays, who needs them? Stupid question huh? Isn't it strange how the cycle works. When we are young, birthdays mean lots of toys, cake, ice cream and parties. As we reach the teenage years, it means being able to drive, acne, and scores of other things. By the time my age is reached it means "Hey, I get discounts " as a senior citizen. Unfortunately, we also get the aches and pains that go along with that discount.

As is my usual nosy nature, I did some reading on just how all this hoopla got started and will share a little with you. So sit back, get you a cup of coffee and come along.

Traditions from Around the World:

How Birthdays Came About

Thousands of years ago birthdays were considered a time when the bad spirits as opposed to the good spirits were able to harm you as this day changed a person's life. It was believed that the only way to keep the bad spirits at bay was to have your friends and family around you so that their good wishes and present giving would keep them at bay.

Also noisemakers are thought to be used at parties as a way of scaring away the evil spirits.

The custom of lighting candles originated with people believing that the gods lived in the sky and by lighting candles and torches they were sending a signal or prayer to the gods so they they could be answered. When you blow out the candles and make a wish this is another way of sending a signal and a message.

The birthday Bible story that we know best is about the birth of the Christ in Bethlehem. For nearly 2,000 years since that day, the Christian world has honored this birth. The day we all celebrate, is of course, Christmas.

There are other biblical references to birthday party's. King Pharaoh celebrated his birthday by making a feast for his court followers. That was over 4,000 years ago. The story of King Herod tells that on his birthday he made a supper for his lords, high captains and other special friends in Galilee.

Since I am aware that the mind can't absorb more than the booty can endure, I will finish this rhetoric next year at birthday time.

"Sad Life"

Did you ever read the life of Robert Frost? He seemed to be a restless one with lots of relocating and changing of employment. There was obviously mental illness in his maternal family as well as Frost himself experiencing hearing voices, etc. He went on to bear children who also had emotional issues with one son committing suicide. I wonder if any of these influences were responsible for some of his poetry. It is interesting to me to see other people's lives and how the routine act of living and being affect what they do with their future. I am sharing one of his poems with you:

RELUCTANCE

by: Robert Frost

Out through the fields and the woods

And over the walls I have wended;

I have climbed the hills of view

And looked at the world, and descended;

I have come by the highway home,

And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground, Save those that the oak is keeping

To ravel them one by one

And let them go scraping and creeping

Out over the crusted snow, When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,

No longer blown hither and thither;

The last lone aster is gone;

The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;

The heart is still aching to seek,

but the feet question 'Whither?' Ah, when to the heart of man

Was it ever less than a treason

To go with the drift of things,

To yield with a grace to reason,

And bow and accept the end Of a love or a season?

"ANTIQUATED LAWS?"

One thing I find very interesting is all the antiquated laws that are still on the books. Often I wonder why there isn't somebody that periodically goes through and recommends an update of our laws.

For instance, in Oklahoma, did you know that it is against the law to wrestle a bear, duel, trip a horse, eavesdrop with intention to do harm, use obscene language in front of women ,and children under the age of 10, purchase a dead body (now that one is really wild) and too many others to list.

We Okies are not alone though as lots of other states have similar outdated laws. In Washington, it is against the law for a salesperson to X-ray a foot and another one is if a motorist enters town with criminal intentions, they must call the police chief as they enter town.

North Caroline allows lawsuits if one spouse is lured away from another person. It is called allienation of affection.

Wyoming does not allow you to shoot a fish. Now that bothers me, sometimes that might be the only way to get one if they won't bite my hook.

It might be interesting just to know about the different states and what they allow or don't allow. I should say enforce or don't enforce.

Hey at least I am not on the Pluto bandwagon today, hehe

So I Lied

Pluto remains a planet for Myanmar's leading astrologers and Aylaoftheclan. Who would have thought we would be so involved in Pluto?

The Associated PressMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2006-->Published: September 4, 2006

YANGON, Myanmar Myanmar's leading astrologers say they still consider Pluto a planet, despite what scientists elsewhere in the world have decided, a newsweekly said Monday.
"Pluto has been traditionally defined as a planet in astrology, and it will retain that status," U Tiun Lin, president of the Myanmar Astrologers Association was quoted as saying in the Myanmar Times.
Scientists at the International Astronomical Union met in Prague last week and voted to strip Pluto of its status as a planet, saying that a planet must orbit the sun and be large enough to assume a nearly round shape. The decision downsized the solar system to eight planets from the traditional nine.

"Those scientists can decide what they like, but we will continue to recognize Pluto's important role in the solar system and we will continue to consider it in our calculations as we always have," U Tun Lin said. "It is far from Earth and has a very wide orbit, which means it is too weak to influence predictions for individuals but does have the power to influence long-term predictions about bigger events."

Astrology is widely followed in Myanmar, as it is in many Asian countries, and people regularly consult astrologers.

The news report quoted other well-known astrologers saying they too will continue to call Pluto a planet.

"Pluto plays an important role in predicting the future of nations, so it has a powerful status. We can't erase the traditional ways, just as we can't change the essence of religious teachings whenever we like," said Than Htay, vice president of the Myanmar Astrology Research Bureau.

Myanmar astrologers classify planets according to their color, size, number of rings, orbit period and axial tilt to determine how they influence the future of individuals or institutions, the Myanmar Times said.

YANGON, Myanmar Myanmar's leading astrologers say they still consider Pluto a planet, despite what scientists elsewhere in the world have decided, a newsweekly said Monday.

"Pluto has been traditionally defined as a planet in astrology, and it will retain that status," U Tiun Lin, president of the Myanmar Astrologers Association was quoted as saying in the Myanmar Times.

Scientists at the International Astronomical Union met in Prague last week and voted to strip Pluto of its status as a planet, saying that a planet must orbit the sun and be large enough to assume a nearly round shape. The decision downsized the solar system to eight planets from the traditional nine.

"Those scientists can decide what they like, but we will continue to recognize Pluto's important role in the solar system and we will continue to consider it in our calculations as we always have," U Tun Lin said. "It is far from Earth and has a very wide orbit, which means it is too weak to influence predictions for individuals but does have the power to influence long-term predictions about bigger events."

Frivolous Ramblings

Nothing intellectual going on here today just lots and lots of the ordinary stuff. I have an adjustment on my neck this morning in Holdenville (43 miles away). Good news on that front. When I started these adjustments (four adjustments ago) my neck was 90% out of alignment. Last visit it was only 50% out so we are definitely making progress.

The cub's ballgame was rained out this week. If the game had been at Latta we would have gladly welcomed the rain; however, it was in Tupelo and as usual the rain missed us. Papa bear took the cub to the batting cage last weekend and also spent considerable time playing catch in the back yard.

Speaking of the cub, it is amazing what losing TV for a spell when a bad grade is brought home in science can do. Suddenly, this grade shot up to a B. Poor cub, Mama bear has Edline on the computer and she can access the grades on a daily basis if need be.

Hope all have plans or plans to have no plans for this upcoming holiday. We plan to put a partition around Papa bears work (junk) area in the play room thus eliminating the need for the curtains and allowing us a more defined area.

I was amused at my older sibling's frustration yesterday. She told me that she complained to her doctor (she was there for a routine ck up) about getting tired so much. When I asked her if she told him that she worked cattle all day, helped with great grandkids, plus being 69 years old that might contribute to this, she seemed shocked. That shouldn't matter.

Well guess what! I started my Xmas shopping this week. Don't know why though since we are making such drastic cuts in our expenditures this year. Bottom line is I just like to think about that special time. I am already thinking of good things to cook. Did you know its only 115 days til Xmas?

See you later - Casper sends his regards.

Words of Wisdom

If you happen to be of the male species just change woman to man since it could apply to both.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

One friend who always makes her laugh... And one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE

Eight matching plates,wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

A feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to fall in love without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to quit a job; break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

When to try harder ... and when to walk away...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

That she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

That her childhood may not have been perfect..but; it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to live alone... even if she doesn't like it.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

Whom she can trust, whom she can't, And why she shouldn't take it personally.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

Where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table, or a charming inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year...

Riddle of the Day

You are on a horse, galloping at a constant speed. On your right side is a sharp drop off, and on your left side is an elephant traveling at the same speed as you. Directly in front of you is a galloping kangaroo and your horse is unable to overtake it. Behind you is a lion running at the same speed as you and the Kangaroo. What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?

See answer below.

















Get off the merry-go-round

A Back to Basics Kind of Guy Don't You Think?

TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER:

Could these be some of the reasons why?

Sheriff Joe Arpaio (in Arizona) created the "tent city jail": He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them. He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights. Cut off all but "G" movies.He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects. Then he started chain gangs for women so he wouldn't get sued for discrimination.

He took away cable TV ! until he found out there was a federal court order that required cable TV for jails. So he hooked up the cable TV again only let in the Disney channel and the weather channel. When asked why the weather channel he replied, so they will know how hot it's gonna be while they are working on my chain gangs.

He cut off coffee since it has zero nutritional value.When the inmates complained, he told them, "This isn't the Ritz/Carlton. If you don't like it, don't come back."

He bought Newt Gingrich' lecture series on videotape that he pipes into the jails.When asked by a reporter if he had any lecture series by a Democrat, he replied that a democratic lecture series might explain why a lot of the inmates were in his jails in the first place.

More on the Arizona Sheriff: With temperatures being even hotter than usual in Phoenix (116 degrees just set a new record), the Associated Press reports: About 2,000 inmates living in a barbed-wire-surrounded tent encampment at the Maricopa County Jail have been given permission to strip down to their government-issued pink boxer shorts. On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached 138 degrees inside the week before. Many were also swathed in wet, pink towels as sweat collected on their chests and dripped down to their pink socks. "It feels like we are in a furnace," said James Zanzot, an inmate who has lived in the tents for 1 year . "It's inhumane."

Joe Arpaio who long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic. He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: "It's 120 degrees in Iraq and our soldiers are living in tents too, and they have to wear full battle gear, but they didn't commit any crimes, so shut your damned mouths!"

Way to go, Sheriff! Maybe if all prisons were like this one there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders. Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things taxpayers can't afford to have for themselves.

Sheriff Joe was just reelected Sheriff in Maricopa County, Arizona.

The Computer Swallowed Grammy

The computer swallowed Grammy
Yes, honestly it’s true.
She pressed 'control' and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely;
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin
and files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative,
not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'Inbox,'
My Grammy you should see,
Please 'Copy,’ Scan' and 'Paste' her
and send her back to me

AAAAH the good old days!!

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's !!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when werode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank koolade made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because , WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING ! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day,And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride downthe hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms....... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! If YOU are one of them . . CONGRATULATIONS!

Mind Boggles

Thought you might find these interesting.

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM
----------------------------------------
PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER
----------------------------------------
ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER
----------------------------------------
DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT
----------------------------------------
THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE
----------------------------------------
GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE
----------------------------------------
THE MORSE CODE :
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS
- ---------------------------------------
SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME
----------------------------------------
ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY
----------------------------------------
ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT
----------------------------------------
SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S
----------------------------------------
A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
IM A DOT IN PLACE
----------------------------------------
THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE
----------------------------------------
ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE
-------------------------------- - -------
AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:
MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER
----------------------------------------
Yep! Someone with waaaaaaaaaaay
too much time on their hands! (Probably a son-in-law)

Madder than a wet hen

Well, they did it! I really didn't think they would have the nerve to demote Pluto. I may never look at the planets again. I can assure you that Pluto is NOT a dwarf planet to me. I am mad, so damned mad that I could bite a penny nail in half. Just because Pluto was so slow that he had not completed his orbit since his discovery in 1930, the powers that be decided that he was not to be called a planet but a dwarf planet. Mr. Tombaugh would be very sad today. Especially since this is the only planet that was discovered by someone in our country. The finishing touch was the comment that "its not personal, its just business" well I certainly took it personal. Evidently a precious few made this monumental decision as out of the 2,500 astronomers attending the meeting, only 300 actually showed up to vote.

I would like to suggest that when these 300 astronomers slow down to the point that they can no longer perform as a "celestrial vacuum" that their title be changed to "dwarf astronomer".

I shall not address this subject again. Arent' you proud?

Miracles never Cease

In a past blog, I mentioned our cub was playing softball. Well I have an update on this situation. The team had only practiced for three days and remember most of these kids have played for two or three years while our cub had never picked up a bat. Anyway, we drove to the ballpark in a small town close and got our lawn chairs out and fortunately found a small shade under a tree next to the dugout. The team played two games and our cub played the last game. She went out into left field and the anxious parents were praying that the ball went anywhere except left field. Sure enough we were lucky in that respect. Then up to the plate walking proudly was our cub. Our mouths fell open when she positioned herself as a left handed batter. No she isn't left handed. We were already bracing for her to have a less than ideal experience with her first bat and added to that she was batting left handed. The first ball she swung and missed and here comes the second pitch. She swings the bat and hits the ball and knocks the winning run in. Needless to say we were in total shock. On the way home after congratulating her on her "good game and hit" we asked her why she batted left handed. She stated, "my favorite ball player (Mark Tiexiera, Texas Rangers, remember she was in his fan club last year and met him) bats left handed so I decided to bat left handed also. " We were speechless and must have sat there with our mouths gaping open for at least 10 minutes.

She is already excited about the two games this next week. We are keeping our mouths shut as to giving any advice about which side of the base to hit from as we feel that will work itself out.

Stay tuned to find out what happens next!

"Don't Mess with Mother Nature"

I am on my soap box again! One of my pet peeves is how the terminology keeps changing for instance, in the "olden" days when somebody stole money they were called a thief. Now for some reason its been changed to an embezzler i.e. A Planet is a planet not a pluton. Webster defines a pluton as any body of igneous rock that solidified FAR BELOW the earth's surface. The only connection is that is was named after Pluto.

Well they have gone to far now that they are messing with the planets!! It seems the leading astronomers have decided to relabel some of our planets and at the same time to redefine others as set forth in a draft resolution to be presented to the International Astronomical Union (the arbiter of what is and what isn't a planet) . The new planetary lineup would include 2003 UB313 (nicknamed Xena), farthest-known object in the solar system; Pluto's largest moon, Charon; the asteroid Ceres, which was considered a planet in the 1800s.

The panel has proposed a new category of planets called "plutons", referring to Pluto-like objects in the Kuiper Belt, a disc-shaped zone beyond Neptune containing thousands of comets and planetary objects. Pluto itself and two of the potential newcomers Charon and 2003 UB313 would be plutons.

Would this mean all of our school books used to teach astronomy would then be outdated?

I am going on record this minute and telling Pluto not to worry, he will always be a planet to me!!

Bright Eyes may have to re-learn astrology to know what to call each of these new fangled objects.

Hot, Tired, Hungry and Sore

Yep, that pretty much covers the condition of the cub when she came home from her first day of Junior High and her first day of softball practice. After she hit the showers, our ears were kept busy hearing all about the day. In spite of two large bruises on her leg (that caught the ball for her) she seemed to really enjoy playing ball.

The sibling and spouse had a wonderful fishing trip and caught their limit of strippers in a pretty short time. I think they are ready to go again but want us to go next time. We are agreeable to that if we can work it in.

When I heard this strange but familiar large noise last night, I emerged from the cave to investigate. Sure enough, it was thunder. It had been so long!! I think it was just a teaser though since we just got a little more than a sprinkle. However, we are encouraged that it has found us again.

The energizer bunny is not real happy at daycare. It seems she misses her Grammy. Since Grammy is on the list of people that can take her out of the center, Grammy is plotting. She is going to do just that on Thursday after her doctor's appt and she and the cubette will get into all kinds of mischief.

Well, I am off to town to finish shopping for school supplies and athletic items that the cub needs. Do you think I would win any prizes for making Medicare and PTA at the same time? Just my luck though with the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren these days that I would not be the first. Oh well just a thought!! Have to get my claim to fame somewhere else I guess. Be kind

First Day of Alone Time - I meant School -

Even though I love this cub dearly and she is very low maintenance, I have to admit that it is wonderful to be all alone in this house except for Casper and he doesn't talk (yet). It is so overwhelming that I can't decide what to do or not do first. Do I sound delirious? I plead guilty. She was a mighty proud little cub this morning in her South Pole jeans, new shoes, shirt and of all things wearing makeup. This is her first day of Junior High and how excited she is.

Older sibling and her spouse are out on the lake stripper fishing today. The man that videos their cattle gave them a night in a motel and a fishing trip today with a guide. They deserve it, those two are simply amazing at how they persevere.

Well, I am off to the coffee pot for more caffeine and have decided that making the bed, doing laundry and anything else can wait while I play a few games of Euchre. Be happy

Lazy Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend. Don't have lots of material accomplishments to show for it but did have lots of good family times. Older sibling and spouse came by and we all went out to eat at our favorite place (Golden Corral) Saturday night.

Then later, one cub brought his spouse and little one over to swim and we sure enjoyed getting to spend time with little Grace Kelly. She is so unique.

Believe it or not, we finally watched a movie. We saw "Flight Plan" with Jodie Foster and I would highly recommend it. I didn't even get up once and wander around doing something else. It does indeed take some strange twists. We have had the movie since last winter and just had not taken the time to watch it.

Our girl cub invited her older sibling (19 years old) over to swim, eat hamburgers and then they watched "Flight Plan" on Sunday night. We encourage her to stay in touch with her bio siblings.

Casper is gone to the beauty shop today. Hopefully, he will get a haircut, nails trimmed etc.

Our Energizer bunny is going to a regular day care now that her Mom has changed jobs and works eight hours a day, five days a week. Grammy can't keep up with the little one that long. She got really mad this past Friday. It seems a little boy bit her. When her Mom came to pick her up, she said, "Mommie, I cried today at the daycare, cause I got bit". It didn't break the skin but Mother and Child were both traumatized I think.

Our cub starts school tomorrow and has her first softball practice immediately after school. Their first game is Friday and that should be very interesting since some of these kids have never played before.

I won't be bored being left "ALL ALONE" (yippee) since I have cds to catch up on and many games of Euchre to win. Nap time - see you -

Where's the Summer Gone?

I find myself asking that question often but still have not gotten an acceptable answer.

The Cub and I had a wonderful day yesterday. First the doctors for the athletic physical and acne medication check and then on to buy school clothes and supplies. We really had fun and got everything she needed. Even some stuff she didn't (makeup). I had promised that when she got in Junior High that she could start wearing powder (lightly) and also a light shade of lipstick so on to Merle Norman we went where she picked out what was appropriate for her age. How excited she was and never a problem with the "older" shades of makeup. Staples provided us with all the needed school supplies. Might have saved a penny or two at Wally World but couldn't face the pushing and shoving going on there this time of year. We hit a really big sale at Stage and ended up with over $300 in clothes and shoes for $200. We get a very small adoption stipend each month and while it is not very much, by watching carefully it covers her expenses ie school clothes, school lunches, school project costs etc. I opened an account in her name and the stipend goes into it and that makes it easy to keep track of the amount spent.

After we finished, I suggested we go out for lunch. She said, "Mom, know you are tired, lets go home and I will fix you lunch". That is what we did. On the way home we were talking about when she got grown and got her own house etc. She was quiet for a minute and then said, "Mom, I am going to be a foster parent like you and Dad and then adopt because there are so many kids without homes". Needless to say, tears were close!

Well enough of that, I am getting ready for my nap - see you -

The White Flag is Waving

Marbella's alter ego has taken over today. She has stated that she doesn't give a hoot about being politically correct, slim and trim as a teenager, having the reputation of being a good housekeeper or the best cook around. Instead she is going to indulge herself this week with chocolates, sodas, playing on Pogo and whatever else suits her fancy. Sometimes when something comes out of the closet it is hard to get it back in.

She can be quite ugly at times. For instance she boasted to M. that she remembered her 10th birthday. She was at her uncle's house and she and her family had picked cotton all day. Her uncle decided he wanted her to have a birthday cake so he went to town and bought her a white cake with coconut frosting and a yellow t-shirt with superman on the front.

Next she bragged about how many lbs of cotton she picked a day. Then she asked M. what she did with her first paycheck from the cotton and when M. told her she bought a black taffeta skirt, a green gathered skirt for school and a red pair of Indian moccasins for her little 3 year old sister she thought M. was lying. Nobody would spend their hard earned money that way.

Alter Egos can be a real pain in the neck. This one caused Marbella a lot of trouble when Marbella had her first out of body experience. This happened when Marbella first become ill and was in tremendous pain. Marbella was experiencing some relief with the out of body method but all of a sudden the alter ego decides to stay out of the body permanently and boy you talk about the fight that ensued.

Anyway, thus the reason for the title, Marbella is waving the white flag for the day and giving the alter ego free rein. This could be quite an ordeal. Only time will tell.

Laziness Could Become a Habit

Over the past several days, we have been exploring different character traits (or lack thereof). Now I haven't seen one on laziness so maybe some wise cub will address this. All my life I have been warned about "idle hands". Well I am confessing that they must not be all bad because for the past two days I have done nothing but eat, sleep, play on computer and of course see to nature's business. I am here to tell you that it ain't half bad! Matter of fact, it has felt down right delicious. I could get use to this real fast. It took three naps yesterday to get me through the day, hee hee.

The Alien hasn't been so blessed. He spent a few hours yesterday helping a friend with plumbing problems. He is gone now to give water to the turtles his boss collects. The boss is out playing somewhere. I encourage him by reminding him of the "idle hands" theory. The looks I receive as I spout all this good advice (while sitting in my chair eating chocolates one cub brought) are good warning signals, they are like a blinking red light. I better stop!!!!

Next week is pretty well planned. I am taking Monday off since it is a holiday in Canada and just in case I have some Canadian heritage somewhere along the line, I sure want to be respectful. Especially since it is a "Civic Holiday". Tuesday, the cub enrolls in school much to her chagrin. She tries to get me to home school but she really does not know how fortunate she is that I will not do that!! Wednesday, the cub goes to the doctor for a checkup. Then Thursday, we go shopping for school clothes. I probably have all this backwards. I should take her shopping first and then if I don't wring her neck we will do the rest of the stuff. She is happiest when looking like a rag muffin with hair pulled severely back and tied up. No way, I waited too long for a girl to dress. Like it or not, she will be dressed as fashionable as her peers!!!!! Not sure just when school starts but must confess that I am "almost" ready. Although to the cub's credit, she is probably one of the lowest maintenance critters you could have.

The Alien and I entertained ourselves several hours last night looking up cruises. Knowing full well that we will probably never take one, it was still fun. The cost is probably not as prohibitive a factor as leaving our little fur ball.

My Rangers are getting ready to play ball and they would be deeply hurt if I am not in my favorite chair watching and cheering them on and yelling at the umpires.

Meet you here on another day - thanks for the visit -

EXCUSES - EXCUSES - EXCUSES - EXCUSES

MY PHILOSOPHY OF HOUSECLEANING!

I don't do windows because ... I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because ... I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible( plus they may sue me.)

I don't mind the dust bunnies because ... They are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because ... I want every creature to have a home of their own.

I don't Spring Clean because . I love all the seasons and don't want the others to get jealous.

I don't pull weeds in the garden because .. I don't want to get in God's way, HE is an excellent designer!

I don't put things away because ... My husband will never be able to find them again.

I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because . I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because ... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press".

I don't stress much on anything because ..... "A Type" personalities die young and I want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!!

Today is the day for a good laugh! I thought this might be a good "provoker" - Have a fun day

Knowledge vs Wisdom

Do you ponder the difference between knowledge and wisdom? I have for many years. I remember hearing my Dad say, "He is an educated fool" and thinking how can that be. In my young years, I thought if you were educated that meant you are wise. As in lots of areas of my life, I have found that to be inaccurate. While some who seek knowledge will awaken wisdom in their search others will become the "educated fool".

Karen Follett states that we read to gain knowledge but we have to seek wisdom.

However, I find Ardriana Cahill's rendition somewhat more suited to my taste. So with that in mind I will use some of her writings mixed with my own conclusions.

Knowledge is but the messenger that calls us to wisdom, but it is not wisdom. Knowledge puts us in the way of wisdom, but wisdom is experiential; it is a truth one recognizes in the external world that already exists in the internal one. One doesn't "learn" wisdom, one must awaken it. Knowledge gives us the tools but we must never mistake the tools for the treasure. Unfortunately there are no fast-food outlets for wisdom.

Knowledge is intellectual - wisdom is divine. The more you seek knowledge (all knowledge) the more wisdom you will experience (hopefully).

Supposedly knowledge and wisdom use two completely different organs to communicate with us. One is known the other felt. The divine speaks to us through spirit not the mind. Knowledge is only the doorway to wisdom.

Wisdom reveals itself to you - it does not explain itself- it reveals itself fully blown like manna from heaven. It awakens us with an all encompassing flood of warm illumination. This is why the sages call it enlightenment. Wisdom does not need digesting, deliberating, debating or dissecting by doubt or reason. It breathes within you as calm surety and perfect peace.

In summation, there is wisdom in Nature and knowledge in Scholarship. Nature teaches us what works and doesn't work. Knowledge teaches us how to use our senses, how to observe nature, how to evaluate, it, how to record life lessons and how others before us did the same. We first develop wisdom in life by experience, (usually painful experience) and then as we grow, we recognize wisdom in life by example. Through knowledge and wisdom, we eliminate fear. We begin to understand who we are and why we are here. We recognize with generosity, others stumbling while seeking their way and develop a keen awareness and love for the mirace that is all Life - and that includes oneself. Now for the hard part, hopefully we will have enough generosity to be loving and forgiving when others hurt us. Maybe instead of consuming energy being upset and hurt that we use that energy to seek more compassion and understanding. Easier said than done, right?

Home in the Clouds

No I don't mean heaven and will go even further - some days it might have been the home from the other direction. I will share just a few incidents that were new experiences for me and my cubs.

The first occurred the first ten days of residence there. One night our dog started barking and I went to the window and saw two guys walking from the ranger station down the drive to our home. Since there were forest fires going and I knew none of the patron's crew, I just figured they were reporting in to see if they were needed. About this time our dog stopped barking (guess you would to if you had just been hit in the head with a pistol) Another reason for me to think they were workers. It was about 10 pm so the cubs were in bed. I opened the door and since there was no storm or screen door they were right there in my face. Imagine my surprise when one said as he aimed the gun at me, "Just step back lady". I did but slammed the door in the process (right in their face). I swear to this day that my angel locked the door, anyway, I stood watching the knob turn but to no avail. I had gotten a pistol out of the hall closet and had it aimed straight at the door and surprisingly to me I was totally ready to use it if they had gotten the door open.

The next episode involved the cubs and a wounded bear. Now these cubs were "forest smart" and that is probably what saved them. We had been told to watch out for a wounded bear but never thought they meant in our back yard. Anyway, I am standing at the kitchen window looking out to check on the cubs and see them backing down the mountain and sure enough a few feet behind them is a bear. If they had started to run the bear would have caught them. Anyway, I yelled for their Dad to get his rifle and when he got outside with the gun, he stood on the picnic table and shot the bear. When the bear fell it landed on the retaining wall just a few feet from our back door.

One day the cubs were playing on the mountain behind the house and one of them came in with a hurt foot. If they had told me that they jumped off the roof of a summer home I would have known that there was the possibility of a broken foot!!! Anyway, several hours went by before we took the cub to the ER and sure enough his heel was broken.

Another occurrence happened during dinner one night when we had guests. All of a sudden our front door opened and in ran this hysterical lady carrying an unconscious baby that was already turning blue. She could not speak English. The Patron and his assistant immediately started CPR while I called the fire department to bring oxygen. We had to physically hold the lady while they revived the baby. Don't remember if we ever finished eating but the baby was okay.

About 2 am one morning our door bell rang and when I opened the door I encountered a very irate man with his wife and kids in the car behind him and they were all very angry and "vocal". He proceeded to tell me that he would never be back to camp again. It seems the bears had come into their tent while they were sleeping to get their food. Now there are very large signs up everywhere warning campers not to put food in their tents. Duh

Another day, this man came to the door covered in grease (he had been working on his car). He demanded the use of the bathroom to wash up. I showed him the ranger station and said they have a public restroom. He angrily stated, "This is a government house and I pay taxes" NOT a smart move on his part. I replied, "Yes and I pay rent, if you want your filthy hands washed go over to the station" and firmly shut the door.

During the winter months our back yard was covered so deep with snow that we could barely get out the back door. One of the cubs and I discovered a valuable use for that snow. It covered up items kicked out of the house like dryers that you have to kick to start. It didn't show the white mice either.

Well, I have borrowed your eyes long enough. Have a great day (if you want to).

Cubettes and more Cubettes

We have changed the whole atmosphere here with the changing of the cubettes. I will bet you the Queen of England doesn't have such diversity with the changing of the guards. While two left Wednesday night, another one came with his friend and stayed a couple of days and was then transplanted with a cubette from the south. This is so interesting!! Even though we see some common threads, for the most part, these cubettes are so totally different. This makes for such an interesting visit with us getting a small sample of what makes them tick.

We had a family get together Saturday night for all to meet Ractoon and Kashia (oh by the way, as the Alien said, "She's a keeper".) We served brisket (missed you Mew) and boy it was good. Oh yes, we introduced Kashia to biscuits. You can imagine our surprise when we discovered she had never eaten them. We wonder what she will talk about the most from her visit, the shooting, fishing, mouses, different food or just how wild this house can get when it gets full of family.

Now onto the cubette here now, we are enjoying getting to know him better. Talk about a first, he gave me a unique experience last night. I was sitting watching my Ranger's play ball and got this text message on my cell. Remember I'm old school and never send or receive text messages. Anyway, this one said, "Toilet tissue please". After realizing the cubette wasn't in the room, I got the real MESSAGE. Needless to say the item in need was set outside the door. A short time later, my next text message, "Thank you". My how times have changed. Although there is one thing that never changes and that is the cubettes all teach us things in one way or another.

Well, I need more coffee to get me started for the day so will sign off now.

8 Dumb Criminals

TOP EIGHT MORONS OF THE YEAR:
1. WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP? AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. - Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.
2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS: Police in Oakland, California spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting "Please come out and give yourself up."
3. WHAT WAS PLAN B??? An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.
4. THE GETAWAY! A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop, and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.
5. DID I SAY THAT??? Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words, "Give me all your money or I'll shoot, the man shouted, "That's not what I said!"
6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING?? A man spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!", the man shouted, "This is her husband!".
7. NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED!! In Modesto, California, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun, but unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. (hellllllooooooo!)
8. THE GRAND FINALE Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, California, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 ft going. It was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power was applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, thinking someone there could tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the outdrive went up and down, the prop was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath, he came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard. NOW REMEMBER...THIS IS TRUE... Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer. Does anyone else find it frightening that the majority of these took place in California??????

Neuroses or Character Disorder

I have been reading with interest the difference in neurosis and character disorders. Supposedly most people who visit psychiatrists are suffering from either a neurosis or a character disorder. These two conditions, put simply, are disorders of responsibility. They are opposite styles of relating to the world and its problems. The neurotic assumes too much responsibility; the person with a character disorder not enough. When neurotics are in conflict with the world they automatically assume that they are at fault. (I fit in this category). Those with character disorders automatically assume that the world is at fault. Could this be why some people are alcoholics? They seem to always find someone or something to blame to excuse their drinking. While I realize that alcoholism is a disease, it can be controlled just like diabetes and other physical ailments but one has to be willing to follow a certain regiment.

I have reached a conclusion that before I can take this responsibility or my actions that I must first deal with problem solving. Problem solving must continually be employed if our lives are to be healthy and our spirits are to grow; however, it has to have dedication to the TRUTH. Superficially, this should be obvious. For truth is reality!
My view of reality is like a map with which to negotiate the terrain of life. If the map is true and accurate, I will generally know where I am, and if I have decided where I want to go, I will generally get there. If the map is false and inaccurate, I most generally will be lost.

How can I have a life dedicated to the truth if I do not have a life of never-ending self-examination. I am often tempted to stringently examine the world but not be so diligent in self examination. I believe true self examination takes courage. I am not advocating for a solemn self punishing soul searching but rather a diligent desire for finding the best in ourselves and building on it while being honest enough to get rid of the less desirable traits.

It took me a long time and much therapy to realize that my life has been a series of choices. I can find all kinds of reasons why "they weren't really my choice" however, I made them so I take ownership.
However, I must not accept the responsibility for someone else's shortcomings. One Cub told me one time that I felt I should be "the fixer" of everyone's problems and he just didn't realize how right he is.

So to sum up these ramblings, I am saying that I am working hard to take responsibility for my actions and not accept the blame for the actions of others. Easier said than done I assure you.

Day of Reckoning

Well its here, at times, I hate it because it has come so fast. At hours late in the day, it is welcomed. But whatever time it is, these little gamins will be sorely missed. We have totally enjoyed their visit and cherish the chance to get to know them better. While with a Grammy's perspective, I sometimes get angry at the unfair hand dealt them. However, this very hand may prepare them for a full successful life. When the oldest cubette tells us he wants to live here, we have to explain that it is different when you live here. There are chores, bedtimes, homework and all those other things that are considered inconveniences.

Out of the mouth of babes, the young cubette exclaimed when he saw "Papa George", "You never change, you look the same as when I first saw you how come you don't get older like Grandma?" We got a hearty chuckle out of this.

These past ten days that were full of swimming, birthday cakes, slushies, games and just plain old enjoying being together will come to an end when Gerbeans arrives to take them home.

We will quickly regroup and be happy though since more cubettes are on the way.

Family Fun

We wish you could have been here yesterday to share in the wonderful time we had. We had cubs, cubettes and cubettes Inc. here for an evening of food, swimming and just plain old enjoying being with family.

Our cub brought the two cubettes home that he had entertained for a couple of days. I have to confess that I took great joy in seeing the extreme fatigue he showed from this experience. He seemed overjoyed at the prospect of getting back home to the serene setting out in the country that had been compromised the last two days.

We both agreed that it didn't matter how much you love these cubettes that we might not be as energetic and patient as we once were; however, neither of us would take for the visit.

Yesterday, it was so fun to watch all these family members enjoy splashing and playing in the pool. Even the smallest of the small, Riley and Gracie, were participating. Gracie was dog paddling and towing Riley. Riley was in her floatie. What a sight to see. It had even cooled off enough for those of us not in the pool to enjoy sitting on the deck watching the swimmers.

We then adjourned to the house to partake of the scrumptious burgers and hot dogs the Alien had grilled for us. Then on to the birthday cakes. While we realize that Deven's day is next week but Zach's is not until October that didn't stop us. We wanted to share in his day by having his cake early. As each boy blew out his candles on his cake, the rest heartily joined in to sing happy birthday. After all this cake and ice cream we were indeed ready to plop in our chairs.

We had a very large tomato in the kitchen window that I was saving for the burgers. Well, Friday night, the Alien saw it and thought, "boy that would taste good on my sandwich" so he sliced it. A while later I came by and saw a few slices left and sure didn't want them to go to waste so I ate them. It wasn't until noon Sunday that I realized that we had eaten the "designee" for the burgers. Oh well, guys it was very tasty and juicy.

The saga of the squeaky mouse continues but I will leave that story for another blogger!!

Selfishness

Maybe everyone doesn't struggle with the problem of selfishness, if not, then you are the lucky ones. I confess to fighting that problem on a daily basis.

Lately, I have done some research on the effects of selfishness on marriage, relationships, work place inneractions, etc and there seems to be one common thread. Selfishness seems to be the root of all other transgressions. It is the greatest single enemy of a happy marriage. I realize that when I am at the center of my world, I am out of place and my world is out of balance.

Have you ever heard anyone say, "I am blatantly a selfish person". We try to cover it up like we would a worn spot on the carpet. At least we think we keep it "covered".

When I am struggling it helps me to remember Jesus and his totally unselfish act of washing Peter's feet. This also helps me give up resentment of doing things that I think are beneath my dignity. That gives me strength to take out garbage or whatever menial task that might need to be done.

We need to be aware that selfishness is never satisfied until it completely comsumes. The more it gets, the more it wants.

I must remember that when I do everything my way, I have no opportunity to learn from others. "My way" is undisciplined. Undisciplined people follow the path of least resistance.

Selfishness can cause the brick house to crack and it is useless to reset the bricks until the foundation is repaired by removing the cause.

I will end with a quote from Francis of Assisi:

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Panacea of my Soul

I read with interest the powers of the wind. While I also share in the healing effects of the wind, the roar of the ocean is the most powerful in restoring my inner balance. During some of the most soul/heart wrenching times of my life my panacea was getting to the ocean on weekends for nourishment for my soul.

While contemplating on the wind and ocean, it brought to mind the pursuit of happiness and why some people seem to find it while others search to and fro and never find happiness. Often times we allow ourselves to be diverted, or led astray from the true path to the fulfillment of our dreams. The vast media influence is a powerful obstacle to overcome when 24/7 people are bombarded with "things". Young people are growing up thinking they have to have designer jeans, etc to be happy and we buy into that by getting them for our children. That is just one example from an abundance of many others.

Now back to the roar of the ocean, it is totally therapeutic for me and a tremendous power to help my mind accomplish what would otherwise be more difficult. In times gone by, I was studying for certification boards in two totally different areas and my Alien was very wise. He would take me to the ocean and back the motor home up to the dunes. I would open the back window and study to the sound of the ocean. The ocean should get the accolades for my accomplishment in passing these boards.

I often wonder if people are searching for happiness "out of their element" and that is the reason it always eludes them. I heard the analogy once of how if you take a fish and put it on the sand it will die. The fish's element is definitely the water. Since I believe our element is in God's creations we also must stay in his element. Thus, the nourishment to the soul by the wind and water.

In my heart of hearts, I truly feel that each individual is responsible for their own happiness. Think about it, most everything we do is tied to the pursuit of happiness but when the choices we make are not the right ones, we sabotage that effort and must take the responsibility for it.

You will notice that I jump from happiness to the soul but honestly think they are so innertwined that they are together in one form or another. Thanks for letting me share my panacea for my soul.

Mountain Cabin-third verse

This should be the last rendition of life at the cabin, that is, unless Marbella decides to add a chorus. You can never tell about these marble ladies, they are prone to misplacing their marbles.

To set the background for this scenario I need to first explain Marbella's significant other's position at this district. He was the fire safety officer. Okay, now on with the story (a misnomer since the facts here are true). Remember the big black iron box(cook stove) that heated the water for the water heater? Well, I didn't know that this obscure tank that served as a water heater tank did not have a safety pop off valve. To go a step further, I didn't even know what a pop off valve was! One day I was busy baking so kept the iron box going most of the day and as I listened to the gurgling of the water in the tank, I was pretty proud of myself thinking, "boy will we have lots of hot water tonight". About this time I was paid a visit by the district patron's wife and when she heard the gurgling in the tank, she ran over and turned the hot water faucet on, grabbed me by the hand and took off out of the cabin in a run. I was pretty disgusted with her about this time thinking that she was wasting all of my good hot water. When she caught her breath even though she was white as a sheet and trembling she still managed to explain that the water heater tank was about to explode. My only response was "Oh".

The next near disaster happened when I had the best fire going in the small wood heater in the living room. It was several degrees below Zero so I figured that the more wood I put in the better it would be. This time, I was rescued by the fire safety officer who"not to kindly" explained to me that it was pretty stupid to have the fire so hot that the sides of the heater were beet red. Did you know that a red hot stove would set the wall on fire? Oh well, at least we "lived" while I learned. Yes, I was reprimanded for these near disasters, my goodness what a blemish on the safety officer's record, hee hee.

Now another lesson learned when I painted the bathroom. Did you know that if you use paint that has been frozen that it will just run off the walls and pool in the floor? Oh well, it wasn't such a pretty color anyway.

Well this may or maynot be the last news from the mountain cabin. Thanks for your visit.

Red Neck Vacation

Since this is the time of year for vacations, I thought I would share a particular red neck's version of his vacation.

Billy Bob and Luther were talking one afternoon when Billy Bob tells Luther, "Ya know, I reckon I'm bout ready for a vacation. Only this year I'm gonna do it a little different. The last few years I took your advice about where to go."

Three years ago you said to go to Hawaii. I went to Hawaii and Earlene got pregnant.

Then two years ago, you told me to go to the Bahamas and Earlene got pregnant again.

Last year you suggested Tahiti and darned if Earlene didn't get pregnant again.

Luther asks Billy Bob, "So, what you gonna do this year that's different?"

Billy Bob says, "This year I'm taking Earlene with me".

Enjoying the northern cubettes very much. Having to do some shuffling but hope to get all the cubettes here at one time or another this summer.

Cave News

This will be short (did you say thank goodness?).

Well, I finally listened to the cubs and decided to try fish oil. First obstacle to overcome was the Alien stating that he would be sleeping with Charlene Tuna. One witty cub reminded him that with his space helmet and arm brace on he probably wouldn't even notice. "Touche" However, my first concern was the wild, prophesy type dreams that I have would be intensified. Well I will let you help me judge that! Last night my dream consisted of me being an uncover agent for the drug administration and I was right in the middle of an operation gone bad. Now this is a first!!

The cubettes from the north arrived early this morning. It is so good to see them. I just pray for the energy to totally enjoy them!!!! They are precious cubs, so intelligent and full of energy. One is in the pool already, however, since they drove all night it is like the middle of the day to them.

I tell you we "ain't" seen nothing yet. This little energizer bunny may be the grandmother of all spiders. Yesterday, she just blew me out of the water. (Remember she just turned two) She was standing on the hearth looking at my Noah's Ark collection. I let her touch with one finger but since it is so fragile, she can't play with them. All at once, she picked up the giraffe and said, "Grammy, giraffe". I told her she could look but not play and reminded her of the rules. I was in the process of lifting her down and under her breath she muttered, "shut up" and when she saw I heard her she added "Casper" real fast. Now Casper was nowhere around so who would you think she was talking to?

I am leaving you now to go bake goodies for the cubettes.

Rumblings of the Cave

Ramblings might have been a more appropriate word. My thought process is getting just like my balance, I start one way and go another. However, some of the most interesting things encountered are by accident.

All these thoughts about movies lately brought up some "old" memories of how Marbella responded to movies in her younger years. For instance, after she saw "The Greatest Show on Earth" she was so taken by the ladies riding the horses standing up that one day she decided to try it. Sure enough about the time she stood up on the horse her father appeared and was shaken by the sight. He promised to get rid of the horse if this trick was tried again. You guessed it, Marbella thought she could accomplish another ride without anyone knowing. Again, the patriarch arrived home unexpectedly and sure enough, the horse disappeared shortly after.

The next movie that promoted a re-enactment was "Jessie James" .
Marbella and her best buddy were riding on her friend's horse and they decided to rob the grocery store so they could give to the poor. Now back in those days there were only two grocery stores in our town and the backs of the stores were full of sacks of feed etc so the big doors were left open. Since Marbella's uncle owned one store, they chose the other one. Even though that merchant was known to be pretty hostile, they chose him. Of course, there were no intentions of truly committing a robbery but just having fun. When the two young robbers rode into the back of the store, the mechant just happened to be standing there. When the two stated, "We are here to rob you" he started screaming and waving his hands at us and said, "I'll make you think rob you" and at his tirade our horse took off at a dead run. To help you better get a picture of how my Mom found out about this "immediately" I have to explain something. My buddy had her hair up in pincurls using the old fashion bobby pins and in those days they did not have rubber tips. Anyway, the horse was so scared that he was running down ditches and up the other side and each time my face would smash into the bobby pins and when we got home my face was totally full of tiny pricks.

So now Marbella, usually very strict about correct use of grammar, will probably forever refer to tomatoes as "maters".

Just goes to show one never knows the impact movies have on both the young and the "mature".