Monday, July 31, 2006

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.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

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.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

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.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

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!!


Saturday, July 22, 2006

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.

Friday, July 21, 2006

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.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

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.



Tuesday, July 18, 2006

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.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

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".

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Ayla's Cave

There will be nothing intellectually stimulating or even informative today except for catching up on clan activities here at the cave.

The Alien and I are getting geared up for the upcoming visit of some cubettes that we haven't seen in a while. We are ready except for a trip to the grocery store to stock up (have a three page list). Since the grandparents will be in charge with no parental interference, you can bet that there will be lots of goodies!!

Marbella got some good news (and some not so good) at the "eye" doctor yesterday. 20/20 vision in one eye but still complications in the other. Oh well, just a minor setback in the grand scheme of things. Nothing that another zap with a laser and more drops can't cure.

The tomatoes are continuing to produce and boy are they good. From this day forward I will never think of the word "tomato" without thinking about "Mater" in the movie "Cars" that one of our cubs recommended. This was such a wonderful movie, extremely entertaining without any profanity, sexual context, etc. Isn't that amazing? The movie industry should take note.

Hmm just sitting here and "bed bugs" just popped into my head. If one of the cubs don't beat me to it, guess I will have to do some research to learn more about them. Stay tuned.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Everything you NEVER wanted to know about dust mites

This boring blog can be contributed totally to a cub. We were discussing dust mites the other day and had some conflicting information so I set out to become wise about the dust mite. I will confess right now that I may have been confused before but I am now TOTALLY confused. The one thing that seems to be true among all researchers is that they are a nusiance!!

You are about to be innudated with some boring research info so you better hit the remote now or settle in for a few minutes.

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in your home. They measure about 1/100th of an inch in length, which is smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. They are microscopic, eight-legged creatures but they are not parasitic and do not bite. They don't burrow under the skin, like scabies mites, or live in skin follicles like skin follicle mites. Just to further inform you, the females lay cream-colored eggs coated with a sticky substance, "the better to stick to you my dear". These mites have two distinct immature stages. Under optimal conditions, the entire life cycle from egg to adult takes three-four weeks.

Dust mites are not insects but are more closely related to spiders and ticks. There are two common dust mites, the American house dust mite and the European dust mite.

Dust mites do not live in air ducts (saved me a couple hundred dollars right there) in homes. It is not necessary to clean air ducts to get rid of the pesky mites because they need about 70% humidity or higher to live and they need food. They also need warm temperatures of 75-80 degrees F. Now since our house is cold enough to hang a side of beef you would think we would eliminate these peaky critters but NO, they seem to thrive.

If you just can't live without seeing a picture of this mighty irritant, I am sure you could go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

AND that is all I have to say about this subject!!!

Monday, July 10, 2006

Adobe Hacienda

You will find nothing inspirational here just some reminiscing of happy days gone by. I think God gave me the mediocre brain to keep my cubs better grounded since they all have "super" intelligence.

Many moons ago, we transferred to this place called Coyote. I should have been prepared to expect anything with that name. We anxiously awaited the arrival of the moving van with all our furniture, and waited and waited and waited. This was in the winter and sleeping on pallets on the floor are not the most desired arrangements. Come to find out, the driver had quit, put our furniture in a warehouse in Idaho and nobody knew where it was. Several days, 11 to be exact, went by and finally we saw the van. All we could think about was, "Oh boy, tonight we will have our beds". Wrong!! The van blew a tire about three blocks from our house. He had to call out a repair truck and it was the next day before he got to unload.

This was a unique little community. We had no telephones,televisions, daily newspapers and only got mail three days a week and that was if the postmaster wasn't mad at the agency.

We were amazed at the things you can to in an adobe house. A lot of the native women there would occasionally decide to relocate the fireplace so they would just dig it out, fill the hole and put it somewhere else.

This house had a fireplace in the living room, bathroom and both bedrooms. Doesn't it sound awesome, build a fire in the bathroom, turn out the lights and soak in a hot tub. It was!! Until the fire died down and the cold air started whistling down the chimney. It got below zero most of the winter there.

We had a porch with log rails around it. The patron of the district did not have children and so when he gave one of our cubs a real tool set (although a small size), he was totally shocked that the first log sawed was one on the porch railing. But when he chased the frog down and gave it to cub #2 and after a big thank you, this cub laid it down and smashed it with a rock, this guy turned green and it didn't help matters when I couldn't stop laughing. Felt sorry for the frog but felt it got a more humane departure than the one left in the jean's pocket that went through the washer.

Enough rambling for one day.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Hidden Disabilities

For several years, I have had several "hidden disabilities" that severely limit my activities. There are more occasions than I care to remember when people have been quite rude to me because they cannot see anything apparently wrong. For this reason, I am writing a brief message containing some information that may be useful if you are ever in this position or have a cub in this position.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of persons with handicaps in program and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Section 504 protects the rights not only of individuals with visible disabilities but also those with disabilities thast may not be apparent.

Hidden disabilities are defined as physical or mental impairments that are not readily apparent to others.

Unfortunately, we, the public, will see someone in a wheel chair and immediately feel compassion while viewing someone with a neurological disability with frustration since we cannot visually see their condition but rather the results of that condition in how they act.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

OOPS

God is sitting in Heaven when a scientist says to Him, "Lord, we don't need you anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing. In other words, we can now do what you did in the beginning". "Oh, is that so? Tell me..." replies God. "Well, " says the scientist, "We can take dirt and form it into the likeness of You and breathe life into it, thus creating man." " Well, that's interesting, show Me." So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil. "Oh no,no, no..." interrupts God, "Get your own dirt."

Friday, July 07, 2006

"Was I Ever Really Here?"

As I gazed and gazed at the mighty sea
I was searching frantically for me
had the water washing upon the land
erased my foot prints from the sand?

Frenziedly looking through Memorial Park
must hurry quickly before the dark
alas, there I see the scrolls of time
reading, reading, but where's my name?

Desperately studying all the history
in hopes of finally solving this mystery
where oh where will I ever find the place
to see a record of my face?

In a dream, God told me where to look
opening, opening the pages of his book
one by one I see the faces of my boys
proving my being with such joy!!

Written by: Marbella

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Life Span

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I would write the story of the marble lady at a later date. In preparation for this writing, I did some research to make sure I was using reputable facts and that research produced some information I would like to share with you.

The Japanese still live longer than anyone else. They contribute their long lives to moderation in eating and drinking. Other advice was early to bed, early to rise, religious faith and hard work.

Some people feel that the aging process dampens creativity and entrepreneurial activities. Others feel that the aging are at least as creative when old and when young - partly due to the freeing up of inhibitions.

We need to put our life in focus since, if most of us had been born in Zambia, we'd already be dead. And look at the males in Russia, they represent the only industrialized country that has actually had their life span drop.

We may avoid a major war in the next century. But the inevitable aging of people globally will cause problems beyond anyone's comprehension. On a lighter note, when your children were under foot, weren't there days when you said, "One day you will pay for your raising."

This brings me to the focus of my research and that is how to make sure that I appreciate my life to the fullest. Everyone has different techniques and mine will be the marbles.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark

ONE: Don't miss the boat. TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat. THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. SIX: Build your future on high ground. SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs. EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. NINE: When you're stressed, float a while. TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting......

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

July 4, 1956

Yes, you read it right. I vividly remember where I was 50 years ago today and exactly what I was wearing. If you are interested (or not) I wore a pink blouse and black and pink pedal pushers. Thats what they were called back then instead of capris. Maybe they named them that because most of us rode bikes without chain guards so had to wear shorter pants to keep them out of the chain. But then maybe not.

Anyway, back to the story, I started this journey at McAlester on a greyhound bus and headed out for a 2200 mile trip. Now this doesn't sound so unusual but maybe a few tidbits of info thrown in will make it seem more challenging. First, I was a whopping 16 years and 10 months old and leaving home and making my first bus ride. You see, the Forester had gone on ahead and found the "mountain cabin" at the edge of the earth. Well, if not the edge of the earth, at least the edge of the United States.

Those were definitely the "olden days". The bus had no air conditioning, bathroom or smoking section. Since I was travelling on a holiday weekend, the bus was totally packed.

My first seat (and only one available) was on the very back bench seat right between a rather heavy set lady (who had not indulged in the practice of using deodorant) and a cigar smoking big mouth. Needless to say, it didn't take long for me to become very "bus sick". In those days, I only weighed 110 lbs so didn't have much excess to shed.

One good thing, pink and green go well together or so I thought. It must not have as the bus driver took one look at me and had a gentleman move to my seat and then he put me on the front seat.

The positive side of this is that I sure saved money on food on that four days and nights trip. I should have been prepared that when I got to Lewiston my luggage would have gone the other direction. It took several days for it to catch up to me.

Okay, now you have the story behind the entrance I made into the cabin with the huge iron box for a stove.

The part that amazes the most in looking back is that I was totally undaunted by all these new experiences. Maybe it was youth or stupidity or a little of both.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Mountain Cabin - Third Verse

Did you know that there is a difference between hunger and HUNGER? HUNGER is when there is absolutely nothing to eat and hunger is when you want something to eat but can't decide what.

Woke up this morning and became real nervous when we found out once again the government was late with the paychecks. You see we came here with just barely enough money to get us through the first two weeks until payday. Sure enough, the pay period hit wrong so we were going to have to stretch it for a month. Okay being young and naive we said, "No sweat". Well, back in the olden days, the government could pretty much pay when the mood struck and you guessed it, the check was late.

My survey of the pantry revealed one cake mix. No problem, we can eat cake for this day and the checks will come today. Did you know cake without frosting is really quite good.

Next day, you are ahead of me, no checks again. This time no cake mix so we take our bean flips, they were called something different back then, and went into the woods hunting for grouse. For you city folks, grouse are similar to pheasant. God was good to us and we got a big fat grouse. Boy did it taste good.

Remind me to tell you, at a later date, about Wee Willy and our food saga.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Roses and Hanging Baskets

A teenage granddaughter comes downstairs for her date with this see-through blouse on and no bra. Her grandmother pitched a fit, telling her not to dare go out like that! The teenager tells her "Loosen up Grams, these are modern times, you gotta let your rose buds show!" and out she goes.

The next day the teenager comes down stairs and the grandmother is sitting there with no top on. The teenager wants to die. She explains to her grandmother that she has friends coming over and that it is just not appropriate...

The grandmother says, "loosen up Sweetie, if you can show off your rose buds then I can display my hanging baskets".

Just goes to show most of the time these Grammies get the last word.

Fun time

What a wonderful afternoon and evening we were blessed with yesterday. It is always so wonderful when cubs and cubettes come over to swim and cook burgers on the grill. My cub earned his food though when he had to transfer my blog to this site. What I know about computers would fit in a small thimble.

My Alien and I worked in the yard yesterday. We cleaned out flowerbeds, planted flowers, prepared part of the yard for new sod that we will be putting down this week plus many other little chores.

Our Cub got home safely from a week at Church camp. She had a wonderful time and chatted non-stop for the first 30 minutes in the van. We heard about water balloons, cabin pranks, and you name it.

Our tomatoes are beginning to pay for their raising! We are having lots of juicy tomatoes these days. Unlike the "store bought" ones, you could actually eat one of these with a blindfold on and still know it was a tomato. The wonders of nature.