Happy Fourth!!!

Hats Off to Old Glory! I am not intending to do anything in particular to celebrate the day. There are lots of things going on in each small town. Tonight we will watch the fireworks from our house. Each year they seem to get bigger and better. Lots of work goes into it, to say nothing about money. The town loves their good fireworks. I am hoping to be back up to par by next week, and back into the daily grind. We'll see how it goes!

Oh, yes, I can relax today and watch tennis from Wimbledon. They have had so much rain that the play is hard on the participants. Nadal has been playing a match for 90 some hours. As he is an impetuous Spaniard it is taking its toll on him. Another two players hit three balls and had to retire from the court. Another two finished off a match in lightening because it was so close to finished. Not a good idea. I have never seen such a collection of umbrellas... "guardachuvas" in Portuguese. Literally "guard against rain" which seems more apt than "umbrellas" which would be to shade someone from the sun, as parasols are for the sun, too. Oh, well.

Have a Happy Fourth and remember the troops! Take care.

Another mystery

Ok doakee. I wrote a whole blog and somehow it disappeared before I could publish it. So here goes once again. This is a picture of George's ingenious solution to sprinkling the garden. He gave it a good soaking last evening. Of course, we had a nice soaking rain this early morning! Some sort of law? whatever.

I am missing my cohorts at the gym and hope to get back soon. Today I go to the doctor to find out the news about the state of my carcass. On Thursday I have book club in the morning and a visit from Cherie, Sarah and Ben in the afternoon. Cherie is the widow of George's nephew Peter, and Sarah and Ben are his great nephews. Those of you who have been reading this blog for a long time might recall the quilts I made of Peter's shirts for these two kids. (You can check it out on the blog for 6/5/06) I am so excited to have finally had those quilts delivered to Cherie by Fred and Chad, George's nephews who visited last week. If you are still following along, I know you are completely confused. Deal with it!

By now you realise that I really need to get out more! I will try. Hope to see you soon!

Take care.

I'm baaaaaaaack!

It seems to me that that sentence was included in some sort of scary movie... but the truth of the matter is that I woke up this morning with a smile on my face, feeling as though I was back. I have had two months of abysmal health, but I definitely feel that I am back to being me. Some might question the efficacy of that, but I am extremely glad.

I am still weak and need to get my stamina back, but my brain feels clear and my spirits are up. Wahoo! Yesterday I had a colonoscopy, which those of you who have experienced it know is not the most pleasant of medical procedures. As they semi-sedate you, it isn't too bad. The worst part for me is the stuff you have to drink getting ready for the procedure. I HATE IT. But it's in the past, now, and today I feel great.

It's great when food tastes good. The simplest food now is like food for the gods. During my struggles with antibiotics, I had a terrible time eating anything and keeping it down. Now all of my wonderful taste buds are serving me well. Yippee.

Take care and stay well!

Whew!

We have had a fantastic week. Daughter Nay came to visit for a couple of days, Son John and Grandson Matthew came so they were all here together for a day, then Nay had to leave. Nephews Fred and Chad came to visit and caught John and Matthew, so we were all together for a few hours before J & M had to leave. Fred and Chad and George got to go to the airplane show in Alex together on Saturday before they flew away. It was awesome. Chad is a computer wizard so he tuned up the old HP until it is much faster, so that was great. Well, really, what a fabulous week.

I was feeling enough better that I could enjoy all the hoopla, but both George and I have spent the day with our feet up resting. We are recovered from all the joyousness. Only the thrill of it remains. Wahoo.

The motorcycle guys sound as though their trip just gets better and better. We will be overjoyed to see their safe return in the weeks to come. By the end of this week I hope to be able to get back to the gym. I am feeling stronger by the day. Take care!

The Open Road!

The news from the adventurers is all good. They are having the time of their lives. The information that I have is from Sunday. They went to a hot springs spa earlier in the week and Freddie highly recommends it! All his aches and pains were gone. He said his shoulder has hurt for months but since the spa he has had no pain.

One thing is, Jim likes to drive faster than Freddie. Since it is Freddie that is on the phone with this information, we probably should take it with a grain of salt. It will be fun to hear all the tales they will tell when they return. Jim supposedly went to a gambling casino and Freddie didn't. Right. They have seen a Big-horned Ram and say the roads are good. About like 82 from Evansville to Alex. Since we all have heard horror stories of the trips to Alaska by car, it is good to know that they have improved the roads.

We will be oh so glad to have them home safe and sound! Take care

A Few more pills...

I'm basically putting this picture in from my birthday party at the gym to encourage me to keep on taking the antibiotic pills that so disagree with me. The baloons and cake were provided by Karen W. And we all enjoyed it. I can't say that I did much gym work, but it was so much fun to be back! That evening I found myself at the emergency room, which leads me to think one should be sure to have fun when the opportunity presents itself. I think I have now exhausted the lucky double seven pictures.

I have two more days of these horrid pills and then hopefully I will begin to feel a bit better.

Does anyone have a picture of the "take-off" of Jim and Fred on their motorcycle road trip? Send it to me by e-mail and I will post it on this blog. They are going cross country to Alaska on their Harleys! They are not computer savy, so we cannot hope for an e-mail from them, but whoever hears from them, please let me know how it's going. I was going to go to their send-off but wasn't able to as I was busy taking pills. Sigh.

Take care.

Tulips

Karen W. suggested I give you a peek at the darling tulips that Colleen gave me. Karen delivered them for Colleen so I haven't had a chance to quiz her on the way they are made. I can, from personal experience, tell you that they taste great! There were originally six!

This is how I imagine them being made. Colleen is being visited by her granddaughter and this is a great entertaining way to occupy children. I think you would get white chocolate (the kind you can buy to make almond bark) and tint it with food coloring. Then get the molds that you can buy at craft stores and long sucker sticks. Voila! Fill the molds, attach the sticks, let them harden and you have a darling flower. In the jar is colored rice in a beautiful shade of green. What a wonderful project! And yummy, too. What more can be asked?

I am making a profession out of taking antibiotics that basically disagree with me. I am working hard to get the whole ten days of this medication taken along with all the myriad other medication necessary to my continued well-being. Each hour I chow down a pill, I eat a bit and hope I won't be nauseated. etc., etc. I have finished six days now, so I am into the home stretch. Wahoo. One of the tulips was nibbled on yesterday to mask the bitter taste of a pill. I will try to keep the others intact but I don't know, chocolate is chocolate and has a seductive pull. Yum.

Take care.

Rhubarb

Okay. Admit it. Some of us LOVE rhubarb in stuff in the spring. Rhubarb strawberry preserves or pie, rhubarb cobbler, rhubarb pie covered with glorious meringue.... Great. There's something about this fantastically sour stuff that combined with other stuff makes everything fabulously tasty. I have actually seen people eat a sour rhubarb stalk by itself with gusto. I will not go that far, but I am extremely fond of all the sauces, etc. It's hard now because of my diabetes and the fantastic amounts of sugar that all of this tasty stuff requires. I wonder how the sweeteners work? Any ideas?

This fantastic work of art was perpetrated by Karen L and her husband Jeff. She started in and then he got fascinated by the project and did a lot of the heavy and detailed work. As I understand it they made a mound of sand, applied a rhubarb leaf, poured on cement and let it dry. Then the tricky part which I do not understand and ta-da! The finished product. Hats Off! It is going to be a GORGEOUS bird bath. I am blown away by the beauty of it.

Have a beautiful day! Take care.

More birthday stuff...

Ok. I'm doing a tango with this site. I was already into doing this blog when I somehow hit the wrong key and it just evaporated. I am going to give you a wonderful recipe for egg stuff that Carol Leah served at our last book club in place of deviled eggs. It's great so here goes... I will try to get it done this time.

Chili Egg Puff

10 eggs

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 pint cottage cheese

1/2 cup melted butter

1 pound Monterey Jack Cheese ( I presume shredded)

2 four ounce cans of diced green chili

Beat eggs until light. Add all ingredients except cheese and chilies. Blend with beater. Stir in cheese and chilies. Pour into 9/13 buttered baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees until center is firm and top is brown. about 35 minutes. You might check with a knife in the center for doneness... Makes 10 - 12 servings.

She says you can double it or halve it.

Yum. Yum. Take care.

More birthday!!!

As my birthday present to you I will give you the recipe I got from one of my book club buddies, Carol Leah. It is absolutely luscious and was her variation of deviled eggs! She couldn't face making deviled eggs again, Fran, sorry. But we did have sugar free jello and a muffin variation!

CHILI EGG PUFF

Lucky Double Seven

Yesterday was my 77th birthday. Karen W. brought balloons and made a cake and we celebrated at the gym. Such fun. Barby wasn't there or Colleen, but the rest of the usual suspects came. I have received GREAT cards and gifts. I had a wonderful start to the day.

Later I got sick again with the diverticulitis and went to the ER in Alex. Why do I always wait until evening when the clinic is closed. Sigh. I had a big art show to go to also, and had to miss it. Sigh. A variation on the old saw about the best laid plans, etc., etc. from Robby Burns. "The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley." I'm neither a mouse nor a man, but the idea is still valid!

Anyhoo, After receiving the attentions of all of the nurses and doctors at the ER and many rather invasive and uncomfortable X-rays and CT scans, George took me home at 2 am on June 9. I learned that they send the results of the CT scan to Australia to be read there because they are up and at it during our night. Our radiologists will look at it today!

The lucky part was that I made it, I guess. I'm ready and rarin' to go into my next year. Actually I'm not rarin' ... More like whimpering. But I hope that this experience teaches me not to be too exultant about what I am going to do. Stay flexible. It is also teaching me to appreciate every little thing that comes my way each day. My great family and friends. Wahoo. All in all, I loved my lucky double seven birthday. Thank you, one and all. Take care.

small things

You will have noticed that the pictures of paintings included in my blog lately are rather crooked and not nice and neat. The reason is that I have not yet figured out how to use the cropping tools in my new computer stuff. Woe's me.

Think of the small things and how important they can be. I just noticed lately that some manufacturers of clothing are including a printed label right on the fabric at the top inside back of a shirt. Several advantages to this can be mentioned. One is that you won't ever have that embarrassing label standing back up into your hairdo that the lady in church reaches over and tucks in. I imagine it also saves the manufacturer lots of money once it is set up to operate. A small change we all appreciate.

The tiny improvements often have the most impact on us. Just think of safety pins, velcro, paper clips, ziplock bags, the list is long. And those small things which have become antiques like bobby pins and hair pins. Does anyone use those anymore? Whaddyathink?

Take care.

Tuesday Morning Blues

I again include a painting trying to counteract a down day. I was doing so well and then opened some doctor's bills. They had yet to be sent to Medicare and the supplemental insurer so they were large. My reaction was so strange. I felt like crying and I got cold and I basically fell apart. George was not at home so I got out my warm quilt and sat down and tried to get it back together. The reaction was so far from what I should have had that it scared me, but it also interested me. I am way more emotional than I used to be. I presume that is part of my present illness. I will have days of strength and days of weakness for awhile... then slowly (hopefully not too slowly) I will have strong days most of the time. Today has turned out to be a day for rest and recovery.

Yesterday was a great day of conversation and reunion with dear friends. Book club is the greatest. Since our last actual book club get together one of us has lost her husband and one of us has had a health emergency. We had a chance to talk with no holds barred. We have such a wonderful friendship. Hats off to friends.

Back to resting. Sigh. Take care.

Monday Morning Happiness

I am feeling good this morning, so I decided I should have a picture on my blog! This is the painting I chose because it is another of those that is hanging on the wall in the kitchen of the house featured on Naomi's blog. I DO like to paint pears, apparently... or fruit? Anyway.

I am warming up the bathroom preparatory to taking a shower. One of the absolute pamperings that I love is being able to heat the bathroom to a ridiculously hot temperature. I am especially cold blooded since being sick so it is even nicer. One of the things about living in a less developed country is that some of the things that many people take for granted you have learned to really appreciate. It is called "reverse culture shock." It is culture shock that you have as you move to the "foreign" country - but reverse culture shock as you come back home. There were many examples of this that we noticed.

I remember being shocked at the amount of carpeting we had in American homes. Now we have a high degree of hardwood floors, but 30 years ago everything seemed to be carpeted... even the CLOSETS. I thought it was so decadent until we went out and priced floor coverings and discovered that carpeting was the cheapest way to go and we carpeted our own closets!

And hot water running freely in all of the pipes. And soft toilet paper. And usuable paper towels that actually were soft and sturdy. Wow. And fine flour so I could make an Angel Food Cake. All of the differences were really minor, but built up one on top of the other until I felt completely overwhelmed with the sybaritic pleasures of the American home. I soon adjusted, but still understand that the best test of a place is living there for a while so that one looks past these surface things to the inner life of the place. That's where you find what's real.

Take care.

Coffee

One of my loyal readers suggested I might talk about coffee. Actually, one of the other loyal readers has an extensive knowledge of coffee around the world, but i will nevertheless proceed from my own perspective!

I dug out two coffee cups from a set I bought in Brazil. The small cup is for cafezinho and the other for cafe com leite. AS I UNDERSTAND IT ( I put this in capital letters as my understanding may be severely limited!) The Brazilians take the coffee beans and, instead of roasting them, they char them. Then they turn them into a dust that looks a lot like cocoa. It is absolutely essential to the drinker's health that the coffee that is produced from this is thoroughly filtered. Hot water through coffee in a filter to a coffee pot. This very strong brew is put into the small cup and two or three teaspoons of sugar are added. A small spoon used for the purpose of stirring in this tiny cup WILL stand up. Many of us became absolutely addicted to this brew. It would certainly get you UP for the day and rarin' to go.

The second way to use the coffee produced in this way was to make cafe com leite. The coffee put into one pot, hot milk into another and the two added simultaneously into the larger cup. Then one could add sugar or not as preferred. Fantastic. Fabulous. Absolutely addictive.

I have through the years made something called a "milky drink" which is an ersatz version of cafe com leite. Heat a mug of milk in the microwave to boiling, but not over flowing. (That in itself is a trick!) Add a heaping teaspoon of instant coffee and some artificial sweetener, and voila... a pale imitation of cafe com leite.

The pots from Mexico work very well in making this coffee, but it is to get the Brazil coffee that is the trick. I hear that there is a coffee in the stores now from Brazil but I wonder if it is roasted to accomodate us or charred and typically Brazilian. If it is just in the bean, I wonder how we will process it. I will report more as I discover more.

Take care!

Okay, already!

There always has to be an upside to everything. All those days of nausea when I could barely nibble on a graham cracker paid off. I went from being an inchworm to being a butterfly at the gym! I have lost a total of 43 1/2 inches since April of 2002. That's also 34 pounds. The good thing is they don't renege. If (!) I should gain back an ounce or two (or an inch or two) they won't make me go back to being an inchworm. I am forever a butterfly! They won't insist on stuffing me back in the cocoon! Yippee.

I went from being measured and weighed to trying to do a bit on my horsey and that was about it. But the welcome was great and we had some good laughs. I'm back in circulation. I loved seeing the old gang and catching up on their lives. They are a good bunch!

I was sad to hear that an old friend had died from cancer. I saw Anna just a week or two ago in the doctor's office waiting room. She then had barely enough energy to say hi and a few other words before I was called away by the nurse. I trust she has gone on to a better place. RIP.

I am slowly getting my bearings again. Slow but sure wins the race. Thanks to all of you who are thinking of me. God bless and keep you all. Take care.

flag

I hibernated yesterday. I didn't make it to any of the "doings" of Memorial Day. The memories of my childhood rose up. We called it "Decoration Day." It was a time to decorate the graves that belonged to the members of the family who were buried in the local cemetery. We made wreaths of bridal wreath and whatever other flowers were blooming. Lilac, iris, peonies were usually high on the list. Then we had a parade of basically everyone - at least all the kids - carrying their flowers to the cemetery. We would have made the wreaths the day before and let them soak in a big tub of water to keep them fresh. The emphasis was not on remembering the military dead, just the family dead. If I'm not mistaken, the town band would play during the parade, too.

When I took the picture of the flag, I placed it in a little vase of cork from Brazil. I had such a little flag always with me while we lived in Brazil. When we went to the city, the thrill when we would approach an embassy and see the US flags waving is indescribable. Here we see so many flags and love seeing them, but when you haven't the same access it is a wonderful thrill. Sort of like seeing an oasis when walking thirsty in a desert. Brazil was not a desert in any way except in the dearth of US flags of course, but "Old Glory" hit the heart strings like nothing else.

With so much of Memorial Day being taken up now in remembering those who have taken up arms for our country, I realized that our family is peppered with such people. Our dad was in WWI, my brother and brother-in-law were Navy in WWII, my husband and his brother were in WWII, my husband's father in both World Wars. Now our son and his wife are both in the Air Force. I have never thought about it before, but I have quite a lot invested in those stars and stripes. For better or worse, I care.

May God protect us from doing irreparable harm to what the flag represents. As one studies history, the ins and outs, ups and downs are many. May we always finally find a way so that freedom may exist in this world of ours. It is far from an easy road.

Take care.

An Apple?

As Magritte would say, this is not an apple, it is a picture of a painting of an apple. Right. You might notice that the painting hangs just below a stopper for a stove pipe and above a clock.... in a house that was built in 1900.

Talking about this reminds me of old houses. As a child I loved it that the "register" in my bedroom was just an opening to the room below. As heat rises, that took care of heating my room. The fun part of it was that it meant I could eaves drop on what was going on. I don't remember much of what I heard, but just the idea was enough to entertain.

My brother also taught me how to walk so no one would see me. Really. The trick was just to pretend that you were just where you were supposed to be, not to run quickly. The folks would have parties in the living room and to walk from the stairs to the kitchen, one had to walk right out in the open where everyone could see you. If you sneaked in any way, that would draw someone's eye, but if you just walked as though you owned the universe, no one would notice. At that time I was about three feet tall, and I mastered the technique perfectly.

I have one sister and one brother and I send a shout-out to them. We are remarkably long lived, or as I used to kid, "We're long livers." Onward and upward.

Take care!

Ah, the red, red rose...?

As I look out my window I see this fabulous row of gorgeous red flowers. They are an exotic peony raised by Monty as I understand it. I believe I am the only person who gets to look out at their glory each day, and I truly appreciate them. We share the garden with our neighbor, and so I get the best of two gardening worlds. Well - actually three, as Monty's part of the garden is only this row of peonies, I think. They are spectacular, however, and I truly appreciate them. Thank you, Monty!

You might also notice the green sward of grass. In the midst of terrible sciatica/bursitis pain semi-controlled with pain killers, George still manages to mow and fertilize, etc. He has also tilled the garden and played a bit of golf. When I protest that he might take it a bit easier, he says, "But it has to be done." Right. I shouldn't complain, I get to look out at the beauty.

My job, now, is to get my brain back up and running and get back to my life. It is hard as I run out of energy very quickly. Patience. Thanks, Izzy, for passing on your mom's dictums. My mom said the same to me and I to my kids. A universal momism do you suppose? Nevertheless, very true. I will try to follow it. I am certainly relishing food. I am trying to get the water down. That is harder for me. Onward and upward.

Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. Keep it up! and... Take care.

hello again

I am very pleased to tell you that I finally feel as though I have my brain back. I evidently have become accustomed to the medication I have been taken and I'm able to think. Some of you might doubt that, but then again, I'm back to the level to which I can aspire!

The internet failed and I had enough brain power to call the help desk, follow their directions and get it back working. Not very long ago I would have been unable to put those thoughts into action. I would not have had either the clarity or the stamina to do so. I felt elated to be back thinking again. I am going to taper off the medication I am on to another one, and I hope that won't have the adverse effect the first one had. We'll have to wait to see.

I have a whole new appreciation for those who are saddled with nausea from chemo therapy. It is a miserable state. It consumes the whole person and all of his mind and body. I hated it. I can only imagine how it must feel, not only to be nauseated but to be fighting a life-threatening disease to boot. Not a happy picture. If marijuana would help them, and they are in a terminal condition, for pity sakes, why not? I suppose if they have an opportunity to survive, it would be better if they were not then saddled with a drug addiction... but older people? Wow. Help them out is my motto. If I were in that condition I would move immediately to some place where medical marijuana was legal. In a heart beat... for as many beats as I had left. Nausea is awful.

Here it is after midnight and I am feeling chipper and able to look at food without contemplating barfing. Wahoo. Life is good! Take care.

Yippee

I'm feeling better. Finally all of the ministrations I have been receiving are paying off. I slept well all night and woke up able to look at food without shuddering.

We had some much needed rain last night and Naomi just called with the news that it was starting to rain in the cities. They are having their annual Art a Whirl down there and many of the concerts and shows are outside, so I hope they don't have a drencher like we did.

More later. Take care.

The ongoing saga...

OK. I just got back from the emergency ward. I had to have hydration and something for nausea. I felt terrible and couldn't keep anything down. The wonderful people there pumped me with liquid and drew blood and finally sent me on my way feeling much better. I am going to go to sleep now so I can get up and travel to Mpls. to a doctor's appointment there. This is getting ridiculous. I must say, though, that I love lying on the gurney and letting others take care of me. So far they have all been great.

See ya later. Take care.

When it rains....

Yeah. It pours. I am sick with an onslaught of diverticulitis. I went to the doctor yesterday and got antibiotics so hopefully I will be well enough to make it to the doctor's appointment I have in Mpls. on Friday for a different ailment. This is getting ridiculous. Ah well.

Check out Naomi's blog (it's one of my links to the right of this posting) as she finally wrote another one and figured out how to leave a comment. I am ecstatic.

Izzy also has a wonderful new posting. Check it out. Such fun to keep in touch with everyone.

I had a wonderful adventure trying to make a new business card. When one shouts "uncle" someone else steps up to the plate! John stepped in and is making a fabulous new one. It is not finished yet, but I am going to love it. I still am bummed I couldn't make my stuff work, but there you are. My job now is to try to get as healthy as humanly possible. I will continue writing my blog and doing all my other stuff. Yup. Take care.

Go figure...

I have so many things buzzing around in this confused mind of mine, but I will get started and see where we wind up!

First of all, the very person who set me up with a blog cannot seem to comment on that blog at present. She says she tries and tries, both on her lap top and on other computers, and cannot publish her comment. As she is my daughter, that distresses both of us! Any ideas?

When I can't do something I just figure it's because I'm old and not part of this computer generation, but when someone younger has trouble it blows me away. Actually, it's somewhat reassuring... I'm not the only one, etc., etc. If any of you have any idea what the problem might be, let us know.

Ok. Then the idea of getting to know someone as an internet friend. This has several layers of interest for me. I think a person projects part of ones personality in cyberspace that is difficult to share person to person. One has the opportunity to "talk" at length as well as the freedom to delete something that seems inappropriate or boring. (well, some of you might argue about both of those, but that's what I think, anyway.)

When Izzy was home over Christmas I saw him for a split second in the narthex of the church. He's this hulking hunk of young man and I'm this little old lady. There we were surrounded by the rest of humanity wondering how to relate to one another. It was awkward, I thought. In cyberspace the awkwardness disappears somehow and we are equals. Why is it? It's a little like reading a book that was written by someone in the last century and relating totally to it even though in person we would be so different as to make any sort of social relationship almost impossible. Now, I think that if Izzy and I could go have a cup of coffee and get started talking to one another we could relate perfectly well. Do you drink coffee, Izzy, or maybe a coke would be better. That seems to be a universally acceptable drink. I would have to have diet, though, because of the diabetes!

I have to run. Time for the Mother/Daughter doings at church. My daughter cannot be here for the occasion so I am borrowing Hannah's mom as my daughter. Life can be so complicated. Happy Mother's Day. Take care.

Thursday

Well. Today is a fun day. The temperature is soaring toward 90, I made it to the gym and managed a haircut, and here I am back at the old machine. Fun day.

I have spent an inordinate amount of time the last two days attempting to print up business cards. I'm sure I have all of the capacity at my fingertips, but I continue to shout "uncle" and go back to a simple black and white type on a plain white card. It has the necessary info, but none of the flash an artist should manage to put on a card representing her magnificent artistry.

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. Every place I go assures me that it is as simple as one, two, three and then fails to perform as promised. I would do the ARGH again, but it seems an unnecessary repetition.

The people at the gym are now calling me "old bunny butt" in honor of the picture on my last posting. There are worse appelations that I can think of. We are really trying to find out where Izzy got his horse's head as it seems amazingly similar to the head that Barb put on our horsey in my honor. It would seemingly have to be hollow so that Izzy could put it on his head. I suppose it could just be the magic of computer graphics and not a real deal at all. Please inform, Izzy.

I think it's time for a nap. Karen W is trying to get me into the present century by setting my phone to be an alarm to remind me to take my medication. I'll probably faint when it goes off. I am not good about remembering things at present. Who am I trying to fool with the "at present?" Hopefully the alarm will help. The first scheduled time is 10 tonight. I'll let you know my reaction to the alarm. Now for the nap. Take care.

Whoops...

There goes the rabbit! I almost got his picture... but it got out of the frame. By the way, Izzy, the instructions you gave me work and I can see the picture, now, not incomprehensible letters and numbers. Many thanks. By the way, did you see my reply to your comment on the conehead posting? True, all true.

It is a simply beautiful day in Minnesota today. Only after you have lived through the misery of winter in the north country can you enjoy the absolute fantastic beauty of the spring. Wow.

Take care.

The Martins are Back!!!

Okay. I now have faith that the picture I chose will magically appear after i post this blog!

Yesterday there was rejoicing in the Larson household because the Martins came back. They fly here from Brazil in the spring and fly back to Brazil in the fall. Wow. They are very late this year... about three weeks late. We were quite worried they were not coming, but juat a few are here, and we hope more will arrive. I love their swooping and their ownership of the house George rehabs for them each year. The sparrows attempt ownership, but when the martins come, the sparrows have to make room for them. The starlings attempt to disrupt things, but they never seem to succeed. The martins reign supreme.

I imagine one of the reasons we particularly enjoy their appearance is that we lived in Brazil for a short time and realize how far away that really is. The fact that they can fly such a distance is awesome. We would really know we were in cosmic trouble if they didn't arrive. I wonder what made them late this year? All the talk about global warming makes me appreciate each natural event more than I ever did before.

Take care.

Conehead

This one is for Izzy who likes things attached to dogs. I had trouble distinguishing it (In my old age I must be getting somewhat blind) but then realized that, Yes! This was my "grand dog" in his magnificent cone collar. I think he is sufficiently restored to health not to need this accoutrement anymore. How about those eyes!

I'm slowly becoming acclimated to this new computer with its different ways, but I must say I am desperately slow at understanding the language this outfit speaks. I still am staring at gobbledeegook at the top of this posting (I have faith it will turn into the proper picture when I publish). Hmmmmm.

Slow progress on the cleaning of my room. I am finding things I had completely forgotten I possess as well as unearthing things that have been lost for quite awhile. I bought a beautiful maroon leather purse in Paris. It is particularly wonderful for traveling as it rests comfortably on your front so that you have control of documents, etc. I found it difficult to wear for everyday because of the difficulty of using seatbelts. I had hunted the house over for it with no success, but, voila, there it was, hanging on a wooden peg, hidden by some other things.

More than a few things are still missing and I wonder if they are indeed gone or if I will find them at some future date hiding in an unlikely spot. Ah, the mystery of life! A rainy, windy life today. One nice thing about Minnesota weather is that it is infinitely changeable. If you don't like today, just wait for tomorrow.

Take care.

Pounding Rain

I love this. It is pouring rain and thundering. Wow. Such fun. Wasn't much fun for the people who were destroyed by a tornado last night down south, but this lovely rain is just great. Weather can be so terrible, but usually is just inspiring.

I am busy trying to bring order out of chaos in my room. Now that I have the computer up and running, I am trying to thin out the mess a bit. With limited success... but still, a bit better. And could it be a better time than with the rain sounds accompanying my endeavors. And then - later - perhaps a nap. Heaven.

Hope you are having a good day, too. Take care.

whoosh!

Well. This is an entirely new experience. I have the fast stuff all installed, but instead of my seeing a picture I see a bunch of gobbledeegook. On my last post the same thing happened and the picture came out on the bottom of the post. We'll see if that is what happens this time.

I am busy typing away on my new computer with the faster connection. Whoopee. Now it is to move the old computer to the other room to use just for the games. Until John comes home and tries to resurrect it to its old speed and acuity. Right.

It is a chilly, windy spring day. All the buds are bursting forth and there is a nice sprinkle of rain in the air. Yahoo. The picture with this posting - if it IS with this posting - has nothing to do with anything. I believe I made the quilt, but otherwise I don't even know who is the person in the picture. Suspense.

We are all on the mend. Life is good. Take care.

The Big Day.

This is hilarious. All of this gobbledegook is supposed to be a picture. Hmmmmm. What do I do now? Just let it be, I guess. This is my last post with dial up (I think). So I will hope for the best. Everyone seems to be having good luck. Our telephone company is good. I hope for the best!

I thought I got a picture of John YaYa with his cone. I felt in all the uproar about Naomi's foot, George's sciatica, and my hospital stay I had neglected to fill you in on the state of the dog. The dog is getting along just fine. Needs more exercise, but his owner is not able to walk very well, yet. Soon, however, all will be back to more or less normal.

Life is good. Take care.

hi ho

Yep. We're still above ground. (A little macabre humor there) Naomi's foot is better by the day. George's leg still hurts like hades. I am a bit muzzy, but slowly acclimating to the medication. All is more or less well. I have a doctor's appointment with my local doctor to go over everything, so I will perhaps know more.. or not. Knowing anything is not high up on my requirements at the moment. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and I am presently eating just fine. Slowly getting better.

An experience such as this takes a bit of getting used to and thinking about. I must say it makes me feel a bit more tentative about my plans and my abilities. No doubt I will soon be my ebullient self again. (Is your dictionary there, Karen L?)

Oops. I have to go take my medication! Take care.

Gee Whiz!

Believe it or not, I AM still kickin'. What an experience. I am safe at home at the present, but an experience like I had certainly shook me up. At the present, every little twitch or blah feeling scares me.

Fran and I were walking along Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, heading toward Barnes and Noble (surprise, surprise) when I started feeling very peculiar. (More peculiar than usual!) I was stuck into taking glances (like snapshots) of the buildings above me. I couldn't get on with my walk. I remember thinking, "When can I get on with it? I want to go to B&N!" A sweet woman who was walking along with us on the sidewalk asked if we needed help, Fran said yes, so the lady went into Barnes and Noble to get the police woman there. She brought a chair and called 911, and I was soon being well attended with 7 or eight uniformed people all around me taking my blood pressure, etc., etc. Call to Naomi, ambulance, trip to Fairview/Riverside hospital, Fran riding with in the front of the ambulance. 6 hours in ER later, up to a room.

I had all kinds of tests, not the least of which was an MRA/MRI. Not fun being stuck into a cigar like tube, but I managed to put myself into a sort of snooze while I was in the tube. Then an EEG. They put wires all over your head and make you look at bright blinking lights. Not fun, but the EEG was the test that finally showed them what was wrong. It seems I have a glitch of some sort in my brain. Many of you have suspected that for years, I'm sure! Anyway, What I had was a seizure caused by that glitch.... so now I am on a very expensive pill, twice a day, that will prevent a reoccurence of the experience. The trouble with that is that the pill also makes me sleepy and can make me grouchy. So, watch out!

I had an interesting experience being in the hospital. I cannot say enough good things about how I was treated, but I had a roommate when I entered that made my stay drama filled. She finally stalked out at midnight, cursing one and all. The staff had treated her very well as far as I could see, but nothing would satisfy her. Wow. Drama.

Got back to Naomi's. I was sort of still recovering, George has very painful sciatica, Then Naomi calls up the stairs for me to come down. She has stepped on a huge rusty nail! Luckily, before she went to Africa she had all the shots known to man, so we soaked her foot in hot salt water, the wound bled profusely, and she is stuck lying down with her foot up. What more could go wrong? We wait uneasily further happenings. Hopefully this is it.

Naomi's lawn is starting to look really nice. We are home safely. Great! Now, when I say "Take Care" Just know that I MEAN IT. Take care. I certainly put Fran and the rest of the family through an adventurous time. Thank you, one and all.

From Fran's

My first attempt at writing this blog from Fran's and on her brand new Mac. I feel quite la de dah! I will soon be having new dsl cable at home, too, so this will be fun. I do not have a Mac, however, but a new Dell. What fun!

Fran says the coffee's hot and it's time to eat, so I will say sayonara. I just wanted to try this on her computer to see if it would work. Have a nice day and TAKE CARE.

Repeat Performance

Fran said the last picture wasn't dark, but I took another one when the wind was gusting and the sun glinted on the wavelets. That was yesterday, and today the lake is already subsiding. When we first moved here the back area was all marsh, and we had mallards and other wild life right in the back yard. Then a neighbor bought the land and started to fill in and try to make it into ho-hum regular land. He never succeeded in avoiding the spring flooding, so no one has built on it, but no more marsh or wild life to speak of.

Yesterday, however, two mallards swam majestically on this little pond. A taste of yester-year. At least we don't have the mosquitoes that a marsh land would generate! Usually, there is no water at all.

Yesterday was Habitat for Humanity Sunday in our church. What a wonderful Christian movement. I didn't realize it was a Christian based deal. We heard all about the history of it and the fact that the guy who founded it approached Jimmy Carter to help long after it had already done lots of house building. Their goal is to wipe homelessness from the planet.. That is certainly an awesome goal. The people who help build a home through this program buy it through purchasing it with a no interest loan. They also have to put in 200 hours of sweat equity. They must qualify through need and through ability to purchase. It is far from a free ride for them.

The sun is shining brightly. I think Spring has finally sprung! Take care.

Spring Lake!

A rather dark picture, but the middle part of it is our lake! Two nights of thunder storms gave us a lake! Yippee.

Yesterday we had a wonderful fun day at our Art Center. Linda Frances Lein was the speaker at an event sponsored by one of our book clubs, "A Novel Experience!" Her most recent book is about Hannah Kempfer who was an immigrant child to this part of Minnesota. Linda is a very gifted speaker and we are fortunate that we will get another opportunity to hear her speak at our Mother/Daughter luncheon at Faith Lutheran Church on May 12. We are also planning to have her at the Art Center this summer for a one day writing seminar.

Today is "Habitat for Humanity" Sunday at church. More about that later.

But for right now, here is Carol Ulrich's poem, "My Lava Lamp." She very graciously gave her permission for its inclusion in my blog ....

My friends may say it's kitschy

But I don't really care,

'cause I sleep so much better

If my lava lamp is there.

And all those scary things

That go bump in the night

Don't dare to make a sound

In my lava lamp's dim light.

If I wake up in the night

Because of nature's call

My lava lamp will light me

Out the door and down the hall.

If I've had too much coffee,

Or if I'm feeling low

I just lie and watch the sparkles

In my lava lamp's sweet glow.

And I think of God's protection

Over everyone I love

As I see the stars reflected

On the ceiling up above.

Yes, my friends may say it's kitschy

But I don't really care,

'Cause I sleep so much better

If my lava lamp is there.

Carol Ulrich.

Lotsa Firsts

Yesterday marked the advent of lots of firsts: George de-thatched the lawn, spread the thatch over the garden plot, and tilled the garden three times.
Then we went golfing (I am going to try to golf this year after a hiatus of two years). We managed five holes. (We are members at Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course and have the use of a golf cart, so it costs the same no matter how many or few holes we play.)
Then when we got home and were fast asleep, we had the first thunder and lightening of the season. No damage to anything although the electricity was out for a time, but it was a boomer! Such fun to sleep to the sound of rain on the roof and thunder in the sky. I love it.
An energetic day for two "old people" as Fran so truthfully designated us.

Now I must rattle around to get myself ready to go to a special program at the Coffeehouse Art Center. An author (Linda Lein) is going to talk to us at 10 and the emphasis of the day will be on book clubs. I think our book club will attend this talk and then meet after the talk is over. There are only four of us, but at least one other club with 10 members will also be in attendance. We are trying to get people excited about our library and involved ever more in the fascinating world of the printed word in book form. Wish us luck!

The lawn is a nice combination of green and yellow ochre. The rain has made its impact on the land. Finally, Spring has sprung! Take care.

Wow!!!!!!!!

This computer is slowly dying (dieing?) so I'm glad I have another in the wings. I never know from day to day what part of its activities are going to hit the dust. So far I have been able to do this in a rather slow way! But I CAN do it! I cannot download things unto a CD at the present moment in order to put them on my other computer. Bummer.

Poetry night was the bomb. We had such fun. It is such a variety of of talents and emphases. Some sheer fun and the others serious. All unexpected. It evolves in an entirely unplanned way... In response to Izzy, Here's MY poem that I read. I also read a poem from my friend Carol. She called the Gallery to tell me that she was too sick to come and would I read her poem. How? She dictated it to me over the phone. It is called "My Lava Lamp" and was great. So I read her poem, and then this one of mine:

MY BRILLIANT BIRCH

Little birch,

you give me

your dazzling display

with no thought of greatness.

Behind you

the blue of river

ripples by,

moving on its way.

But you,

though eternally changing,

are still the same:

your leaves, pulsating,

celebrate light

with ceaseless

shimmering,

darkling, glinting,

sparkling, glimmering,

growing -

glowing-

in the wind.

I wrote that at least 20 years ago about our favorite camping spot up in Scenic State Park on the Lake of the Isles there. Izzy - that's the spot where you and yours stopped by to see us.

If Carol gives me permission I could include her poem here, too. We'll wait to see.

I am so glad I have the other computer up and running. This poor old thing is gasping its last. Take care.. WE poor old things have to keep breathing in a healthy way. Life is fabulous. So... take double care, but enjoy smelling the roses!

Up and Running, almost

I have the new outfit up and running, but I don't have an appointment to get the new cable system until May 4. I decided to go with the faster dsl after all. Now it is to get the new computer all filled up with my stuff. Wow. It's like opening birthday presents! Or Christmas.

Tonight is Poetry Night at the Coffeehouse Art Center in Evansville. We've been doing this for at least 10 years now. Pretty fantastic. I haven't written a new poem, but I will search through my previous endeavors to see what I can find. With my limited memory I don't always remember what I've done before, but no one else will remember, either, so that is a plus.

I will be going down at 5 to sit the gallery, too. There are new books to be put away. The library is available free to everyone. I think today is Library Day. We are getting a really interesting collection going.

I'm going to the gym in a few minutes. One of the high lights of my life! I try to keep my body going, but the laughter is really good for my soul. We miss you, Karen L. Hope you will soon be able to join us once again. If not every time, at least now and then!

Take care.

Happiness Reigns!

For the moment, I'm ecstatic. I realize that it probably won't last and I will have endless problems connecting and adjusting and getting set with my new computer, but it all arrived and I am about to set it up and attempt to get it all connected to the internet, etc.

I was going to go for fast cable connection, but I think I will rather just keep connected through the phone line for the present to see if the new computer is enough faster, that I will feel ok with it as it is somewhat cheaper that way. I need to have time to save some more money to set it up with the cable stuff, too. so............... I'm excited!

I feel like I just opened a Christmas Present. Wow. I will appraise you later of the actual vagaries of connection, etc. Off to my joyous task! Take care.

I'm Back!

It might look like I'm a mere shadow of my former self, but not true. I have been gone as a ministering angel to our "granddog" John YaYa. Last Sunday he went for a run on the trail and fell through a coating of ice on a ditch. He cut his leg severely on the ice and went to the vet for a two hour surgery. Two vets worked on his leg for two hours. It was Easter Sunday, so Nay had to take him to Glenwood. The local vets take turns being on call on holidays and Sundays. She was extremely satisfied with the service and attitude of these local vets as compared with some in the cities, (the "cities" being Mpls/Stpl) which made me feel good, of course.

What a trooper the dog was. Naomi and the dog stayed overnight and then I went with her to help with the dog during the drive to the cites on Monday and the rest of the week while she and Tony were at work. It went very well and the dog is on the mend. Turned out he also had an ear infection. With all the uproar, he hates the medicine for his ear the most! He has to wear a cone to keep him from worrying the stitches in his leg and he looks so cute! I didn't take my camera with me or I would be entertaining you with a picture of him in his cone! Hilarious. Strangely enough, he doesn't seem to mind it.

We saw Fran and her two daughters for a brief hour or two. She entertained us with deviled eggs, sugar free jello, muffins and tuna salad. It was great. She is having trouble with her new computer which I trust will soon be solved. Computer troubles are the pits.

Well. I'm glad to be back communicating with you. See some of you at the gym on Monday! Take care.

HAPPY EASTER!

He is risen, He is risen, indeed! The stone has been rolled away and we have a glorious hope in the resurrection promise. On this brilliant sunny day, we will sing hosannahs to the Lord.

I am very happy. Our daughter is home. She brought our "grand dog" with her but not her husband. Bummer, although I do like the pooch. I also like the husband. Oh, well, next time! We have been having fun talking. We do have one problem: she is an ardent game player and George and I are not, so I am afraid she gets bored. We run out of steam way too early in the evening! Oh, well. They are contemplating a move back to the West Coast, so we love every minute we can spend together now.

When someone lives at a distance, you tend to plan for long visits to make the expense and time worth your while. When you live close, you can make a visit of a day or two. Both have their positive side, but I definitely prefer frequent short visits over a couple of long visits. We will work it out, but it makes me a bit sad.

I am savoring each moment of THIS visit and the opportunity to sing praises to God together. May God bless and keep us all!

Spring?

Cold and about 8 inches of the fluffy white. Beautiful stuff. I am so much better with snow and sun than with gray and rain.

Because of the slippery roads I stayed in the house today. Got some projects completed, did some reading, and had a fine at home day. A good friend (!) brought us an Easter Lily. It is beautiful and I am looking forward to the gym tomorrow. I was way too comfy to try it today.

Anonymous is not coming for the weekend. sigh. But I hope Naomi and Tony can come. Have to hang loose to see what's happening. Take care.

Tuesday

Ok. What a difference a day makes. We're back in the middle of winter, seemingly. The only thing about it is that I like the look better than rainy drippy blech. The picture on the left was taken rather early this morning, thus the darkness... But after that it snowed most of the day. I suppose we got at least 6 inches of snow. Wow. Wet heavy snow.

Well, Florida pulled it off handily. Beth will be glad as she is from Florida! Two years in a row! Not bad.

We had a comedy of errors last night. We were to meet at a certain restaurant at 6 pm. Two couples of us got there and the restaurant isn't open on Mondays. We called the woman who lived nearest and she had forgotten about it completely. She didn't think we had decided for sure. We caught her just as they were leaving for another date.. so she called that off and they met us at a different restaurant. We never did find the other people we were supposed to meet, and they were thoroughly disgusted over the whole debacle. Hopefully they will get over it within a decade or two! We will have to be more careful in the future when we make plans to nail the plans down more thoroughly.

Have a nice wintery evening. Now is when I wish we had a fireplace. Perfect weather to curl up in front of a roaring fire with a good book. Yowsah. Take care.

Monday

Well. I am recovering from a couple of weeks of depression. It is amazing how difficult it is to even raise your hand when you are in the depths. Today I am on the upswing, thank goodness, and feeling much better.

I would look at the blog and think, well, I should write something. But what? I would struggle along and try, but the joy wasn't in it. But now, I'm back. I still don't have much to say, however, except "Happy Monday."

We are not going to be at home tonight so I suppose I will miss the big basketball game. That's sad, but I will enjoy my night out. I suppose I could tape the game, but that seems lame. The rest of you who are basketball fanatics can watch it and cheer or boo twice as loud to make up for my not being in attendance!

Take care.

Hi ho

This is another image of the "Beer Tree." This is the large original attempt at this painting. Later I will put a photograph in of the tree. You'll be able to see what you think of this painting's verisimilitude. ( That word is for you, Karen l. Gotta keep you on your toes!)

I have been mulling over anonymous's (?) comments about my last posting. It amused me as her exhortation to think about life and not death was exactly the point that I thought I had made in the posting! Hmmmmmm. I think part of the mulling over life and the necessity to savor each day and each spring, etc., comes from living in a small town. This week we have two funerals of people that we know well. Each month several friends or acquaintances "bite the dust" and we are very aware of the tenuous nature of our lease on life. So, Carpe Diem! Make the most of each day. Onward and upward! Which is what I take from the comment! And the point I thought I had made in the posting!

Today I went to the gym and heard them remark that I had not posted for a day or two, and I realized that I had not decided what to say about death. Have I covered it well enough so that I can go on in the future and talk about LIFE! I think the realization that death awaits us all makes us savor life all the more. Yup. Carpe Diem! The first time I remember hearing that expression was in the movie, "The Dead Poets' Society." I thought it was a terrific movie and Robin Williams was great in it, but it is a very difficult movie to watch. I have never had the courage to watch it again. I love Robin Williams in movies but I don't like his comic schticks. He is way too manic for me. "Awakenings" is another of his good ones.

Off to make lunch and then to paint, etc. Take care.

Sunday

From my window the view is both beautiful and dreary. Rain is predicted and the rusty grass will begin to turn green. The life cycle will begin again. Soon, George will be fussing with the garden (the left part behind the birdhouse he uses and the right part behind the foreground tree our neighbor uses). George and I have begun saying, "Well, I guess we will see another spring!" At our age, nothing is certain. In reality, at any age, nothing is certain... but at our age we can see the handwriting on the wall... each day of life is a tremendous gift!

Yesterday I went to a birthday party for Ellen Eilers. She is 90 years old and is still completely dedicated to living! Somewhere on this blog I included a picture of her. Her art is great, but even more inspiring is her zest for living. At her party I was chatting with the others at the table and we were discussing whether we would want to live to 100. We all agreed that we would like it if we could have all our marbles and reasonably good health. In actuality, of course, we just keep on truckin' with what we have. So far so good.

On that note, I will trundle off to getting dressed and ready for church. I am lector today. I love being lector. I get up in front of the congregation and look out and see the people whom I love. And then, I have the privilege of reading the Lord's message to them. Doesn't get much better than that! What a thrill to be alive and "Still Kickin".

Take care.

lAnother Try....

Ok. I'll see if this picture cheers you all up. This is a picture of my sister sitting in our breakfast area/dining area. The dot on her face is from the chain that is hanging down from her glasses. She lives in the big city in a fabulous apartment. I have shown you endless pictures of the views from her SEVEN windows. Her adventures on the skyways of Minneapolis always cheer the country mouse in me. Sort of a variation (for me) of "it's fun to visit but I wouldn't want to live there." I think she had that feeling living in the country. She visited us for five years before succumbing to her love of the bright city lights!

Our weather is in flux... that dreaded time between winter and spring when it is just damp and ugly. It is the harbinger, however, of wonderful times to come. Just stick around and you will see that wonderful Spring Green. There is a town in Wisconsin named that, as well as a color in my watercolor collection.

Ok. That's it for today. Take care.

Counterattack

OK. Stay with me, now. The day outside is foggy, gray, miserable. I decided to look through my pictures and find one that was the opposite of foggy, gray and miserable, and I came up with this one and managed to download it (or upload it?), which is a miracle in itself. This portrait of a tree should be colorful enough to make you look at today in a cheerful fashion. This is one of three such portraits I have painted, as it is an actual tree that grows on the shore of Lake Waubesa in Wisconsin. It is called the "Beer Tree" because the farmer that had the property years ago kept his beer stored in the hole in the base of the tree. His wife, so the story goes, wouldn't let him drink in the house, so he made this adjustment to continue his drinking. Whatever it takes?

Well, ok, this is a great day to be alive. Don't let the grayness get you down. Do something lively and fun today. My friend and I are going to Fergus to visit the Waage Art Center for their annual invitational show in which we both have paintings. The tea is today from 3 to 7, so we will go and schmooze and look at the art. Should be great fun! You are all invited! We will then come home and go to our respective Wednesday night Lenten Services. All in all, a great day.

Take care.

Small World

Wow. I got a comment from a friend and student whose class is celebrating their 50 year highschool reunion. I'm invited as their teacher ... oofta. Talk about a blast from the past. I'm so excited and I do plan to attend this gathering. I realize I'm only about 9 years older than these "kids" are now. And I'm frisky as my exercise buddies can attest! Right? I even have the hulu hoop tries up to seven revolutions. Wahoo. It will be an interesting meeting as we all try to adjust to our views of each other... after 50 years. Wow.

I also check in often to the Laurie R. King blog (there is a link on this blog) and she received a comment from a gal in Brazil. We lived in Brazil for five years, so that was another reminder of our past. Life is so interesting a weaving of the past and the present ... and then the future. What will it all entail? Carpe Diem, for sure. Make the most of every day.

I have made mention of our book club in this blog from time to time. The husband of one of our members has died. Duane was a person who made the most of every day and then fell victim to Alzheimer's. Although his final months were a challenge, his life was a blessing to all. May God bless and keep his family at this difficult time.

Take care.

Whew!

I had a big day yesterday. To the gym. To Alexandria. Home to make dinner. To the Art Center to work in the lending library. (It's open Thursday evenings from 5 to 8.) Then to an Americal Legion Auxiliary meeting. I have just joined this group and it is fun to attend.

By the time I got home at 9 o'clock, I was really tired out. But what fun that there is still so much to do at my "advanced" age. Today I have been taking it easy and only went down to the Center for a couple of hours. I'm still working at arranging the books. Some of the other volunteers were there, too, and we talked over plans for the library area, as well as set up some things getting ready for the open house tomorrow for Della Conroy, the featured artist.

I hope that many of you will come to meet her and peruse the art as well as check out the new library area. See you there? Take care.

lighter?

Oh, wow. I managed to do it. Now, of course, I can't remember the names.. but it is a picture of little people drawing on the table in the new lending library. Please notice how cute they are, the wonderful terra cotta paint in the back ground, and the books, ah, yes.... the books. I was planning to be there yesterday to begin going through the books that have been donated and reorganizing the shelves. But it will have to wait until I feel a bit more able to function. Soon.

I'm scheduled to work on Thursday evening, so I can definitely do it then.. but I was hoping to get in a few licks before that. All in due time. And remember that there is a wonderful art exhibit, too. The "Open House" for that is Saturday when Della Conroy will be there to talk about her art. 10 to two. Should be great.

Take care.

Monday blues

I thought I had lightened this picture up so that it would look better, and I will continue to try to do that. We had so much fun on Saturday down at the aborning lending library! We still need children's books. Several boxes full of grown up books came in. I just realized one must be careful not to say adult books, as that can have an unfortunate connotation. Sigh. So many pitfuls we face as we attempt to write the English language.

I am having a blue Monday with intestinal challenges, but my spirits are high. I will use the day of enforced home staying to get several projects worked on. The never-ending projects. It is so great to have plenty to do. One has no time to get bored. The trick, however, is to remember the projects so that they DO get done. I am becoming a rabid list maker.

Back to my projects. Have a great day and take care.

Seventh Heaven

That's where I am! My daughter and son-in-law came yesterday and are leaving today, but we have had enough time to really touch base. Great. Our ladies' get-together went great yesterday and we talked our heads off. Well, not quite "off."

Our lending library's open house is today. I am ecstatic about that, and the fact that my daughter is able to be here for that adds to the excitment. Well... it doesn't get much better!

My daughter and I went to "Because I said So" at the movies last night. I am saying don't bother. Even the sight of some of my favorite actors doesn't cut it. The guys went to "Zodiac" and that seemed to be interesting from their comments, if the thought of the study of serial killer research thrills you! The theater was PACKED even though it is a nine plex now. "Wild Hogs" was sold out for the early performance.

Well, off to my thrilling day. I will try to take a picture or two to include (hopefully). Take care

Double Wow!

I went down to the Coffeehouse Art Center yesterday (no, we don't serve coffee now, that was in another lifetime) and the improvements on the facility are truly awe inspiring. Various volunteers have rescued the room that used to be the kitchen and made it a cozy reading room. It is WONDERFUL.

C. M. Stinton and her husband, Dale, did yeoman service. I can never remember how to spell her first name (Corinne, corrine, corrinne?) so C. M. will do. Fantastic. The floor is a miracle.

Then there was the work involved in tearing off the old wall covering in the kitchen and mudding it in such a way that all of the multitude of flaws were covered, and then painting it a wonderful terra cotta. Well, really, you have to drop in to see it. It's worth a special visit. Steve, Jacque, Gwen, Connie, Joel, Julie.... Whoever else I don't know about. Hats Off! Oh, yes, I mustn't forget Marc and his hard work at an earlier time.

Then, besides the great room to start building a lending library, there is a great art show in the main room of the Center. Della Conroy has a show on called, "Mostly Landscapes." We hope to be ready for a public viewing by Thursday afternoon at five.

From then on, The Center will be open Thursday nights from five to eight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to two.

I wonder if people realize that all of this work is done by volunteers for the benefit of all of the citizens and their quality of life - painting, music, talking, reading - ART. The part of life that makes all of the work of life worthwhile and fun. The part of life that makes Evansville an exceptional place to live and work. We hope that this summer will be the break-through year for our endeavors, and more and more citizens of our area will take advantage of this rich resource right in their midst.

We have worked hard to make this available and will continue to do so. We're "only" volunteers. How about that "only." Is there any better bunch of people in the world than those who volunteer to work for the good of all? Think about joining the ranks of the volunteers in the area of your interest. We would welcome you to help the rest of us volunteers at the Art Center, as well.

Results!!

See the comments after the last blog! My pitiful pearl act got some action. Thank you one and all!

A bit of fine snow is coming down as I am preparing to head to Battle Lake to the AOTL Board Meeting. According to the prognosticators nothing drastic is headed our way, so I will take them at their word and head out. I miss the BRIGHT sun on the snow, however as it is a rather gray day. The white is still extremely white, however, so that will have to do.

After the board meeting and lunch, I will head home and see what I have in store at the Coffeehouse Art Center. We are going to be having a lending library there. The room is all ready to go and I have not seen it yet. Very exciting. I will start arranging the books today and continue tomorrow. Wahoo, as I am always prone to say when exciting things loom! Double W.

Off into the snow. Stay warm and take care. (And I love comments! I won't wail and sob, but I DO love comments! Yowsah.)

sun on snow

The assault on the eyes is glorious! After a few days of snow falling gently and then not so gently on the gray background, to see the bright light and distinct shadows is a blessing. My eyes can't get enough of it! As a borderline SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) sufferer my reaction to the sunlight coming back is extreme. Wow. It is great.

Finally, Minnesota had a good old fashioned winter snow storm. It was a rather wimpy storm as I compare it to some of the storms we have had in the last 30 years, but at least it was something. About a foot and a half of snow here. We didn't get the real blizzard stuff, so it was rather benign, but those to the south of us got the more wild stuff.

I was watching Canadian television and they were having some of the storms stuff, too. They were interviewing people on the street. One woman said she loved it. It was Canada, after all. That's the way I feel. Finally, a storm that makes me know I live in the greatest state of the 48 contiguous states. You have to be strong and valiant to live here! Of course, Wisconsin and Illinois got some of the worst of it, so I guess they qualify, too. To say nothing about the Dakotas! Wahoo.

The weather farther south was awful. All those tornadoes. Yup. I'll take the blizzard. Wow.

To change the subject, I was really pumped yesterday when I saw that my posting had received four comments. I let out a yell, clicked on comments, and found what I found. You will have to look yourself to check it out. You guys... leave me a comment now and then so I don't succumb to low esteem and loneliness. Please. sob, sob.

Have a BRIGHT and SUNNY day. take care.

The blessing of snow

Because Minnesota has been on the brink of drought, the snow is a great gift to us. Hopefully it will be a water-filled snow and go some way toward ameliorating the drought conditions. I guess in the northern reaches they need about 60 inches of snow, which probably won't happen, but we will get a healthy amount, I hope.

Last night we were at Christina Lake Lutheran Church for their Lenten Services. They are concentrating on missions for this Lenten season, and George was going to talk about Brazil and our stint there as missionaries many years ago. We got there for a supper served by the young people, and when we went up to the sanctuary, someone looked out and realized we were in the midst of heavy snow and wind. We sang two hymns and headed for home. I presume everyone made it. It was the usual exhilarating ride through poor visibility and snow pack. I actually kind of enjoy it because of the challenge and thrill. Hmmmmmm.

We also cancelled the meeting on Friday morning at which I was to speak about Paraguay. Izzy wondered why I would be speaking on Paraguay. The Christian Women of Paraguay organized and published the materials for the World Day of Prayer, which is on Friday. Their theme is "United under God's Tent." The following material is in the bulletin I received:

"It is wonderful to have the assurance that God receives us wherever and whenever we meet together in the Lord's name to pray. God's tent extends over all the places in the world where we are celebrating the World Day of Prayer service developed by the women in Paraguay."

Even though we will not be meeting because of the snow, we can join in these pray-ers in our own homes. And the men are also invited to join us!

Take care.

Mission Accomplished

I feel rather proud. I finally got a picture posted ( a miserably dark picture, but still ) to match my last posting, and yesterday I did two of the things I have been planning for a long time.

Some time ago, I took two of my older paintings in to Randy to re-use the frames to frame two of my newer paintings. Much more cost effective than new frames. And I have been wanting to do some more painting on one of those paintings for a long time, anyway! Two birds with one stone, to use a cliche.

Then, in order to miss the predicted snow storm, I took the two newly framed paintings to Fergus one day early to enter them in the invitational art show that they hold each year. They have a newly constructed art center at the college that is fabulous.

I also organized and sent in my entry to a juried show of mid-western art sponsored by the New American Paintings magazine. I finally broke the entrance barrier and DID IT. I suppose I have been trying to get up the gumption to do that for at least 10 years. Now I will continue to attempt it until I succeed in getting into the show. I have broken the "entering" reluctance barrier, now I will continue until I break the "gaining entrance" barrier. Once broken initially, any task becomes easier the second time.

Now I must prepare a talk I have been asked to give on Friday for the World Day of Prayer. They are warning us of severe snow coming, so I don't know if the meeting will actually be, but it is good for me to read about Paraguay, anyway.

Okay. First, the gym. Then some painting. Then the talk preparation. My day is set. How about yours? Take care!

3:00 AM

I'm looking at my reflection on the darkened window glass.. and behind me a reflection of my many books, stamp pads and tote bags. The stamp pads are in an antique printer's drawer, and the tote bags hang up on wooden pegs. The books are arrayed in the usual fashion.

I awakened aware that I should work on getting some paintings pictured and an entry typed to enter four paintings into a juried show. So that is what I am doing. After my computer crashed I had to get used to a whole other way of printing pictures. I think I have finally learned how to do it and print them. I have yet to find out how to post them to this site. Perhaps that will come in time! Or in a new computer! Perhaps my saying that will make this computer toe the mark. Right.

We are having a brief respite from the snow. The world is beautiful but dark. Take care.

Quiet Sunday

It's amazing how quiet it seems here in the "country." Those of you who live on farms can't see me describing my spot as "country" but compared to "city" it definitely can be called that. There is not much wind... not enough to make sound... and the pine trees are heavily laden down with snow. This is part of the the scene that meets my eye as I type this posting. The incredible part of it for me is the quiet. It almost assaults my ears.

I am trying to process my art experience of Friday. Each time I take a workshop there is something that ignites within me. Many of the times it is the fun I usually have in a group of people who are passionate about some of the same things I am. I am particularly taken with what I learned on Friday as it connects me with something I have wanted to explore for a long time. When our cousin Charles Olson visited a couple of years ago and saw my paintings he mentioned that it was too bad they had to be behind glass. I have pondered his remark and tried to find a solution. One of my favorite people bought a painting and put it behind museum glass. If you are not familiar with it, it is an absolutely invisible glass that still has UV protection against the sun. There is no reflection at all. Amazing! And amazingly expensive! I am on the trail of a method of presenting my art without glass. Stay tuned!

Another thing: I was experimenting with a Mark Rothko-like deal for creating fields of color to swoon over. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO excited. The draw-back to my plan is that I need to buy some different water-color pigment to proceed. The pigment is available at "Cheap Joe's Art Stuff" but is still pricey. So - I have been saving my pennies for a new computer - and now will have to add pigment to that goal. Oh, life is grand. I am pumped! Sooner or later all will fall into place. Stay tuned II.

Ah, the quiet. In the distance, I can now hear a snow blower. Awhile ago a snow plow came past. But, still, the main thing is the silence. A wonderful silent Sunday.

Oh, yes, a good Samaritan plowed out our driveway. Thank you, Darrell. Since George is still somewhat under the weather, it is doubly appreciated!

Take care. Enjoy the white stuff.