Bah...Humbuttons

It has been a stressful year--more driving around, more things to take care of, the business of the Art Fair, my surgery, his surgery, remodeling chaos, roofers and water damage to the third floor. Those things are pretty much done with except for the perpetual remodeling and home repairs. But there are still the residue frustration and fatigue. And, one of our kids is going through a divorce--ouch for everyone, especially their three beautiful children.

And here Christmas is again. I'm just in no mood for the hustle and bustle, yard and tree decorations, cooking, parties, gifts, cards and stuff like that. I was taking a walk with a friend and she said she gets into the "no-mood-for-Christmas" feeling more and more every year and can't get out of it because of her family. She has cut back on it this year and so have we.

I've decided to try to lift some spirit, however, by finding some humor and interesting news to share (googled on the net). So here goes:

Twenty Things I Learned From Santa: by John Kinde, Humor Specialist
1. Dress in colorful clothing.
2. Lose the girdle.
3. See the world.
4. Let others do the heavy lifting.
5. Keep working, if only part time.
6. You can look vibrant on a diet of cookies and milk.
7. Enjoy the company of children.
8. Be flattered when people impersonate you.
9. Give more than you receive.
10. You don’t need GPS when tracked by NORAD.
11. Treat all people nicely.
12. Don’t let kids see you kissing their mom.
13. Spread peace and goodwill.
14. Wear a suit that repels soot.
15. Hire the social outcast.
16. Avoid running over grandmothers.
17. Appreciate a spouse who doesn’t mind buisness trips.
18. Admire people who take long trips without luggage.
19. Don’t visit a library wearing bells on your shoes.
20. Laugh frequently and loudly.

Public Service

Like clockwork, every two years I receive a summons for jury duty/service. That means that of the 18 years I have lived in the City, I have been called to report for duty 8 or 9 times. Of those times called, my number was drawn for trial on 4 occasions, being weeded-out for one reason or another two of those times, selected twice for trial, had one of those cases settle before trial began, and actually seated on one trial.

You probably already know what it is like to report for jury duty. One can count on spending at least two days in the jury waiting rooms with hundreds like themselves who are equally annoyed about being trapped in waiting rooms with rows of uncomfortable seats and watching mind-wasting TV (who picks those channels anyway ?). Oh, joy.

Courtroom Humor
In a courtroom, a pursesnatcher is on trial and the victim is stating what happened. She says, "Yes, that is him. I saw him clear as day. I'd remember his face anywhere." At which point, the defendant bursts out, "You couldn't see my face, lady. I was wearing a mask!"

A witness was called to stand to testify about a head-on automobile collision. "Whose fault was this accident?" the lawyer asked.
"As near as I could tell," replied the witness, "they hit each other at about the same time."

Prosecutor: Did you kill the victim?
Defendant: No, I did not.
Prosecutor: Do you know what the penalties are for perjury?
Defendant: Yes, I do. And they're a hell of a lot better than the penalty for
murder.


Public Disservice

Legal expert, Percy Perjury, offers these helpful hints on "How to Get Off Jury Duty:"

• Paste a tattoo on your arm that says, "Hang 'em high!"

• When being questioned by attorneys, before answering each question, flip a coin.

• Wear a hangman's noose for a necktie.

• Bring the prosecuting attorney a cake that says "Happy Birthday, Uncle Harry."

• Insist on being sworn-in on a copy of "Batman" comics.

• Wear a white sheet and a hood and keep repeating, "I ain't prejudiced against nobody!"

• Bring your own sackful of evidence and pass it around to all prospective jurors.

• Learn to whistle "The Prisoner's Song" very loudly without moving your lips.

• Tell them you have to leave early every day to get back to the Half-Way House.

Daisy in the Month of May

We have a new family member. "Daisy May." Daisy was a stray found in Dent County--skinny, scratched, ears infected and she was covered with fleas. She is thought to be a mix of mostly Beagle with Basset Hound. She was fairly shy and very submissive. Part of her left ear had been, we are guessing, bitten off, the injury being in the shape of a bite. She had no known history other than the evidence of having had a litter of pups recently. She was taken by animal control to the Dent County Animal Welfare Society, where she was kept until she was ready for adoption.

I was initially planning on fostering a dog for a while. But, when I brought this little critter home for the night, He fell for her. "Let's keep her," He said. It isn't as though he took one look into her eyes and fell in love. For those of you who know Him, you know He is a great researcher of facts. He studies every angle, researches every imaginable question, and spends hours, days, weeks, and heck, months sometimes to make up his mind. He is practical. He liked her small size (Greta weighed 70+ lbs. and we had to carry her a lot in her last months of life). He liked the fact that Beagles have less physical problems than larger breeds (Greta was a German Shepherd and had arthritis and spine problems, hip dysplasia and a knee replacement). With these facts in mind and considering our ages, being older, senior citizens if you will, and our abilities to take care of another animal at this stage in our lives (plus, she would be less expensive). I wasn't so sure. Still stinging from the loss of my beloved Greta, I wasn't convinced that this little one would be able to fill the hole in my heart. But I realized that by taking Daisy in would not replace the dog I had lost. I could ramble on and get sappy but I won't.

Anyway, we adopted Daisy May. He named her "Daisy" and I attached the "May." She simply must have a middle name. Daisy for the little flower she is, and May for the month we found her. Daisy May.



Welcome home Daisy May, you lucky dog.

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's...Sixty???

Israel joined the United Nations on May 11, 1949. Siam officially changed its French name to "Thaïlande" (English name to "Thailand"). 1949, After many years of misery through the depression and World War 11 postwar prosperity is starting to get underway with companies now able to supply the cars, Televisions and the other goods demanded in a consumer society. The cars got bigger, the TV's got bigger, with some 6.2 million new cars sold in the US and nearly 10 million Televisions in American homes, A new type of TV program appeared we now call Soap Operas ( the name came from the fact many soap manufacturers sponsored the shows to catch the stay at home mum with advertising ) . China became a communist country and Russia had the Nuclear Bomb which increased the tension between East and West ( The Cold War ). http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1949.html And He was born 1949--60 years ago this year.

Yep. It finally came around--His 60th birthday. I can't say He seemed all that excited about it. Didn't want a party. Didn't want a fuss. And, he bought his own present--a much needed, spankin' new, very adjustable, leather executive office chair with that "new car smell." He'd been sitting in a raggedy old 70's piece-of-crap chair for years now so it was nice to see that go.

A nice dinner, a bottle of wine, and birthday card...He craved a chocolate cake but decided it wasn't on His diet. But, I went to Schnucks bakery for a small chocolate fudge cake with fudge icing--YUM!!! (Yes, I make an awesome chocolate cake, but oven is still not working.)
But he got something else too, a nice surprise I think. I commissioned a painting by a local artist friend and neighbor to commemorate his life at this stage. Please go to: http://sweetartstl-news.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-birthday-dennis.html.

All in all, He had a nice day. And when He realized that, his attitude changed.

• I think it's wonderful that you could all be here for the forty-third anniversary of my thirty-ninth birthday. We decided not to light the candles thir year - we were afraid Pan Am woudl mistake it for a runway.- Bob Hope
• Q: What greeting card if on sale only in Kentucky?A: "Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad."
• It's an awful thing to grow old alone. My wife hasn't had a birthday in six years.
• You know you're growing old when by the time you've lit the last candle on the birthday cake, the first one has burned out.
• You know you're growing old when the heat from the candles on the birthday cake keeps you from getting close enough to blow them out.
  

Sedona AZ

We saved Sedona for the last but realized that we should have scheduled more time there. Oh well. It was a warm day, 90's, and we weren't in the mood for hiking. But we saw about all the formations from the road and did some shopping, walking and drinking. No picture I show you here will do justice to the scenery--you just have to see for yourself. I bought some postcards of Sedona then left them in the rental car when we turned the car in. sigh.

Rich in history and beauty, I hope you follow the links and discover more, because I can't describe it in this blog.

We drove through the town and saw very commercial shopping areas on each side of the road. We looked for and found one gated shopping center that I had seen on the net, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a Sedona landmark since 1970's, Tlaquepaque treats visitors to an excellent collection of over 40 galleries and shops bordered by four superb restaurants. Modeled after Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque offers outdoor dining as well as events, private parties and weddings. (From their website.) We browsed through most of the shops and saw some beautiful things. There are many more places we should have gone had we realized it. Even though we stopped at the visitor's center, we didn't gather the "right" information.

We had drinks on the patio at the El Rincon, Sedona's most recommended and visited restaurant. We were still full from our wonderful breakfast in Jerome, so we didn't eat there. www.ElRinconRestaurant.com

Jerome, Verde Valley and Sedona are places you just have to experience for yourself--laid back and relaxing even without spa treatments.

From Wikipedia:

Sedona (pronounced /sɨˈdoʊnə/) is a city and community that straddles the county line between Coconino and Yavapai counties in the northern Verde Valley region of the U.S. state of Arizona. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 11,220.[2]
Sedona's main attraction is its stunning array of red sandstone formations, the Red Rocks of Sedona. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The Red Rocks form a breathtaking backdrop for everything from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Sedona is named after Sedona Miller Schnebly (1877–1950), the wife of the city's first postmaster, who was celebrated for her hospitality and industriousness.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedona,_Arizona

Photos of Our Arizona Adventure

You'll have to click on "Arizona Getaway."



Arizona Getaway 2009

How Did I Forget Flagstaff?

Flagstaff lies near the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, along the western side of the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the continental United States. Flagstaff is located adjacent to Mount Elden, just south of the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountain range in the state of Arizona. Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,850 m), is located about 10 miles (16 km) north of Flagstaff in Kachina Peaks Wilderness. (Thank you Wikipedia.)

The drive from the Grand Canyon was beautiful, down to Williams where we took 180 South to Flagstaff, driving through the areas highlighted above. I think if I had to move to Arizona, I'd want to move to Flagstaff. It has everything except a beach, but I believe there are lakes nearby.

Following our desire to stay in old and historical hotels, we stayed at the Monte Vista Hotel in downtown Flagstaff. During the years between the 40's and the 50's well over a hundred movies were filmed in and around Northern Arizona. With exceptional lodgings being few and far between, the Monte Vista became the hotel of choice for headlining Hollywood stars, colorful characters and other notables. Over the years the list of famous guests has grown and continues to do so even today. Mary Costigan: (rm.105), the first woman licensed to operate a radio station in the world, which was run out of The Monte Vista. Bob Hope: (rm.204), film star and comedian. Michael Stipe: (rm.205), lead vocalist of rock band "R.E.M" Zane Grey: (rm.210), famous author of wild west novels including "Riders of the Purple Sage." Bing Crosby: (rm.213) film star. "White Christmas" Michael J Fox: (rm.216), television & film star, "Family Ties" "Back to the Future," Siouxsie Sioux: (rm.220), lead vocalist of the bands "Siouxsie & the Banshees" & "The Creatures." Esther Williams: (rm.224), legendary synchronized swimmer & film star George Babbitt: (rm.301), former Arizona Governor. Air Supply: (rm.303), Australian soft rock band. Barbara Stanwyk: (rm.304), television & film star "Big Valley," "Double Indemnity." Jon Bon Jovi: (rm.305), lead vocalist of the rock band Bon Jovi. Gary Cooper: (rm.306), film star "The Pride of the Yankees." Debbie Reynolds: (rm.307), film star, singer, entertainer. "Singing in the Rain." Alan Ladd: (rm.308,309), star of many western film classics such as "Shane." Robert Englund: (rm.310), actor. star of the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series as Freddy Kruger. Carol Lombard: (rm.311), star of classic comedy films. Jane Russell: (rm.312), film star, philanthropist. "Gentleman Prefer Blondes." Lee Marvin: (rm.401), actor, "the Magnificent 7" and "Cat Ballou." John Wayne: (rm.402);" The Duke", famous american actor of many western classics. Freddy Mercury: (rm.403), lead vocalist of the legendary rock band "Queen." Spencer Tracy: (rm.404), actor. "Adam's Rib." Walter Brennan: (rm.405), actor. "The Westerner." Clark Gable: (rm.406), actor. "Gone with the Wind." Cornel Wilde: (rm.407), Nominated for an Acadamy Award for his performance in 'A Song to Remember.' Humphrey Bogart: (rm.408,409), actor. "Casablanca" & "The Maltese Falcon." Anthony Hopkins: (rm.410), actor "Silence of the Lambs." Gene Tierney: (rm.411), actress. "Son of Fury." (from the hotel webstite) We stayed in 301, George Babbitt's room.

Reported Hotel Monte Vista Ghosts
The Bank Robber

• In 1970, three men robbed a nearby bank & during the robbery, a bank guard shot one of the men. Despite their injured comrade they decided to stop by the hotel lounge and have a drink to celebrate. The wounded man bled to death while enjoying his last drink. Since then both patrons and staff have reported being greeted by a an anonymous voice saying "Good Morning!" There have also been reports of barstools and drinks that seem to move on their own.

The Women of the Night

• Years ago Flagstaff's Red Light District could be found just south of the railroad tracks, only 2 blocks away from the Monte Vista. In the early 1940's two prostitutes were brought to the hotel to room 306. During their "visit" they were killed and thrown from their third floor window to the cold street below. Over the years, numerous guests have reported being awakened in the middle of the night and unable to return to sleep due to a feeling that they are being watched. In most instances, it is our male guests that report the feeling of having a hand placed over their mouth and throat, and awakening unable to breathe. After they awake, these guests say they found it very difficult to return to sleep due to an overwhelming feeling of anxiousness and a sense that someone is "keeping an eye" on them.

The Phantom Bellboy

• Hotel guests have reported a knock at their door and in a muffled voice, someone announces "room service." When guests open the door, they find that no one is there. Some guests however have seen the figure of a bellboy standing outside of room 210. John Wayne experienced this ghost while he was a guest of the hotel. Mr. Wayne reported that the ghost seemed friendly, and that he did not feel threatened at all by its presence.

The Little Boy

• Some guests have seen the image of young boy wandering the halls of the hotel. Some guests say that they have had this young ghost touch their hand! His voice can sometimes be heard as if he is walking behind you. Guests who have seen this ghost have said it looks as though he may be speaking with his mother.

The Meat Man

• This bizarre long term boarder was known by his strange habit of hanging raw meat from the chandelier. In the early 1980's he was found in room 220 three days after his death. Not long after his death, a maintenance worker was doing repairs in the room. Needing a new fixture for the repairs, the employee left the room, turned the lights off, and locked the door. Upon returning, only a few minutes later, he found the television on with the volume full blast, and the linens on the bed had been ripped and scattered around the room!

The Rocking Chair

• Once featured on the television show "Unsolved Mysteries" room 305 is by far the "most active" room in the Hotel. There are numerous reports of seeing a woman in the rocking chair near the window. Also guests and housekeeping alike report seeing the chair "move by itself." History tells us that years ago an elderly woman who was a long term renter would sit by the window for hours on end. No one knows what she was looking at or looking for. Could it be she was waiting for someone? Someone she waits for even in death.

Baby in the Basement

• The disturbing sounds of an infant crying in the basement have been heard again & again. Reported primarily by maintenance & laundry personnel, this is possibly the most disturbing encounter reported in the hotel. Staff have found themselves running upstairs to escape the sound of the cries. Though the sounds are very real to those who hear them, there has been no information that has explained this phenomenon.

The Dancing Couple

• On several occasions lounge staff & patrons have witnessed a transparent couple dancing in the Cocktail Lounge. They are seen in formal dress laughing and smiling, eternally dancing.

The Voices

• The staff at the Old Post Office (OPO Salon) have heard voices & seen figures moving in the building for years. No one is quite sure who these shadowy visitors might be.

Poltergeists

• For years housekeeping have reported problems with light bulbs being unscrewed, or on some occasions completely removed! While this may be frustrating for the staff this is rarely a problem for guests. However, if your lights don't work, check the bulbs!
  

Well, we didn't experience any of this stuff, so who really knows?

Dining Out


http://hotelmontevista.com/Racha_Thai/
Simply the best Thai dinner I've experienced. More food than we could eat, we couldn't take the leftovers with us. I'd go back to Flagstaff just for the food at Racha Thai.


to be continued...

Jerome, Arizona Historic Mining Town

I believe anyone would enjoy Jerome, Arizona. It was told to us by two different groups of Prescott residents as we walked around that old downtown area and the Courthouse park, that Jerome was definately a must see. "A mile high town with a 50 mile view." So we drove through the town of Sedona and headed about 20 miles up the road to what turned out to be a delightful surprise. http://www.azjerome.com/default.htm
"America's Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town in America".

Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. Four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history, resulting in the incorporation of the City of Jerome in 1899.

Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory. The population peaked at 15,000 in the 1920's. The Depression of the 1930's slowed the mining operation and the claim went to Phelps Dodge, who holds the claim today. World War II brought increased demand for copper, but after the war, demand slowed. Dependant on the copper market, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 to 100 hardy souls promoted the town as a historic ghost town. In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today Jerome is a thriving tourist and artist community with a population of about 450.

Jerome sits above what was the largest copper mine in Arizona and produced an astonishing 3 million pounds of copper per month. Men and women from all over the world made their way to Arizona to find work and maybe a new way of life. Today the mines are silent, and Jerome has become the largest ghost town in America.

Jerome's personality has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. Once a thriving mining camp between the late-1880s and early 1950s, Jerome is now a bustling tourist magnet and artistic community with a population of about 450. It includes a modicum of artists, craft people, musicians, writers, hermits, bed and breakfast owners, museum caretakers, gift shop proprietors and fallen-down-building landlords.

What is the Town of Jerome like today? Is it worth your time to visit? The answer is a resounding yes! Jerome is an enchanting town, and a photographer's paradise. From its external appearances it hasn't changed much in nearly 100 years. Many of the buildings used by present-day business folks are those built after the fires of 1894 and1899. A number of the buildings have been restored and more are planned for restoration. Due to the 30-degree incline of the mountainside, gravity has pulled a number of buildings down the slope. To the delight of some, one of those buildings was the town's jail. Those buildings still standing make for interesting visiting and with a little research you can find their historical significance. One notable section is the "Cribs District." You will find this area across the street from the English Kitchen, in a back alley where all the buildings were are part of Jerome's ill-famed "prostitution row."

Be sure to go to the website posted above and read about the American Indian history.


We quickly found a place to park at the bottom of the hill and made our way by foot up the streets to nearly the top, going in and out of artsy shops all the way. While in one, we struck up a conversation with a young clerk and asked her if she knew a good place to stay while in town. Well, she recommended the Surgeon's House B&B at the top of the hill, the best in Jerome, and even called the owner and made a reservation for us. http://www.surgeonshouse.com/


<- I wish I could remember this girl's name. She was friendly and helpful. I bought a nice bracelet from her too. And, note the relaxed and happy smile on His face. He was enjoying himself. Yes, uh-hmmmm.

View from our room -->

You can take the man from his office, but you can't take the office from the man ->

So, we checked into our room, freshened up, and set out again to look the town over some more. We sought refreshment in one of the oldest saloons in town, Paul & Jerry's Saloon, nearby and laid back, where we experienced a Nut Brown Ale that was brewed in Sedona. It was darn good. Cool. Refreshing.

to be continued...

The Grand Canyon Adventure

We were up fairly early after an uneventful night at our historic hotel and having not experienced more than a few loud voices coming from the parking lot in the late night hours. No ghosts. No unusual lights or noises. But again, we didn't stay in the haunted room but in the room just above it. I thought I took some pictures of the room, but strangely, none turned out. hmmmm You can see what the rooms are like by linking to http://www.vendomehotel.com/




We were now headed to the main objective of our trip--the Grand Canyon. Everyone has heard about or has seen the grand canyon, so there will be no more discussion of it here.


We spent about two hours moving from spot to spot at the South Rim, until He said, "Okay, been there, done that." So easy, I thought. Check it off the list. What's next?

What was next was the Sedona area. Stay tuned.

Prescott Nights

We aren't much for "the night life," but we did venture out in the evening for a stroll down Whisky Row and nice meal at a place called The Palace, http://www.historicpalace.com/ that we had seen earlier in the day, smack in the middle of Whisky Row.

Whiskey Row ->

We walked through groups of tourists and biker-guys, throwbacks from the 60's, and one guy sporting long white hair and a long white beard, dressed entirely in very colorful tie-dye outfit--shirt and pants. I didn't dare take his picture noting that he was friendly with a group of rough-looking biker-dudes--probably perfectly harmless. But hey, I wanted to look cool too, so pretended not to notice.

Come on in...

These swinging doors are in amazingly good condition for their 109 years. They were placed after the Palace was destroyed by the Whisky Row Fire on July 14, 1900. The ornately carved 1880's Brunswick Bar, which is still in use, was carried to safety across the street to the plaza by patrons, where they continued to drink the night away.

This collage was enormous. I wish I could have gotten it all in.
<-

We sat at the booth named for Morgan Earp, a brother of Wyatt. It seems that in the late 1870's Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holiday were patrons of The Palace. Still full from lunch, we shared a Quartz Mountain Chicken Quesadilla.

to be continued...

Bucket List??? or Southwest via Southwest

He informed me that he had a desire to see the Grand Canyon. It was one of the things he wanted to see before he died. "You have something to tell me?" I asked. "No," He said, "I just want to see it someday." Well, if you know me you know I have itchy feet, love to travel, and my motto is "do it now!" So, before He could change his mind, I had planned and booked a trip to the Grand Canyon State, Arizona.

We flew into Phoenix on a Sunday morning, picked up our rental car and struck out. We promptly got lost on the sad side of town, but finally found a place that sold maps (Walgreen's) and got on the correct path. (Husband Travel Rule #1: Just stop and ask directions early to save stress.)

Flora & Fauna

He had never seen a cactus before??? Well, He saw plenty in Arizona--everywhere He looked.

<- We found a bird airport next to a cafe in Back Canyon. All the greenery in the background is cacti--too cute. Sorry, this is the best picture I could get.

Prescott, AZ

We spent our first night in Prescott, which is located 96 miles northwest of Phoenix and 95 miles from Grand Canyon National Park, amid the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world . Prescott is home of the world's oldest rodeo, and is Arizona's first territorial capital. It was founded in 1864, and then incorporated into Arizona in 1881. The city was named for William Hickling Prescott, a noted Arizona historian. The Hotel Vendome is a charming, historic inn combining the warmth and comfort of a Bed and Breakfast with the privacy of a hotel.

Built in 1917, this two-story landmark hotel has been lovingly restored and romantically enhanced to its original grandeur. The authentic western atmosphere draws people from all over the world, including some Hollywood celebrities. It has been a home to Tom Mix, a silent cowboy film star from Hollywood's pioneer days when he was making movies in Prescott, renting a room for a year at a time. Today, it remains a favorite getaway to many that are seeking accommodations with more character, wanting their lodging experience to be as warm and memorable as Prescott itself. If you stay in room 16 at the Hotel Vendome in Prescott, Arizona, you just may find that it is haunted by the ghost of Abby Byr and her cat, Noble. Abby came to Arizona searching for dry desert relief from tuberculosis and soon married. She and her new husband bought the hotel but they eventually lost it because of unpaid taxes. Regardless, the new owners allowed Abby and her husband to stay on in the hotel for no charge. She died in 1921 and her ghost, along with that of her cat, began to be seen after World War II. The stories say that Abby died of starvation, along with Noble, after her husband deserted her. She has been haunting the place ever since. We stayed in room 26.

<- Bar in the parlor of Hotel Vendome.

For some reason, I can't get the slide show to work, but if you click on "view all images," it will pop up. ?????

After we settled into our room, we ventured out and explored the town.

To be continued...

Sporatic Bursts of Engery...

A friend asks, "Why don't you post on your blog anymore?" Well, because I'm wasting too much time on facebook; it's because I'm too lazy to think about writing something interesting; it's because I'm too busy procrastinating. It took me more than a month to finish my travel journal on Oklahoma. I finally posted that today. But hey! Here I am with nothing interesting to tell you!
I've had some bursts of energy since it has warmed up here, especially on days that the the rain and clouds are gone and the sun is shining. In fact, I saw some neighbors on Saturday I hadn't seen all winter. Saturday was a sunny day with temps in the high 50s. I put the plants back out on the deck and even pulled a few weeds. I've been working 4 hours on Tuesdays at a local bakery and haven't porked out on sweets--major achievement.
I stalked George Clooney's movie set catering truck that was parked in front of our neighborhood church and tried to get information on the whereabouts of George. He is filming a movie here in St Louis and can be sighted here and there. I never did see him, but he was there having lunch and in the afternoon he was around the corner from my house filming on Magnolia Place. Man! they protect him well. Ha.

<- one of the catering guys.

Anyway, He (my spouse--not the catering guy) and I are planning a trip to Arizona next week and I'll have another travel diary to share with you. In the meantime, I guess I'll just go on enjoying rather uneventful days cooking and cleaning, doing this and that, running here and there, and thinking about all you guys out there. Later, kiddos.

W-O-M-A-N

Well I got up this morning and I was moving fast
I grabbed myself some coffee and I put on my pants, (clothes)
I made a quick list of what we needed at the store,
Grabbed the mail, my purse, my keys then I headed out the door

Singin', "I am WOMAN...W-O-M-A-N!"

I got home and washed the car, made some soup and cleaned the floor.
Then I went outside where I found I could do so much more,
I grabbed the rake, spread 10 bags of mulch and then I moved some piles
Of compost and the bins and then I stood and admired it for a while

cuz "I am WOMAN...W-O-M-A-N!"

(ba-ba-ba-da-bum)
Don't challenge me!
(ba-ba-ba-da-bum)
Cuz it's plain to see!
(ba-ba-ba-da-bum)
I'm full of energy and it is going to set me free!

Oh, "I am WOMAN...W-O-M-A-N!"

written by Me

Road Trip, Chapter III, Oklahoma

You may have noticed that I've put off writing about our trip through Oklahoma. It may be because I don't care for Oklahoma's Great Plains and Frontier countries, and I'm amazed that anyone wants to live there. My brother and his wife and families just love it there--they live in Wynnewood, a little more than an hour south of Oklahoma City. I don't understand it. But the people are nice.

My mother was born in Webber Falls, Oklahoma which is in the Northern portion of the state and a bit prettier than the southern section, but her family moved to Enid when she was a baby. (We didn't take time to go to Enid.) Grandpa was a farmer and the dust bowl problems caused them to pack up their belongings and 10 kids, and drive them all west to California. It was like a scene from "Grapes of Wrath," as they piled into an old truck with their belongings and set out for the promised land. Sometimes I wonder if my feelings involve past lives. I have Indian ancestry. Maybe I was on the The Trail of Tears in a previous life. Anyway, for me, the territory feels sad and depressed.

Anyway, after leaving Texas, we took the most direct route to my brother's home in Wynnewood and were there in the late afternoon. We planned to meet them for Dinner at a Mexican restaurant in the next town--Tio's. We had a nice visit and saw all the kids, told them how much they had grown since we saw them last, etc. The next morning we struck out to Webber's Falls, the small town where my mother was born. There wasn't much there.

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Looking East toward the Arkansas River, about a block at the end of this road. The end of this street used to be a bridge that continued over the river. That bridge was moved about 1/2 mile, directing traffic away from the heart of Webbers Falls. It now struggles to even exist as a town, which has claim to being the second oldest town in Oklahoma, established in the early 1820's. From there we headed home to St Louis. This part of the trip was direct and site-seeing consisted of gazing from one side of the freeway to the other stopping only for gasoline and refreshments. Our thoughts were on getting home to St Louis. We had traveled more than 1600 miles in 5 days--a whirlwind of sites and activities. And now we are home and planning for another trip in April, this time to Arizona--another chapter in the adventures of a wild and crazy Midwestern couple. "Y'all come back now! ya heyah?"

Road Trip, Chapter II, South Central Arkansas

We left Hot Springs about 11:00 a.m., after having coffee in our room and showering again in the natural springs that was piped into each room of the hotel, then checking out. We took a last look over the town, park and springs, then headed southwest to Texas making a detour to Arkadelphia and Okalona, in Clark County, Arkansas.





Arkadelphia is located in Clark County, along Interstate 30, about 65 miles from Little Rock, 40 miles from the Crater of Diamonds State Park, and 25 miles from Hot Springs. We stopped at the Courthouse which was built in 1899. I wanted to check out some old court records of my grandmother's family, then we found a cute restaurant, the Honeycomb, and had a nice lunch. (The Honeycomb Restaurant exists for two main purposes: one, providing work for our clients, and two, providing a downtown restaurant with good, affordable food--and the food WAS good and affordable. I had a yummy chef salad that I couldn't finish. I don't remember what He had.)

On to Okalona...

My paternal Grandmother was born in Okalona and apparently I do have relatives there. It was off the beaten path, a winding, scenic road back in time, to a small town with one old convenience store with a broken gas pump out front, a small post office across the street, and an aluminum sided fire station up the road. We stopped in at the convenience store in town and met a fellow that grew up with my distant cousin or uncle (yet to be determined through Ancestry.com) and got directions to the old homestead of a great-great aunt. Well, we just had to go check it out. I'm not really sure if we saw the actual house, but what was there met the description by the old man.

(left--Arkadelphia court house; center--Okalona, aunt Clemmy's house? right--Okalona, Mr. Malcom, The old fellow seemed to think we were related in some way.)

Due to time constraints (needing to be in Longview, Texas by 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.), cut our exploration short and headed back to the main road and on South. I'd have to wait for another trip to explore Prescott (where my dad was born) and Hope (where there is some of the best mexican food I've ever tasted).

to be continued...

Road Trip, Chapter One--Arkansas

I've been a lot depressed lately and in an effort to lift the spirit around here, I convinced Him to take some time away from work and go on a 1,500 mile whirlwind drive through four states--twice through Missouri. We did it in five days, staying in different places each night.

So, early last Wednesday morning we climbed into the Corolla and left St Louis heading south on 55. Turning right at Memphis, we took 70 into Little Rock and made our way to my cousin's home

just south of it. They live on a street called Diamond Hill, so named because of the natural crystal found in the ground there. Small crystals litter the yard and glisten in the sunshine. You know I was out there digging for crystals and even found a few little ones that I pocketed and brought home.

The ancient Ouachita Mountain area of Arkansas was considered a mystical location by Native American tribes. The hot and cold springs in the "Valley of the Mists" (now the city of Hot Springs) was considered a place of peace for even warring tribes. Shaman traveled to "power points" in the mountains where the earth's energy was said to be the strongest, and the beautiful Arkansas quartz of the Ouachitas were believed to have sacred and spiritual significance.

Anyway, CC and Jerry had dinner waiting for us and we enjoyed ribs, slaw, and I forget what else--all good. And Jerry made breakfast, serving up his sausage biscuits. We were stuffed. Thanks, CC and J. Although brief, we had a great visit.

Then we were off to Hot Springs for a spa day and tour of the town. We stayed at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, a nearly 500 room resort in the Ouachita Mountains of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. The hotel was originally built in the late 1800's but burned to the ground. It was rebuilt in 1920 and has been operating since. This is where I enjoyed a hot mineral bath, mineral wrap, pin-point mineral shower massage, sauna and a massage. The only thing that was missing was a gurney to roll me back to my room. It was the most luxurious pampering I've ever had. Although He wouldn't have any spa business for himself, He was happy to look at the old buildings, go on a historical tour through a bathouse, and do a little shopping. You can't really see in this picture, but He is wearing a silly hat with long blond hair attached to it. Cute, huh. And, I had my fortune told by Zoltar. It's all good.
to be continued...

As Time Goes By...

I'm amazed that everything I do reminds me of our dear Greta-Girl, our pet German Shepherd of 11-plus years that passed-away a few days ago. I'm having a rough time right now and I know, and everyone tells me, it will get easier to bear as time passes.

I've gone through this before. In the 80's, I adopted a kitten that was rescued from a barn wall. It was an adorable, fluffy, pure white ferrel kitten with blue eyes. I named her Sassy-frass. When I brought her home and put her down, she quickly disappeared under the cabinets in the kitchen. It took a day or so to coax her out. Knowing she would get hungry, I placed a saucer of food at the space that she had climbed behind and stood quietly nearby, waiting for her to creep out. She finally did and I swooped in and grabbed her. I blocked that hole and kept her with me until she trusted me, eventually becoming a wonderful and loving pet.

Well, Sassy was out one day, strayed into the street and was hit by a car. She was quickly carried to the vet but she was injured too badly. I decided to put her to sleep. Sassy was only with me about two years but I was smitten. I remember missing her for a very long time.

So, as I remind myself of my grieving for Sassy, I feel somewhat soothed that I will eventually be able to resume my daily activities without sobbing every few minutes about Greta. I'll be able to mop up spilled water and remember mopping up after Greta when she lapped water all over the floor and not cry. I'll be able to make dollar-sized pancakes without crying about the ones I made for her when we had them on Sunday mornings. I'll be able to vacuum the floor and remember all the hair she shed--everywhere--and not burst into tears. I'll be able to handle a plastic bag and smile when I remember when I used to grab one, shake it in the air, and yell out "Poop Patrol," and she came bounding after me to go outside to clean up her trophies. (She was proud of them, often pointing them out to me.) Greta helped me feed the birds, faithfully following me out to the feeder and "helping" me fill it. She never chased the birds but she would run off a pesty squirrel from time-to-time.

There are so many more great things to remember about Greta and I may have to subject you to them as I work out my pain and grief. This seems to help a bit. Thanks for listening.

Our Grand Dame Greta Liesl

One of the saddest things that can happen to us is to lose a pet that we love dearly. We dearly loved our dog, Greta, a 12 year-old German Shepherd. I found Greta at an animal shelter when she was about 8 months old. She had been "turned in" there for reasons that were not really clear. What was clear was that she was a frightened and unhappy. But she took to me and I took to her. After a couple hours, arrangements were made and I brought her to her new home. Greta was with us for over 11 1/2 years, bringing love and joy every day of those years--even when she dug holes in the yard and chewed on furniture. Soon she outgrew those puppy habits and much too soon (for us) she grew old.

We lost Greta the night of January 14th, 2009. This is a small tribute to her memory and the love she gave us, and we hope she comes to visit us from time to time.

She was a party animal.

Sunday Drive Along the Mississippi River

If you are looking for something to do on a dreary winter day, consider going to the River and watch the eagles. Following this suggestion from M&M, we loaded up our ailing dog in the van and went to Grafton, IL, to watch our National Birds, the eagles yesterday. It was a crisp, windy day and the eagles were active. Armed with binoculars and bundled in down, we watched them. We joined other spectators whose vehicles lined the roads; there were people with cameras armed with huge zoom lenses, and binoculars. They took pictures and studied them with a quiet zeal.

We then drove on to Grafton and stopped for lunch at a nice little bar and grill that had rebuilt after a flood, and enjoyed some beer and a nice bowl of chili with a grilled cheese sandwich--perfect on a winter day. It was nice to get out, and Greta loves a ride in the car. (We were still unable to get her to eat anything and are feeling very sad about that.)

We didn't take pictures and those posted here were lifted from the Internet.

Up Mine...

I'm sure (if you are older than 40) you have heard lots of horror stories about colonoscopies and the preparation for them. Well, they are not so bad. Having one does at least a couple of good things for you: 1. It allows detection and removal of potential cancer-causing polyps without abdominal surgery and/or makes sure you have no polyps thus allowing peace of mind. 2. Some say that a good cleansing colonic is a healthy thing to do. At any rate, it allows one to start again, fresh. I'm trying to find some humor in it.

At any rate, five years ago I had my first exam which may have saved my life. The doc found and removed a polyp. So here I am 5 years later following up with another exam. The prep involves liquids and some nasty solution which I tolerated fairly well. I went to bed early hoping to sleep well enough not to feel my pangs of hunger, keeping in mind that this too shall pass, and that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Puns intended.

At any rate, it is over now and I can happily say the exam was negative. There were no new polyps. "Come back in 5 years," doc said. And I will, because after 36 hours of hunger and discomfort, I was rewarded with the relief of knowing I was polyp-free, and with about 3 seconds of a most fantastic high from the sedation.

Just Passing By...

If you want to know how to waste even more time in the day, put yourself on Facebook. Because so many friends are involved, I tend to hang out there more than necessary just to read that they are chillin' out with their coffee or eating a free subway sandwich--numerous short sentences or quips made (written) in passing as if one were walking by the water cooler at work, or passing a friend on the street. Facebook has almost completely usurped the intrigue of the blogspot. So I'm paying homage to my old blog, hoping that someone will pass by me here and stay a while and spend some quality time with me.