Sunset

Pat Brown sent this  picture along . . . a lovely sunset , the end of a lovely day.   Almost sixty degrees;  I think it is still winter.

 

Pat's new house as pretty inside as outside.    It is one hundred and ten years old and has been completely refurbished.  It has lots of charm and I think she and Emma will be very  happy up in the northwest close by Christine and in an area with good medical for M.S. patients.  

The weekends seem to come by quickly.   We are enjoying sixty degree weather but it is about to change as some storms are brewing out in the big ocean.   The virus, which is not a flu really, but a series of congestion, much like a sinus infection, is hovering about the town and everyone is wishing it away.   Ten days in may be good for puzzling, reading and solitude but it isn't 'normal' . . . oh for time outside.  The Chetco effect is keeping the air filled with pollens and that is no help at all.  So I'll take my  complaints out to the kitchen, put on my coffee and hunt up something for breakfast.  My thanks to you who have hung in here with me.    Hopefully I'll be back to 'normal' soon and get out an about to see how the other half lives.   I may even take my camera for a walk.   

So stay patient, kind and loving as  you have no idea what a bright light you may be in someones life.   Take good care to avoid crowds and the viral 'crud' that is going around.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and make your seconds sparkle today.  Hugs to all. 

  

Smiles

I don't have to think of any words this morning as they are already in the pictures.    Friday all over again, and there is a lot going on in our world.   Germs are flying about in one order or another and many of us are 'down' but not 'out' as we fight to get rid of this congestion.   The body is great at fighting off the germs but not fast enough to suit us.   I want out...smile....been confined in for a whole week plus a day or two and  although I don't think I am contagious,  I don't want to take a chance and get out in a crowd.   The word today is prosaic. . . has a nice sound to it.   Means dull, unimaginative, or ordinary . . . equate that with the germs and I think we all feel a little prosaic today.  

So with a smile and a a complaint, I'll go put my coffee on and figure a way to  sip my  four a.m. coffee and try to catch up on a few more chapters of my book;  over a thousand pages;   learning a lot about the back doors of the sixties on . . . have five hundred more pages to go before I catch up with our current history.    "What goes around, comes around"  isn't far of the mark.  History does repeat itself.  

Stay healthy, happy, energetic.  Be a friend and share time and love but not germs.    Make someone laugh out loud today;  join in and see how good you feel.   Help where you can.   That good deed does not go unnoticed.   I'm going to love you and leave you , no walk in hugs but once I get rid of this 'crud' , watch out as I'll be making up for lost time.    Hugs to all.

News

We had a little shaking going on yesterday around the Eureka area.   We didn't feel anything here in Brookings.  We keep hearing about the next big one;  hopefully we will just keep hearing and not have the big one.How fragile we really are.

The headlines in our newspaper yesterday.   The wave action was so powerful it turned over the boat and two folks were saved but one man was lost to the sea.    

He really deserves this political cartoon.   

Back in the fifties t he ladies were showing off the different styles.  I think a few stayed around but not all.   I think scarves are the rage today.   Although some of the styles leave little to the imagination then or now.  I noticed on the television the ladies are wearing the 'baby doll' dress and it really isn't for everyone.    The girls would be better off to wear what really suits them and not try to copy cat each other wearing something that is really not their style.   The high paying gals are paving the way  and they all look like they buy a dress a size smaller than they really wear.    I think they believe they look fabulous;  but they look like they need to take a friend along to help them find  the size tags.

The week is creeping by slowly when you have a flu bug which isn't really flu as there is no fever.  A respiratory  bug that has found its way to visit...and I could do without the visit.  

I wonder how the folks back east are doing.  They have another storm or two coming at them again.  We have been enjoying unseasonable weather.    Now if we had a really truly good snow storm it would kill off the germs and we would all be happy with good health  and a snow shovel for exercise in hand.  Weather, we get it whether we like it or not.

Go, have a good day.   Do something wonderful.    Light a candle for all in need.   Take time out to do one good deed.   Stay as healthy as you can, which means you have to keep washing your hands.     smile....poetry in action....Be wise, be Y OU.  Hugs to all.

Stormy Weather

The weather folks need a pat on the back for telling the folks in the east coast what was coming at them.   They missed the actual landing by a few miles as t he storm went more north than expected.  Yet the folks who are complaining about those that tell us about our weather patterns should remember it is much better to be safe than sorry.   This picture was taken in Connecticut.

That is a lot of snow to shovel.    No lights, freezing cold, some flooding in some areas;   yes a monster storm.   The folks back east are hardy souls and used to tough winters.  This one had to be a bit more unusual because of the 'hurricane' winds that did so much damage.   One sea wall went down and created flooding and much damage at high tide in one of the towns.   More storms on the way, so say a prayer for the folks back east .

Amen to that.   

I wish I had written down the words that Hillary Clinton said when bragging  about her amazing speech when asked how she thought she did  in her political career.  She had what is known as 'gobbledygook'  down pat.   She said a lot of words that meant  absolutely nothing.  

This was one of the "Charley" cartoons that created a blood feast in France.

Isis has similar ideas.

What we need at the end of the day.   I knew I should have invested in vinegar.  If I could get in and out of a tub I'd try it.  Let me know if it works.

Hump Day . . . I am off to have my coffee and wake up and hopefully find out the flu bug has gone another notch down.   Go slow and easy out there.    If you are in the heavy snow areas get out the toboggan and go have some fun.    If you are shoveling three feet or more of snow, take it slow and easy as the heart isn't used to all that exercise at once.    There is no reason to hurry as you wont be going far.    Just take good care of  YOU.   Make today a be good to yourself day.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and smile because  you can.  Hugs to all.

Winter

I hope the folks back east have a fireplace like this in case the power lines go down.   I haven't turned on the television this morning  so have not heard the latest on that horrific storm that was moving up the east coast like a Fall hurricane.  

Here is a picture to catch the eye.   I have never seen horses in the snow before.    

Ah, Lake Tahoe.   I miss my rides up to the Lake.    A lot of memories pop up looking at this picture.  I never did take up skiing but Diamond Peak got a lot of attention in the winter months.   I wonder if they got much snow this year.  Last I heard there wasn't much.

The flu persists and I resist.  Doing better but it is so slow.    I'm off to make my coffee and check the news.    Make sure  you take good care not to be out in crowds.  Stay healthy and happy, and if you catch this despicable bug hunker down and do a lot of nothing.   That 'feed a cold and starve a fever' is a truism;  Oh for a master chef in the kitchen . . . well, dreaming goes along with it.   Go...have some fun while you can.  Be good, be kind, be gentle as you go about doing your good deed for today.  Hugs to all.

Flu Bug

and you are far better off letting it go and getting on with your life.

A truism.     

If I had some of this I'd be popping bubbles.   This being down with the flu for almost a week is not fun.   The cough is the worst of it  so far.   I am more than willing to give it away but no one wants it.  

All I can tell you is to stay out of crowds.  Wash your hands often.   Stock up on chicken broth and make a big, really  big pot of soup with lots of real vegetables in it, add a little garlic and turmeric  and onion.     Hopefully you will heal fast and be back feeling good again.    I'm working on it.  So, be good, kind, gentle and don't forget a good deed today.   Hugs to all.

Joseph Has a Birthday

Is that for me?   Yeah!!!    Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday dear Joseph, Happy Birthday to you.   

Sure I know how to eat a birthday cake!!!   Want some?

Hey Mom, Hey Dad, I got a present.

I like the wrapping.   It makes noises.  Makes messes too.

That Grandma Judy sure knows how to pick out presents.

Another one. . . wow

It is a chair...wow....for me?   Yes......all I have to do is get in it.

See, it fits me just fine.   

Come join me and play.

Grandma Judy shares her grandson with her  Aunty Mom Helen and me.  A great grand child is special.   Joseph is a whole year old and soon will have a new sister who is coming in May.   I wonder how he will enjoy sharing all those new toys with her.  Well, it will take awhile for her to grow and give him a little competition.     He is such a cutie.   It isn't every day I get to attend a birthday party.  Sure brought back a lot of memories.  I hope it brought back some for you too.    There is nothing like having a little one around to brighten up your life.

It is Sunday.  I made more chicken soup and it is helping to chase this flu bug away.   I hear there is a lot of it going around.  My friend, Eunice, called to say she was down.   We both went to Fred Meyers to shop so that must be where we picked it up.  It is not pleasant and it takes time to get better, slow but moving in the right direction.   My poor ribs are sore from all the coughing but it seem to have slowed down a bit today.   I may be on the mend.    So have patience, I'll get back in the swing of things yet.    

The word on my calendar for Saturday was 'nodus' meaning complication, difficulty . . . so my flu bug is nodus.  Old Roman poet Horace said it meant "a knot worthy to be untied"  Shows how long the knot has been regarded as a symbol of a seemingly inextricable problem  all the way back to 1738.   The word today is 'agog' full of intense interest, eager'  English speakers have been clamoring over the word "agog' for more than 450 years.  So I learned something new , now all I have to do is remember the words when I play scrabble.

Enjoy your day.   Be careful, try not to catch the flu.    Save the hugs and kisses for better days when everyone around you is healthy.    I had a call from Donaleo today telling me Erin was swimming in the ocean.   He sounded so close, great connection.   It will be interesting to see and hear what develops in their near future.   They had just had a lunch on me as I missed his birthday and sent a treat so they could have an Aloha welcome lunch and celebrate.   One can never be too late I find.    So if you missed someones birthday, get  busy and catch up.    Birthdays are special for each one of us.   the more you have the better it is.   Hugs to all.

Places

Sunset on Mt. Rainier.

Mendocino.    

I bet Patricia and Erin are smiling.

The weekend is here.   The weather is clear and colder.   The furnace is singing constantly and I am entertaining a flu bug.  Looking at pretty  scenic pictures help as I can pretend I am off for a walk in the sunshine.  I was bored yesterday so decided to make some applesauce cookies.  Pat had asked if I had a recipe so I found one and followed the directions to a 't';  can any  of you use some crumbs?   The cookies came out plate size, brown and gorgeous but wouldn't lift off of the cookie sheet.  I have no idea why.   I sent an  s.o.s. to friend Marcia and she came back with her recipe which cut the shortening and sugar in halves.   She told me this type of cookie has a tendency not to leave the pan;  next time I think I'll try  parchment paper, that might help, along with a cooler oven.  She said the crumbs will be extra tasty on cereal or with yogurt so they wont be wasted . . . but I am wondering if the birds would like them.  As for me, I am going to 'drop an egg' (poach) and feed my flu bug.  I am going to leave the baking until better days.    I think I've lost my touch!

I hope your weekend is a happy and healthy one.    Stay awake from any one who even looks like they are going to sneeze.   Wash your hands frequently.    Be careful to stay healthy  and hardy .    If you have a good recipe for an applesauce cookie that doesn't stick to the pan, let me know and I'll give it one more try.   Be loving, be kind, be gentle with all you meet and greet today.   Do not visit a friend with the flu, but do give them a call and wish them 'all better'  and a can of chicken broth might help.   I'm off to make some soup the elixir  of  chasing the flu bug away.   Flu bugs means no hugs, no  kisses, no company . . . down on flu bugs, down on flu bugs, I'm on my own march today.   Hugs to all.

Cartoons

Along with every thing else the hair thins as you age;   too bad it isn't a little belly fat.  When Gina , our barber lady, cuts my hair, I begin to look a little like this.  It depends on whether she has cut several male heads before my turn.  If she has then I'm in for a very short haircut.  I am getting used to it and think I like it.   I'm thinking of trying a Judy Dench haircut, a sculptured cut very close to the head.  One step above  bald, but I lack courage.  

I think it should count.    Many of us do a lot of tossing and turning and it should count for something.

there is always a comedian in our lives.    

I like this one.   I think I'll look for a similar sign and hang it in the house so when folks come with their electronic gadgets they will get the idea conversation is not passe.

I wish I liked beer, but I don't.   I had some of my homemade chicken soup today and it helped me feel a little better.   The cough  is mean.  The flu bug or whatever it is has decided to take up housekeeping and I had a very lazy day.   I'm not complaining.  It is always great to have a good excuse to sit around and do a lot of nothing.     

Ha, ha,  never thought of this.     

Well  you knew I couldn't have cartoons without finding a political one or two.  He shouldn't worry, Nancy is looking out for her man.

The truth will out....finally.... 

Now that is the best suggestion of the day.

Go, be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.   You all know someone who needs a lift, so get out there a do a little lifting.    Be a friend today.   Cook up a pot of chicken soup and take a some to your friends with the flu bug;  just leave it on the doorstep and run.    It will serve as a grand gesture and a silent hug.   Dig out your old Easter basket and fill it with a little Kleenex, a package of cough drops, and a big chocolate bar.  A little note wouldn't hurt either.   I didn't get any of that at my door, but what I did get was some Swiss chard  right from Jock's garden and that has healing qualities to chase the flu bug away.  Thanks for thinking of me Jock.   Now catch a big salmon and plan to come and grill soon.  I'll be ready.   Go . . . be good, be kind, be gentle as only YOU can be.    Friday . . . one day before a whole weekend  . . . our word today is "fervid" meaning very hot: burning, extreme intensity of feeling . . . shall we talk politics?  . . . smile . . . wait until I get my strength back.    Hugs to all.

History Bits

Judy Dench, a wonderful English Actress who is so talented.

Something we must all do as so many of our servicemen  and women are suffering through no fault of their own.

the first Walmart.  I didn't know it started out as a five and ten cent store.   Baby , look at the now.

The first atomic bomb.  Now we are threaten as Iran tries to perfect the bomb.

Celebrating the end of prohibition.   Happy faces.

Testing the first bullet proof jacket.   

Hitler's buzz bomb over England in World War II.

The building of the San Francisco Bay Bridge....1923

I had an attachment  come in last evening with loads of history pictures.   Some I had never seen.  We have come a long way as history attests.   Wonder what the pictures will be like in another few hundred years.  Just think of all those new gadgets being passe.   We have all heard that 'history has a way of repeating itself'' , wonder what will be repeated for this next generation.   The atomic age;  that is scary.   Maybe it will "stultify" 1. to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical.  2.  to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective: negate *to have a dulling or inhibiting effect . . . the word for today   The history:  "Stupid or absurd behavior , unsound minds not responsible for your acts. Rendering someone or something useless or ineffective.   Maybe someone will be bright enough to stultify and think more than once about destroying our world as we know it.  Wouldn't that be a good change.

There is a virus going around starts with a cough and not fun.   I think I have started and have my remedies ready;  I knew I bought that whole chicken for some reason. . . chicken broth here I come. . . Fisherman cough drops and down time.    Say a prayer it passes quickly.   Like everyone else, I do not like to have a flu bug to contend with.    I'm off to have my coffee, wake up and maybe feel sorry for myself . . . poor me,  poor baby,  Okay, okay, I'll be good and grow up and stop.   Go carefully, don't catch a flu bug and make your day memorable.   Do that one good deed and make someone , or two, feel treasured today.    Be useful, smile with your eyes and hug tight.   Hugs to all.