Wendell Berry-stolen from the pages of Lori's facebook

When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

nothing new to report

Not much going on here in Missouri, except the pollen count is way too high. We've been going to St Louis to work on Mom's house. It is in a not so good neighborhood so there is a limit to how much money we should be putting in it. Mark tore out the kitchen sink cabinet to repair the plumbing stack. Now we are considering all new cabinets, and if you do that the floor has to be redone. Just repairing the deck was about $700.00. She has lived in that house for over 50 years so I guess just burning it to the ground is out of the question. There goes that plan.

giveaway of Lands End Swimsuits

here is a great giveaway : http://www.chic-critique.com Lands End swimsuits, nothing better.

Garden no party

It is spring, what a wonderful time of year. the tempreture varies between 50 degrees and then the next day 85. Then it rains, and rains and rains. Upside, the grass is a beautiful green and the flowers are beautiful. Downside, ITS STILL RAINING. and the weeds are growing faster than anything. And spring adds another area of my home I have to feel guilty about not keepin up with. But I'm working on it........ The pictures are my backyard and the work in which I'm already behind. ok, the first and last are pictures of my neighbors flowers. Side note is that Mark hates those flowers for some reason. I think its that you can't cut down the green after the flowers die for a couple of weeks. he hates that.

advice column

When I was younger I could never decide on which direction I should go to for a career. I thought I should have one, but which one? What are my talents, likes, dislikes. At eighteen I didn't know, during my 20's I didn't know, or 30's or 40's . But I think I know now. In my middle 50's, which is great cause it's a little late to go there now. I once told my husband I was glad I was turning 50 cause it was too late to worry about what I wanted to do with my life. He said it was never to late to become whatever I wanted, what would I want to do? I said be a ballerina. So he said "too late". Anyway I should have had an advice column. I could have been Dr Deb. That would have been great. Or a magazine editor, wouldn't that be an adventure? It would so fit me, I love magazines, and I can spot an error in printing or english with the best of them. I think I should have used the fact that I'm so opinionated to make a fortune instead of giving those opinions away for free to an ungrateful public. Next Life.

We're having some fun now.

Here is the better model of old hats and the dressed up dressing table.

Weekends go by so fast

I'm playing with this arrangement on the wall, I want to put some saying on the side of the clock. I just don't know what. how about "Tempus omnia sed memorias privat" Time deprives all but memories, in latin. Or "Carpe Diem" or Chicago's "does anyone really know what time it is? "Time flies when you're having fun!" Any votes out there?

Wall has been repainted, and picture put up. I went with the three up, and over. Kind of a pain, but I like it. Thank-you Mark

We babysat Saturday and Sunday, the kids were great for the most part. I stapled some leftover material from a wedding on the old dressing table. The grand saw it and claimed it for her own. Three years old and she spent two hours arranging, playing, and make-uping in the back bedroom. She would have stayed longer but the aroma of my new bottle of "romance" cologne permeated the air. We moved to the kitchen to make cupcakes. If I was a very bad model of hats, I will show you a good one. Audrey tried on all the hats and was camping up a little. She picked the purple flower one for her own. Hope everyone has a great week, and spring is really here.

my auction purchases

doilies many, many doilies
about 12 pairs of womens gloves
two chenille bedspreads, one white with flowers and one pink.
many women's hats
crock, sewing box, lamp, telescope,etc
A full pink bedspread w/flowers and a kids apron that looks like a rabbit, at least I think it looks like a rabbit.
a Silhouette picture pair
earrings
tri-fold mirror, a hat box etc.
aprons

I'm thinking the 50's may have been my decade. I picked up a lot of hats now what do I do with them? I like that I even have the prerequisite lipstick stain teeth. I don't wear lipstick, but I'm pretty sure that now that I'm in my mid fifties I should start!!

Tuesday's Auction

Lots of stuff at this auction, but why have it on a Tuesday? I do not know,
I know I couldn't stay for the whole thing. But I will show you what I got a little later. A few of these items wound up being mine. I went through at the beginning and took some pictures, sorry some are a little blurry. I couldn't use the flash and didn't know if I was going to be told not to take the pictures. but I have found out in life if you do things with confidence, like you were suppose to be doing it, people think you were suppose to be doing whatever it is you are doing.

50's ladies hats (mine)
a "signed" Beatles picture, I am way too much of cynic, but it went for about $12.00
Luggage, couldn't wait for this
Depression glass. went fairly cheap, but I have too much of this now
jewelry, sold each piece separately, I hate that
Sewing box, (mine now)
old bedboard lamps, pink is mine
Kennedy pictures, went for under $20.00 probably a good deal. I'll post more tonight.

Giveaway

There is a giveaway that anyone will love to win sponsored by online printing at 4 Reluctant Entertainers. Click here to enter!

check this out you might be very glad you did.

A ballerina in the making.

Our second grandaughter has just turned three years old.



Dance classes imminent

Ready to dance.

I just don't get it

I don't get toddler beauty pagents, I don't understand Nicolas Cage movies, or why anyone would think he was attractive, but most of all I do not get Twitter or Facebook. Or texting, I just don't. Why communicate in short sentences and with no thought or rambling? I thought blogging would keep people abreast of what was happening in the life and times of me. Ok, so most of the time that would be "hey, nothing new here", but every once in a while I may have something to say that is worth knowing. Not today but maybe some day. How about this.......hey relatives, would it kill you to hit the comment button once, just to say hi, or something?
Anyway, we've had some bad news, my DIL's stepmom died in her sleep last night. And she was younger than I am. I know that is not what I should be focusing on right now, but still it makes you think. Anyway Joette was a very nice lady, and a great grandma to my grandchildren. She lived in Tucson, Az but flew in to stay with my son & doughter in law for a week at a time a couple of times. She babysat the kids and totally loved being with them. She was even tempered, and sweet. I am so sorry that the kids have lost someone that loved them so much, they will not know what they are missing. I hope we can keep her alive in their hearts cause in this world the people that love you unconditionally are few and far between.

We went to Branson

Mark and I stayed at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake in Branson Mo. Thank goodness SEMA will be paying for it, or FEMA, or well I'm not sure who but as long as it is not us I don't care. Below is just a picture of the back of the hotel. And next to this is a view from the 6th floor outside the glass elevators but insinde the hotel. It was a very relaxing week, I meant to go shopping but I didn't really want to when it came down to it. So I just played around, read, and took it easy. We were taken out to dinner by some company, and it was very nice. I met the fire chiefs wife from another Southeast Missouri city and it seemed as if I already knew her. She has two kids that are now married and she is very proud of, one a dentist and the other a speech therapist. They are also enjoying traveling around now that the kids are out of the house. She and her husband scuba and they are having a great time. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that, snorkeling is about my limit. But I think I need to swim better, which means I have to just start swimming every day. So maybe one day, I was tempted to try it in Cozumel, cause the water is so clear it didn't seem like a bad idea. I didn't though. I'm such a coward. Another thing this other couple is enjoying is a Harley Davidson- and she tried to talk Mark into getting one. I don't think after all the threats we gave the boys, we could take one up as a hobby though. But it did sound like they were having a blast.

What I was most proud of though on this trip was the fact that I did not screw up anything. That is right, I got the right date, the right hotel, and remembered to bring the right amount of stuff. I do believe this is a first for me. Usually I mess something up, I've gotten the wrong date for a vacation with the entire, extended family before. I had to scramble around to find new accommodations. I've messed up so many times, I just expect to now. And why do people still trust me to make arrangements without checking on them multiple time? I have no clue. Well I do send my California DIL my tickets and information ahead of time so she can check. I've been pretty good there, but not without compulsively checking the date & times over and over. Like an OCDer checking to see if the stove is off.

So I'm back at work, and just waiting for the next trip. Which may be California again, I have to make arrangements with C to stay in San Francisco in June. Hey, C, could I just give you my credit card and you do the booking? I really don't want to break this lucky streak I have going now.

George Clooney where are you?

George Clooney is in St Louis. I don't know what movie it is, but they are filming in St Louis. So the radio stations are playing "where in St Louis is George". I think that is kind of idiotic, why don't they leave those people alone. Now I've never seen a star up close, or far away for that matter. At least that I know of, cause I don't know who these new celebrities are now. Where are the Jimmy Stewarts, the John Waynes, the Paul Newmans? Oh sure Brad is cute in a Robert Redford kind of way, and I guess there are one or two more, but for the most part, eeechhh. Is ugly the new thing? And it is not like they are good actors, they pretty much play the same character over and over. I mean so did the DUKE but he had such presence. I think we need new stars, not just relatives of old stars. We need looks, and likabilty, and star quality. Even though George is just another relative, (Rosemary), he does have those three things going for him. Sooooo wait, I think I will keep an eye out when driving through St Louis. I'm sure he might just want to meet me.

We saw a house we really liked.

And one we could afford.

oops, I may have made a costly error

I have included some pictures of the beautiful Claire, and forgot. She is a professional model, and I may owe a hefty fee. What an absolute doll!

Ocean 1 Mark 0

Mark and Claire were playing chicken with the ocean. Mark lost.

Playing with pictures.

my dil and I spent a day in California taking pictures. I don't want to brag, but I think we are both getting very good at it. She more than me, but its still fun. This is what I'm doing with one of them. I have to get eight more frames to finish. I'll post the finished product on the wall when I'm done. Anyone want to know how this was done?

btw the Rotus 8 is for sale

The Rotus 7 is for sale if anyone is interested. No it's a Rotus 8, based on a Lotus 7. I'm really not sure of the price. But I can get you the connection to my son. Also pictures.

What I bought at a Estate Sale today

I bought this ring for eight dollars today, what do you think?

cool, huh?

10 things about me

I was tagged to tell 10 things you may not know about me:
1. I was educated by nuns
2. I hated nuns
3. When I was 10 I traveled with Irish gypsies known as travellers.
4. By the age of eleven they dropped me back home because I couldn't clog.
5. At the age of twelve I made a living by singing at weddings
6. by twelve and one half the money people gave me to stop singing at their weddings began to taper off
7. At the age of fourteen, I was on television about 20 times.
8. At fourteen and a half we had to buy a new television that I could not climb on
9. At sixteen I could speak six lanquages, but I couldn't understand them.
10. At 18 I learned to clog.

really no one tagged me, I just felt compelled to share.

stuck in Denver airport

our flight was cancelled so we are stuck here in Denver for about eight hours, too bad. But here is the advice I'm giving, if this happens to you. Go to the courtesy counter and ask for vouchers. We did and got two free tickets to fly next time, and 14.00 to spend for lunch. So it kind of sucks, but SCORE! It also helps to have a spouse with at&t global internet, I'm just sayin.

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.

I went to this site and it proposes Tuesdays can be a day when you post about someone other than the fascinating me. I will tell a tale of my co worker, who is one of my best friends, ok..a workfriend but that is the only kind I've kept up with in life. (Another story) What the heck, he isn't one of my best friends, he's it. We've worked together for about seventeen years and he is like a younger brother. He is a people pleaser which drives me crazy but makes him a poplular fellow. Now we'll call him "Tim" he has been married for about I don't know 12-14 years. The girl he married has turned into a very unhappy person. She is a person that gets upset at the smallest thing, and just doesn't let it go, ever. Tom, I mean Tim is a joker, for example when his wife was getting stitched up after the birth of their first child he said to the dr. throw a couple of extra in there ok doc? Now granted not an appropriate time but 11 years later she is still mad. Well fast forward to Spring a couple of years ago, they aren't getting along, and he is drinking and gets into a bad wreck, now he has a bum leg. She went for a divorce but didn't go through with it, then she kicked him out during this Summer. On, & on, and who knows who is to blame, but he wanted back so Christmas she let him move back. Ok, why am I involved at all in someone elses marital problems? Well, #1 its kind of like a soap opera, and when he tells the stories they are funny and #2 our desks are butted up to each other so I'm like less than four feet away from him and about two feet away from his phone. So lately the wife has taken up yelling at him for a couple of hours when he is going to bed, I thought he was kind of crazy, and who just couldn't tell their spouse "enough, I have to work tomorrow, you're right, you're right about everything" So she calls him the next day to say she is sorry, and if he is not there she lets the phone ring about 30 times, till I get aggravated and pick up to tell her he is not here. Then she rings his cell which he leaves at his desk so the other guy that works here and I have to listen to that while she calls, and then calls again, and then again. Fun, huh?
Well the other day she calls, he tells her not now, I'm working and everyone is here close by. she hangs up then calls again in a fake friendly loud voice says " hi, are you having a great day? then other stuff, then she starts in on I'm sorry I yelled at you for so long last night (what do you know, he told it like it was) but you are not taking consideration of my feelings, and I'm trying to tell you with my words (yes, she actually said that) what I'm feeling, and my emotions have been .......................................................on, and on, for 30 minutes. Finally I started writing down what he should say to try to calm her down, and he read my lines and she would start in again. And I have got to tell you I was really trying to calm her down. I tried "ok, I know you are very upset, I'm sorry, we'll talk about it when I get home" "What can I do or say to make it better?" And other brilliant lines of B.S. and she just wouldn't shut up. Then I wrote for him to say " shut the f*** up you crazy b****. and fortunatly he held back. Finally, I yelled, hey the boss is coming our way, and she let it go.
So since its Tuesday I thought I would give you a glimpse into the life of someone other than myself, what do you think?

CALIFORNIA HERE I COME

We will be leaving for California on Wednesday. Looking forward to the trip to San Clemente. I haven't posted for a couple of days because I haven't had much going on here. Went to St Louis last week and visited two different Goodwills, on on Olive and bought a fire truck for one of the Grandkids, we were hyped so we went to an even better neighborhood's Goodwill. Well rich people give away crap. You wouldn't think they would waste time on garage sales or hoarding, but that goodwill had nothing good about it. Chesterfield, you should be ashamed, and more giving of good stuff. I see you guys buying and buying, do you never let any of that go? Think about it, and when you decide call me.

February

Caesar knew what he was doing, making February a short month. Good thinking on his part. I'm reading that a lot of bloggers are busy preparing for Valentines Day, making hearts with cupids and cards, and tags. Well that is all very nice, but what would make Valentines Day for me is for once being able to eat some of the boxes of candy women keep on their desk during this holiday. That is right, when we work on your computers we feel anything on the top of the desk is fair game. At least everything edible, or purchased by the hospital, like a pen or paperclip, maybe a stapler or two. But only if we are in need, we do not steal indescriminatly.

St Louis Worlds Fair 1904

Thank-you to my mom for giving me these spoons she had from the 1904 Worlds Fair in St Louis. And no she didn't get them personally, but was given them from an aunt. And thank-you to my sisters and brother for not having any interest in anything from history, or the past, so I get all the good stuff! You guys rock!

the drive to work on Wednesday.

I work here.

I got to be with three of the Grands

Winter has come to Missouri

I know northern Missouri has already had its share of winter, but this is new to those of us in Southeast Missouri. We woke to ice and snow, but somehow managed to arrive at work early. Of course it helps to be driven in, and dropped off at the door by Mark. I took pictures to post and now I can't find my cable to attach to pc, so I will post those later. The pictures are for a certain granddaughter residing in Orange County, Calif. note to Claire: you poor thing, I know you have school today, and if you were here you would not. you could sleep late, then dress warm and take to the hills with a tobaggan or a saucer. You could fly down the hill in the back of our house, landing in a heap of snow and ice. The ice crystals could freeze on your gloves, incasing them in a layer of crust that would make the gloves stand on their own when you pulled them from your hand. Your face would be red from the excitement and probably the cold, but that's ok, cause for a while you wouldn't be able to feel your face anyway. And when your feet could not take anymore, you could come inside for some hot chocolate and marshmallows. Claire, I feel so bad for you. I mean you are at school today, and what then? you come home and what can you do? Go to the beach? Really? But you might get sand in your hair! And aren't you getting tired of all that warm weather? Come to Misery, I mean Missouri!

What is it about the man and his ego? I work with two guys in an office. Now they are both nice guys, nothing obviously wrong with their mental capacities. But when confronted with the opposite sex, (I don't count, I'm grandfathered in) they honestly believe these women are hitting on them. Before I get too far into this let me draw you a mental picture. One skinny, one not. People, we are talking average computer nerds. And ok, I'm right in there with them but we are not talking about me are we?

But let these two walk into an office with some attractive girls, they really, really think "Hi, we are so glad to see you" means "I want you" and not the true "where have you jerks been my computer hasn't been working for hours" When I get through scoffing at them they have actually said when a female puts their hair behind their ears when talking to you, it means she like you. Holy Mother! I have to remind you these guys are not in grade school, although that is their maturity level most times. These guys think that waitresses are really coming on to them, and not just working for tips. They are to be pitied.

I have been a witness to people actually coming on to someone. And you are right it wasn't me, but a friend in the hospital's business office. She is pretty, and blonde, and bombshell. Once when I was walking with her, I mentioned how I must look pretty good today cause all these guys are turning their heads to get another look at us! She just said "what?" And seriously she never even notices. Once one of the directors keep looking back at her while walking and ran right into a telephone pole. I don't think the girl has ever had to open a door on her own. She is hit on all the time, and is going through life just thinking "aren't people nice?"

So conclusion: if you think people are sending subliminal come-ons to you, it probably just isn't so.

Saturday night

We are having a bit of a heat wave, it has reached a balmy 20 degrees today. Got to love that global warming! After the weekly visit to Lowes, where my peeps hang out, we went to Sams. I don't have a card mainly cause I do not subscribe to the idea of paying to shop. But I will say to hell with my scruples, and enter with someone else who does have a card. And to tell the truth I just don't get it, the prices of items didn't seem like such a good deal to me. At least not for a family that has dwindled down to two. Then we ran over to Walmart, and I found out where the majority of Capes population spends their Saturday. As we passed others that we knew, we could only shake our heads and repeat "what the hell were we thinking"

So back home we went, the wind blowing my coat straight back like supermans cape. Wow, that wind blows right through you. I'm not leaving the house again unless I really, really have to go. Like maybe a chocolate run or something. It was nice that my eldest son called, we don't hear from him all that often. And how great to hear how nice it was by the ocean, with the waves coming in and the kids playing in the surf. So after he hung up and I bundle up in a down comfortor, I was thinking maybe I should warm up by cleaning or by refinishing some furniture. But that comforter (is it comfortor, comforter?) well let's just say blanket, is so great, I think I'll just hibernate here for the day.

Tomorrow we travel to St Louis so Mark can visit his brother who has had a stroke. He is in a rehab facility, and we have every hope he'll recover. So we will visit with my second grandchild Abbey. She is little miss independent, and so funny to be around. And you know how some kids are climbers, well she is a great one. I think we'll have to start looking around for a climbing wall for her. When do the garage sales begin again?

January Blues

I've been listening to the blues at work, and it suits my mood. Now I love the blues any time but when you've been stuck in a room without windows, it's cold outside, and there are pc's to fix all around you, the blues seem right. Ruth Brown, Honeyboy Edwards, buddy guy, BB, Bonnie Raitt, they are all here keeping me company.

I have the feeling I am suppose to have done something but I can't remember what that something is. It's a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I don't believe I've promised anything I haven't delivered. Mostly cause I don't promise things. Can I blame everything on the fact that it is January? The only good thing that has ever happened in January is the birth of Ian Christopher, and while that was very good, it happened at the beginning of January. So it could have been the leftover good times from December. After the first week, it is pretty much downhill from there. February is better, but for some reason March sucks. I think cause it should be starting to be nice out but usually isn't. I believe if I used this time to regroup, redecorate, well just plain keep busy, I wouldn't be in such a pissy mood. But that is not happening. Last weekend Mark was gone, I was at home and I hardly accomplished a thing. Unless watching Monk on USA is a great accomplishment. I vow to do better, not a lot better but maybe a little better.

80% off at Hobby Lobby

Sorry to Dave but I'm a slow learner, just don't get the concept of not spending any money. Especially at 80% off. Items are a little hard to see, but consist of large silver balls (about 8 of them) priced regular at 7.99 ea. A crown voltive candle holder, mercury like glass with purple insets, and a silver tinsel tree. The tree had candy canes on it but they pull off easily. Also about six silver icicles.

Also picked up some silver items at an auction this weekend along with a few other items. Example:

and this

this piano scarf is a favorite from a past auction

bought this picture today for 3.02, I've already painted the frame ivory which looks better but didn't take a picture of that.

sorry about the sideways post, I really thought you could rotate the pictures. Oh Well. Christie I loved the little Santa in the hammock, very cute. Thank-you

My ambition

I had two antique booths at local antique stores. One changed ownership and I no longer felt a part of things so I moved out, the other had a great owner. She actually knew who I was, unlike previous stores owner. She had a monthy newsletter for her booth owners with information on what was wanted and some educational items. unfortunatly her husband was transferred and she had to give up her store. So I became storeless. All the goods came home with me, and I'm still collecting. What I want to do is sell at Antique Shows. That seems logical, as I have a full time job and do not want a full time booth again. I can find great Antique Shows in Texas, and of course the Northwest area seems to have wonderful shows. I even saw some for Kansas and West Missouri near Kansas. Now I live 100 miles south of St louis in Southeast Missouri, where are the St Louis shows? Are they out there? I saw one called Missouri Heritage, which seemed to have high end furniture. They sold a bench for over a thousand dollars? I've had benches I've sold for 30.00 so I'm not in their league. Does anybody out there know of any shows I could sign up for?

Redecorate

I've decided I have too much brown in my house. As in wood furniture, everything is wood. I don't know why but all of a sudden this bothers me. Maybe cause it is winter and I need light, but I'm debating on what to change. And should I get rid of the red in the kitchen? Wait I can't cause I have red chairs, slipcovers maybe? I don't know. I'm thinking change is in the air.

Normalacy

The weekend after Christmas day the decorations went down. The trees are packed away and the room is back to normal status. I love the decorations and usually wait until the weekend after the new year to take everything down. This year I couldn't wait to pack it all up.

One of my favorite gifts this year was a picture of my Mom & Dad. Christie, Ians hair just might have come from our side of the family! Mom was still in her teens here and I believe my Dad was about 11 years older than her.

Christmas decorations at our house

this is the first year ever that I haven't spent a lot of time decorating and preparing for Christmas. Making gifts? No Making cookies? No Five Christmas trees? No. But I did drag out a few items that I can share.

Can you see the Merry Christmas? That was made last year by my talented daughter-in-law

One guess what my husband does for a living.

yes that is a pink Christmas tree.

I will change this, but I don't want to drag out anymore Christmas stuff. Oh well, no one is coming over for Christmas so it can just stay. And yes someday I will finish the tile around the fireplace, but Mark wants to change the fireplace out for a vented one. Oh boy!

My favorite Christmas decoration is the ceramic santa given to me by my mom many years ago.

things on my table. Clocks and little girl bought at an auction this fall.

Snowman is lit up! There you have it, I'm almost ashamed to post any of these with the beautiful postings I have visited. Maybe next year.

Our December Cruise

This is Roatan, Honduras. The poverty is always there, but things seem to be getting better.

Of course the riches are also there, this is the mayors house.

The wildlife abundant.

And oh my gosh, the views were beautiful.

This is the west end where Mark went diving and we both snorkeled.

Snorkeling, and the water was so clear. The coral is right there, really great snorkeling.

One of these are Mark.

Can you just see how peaceful and beautiful? This is Belize, or an island right off of Belize City, so pretty! Then we went to Cozumel and it was a little cold, maybe in the 70's so we didn't snorkel, at least I didn't, but Mark dove off the side of a street into the ocean and played. I wasn't with him so I didn't get pictures. A storm was coming and the sea was rater rough, I went back to the boat. We couldn't tender off of Bermuda, so the ship's next stop was Key West.

I thought this was a good picture, I liked the bricks and the painters pallette with the almost started pictures. I snapped a shot of it and the artist yelled at me for taking the picture. Really? What the hell was he afraid of? It was on a public sidewalk and the pallette is more interesting than the picture.

I was taking pictures of everything that caught my eye, like the brick sidewalk on the way to the southern most point of the United States.

Peoples houses that caught my eye.

Mark by a cool door.
And because he was such an ass, the finished pictures of the artist. Does he think I'll go home and mass produce his oh so very original art? A beach chair on the beach, and an island on the ocean, you're breaking new ground there Da Vinci!!!! So go ahead and copy these if you feel the need, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

Another beautiful house on key west.

And one for Sale. As a matter of fact almost every other house was for sale. I'm thinkin times aren't so good on the Keys.

But the houses are really nice, and old.

The views are good

The locals are a little odd. Can you tell where these dogs are pearched?

That's right, the roof. I couldn't see how they got up there, but they seem content.

Closer to Key Largo the guys are kiteboarding.

I'm thinking this is the next thing Mark tries.

A nice path.

Mark Kayaking on our last day.

I thought these Kayaks looked like a bunch of bannanas So that's it, we had fun but its good to be back home. Kind of hard to get back into Christmas mode though. Maybe by the weekend.

Cruisin

Mark and I are leaving Sunday to Cruise on down to Roatan, Honduras Belize City, Belize Cozumel, Mexico and Stirrup Cay, Bermuda. We'll be back on the 16th. Yay, low prices on short notice cruises! We'll leave from the port of Miami, and when we come back we have plans to go down to the Keys cause we won't have had enough of the ocean. We envy those of you that can see the ocean from your front upstairs bedroom, and probably soon to be 180 degree view.

Only in Texas

That is right, Santa came in on a Longhorn steer!

Oooops, I think I was getting a little too close.

San Antonio

San Antonio River Walk

Mark & I did a fast trip to Texas to pick up a truck from Zach. We left on Friday right after Thanksgiving and returned the following Monday

Remember the Alamo

I really liked the balconies overlooking the river walk.

1st Birthday 1st cake

I'm not real sure what this is, I've never eaten anything like this before!

I don't know, it's different.

I'll try a little more, I'm just not sure.

I think I like it!

Maybe two hands will work even better!

I'm a happy boy!

Sugar HIGH

Bath time, but soooooooooo worth it!

Thanksgiving is closing in. I thought we might have had more people down for the meal, but as it turns out we are just having Craig, Nell, kids, Aaron, Tammy, Abbey and Mark and I. So what is all that food for, ridiculous. I wish I could borrow G.M. or Ford or the other broke car maker's private jet and run around this country picking up my other Hasheiders. A fast trip to San Clemente, then down to Loredo, and back home. I will start cooking tomorrow night, and finish up Thursday morning, and then clean up, give away all food left and Friday morning we leave for Texas! We will meet #4 son in San Antonio, where we will be staying at the RiverWalk. Well in a hotel at the RiverWalk. They have the Christmas lighting this weekend so that should be pretty. I'll post some pics. Also shopping at the Outlet Mall. Drive back home Monday morning, and wait till next Sunday when we are leaving for Roatan, Honduras, Belize and Cozumel and Bahamas and Key West. Another cruise which will get in the following Sunday, the 14th and we'll drive down to Key West so Mark can dive once more. The only thing that would make this trip even better would be if I could wear a swimsuit in public. But you can't have everything. Pictures to follow. And by pictures, I do not mean of me.

I found these clear dry erase boards at our local everything for a dollar store

Using MSword 7, printed out the lettering I wanted.

I am inspired to use print from my daughter-in-law Christie who does such beautiful word art. MSword 7 is nice because you can inlarge the print infinitaly instead of earlier versions where 72 seemed to be the largest print.

tape to hanging side to trace.

finished project

This all cost me $3.00. That is right $1.00 a piece. Of course I went back to the store and bought more, and other stuff so I spent about $50.00. Its a compulsion.

Went to another auction, spent over 300.00 and picked up some more furniture. I really am planning on selling some of this stuff, I swear Mark. I'll post pictures later. Right now I am busy at work setting up pc's, BORING.

My partner in crime and I were delivering pc's yesterday and we happened by the hospital's counselor's office. I guess nurses go to her with their problems, personal and work related regarding personalities and such. Her door was kind of open so I went in followed by Tom. I sat down and she said "do you have a problem?" I answered "how would you feel about that?"
counselor "I don't know"
me "and how do you feel about that?"
counselor "I am not sure"
me "well, never explain, never complain"
counselor " I'm thinking of retiring and I'm going to reccommend you for my job"
me "I'm glad we had this talk"
counselor "will you be able to work with people's problems?"
me "all you need are three little phrases, it would be a cakewalk"
counselor "tell me"
me "No. 1 (from the Captain) Suck it up, buttercup, No. 2 never explain, never complain..."
counselor "I don't really understand that one"
me "well, I'm not explaining, so don't complain"
counselor "understood, what's the third one?"
me "get the hell out of my office you whiney, complaining, baby.
counselor "you're hired"

No Knead Bread

So I was reading about this no knead bread the other day, and since I have no other half finished projects around the house, (ha) I thought I would give it a try. Now the thing about this bread is it is suppose to be easy and so tasty. So off to the store to buy better flour than what I have at home, and yeast, that's it, the ingrediant list only has salt added to that. "This is easy"

After a second trip to the store cause I didn't look at the ingrediants close enough, I got the instant yeast which is also disguised as bread machine yeast.

I mixed the bread, easy peezy, and set it away to rise. "It needs to be warm to rise?" Since we don't turn on the heat until November or the tempreture reaches 25 degrees outside, thank-you Mark, where do I put this bowl? I have a gas stove I'll put it in there. Next morning look at bowl, didn't rise much. I was informed there is no piliot light on stoves anymore, all electronic ignitions. Oh well, I will put it in the window and it will be warmed by sunlight. Set up a table by the window. Go to work.

Wait, the bread is suppose to be cooked in a ceramic pot. Go to Kohls, go to Walmart (the most expensive), go to Macy's, wind up at Tuesdays morning bought a corningware ceramic pot, 31.94 with tax. Take it home, fold the bread up to rise yet again, read directions again, bought the wrong size pot, must take back tomorrow. Look for old dutch oven I use to have somewhere........ find it but no lid, will a glass lid on a metal pot crack in 500 degree oven? Go back to work, come home bake bread. Clean flour from every possible surface in kitchen, have husband pick up chinese. I can't cook dinner, I'm making bread.

After dinner, bread is finally done. Looks great, smells good, read directions again. Takes 2 hours to cool? Are they crazy? I have to fast tonight cause my physical is tomorrow morning, cut bread after 45 minutes. Kind of hard to cut, rather crusty. But I cut two pieces, spread with that yogurt stuff that disguises itself as butter, and bit in to the.... well just not good. Crust is hard to chew and inside was shall I say a little gummy with a yeasty flavor. It was crap, total crap. But luckily it was easy so not much time wasted.

Its been a busy week, we had a funeral in St Louis on Tuesday. My sister in law has passed after a very long battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed ten years ago, and was living by sheer will power. We did not see her often, we don't live in the same city. We also did not have a lot in common, but she was something else. She did not know a stranger, she would talk to everyone and anyone. Her daughter talked at the funeral and said she did not realize that her mom was in such pain. She said her mom was at every recital, every game, every event her and her sister were involved in. Her mom would be the biggest cheerleader, and sometimes embarressed her, but she will remember it all with love. I really like that kid, she is honest and talented and funny which shows what a good mom she had. So here is to you D, you did not live a long life, but I believe you lived it to the fullest. I have always been one of your admirerers I just wish I would have told you.

A country Antique Auction.

We do not have an ocean nearby, nor a large theatre district or museums, but one thing we do have in Southeast Missouri is Auctions. Most weekends during the Spring, Summer, and Fall, you can find two or three Auctions. We travel into the countryside enjoying the view, and turn when you see the large amounts of trucks and cars parked in an empty field or on the sides of the road. When you walk up to the house, there on a few flat bed trailers is someones life spread out for all to pick over. Most people arrive early to look into boxes and scout the items to which they might bid. (awkward sentence, I was trying not to end with a prepositional "they will bid on") It is suggested to put a mental limit on your bid so you don't go over, but that doesn't always work. When you want an item, you catch the auctioneers eye or one of his helpers and from that point on a wink or a nod will up your bid. Newbies are the only people who make huge gestures, you should be able to be bidding and the person next to you won't realize you are the one raising the bid. After going to many auctions, you start to recognize the same people and you'll even pick up on what items they will bid on. And you know who the dealers are, and there are always dealers. The more dealers around will affect the price things go for, but remember they have to resale so they aren't the problem. The people you hate to have are lots of relatives, they take everything personal and they'll bid crazy on everything. If you find out there are lots of relatives, leave and go to another auction.

I've seen these phones at quite a few farm auctions and they usually go between 150 and 200, I think this one was about 160.

Not a lot of smalls, and that is why the auction was held on a Sunday. If there was a lot of glassware and depression glass, it would have gone a lot longer and been on Saturday.

I think the rocker went for about $15 and the trunk for about 35 or 40. If you notice I have the same trunk listed in the blog that I picked up for $10, so you never know.

Can you bleieve I dropped out of the bidding at $18 for these. But last time I got one of these it broke right away so I let her have it.

This wheelchair went for about $30

quilt tops only, they went for 20 to 30 dollars

no idea what this went for but it wasn't that much

I was bidding on this and dropped out at $19, I
planned on buying furniture and didn't have the room in the truck for much more.

my sister-in-law use to have these mushroom canisters, I hate them, I like her but hate them.

this is the house where the auction was held

this is the view from the front of the house. The place has been in the owners family since the ancestors arrived from Germany. They are not selling the place, a Uncle that lived there died this year, but they want to keep it in the family.

One of the best thing about auctions is talking to the people about the old places. Love that!


I paid the most for this, I won't say how much but I will tell you I spent right under $200 for all three pieces of furniture.

I bought this for $26 it is a lot like one I already have. You can see it on another post. I think I paid 150. or so for the other one, but it was in better shape. This is missing the mirror.

I bought this bed for $25, I'm thinking of painting it a cream color. Or just off white.

this is where we stopped to eat after the auction. Would you?

making a holly wreath

I didn't have a wreath form, so I used a wire that I wrapped into shape. Best tool ever is a sharp wire cutter, I use it constantly. Below is the base using holly from a male bush.

Then I wire on using 18 gage wire, the female holly.
So for almost no money I have two holly wreaths.
The bad thing about double doors is the wreaths kind of look like eyes. It took about a half of an hour.