Below are a few others of my favorites:
I'll post more as time goes by.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Inspirational Poetry with Thought-Provoking Imagery
Since last summer I have been designing a variety of collages with varied subject matter and meaning. Although most of them are Baha'i related, several are purely esthetic or mysterious. Below is the most recent. It is poetry written by Lee Anne Olson. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
It's DECEMBER already!!!!
My goodness, time flies when you're having fun! Well, maybe not fun all the time, but the fun parts are the ones best to remember.
Our kids are heading up to snowing Chicago for the school winter break. Good old Amtrak still seems to be the cheapest transportation from down here in the hinterland. Each girl is spending time with Grandma and Dad for about four-plus days; specifically on their own. Their visits will overlap for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I just know they will keep their animosity in check for two days! (Prayers please!)
While we live here in our little pocket between the North and South, our weather never (!?!?) seems to be very extreme. Watching the recent storm wind its way across the country makes me most grateful for our temperate region. Yes, there are good things about Southern Illinois! Here are a couple of pictures from my friend, Lara, in the Northeast...does it look like where you are?
Our kids are heading up to snowing Chicago for the school winter break. Good old Amtrak still seems to be the cheapest transportation from down here in the hinterland. Each girl is spending time with Grandma and Dad for about four-plus days; specifically on their own. Their visits will overlap for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I just know they will keep their animosity in check for two days! (Prayers please!)
While we live here in our little pocket between the North and South, our weather never (!?!?) seems to be very extreme. Watching the recent storm wind its way across the country makes me most grateful for our temperate region. Yes, there are good things about Southern Illinois! Here are a couple of pictures from my friend, Lara, in the Northeast...does it look like where you are?
I will be posting the girls' school pictures sometime over the next couple of weeks. As expected, they have really changed from last year. Beth looks more mature, and Lilly is almost taller than me!
Not much else happening...Jim is in and out of the hospital about every other week. He has lots of tests being done, and fights pneumonia constantly. I would love to get away for the holiday season, but it's not meant to be this year.
Til next time...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Catching Up ... Happy Thanksgiving!
Fall flu and cold season has made its way through our house. It has hit everyone of us...which is probably good so we can be done with it!
We're going through clothes and putting away the summer ones and pulling out the winter ones. Just discovered that the winter ones for Beth and Lil don't fit anymore. Guess that shouldn't surprise us. Except for me, the rest of us needs new clothes. Jim lost so much weight this past year, he swims in his clothes. Lilly also has lost weight, but thas grown taller, too. In fact, she is only one inch shorter than me! Beth is still at 5'3-1/2'. The budget is having to stretch because of all the needs for clothes, especially since we just got a new car! When I was growing up, my mom made all my clothes. Wouldn't that be a novelty now? My sewing machine is a dust collector in a storage closet. I should be ashamed of myself!
I just got another computer for the house. Well, for me, really. With school assignments and printed requirements, the other one has graduated on to the teens. Of course, the baby computers each of them has won't suffice. Right!
Fall has brought cat mayhem in our house. The 3-yr old neutered male and the 6-mo old non-spayed female are confused. It's hillarious, but one must be quick to get out of the way when the race is on. And, the race is not limited to the floor! They have grown invisible wings...taunting each other from the top of the frig just is only one of the antics to stay away from. Then, if one of them has decided to take a cat nap on top of the frig, and you are not aware of it, there will be an unexpected crash; especially when sneeking out in the kitchen to get some ice cream when the freezer door is opened at 3 am. That's right...a cat and some freezer items will scare the hell out of you as they crash on your head. Not to mention the screeching of a disturbed cat!
Looking forward to seeing the CNN Heros show later tonight. It motivates one to become more aware of the needs of those right here in our own country. In fact, in our own neighborhoods. A surprise bag of groceries on the door step of a neighbor will go a long way toward boosting your own selflessness. Try it!
Can you believe that there are idiots who pitch a tent outside the doors of retailers who have scheduled 2-3 am to open their doors for BLACK FRIDAY. Where did that name come from anyway? You won't find me there; in fact, not at all during the day. Catalog ordering is a hit in our house!
Time to order from Pizza Hut. Yes, PH has the very best chicken alfredo fettucini...to die for! The next best thing to a roast turkey with dressing, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, peas, etc., etc., etc. Eat your heart out! I won't have as many dishes to clean up as you will !!!
We're going through clothes and putting away the summer ones and pulling out the winter ones. Just discovered that the winter ones for Beth and Lil don't fit anymore. Guess that shouldn't surprise us. Except for me, the rest of us needs new clothes. Jim lost so much weight this past year, he swims in his clothes. Lilly also has lost weight, but thas grown taller, too. In fact, she is only one inch shorter than me! Beth is still at 5'3-1/2'. The budget is having to stretch because of all the needs for clothes, especially since we just got a new car! When I was growing up, my mom made all my clothes. Wouldn't that be a novelty now? My sewing machine is a dust collector in a storage closet. I should be ashamed of myself!
I just got another computer for the house. Well, for me, really. With school assignments and printed requirements, the other one has graduated on to the teens. Of course, the baby computers each of them has won't suffice. Right!
Fall has brought cat mayhem in our house. The 3-yr old neutered male and the 6-mo old non-spayed female are confused. It's hillarious, but one must be quick to get out of the way when the race is on. And, the race is not limited to the floor! They have grown invisible wings...taunting each other from the top of the frig just is only one of the antics to stay away from. Then, if one of them has decided to take a cat nap on top of the frig, and you are not aware of it, there will be an unexpected crash; especially when sneeking out in the kitchen to get some ice cream when the freezer door is opened at 3 am. That's right...a cat and some freezer items will scare the hell out of you as they crash on your head. Not to mention the screeching of a disturbed cat!
Looking forward to seeing the CNN Heros show later tonight. It motivates one to become more aware of the needs of those right here in our own country. In fact, in our own neighborhoods. A surprise bag of groceries on the door step of a neighbor will go a long way toward boosting your own selflessness. Try it!
Can you believe that there are idiots who pitch a tent outside the doors of retailers who have scheduled 2-3 am to open their doors for BLACK FRIDAY. Where did that name come from anyway? You won't find me there; in fact, not at all during the day. Catalog ordering is a hit in our house!
Time to order from Pizza Hut. Yes, PH has the very best chicken alfredo fettucini...to die for! The next best thing to a roast turkey with dressing, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, peas, etc., etc., etc. Eat your heart out! I won't have as many dishes to clean up as you will !!!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
An Update...On a Saturday...in Southern Illinois
Haunted Chittyville Schoolhouse
Well, so Lilly and Marie (her friend) weren't very impressed with the haunted schoolhouse. Took 20 minutes waiting in line to go 20 minutes through the semi-scarry haunting experience; all for $12.00. They agreed it was a waste of money. Chittyville must have a good PR person...website proclaimed more than it was. Oh, well.
Other Stuff
First quarter ended and Beth got A's and B's, Lilly got A's and B's and one C+. For them, it is a great start of the year! Not much else to say about that, other than keep up the good work girls.
We've been checking out the fall colors, although it rained this week, so lots of leaves are on the ground now. Our Crab Orchard Lake tour was probably the best we'll get this fall.
We've been fighting fleas and other bugs trying to get into the warm house. So, we had to go all out and use the flea defogger, and Advantix the cats. Bethany and I get all the bites. Lilly and Jim seem to be immune to them. Now, the laundry room is loaded. Even all the bedding has to be washed.
This coming week will be filled with more haunting jaunts, getting out winter clothes and putting away summer ones, being sure the lawn is set for the winter, etc.
See a few current shots.. sorry, I'm camera shy!
Well, so Lilly and Marie (her friend) weren't very impressed with the haunted schoolhouse. Took 20 minutes waiting in line to go 20 minutes through the semi-scarry haunting experience; all for $12.00. They agreed it was a waste of money. Chittyville must have a good PR person...website proclaimed more than it was. Oh, well.
Other Stuff
First quarter ended and Beth got A's and B's, Lilly got A's and B's and one C+. For them, it is a great start of the year! Not much else to say about that, other than keep up the good work girls.
We've been checking out the fall colors, although it rained this week, so lots of leaves are on the ground now. Our Crab Orchard Lake tour was probably the best we'll get this fall.
We've been fighting fleas and other bugs trying to get into the warm house. So, we had to go all out and use the flea defogger, and Advantix the cats. Bethany and I get all the bites. Lilly and Jim seem to be immune to them. Now, the laundry room is loaded. Even all the bedding has to be washed.
This coming week will be filled with more haunting jaunts, getting out winter clothes and putting away summer ones, being sure the lawn is set for the winter, etc.
See a few current shots.. sorry, I'm camera shy!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Just Another Saturday - Almost!
Prayers for Seven wrongly-imprisoned Baha'is in Iran
Please take a moment to say a prayer for these wrongly-imprisoned Baha'is in Iran.
http://iran.bahai.us/2009/10/14/october-18-trial-of-seven-imprisoned-baha%E2%80%99i-leaders-likely-to-be-postponed/
Gotta Bomb 'da House
Yep...the fleas have attacked us. I HATE them! They love me. This is not a mutual relationship! They have to go!!! With the weather changing, these little buggers have found the warmth, two furry resorts, and lots of human skin to attack. I know, yuk! So, for the survival of the fittest, we must bomb our domicile. Then, laundry, laundry, laundry. I really needed this right now.
To Rake, To Mow...that is the question
With our temperatures running in the upper 40's and 50's now, the grass has decided to slow down its summer growing pace. But, it still looks sort of ratty. Then, the leaves have started to decorate the lawn, but not really enough to do anything about it yet. And, the eaves on the house are growing plants! That is a task that I'll have to call someone to handle. I'd rather cuddle up with a blanket, hot chocolate, and a good book.
Chittyville
The haunted school is still calling all teenagers for a cheap thrill! We'll see if our teens are going tonight. Since today is somewhat spooky now, why not make the night spookier? Lucky for them, I found $2 coupons for the entrance fee, so now each teen only has to cough up $10 to get in to this crazy excuse for fun event.
Farewell, Bear
Our little MinPin has found a new home! His new owner is Isaiah, a 3 year old little boy. He has a new fenced yard, and lives on a farm in Rosiclaire, IL. Funny thing, that town sounds familiar...to those of you who followed us when we moved to Southern Illinois. We spent our first month in that little town. Ironic.
I've decided it's a day for abandon...the color-turning leaves and other fall scenery are calling me. It's a day for pictures. Until next post.....
http://iran.bahai.us/2009/10/14/october-18-trial-of-seven-imprisoned-baha%E2%80%99i-leaders-likely-to-be-postponed/
Gotta Bomb 'da House
Yep...the fleas have attacked us. I HATE them! They love me. This is not a mutual relationship! They have to go!!! With the weather changing, these little buggers have found the warmth, two furry resorts, and lots of human skin to attack. I know, yuk! So, for the survival of the fittest, we must bomb our domicile. Then, laundry, laundry, laundry. I really needed this right now.
To Rake, To Mow...that is the question
With our temperatures running in the upper 40's and 50's now, the grass has decided to slow down its summer growing pace. But, it still looks sort of ratty. Then, the leaves have started to decorate the lawn, but not really enough to do anything about it yet. And, the eaves on the house are growing plants! That is a task that I'll have to call someone to handle. I'd rather cuddle up with a blanket, hot chocolate, and a good book.
Chittyville
The haunted school is still calling all teenagers for a cheap thrill! We'll see if our teens are going tonight. Since today is somewhat spooky now, why not make the night spookier? Lucky for them, I found $2 coupons for the entrance fee, so now each teen only has to cough up $10 to get in to this crazy excuse for fun event.
Farewell, Bear
Our little MinPin has found a new home! His new owner is Isaiah, a 3 year old little boy. He has a new fenced yard, and lives on a farm in Rosiclaire, IL. Funny thing, that town sounds familiar...to those of you who followed us when we moved to Southern Illinois. We spent our first month in that little town. Ironic.
I've decided it's a day for abandon...the color-turning leaves and other fall scenery are calling me. It's a day for pictures. Until next post.....
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Haunted Month...October is upon us!
As I hear about winter weather stories from friends around the country, in our neck of the woods, we're having misty wet air, cooler temps (45 degrees), and trees slowly turning color to show the splendor of autumn. We live in this pocket where the weather is not extreme cold or hot (well, maybe hot). Certainly, better than Chicago, Fargo, Denver, etc. Precisely why I left North Dakota 54 years ago!!!!!!
That's it for this morning! It feels like a day to cuddle up with a fuzzy blanket and watch a good movie; or, maybe just take a day-long nap!
Later...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Our Hiatus is Finally Over!
Unbelievable! The gap in posting from last time to now says something about our lives. In a nutshell, here's what's happened:
Isabella and Tabby Tom Cat
Tabby will never have a sedentary life and may loose some weight with a new adopted sister in his life. There is nothing too high to climb on or too scary to investigate. I opened the freezer one day, and Isabella fell down into my arms!
Bear the MinPin
- We moved from one location in Carbondale to another.
- Immediately following that move, Jim had a heart attack followed up with bypass surgery.
It has been a long road to recovery. Recovery has been very challenging and is still a work in progress. - Lilly spent six months with her grandma and dad in Chicago for the first semester of 2008.
- Lilly is now in 8th grade at Carbondale Middle School
- Bethany is now a freshman at Carbondale Community High School
- Jokingly, Bethany is called our 'wild child'! She is the life of the party, and has gobs of friends, including a boyfriend!
- Lilly's library of reading fills her floor to ceiling bookselves. She is an avid Web surfer, and is our resident veterinarian.
- Me? I just celebrated (don't know about that) my 62nd birthday! Doesn't seem possible!
After having double knee replacement surgery a couple of years ago, I can now dance a jig! Ah, not really!
Isabella and Tabby Tom CatTabby will never have a sedentary life and may loose some weight with a new adopted sister in his life. There is nothing too high to climb on or too scary to investigate. I opened the freezer one day, and Isabella fell down into my arms!
Unfortunately, we've made the decision to find Bear a new home. His upkeep requires more than any of us is able to focus on at this time. With Jim's health, the girls' schedules, and my trying to hold together everything in the family, poor Bear gets left behind. He will do much better in a home with smaller children, a loving family, and a yard he can call his own!
The latest in the saga of our lives is a new car: a PT Cruiser. We're still getting used to the differences from our habits in the other car. It is fun, though, to see the sky through the sun roof, listen to music on a Bose system, and when folding down the back seat having lots of space to haul stuff, like groceries.
Oh, yes...a couple of other things since our last post:
- I was so happy to attend our daughter's college graduation in Dayton, OH last November. It gave me an opportunity to spend some time with Reyhan and Razi, two of my beloved grandchildren.
- Then, in September, I visited son Greg, his wife Jody, and Austin and Natalie, two more of my beloved grandchildren in Aptos, CA. That's about five miles from Santa Cruz; and for my Baha'i friends, it's just down the mountain from Bosch Baha'i School.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/mari.hurt?ref=name
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