Archive for MON. MOMENT

{ November 24, 2008 @ 1:03 pm } · { Home, Kingsville, MON. MOMENT, Ranch Breakfast }
{ Leave a Comment }

My FUN MONDAY is found below this:

KING’S RANCH BREAKFAST PART II

Okay, yesterday I posted about the things we ate, finding some longhorn steers on the way walking to the breakfast area, and a cute little pony I met, Freckles. Well part of the ranch hand breakfast menu is cream gravy, with sausage! In the back of the chow line is where we found all the grub cooking over open pits, smokers, and grills. This loverly group of cowhands were busy stirring up the cream gravy..from a wood heated barrle and huge pot!! It was bubbling and fine eatin’!!! They made the gravy just like I like it too…thick, and loaded with black pepper! Buttery with a bit of a zing to it with the spiciness.

After gobblin’ down the chow, it was time to check out the ‘entertainment part’ of the morning. Here, on the grounds outside the area was a wonderful exibition of rug weaving. It was an amazing sight to watch. I stood right up by him as he worked while I talked with him. This particular piece that he was weaving was the “Running ‘W’”; the King’s Ranch brand registered back in the 1800′s and still registered to the ranch today. It is copyrighted and trademarked to protect against theft of any kind. FORD sells a King Ranch edition of a pickup. Each one sold to a consumer, the ranch gets kickback.

In this photo the weaver was using the natural wool for the long stripe. He told me it takes him about 8 days working time…full time…to complete a medium horse blanket. But he also mentioned that the could get it done at a faster rate if needed. It’s more or less a hobby with him and still a vocation since he sells his finished products on the market. It was most fascinating to watch….

As he changed from the ‘natural’ shade of wool to a darker dyed wool, he worked through the weave for part of the brand….

This is one of many finished pieces he had for show, this one in particular I am showing you because of the King Ranch brand…it’s a finished saddle blanket.

All the while from the National Anthem at sunrise throughout the morning, we were entertained with live music. The area was filled with straw bales for those who wished to sit and listen to the likes of some songs such as El Paso, I’m Back in the Saddle Again, Happy Trails, all oldies but goodies. My favorite was the fiddler! He looked like he just stepped off of a western movie. And he could really play well!! Reminded me a bit of the likes of Charlie Daniels of the Charlie Daniels’ band from back a while ago….his style that is.

This dude reminded me of the old time tv shows where someone would start playing spoons or something out on the trail and then you’d end up having the whole gang playing something…this was just a water trough and a string…made a cool sound for accompaniment. The music from this trio [the other was a female guitarist] could be heard all over the area. It was a welcome sound. Soothing, relaxing and well done.

Moving on down…just off to the south from the eating area and the grub line was a covered outdoor arena. The ranch hands and volunteers put on a calf roping exhibition. Which was fun to watch, but I must say that the gentlemen who were doing the volunteering for the entertainment value of the day…well, let me put it nicely —they don’t want to quit their day jobs!!!

…and through the shute…a calf running for his life. Again, it was fun to be entertained as such, but none-the-less, I’d much prefer to see the calves out in the open range with no fright in their big brown eyes wondering just what is going on and what they did to deserve being chased by a couple of guys on horseback with ropes. Don’t get me wrong, I love rodeos, but this was very amateur.

At one booth you could purchase a ranch hand apron with the “Ranch Hand Breakfast” and date [same as the logo on the tickets] and have the official Running W brand burned onto the pocket. I stopped and watched the cowboy set the heat in the branding iron and then ‘stamp’ the brand for one particular woman who bought an apron.

These last two photos show some of the garb of the old west of this era along with guns…rifles, pistols, shells, bullets. The other tables for this exhibition also has some pamphlets and books on sale. Here, the two volunteers dressed as a Mexican cowhand [which the ranch had many, and still today the offspring live on the ranch], and an older gentleman dressed in a U S Marshall or a county sheriff.
Some of Richard King’s armory. Also, in the town of Kingsville, there is a whole building that has a lot of memorabilia of the King family…their cars, their flatware, their buggies, their ranch implements, clothes, photos of the life on the ranch…things like this. If you ever get a chance to see this place, don’t miss the museum in the town. It’s well worth the stop.

Tomorrow…the last of the photo share: the ranch buildings and such! Part III

High moments…in our lives!

    If you could share to us 3-5 high moments in your lives…this could be funny moments…the you can’t believe you did it moments…the “I told you so” moments…or the times we asked the ground to go open and eat us moments! You need not write a book to explain them, the highlights will do.

I’m laughing as I read Mariposa’s assignment. She tells us not to ‘write a book’. Guess she’s been to my blog a few times. Okay, I’ll keep it short. Of course the top on the list is marrying my great husband, then having two children, two grandchildren and retiring! That goes without saying———–

1] FUNNY MOMENT. This is one that is forever pressed in my memory!! One time after my mother had passed on and my father was a widower, he liked to drive across the state of Wyoming and Nebraska, alone. I didn’t like that. He wasn’t young, tho his reflexes and his driving abilities were very acute, still, at the age of late 70s. It was the idea of him being alone on the highway. I always worried myself frantic while I knew he was on the interstate, until I’d get a call that he arrived safely. Well, one time I had the summer off [I worked at the school district then. Bud took two weeks off and wanted to just stay home, no trips anywhere.] Dad wanted to go see his sister in Lincoln, Nebraska. Well being that she was my favorite aunt, I asked to go along and help drive. Now, to cut this short…here’s the funny part. [In fact I sent this story into Reader's Digest and it was published, I received a $100 check for submitting it]. There I go again, ‘talking’ too long —-we were on the west side of Grand Island on I-80 coming home. It was getting dark. My dad was driving. At that time, the dashboard on the car lit up…with a warning light to “Check Engine”. Dad pulled over at my request, and he got out, popped the hood open. He then looked in, closed the hood on the car, wiped his hands and got back in. With my expectant look, he said to me with such a straight, serious face, but the typical orneriness that he had, “I checked it and, yep, the engine’s still there.” And we continued driving home. THE END.

2] WHEN I WANTED THE GROUND TO OPEN AND EAT US UP MOMENT. Y’all know, at least some, that Bud is a history buff. We had a membership of the Custer’s Battlefield in Montana. For a long time during our marriage, we went there yearly. There was a small village called Crow Agency, just outside the gates to the battlefield. Just a gas station and a restaurant and a gift shop. The kids [very young] were with us that one time. After walking around and driving the park roads, the day was getting on, and instead of driving a long distance with the kids in tow, getting hungry and more cranky, we decided to eat at the Crow Agency restaurant. While sitting waiting for our burger and fries…Irene says VERY audibly…“We have only a bunch of Indians here, besides us!”.…I wanted to die. —the looks we got coulda given us stab wounds, trust me. THE END

3] ‘I TOLD YOU SO’ MOMENT. I really don’t do this kinda thing. It’s not that I’m ‘not an egotist’ when it comes down to pointing out “I told you so!”…it’s that I feel there is no need. 99% of the time when I AM right on something, they tell me anyway. So no point in ‘rubbing it in’.

4] I CAN’T BELIEVE I DID THAT MOMENT. In Tucson, listening routinely to our morning show of Mike and Tyler on the talk radio. They were always having contests where you call in to give an answer, for a prize. The two had a question: “Surveying all the pro football players, the majority said they’d like to have this celebrity mother as their own. Who is it?” Well, the callers got through, and no one’s answer was correct…the likes of Lucy [I Love Lucy], or June Cleaver [Leave it to Beaver], or Mrs. Cunningham [Happy Days]….mothers of that stature. All continued to be incorrect. I told Bud, “With the mentality of football players, I bet I have the correct answer.” He said, “Well, then call in.” I had a busy signal many times before I made the connection and got through. My answer was Marge Simpson. I was right, bells went off through the receiver and on our radio. After put on hold until a commercial break, so I could give my personal information, I then hung up…..along with the next day picking up two plane tickets to Disneyland, with hotel reservations under my name. THE END

{ November 17, 2008 @ 9:58 am } · { Home, jewelry, MON. MOMENT }
{ Leave a Comment }

Misanthrope is our host this week for fun Monday…our assignment:

    I hope this one hasn’t been done yet. Do you have a piece of jewelry or other item that holds great personal significance for you, and that you wear or keep with you every day? Show us a photo of your talisman, and tell us why it is so important to you.

Years ago, when I was working, I wore earrings! All the time earrings. I have my ears pierced –twice on each lobe. In fact, my goal was to have 365 pairs of earrings. But hey…times change. I decided when Bud retired, I’d quit too. And that meant not wearing earrings daily. With that change in life, I stopped wearing a lot of jewelry also. Except for my wedding rings, I am rarely seen with much ‘glitter and glamour’. But I do have favorites. Cameos and butterflies. Since I’ve posted a couple of times about cameos, I thought I’d show this butterfly ring Bud bought me for a Christmas gift one year, that I continue to wear daily [well, it's taken off for some household chores, but it's put back on when I'm done]. It’s very unique in style; I’ve never seen one like it even today. The butterfly wings are pink and imperial lavender topaz, the body you’ll see small diamond chips with two tiny diamonds on the side of the body. [fyi...I used to be able to wear it on my third finger....not anymore! I am doing good if I can get it on my pinky finger. Life and fat cells have settled that!!! rofl]

{ November 10, 2008 @ 4:45 pm } · { BIRTHDAY, BOOKS, Home, MON. MOMENT, TAG, USMC }
{ Leave a Comment }

My Fun Monday salute to Veterans is below…scroll down.

Hootin’ Anni’s Book Review, Monday Morsels

This week, my Monday blog is a bit different in the fact that I chose to give a book review of my own opinion of the book that took me all summer to read. Yes, two Sundays ago, I finally finished; I completed the book…all 1168 pages of it. It only took me from June to November to read it. It’s actually a ‘three-books-in-one’ novel.

It was first published in 1957. And it remains a heavily sought after work of fiction. Especially with the economics classes along with literature fields. The characters are strong mostly; some are weak and tend to lend a comedic relief in such a serious topic. Even after two weeks now that I’ve completed the book, it still lingers in my mind.

I, of course, do NOT want to give anything away, but throughout there is a question. A question that is answered – or is it? You must read to find out. Along with the characters, there is a strong setting. A setting of suspense, a setting of familial happenstance[s], of greed, construction and destruction. Strikes, deserters, looters, moochers, teachers, students, scientists, a whole society. Some are warped, while others remain keen and unflinching throughout. There is riches. There is tokens of greatness. High self-esteem, secrets, disappearances, deaths…it’s filled with intrigue.

I found it quite ironic that tho it was written and composed and printed in the 1950′s, and probably no doubt it had its share of criticisms and thoughts of banning back then to us readers….but the book, througout, remains in my mind because of the fact that the way the plot runs; it could well have taken place in today’s times!!! It’s so unrealistic in that aspect. Unrealistic for me in a shocking way. Not that it’s not realistic. It’s ironic. I guess you have to read the book to understand what I’m trying to convey.

I hear that they are making a movie from this novel. I just don’t see how in the world it could be even CLOSE to following the book without being a five hour movie…at least! Altho, I HAVE envisioned the main characters —at least TWO. I have Antonio Banderas playing Francisco…through the entire book! It just has to be Antonio. {LOL} And Dagny? The female lead character? Thank goodness I heard that Angelina Jolie quit the movie production. She just DOESN’T fit the character; she would have been SO WRONG. Again, throughout the book as I read —Dagny should be played by Jennifer Connelly. Okay…so, you can say it: “Anni’s weird”. In all honesty, I think they’d be wiser if they would produce and commit to making this a TV miniseries like Roots! Or Rich Man, Poor Man…or on the way of Thorn Birds. They’d make more money. Oops…money…that’s all part of Atlas Shrugged too.

I tried several times to get this book from the public library since it’s expensive in the bookstores…it was $22.00 for a paperback/softcover!!! But after so many telling me just how excellent it is, I broke down and bought my own copy through Barnes and Noble using an online 30% off coupon. And believe me, it is worth EVERY penny spent. I’m keeping this one. To re-read over and over.

Let me leave you with just a snippet –a teaser– of what’s inside the book covers:

    …”An animal is equipped for sustaining its life; its senses provide it with an automatic code of action, an automatic knowledge of what is good for it or evil. It has no power to extend its knowledge or to evade it. In conditions where its knowledge proves inadequate, it dies. But so long as it lives, it acts on its knowledge, with automatic safety and no power of choice, it is unable to ignore its own good, unable to decide to choose the evil and act as its own destroyer.

    Man has no automatic code of survival. His particular distinction from all other living species is the necessity to act in the face of alter-natives by means of volitional choice. He has no automatic knowledge of what is good for him or evil, what values his life depends on, what course of action it requires. ….” “Man must obtain his knowledge and choose his actions by a process of thinking, which nature will not force him to perform. Man has the power to act as his own destroyer….”

I was tagged by Antoinette, and I’ve added myself to the sisterhood. Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo in your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Add your link to the list of participants below

5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

I nominate anyone who wishes to join the internet sisterhood. Just click on the logo to enlarge it, save it, and copy the list. Don’t forget to add your name. Then, pass it on if you choose to do so. Even if you don’t want to tag anyone…grab the tag & put the button on your sidebar and invite anyone to join in with supporting the worthy research. Tho Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, it is definitely something to continue supporting each and every day!!!

PINK Sisterhood

1- Fara 2- Massy 3- N.O.Y 4- Mariuca 5- A Great Pleasure 6- LadyJava 7- Kim 8- Pink Thoughts 9- Turn-u-Off 10- Roxiticus Desperate Housewives 11- STAY AT HOME MOM 12- Fida Abbott 13- Also Mommy 14- Janice Ng 15- Juliana’s Site 16- The Painted Veil 17- Heart of Rachel 18- Mga Muni-muni 19-Picture Clusters 20- Scraps of Mind 21- Antoinette 22 – Hootin’ Anni – 23 YOU

Also, one more thing today, the Fun Monday salute to Veterans with hostess Jan—
With pride of a United States Marine mom that I am…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You’re now 233 Years young!!
Ooooooooorah!!!

All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. Gen. Lejeune’s order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

- – -

To all Veterans around the world…thanks for protecting us in the past, now and in the future. You are remembered! Our freedom comes at a cost of lives, and we give thanks to those who fought for our country. I love and lost the 1st “Love of my Life” from High School….he was shot down in Viet Nam. His platoon sergeant told me in a letter, “Frank never knew what hit him”. I still miss and still mourn the loss….tho he died in valor, I still feel it a waste of such a good life. I honor him today. [His name is on the great wall in Washington D.C. ---I cried so much at the time when I saw it, that I couldn't even touch his name]. Tomorrow, if I can get to scanning, I will have a much better post on all the VETS that I personally have the privilege of calling ‘my own”.

{ November 10, 2008 @ 4:45 pm } · { BIRTHDAY, BOOKS, Home, MON. MOMENT, TAG, USMC }
{ Leave a Comment }

My Fun Monday salute to Veterans is below…scroll down.

Hootin’ Anni’s Book Review, Monday Morsels

This week, my Monday blog is a bit different in the fact that I chose to give a book review of my own opinion of the book that took me all summer to read. Yes, two Sundays ago, I finally finished; I completed the book…all 1168 pages of it. It only took me from June to November to read it. It’s actually a ‘three-books-in-one’ novel.

It was first published in 1957. And it remains a heavily sought after work of fiction. Especially with the economics classes along with literature fields. The characters are strong mostly; some are weak and tend to lend a comedic relief in such a serious topic. Even after two weeks now that I’ve completed the book, it still lingers in my mind.

I, of course, do NOT want to give anything away, but throughout there is a question. A question that is answered – or is it? You must read to find out. Along with the characters, there is a strong setting. A setting of suspense, a setting of familial happenstance[s], of greed, construction and destruction. Strikes, deserters, looters, moochers, teachers, students, scientists, a whole society. Some are warped, while others remain keen and unflinching throughout. There is riches. There is tokens of greatness. High self-esteem, secrets, disappearances, deaths…it’s filled with intrigue.

I found it quite ironic that tho it was written and composed and printed in the 1950′s, and probably no doubt it had its share of criticisms and thoughts of banning back then to us readers….but the book, througout, remains in my mind because of the fact that the way the plot runs; it could well have taken place in today’s times!!! It’s so unrealistic in that aspect. Unrealistic for me in a shocking way. Not that it’s not realistic. It’s ironic. I guess you have to read the book to understand what I’m trying to convey.

I hear that they are making a movie from this novel. I just don’t see how in the world it could be even CLOSE to following the book without being a five hour movie…at least! Altho, I HAVE envisioned the main characters —at least TWO. I have Antonio Banderas playing Francisco…through the entire book! It just has to be Antonio. {LOL} And Dagny? The female lead character? Thank goodness I heard that Angelina Jolie quit the movie production. She just DOESN’T fit the character; she would have been SO WRONG. Again, throughout the book as I read —Dagny should be played by Jennifer Connelly. Okay…so, you can say it: “Anni’s weird”. In all honesty, I think they’d be wiser if they would produce and commit to making this a TV miniseries like Roots! Or Rich Man, Poor Man…or on the way of Thorn Birds. They’d make more money. Oops…money…that’s all part of Atlas Shrugged too.

I tried several times to get this book from the public library since it’s expensive in the bookstores…it was $22.00 for a paperback/softcover!!! But after so many telling me just how excellent it is, I broke down and bought my own copy through Barnes and Noble using an online 30% off coupon. And believe me, it is worth EVERY penny spent. I’m keeping this one. To re-read over and over.

Let me leave you with just a snippet –a teaser– of what’s inside the book covers:

    …”An animal is equipped for sustaining its life; its senses provide it with an automatic code of action, an automatic knowledge of what is good for it or evil. It has no power to extend its knowledge or to evade it. In conditions where its knowledge proves inadequate, it dies. But so long as it lives, it acts on its knowledge, with automatic safety and no power of choice, it is unable to ignore its own good, unable to decide to choose the evil and act as its own destroyer.

    Man has no automatic code of survival. His particular distinction from all other living species is the necessity to act in the face of alter-natives by means of volitional choice. He has no automatic knowledge of what is good for him or evil, what values his life depends on, what course of action it requires. ….” “Man must obtain his knowledge and choose his actions by a process of thinking, which nature will not force him to perform. Man has the power to act as his own destroyer….”

I was tagged by Antoinette, and I’ve added myself to the sisterhood. Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo in your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Add your link to the list of participants below

5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

I nominate anyone who wishes to join the internet sisterhood. Just click on the logo to enlarge it, save it, and copy the list. Don’t forget to add your name. Then, pass it on if you choose to do so. Even if you don’t want to tag anyone…grab the tag & put the button on your sidebar and invite anyone to join in with supporting the worthy research. Tho Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, it is definitely something to continue supporting each and every day!!!

PINK Sisterhood

1- Fara 2- Massy 3- N.O.Y 4- Mariuca 5- A Great Pleasure 6- LadyJava 7- Kim 8- Pink Thoughts 9- Turn-u-Off 10- Roxiticus Desperate Housewives 11- STAY AT HOME MOM 12- Fida Abbott 13- Also Mommy 14- Janice Ng 15- Juliana’s Site 16- The Painted Veil 17- Heart of Rachel 18- Mga Muni-muni 19-Picture Clusters 20- Scraps of Mind 21- Antoinette 22 – Hootin’ Anni – 23 YOU

Also, one more thing today, the Fun Monday salute to Veterans with hostess Jan—
With pride of a United States Marine mom that I am…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You’re now 233 Years young!!
Ooooooooorah!!!

All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. Gen. Lejeune’s order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

- – -

To all Veterans around the world…thanks for protecting us in the past, now and in the future. You are remembered! Our freedom comes at a cost of lives, and we give thanks to those who fought for our country. I love and lost the 1st “Love of my Life” from High School….he was shot down in Viet Nam. His platoon sergeant told me in a letter, “Frank never knew what hit him”. I still miss and still mourn the loss….tho he died in valor, I still feel it a waste of such a good life. I honor him today. [His name is on the great wall in Washington D.C. ---I cried so much at the time when I saw it, that I couldn't even touch his name]. Tomorrow, if I can get to scanning, I will have a much better post on all the VETS that I personally have the privilege of calling ‘my own”.

{ November 3, 2008 @ 3:57 pm } · { Home, MON. MOMENT }
{ Leave a Comment }

Bee Dancer is our hostess for Fun Monday. Her request is to:

    Tell me how you got started or why you got started and why you keep it up. Plus there’s a photo requirement: Post a picture of the one person/place/thing that most symbolizes the town or area where you live.

Well, first, I’m happy that you have decided to host. Thanks! And tho you may be ‘new to blogging’…and even if we have done this [I really don't know, myself, as I'm still learning what has gone on with Fun Monday too. Kinda sorta] But anyway, even tho it may have been a Fun Monday before, there are always newbies and it’s good to have these kinds of assignments come our way. So, I feel privileged to be part of it this week.

An online friend in Texas [P J - at No Deep Thoughts], was describing what she does. Blogging. And it was mainly about what her life was like at any given day. I got hooked with visiting her and then she started a cat blog of her furbabies. It was hilarious and so enjoyable. Well, I got t’thinking that this may be something I’d like to do also. I set up my personal blog —all about memories. But, to be honest, it became a drag. I wanted something more fun –a little bit of humor, a little bit of crafting, maybe a movie review now and then…more on the steps of our own front door…more of a personal blog. I started out by designing a humorous layout with an old couple driving into the cactus gulch [above graphic] only to come upon an old ‘ratty’ shanty…this was Hootin’ Anni’s domain. And from there….you find me HERE. It’s been a joy of my days meeting so many wonderful people. Some in person, some still online friends that I hope to meet one day….

Now the 2nd part of the assignment. “One person/place/or thing that symbolizes where I live”….Hmmmm, the most prominent thing would be the Gulf of Mexico. From November to April we have visitors from all over the world. [Not to mention one of the largest Spring Break Beach Parties in the coastal area ---college students that are here, partying and the beaches are 'butt to butt' covered with the students!] The winters are very mild, the sea is inviting and the natural uncluttered beauty of the famous Padre Island Sand Barrier that stretches from Brownsville, Texas to just north-east of Corpus Christi. In kilometers, it’s over 185 –in miles, that’s just a little over 114 miles long. It’s the largest ‘chain’ of islands all divided into three sections…the south [South Padre Island near Brownsville and Old Mexico] to the Central [being mainly National Park Property --keeping it pristine and uninhabited mainly --The National Seashore] and then, of course, North Padre Island reaching to the north of my city.

There are reportedly 350 water fowl seen in our area, where the islands provide a nursing ground for fledglings. 600 different plants and flowers cover the barrier. Padre Island National Seashore is a protected area where it’s a world wide known facility for the most endangered sea turtle…the Kemp’s Ridley Turtle. Each year you can go through the early month of June [I believe] to witness releasing of hatchlings into the Gulf. It’s a phenomenal sight to see!!

Also, Corpus Christi is the 6th largest Seaport in the United States. Many many oil tankers and such come into our area from foreign countries. We are also home of a ‘farm team’ for the Houston Astros. Hunter Pence, last year’s Rookie of the Year played here in our ballpark.

Corpus Christi is also home of the Southern States’ What-a-burger Chain of fast food restaurants. 1950 was the beginning, still around today. It continues to be a great commodity and a booming resaturant. I happen to have a photo of the very 1st What a Burger that has been ‘stored’ for display at one of the modern restaurants here in town…

Trust me, if you’ve never had a ‘What-a-burger’ you can’t say anyting about them, they’re the BEST! For fast food anyway.


Today’s version of restaurant.

{ November 3, 2008 @ 3:57 pm } · { Home, MON. MOMENT }
{ Leave a Comment }

Bee Dancer is our hostess for Fun Monday. Her request is to:

    Tell me how you got started or why you got started and why you keep it up. Plus there’s a photo requirement: Post a picture of the one person/place/thing that most symbolizes the town or area where you live.

Well, first, I’m happy that you have decided to host. Thanks! And tho you may be ‘new to blogging’…and even if we have done this [I really don't know, myself, as I'm still learning what has gone on with Fun Monday too. Kinda sorta] But anyway, even tho it may have been a Fun Monday before, there are always newbies and it’s good to have these kinds of assignments come our way. So, I feel privileged to be part of it this week.

An online friend in Texas [P J - at No Deep Thoughts], was describing what she does. Blogging. And it was mainly about what her life was like at any given day. I got hooked with visiting her and then she started a cat blog of her furbabies. It was hilarious and so enjoyable. Well, I got t’thinking that this may be something I’d like to do also. I set up my personal blog —all about memories. But, to be honest, it became a drag. I wanted something more fun –a little bit of humor, a little bit of crafting, maybe a movie review now and then…more on the steps of our own front door…more of a personal blog. I started out by designing a humorous layout with an old couple driving into the cactus gulch [above graphic] only to come upon an old ‘ratty’ shanty…this was Hootin’ Anni’s domain. And from there….you find me HERE. It’s been a joy of my days meeting so many wonderful people. Some in person, some still online friends that I hope to meet one day….

Now the 2nd part of the assignment. “One person/place/or thing that symbolizes where I live”….Hmmmm, the most prominent thing would be the Gulf of Mexico. From November to April we have visitors from all over the world. [Not to mention one of the largest Spring Break Beach Parties in the coastal area ---college students that are here, partying and the beaches are 'butt to butt' covered with the students!] The winters are very mild, the sea is inviting and the natural uncluttered beauty of the famous Padre Island Sand Barrier that stretches from Brownsville, Texas to just north-east of Corpus Christi. In kilometers, it’s over 185 –in miles, that’s just a little over 114 miles long. It’s the largest ‘chain’ of islands all divided into three sections…the south [South Padre Island near Brownsville and Old Mexico] to the Central [being mainly National Park Property --keeping it pristine and uninhabited mainly --The National Seashore] and then, of course, North Padre Island reaching to the north of my city.

There are reportedly 350 water fowl seen in our area, where the islands provide a nursing ground for fledglings. 600 different plants and flowers cover the barrier. Padre Island National Seashore is a protected area where it’s a world wide known facility for the most endangered sea turtle…the Kemp’s Ridley Turtle. Each year you can go through the early month of June [I believe] to witness releasing of hatchlings into the Gulf. It’s a phenomenal sight to see!!

Also, Corpus Christi is the 6th largest Seaport in the United States. Many many oil tankers and such come into our area from foreign countries. We are also home of a ‘farm team’ for the Houston Astros. Hunter Pence, last year’s Rookie of the Year played here in our ballpark.

Corpus Christi is also home of the Southern States’ What-a-burger Chain of fast food restaurants. 1950 was the beginning, still around today. It continues to be a great commodity and a booming resaturant. I happen to have a photo of the very 1st What a Burger that has been ‘stored’ for display at one of the modern restaurants here in town…

Trust me, if you’ve never had a ‘What-a-burger’ you can’t say anyting about them, they’re the BEST! For fast food anyway.


Today’s version of restaurant.

{ October 27, 2008 @ 2:32 am } · { Costume, HALLOWEEN, MON. MOMENT, Treats }
{ Leave a Comment }

Please…come in…sit a spell.
Our hostess has made it clear that we’re going to celebrate [Halloween or otherwise] today.

All Hallow’s Eve is my Very Bestest time for Autumn!
The house is decorated…
The candy is everywhere…
Both Bud and I make sure we are in top shape for the festivities. [by the way, Bud usually goes as the Hunchback --he does a good 'stooped shouldered geezer'--errrr, ummmm, shuffling guy!]

So,….come into my parlor.
The hot cider is mulled…
The pumpkins are glowing…
The eerie music is playing…

Sit a short while
Upon you, I’ll cast a spell…

—-
Okay, that rendition is done, seriously tho, this is one of the best days of the year for me. Halloween, that is. Since I was a child, we have always had such fun. I remember my first Halloween party I attended as a teenager. Bobbing for apples; games galore. Dancing. Costumes. A particular game comes to mind that I can still recall. And taste, and feel still today! I was chosen to go first. I was blindfolded. And then, helped to go through a line…I’d have to taste a concoction and as I tasted it, swirled it around in my mouth, the one behind the table would describe it. [For instance, grapes...half mushed and bitter sweet...I "WAS EATING the brains of a werewolf" and then down the line of tables came one where I had to put my hand in the goo....it was actually pumpkin seeds and the fibrous strings from cleaning a pumpkin...I recall the smell and the slime!! It was described to me as "The remains of a cadaver intestines!" Oh and one was a cold bowl of cooked spaghetti with something...I can't recall whether it was tomatoes or what, but that was supposed to be worms from a crypt. But all in all, I was voted the one to win the prize, 'cause I guessed correctly on most what they REALLY were. Granted, I did gag a few times. Yet, it was fun! So, so fun. Which prompted me to enjoy it yearly. I have ever since....

This year, once again, I'm the Wicked Witch of South Texas. I have most often been in black, with a black witch's hat. This year, I've confiscated bought a new costume. It's purple velvet with black stringy and rotten nylon layers. And a matching hat! I'll model it for you. Give you a sneak preview; it's me under all that green makeup. I donned it all for Fun Monday. I'll wash it off 'til the 31st...don't wanna scare anyone around town just yet....Don't tell anyone tho, okay?-----

[can be enlarged if you dare]

~…end Fun Monday
[comment HERE if you'd like to skip the rest of my entry]

<><><>

There are only a few more days ’til Halloween.
The last of the treats’ll be handed out,
and tho just another day, ’tis really quite so keen…
HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL! And to all a good day –I shout!

Here are the friends who will receive the Halloween treats from me today:

Amanda
Genny
Carver

…and here is the treat:

If you see your name above, click on the treat and it’ll open in a new window, then click to save.

<><><>

In political news:

THIS IS AMAZING <-link The judgment and article makes me HAPPY!
Monday Morning News: Another GOP Senator endorses Obama!!

- – -

Bee Dancer is next week’s Fun Monday hostess

{ October 20, 2008 @ 10:53 am } · { CCAirport, HALLOWEEN, Home, Kingsville, MON. MOMENT, Treats }
{ Leave a Comment }

I Got my cable modem working. Thanks to Manny. He came late in the afternoon and fixed it. From what Bud told me, it was something to do with the connection up the pole in our backyard that has the cable coming across open air to the house. I thank them for coming out on Sunday. I guess they’re supposed to, huh? Yay!!!!

I was soooooo bored…. Then, you say: “How bored WERE you Anni?” Then, I say…”I was so bored with the cable modem not working correctly and no online activities at all after early morning that I cleaned out the computer…of graphics, documents and photos and then, I drafted some blog issues for the week on notepad. I then actually watched a Dallas Cowboys game…of which I was pleased with the score” [no, I like my Denver Broncos, and Dallas always whips Broncos butts in the past]. With that said and done, I was still bored. It was too hot to go out and do any yard work, I didn’t feel like reading much, it was a true pity party here, let me tellya. So I baked a pumpkin pie. After last week, seeing all the Canadians with their thanksgiving feasts made me crave pumpkin pie. Then, y’all ask “How good was it Anni?” Let me reiterate, pies are a favorite dessert for us. I went and thawed out some Cool Whip and we pigged out. My recipe uses Egg Nog. LOL —why of course, I use light egg nog. Yep, yessiree…egg nog is in the dairy section of the stores now. Oh goodie, oh goodie!! Time to hide the scales.

Sarah at Sarah’s Blog is our hostess for this week. And she asks of us to take Fun Monday visitors on a day trip. Okay…here’s the scoop. First off, my day begins with waking up early…between 4-6 a.m. –I work online while Bud is still in bed and the house is quiet. Then, as the sun rises, I walk!! Most every day. When I get home from my walk, I have my juice and toast and get back on the computer….by then, Bud is up and our day begins…….There is always something to do, or more than likely somewhere to go —for Fun Monday I’ll go with a day trip — It’s not much of a super duper kinda day trip, but it’s one we took just last week. Just to get away from the mundane shopping and the city life. We took a drive through the cotton farms just south of us by about 40 miles, over “Farm to Market” roads, to reach our destination for the day. Along the way, we passed an old cotton gin.

Now to give you a little bit of background, we took the back roads, not any through highways, until we ended up on highway 77 that takes you through Kingsville down to the Rio Grande River and the border town of Brownsville. Of course being a day trip, we didn’t go that far south. We stopped and shopped in the town that Richard King put on the map. You say to yourself: “Who is Richard King?” I’ll tell you:

    He was from New York City and an apprentice to a jeweler at the age of eight. His parents of Irish descent died when he was five. After two years, he ran away and hid on a ship. This was 1834. The captain of the ship sent Richard to school in Connecticut, but again he ran away and ended up making friends with Mifflin Kenedy[not a typo...one 'n']. Urging King to come with him to the Rio Grande.
    Then, when King turned 26 he rode to the Lone Star Fair in Corpus Christi, passing the alkali flats to where the land opened into prairie covered in rich grasses. Richard King thought this would be ideal country for cattle.
    His friend, Robert E. Lee [of Civil War fame], told him it wasn’t Virginia, but it was country with a future. In 1853 King bought 15,000 acres paying two cents an acre. The deed for the land was recorded in Corpus Christi on Nov. 14, 1853. That day marked the beginning of the “King Ranch”. Throughout his life’s time, he was also historically attached to the title “blockade runner”. where he had hauled cotton through his ranch land to Mexico, where the cotton would be put on Mexican ships that flew under the Mexican flag; making a fortune hustling cotton. By his death, the King Ranch covered some 614,000 acres…making the ranch in Texas one of the largest in the world at the time.
Okay, so we know the history, and why Kingsville is so named. The town itself lies about the middle of the ranch as it once was. King Ranch is still in existence but has had parcels of land sold off. The Mexican ranch hands of today are descendants of the original ranch hands of the 1800s. They are, and were, known as Kineños [pronounced ki NENyos] –King’s men.

Bud and I walked the ‘old town’ of Kingsville, since we have previously taken the tour of the ranch as it stands today and we have plans on returning next month anyway, so want to keep ourselves from getting too bored with it. LOL. The historic part of town is okay…nothing to really boast about except for its history. We also toured the original railroad depot that has been refurbished and turned into a local railroad museum.


Then, we opted to shop at some of the stores. My favorites were a local crafting store where the locals sell their handmade wares, originally “Flato Opera House”, now called Sellers Market, and then across the street to an antique piano shop.


[In the show window of the Antique Piano Store, the proprietor had set up a 'mirrored grand piano with an animated skeleton playing it...it was fun to watch. -see photo]

Going out to lunch, then driving home…we went into Callallen and stopped at the Wal Mart there and ended up swinging off the interstate as we headed home later in the afternoon, and went to the CC International and had a beer while watching a Southwest Airlines plane being boarded by passengers and getting ready for takeoff…


~…end Fun Monday.
[comment HERE if you'd like to skip the Halloween Treats]

This week, a new Halloween gratification is going out to my commentors who leave kindness for me with their kind words left in my comment box. Today, it is handed out to:

Sassy Mama
Moondancer
Siteseer

And your treat:

If you see your name above, and you’d like to pick up your ‘gift’, just click on it to enlarge and then save from the 2nd window.

{ October 13, 2008 @ 2:48 am } · { ART, HALLOWEEN, Holidays, HUMOR, MON. MOMENT, Treats }
{ Leave a Comment }

Our Fun Monday host asks of us:

    Your job is to doodle this week. Keep a piece of paper near the phone or grab a scrap of paper while you are watching TV. Start with the number 9, for Nine Acres, of course. Draw the number 9 in red and then use a different color for the rest of your doodling. That way we can all see where the original 9 was in your doodle. It is up to you how you incorporate the 9 into the doodle. It can look like something we know, or it can just be shapes. It can be colorful, or can be one color, besides the red 9. When you are finished your doodle, take a picture of it or scan it and post it on Monday.

I can’t wait to hop over there today sometime and see just how I’m going to be analyzed!! hehehehe

Here is my doodles paper, scanned:

…and then, oh oh…do I really want to do this? Just how close will this ‘analysis’ be to the real me? Okay…again, here goes nuttin’!!! *clicking on the analytical site url*

    Cats: Doodles of cats need to be examined carefully. Is it playful in nature, or is it a spiteful/aggressive cat? The nature of the cat indicates it’s meaning. [Mine, of course, is happy!}
    Dots: Dots forming a pattern or picture are sometimes the doodles of a fragmented personality. They can also indicate an extreme state of anxiety or a lack of stability. [I think I'm very stable!- but, I used dots for eyes, right?]
    Eyes: Doodles of eyes are often sign of a wish to be alluring. However, repeatedly doodled eyes may indicate that they feel constantly watched. [Me alluring? I don't think so!! But, I wonder just what the heck it means when I start with an eye and in red no less?]
    Jets: Aeroplanes of all kinds are said to be evidence of a strong sex drive. [Two words - 'Oh sh!t'!!]
    Newspaper Headlines: People who fill in or embellish the letters in newspaper headlines are thought to be the soldiers in life rather than the initiatore. [I certainly embellished...my huge Obama and Nov. 4th. Could possibly mean headlines I guess...but I need to get the thesaurus, what the heck is initiatore?]
    Portraits: Faces are usually doodled by adolescent girls, seeking to produce an idealized self-portrait. Faces in profile, however, can be a sign of an introverted personality. Comic faces are usually drawn by men, indicating a desire to be the centre of attention. [Oh, so now they call me an adolescent girl with a man's desire to be the center of attention? Well....hmmphf!!! I never!!!]

My own personal analysis would be I’m a sex driven, zoom-zoom, curvy, earring toting beauty queen [kidding!], with a red eye [better than a red a$$, right?] who can be partly sunny in demeanor with a rainy side at the same time; one who loves her kitties and computer, can eat a lot, loves the country for which it stands, and most of all….bubbly!! [Didn't you notice the bubbles coming out of my can of Sprite™?] Could very well be that I play the game ‘cat and mouse’ too, ’cause I made sure that I drew the mouse by the cats/computer!!

Note: I actually checked Google for define:initiatore –it asked if I actually meant ‘initiator’. I feel better now. [and that my friends must be the doodle part of pumpkin pie, Sprite and a shopping list...the initiator in me!!]

~…end Fun Monday
[CLICK HERE to comment]

And finally, the Halloween Treats:

It’s a different week, and the treat again will be different. This week, it’s a bit on the ‘more Autumn’ kinda treat. With a little “Halloween flair” but more to do with Fall. I’m handing them out for commentors to my blog who leave ME treats this month with their kind words. Don’t be dismayed, I plan on handing them out daily. Only take them if your name appears for the day—

So, check back often, you’re name may show up here!
To begin my traditional fun, as I love Halloween, today the trick ‘r’ treaters are:

Mimi
Charlotte
Carmen
Maribeth

And the treat this week will be:

When your name appears above, if you’d like to save this, click on it to enlarge…you’ll then be able to grab the treat and run! Happy October, Happy Halloween.

{ September 29, 2008 @ 9:56 am } · { Home, MEME, MON. MOMENT, MOVIES }
{ Leave a Comment }

Cassie is hosting this week. And it’s “messy closets”………

    I want to see the inside of your closet!! I want to see if your closet is as messy as mine!!! You can’t organize it before you take the picture!!

Well, as you can see by the four photos below, I really don’t care just HOW messy a closet gets. I’m retired, and I only clean them out and straighten things up in there when I no longer can walk in it. That’s why closet doors were invented! To close, and not see the mess! You know, out of sight, out of mind! Years ago, I cleaned and straightened things out weekly. Nope, not any more….living a life is much more important. Besides, if I spent my days cleaning and organizing, I would find no time to blog and visit blogs.


~…end Fun Monday
[comment here if you'd like to skip my Memes below]
Mommy Wizdom hosts next week.

Okay! Ummmmmmm, it’s now time to get down, and get dirty nasty get my revenge play this fun meme that I found at Melli’s Sunday morning! It’s all about hubby!—-

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV; what is on the screen?
This season? More than likely CNN’s Situation Room, or baseball, football, or his favorite series on Monday night Sarah Connor’s Chronicles and Wednesdays he’s a Bones fan! Other than those above, he doesn’t watch TV —the TV is on, but he’s asleep in his chair.
2. You’re out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Ranch or if they don’t have it….no salad. Period.
3. What’s one food he doesn’t like?
That’s easy…watermelon.
4. You go out to the bar. What does he order?
Coors light. Hey…he’s Coloradoan by birth! But, if I’m paying the tab, it’d be Michelob. [kidding!]
5. Where did he go to high school?
The same as where I attended, but years ahead of me.
6. What size shoe does he wear?
9.5 EEE
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
Books! [....and he does!]
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Hands down, a BLT
9. What would this person eat every day if he could?
That’s a tough one actually…but, he’s always a sucker for Pecan Shortbread Cookies. If he could get by with that, that’s what he’d live off of.
10. What is his favorite cereal?
Cereal? He don’t do ‘no steenkin’ cereal!’
11. What would he never wear?
A tux probably. He’s most comfortable in a pair of shorts and t-shirt. In the winter, his wardrobe mode around the house is sweat pants.
12. What is his favorite sports team?
Baseball – Diamondbacks Football – [used to be Green Bay]…now, I don’t think he has a favorite any more. I can tell you which team he DOESN’T like and that’s the New England Patriots. LOL
13. Who will he vote for?
Guess! Look around…he’s voting as I am.
14. Who is his best friend?
It’d be me…but his ‘closest friend’ is Tommy. And I admit, Tommy is the sweetest! Thing is, I continually tease both of these grown men calling each other with the ‘y’ at the end…Tom-Tommy. And, Bud-Buddy!! Lord, they’re like two grade schoolers when they get together.
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do?
Nag him. [kidding]….well, maybe not so much kidding, but that is what he’d say if HE answered the questions.
16. How many states has he lived in?
Colorado, Arizona, Texas.
17. What is his heritage?
I-R-I-S-H [and then somewhere along the line, the heritage got 'tainted' with English from England. ---that would be his maternal side way back.]
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
Is there such a thing as blueberry cake? No? Well, neither of us is ‘into’ cakes. He likes and prefers fruit pies. I’d more than likely have to say NO CAKE and go with blueberry or apple pie. But if it’d HAVE to be cake, then he will eat Pineapple Upside Down Cake once in a while.
19. Did he play sports in high school?
Wrestling
20. What could he spend hours doing?
Ummmmmmmm, see what he collects above. He could and DOES spend hours…reading books.

This past Thursday I read Yen’s blog and loved the whole thing for the day. I wanted to try mine because her answers were so lovely. Here I go:

1. If I were a liquid I’d be – SPARKLING SPRING WATER.
2. If I were a metal I’d be – GOLD, shiny, warm and the color of sunshine.
3. If I were a tree I’d be – PECAN, ’cause sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don’t!
4. If I were a fruit I’d be – KIWI…green and pretty and delicious and tart all at the same time.
5. If I were a flower I’d be – ROSE, nothing else. Beautiful yet hidden thorns.
6. If I were weather I’d be – A MILD COLD front with partly cloudy skies…blue, crisp and refreshing.
7. If I were a musical instrument I’d be – GRAND PIANO Or a BASS SAXOPHONE. Classical, yet jazzy.
8. If I were an element I’d be – WIND…gentle, yet forceful.
9. If I were a color I’d be – ROYAL PURPLE or FOREST GREEN – both with much hidden depth.
10. If I were a sound I’d be – a fragile ORIENTAL GLASS WINDCHIME.
11. If I were a feeling I’d be – Well, punk…I feel “LUCKY”.
12. If I were food I’d be – Clint’s [no not my grandson] HOT SALSA; a lot of fiery snap, yet pleasant to the taste buds.
13. If I were a sentence I’d be – As flowers and fruits of summer fade, so do I.

I won! I won! Sherry’s husband drew my name out of the hat for her 100th post giveaway. I’m so darned excited. I love Mondays…don’t you? [insert giggles] Thank you, thank you. I’ll email you the info. Whoa….I’m so excited, I just can’t hide it….

« Previous entries
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.