Archive for TAG

{ 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”.

{ October 26, 2008 @ 7:19 am } · { MEME, TAG }
{ Leave a Comment }

A couple of weeks ago, Mary at Mary’s Writing Nook, tagged me with the Friend Meme Tag. I must admit that it totally slipped my mind…[I HAVE been eating too much fatty foods...guess that explains it...see, fat...greasy, slippery...oh well, if you need it explained to you, it wasn't that funny to begin with, now, was it?]

I’m to write about a friend of mine. Teri, of course, came to mind. She remains living in Colorado, hasn’t moved out of the home she and her hubby bought in the 70′s. Friends, through the years, MaryEllen, Carollynn, Reneé, Sharon, Patty [who is my kids' godmother] Tom, Bob, Tommy, Hank, Frank [died in Viet Nam]…all lifetime friends. Online friends, Mary of course, Melli, Nancy, Erlene, Pea, a whole slew of them…you’re all considered friends. Then, family –yes, they’re the best –Irene, Erik, Bud –my furbabies. Sister and brothers. A favorite aunt of mine…*another Mary. My dad…My mom….

But Teri, my one and only CLOSE school chum, my friend since the early 60s; well that isn’t the friend I’m going to write about. My best friend EVER is long gone from this earth, but she remains so, and continues to guide me from her teachings and I’m still learning from her to this day -in reflection of our past….

She showed me the way to a good, happy healthy lifestyle from the very beginning of time. She confided in me with secrets of her youth that when I heard them from her, I listened with great interest. We were bonding. And we bonded even through the many years after I was married.

When, Bud drove by my home after following me from work one late evening, she was outside and I pointed the him and told her in confidence that someday I’d marry that man. She kept it our own little secret. Why? You wonder? Well, in all reality, Bud finally did ask me to marry him [obviously]; my best friend was told first. But, the secret lies within our ‘friend’ relationship. I asked her to keep this marriage proposal secret until Bud asked permission from my father. Permission for my hand in marriage. Bud wanted my father’s approval first before anyone else knew of it…but my friend knew…and she kept it secret.

There were times when…

We shopped ’til we dropped. And believe it or not, tho she never got a driver’s license, I used to let her drive my car around town. While I was with her. I remember one time driving down a street, nearly in the middle of town, she was behind the wheel….a highway patrol came to the red light, right beside us. My best friend panicked…I told her to “just relax and act like you’ve been driving for years now.” When the light turned green, I looked over to the patrolman, and he smiled, tipped his hat and drove on. The panic never left my friend. She finally pulled off into a parking lot of a Hardee’s restaurant, got out and came around, telling me “You better drive.” We had a good story to share, unknown to anyone, and giggle when we knew what the two of us were talking about and no one else did.

It just went on like this forever. Girl to girl undisclosed happenstances, giggles, cooking fun, teaching each other things like, well……she taught me how to do a chain stitch with crochet hooks, and I went home from her house and began reading up on the new kinds of stitching and taught myself the rest. She was proud of my accomplishments. I ended up making her a pansy flowered afghan on her 60th birthday.

Through the years she remained my confidant, my guidance counselor, my teacher, my best friend. I wouldn’t have traded friends with anyone…she was the best! And you know what? I still listen to her words of wisdom in my mind, tho she is gone. I continue to smile at my memories of her and the fun we had, along with the seriousness of life, tho we continued to enjoy each day we had together in so many ways….

- – -

Josephine at AniqueAnik also tagged me. I was more than happy to oblige. Here goes:

1. Do you have a broad sense of humor?
Yes, I think I do. If not, this world of mine would be quite boring!!

2. Is it possible to have a truth without an opinion?
TRUTH be told, if you want my opinion, yes…of course.

3. What amount of money would you shave your head for charity?
If someone were to say to me “If you shave your head, I give any amount of money you’d wish to a worthy charity”. The whole concept would be wonderful…I’d do it in a heartbeat. The monetary issue here isn’t important to me, it’s the giving!! When I get a bad haircut, and I’ve had plenty that I’ve been disappointed with, I’d shave my head in nothing flat. I’d be happy to have no bad hair days for a long, long while! [I almost got my head shaved a few years back, I was able to sit on my hair, and because of the extreme humidity here on the coast, I had it braided and cut off ....gave the lock of hair to cancer charity.]

4. Do you find it easy to be totally honest with someone even though it might hurt their feelings?
Oh yes….what’s the use of being dishonest? I’m in total agreement with this. Hurt feelings is one thing, but honesty is the best policy. Hurt feelings come and go…life is cruel sometimes, we need to accept that. It’s not all bubble gum and fun, nor innocent.


5. When people you know are laughing to themselves while reading, do you ask them to share what is funny?
Sure!! I want in on the fun.

6. What stresses you out the most?
A loved one being stressed. Yep, that stresses me.

7. Could you go one full day without speaking?
Ummmmmmm, no. I think not.


8. Would you rather ask the question or answer it?
Probably ask. I tend to hem and haw when asked something.

9. What is the one thing that always makes you smile?
Hearing our cats snore! It just cracks me up.

10. Do you trust in love?
Most definitely. But there are all kinds of love tho…love of a human, love of art, love of life, love of a sport…many many kinds of love.

{ September 22, 2008 @ 10:01 am } · { Baseball, Football, Home, MON. MOMENT, TAG }
{ Leave a Comment }

Heather at Heather’s Recipes is hosting our Fun Monday this week. She asks us to tell her about a sport, or a team we continually follow – AND [I'll probably get lynched on this] to also add a little bit about what team you love to hate!

First off, I love baseball. I love to watch it, I love to play it [tho I haven't in years since we retired 'cause our family outings with everyone else in the family came to a screeching halt when we moved out of Colorado and the big family get togethers]. I have three professional teams that I follow. Two of those teams I was privileged to see from their inaugural seasons. One of those teams we went to every home game up until we retired and left Colorado. We even followed them to Tucson Arizona for Spring Training games. Then, when we actually retired and relocated to Tucson, we went to several of the Spring Training games…I especially loved the St. Patrick’s Day traditional Spring Training Game – the Cactus League Games – ’cause that day, every year was pitted between the two teams I followed at the time. The Colorado Rockies and The Arizona Diamondbacks. Always fun….and GREEN BEER!

There are two training fields in Tucson. One – Tucson Electric Park [Arizona Diamondbacks] and the other Reid Park in Tucson for the Colorado Rockies. I always loved to go to the Rockies’ “home games” during their Cactus League training in the Spring. The park is beautiful…a golf course, a lake, and a wonderful stadium and in the midst of downtown Tucson. Tucson Electric Park was more or less new and real close to ‘desolation in the desert’…but all in all a nice facility. [The Chicago White Sox also train in that park so we saw quite a few of those games there also.]

Then….getting really ‘burned out’ with the desert heat of the summer months, we wanted to relocate to an area with beach. Texas Coastal Bend, here we are. Which makes me follow the Houston Astros baseball. As you can see I’m a National League follower, so I don’t watch or follow the Texas Rangers…they’re American League. Occasionally I will watch their games when televised. But only if the Astros aren’t playing.

Baseball memorabilia? Oh yes…much much too much I have. I’m almost embarrassed to say just HOW much. T-shirts, caps, golf shirts with logos, sutffed mascots, foul balls I’ve been happy to catch during the games and lucky enough to have the seat where the ball flew from home plate, baseball cards, hat pins, and more.

- – -

The team I LOVE TO HATE? Ewwwwww, Dallas Cowboys!!!! Reason? For years they were oftentimes pitted against my ‘home team’ – Denver Broncos. This team too I followed. The Denver Broncos that is. Another Colorado team. I’ve followed the Broncos since childhood and ended up going to many many home games; from the 1960′s to when we retired and left Colorado in 1996…. From the ugly orange jerseys with just the big white “D” to the new sleek gorgeous ‘”wind swept’ Bronco design! From players of the past like #33 Billy Joe who was the first Rookie of the Year, #25 Haven Moses, #77 Lyle Alzado. My memory of the past quarterback starts with nope, not John Elway but the goofy one that wasn’t too good in performing most times…Craig Morton. Way back in the early 70′s. But…mmmmm, mmmm, mmm…..John Elway. YES!!! He and his teammates with the likes of my favorite player now retired, #87, Ed McCaffrey!!! I still miss him and try to keep on, from reading the ‘net and talking with my sister in Montrose, about what he’s doing now – “my Ed”. [John Elway is coaching football...and coaching his own son Jack.] Oh ya…why I love to hate the Cowboys? For one, mentioned above, they always beat the Broncos!! Always. The first super bowl that the Broncos actually played…the Cowboys whipped some butt! I remember at half time the score was something like 13-0!! And they went on to beat “my” Broncos! Big Time! After years and years of defeats and big losses, they finally did make it to the Super Bowls…lost to the Cowboys…but then….won!!! TWO times. Hey, it’s not quite the record of Dallas, but at least they did win a few. :o )

This isn’t very clear, nor is it even close to a professional clip, but it shows a lot of great plays that Ed McCaffrey made in his career with the Broncos. [neat music too!] It’s a short clip I found at You Tube. Awwwwwwwwww, I do miss this dude. Wish sometimes we could turn the clock back and have that team once again, that actually WERE Super Bowl Winners!!! But, what can I say? I still have my memories of the more or less ‘not so headliner player’…but he was good in my opinion.

My all time favorite players? Baseball? Ummmmm Derek Jeter [Yankee? How did that come about y'wonder?]. Football? Mentioned above – Ed McCaffrey.

~…end Fun Monday
[comment link -HERE- to skip over my TAG blog]

I was tagged by Shadow for the list of 6 quirky things about me:

    1]I have big sanitary issues with those ‘manicure-pedicure parlors’ -they’re dirty to me, and full of disease.
    2] On those terms from above in #1…I love to eat out; thing is, I probably wouldn’t if I saw the kitchens!!
    3] I dislike hair nets! [They're creepy & webby-looking!]
    4] My popcorn has to have butter…real butter!
    5] I detest the news media…but am compelled to watch news often.
    6] As much as I love Halloween, Orange is my least favorite color, but I love black.

{ September 7, 2008 @ 1:45 pm } · { AWARD, Mutterings, SUN. SNIPPET, SUNRISE-SUNSET, TAG }
{ Leave a Comment }

Today my Sunday blogging is a new meme, an award and gift, a TAG, Unconscious Mutterings, and a special Sunday Snippet that makes me happy!


JOIN HERE

Yesterday morning while perusing Blogger’s navigation bar, I found a new meme for Sunday. Here it is the first day of the first Sunday photo. The meme’s owner has put the simple rules on the homepage sidebar. As I really enjoy watching and viewing sunrises I will probably participate often. At least as often as I can capture the beauty of early morning. Or maybe even sunsets. I understand that it’s just once a week, and it is a photo opt to share sunrise or sunset photos of my own. Check it out if you’re interested or curious.

- – -

So here is my first entry for the meme – two photos taken just minutes apart –

Taken from my cellphone on August 29th when preparing to do my daily walk. I also love watching and viewing cloud formations, so this is why I snapped these two photos.

[my comment link here]


Play along with your subconscious; Sunday’s Word Association.
Join here.

I say … and you think … ?

01. House :: M.D. [TV]
02. Think :: About It
03. Clot :: Blood
04. Believe me :: Trust me
05. Fumigation :: Insecticide
06. Bore :: Auger [as in bore a hole, tunnel]
07. Luck :: Be a Lady Tonight [song, I think it's Sinatra?]
08. Patient :: Hospital
09. Tremors :: Movie [starring Kevin Bacon]
10. Pickles :: Dill – also, a cute comic strip

[my comment link here]

Mommy Wizdom tagged me with six quirks….

In my comments she listed the rules:

    1. Link the person who tagged you.
    2. Mention the rules.
    3. Tell 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
    4. Tag 6 bloggers by linking.
    5. Leave a comment for each blogger.

Allllllll righty then –
One- I have only worn white ‘dress’ shoes once in my adult life! The day I married.
Two- I love the smell of coffee brewing but I can’t drink the stuff!
Three- I can have a legit conversation with monkeys. [at zoos, well come to think of it some of my past coworkers would fit in the category ---kidding!]
Four- I always have to smell the sheets when I take them off the line [love the fresh outdoors smell]
Five- I always eat my tossed salad LAST
Six- Yearly, I have to have a big supply of Bubble Yum Bubble Gum for Baseball season.

My tagging…that’s another quirk. I don’t mind BEING tagged but I only tag those who feel up to playing. So, if you do…consider yourself TAGGED.

[my comment link here]

Mary is celebrating her 1st year anniversary of blogging tomorrow, and she has put up an adorable 1 year award for all her visitors. And she made a special award to some of her good friends she has met through blogging and I was privileged to be included in that ‘good friends’ special list of hers! I cherish Mary and her delightful persona…she’s a great woman and friend…she also shares her love for her grand sons – her humor – her knowledge – our common interests – her generous way of giving – everything about her is our benefit!

Congratulations on your one year of blogging, and thank you so much for the gifts! Your being there for us is more a gift than you know Mary!!

Mary Sharing with her visitors award-

Mary’s “Special gift” for special friends, that included me on her list -

[my comment link here]


As always, my Sunday Snippet is a bit of news that makes me feel good – or something that may concern me in some way. At long last, Erik has decided to take some time off for himself which I’ve ‘begged’ him to do many-a-time. This past summer he has been searching for someone to take his place at the university – to teach his class for a few weeks. Thank you, thank you –he found a reliable party to take center stage for him and be his stand in professor!!! He’ll be vacationing in Argentina and Chile. His last ‘time off’ was in 1993!!!! When he took a week’s liberty from Okinawa to Japan. I say it’s about time. And this area of the world has always been of interest to him. It’s more or less a life long dream. I ask for your thoughts and prayers that his journey will be a safe one. It’s going on Spring down there, so he’s going at a very pretty time of year. [mouseover captions and photos courtesy of 'net photos]

{ August 2, 2008 @ 10:01 am } · { PHOTO HUNT, TAG }
{ Leave a Comment }


About | Theme: “CLOUD[s]” | Roll
Next week “DARK“


Clouds of color –Sunset from our backyard in Texas. Clear skies…no pollution ever. I like where I’m at now. In fact, the sea breezes keep the pollution down that the car emissions [for now anyway] aren’t a problem. Even the oil refineries up west and north of us aren’t a threat to our lungs. Nice!!! And crisp, clean skies when it’s clear of storms overhead…amazing colors. Enlarge it, and you can see the cloud in front of the sun as it sets. [I've posted this photo before]

- – -

Then…[two reasons we decided to relocate to where we live now--]

BROWN CLOUDS
Both of these photos were taken from the foothills, looking ‘in to the cities’ –if you’re IN the downtown areas, and look up, you don’t see the pollution…


In Colorado, I’ve been driving in this. One time coming back from the eastern borders of the state, from I-70 [highway] looking toward Denver the smog and pollution was so bad it was reminiscent of Split Pea Soup it was soooo, icky green!! I just didn’t like it. There were many times that there were Bad Air Alerts in this city, and all up and down the Eastern Slope [the Eastern side of the Rockies! --From Wyoming to New Mexico! All because of Denver's and Colorado Springs' air quality.] I looked and looked for my photo I have looking west from the Kansas border —looking toward the mountains in the horizon where you couldn’t even SEE the city skyline except for the top of a couple of skyscrapers the brown cloud was so thick…so I could scan it for this week’s prompt, but I couldn’t locate it in any album. Good thing I guess, it wouldn’t be good for the tourist trade. LOL


And then, Phoenix. More of the same. A big huge covering of the ‘brown cloud’. For some reason, Tucson [where we lived] wasn’t as bad but getting right up there with Phoenix, still… driving into Phoenix, well that’s a whole ‘nother story. More ‘soupy-brown’ clouds.

~…end Photo Hunt
[comment link below the following TAG, or if you prefer --here]

Mary tagged me. With an easy tag. One I can handle. hehehehe


The rules: All you have to do is Google your first name with the word needs behind it and post the first 10 results. Don’t forget to tag people (if you are the tagging sort)!

Here’s what Google listed:
I went with “Annie” ’cause Google asked me if I meant Annie instead of how I spell it, with just the ‘i’, Anni—

  • Anni[e] needs to be rescued by the armed forces
  • Anni[e] needs a home
  • Anni[e] needs to release a LIVE album!
  • GRANNIE ANNI[E] NEEDS A MIRACLE
  • Need Comfort? Visit: Anni[e]‘s Comfort Page
  • She needs more friends or more
    [I LIKE THIS next one...sounds like me! LOL]
  • Anni[e] is a 4-year-old mix and desperately needs a good, loving home. she is best outdoors with room to run & play, and she loves to play
  • Anni[e] needs jingles….
  • Anni[e] Needs Love
  • Anni[e] needs a family!

    • ::singing::I’m so lost and all alone…in need of love, family, jingles, room to run and play, miracles, an album, home, are —-WHO WILL RESCUE ME?

    Normally, I don’t tag anyone, but since this is quite easily accomplished and you don’t have to think or type much…just copy and paste, I’m going to tag, Grams, Mary, Denise, Diane, and Denise [Shortybear]. [but only if you wanna] And if anyone else feels they want to do this same tag…feel free!!!

    { August 2, 2008 @ 10:01 am } · { PHOTO HUNT, TAG }
    { Leave a Comment }


    About | Theme: “CLOUD[s]” | Roll
    Next week “DARK“


    Clouds of color –Sunset from our backyard in Texas. Clear skies…no pollution ever. I like where I’m at now. In fact, the sea breezes keep the pollution down that the car emissions [for now anyway] aren’t a problem. Even the oil refineries up west and north of us aren’t a threat to our lungs. Nice!!! And crisp, clean skies when it’s clear of storms overhead…amazing colors. Enlarge it, and you can see the cloud in front of the sun as it sets. [I've posted this photo before]

    - – -

    Then…[two reasons we decided to relocate to where we live now--]

    BROWN CLOUDS
    Both of these photos were taken from the foothills, looking ‘in to the cities’ –if you’re IN the downtown areas, and look up, you don’t see the pollution…


    In Colorado, I’ve been driving in this. One time coming back from the eastern borders of the state, from I-70 [highway] looking toward Denver the smog and pollution was so bad it was reminiscent of Split Pea Soup it was soooo, icky green!! I just didn’t like it. There were many times that there were Bad Air Alerts in this city, and all up and down the Eastern Slope [the Eastern side of the Rockies! --From Wyoming to New Mexico! All because of Denver's and Colorado Springs' air quality.] I looked and looked for my photo I have looking west from the Kansas border —looking toward the mountains in the horizon where you couldn’t even SEE the city skyline except for the top of a couple of skyscrapers the brown cloud was so thick…so I could scan it for this week’s prompt, but I couldn’t locate it in any album. Good thing I guess, it wouldn’t be good for the tourist trade. LOL


    And then, Phoenix. More of the same. A big huge covering of the ‘brown cloud’. For some reason, Tucson [where we lived] wasn’t as bad but getting right up there with Phoenix, still… driving into Phoenix, well that’s a whole ‘nother story. More ‘soupy-brown’ clouds.

    ~…end Photo Hunt
    [comment link below the following TAG, or if you prefer --here]

    Mary tagged me. With an easy tag. One I can handle. hehehehe


    The rules:     All you have to do is Google your first name with the word needs behind it and post the first 10 results. Don’t forget to tag people (if you are the tagging sort)!

    Here’s what Google listed:
    I went with “Annie” ’cause Google asked me if I meant Annie instead of how I spell it, with just the ‘i’, Anni—

  • Anni[e] needs to be rescued by the armed forces
  • Anni[e] needs a home
  • Anni[e] needs to release a LIVE album!
  • GRANNIE ANNI[E] NEEDS A MIRACLE
  • Need Comfort? Visit: Anni[e]‘s Comfort Page
  • She needs more friends or more
    [I LIKE THIS next one...sounds like me! LOL]
  • Anni[e] is a 4-year-old mix and desperately needs a good, loving home. she is best outdoors with room to run & play, and she loves to play
  • Anni[e] needs jingles….
  • Anni[e] Needs Love
  • Anni[e] needs a family!

    • ::singing::I’m so lost and all alone…in need of love, family, jingles, room to run and play, miracles, an album, home, are —-WHO WILL RESCUE ME?

    Normally, I don’t tag anyone, but since this is quite easily accomplished and you don’t have to think or type much…just copy and paste, I’m going to tag, Grams, Mary, Denise, Diane, and Denise [Shortybear]. [but only if you wanna] And if anyone else feels they want to do this same tag…feel free!!!

    { April 24, 2008 @ 11:39 am } · { Home, HUMOR, PAY IT FORWARD, TAG, Thursday }
    { Leave a Comment }


    edition #56

    LETTER PERFECT THURSDAY 13 –

    1] Aisle ewes the spelling chequer.
    2] That cam with my pea sea.
    3] I’ll sleigh o’er a key bored of witch it’ll not bee suede.
    4] Then eye weight four it two say weather I’ve aired oar weather I’m write.
    5] It shows strait aweigh as soon as a mist ache is maid.
    6] It plainly marques, four a revue, miss steaks not every won cease.
    7] It nose way bee fore two long.
    8] Eye kin e race the air and make it rite.
    9] The chequer, its rare lea ever wrong!
    10] Eye have come pleat lee run thee threw.
    11] Aye am shore your vary pleased two no…
    12] Its letter perfect awl the weigh.
    13] My chequer tolled me sew!

    ~…end Thursday Thirteen
    [scroll below for commenting]

    If you were here yesterday, you’d have noticed my *hint* “Windy City”—

      Chicago the Musical: National Tour
      Murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery – the cornerstones of the sultry and alluring Broadway musical hit ‘Chicago.’ ‘Chicago’ is the story of seductive nightclub dancer Roxie Hart who finds that the road to fame can be a trail of blood. Throw in a cunning lawyer and a bit of razzle dazzle and Roxie goes from cold hearted killer to the toast of the town. Winner of six Tony Awards, ‘Chicago’ was originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Featured songs include ‘All That Jazz,’ ‘Me and My Baby,’ ‘Razzle Dazzle,’ ‘Class,’ ‘Mr. Cellophane,’ ‘When You’re Good to Mama’ and ‘Funny Honey.’

    I loved the movie musical with Cahterine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly -saw it three times in the theater. I’ve watched a lot from DVD since its release a few years back. And it [the Broadway Tour] was in Corpus Christi Tuesday night only. I got tickets for us to go see it. I and Bud’ll were there at opening scene………

    The Musical Tour – Chicago – In Corpus

    ….and we were ready to enjoy it all!!!

    Now to be honest, I’ve always had a secret desire to be in NYC and go to a Broadway Show. I’d dearly love to be able to see “Wicked” [since it was and still is a favorite book of mine!] Maybe someday it’ll be on tour too. And I’ll still be around to go to that one here at the auditorium. But for now, I settled for a Broadway play that has been on tour for some years now and came to our city for just the one night.

    And of course, I’ll be keeping this program as a memento of the night ‘on Broadway’! As will I save the tickets to the event. I don’t know why I do this, I have a drawer filled with things like this and it’s just taking up space. I guess the kids will have to deal with it when I’m gone. Hehehehehe. Such is life.

    Anyway….

    After we were seated and the lights dimmed, the announcer told us under any circumstances there is to be no cell phones on. And that cameras and photography is strictly prohibited!! So I sulked. Of course I already knew that about the camera because of using the online site to find a good seat in the theater…. [and I used logic regarding the phone and had it on vibrate way before the curtain was raised! DUH!!] Okay, so there we are, sitting and enjoying the night. Really enjoying it. Bud and I both love this story. He likes the character Roxie and I like Velma. Who’da thunk? After the first act was done…we went outside for a breather during the intermission. The night was lovely…a beautiful wonderful sea breeze blowing in off the coast [the theater is on the shore!]. But I was scheming.

    Upon entry of any event these days, you’re inspected from top to bottom. I smuggled in a camera. But, how could I take a photo without getting caught. Okay the intermission was over, and re-entry. As we sat down, I reached in my purse which I normally never carry –but the camera was hidden. I reached in, and in the dark crevices I fumbled to turn it on and then set the flash to “no flash”. Hey, it was worth a try, right? I dragged it out of my bag and had my hand covering the viewer…and snapped away. Only to have Bud, in disgust, whisper to have me put it away before we were kicked out. LOL I got a couple of shots…tho they’re not GOOD because of the no flash setting…

    Oh ya….and during the intermission while Bud was at the bar getting himself a ‘cool one’—I was at the ‘souvenir’ counter. I hadda have a tank top!!! Sparkles and all. rofl

    ….Give ‘em the ol’ Razzle Dazzle, razzle dazzle ‘em!!! Splendiferous.

    Lisa tagged me the other day, and I’ve done this before but it’s way too fun to pass it up again. Here goes:

    Meme rules:

    1. Pick up the nearest book of 125 pages or more. (No cheating!)
    2. State the title and author of the Book
    3. Find page 25
    4. Find the first 5 sentences and enter them.
    5. Find page 100 and enter the first, second and fifth word on the page.
    6. Post this meme to your blog.
    7. Tag 5 people [I don't do tagging other than 'being' tagged!]

    Finding a book is just behind my back. I didn’t even have to move the chair ‘ner nothin’!! I reached to the left and on the book shelf is: VALMIK THAPAR’s “TIGER, PORTRAIT OF A PREDATOR”. Hmmmmmmmmmmm, you wonder why that’s so close to me? Not that tigers are my favorite cat. :::shaking my head::: Nah, not on your life!!! [Not...they ARE my favorites!]

    Okay…now I must find page 25 and type the first five sentences. I hope secretly they’re short sentences. Hehehehehe….

      [...talking about "Ranthambhore enclosure in India" and it begins on the page as an incomplete sentence from the previous page.] So the first five complete sentences are – “Here the water supply is constant & the temperatures cool even during the hottest months.[1] Every now and again one stumbles upon massive rock formations, step scarps, perennial lakes and streams. The forest also suddenly opens up into large areas of wild grass savanna.[2] For an area of less than 400 squre kilometres Ranthambhore has a remarkably rich & diverse flora and fauna.[3] The species lists for the area include nearly 300 tree, 50 aquatic plants & more than 100 species of herbs, grasses, climbers and seasonal plants.[4] The bird list for the National Park contains 272 species; the mammal list has 22.[5]

    Page 100 is nothing but a ‘centerfold’ of a photo. But the caption for the photo is beside it so the words needed are:

      “Four” “Adult” and “Graze”.


    One more thing, then I’ll let you go back to your blog hopping.
    My last Pay it Forward recipient received her gift package in the mail! And she posted about what she got from me!! Glad you liked it all Jo.

    All I know is that that was one very fun thing to do. So much so, I just may do it again sometime really soon.

    { April 13, 2008 @ 5:28 pm } · { GREEN Thumb, Home, Mutterings, SUN. SNIPPET, TAG }
    { Leave a Comment }


    Join Here

    This is my first Sunday to participate in GREEN THUMB Sunday. As I love to work in the yard and see what things I can get to grow and blossom each season, I thought this is a good way to show the ‘fruits of my labor’. Today, my very first photo is of a cactus I had in Tucson in a hanging basket, that I bought at a special desert plant nursery just outside of town one Saturday. I’ve had this about 12 years now; I moved it when we came here to Texas, of course, it sat in the back seat of the car from Arizona, through New Mexico and clear ‘cross Texas. It sat overnight [it's a two day drive] when we stopped about half way the first night. And sat in the hotel room until the contract to the house was all signed, sealed and delivered. Of course we moved here in October and the blooming season was over for the year. But, since we’ve moved here, it has shown it’s beauty! [the plant itself always looks half dead --but ummmm, it's not!]. It started getting its buds about two weeks ago and started blooming last week. Here are a few different angles of the same plant.



    Play along with your subconscious; Sunday’s Word Association.
    Join here.

    She says … and I think …

    1. Silence :: Is Golden
    2. Wall ::     Street
    3. Killed ::.    the wabbit [an old Elmer Fudd/Bugs Bunny cartoon/song]
    4. Wishful ::     Thinking
    5. Poodle ::     Parlor [where those silly dogs get all 'poofed' up!]
    6. Sullen ::     Gray
    7. Do not disturb ::     Honeymoon
    8. Philadelphia ::     Pee…Aay [PA]
    9. Anticipation ::     Heinz Ketchup
    10. Sidewalk ::     Cafe

    NEWS FLASH: Did you hear the news here in America this past month? They’re again changing the design of the $10 bill!!!………

    ……to this!!!

    - – -

    I didn’t realize how the American dollar had fallen in value against the Euro until I saw this popular American product marked down to $5.00. It was a $10.00 bill.
    No, really!!


    ….by three bloggers this week. So, here I’ll complete ‘em and probably, without a doubt, take your breath away with all the knowledge you’re getting from me. rofl

    The first tag was from Mary this week:

    1. The rules are posted at the beginning.
    2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
    3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

    1. What was I doing 10 years ago.

    First…..are you kiddin’ me? I can barely remember what I was doing last week at this time!!! Y’all expect me to remember what I was doing TEN YEARS AGO? Okay, I’ll try…let’s see that would be 1998, huh? Spring of 1998. Hmmmmm, we were living in Tucson. So, no doubt we were on our way out somewhere, like one of my favorite spots, the Sonoran Outdoor Desert Museum. We were members of the board to this while we lived in the area…the very BEST of Tucson!!! A great place to spend a quiet Spring Sunday morning. I could spend hours there, walking around, looking at the vegetation of the desert…stopping to watch the desert animals [this outdoor museum had everything fenced in...BUT!! The great thing about it is, the fence was nearly INVISIBLE to the naked eye. It was not cluttered with chain linked fencing like other 'zoos'. And the scenery could not be compared with any other place in the world!!! Desert grasslands, saquaro cactus jutting up in the blue sky like a citified skyscraper...thousands of them!, desert dwellers [animals of all kinds], High majestic mountains looking south into Mexico territory, cafes and gift shops, reptiles, wildflowers, javelinas, hummingbirds, cardinals, roadrunners…it was a perfect place to spend the whole morning, then have brunch at one of the outdoor cafes. Afterwards, you’d probably find us either home watching baseball or out to a movie, or perhaps driving up to Tombstone and shopping or having a cool one at Kate’s Saloon. Walking along the boardwalks and witnessing a mock gunfight!!!

    2. Five things on my to-do list for today.
    Sunday is always a ‘go to brunch day’ for us.
    Walking along the beaches.
    Working on my crochet project [a gold southwest afghan with conchos accenting]
    Yard work
    Baseball on TV

    3. Snacks I enjoy.
    Well, the snacks I’d enjoy isn’t something I ‘do’ anymore. It’s all now something that is ZERO cholesterol and fat—
    Pretzel bagel chips
    Orange Italian Ice
    Fresh fruit ‘in season’ –right now strawberries are everywhere!!
    Homemade Granola
    NO FAT ice cream [it is NOT the real stuff, but it'll do!!]

    4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire.
    To me there is just no real concept of such a sizable dream such as this. Money does not buy happiness!!!! I must be honest here, I really wouldn’t want to be rich, monetarily. I see no future in being wealthy with the greenback. I’d much prefer to have a simple life, and filled with a true sense of contentment. Sorry. Travel, as I would have said years ago, doesn’t even appeal to me anymore.

    I’d probably give it away.

    5. Three bad habits that I have.
    Doctors tell me that my smoking is bad. Sure it’s not good, but I see the danger value comparable to taking the car out on the highway…there too I’m putting my life in the hands of strangers and their erroneous ways. I tend to eat when I’m not hungry. And to combine this to make it a ‘third’ bad habit –I have made a habit of sitting at the computer too long! Without a doubt in my mind this time of year, I watch too many sports on TV. And recently I put off things that need to be done around the house -playing lazy.

    7. Five jobs I’ve had.
    Besides wife and mother you mean? I reckon so…

    Babysitter as a teenager…this was full time in the summers! I got good pay!!
    Head Receptionist at the local Chamber of Commerce
    Assigned hostess to city functions [through the city council]
    Office Supervisor at a high school [summers off when our kids were school age]
    Patient Coordinator for a Corporate Psychiatric/Medical Office.

    The second tag was from Flip Flop Floozie AND Talk to Grams:

      The Rules:
      1) Write your own six-word memoir about yourself.
      2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
      3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
      4) Tag five more blogs with links.
      5) And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

    My six word life story? [with "I am" being understood as the subject of a sentence structure, to make it a 'complete' story]—-


    Nebraska born,


    Colorado raised,


    Texan retiree!!!

    - – -


    I rarely tag anyone. I enjoy getting tagged, but tagging from me? It’s not my style. And Saturday morning, when I stopped by Betty’s blog she was handing this out to her visitors. I grabbed it. It’s adorable. [drop by and pay Betty a visit and pick up this cutie yourself!!]

    { April 10, 2008 @ 11:49 am } · { MEME, PAY IT FORWARD, TAG, Thursday }
    { Leave a Comment }


    edition #54

    I found this at Junie Rose and after I read her answers, I thought “What fun”. So, my turn, my turn!!!! And I’ll turn this into my Thursday blogging [I noticed while copying from her blog that there was no number twelve with the original "14" names....so with the omitting of that number 14 turns into thirteen[!] items on the meme, and it works perfectly for a Thursday Thirteen then!!! Either case, I bet y’all just can’t wait, right?!!

    The Name Game

    Your rock star name (first pet, current car)
    Persian Pontiac
    [sounds erotic to me!]

    Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe)
    Black Walnut Sandals
    [sandals, not SCANdals!!!]

    Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal)
    Purple Tiger
    [me thinks this is more Oriental sounding]

    Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born)
    F Lincoln
    [you think I'm gonna write out my middle name? Besides, the first letter is the "in" thing to do now-a-days P Daddy and R Kelly]

    Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name)
    Son-An
    [again, more Oriental sounding...I think maybe I should have been in the movie Karate Kid or something]

    Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
    Forest Green Water
    [ewwwwwww, that sounds slimy!!]

    NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers)
    Edward Henry or Henry Edward
    [sounds like a winner, either way!!]

    Stripper name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
    Chocolate Turtles
    [Yes, chocolate may not be a perfume, but it IS a scent and it IS a favorite scent - besides it's fitting for a stripper name I think!]

    TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
    Robertson Rochester
    [...and that's the complete and up to the minute news.....I'm DONE thanks for listening. This is Robertson Rochester, saying Good night!!! :::sign off, fade to black:::]

    Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
    Spring Rose
    [Ellery Queen, Columbo? Eat your heart out!!]

    Cartoon name: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now)
    Raspberry Shorts
    [actually to be more specific, my whole name would be 'BLACK RASPBERRY SHORTS']

    Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
    O. J. Willow
    [cousin to Mr. Simpson...as in O.J., not Homer!]

    Porn star name (first pet, first street where you lived)
    George Spaulding —
    [I can't help this, I'm not a cross dresser or anything like that...but George it is. Guess it's short for GEORGIANNA, or Georgianni in my case.] But, George was a PERSIAN cat, so I could get my porn name legally changed to Persian Spaulding. No…I like George -short for Georgianni!!!

    - – -

    PS….Wednesday afternoon, I found a package on my doorstep!! It’s from my Pay if Forward Bloggin’ Buddy….Mary!!! Believe ME —I’m speechless!!!!!

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