Remembering Today . . .

O'Reilly Autofest

2012-02-05T19:47:00.000-06:00

Street Rods--Muscle Cars--Motorcycles--Trucks--and more! Today was the 3rd day of the 13th annual O'Reilly Autofest at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Lots of eye candy! Here are some of my pics.

Donnie & Stephanie Cockrum

Danny and Barb Stokes. Their car placed in the top 30--pretty cool.

I didn't get photos of all the winners, but this car won in the Street Rod division.

My first car was a 1961 Ford Falcon. This is the first one I have seen in years! Mine was black with red interior. Below is mine--I was 18.

Groundhog Day!

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

A shy little groundhog left his bed,

Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho!

"It must be time for spring," he said.

He looked to the left, he looked to the right,

The day was clear and the sun was bright;

He saw his shadow and ran in fright.

Then back to his burrow he crept, he crept,

And six more winter weeks he slept.

~ Author unknown

Image from http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/groundhog_day.html

February

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

"February is merely as long as is needed

to pass the time until March."

~ Dr. J. R. Stockton

Remembering a HS Classmate . . .

2012-01-27T00:52:00.000-06:00

David E. Williams 10/13/1944 - 1/18/2012

"DavidE. Williams of Springfield, MO was born on October 13, 1944. He passed onJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:32 p.m.

David graduatedfrom Central High School in 1962. He graduated in June 1966 with a BS inEducation from Missouri State University and earned a Master's Degree fromDrury in 1971 in School Administration. David taught in Nixa from 1966-1971.From 1971-1977 he was Principal in Nixa for the middle school, followed by 2years teaching in Springfield Public Schools. David also sold restaurant/hotelsupplies for 2-3 years and sold adult/infant nutritional products from1983-1986. From 1986-1993 he served as a Department head at St. John's. Davidretired in 1993.

He was preceded indeath by his parents Halline (Berry) & LLoyd and a brother Robert. He is survived by abrother Raymond. Nieces Carolyn, Melanie, Leslie & Susan Craig, a nephewMark and his beloved Yo.

Please rememberDavid as you knew him. There will be no services. In Lieu of memorials, pleasedonate to the organization of your choice."

It has been 50 years since we went to school together, and I am sorry to say I never saw David again after graduation. I didn't know him very well in school, but he always seemed like such a nice guy. We shared English class together, but I don't remember what other classes we had in common. In the 1962 CHS yearbook it said he was a member of the Key Club and Latin Club.

Remembering Lucky . . .

2012-01-23T23:00:00.000-06:00

Lucky 1/15/2000 - 1/23/2012

I said goodbye to my good friend "Lucky" today. What a sweet guy he was. I shall never forget him.

When Lucky was about 4 months old someone dumped him on our street. One of our neighbors searched the neighborhood to see if he belonged to anyone--with no results. Hearing that he was going to be taken to the Humane Society the next day, I said I would give him a home. At the suggestion of our neighbor, he was named Lucky.

We had him 2 days when this photo was taken. He sure was a cutie and he loved to play!

How could you not love this guy?

I decided to enroll him in obedience school, and soon we were attending classes together. He didn't particularly do well in school because he could not get his mind off all the other dogs. He wanted to play! He didn't seem to be paying any attention at the time, but he remembered all the things he was taught, and never forgot a single command.

We spent lots of wonderful times together playing ball or tug. He was right by my side when I worked in my flower beds. He loved to go on walks. He wasn't crazy about cats, squirrels, possums, or fireworks. I could probably write a book about this sweet dog, but will just leave it with there are lots of good memories--I was indeed lucky to have such a good friend!

The gifts my dog gave me --

happiness, companionship,

unconditional love --

they will never leave me.

They are mine to treasure forever.

Anniversary Wishes

2012-01-14T00:44:00.000-06:00

"An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today,

the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary to my Sis and Mike

on their 18th wedding anniversary.

Remembering Beverly . . .

2012-01-08T01:50:00.000-06:00

Beverly Joan (Reed) Garrison

8/20/1944 - 1/08/2009

January

2012-01-01T01:05:00.000-06:00

"The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"

~ Edward Payson Powell

Congratulations to Ruth!

2011-12-31T00:46:00.000-06:00

My friend Ruth retired today after 40 + years as a hair stylist. She is a master in the art of hair care and has made many friends over the years with her warm and welcoming personality.

Ruth, me, and Nita (Ruth's sister)

In Memory of . . .

2011-11-16T00:50:00.000-06:00

September 1963. Someone gave dad this old bike several years previous to this photo, and he brought it home for us to learn to ride. We were so young at the time, we had to stand on a bench just to get on it!

Jess Edward Stewart

10/23/1900 - 11/16/1974

"You will find that if you really try to be a father,

your child will meet you halfway."

~Robert Brault

In Memory of . . .

2011-11-01T09:26:00.004-05:00

Mary Louise (Boatright) Stewart

July 25, 1919 - November 1, 1966

"I miss thee, my Mother! Thy image is still

The deepest impressed on my heart."

~ Eliza Cook

If You've Never . . .

2011-10-31T23:18:00.001-05:00

If you've never seen an old witch

Riding through the sky--

Or never felt big bat's wings

Flopping, as they fly--

If you've never touched a white thing

Gliding through the air,

And knew it was a ghost because

You got a dreadful scare--

If you've never heard the night owls,

Crying, "Whoo-whoo-whoo?"

And never jumped at pumpkin eyes

Gleaming out at you--

If all of these exciting things

You've never heard or seen,

Why then--you've missed a lot of fun,

Because--that's HALLOWEEN!

~ Elsie Melchert Fowler

from Denny Davis

2011-10-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

My friend Nita's house was featured today in the Springfield News-Leader "Homeowner goes all out for Halloween."

Photo by Mark Schiefelbein for the News-Leader.

Harmony in Autumn . . .

2011-10-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

“There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky,

which through the summer is not heard or seen,

as if it could not be, as if it had not been!”

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

Brief Getaway . . .

2011-10-27T23:15:00.000-05:00

It was a little hectic in the office today, so at lunchtime I set out to find some signs of fall. Look what I found at Phelps Grove Park.

A quick drive through a neighborhood, and back to work.

"There is no season when such pleasant
and sunny spots may be lighted on,
and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings,
as now in October."

- Nathaniel Hawthorne

In Memory of . . .

2011-10-23T17:46:00.000-05:00

My Dad: Jesse Edward Stewart
10/23/1900 - 11/16/1974

Click on "Stewart Family History" tab

if you would like to read more about his family history.

Autumn Days

2011-10-22T02:21:00.003-05:00

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air."

~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

Today the weather was beautiful and I visited two of my favorite parks in Springfield.

Sequoita Park

Doling Park (next stop)

As far back as the early 1900s, Doling Park was a popular amusement parkfor the area. By the time I was a teenager, it was still one of the most popular places to go. I loved to go there for the penny arcade, the amusement park rides, and the boat rentals. There was a large picnic area, and of course, the skating rink. School picnics were often held there. My first trip to Doling was a school picnic, in fact.. The Doling Roller Rink became the site of queen contests, follies-type shows and revues, figureskating and pairs competitions, as well as the social gathering place for teens. The rest of the park's popularity began to decline, and by the1970s all of the rides had been removed. I wished I had taken photos of that part of the park. My favorite ride was the Tilt-a-Whirl, and there was a very scary Fun House.

This wall is what remains of the old skating rink. I am so glad they kept and preserved it. Below is a copy of a vintage postcard of the roller rink. It was built in 1929. The rink had a hardwood maple floor. This is where my girls and I learned to roller skate in the mid 70's. They learned so quickly and were amazing--me, I took some hard bumps before I learned how. What fun we had!

The first rink burned, and was rebuilt and completed in 1930.

A large part of the park is currently under construction. This is where the old "lake" was. I am anxious to see what they do to it. This place will always be a favorite to me.

Bella Vista Arts & Crafts Festival

2011-10-14T01:00:00.000-05:00

I love this show!

It was crowded and sometimes hard to see some of the artists works.

Orlando

2011-10-02T22:56:00.000-05:00

The sun is peeking through a little and we have arrived back at Port Canaveral. (I rarely get up early enough to see the sun rise) My goodness--the week went by so fast!! What a fabulous cruise it was. Thanks a million times to Jim West and the ScrapMap team.

We caught a shuttle to Orlando and stayed at the Wingate near the Airport. It was a very nice hotel. We could not make connections with a flight so spent the day looking around Orlando and shopping.

This is the first time I have ever been in a Ikea store before, so this was a new experience. Wow! I would have took stuff home from here--what a great place! I was already checking a 2nd piece of luggage going home so I had to pass up on some things I wanted. Below are some of the room settings in the store. Cute! Cute! Cute!.

We also hit TJ Maxx, Stein Mart, Ross, and Marshalls.

We had dinner at a place called Sonny's BBQ. Good food! I took this photo thinking of my friend Sonny and thought he might like it.

Day at Sea

2011-10-01T17:47:00.000-05:00

Richele holding our class project

Tim

Monica

Sandy and Tina

Joy

Debbie and Michele

Cynthia Sanders

Mary and Valerie

Linda

Mario

Me, Misty, Sharon, and Linda

Me and Sharmaine

Day at Sea

2011-09-30T00:46:00.000-05:00

A full day at sea! We had a great class today with Tim, and the day was just fun from beginning to end!

There was always someone fun to great us as we entered the Windjammer for breakfast every morning.

Barbara--also fellow "charm swapper." The first time I met her, I saw her walking on the Royal Promenade and she was wearing an awesome charm necklace. After talking to her a bit I learned she was part of the TH group, and that most of her charms were from the swap. She was also wearing a charm that I recognized immediately. It was a heart 'n hand charm made by Tammy Tutterow (my daughter).

This is Liz. What a delightful person she is. She also hosted the charm swap--and what a great job she did!

Sandy and Tina. We first met them in Cocoa Beach. They stayed in the same hotel as we did, but didn't meet until we were waiting for our ride to the port.

In class we began work on a Configeration Tray, however we did not get to see this much of it in the first class. (photo from 2nd class).

These two incredible people (assistant on the left, our head waiter on the right) made us feel like we were very special every evening at dinner. Below are photos of our dinner-mates each evening. It was fun getting to know each of them. I am fb friends with most of them now--so it will be nice keeping in touch.

June and Jill

Cecelia and Lindsay

"Write on your heart that every day

is the best day of the year."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

St. Maarten

2011-09-29T22:01:00.000-05:00

Waking up to a rising sun and a tiny glimpse of Philipsburg St. Maarten. Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten and it stretches about a mile along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond. Most of. the shops and restaurants are on Front Street, close to Great Bay.

St. Maarten/St. Martin is very uniqueamong Caribbean destinations. The 37-square-mile island is governed by twonations—the Netherlands and France—and has residents from 70-some differentcountries.

Nabbed by a pirate as soon as I got off the ship.

Scenic stop on our excursion.

Marigot, St. Martin was originally a fishing village on a swamp for which it was named. Marigot was made the capital during the reign of King Louis XVI. It is typical of Caribbean towns, with cute little houses and sidewalk cafes. We walked through the market area that had everything you could possibly imagine.

This was just before the heavy rains came. We got back on the bus just in time.

We did a little shopping after our excursion--then headed back to the ship.

St. Thomas

2011-09-28T21:32:00.000-05:00

I love a balcony room. It is so nice to get up in the morning and go out on the balcony and hang out as you drift into port.

That is Sharon and Misty sticking their heads out--just a few doors away.

Views of St. Thomas as we get closer.

This Marriott looks huge!

The Disney ship beat us!

(playing with the panorama setting on my camera)

Linda, Misty, Sharon, and I head for our Safari van for an island tour. We climbed over 1500 feet above sea level on a winding mountain road to a well known spot called "Mountain Top. We were treated with a magnificent view of the British Virgin Islands and the Atlantic Ocean.

Panorama view.

We made a brief stop at Drake's Seat for photos.

St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens. This was my second visit to the Greathouse, and I found it even more beautiful than before. Nestled high above Hull Bay sits St. Thomas’ most magnificent villa, St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens. This scenic location was originally part of a 150 acre Plantation St. Peter. Frequented by several Indian tribes, the deeded owners were of French descent, who claimed the property had also been used by pirates to bury their treasure.

The outside observation deck provides views of St. John, Hans Lollik, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and other cays.

Magens Bay

This is also a popular place for weddings.

Heading back to the ship after our excursion and a little shopping. The ship looks a block long in this photo.

I am a "dot" in the landscape next to these big ships!

That is Sharon and Misty coming aboard at the last minute!

The Ice Show in Studio B--fabulous!!

History of St. Thomas: Credit for thediscovery of St.Thomas is given to Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the new world in 1493. Carib and ArawakIndians were alreadythere, so no one really knows who the first humans on St. Thomas were.

St. Thomas was hometo pirates long before European powers ever decided to form colonieshere. The deep natural harbor at Charlotte Amalie was a favoriteamong pirates who were intent on plundering Spanish ships laden with gold coins andother valuable items.

The Danish made their first colonization attempts around 1666,with thoughts of using the island for agricultural development. Aftersome time passed the government realized that much of St. Thomas' future lay inthe development of the area around the natural harbor. Soon Taphuswas born! The name Taphus was used until 1691 when it was renamedCharlotte Amalie in honor of King Christian V wife.

In the late 1600's the island was lead into slave trade andpiracy. These occurrences benefited local merchants, and made St. Thomas'Charlotte Amalie one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. Even when piracy was no longer affecting the economy of St.Thomas, Charlotte Amalie maintained its importance as a trading port, and in1764 it was declared a free port. Theimportance of Charlotte Amalie to trade in the New World would diminish withthe abolition of slavery in 1848.

The late 1800's and early 1900's St. Thomas suffered from severalmajor natural disasters, including hurricanes, fires and a tidal wave. In 1917 St. Thomas would lower the Danishflag and residents saluted the stars and stripes of the USA. Prosperity would return to Charlotte Amalie in the mid1900's as air and sea travel increased. In the 21st century, St. Thomas became prominent as a cruise ship destinationand shopper’s paradise.

Day at Sea

2011-09-27T18:38:00.000-05:00

We didn't sit around very much. We were always on the go.

This was so cool! The FlowRider surfing pool creates a wave-like water flow that you can either surf or ride a boogey board. It was fun to watch!

Walking/running track

Sharon and Misty trying on hats on the Royal Promenade.

This hat is you, Misty.

JEWELRY for sale!

I didn't take many pictures of the classes. We had a class every day except for Thursday. It was so much fun working on my projects, I forgot about taking pictures. Tim is a great teacher, and Joy, Monica, and Richele were there to assist. What a great team.

A great evening on the Royal Promenade deck.

CocoCay, Bahamas

2011-09-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

Little Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, is one of the Berry Islands, a collection of caysand small islands and is located approximately 55 miles north of Nassau.The island is less than a mile wide from east to west andless than a 200 yards from north to south. The east end is the centerof recreational activities with beaches fronting a coral basin . There is a rocky inlet on the north side ofthe island large enough for the tenders to operate from. Nature trails run theentire length and width of the island.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. assumed the lease of the island and renamed it "CocoCay". They were one of the first cruise lines tolease islands for their exclusive use.

It was fun getting up in the morning and watching as we approached our port. Sharon and Misty were just a few rooms from us on the same side.

Scheduled tenders took us to the island, and then back to the ship.

This big guy was just munching away on some leaves.

The Straw Market

Our ship awaits us . . .

What a beautiful island. Goodbye to CocoCay

This beautiful lady comes out of the ceiling in the Royal Promenade. I would love to know who the artist was, how long it took to create it, etc.

Linda is sitting by this awesome glass work in Boleros. It is huge. Would love to know more about it.

The show is about to begin in the Arcadia Theater. We were treated to "Marquee", a medley of performances.

Port Canaveral

2011-09-25T22:31:00.000-05:00

We were able to check in and board the ship shortly after 1:00 PM. We had lunch at the Windjammer, and the four of us explored the ship.

I don't have photos of everything, but the ship has three swimming areas: an interactive water park,a dedicated adult pool and the main pool. There are two adults-only whirlpoolscantilevered out from the ship's sides, the Royal Promenade includes a coffeeshop, Sorrento's Pizzeria, a Ben and Jerry's ice-cream shop, Vintage's winery,the Bull and Bear Irish pub, and Duty-free shops. The 13th deck has asports area with a rock climbing wall, the Flow Rider (an onboard wavegenerator for surfing), a miniature golf course and a full size basketballcourt. The ship also includes an ice skating rink, a casino, and a Johnny Rocketsrestaurant.

Freedom of the Seas can accommodate 3634 passengers, along with 1300 crew members. There are 15 passenger decks in all--we were located on the 7th.

The Royal Promenade

The entrance to Pharaoh's Palace. Hold it! Is that Linda?

Looking down on the Promenade

The Arcadia Theater.

The H20 Zone

The art in the casino is reminiscent of the Roaring 20's. Awesome!

It didn't take long for Linda to kick back and relax a little.

One of the Disney ships "parked" close by.

As we sail away . . . .

People stopped what they were doing to wave at the ship as we slipped by.

. . . and to the open sea. Let the adventure begin!

The "Crafting in the Caribbean with Tim Holtz" group had a welcoming party in Pharaoh's Palace and Linda got to meet Tim Holtz for the very first time.

The Royal Promenade Cast Parade

What an awesome day!!!

Cocoa Beach, Florida

2011-09-24T22:02:00.000-05:00

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!

Linda, Misty, Sharon, and I arrived in Orlando and caught a shuttle to Cocoa Beach, FL near our port for the cruise. By the time we arrived and checked into our hotel, it was late afternoon. The beach was just a short walk away, so we enjoyed walking on the beach until the sun went down.

Sharon is already smiling.

Misty, too!

and Linda, too!

So lovely.

Cocoa Beach history: Cocoa Beach is just six miles long, and mostly less than one mile wide. The first real settlement in Cocoa Beach was started by a family of newly freed slaves following the Civil War. A hurricane in 1885 discouraged settlement. In 1888, a group of Cocoa men bought the entire tract of land. The land remained untouched until an attorney named Gus Edwards arrived. He bought Cocoa Beach and began to develop it. The City of Cocoa Beach was established on June 5, 1925. It was incorporated as a City on June 29, 1957.

Special Announcement

2011-09-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
~ Maria Robinson

Today I announced my retirement after 28 years with a great company. Effective January 1, I want to start that day to make a "new ending." Can't hardly wait!

In Memory . . .

2011-09-11T01:18:00.001-05:00

September 11, 2001

In memory and honor of those who perished on that day--
we shall never forget.

Happy Birthday to my Sis . . .

2011-09-08T02:54:00.000-05:00

She remarkably has a

generous and loving heart.

I love her dearly

for everything that she is.

She is simple, smart,

friendly and kind.

There id no one like her

in the whole world.

Every day I thank God

that she is my sister,

relying and believing

He will always bless her.

Happy Birthday, Sis!

(poem from Scrappin Baby

Scrapbook.com)

Labor Day . . .

2011-09-05T21:16:00.000-05:00

HOW DO YOU TACKLE YOUR WORK?

How do you tackle your work each day?

Are you scared of the job you find?

Do you grapple the task that comes your way

With a confident, easy mind?

Do you stand right up to the work ahead

Or fearfully pause to view it?

Do you start to toil with a sense of dread

Or feel that you're going to do it?

You can do as much as you think you can,

But you'll never accomplish more;

If you're afraid of yourself, young man,

There's little for you in store.

For failure comes from the inside first,

It's there if we only knew it,

And you can win, though you face the worst,

If you feel that you're going to do it.

Success! It's found in the soul of you,

And not in the realm of luck!

The world will furnish the work to do,

But you must provide the pluck.

You can do whatever you think you can,

It's all in the way you view it.

It's all in the start that you make, young man:

You must feel that you're going to do it.

How do you tackle your work each day?

With confidence clear, or dread?

What to yourself do you stop and say

When a new task lies ahead?

What is the thought that is in your mind?

Is fear ever running through it?

If so, just tackle the next you find

By thinking you're going to do it.

~ Edgar Guest

A Day in Branson, MO

2011-08-31T23:18:00.000-05:00

I almost always spend the day in Branson on my birthday. I love to visit my favorite spots, or sometimes just spend the day taking pictures around the beautiful area. This year I started the day at TJ Maxx and had a list of several places I wanted to go. I love to visit new places as well, and recently saw an ad in the back of one of my jewelry magazines advertising Plum Bazaar in Branson! I had never heard of it before so was anxious to check it out. What a cool bead store!

Plum Bazaar Beads is located downtown Branson at 123 East
Main. If you know where Dick's 5 & 10 is--well Plum Bazaar is
just east of it. This place is packed with all kinds of beautiful beads,
jewelry findings, and "found" objects for making jewelry. Every-
one that worked there was very friendly and helpful. The store
also had lots of finished jewelry made by some very creative artists.

This is not a new "find"--this is Sugar Leaf Treats. I can't go to
Branson without stopping here for lunch, including and a generous
piece of my favorite coconut cake for dessert. Yum! They are
located in the Grand Village Mall at 2800 West 76 Country Blvd.

I always stop here, so it is not a new store but has a new owner.
Scrapbooks Forever is now owned by Shirley Heard and she has
done a great job with her new store. She is no stranger to the area
or paper arts--as she taught for several years at Unique Impressions.

The day just flew by, and I had a great time!

At the movies . . .

2011-08-31T01:20:00.001-05:00

Cast:

Anne Hathaway as Emma
Jim Sturgess as Dexter
Romola Garai as Sylvie
Rafe Spall as Ian
Ken Stott as Steven, Dexter's father
Patricia Clarkson as Alison, Dexter's mother
Jodie Whittaker as Tilly
Jamie Sives as Mr. Godalming
Georgia King as Suki Meadows
Matt Berry as Aaron
Matthew Beard as Murray CopePlot
above information & image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Day_(film)

One Day: David Nicholls adapted the screenplay, based on his novel of the same name. Emma (Ms. Hathaway) and Dexter meet on the night of their graduation – July 15th, 1988. She is a working-class girl of principle and ambition who dreams of making the world a better place. He is a wealthy charmer who dreams that the world will be his playground. But where will they be on this day next year, and the year after that? Over 20 years, we check in on Emma and Dexter every July 15th, and watch as their friendship ebbs and flows with the passing of the years. Through love and loss, heartbreak and success, hopes fulfilled and dreams shattered, these two souls experience the sometimes wonderful, sometimes tragic, often hysterical but always moving, grandeur of life. Somewhere along their journey, they realize that sometimes what you are looking for has been right there in front of you all. http://www.slashfilm.com/2011-release-dates-announced-hanna-one-day-jane-eyre-the-eagle-of-the-ninth/

I loved this movie! I also have the book but have not started reading it yet.

Phoenix . . .

2011-08-12T20:57:00.120-05:00

Here is a few photos from my trip to Phoenix for the 54th General Council held in the Phoenix Convention Center. After 24 years of being a part of this event, this was my last. Long hours + hard work + working with some of the greatest people I have ever known + friendships made of those that attend = unbelievable memories.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency, just a few steps from the Convention Center.

With temperatures in the 3-digits, this was a common sight (entrance to my hotel).

Views from my room on the 16th floor.

The three photos above were taken in the lobby of the Hyatt--a very contemporary southwestern look. It is not my favorite style, but it was very appealing. I loved the colors!

One of the entrances into the convention center (where I was to spend most of the week).

Here's Don to greet us.

Jon and Randall look pretty serious about all the work ahead, don't they?.

Our work before us . .

Don looks like a commercial for a Hoveround Scooter. He will love that I said that!

Sonny doing some planking.

Danny, Dilla, and I just had to have a little fun with the camel. After all, I believe it was "Hug Your Camel" Day, wasn't it?

Danny on the telephone in the elevator. I think we surprised him.

Fast forward after working some long hours with a great team of people--it is ready for opening day!

Some of my favorite art displayed in the convention center:

"Art is a Guaranty of Sanity" by Louise Bourgeois. This was my very favorite. It is a a monumental, 90-foot mirror sculpture, located in the West Building atrium of the convention center. The mirror face is highly polished steel, cut into shapes derived from a drawing of a spider web - a reoccurring theme in much of her work. Visitors will see themselves and the atrium space dynamically reflected in the mirror's surface. The mirror also reflects one of Bourgeois's hallmark phrases, which also serves as the title for the piece: "Art is a Guaranty of Sanity."

Louise Bourgeois was born in Paris in 1911. She studied mathematics at the Sorbonne when she was 15, which lead her to discover cubism through geometry. She went on to study at the École du Louvre and the École des Beaux-Arts, which gave her a possibility to work as an assistant for Fernand Léger. In 1938 she moved to New York with her American husband, Robert Goldwater. This was an important decision, as she felt that she could not have continued to work as an artist if she had stayed in Paris. She lived and worked in New York until the end, during the spring of 2010.

This is just the ceiling in one of the convention rooms, but I thought the design was cool.

"Arizona Beach" by Hirotsune Tashima - A series of humorous stoneware ceramic sculptures, intended to point to the power of growth and to encourage people to live fully. Located in the food court area inside the North Building, the playful group of sculptures mixes native flora and fauna and contemporary cultural references with the idea of a desert "beach."

Tashima studied art in both Japan and the United States and currently teaches Ceramics at Pima Community College in Tucson Arizona.

These two statues were amazing! I didn't get very good photos, but they contained all kinds of interesting objects.

"Southern Exposure" by Jamex and Einar de la Torre - Two large-scale, sentry figures, inspired by the columnar figures at Tula, Mexico. Constructed of a set of stacked glass boxes fitted into figure forms, they contain blown glass objects, found objects and cultural artifacts reflecting the contemporary culture and the history of Arizona and the larger Southwest.

Jamex de la Torre (b. 1960, Guadalajara, Mexico) is a sculptor who primarily works in glass with his brother, Einar de la Torre (b. 1963 in Guadalajara, Mexico). The brothers moved to California in 1972 and graduated from California State University Long Beach. Their work is based on their Mexican-American bi-cultural experiences, and because they use a combination of glass, found objects, and mixed media their work is known for being unique.

Looks like Sonny is "planking" again.

"Social Invertebrates," Tom Otterness - Three large, whimsical bronze sculptures of desert creatures, enlarged to human scale. The creatures include a millipede with a hat and shoes; a walking stick in high heels, and a scorpion holding two small men in top hats tugging at a bag of money. Accompanying sculptural elements of people, scaled down to Lilliputian dimensions, interact with the creatures. The sculptures are set in a unique water-harvesting garden at the public plaza located near the southeast entrance of the North building.

Tom Otterness was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1952. By 1970 he had arrived in New York to attend the Art Students League, followed by The Independent Study Program at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Otterness redefines the tradition of cast bronze figurative sculpture by using whimsical cartoon-like figures to make critical commentaries on political and social issues. Not only do his sculptures vary in size from colossal to minute, they also address a wide range of emotions and experiences. Their placement in parks, subway stations, and other public areas around the country allow the works to be appreciated by people from all walks of life. Otterness’s combination of unforeseen subject matter and fanciful characters makes his work universally appealing.

About town . . .

Barbie, Judy, Chuck, and Dilla posing and tolerating my constant need to take pictures.

We had dinner at Cooprstown Restaurant one evening owned by rock star Alice Cooper.. The food was good. The Big Unit hot dog (24" long) named after Randy Johnson seemed to be a popular item. Cooperstown was filled with rock music memorabilia--very interesting and cool.

These two old girls look like they had a long, hard day on the convention floor. {grin}

I am not sure what this business was, but thought the sculpture was interesting.

The Herberger Theater Center was less than a block from my hotel. I would have liked to have seen more of the art at the center, but it was so hot it was not fun to walk around. I just took a couple of photos of the bronze sculptures--they were beautiful! Titled "Dance," they were created by Arizona sculptor John Henry Waddell in the 1970's and consists of four groups of life-life figures located near the entrance of the center.

I love the reflections of other buildings, etc.on the buildings.

Evening activities were at the U.S. Airways Center.

A group of us had dinner early Friday evening at Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe. It was a plain yellow building on the eastern edge of downtown Phoenix and apparently been in business for decades. The menu was simple and consisted of fried chicken, pork chops, and chicken-fried steak, and other southern dishes.

The walls were covered with signatures, drawings etc.--including the menu in several places.

Decisions, decisions--what is Betsy going to have . . . ?

Judy and Chuck waiting for their food.

. . . and Sharon waiting for her food.

Randy, Rebekah, and Donna waiting, waiting, and more waiting for their food. The rest of us sat at one table, and most of our table was served first--at least partially. We were missing parts of our orders.

Waiting for my shuttle on Saturday morning. It was time to go home.

Phoenix Airport--pretty cool. I read that this is a restored SPAD XIII aircraft. The vintage aircraft which is on display contains 80 percent original parts from three SPAD aircrafts and 20 percent replicated parts and has a wooden airframe and fabric covered wings. The plane was designed in 1917 to off-set the twin gun planes that the Germans flew during World War I combat, and by early 1918 it was the standard combat plane in France.

Stained glass--Phoenix Airport.

Weekend in St. Louis

2011-07-10T22:28:00.000-05:00

Deanna and I spent the weekend with Tammy taking classes at For Keeps Sake Scrapbook Store with Joni Russell. More photos on my other blog. It is always fun to visit new stores, and Tammy told us about a great bead store so we decided to check it out before heading back home.

Lady Bug Beads was the new store to check out. It is located
at 7616 Big Bend Boulevard in St. Louis, MO. Click here for a
store tour--I don't think I have ever seen so many beads, jewelry
books, and supplies in one place before.

Cool, huh?

In the garden today . . .

2011-07-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

My Oak Leaf Hydrangea is lovely even when the petals are
drying up.

This is one of my favorite flowers in the garden. I think it may be
a wild morning glory. It's heart-shaped leaves and gorgeous
blossoms are spectacular! It comes up by itself every year and I
now have several vines that grace my garden.

In the garden today . . .

2011-06-16T03:09:00.000-05:00

It's beautiful the Summer month of June

When all of God's own wildflowers are in bloom
And sun shines brightly most part of the day
And butterflies o'er lush green meadows play.

Light-hearted skylark songster of the wing
High o'er the quiet and lonely moorland sing
Above her nest cloaked by the tangled heath
Her charming song so exquisitely sweet.

So mellow the gentle breath of June day breeze
The birds rejoicing on the leafy trees
And dappled trout in pool bed of the stream
Bask in the sun their spotted skins agleam."

~ Francis Duggan

In the garden today

2011-06-07T01:16:00.000-05:00

"It is the month of June,
The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes
And pleasant scents the noses."

~ Nathaniel Parker Willis

In the garden today . . .

2011-06-04T00:15:00.013-05:00

Flowers... are a proud assertion
that a ray of beauty

out values all the utilities
of the world.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

In the garden today . . .

2011-05-31T18:02:00.000-05:00

My Oakleaf Hydrangeas are beginning to bloom!

If you are not familiar with these wonderful plants, here is what I know: The Oakleaf Hydrangea (named from the shape of its large, beautiful leaves) is a native plant to the United States. It is a shrub, featuring gorgeous white blossoms. It blooms it best in areas where summers are hot, and thrives in dry conditions requiring very little attention. In the fall the leaves show off in brilliant colors of orange, yellow, and reds! I have two and would love to have them as a border all around the yard!

Looking so regal . . .

2011-05-30T22:00:00.000-05:00

Beautifully restored . . .

Remembering those who gave their all . . .

2011-05-30T02:02:00.000-05:00

But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye.

~Thomas Dunn English

The street rods are here!

2011-05-29T00:03:00.021-05:00

The NSRA Mid-America Street Nationals were in town this weekend. Over 2,000 vehicles from the mid-America area were expected.

Spotted this one at Hobby Lobby. It is good to see where their
priorities were.

Eye candy--it was everywhere!

In the garden today . . .

2011-05-28T00:00:00.037-05:00

This is one of my most treasured plants. A good friend and
neighbor from where we lived previously gave me a start of it
from her yard. .

The clematis in the back yard (on the arbor) is getting prettier
every day.

A very sad day . . .

2011-05-25T14:46:00.001-05:00

Photo tagged from Springfield News-Leader

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."

~Edward Everett Hale

A massive tornado hit our sister city, Joplin, MO, Sunday evening, May 22, 2011. It reportedly destroyed over 30% of the city, and has now been rated an EF5 by the National Weather Service. They are calling it the deadliest single tornado since 1950. As of today, 124 lives have been lost and over 8,000 buildings destroyed. Please remember "Joplin, MO" in your prayers.

At the movies . . .

2011-05-20T01:40:00.109-05:00

Johnny Depp goes from this . . .

. . . to this!!

in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Cast:
Johnny Depp - Captain Jack Sparrow
Penélope Cruz - Angelica
Geoffrey Rush - Captain Hector Barbossa
Ian McShane - Blackbeard
Kevin McNally - Joshamee Gibbs
Sam Claflin - Philip
Astrid Bergés-Frisbey - Syrena
Stephen Graham - Scrum
Keith Richards - Captain Teague
Richard Griffiths - King George
Greg Ellis - Groves
Damian O'Hare - Gillette
Óscar Jaenada - The Spaniard
Anton Lesser - Lord John Carteret
Roger Allam - Prime Minister Henry Pelham
Judi Dench - Society Lady
Christopher Fairbank - Ezekiel
Paul Bazely - Salaman
Bronson Webb - Cook
Richard Thomson - Derrick
Yuki Matsuzaki - Garheng
Robbie Kay - Cabin Boy
Steve Evets - Purser
Deobia Oparei - Quartermaster
Gemma Ward - Tamara - First Mermaid
Sebastian Armesto - King Ferdinand
Juan Carlos Vellido - Spanish Sea Captain
Tristan Laurence Perez - Spanish Fisherman
Norberto Moran - Spanish Castaway
Gerard Monaco - Spanish Soldier
Tyrone Lopez - Spanish Soldier
Luke Roberts - Captain of the Guard
Daniel Ings - Guard
Emilia Jones - English Girl
Patrick Kennedy - English Father
Jody Halse - Jailor
Clifford Rose - Bailiff
Paul Hunter - Foreman
Jorgelina Guadalupe Airaldi - Mermaid
Brea Berrett - Mermaid
Toni Busker - Mermaid
Sanya Hughes - Mermaid
Antoinette Nikprelaj - Mermaid
Derek Mears - Master-at-Arms
Danny Le Boyer - Yeoman
Kitt Barrie - Courtroom Wench
Stephen Morphew - Courtroom Heckler
Alan Utley-Moore - Justice Smith

Synopsis: Flamboyant seafarer Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) lands himself in a bit of a bind after being lured onto Blackbeard's (Ian McShane) ship by enigmatic siren Angelica (Penélope Cruz), and forced to seek out the Fountain of Youth. Trapped on the Queen Anne's Revenge with the most nefarious pirate in history, Captain Jack reflects on his past with the elusive Angelica while embarking on his wildest adventure to date. With shambling zombies on deck and gorgeous mermaids beckoning sailors into the icy waters below, this time Jack Sparrow has his work cut out for him. (by Jason Buchanan, Rovi)

I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!

In the garden today . . .

2011-05-20T00:00:00.068-05:00

This is one of my white peonies in the back yard. It is just
simply magnificent! I think it is called "Shirley Temple."
It has red trim around some of it's petals.

A close up of one of the flowers

This is my black Iris. It is much darker than than it appears in this
photo. I cannot get it to photograph at it's true color. Below is
Lucky taking a look at it. He may be the reason it was laying on
it's side.

My buddy, Lucky, loves it when I come out back and work in
"his" yard. He spends every moment right at my side.

This is one of my beautiful poppy's.

My gazebo in the back is covered with vines. In a few days the
roof will be covered in purple.

Thanks for strolling along with me and Lucky in the garden today.

The Butterfly

2011-05-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

The Butterfly with graceful wings,

Beauty into the garden brings,

To wild away the many hours,

Fluttering about the garden flowers.

A flower crown it's resting place,

Spreading wings of fragile lace.

Roving through a summer day,

Flower to flower in a carefree way.

Taking to a blissful flight,

To kiss the Jasmine in pure delight.

To flit and flutter, float and hide,

Among the flowers far and wide.

Special, beautiful, soaring up high,

My delicate, colorful butterfly.

About the garden the rounds it makes,

Sweet nectar from the flower takes.

Now answering to a beckoned call

Far beyond the garden wall.

Against a scene of bright sunlight,

It flutters away in silent flight.

~ Richard Cook

In the garden today . . .

2011-05-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

An old Peony that was once in my parents front
yard.

This Clematis reins over my wrought iron gazebo.

"What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome. Are not flowers the stars of the earth, and are not our starts the flowers of the heaven."
~ A.J. Balfour

At the movies . . .

2011-05-13T23:00:00.055-05:00

I love going to the movies, and this week Jane Eyre was my first choice. I read the book by Charlotte Bronte (available from Amazon) years ago and intended to read it again, but didn't get a chance. I really liked the movie--hope you will, too!

Cast:

Mia Wasikowska plays Jane Eyre

Michael Fassbender plays Edward Rochester

Jamie Bell plays St. John Rivers

Sally Hawkins plays Mrs. Reed

Holliday Grainger plays Diana Rivers

Tamzin Merchant plays Mary Rivers

Imogen Poots plays Blanche Ingram

Amelia Clarkson plays Young Jane

Romy Settbon Moore plays Adèle Varens

Freya Parks plays Helen Burns

Judi Dench plays Mrs. Fairfax

In the 19th Century-set story, Jane Eyre (played by Ms. Wasikowska) suddenly flees Thornfield Hall, the vast and isolated estate where she works as a governess for Adèle Varens, a child under the custody of Thornfield’s brooding master, Edward Rochester (Mr. Fassbender). The imposing residence – and Rochester’s own imposing nature – have sorely tested her resilience. With nowhere else to go, she is extended a helping hand by clergyman St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell of Focus Features’ The Eagle) and his family. As she recuperates in the Rivers’ Moor House and looks back upon the tumultuous events that led to her escape, Jane wonders if the past is ever truly past…

Aged 10, the orphaned Jane (played by Amelia Clarkson) is mistreated and then cast out of her childhood home Gateshead by her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed (Golden Globe Award winner Sally Hawkins). Consigned to the charity school Lowood, Jane encounters further harsh treatment but receives an education and meets Helen Burns (Freya Parks), a poor child who impresses Jane as a soulful and contented person. The two become firm friends. When Helen falls fatally ill, the loss devastates Jane, yet strengthens her resolve to stand up for herself and make the just choices in life.

As a teenager, Jane arrives at Thornfield. She is treated with kindness and respect by housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax (Academy Award winner Judi Dench). Jane’s interest is piqued by Rochester, who engages her in games of wit and storytelling, and divulges to her some of his innermost thoughts. But his dark moods are troubling to Jane, as are strange goings-on in the house – especially the off-limits attic. She dares to intuit a deep connection with Rochester, and she is not wrong; but once she uncovers the terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever, she flees, finding a home with the Rivers family. When St. John Rivers makes Jane a surprising proposal, she realizes that she must return to Thornfield – to secure her own future and finally, to conquer what haunts both her and Rochester.

A Focus Features Release. More info at http://www.focusfeatures.com/jane_eyre

In the garden today . . .

2011-05-09T23:33:00.059-05:00

A pink single Peony. So beautiful.

This is a red Clematis. It looks like the petals are velvet. I've had
the plant for several years, and this year the flowers are the
prettiest yet!

Looks like the landlord needs to do some maintenance on this
home. One of these days the bottom is going to fall out and leave
the family homeless.

This is my wrought iron gazebo in the back yard and I love it! It
has all kinds of vines growing on it, and several birds nest in the
heavy foliage near the top.

Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil,
getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to
soak up a little peace and serenity.

~Lindley Karstens

In the garden today

2011-05-09T00:00:00.033-05:00

Single white Peonie

Wine and Roses Weigela

White Weigela

Peanut Butter and Jelly Iris

My favorite Iris

Siberian Iris--look at the magnificent design.

Single pink Peonie

Lovely . . .

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T02:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to my two beautiful daughters.
Of all the treasures I have been given, these are my two most cherished.

"A daughter is the happy memories of the past,
the joyful moments of the present,
and the hope and promise of the future."

~Author Unknown

Around the Maypole . . .

2011-05-01T22:22:00.065-05:00

Come with me little one

Let's go and have some fun

The maypole is attracting the both of us

As well as many others

Let's grab a ribbon from the maypole

Let's ready ourselves

Let's get set to dance

And all around us

Many others are watching us and the

ones that have joined us to dance the

maypole

As we hear the music play

It's around the maypole we go

Passing by young ones and their

parents

Going over and under

Going under and over

Around the maypole we go

And I can see you smile little one

I can tell you're enjoying yourself

Being lost in the fun

Hearing us being cheered on

Seeing us being applauded

Being lost in the wonder of it all

~ Justin Gildow

This is a photo of my classmates in the 3rd grade. The school
was Crenshaw R7, a one-room school with grades 1-8. I looked
for a photo of us dancing around the maypole, but could not find
one. We used the flag pole for our Maypole. It was so much fun!

Tammy's teaching at Scrapbook Generation today . . .

2011-04-30T23:41:00.044-05:00

Our project.

Busy, busy, busy . . .

Deanna, deep in concentration . . .

Photos of my finished book to come . . .

Memories of special Easter egg hunts . . .

2011-04-24T14:52:00.000-05:00

This photo brings back memories about the Easter egg hunts we used to have at home. I don't remember ever going to a public one, but ours was something to really look forward to. It wasn't just the egg hunt, it was getting to color the eggs and decorate them (for me, anyway). We had lots of eggs and Mom would get an egg coloring kit with all the dyes, wax crayons, decals, and fun cut outs for decorating the eggs. Then on Easter morning she would have us hide in a closet while the "Easter Bunny" hid all the eggs in the yard. The "Easter Bunny" had also come up with some candy eggs so there were plenty of "surprise" eggs to be found. We had a big yard with lots of trees and shrubs and the eggs were well hidden, so it took a while to find them all. Nice memories.

At the movies . . .

2011-04-22T18:01:00.044-05:00

Cast:
Robert Pattinson as Jacob Jankowski
Reese Witherspoon as Marlena
Christoph Waltz as August
Mark Povinelli as Kinko/Walter
Jim Norton as Camel
Hal Holbrook as OLD Jacob Jankowski
Paul Schneider as Charlie

Synopsis: "When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her. Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford."

I loved this movie! Hope you go see it or read the book--they are both great!

In the garden today . . .

2011-04-22T12:28:00.057-05:00

This is probably all my pink Tree Peonie is going to do this year. A little disappointing after being so magnificent in the past. They did not get nearly as big this spring as they should have. The early warm days and then the cold, and then the heavy rain seems to have slowed their normal growth.

This was how my tree Peonies looked early this morning. The one above has been in bloom all week so is beginning to look a little ragged.

This afternoon, another heavy rain hit and they are definitely droopy, but aren't they gorgeous with the big rain drops all over their lovely petals?

Happy Birthday Emma!

2011-04-09T00:00:00.014-05:00

Today is my granddaughter Emma's 7th birthday! She is such a sweet, smart, and creative little girl. I wished I could spend the day with her today. Happy Birthday, Emma!

2011-04-01T00:00:00.010-05:00

"The first of April, some do say,
Is set apart for All Fools' Day.
But why the people call it so,
Nor I, nor they themselves do know.
But on this day are people sent
On purpose for pure merriment."

~ Poor Robin's Almanac, 1790

In the garden today . . .

2011-03-25T23:04:00.033-05:00

From my garden, this lovely Lenten Rose. I posted a photo
previously of my white one. They take a few years to get like this,
but well worth the wait!

Helleborus orientalis
Common Names: lenten rose
Family: Ranunculaceae (buttercup or crowfoot Family)

Description
The subtly spectacular Lenten rose is a herbaceous perennial garden plant that is evergreen in warmer climates and much admired for this trait. Like other members of the Helleborusgenus, the Lenten rose blooms in winter, sometimes even pushing through a blanket of snow. The distinctive foliage is dark green and leathery and is one of the plant's most appealing features. This plant grows slowly to form a neatly rounded mound up to 16-20 in high that is punctuated in winter or early spring by fresh new foliage and attractive flowers. The shy flowers resemble single roses and nod their pretty faces toward the ground. The 2-3 in (5-8cm) blossoms are held above the foliage in loose clusters and are white or greenish white, often have a pink or purplish blush. There are pink, rose and purple varieties as well as white with solid splotches of color with this species being a parent of many beautiful hybrids.

Location
Helleborus orientalis is native to areas of Eurasia including Greece, Turkey and the Caucasus region.

Culture
Plant Lenten rose in rich, loose, woodsy soil and fertilize in early spring. This is a slow growing plant that dislikes being disturbed and will be slow to recover when moved.
Light: Heavy to light shade
Moisture: Prefers moist well-drained soil but is adaptable to drier situations.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-9. Lenten rose is evergreen from about Zone 6 to 9.
Propagation: By division in late summer or autumn. Can also be grown from seed but seedlings take three years to bloom.

Features
This attractive little evergreen is especially valued for its fine foliage and for the novelty of mid-winter blooms. It is easy to grow and is normally not bothered by pests. In areas where the soil freezes, a midwinter thaw will bring a much appreciated floral display. The flowers are long-lasting and remain beautiful as they slowly fade.

For more info, please visit http://www.floridata.com/ref/h/hellebor.cfm

In the garden today . . .

2011-03-18T21:49:00.021-05:00

"Spring with its wavin' green grass

and heaps of sweet-smellin' flowers
on every hill and in every dale. "

~ Roy Bean

Leprechaun Wannabes????

2011-03-17T15:40:00.001-05:00

I just couldn't let St. Pat's Day slide by without pulling out these photos (from 2009) of a couple of guys I work with. The web defines a leprechaun "as a mischievous elf in Irish folklore, usually taking the form of an old man, clad in a red or green coat, who enjoys partaking in mischief." I think they would make great leprechauns, don't you?

Happy St. Pat's Day!

2011-03-17T01:05:00.001-05:00

Today is the day fer the wearin' o' the green.
Today is the day when the little people are seen.
Today is St. Patrick's Day, so if ye'r Irish me lad,
Join the celebratin' fer the grandest time ta' be had.

Ya'put yer hand up in the air, the other hand on your hip.
Ya'tap yer toe, ya'tap yer heel, ya'bounce yer knee a wee bit
Ya'prance 'n dance around the room,n' circle one two three.
The saints be praised,I must admit, ya' all look Irish ta'me.

- author unknown

Early signs of Spring . . .

2011-03-13T23:45:00.025-05:00

So nice to find these sweet reminders in the back yard that Spring is soon to arrive . . .

"The air is like a butterfly
With frail blue wings.

The happy earth looks at the sky

And sings."

- Joyce Kilmer

An oldie but goodie . . .

2011-03-09T00:14:00.027-06:00

Happy Birthday! I've had my little car 14 years today. It is a 1991 Mazda Miata and the best car I ever had! Everything is in good shape on it--except it could use a new convertible top.

This Cat has Nine Lives!

2011-02-14T22:18:00.024-06:00

This is Kitty Kat! He has been in our family for around 23 or 24
years. He was left behind as a kitten when his owner moved
away from our neighborhood. We took him in, but he was in-
dependent and always preferred to be his own boss. When we
moved to where we live now, he soon picked up old habits and
was gone a lot until the last 2 or 3 years. Since he had gotten
so old, he had become more of a home boy and just stayed in
the yard. One of his favorite places to escape when needing to
flee from a dog or other danger was a storm drain by the house.
We often called it the "cat subway" because other kitties in the
neighborhood used it for express travel, or to flee from danger.
It had such a small opening they knew they could be safe.

February 1 we were hit with a blizzard with record-breaking
cold temps, and Kitty Kat disappeared. He was gone for 12 days
and we thought he had probably not been able to survive. Little
did we know that he was trapped in the "subway" until we heard
a cat crying. Cliff started dropping cat food in the storm drain until
we could figure how to get him out. We had never heard our cat
in distress before so did not know if it was him or not. The drain
entrance was covered with a big pile of ice and snow. After digging
it all out last night, the drain was once more opened. Kitty Kat
emerged sometime this morning in good shape--just a little hoarse
from calling for help. What a Valentine's Day memory this will be!

Love is in the air . . . Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T00:01:00.003-06:00

My heart to you is given:

Oh, do give yours to me;

We'll lock them up together,

And throw away the key.

~Frederick Saunders

Scenes from LA

2011-02-04T22:15:00.005-06:00

A few photos from our trip to LA, Jan28 - February 2.

We stayed at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, downtown LA.

View from our hotel room.

Deanna and Tammy with their favorite Starbucks drink.

Sculpture across the street from our hotel.

The plaque reads . . .
"They said I had a head for business.
They said to get ahead I had to lose my head.
They said be concrete, and I became concrete.
They said, go my son,
multiply, divide, conquer.
I did my best."

This was just down the street from our hotel. The sun was going
down and every angle provided some very interesting photos.

Entrance to the subway. It was just down the street from our
hotel. I have never been on a subway before, so I thought it was
interesting, but without a ticket, this was as far as we could go.

Photos from a walk to the world-class Staples Center. We had
dinner at the Yard House--a very fun evening!

These trees looked like the lights were "dripping." Beautiful!