Tuesday, January 27, 2009

should we jump in?


Now, John or "Robot" is an artist. He chose bright colors in a haphazard way, when painting this building. So, look at the building with a vision. The structure is sound, but, it's in need of a little loving care (Time and money) to get it back looking grand. It's got a cute little court yard out back. What do you think? Alittle workshop for bill, alittle art studio for Cathie. A front room for maybe art classes or selling art. rent the upstairs apartment. Think it's worth it?

Wake-up!!!

Wake-up!!! I'm talking to myself!! I'm in the duldrums. I find it Hard to write something once a week let alone every day like some folks> I haven't done ANYTHING worth writing about. I did get my therapy today. My friend Laura and i went swimming. I swam 40 min. and sat in the hot tub, bubbling away my sorry state. It sure felt heavenly.
Bill and i are thinking about buying a commercial building in lone tree. A friend of ours came into some money and buying a house and has offered it to us for a great price of $10,000 and It has a new roof pitched(it was a flat roof) 2 new furnaces. Upstairs apartment and the downstairs is a shop. I would LOVE TO HAVE it. Bill used to own it at one time . It leaked like a sieve. When it rained it was like Chinese water torture. But, it was a cool place. Now the water problem has been taken care of. I don't know what we'll do. But, it sure would be great. A PLACE TO PUT MORE STUFF.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Susie in Dominica


My sister "Susie" looks like a peace corp worker in this picture. I have to say, it's one of my favorites. We were actually on a cruise back in the late 70's or early 80's. Dominica Republic was a stop. It was very, very poor. It was before resorts and tourism was taking over everything in site. When we got off the boat, it was afew shacks and public buildings dirt roads and jungle. Little kids everywhere. Cruise ship then and now are at least alittle source of money for the poor folks on those islands. Great picture Susie!!

Friday, January 16, 2009

begoina blooms


green green everywhere!




It's below zero again today. It's really bright and sunny. The sun reflecting off the snow. This is why i love houseplants. It's always sunny in my house. The blooms of the begonias are blooming, other plants won't be far behind. My plants make me feel good and happy. Every Wednesday, it takes me most of the afternoon to water all my precious plants. So here's a few pictures of my babies. I'll post every now and then to share the "GREEN". I don't get cabin fever.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

memory jugs


I just got my CD from Laurie Zuckerman. It's a fabulous book that gives the history and shows all the different types of jugs, vases, bowls,that people have covered with trinkets of their lives. I've always loved them but could never afford them. i found 1 at a junk shop for about 35.00.
Laurie is a fabulous artist. check out her alters and memory jugs. If you love folk art or Mexican art like me. you'll love her art.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

roller derby

<

bay city bombers

I was reading the paper today and saw an article about the Iowa City bombers. That got me thinking about that show when i was a kid. My sister and brothers would be watching "The bay city Bombers". Who was the big blonde woman, i just couldn't remember. So i went to the Internet and found the answer in acouple of clicks. Joanie Weston, The blonde bombshell. We just loved that show!! Saturday mornings, they were some tough ladies. i found this utube video of interviews and clips of the show. There's nothing like this now days. Pretty crazy. Get a load of the interview with ann calvello. WOW!!! Who else remembers?

Monday, January 12, 2009

c'mon spring




Well, more snow is on the way. They are saying 4-8 inches and blizzard conditions in some areas. I don't mind the snow but, leave the below zero temps out of the picture. I picked up one of those "eden pure" heaters. I really like it. I'm so proud of myself. For 2 weeks I've been climbing 9 flights of stairs faithfully twice a night on my breaks, instead of chowing down on sea salt and vinegar chips. I went swimming with my friend Laura last Thursday. It felt so great that we are going to go every Tuesday and Thursday. Then hit the hot tub afterwards, with alittle sun therapy in the atrium. After all my exercise, I've acquired new found energy. I've been keeping the dog walks short because of all the ice. They are very happy about that. None of my little monkeys enjoys cold weather.
Jimi in his second favorite place. My arms are his favorite place.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Who said "life is fair"?

I've been reading alot about the family that was taken off the plane and weren't allowed back on the flight. I agree that it's very unfortunate. It's sad that has to happen. There is fear in people. It's sad that innocent people have to be subjected to searches and humiliation. It would be a glorious world if we all could just get along.
The world is a crazy place. Who said "Life is fair"?
It wasn't Sylvia the grey hair lady or the man in the business suit or the kid in the "SlipKnot" tee shirt that blew up the towers . But, we've all agreed to the searches , the taking off our shoes, etc... knowing it's all for being politically correct, no profiling allowed.
I don't think there is any thing wrong with a little caution, better safe than sorry. This family WAS Innocent but, the next one might not be. I don't think i can count on our homeland security to keep all the bad guys out. I think it's just a matter of time. They weren't aware that there conversations were being taken the wrong way. They need to take a few precautions also.
Look around and you'll find examples of that very kind of discrimination.
My coworker used to be an elementary teacher. A male teacher. He quit after a few years because he was freaked out. All male teachers have to be on their toes and document everything. Some kid can yell "He touched me" and the career as a teacher is history. He's guilty and has to prove he's innocent. The innocent ones get thrown right in the same bucket with the guilty. Some bad apples ruin it for all.
Before the Internet ( thank god for the Internet) people in Europe thought all people in America were like the people on BAYWATCH, or loud obnoxious drunks, with lots of money. There are some Americans that are that way but, not all.
I feel the only way to change peoples minds is to talk and make friends every where i go. We're not all buffoons.
I grew up in a house with absolutely zero prejudice. My parents never said a nasty word about anybody. I've never felt i was better or different from anyone else. But, not all kids grow up in that kind of home. It all starts in the home.
Parents now days tell their children don't talk to strangers, be aware of your surroundings, don't trust anyone, well that's not bad advice. There are alot of "NOT SO NICE" people out there. Why should adults throw caution to the wind when it comes to safety. I know I'll probably "OFFEND" someone, just get in line.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

"who's the culprit"



Nothing like coming home from work at 2:00 in the morning, wanting to hit the sack. Then get upstairs to find "Pickles" with a guilty look on her face and my feather pillow ripped up and feathers floating all over the bed. Not once but, this will be #5 in the past 3 years. I thought she was over that messing around. The others would never do it on there own. Pickles likes to get the party started then all hell breaks lose. The worst was 2 featherpillows and a foam pad on the water bed.All in 1 by 1 inch pieces filling the room.