New acquisitions

My birthday was on the 3rd. I'd have to say it was fabulous. An amazing trip, Some beautiful new acquisitions. I went to see my blogging buddy barb from "simply Iowa" and was blown away by all her Victorian shadow box creations. Bill helped me buy 2 of them. The large one is a wreath of hydrangeas and a center of roses, all made from paper. White on white and simply beautiful. The smaller one is a wreath made of wool yarn wrapped around thin wire. The colors are gorgeous. (I'll have to do alittle cleaning on that one.) The time it took to make one of these is mind boggling. Thanks barb, I'll be back next month for more. She is a special treat to meet. I've always loved reading her blog. All the crazy predicaments and wild adventures she gets herself into. Never a dull moment at her house.

Then my grand new "WHITE ELEPHANT" ! I saw this Castle or whatever it is. about 10 years ago or so, in an antique store i frequent. I fell in love with it. But it was about 500.00. Oh, to bad! I can't afford that. But, i still wanted it. Lou told me it was a display piece for jewelry dating back to the 30's. All handmade and it lights up. It's made so it creates a optical illusion (of depth). Then 1 day it was gone. I was sick. Then 10 years later it shows up again, in another shop i frequent. It's also alot cheaper. I can afford it now. It is now mine and SO BIG it fits nowhere but the table i have in the sun room. The sun room is a Mexican theme so i thought my frog collection will fit nicely inside. What do you think? It was meant to be mine.

click on images to enlarge

We are back!!!!!

We made it back in one piece. What an amazing trip! It was the most beautiful place I've seen to date. No picture or words can fully describe what we saw. The Andes were awesome. That's a BIG awesome. The people we met were mostly from Europe, a few Norwegians, very few Americans. Only people in public positions spoke any English. Kids were good with it. They learn it in the catholic schools. The food was good, pizza and typical American fare.

The people are very nice and accommodating. They are very poor. Machu picchu brings money to the surrounding villages. They are poor, poorer than our poor. But, they have all they need, shacks made of corrugated tin, and thatched roofs and dirt floor. But, it's all neat as a pin and everyone clean. Did i mention happy too. Hard working bunch they are.

The altitude didn't bother me but, i found out i wasn't in as good a shape as i thought. I came back hoarse from panting all the time. Bill was sick for the 1st three days. poor guy. He hasn't been sick for acouple of years, then some girl at work comes in sick. Of coarse, both of us get her cold. It could have really ruined our trip. But, it all worked out. We were to sick to do the 26 mile hike. We were so upset. But, i think it was divine intervention. There was a strike and the trains weren't running for 1 day. The group we we're with had to do the hike in 3 days instead of 4 and spent 1 and 1/2 hours on machu picchu. then back on the train with no sleep or shower. All so they could get back to the starting point before the strike. But, we spent the whole day on machu picchu and we left the group and winged the trip on our own. Enjoying the sites and we did climb Wahnno pichhiu, WOW OH WOW. i couldn't walk the next day. My legs hurt SOOOO bad. We salvaged the trip by leaving .We were with the group for 3 days. We have never done a organized trip. After this experience we never will again. We would have saved some money by doing it all on our own. I really want to go back. There is so much to see.

Travel is a wonderful thing. I'm so glad we are able to.

Talking with a kid from London. He said that kids from Britain save money to travel the world, after school ( High school) . It's the thing they all want to do. See the world. Thomas had been traveling since November.Had been to India, china, South America and had a stop in cuso, peru. Then go back and go to college or whatever. The kids in the USA could care less about traveling and learning alittle about other cultures. They are to glued to the computer and cell phones and ipods.

I am glad to sleep in my own bed. And have a cold glass of anything. No ice in peru.

i need a new project

this is the last stained glass window i did. It's still sitting behind a chair in the front room. Where no one can see it. I just can't get bill to make a frame for me, to hang it. I think i need to learn how to do it myself. The other option is to find old window frames and make them to fit the frame. I don't do small things. Everything is big. I'd rather do things that take 3 months rather than 3 hours. After seeing all the wonderful creations of my favorite bloggers, they are getting my creative juices flowing. Getting ready for my trip to Peru is taking all my time. When i get back , I'll be ready to get back in the swing.

I had to squeeze this picture in, of my tree peony, the plant is loaded with these blooms. They are huge too. As big as my hand, wide.

signs of spring

The crab trees are gorgeous this time of year. This white one is my faves. Our yard was like a football field when we bought it. No vegetation what so ever. We planted all the trees and put in all the flower beds the 1st year we moved in. That was in in 1986. This is the pay off.

I've been collecting blue pots like these for some time. This is just a sampling. They are ready to be filled with begonias and coleus and what ever else i can find.

I went out this weekend and cut up about 5 quarts of rhubarb. Nothing says spring like a rhubarb crisp or a big pie. It's a spring delicacy. The only problem with that, I eat the whole thing!!!

bloomin time

Look at this BEEEautiful yellow magnolia. How gorgeous is that. Spring finally made it. Over night leaves are emerging and the 1st blooms of spring are here. All the critters are frisky. Even the human critters. HA!

My amaryllis finally popped open., They are a once a year bloom , but they are worth it.

I think a green house is on my list.

I want to grow houseplants. Like the begonia. There are 100 or more different types and easy to grow. But, you can't get them here in Iowa. I'm thinking of little things here and there that i can do after i retire that might make me happy and bring in alittle money. Maybe make enough to support my habit.

Billy boy is out arrowhead hunting. I hope he finds something. It's usually good hunting after a rain. Maybe the mushrooms will be out too.

here's something you did'nt know!

Take alook at Machu Picchu ( a side view) . How cool is that!!

What were those Incas thinking?

It really is pretty mind boggling how that all came to be.

Our trip is only a month away. We will see it up close. I know it will be a visual and spiritual experience.

It is also going to be a personal challenge. I'm in pretty good shape. But, on this journey we will see what we're both made of.

I've been walking and walking, riding my bike and we will be hiking some local Indian mounds soon. Bill tells me they are a work out.

So, here is my tribute to earth day!!

All the beauty in this earth that's still out there to discover.

Are They Happy Now

Well, the neighbor chopped down an old maple tree. Guess who made out. Greta and Smiley, that's who. I went out and found some limbs just the right size to bring into the house. They like nothing better than big limbs to chew on, ripping off bark and leaf buds. Leafed out branches are better, but, this will do in a pinch.

We've had both of them for 26 years. We raised the yellow nape Amazon "smiley" from a baby. We hand fed him. Bill and i were raised on bugs bunny cartoons. So smiley can sing all the cartoon songs like "Hooray for Hollywood" and "We were sailing along, on moonlight bay" "Mammy's little baby" "Oh you must have been a beautiful baby" "Happy trails to you" Oh well you get the idea. He calls all the animals, even ones we used to have. He's a real entertainer.

Greta, the umbrella cockatoo, I believe was wild caught, unfortunately. She a very big sweet heart. She is afraid of men. She's very affectionate. But, nothing is safe from that beak, if she's not occupied with something to chew.

She was was full feathered and beautiful till she reached the age of 15. Then she went into breeding mode. She was laying egg after egg. Making nests every second. She was consumed! To make nests, they pull feathers from their chests. She was pulling so often that they just stopped growing back. So she is alittle bald on her chest. She has stopped the nest making and is back to normal. I tell her, she still is beautiful! Bald is beautiful!

Greta honks SOOO loud , that she can be heard all the way down the street.

lastest casulality

Well this is what happens when i leave "Greta" unattended. I just walked down to the post office to get the mail and get back to find the mouth of "little Juan" completely gone and Greta scrambling to get back to her cage. That's what happens when i don't have things to for her to chew, on her cage. So they are both banned to the cage till i can get to the junk store. I'm just glad i wasn't gone longer.

New web site

Wow, 2 posts in 1 day! I had to tell everyone about parvin and zari. They are from Iran. I met them at the hospital. They both worked with me. Their family came hear from Iran several years ago. They have fully embraced living in America. Getting to know them both has taught me about their homeland and learning people Are the same everywhere. Working in a Very large state hospital, enables me to meet a large variety of people. All backgrounds and people you'd never meet otherwise.
They both are wonderful artists and have started their own website. Please check them out, see how talented they are. Caspian art galleryhttp://www.caspian-art.com/index.html#img/gallery/other_art1.jpg

Proud to be an Iowan!!

On Friday, if you have been without any human contact and haven't heard.
The Iowa supreme court Unanimously ruled in the favor of same- sex marriage
How wonderful is that!!
So what does that mean for Iowa.
1. we don't look like we are bigoted rednecks and hillbillies.
But, progressive, smart, free thinkers.
2. It will bring couples from all over to marry. They will bring money. It should help the
economy.
3. Being the 1st in the Midwest hopefully other states will follow.
Equal rights and equal protection for all.
Now we have to put up with all the religious fanatics. Oh, the sanctity of marriage, the erosion of marriage. They make me sick!!! Stop shoving your religion down everyone's throat.
we should completely remove the government from the marriage process. Leave religion ceremonies to churches and civil unions accessible by Any two people regardless of sexual orientation.Keep religion OUT of the Government please.
1 state at a time.Congrats IOWA!!

ADS INVADING BLOGS

Is anybody else bothered by blogs that are smothered in ads!! Make money with ads! BULLSHIT! IF i see a blogs with ads i click right on by. No thank-you.

lastest project

I finally finished this thing. I bought a vintage papier mach'e bust that was peeling paint. I don't know why i have this uncontrollably desire to cover things with other things.

As for this, i used vintage and new Victorian scrap paper. The theme being women and flowers. That what i had the most of. I have no idea what I'll do with it now, but, it sure looks great.

It's turning out to be a beautiful day! The lull before the storm. It's suppose to be snowing and cold again thru the weekend. I've been sleeping and going to work since Monday! A step back with my exercising. I just couldn't get out of my cocoon.

Go organic, Do the right thing

Since my last post. I've been doing alittle research. I've been trying to find farmers in a 250 mile radius that farms with animals the right way. I have made a decision to do the right thing. and support others that are choosing this way also. Where ever you live you can go to local harvesthttp://www.localharvest.org/ and find organic food. In Iowa city i can go to" new pioneer co-ophttp://www.newpi.com/ and find grass fed beef and hogs and chicken. I don't think animals have any sense of time. So, even if their life is 2 short years at least they were quality years. The way nature intended. Farms such as http://www.beelerspurepork.com/ are out there, you just have to find them.
Here is a letter i found that's worth reading.
More than one way to raise a hog
Hog farms can benefit rural agriculture and community
Posted by Steph Larsen (Guest Contributor) at 12:46 PM on 16 Oct 2008

I spent last Thanksgiving on a 320-acre farm in Pocahontas County, Iowa where Jerry Depew grows corn and soybeans, and for more than 10 years, has also raised hogs. Jerry never has more than several hundred hogs at a time, and while this used to be commonplace on Iowa farms, most small and mid-sized hog operations in the state were lost during massive industry consolidation over the last 15 years.
Jerry's hogs remained because he raises them differently.
The hogs I saw on Jerry's farm lived in hoop houses. These pole-supported buildings have a partial concrete floor (the rest is dirt), plenty of room for the pigs to move around, and open sides to let lots of fresh air circulate.
Jerry's sows have never seen anything like gestation crates, which keep pregnant pigs tightly confined and unable to turn around. On Jerry's farm, mama pigs roam around on a pasture, munch on oats, and give birth in small farrowing huts, which they can enter and exit at will. They are kept in the pasture by one low electric wire six inches off the ground, and many of the sows had just given birth as we showed up.

I had never seen a newborn piglet, so I went out to the pasture and opened a farrowing hut to take some pictures. While the sow got to her feet when I cracked the door, she remained calm and the piglets grouped around her and away from the cold air I let into their hut. Jerry's son told me that you can tell a good sow by how it lays down -- the slower her movements, the more time her babies have to get out of her way and the less chance they have of her crushing them.
Fast forward nine months to a conversation with a friend who sells hog feeders to giant confinement operations. After I told him about being in the pasture with those sows a day after they had given birth, he reacted with surprise because he thought the sows would have reacted aggressively while I was in the pasture. It occurred to me that he didn't account for the stress sows in confinement are under that amplifies their behavior.
It doesn't have to be this way.
I haven't been a vegetarian for a number of years, mostly because some of my family and good friends are farmers who raise livestock. They do their best to treat their animals humanely and with respect, and I want to support their efforts to change the food system. I also was moved several years ago by an excerpt from An Agricultural Testament by Sir Albert Howard:
Mother Earth never attempts to farm without livestock; she always raises mixed crops; the mixed vegetable and animal wastes are converted into humus; there is no waste; the processes of growth and the processes of decay balance one another; both plants and animals are left to protect themselves against disease.
When I lived in Washington, D.C., sticking to this diet of meat that reflected my values was easy. The Dupont Circle farmers market was open year round and situated a half-mile from my house, and I knew that my friends at Cedarbrook Farm and Eco-Friendly Foods were raising and slaughtering their animals in ways I would approve. But when I moved to Nebraska, I found that this kind of meat is more difficult to find, and occasionally I would eat the meat that is available.
After a recent tour of a confined animal feeding operation in North Carolina, my resolve to know my meat became much stronger. There are ways to raise meat that sustain our environment instead of polluting it and to help family farmers and communities thrive.
An unconsolidated livestock market made of many small and mid-sized independent family farmers built vibrant rural communities across this country. When the income from raising livestock is distributed to many farmers that money is often spent largely within the community. Income isn't the only thing that small and mid-sized farms help to spread around -- manure in the quantities produced on these farms is solid instead of liquid, and can be composted and spread on fields in quantities crops can readily use.
Sadly, even as the demand for naturally-raised meat is soaring, consolidation of the livestock industry has made the pork market unresponsive to high corn prices, so that even the premium Jerry receives for raising natural meat isn't enough to be profitable.
Since I was at his farm last Thanksgiving, Jerry has sold his sows and plowed up his pasture. It doesn't mean he won't ever have hogs again ... his buildings are still standing for now, and if the price goes back up he may buy more sows and start again. He can do this because he his hoop houses, unlike confinement buildings, did not require a lot of money to build. Farmers with large amounts of debt need to pay off their buildings regardless of hog prices, so they keep producing even if they cannot make a profit.
There is an opportunity here, however. We know that small and mid-sized family farmers can be revived, and that they can sustain both our environment and our communities. We must work for policy that breaks up the concentration in livestock markets and restores ownership and control to farmers. Policy changes don't occur overnight, so while we work we should also support farmers today who raise animals responsibly and in ways that create opportunity within their communities.
Now, that is something I can stick a fork in.

window to our future

our future "BLEAK and dark". We are going down hill fast. Poor Obama isn't a magician. But, he'll give it his best.

I just saw "death on the factory farm". A HBO documentary about undercover filming on a hog farm (hog confinments) it made me physically sick. I'm so discusted by it. I have made a vow to myself to cut out pork (my fav) . What have we become? If the saying "you can judge the goodness and integrity of a people by the way they treat their animals" or something like that.

Corporate, corporate Greed, all about the money. It's so far out of hand, where does it stop. Sows and hogs , piglets ARE LIVEING CREATURES> THEY FEEL. Kept in a standing position for their lives. They can't even lay down. If they dare get lame and can't produce piglets, out back to be hung by a chain around their neck until they are dead. into the big death pit where thousands of dead hogs piglets are thrown. covered with dirt.

i have been avoiding watching it.

but, i decided if they can make a film like this i can watch it. If your an animal lover it has to be very hard to make this kind of film. They are trying to expose this atrocity, let people see where their food comes from. MY THANKS to you. Speak for those who can't!!!! We are spiraling out of control.

A Great letter!!

Orange County California Newspaper

From: 'David LaBonte'
My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed.. So, I decided to 'print' it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined. Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:

Dear Editor:
So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity.

Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought alongside men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people.

When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were... It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are in 2008 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules; one that includes the entit lement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill... I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

(signed) Rosemary LaBonte

i couldn't have said it better myself

The big job ahead of me (the before) picture

Bill and i spent the day at fin and feather (sporting goods store). They were having a camping equipment sale. I needed a new large backpack and a day pack and other stuff for our trip. But, it is DONE. I have a few more things to get. My poor old jansport finally bit the dust.

Bill and i are veterans at packing. Less is best!! I can wear the same clothes or just get some cool stuff where I'm going and voila I'm set.

When i get back from the big adventure, the building will be waiting for me. It's a total wreak but, i know what it can look like. All the mulberry trees that have taken over are my biggest problem. I'll just dig in and BELIEVE. Yes i can, Yes i can. What do you think? This is the official "Before" picture.

Take me back

Maybe if i click my heels i can be back on the big island of Hawaii riding the most scenic roads I've ever been on. I went on a "Women tours" bike trip to Hawaii acouple of years ago. I had the time of my life. Great place, a great bunch of women and doing something we all had in common. It was 360 miles or so. with lots of major hills. I'm ready to go again. "CLICK,CLICK.

Spring is on the way

WOW, i haven't had much time to blog. This trying to get into shape is keeping me busy. I got my bike out today for my 1st little road trip. i went a mere 12 miles. The wind was brutal, so it felt like 20. Then every other day I'm walking for 45 min to 1 hour. That's been going good. I take the two girls with me, they don't feel like they have to piss and mark every post. Then go to work, I'm pretty tired when i get home, 2:00 in the morning.

on other note. i picked up a copy of "Cloth paper scissors" and one of my blogging friends deb did ithttp://diddebdoit.blogspot.com. She make wonderful cloth dolls, that are featured. congrats on being published deb.

The buds are popping out, and the warm air is finially coming around. none to soon.

Domestic Violence

Well, Saturday night in Lone Tree came with yet another murder /suicide. The second within 5 years. A woman down the street from me was found beaten to death with her crazed boyfriend dead by her side with a bullet hole in his head! She had a restraining order out on him. It didn't help much. What could possibly be going thru that guys head. What happened. Whose to blame? What could have been done. It's a real vicious cycle. People i work with knew him, "I can't believe that he did that, he was a real nice guy! Soft spoken and never got into trouble".
Then there's the 11 year old kid that killed his dad's girlfriend with a shot to the back of the head while she slept. Man, What's going on there? It's like a movie. Freaky Deaky!!!

Give me some excitement, PLEASE

I woke around 10:00 and took 2 walks right after the other. Dogs are easier to handle 2 at a time. Nothing like putting on my shoes coat and hat, heading out into the cold wind, 1st thing in the morning. Then drove to Iowa city to swim for 35 min. and relax in a steaming hot tub. Nothing feels as good as that routine right now. I feel so refreshed and relaxed. I feel so fortunate to be able to do this. Oh, did i mention it costs me 2.50. What else can you get for 2.50.
I then come home and take 2 more walks with the kids. I DO finally feel like I'm toning up and losing alittle weight. I also walk 10 flights (200 stairs) twice a night while I'm at work, every night. It's getting alittle easier.
At 51 i really need to keep the fat OFF. I tend to eat for fuel instead of pleasure. I know how to cook about 10 things. I only cook sometimes on weekends. I hate vegetables, love fruit. I eat meat about 2 times a month. I live on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, canned fruit and yoplait yogurt. sea salt kettle chips are a new discovery. But, chips and lots of salsa are a main stay. Bill doesn't have an ounce of fat on his body. He gets his main meal at work in the hospital cafeteria. Poor guy. but, god bless him, he doesn't feel it's my job to feed him. Thank-you bill. He can't cook either. I'm not to adventurous when it comes to food, i have no problems with eating the same things everyday.

valentines day present

Last night bill and i went to see the Neville brothers at the Englert in Iowa city. Wow! What a great show. It was the HOTTEST ticket in town. It's hard to believe, but, Aaron Neville is still a hottie. They put on a fabulous show!! His voice was beautiful.

Crewel work

Just look at this Beautiful crewelwork piece i found at "house works" a junk shop. "Handiwork" just another art form. This was a free form design. This was and is still a great way to pass the time in winter. Get away from the TV and gaming And i hate to say it, computer and make something. Get the creative spirit out and "Make art. I'm kind of telling myself this.

Oh, those Victorians

You gotta love'em. They were the most creative and over the top artists/crafters. The women in the day had a lot of time on there hands. No idle hands.

The crafts and the art that came from that time period, are my favorite to collect. Bead work, Hair art, feather art, pine cone work. Whatever was available was used, nothing wasted. Crazy quilts is another amazing art form. Wow!! I'm luck to find these treasures. But, it gets harder and harder.

Some day I'd like to try my hand at beaded flowers.

It's a go!!!

Well bill and i are going for it! WE are buying the building. I'm so excited. Bill was being alittle stubborn but, he finally came around. We can wait till after our trip to Peru. It will be fun fixing it up. We're going to rent the apartment out. The front room will be mine oh mine. The possibilities are endless. Bill will no longer have the excuse "I don't have a place to work on it". He'll have to think of a new excuse. I no longer will say " oh, i don't have room for that".

Play

Come on spring! I wanna play outside. I can't wait to dig in the dirt and plant all my new bulbs. I can't wait to get on my bike and ride for miles. I like snow, but, i like to see it go, too. I don't think I'd like hot weather all the time. There is nothing like the smell of spring and fall. Spring brings everything fresh and new, a clean smell. Fall brings beautiful rich colors and crisp air and green things dying down to rest. I appreciate summer even more, when i don't wake up to it every day.When it does make it's way back around, It's a special treat!

seed catalogs!

Well, the seed catalogs are pouring in and I'm drooling over the pages . Pencil in hand and alittle restraint. I've already racked up about 165.00 worth of Lilly bulbs and a NEW black upright elephant ear. I couldn't resist. It helps with the cold winter nights. The anticipation of spring.

The catalogs of the turn of the century were works of art. The seed packets were just as beautiful. They all came in a packaged in a oak or pine box with the contents listed on the inside lid with yet another gorgeous litho. The insides were all hand drawn.

I think the catalogs of today will be all be toss out with the recycle.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

roller derby

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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?

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.

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.

"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.