CLIFFDIVING AND QUALITY CONTROL???

Heidy-Ho, Blogging, Cliffdiving Pals!!

Yep.  Here we are.  If I had a dollar for every time I heard "fiscal cliff", I could probably single-handedly pay down the national debt by half!!  If I NEVER hear that term again, it will be too soon.  I don't know how any of you feel and you are welcome to comment but I am ready to literally "clean house" at the next opportunity.  Vote them ALL out and get folks who are willing to sign a pledge to NEGOTIATE!!  Perhaps the best folks to run the country are mothers and fathers of toddlers.  If you don't think they know how to negotiate, you have never been there!!  I will state, for the record, that I believe we need to cut spending dramatically and that entitlement reform is critical to keeping the engine running for the long term.  What I don't believe is that anyone has the... ahem... "kahunas"... to step up to the plate and take a home-run swing at both!  My rant is done.

So... let's talk about Quality Control.  I know you are all aware of it.  Who hasn't bought an item of clothing only to find that sneaky Inspector #8 has had a look at it before we made the purchase?  :)  Yep.  Someone, even only a number, is supposed to be sure we are receiving a purchase that does not have any flaws.  With that said, I have to wonder where the Quality Control departments were in Mississippi and Louisiana?

I can find three things wrong with the sign above, spotted at a shopping area in Petal, Mississippi, on a recent trip to visit the in-laws.  Do you see them?

The sign above doesn't SEEM to have any problems.  It's right here in the Louisiana Town!  See the next picture.

The actual name of the street is "SHIRLEY" as evidenced by this (and a multitude of other) signage all along this very long, one-way thoroughfare through town.

Still in Louisiana Town, it seems the signmakers might have gotten it right above?

Oops!!  Nope.  The street is actually "PLANERMILL"... you know... like a wood-working tool... Planer???

This young man, working on the road near where I took the "Planner Mill" sign photo, wanted to insert himself into the picture when he heard it was to be posted to my blog.  I agreed and found it hilarious that the sign HE was holding seemed to address the signmakers who generated and released the street sign by which he stands.  Serendipity.  :)

Finally, during our return trip from Mississippi the Apollo Greek and Lebanese Cafe' came up on the iPad as a potential lunch candidate.  It was close to the Starbucks I insisted we stop at before the last 90 minutes of our trip home so we decided to try it out.  We followed the map directions and found ourselves looking down a back street at an Apollo Cafe' sign.  Making the turn, we headed to the building to park.  When we pulled into the parking lot, the spousal-unit started laughing immediately.  I joined him once I looked up onto the building and saw the sight in the picture below.

It was actually the Greek-Lebanese restaurant, as advertised.  We enjoyed a very nice meal there but still have not resolved the dichotomy of a Greek god name for a Chinese kitchen!!!

I wish a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year to all of you!!!  Until next year...

THINGS YOU SEE...

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

Hope you all polished off that Turkey-Lurkey and managed to do so with NO weight gain!!

So... over the past couple of months, I have taken a photo or two of things I found interesting.  One or two don't a post make... but a FEW photos?!?  Well, that's post-worthy.

Just wanted to show you these items with my comments.  Perhaps you have your own?  Please feel free to use them!

Recently, one of the cable channels showed "The Mist", a film based on a Stephen King book by the same name.  The movie was done very well and, as do most of King's plots, scared the bejeezus out of me!  As I took my morning stroll early one morning, you can imagine there was a considerable amount of hesitation on my part before I forged ahead into "the mist" that lay before me!!  If you haven't read the book and/or seen the movie, do it one evening when television is terrible and you don't want to have to think!

Looks a little scary down the road.

Whoa!!  This is really spooky!



Maybe I should just turn around here?

Obviously, I survived it and none of those nasty "creatures" resided in this mist.

On another morning walk, there had been a substantial amount of moisture in the air and I happened upon one of the most lovely webs I've seen.  Had to get a shot of that!  Hope you can see the detail that the water droplets brought out.

Really amazing stuff!

On another day, I was downtown and noticed a police escort setting up at one of the lights.  Thought I would wait it out to see what was going on... and even though I SAW, I still don't KNOW what I saw!  LOL!!  Anyone with information or even a good guess as to what I was looking at when I took the next picture is welcome to educate me!

Tenova brings up a lot of different things in Google!!  Still don't know what I saw here!

Finally, sometimes one simply happens across something completely unexpected.  I was driving on a road I take many times each week.  I crested a slight hill and immediately saw this couple along the curb to my right.  It was just so much fun, I felt compelled to find a place to turn around and return so I could catch this quick picture for you all.  Quite honestly, I think this photo speaks to the substantial manufacture of products back in the '50s and '60s!!  These clearly were not "throwaway" products.  Nope.  They were designed for YEARS of use... and held up quite nicely.  I salute them and the workers who made them!

Lining up for the last hurrah...

And so, I leave you with these things you see... with no real explanation as to why any of them found themselves in front of my camera at that given moment in time... but glad they did so I could share with you!

Until next post...

FAREWELL TO A GREAT MOM...

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals.

It is another sad post for me to sit down and type for you.

When I was growing up, I had a friend, Charlotte, who lived directly behind my family's home & vacant lot.  We became fast friends and would often climb our respective back fences, cross the vacant lot, and climb the other's back fence to get together to play!  Years later, we laughed about being "back fence friends."

Charlotte and I often spent the night together at one or the other house, staying up talking about the silly things most young'uns talk about.  I remember Charlotte's mother, Ann Smith, being just the nicest mom (besides my own) who would allow us to do nearly anything that wasn't illegal or harmful.  I'll never forget staying up very late one night and deciding to make fudge at some ridiculous hour!  There was no vanilla extract to be found so Charlotte and I made the executive decision to use almond extract.  Not a really bad idea... but we used FAR too much, filling the house with the scent of almond to the nth degree!!  The fudge wasn't really great either but Charlotte's mom said it was just wonderful.  Now THAT'S a great mom!!

As life happens, Ann Smith had a very serious stroke right at two years ago this December.  It was major and knocked her down pretty hard and pretty far.  There were some dicey moments when it wasn't certain she would be around much longer.

Well, my blogging pals... don't ever count someone out until they are truly out.  My friend, Charlotte, while working her very full-time job, spent every other waking moment with her mom.  She managed the care her mother received, spent uncountable hours herself working with her mom to help her gain back some skills the stroke had removed from her, read huge amounts of information about stroke victims to help her understand what her mother was going through, and completely immersed herself in providing her mother with the best possible life post-stroke.  It was amazing to watch and fruitful.  Ann Smith regained a LOT of skills, surprising most everyone... except Charlotte.  The progress was obvious and we were all cheering Mrs. Smith on to bigger and better things!

Unfortunately, life happened again and Mrs. Smith had another stroke recently.  This one knocked her back pretty far and she lost many of the skills she had worked so hard to regain.  Obviously this was difficult for her, for her daughter, and for all of her friends.  The recovery she had managed before was not happening this time around.  We all pretty much simply prayed for the best as it was clearly out of our hands.

Mrs. Smith was finally released from her troubles last week.  My friend, Charlotte, called to let me know.  It's amazing how absolutely helpless one can feel when one wants to be the most help.  All I could do was provide some food, a hug, and tell her to let me know when she was ready for any help I could offer.

So, goodbye for now, Mrs. Smith.  You were a great mom and loved by many of your daughter's friends as well as your daughter.  I will always remember you fondly as you were funny, caring, and always had time to spend with us.  I am glad you are now at peace and I will be here for your daughter as best I can.  We'll meet with you again later... and perhaps make you some of that fabulous almond fudge!!  :)

Until next post...

TRIM 'EM UP!!!

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals!!  Welcome Back!

It has been VERY busy here the past couple of weeks so I have lots of pictures and things to post about... but just haven't had the time to do it!  With that said, let's get started.

About 2 weeks ago, the local power company (CLECO) had their contractors out to trim around their power lines.  Our lines actually run across the back property line meaning there was a need to gain access to our backyard.  Those of you who know me well know that I do NOT trust anyone to do what they say they will do or NOT do what they say that WON'T do!!  Too many times I have been unpleasantly surprised.  So... after discussion with a supervisor at my front door, I agreed to allow access... but only with me here and watching every move they made!  :)  I'm certain they were thrilled to hear that.  And I did warn the supervisor that I was, indeed, a cranky old lady so they would need to watch it!

The "boyz" showed up on the scheduled day and, after some discussion, began their work.  Here is a view to the all-day process that followed.



Petre's Right-of-Way Maintenance

 At one point, the "big" bucket truck was required.  The "boyz" were VERY cautious, placing large mats to spread the weight of the vehicle so as to not create divets/ruts/bumps in the back yard.  I was very appreciative of their attention to that.

So, once the "big" truck was in place, it was time to begin trimming.




You're sending me WHERE?!?!?!?!?



UPSY-DAISY!!!!



Oh... up HERE!!!!

 While these young'uns apparently had no issue with riding the bucket up into the air, I assure you I would not have taken the ride myself!  They were very careful as they were tossing down the branches and limb, avoiding hitting the shed..



More my speed!  The "baby" bucket.

 The young men doing all the hard work were very polite and fun.  As I was taking pictures, I suggested perhaps I should put together a "Tree-Trimmer Calendar!"  They were quick to volunteer for the months they wanted to portray!!

At any rate, I wanted to praise them for their work and thank them for their attention to my concerns.  There was not a leaf on any of my citrus trees/shrubs that was damaged in any way.  The ground was not damaged.  They cleared the debris completely and put everything back exactly as it had been before they arrived.  After they left, the only clue there had been anyone there was the blue sky that had been hidden behind trees before that was now apparent.

So I thank the Petre's "boyz" for doing a great job and making it stress-free for me.

Until next post...

THE COURTHOUSE TOUR!!! PART II

Welcome back, Blogging Buddies!!

I figured I had better give you the second part of the Courthouse Tour before life threw me something that took me away from posting!

This section of the tour will provide you with the "not-on-the-standard-tour" locations for the most part.  I have a little more to tell you about most of these photos.

Our first stop is the office of one of the judges.  She is a friend of mine and who provided the "secret" tour of the courthouse.  Her office has been "redone" which included pulling up old flooring and doing a full refinish of the original wood floor.  Keep the photo in mind as you will see another one soon with the original wood floor that has been neglected for years.  The lesson here?  Don't ever discount a wood floor without trying to bring it back to life!!

Now let's go up a level to what used to be the "Jurors Apartment."  I was surprised, too!  Turns out that when the courthouse was put into use, many of the jurors (who were all men, by the way) had to ride their horses into town to serve.  Since "commuting" by horse was not an efficient way to run a trial, the architect had apparently planned for that and incorporated a barracks-like environment where the jurors could "live" until the trial was completed.  (Wonder if that made for shorter trials?  Hmmmmmm.)  There were bunk-type beds lined up along the wall to the left.  The door at the back right of the photo led to the one-sink, one-toilet, one-shower, one-tub bathroom that served the jurors.  Look at the floor of this old apartment currently used for storage. and know it could look just like the one in the judge's office.

While I did not take a photo of the shower, I did appreciate the old lavatory and the beautiful clawfoot tub that are, unfortunately, probably going to simply sit and go to ruin.  I would think someone would find a repurpose use for them but doubt that will happen.

Alrighty!!  Now the REAL fun begins.  Are you ready to go to the roof?!?  Let me explain that it requires climbing up some very narrow and winding stairs... (notice the beautiful ironwork and woodwork in addition to the marble stairs!)

... until you finally reach the "hole" through which one must contort and maneuver in order to gain roof access!!!  (The judge said she "love(d) the mouse picture" which made no sense to me until I viewed the photos she sent me.)

Yes... that's the spousal-unit behind me... laughing as I try to figure out how to squeeze through this half-size door!

I gotta' tell you... this is a view of the town you won't find anywhere else!  We wandered around for a while, taking photos and just enjoying the views.  I'm keeping my rooftop photos to a minimum for you but thought you'd enjoy a couple of them.


Clock View



The Bell was in the dome previously but placed outside at some point and sits on the roof



Rooftop view of the Gothic "Hanging Jail" next door



My fellow roof-crashers!!  Susan, Judge Martha, and the Spousal-Unit

I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was to have been able to take this unusual tour... and to be able to get BACK into the "mouse hole" to return to terra firma!!


 

There were a lot of other places we were able to visit including an area that USED to be a balcony overlooking the large courtroom area.  It has been closed off and some scabbed-together HVAC equipment has been placed there.  Had there been a better vision of this historical property, perhaps things would have been different.  As it is, the parish clearly does not have the vision and this building may eventually become nothing more than storage.  There are conversations about whether to attempt a renovation or to simply find/build another building (I'm sure a cheap metal version of nothing) to use as the courthouse.  Of course, a poor parish begets bargain-basement planning.  It's unfortunate.

So... that is the end of the Beauregard Parish Courthouse tour.  I hope you enjoyed it.  A big THANK YOU to Judge Martha who made it possible!!!

Until next post...

THE COURTHOUSE TOUR!!! PART I

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals!!  Welcome back!

No... it's not what you think.  It was not a "forced" tour.  It was a tour unlike any most folks get to take, however, and I thought you might be interested.

First of all, the Beauregard Parish Courthouse was completed in 1914.  The "Hanging Jail" was completed that same year and was designed by the same architect although the structures are VERY different.  (Please take a few moments to click on the links and read about them!)

At any rate, I had worked at the Clerk of Court's office in the courthouse for two weeks during my high school years.  I was microfiching documents.  If you're too young to know that word, look it up!!!  I have a funny story about that short-term job and I'll be glad to tell you about it if you ask me.

I am going to provide you with a series of photos which are about half of the total you'll see.  We'll start with the basics... an exterior shot followed by some photos taken during our tour of the main floor of the 3-story building.  Believe me, this is just the beginning of a tour I won't soon forget... but you'll have to wait for the exciting second half until my next post.  I promise it will follow immediately.



  



Beautiful marble 8-point star on the main floor



The small courtroom where "minor" trials are held... whatever those are!

 



The bar and Judge's Bench as viewed from the "peanut gallery."





The Jury Box in the large courtroom.  Those chairs don't look too comfy!!





The Jury Deliberation Room - Note both ends of the table are rounded.

Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian?  Do you know which?



If you're old enough to remember Fallout Shelters, you'll also remember "Duck and Cover."



So... is this where the criminals work?  Or is this where they keep the criminals?  Hmmmmm.

I'll end this post for now.  There are about ten more photos I want to share with you.  They are even more interesting than these just due to where they were taken and what they show.

Until Part II...

GRAND OPENING... BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals!

Without going into excruciating detail about my lower back issues and the challenges I have had over the years associated with them, I want to do two things:
1)  Update you on those issues, and
2)  Give some credit where it is due!

The year 2010 was a difficult one.  After relocating here in 2009 and having so many changes with which to deal, I found myself considerably heavier than I had ever been and in probably the worst shape of my life.  Ugh!  Not good. Of course, when we don't keep our bodies healthy, we often suffer the consequences of that.  In 2010, I spent a good part of the year flat on my back on an ice pack and eating over-the-counter NSAIDs (Aleve was my NSAID of choice) like they were candy.  X-Rays, MRIs, neurosurgeon visits, and an awful lot of frustration later, I finally encountered a doctor (orthopedic surgeon, I believe?) who gave me a big pile of you-know-what and told me to get busy working out hard to get myself back in shape!  Well... I was horribly offended and mad... which is pretty much what I apparently needed to get me motivated to "prove" what I could do.

Fast forward to January 2011.  That is when I began to walk in the morning again, something I had done while in Texas but something that had gone by the wayside when I arrived here.  I couldn't get very far that first month.  I was worn out every morning and wondered if I had lost my mind!  The second month was a little better and I was traveling a little farther.  The most motivating thing was the lower number i was seeing on the scale!  Portion control was added to the mix once the number started to drop.  Hmmmmm.  This might actually work!  By April 2011, I was feeling pretty darned good about the situation... and had not had a back episode since October 2010!

So, in June 2011 I inadvertently came across a young lady who was setting up to open up a Personal Training studio here.  I had a conversation with her and felt as though she might be able to work with me to help me gain even more ground.  I spoke to my good friend, Susan S., to determine if she would like to be "abused" twice a week with me and we signed ourselves up for our first 24-week session with DeAnna.  Quite honestly, I don't think DeAnna was quite ready to begin training sessions at that time... but she was smart enough to not turn down business and we began working with her that month.

Since then, I have made tremendous progress in strength, flexibility, and balance.  Oh yeah... I've dropped some more of those pounds and quite a few inches and Susan and I have continued to sign up again each time a session ends.

I'm telling you all of this for two reasons:
1)  If you live in this town and are considering doing some working out, I highly recommend DeAnna, Sculpture Training Studio, as a good place to start (http://sculpturetraining.com/Home.html), and
2)  Wherever you are, believe me that you can do a whole lot for your physical health with just a little walking and a little self-restraint!!  It's worth it!!

Oh... the point of this post! DeAnna just had her Grand Opening on October 1st, 2012, about 15 months after we started working out with her. Guess better late than never? :) Here are a few photos from that opening.

Sign in and Sign up for Door prizes!!



I like to call this "The Wall of Pain" although I don't think DeAnna uses that term.




The orange and black are not for Halloween... they are the colors of the studio.  Two beautiful tables of goodies were waiting for Grand Opening attendees.




Plenty of fresh fruit available at this end of the table... brownies and cupcakes at the other end!

 I will tell you that DeAnna had printed up and set on the table next to the brownies and the cupcakes exactly how many Jumping Jacks and some other exercise one would have to do after eating just ONE of either!!!  Don't think we tried either of them.  I'm sure they were good... but so were the grapes and strawberries!

It isn't the New Year and I am not one for resolutions... but if you aren't feeling great every day and are wishing you could do more... you can.  Get up and get moving.  If I can do this, you can, too!!!

Until next post...

RUDE AND LAZY!! GREAT COMBO!!!

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies.

Yep.  The title tells you.  It's another rant.  If you're not in the mood, please just move on right now.

So... there are a couple of things I try to be aware of and try to do just as a courtesy to the general public.  I am finding there are very few folks who do the same here.

When I am shopping in the local Sam Walton Big Box store, I am aware that many of the aisles are quite narrow.  At the very BEST, two carts can pass each other with millimeters to spare.  There are times when I need to stop and scan the shelves for items that I typically do not buy.  This is generally when I am shopping for my aunt's items.  When I must stop, I pay close attention to what else is happening in the aisle in which I am shopping.  I NEVER stop my cart directly opposite someone else's stopped cart.  Even as I scan shelves, I pay attention to my cart and am quick to move it should someone come along and stop near it, blocking potential traffic.  When I occasionally run into someone I know while shopping, I drag my cart as far as possible to one side in line with my acquaintance's.  This way, we have left room for others to pass while we visit briefly.

Do you think my shopping process is the norm here?  If so, you would be sadly mistaken.  I have encountered carts, parked side-by-side, with the "drivers" scanning the products on the shelves without a care that they have completely log jammed the entire aisle.  I have been drawn to a complete halt as folks stand next to each other with their respective carts forward of them engaged in extended conversations about family, friends, football... nothing urgent.  I will note that in both of these scenarios, I have stood in line-of-sight of the offending cart-pushers who most frequently simply continue with whatever they are doing without even a slight movement toward adjusting their carts to allow my egress.  In fairness, there have been a few times (maybe 10%) where the cart-operator has actually moved the cart and mumbled what might have been an apology for blocking my way. I won't even discuss the shoppers who shop together, moving side-by-side down each aisle while chatting, oblivious to the havoc they are creating for other shoppers.


Once I have managed to purchase, pay, and make my way to the parking lot, I unload my bags into my vehicle, then push the cart to the nearest "cart corral" where it can hang out with its empty buddies until the "cart-herder" arrives to take them all back up to the store.

Again, are you thinking others do this?  If so, you are once again thinking of the minority.  More often than not, I find empty carts blocking parking spaces when I arrive and I watch fully able-bodied, younger-than-I-am individuals leave their emptied carts to "free range" in the parking lot, rolling at will into vehicles or rolling into a parking space in such a manner that one cannot park a vehicle there (although perhaps a Smart car could make it?).  Yeppir.  The really killer thing here is that frequently these "free range" carts are blocking parking within 2 to 3 spaces of the "cart corral!"  HOW LAZY DO YOU HAVE TO BE to not walk five steps with your cart to put it in its proper place?!?!?  Unbelievable!!

Alright.  I'm done.  I only ask that you please be aware of what is happening around you wherever you are and whatever you are doing.  It's the right thing to do.

Until next post...

GOVERNMENT-RUN? NIGHTMARE!!!

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies.

I try to remain apolitical during my posts.  This is not a political blog nor do I wish it to turn into one.  However, sometimes things happen that make me truly angry about government-run programs.  After encountering several of them recently, my anger has truly peaked so the following rant is to make you all aware of what you face.

I have been trying to assist a family friend here with some assistance.  She turned 95 at the end of August.  She worked her entire life for relatively low wages.  She has lived alone ever since her husband died many years ago.  She has no children although she does have a nephew and some nieces but none living in town.  Her Social Security check each month is a net $570.  Her Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medicare Supplement premium payment is $263.  Is anyone else seeing a problem here?

My friend has had both knees replaced (about 12 years ago), one hip replaced (maybe 10 years ago?), eye surgery, and a recent (2 years ago) double mastectomy due to breast cancer!  Yes.  She has certainly weathered some substantial health challenges.  She never asks for help and has been taking care of herself for a very long time.  She does have folks who run errands for her and do her grocery shopping for her.  She never wants to "trouble" anyone.

About 3 weeks ago, my friend called me and told me she needed help.  Since she has NEVER done this, I was clearly concerned.  I went to visit with her the next day.  One of the replaced knees has apparently finally given out, leaving her able to get around with only great difficulty.  She has begun using a walker that she had from when the knees were replaced.  It is large and somewhat bulky and difficult for her to navigate within her home but she uses it.  She told me she was having great difficulty remaining on her feet for any length of time due to the knee pain and that it took her so long to do things with the walker that she just was not able to handle 3 meals a day herself.  What she had asked of me was to simply bring her a meal with enough to eat for lunch and dinner that same day.  What was obvious to me was that this one day was not going to help enough.  She clearly needed assistance during the day.

I began by calling a local Council on Aging which advised they had a list of "sitters" and their phone numbers.  I could retrieve that and start calling to find help.  I also called a Lake Charles-based service based on the referral from one of my aunt's caregivers.  This service was wonderful.  They understood the situation and told me they would get back with me if they were able to help.  I heard from them about two days later and we scheduled an appointment with my friend.  We completed paperwork there and they assured me they would have a person there the next day to begin helping my friend.  Whew!!  A relief.

My friend had advised her niece would be returning to the area in mid-September and she would come stay with her.  I decided to just cover the caregiver expense since it would only be about a month.  It was later that my friend told me she wanted to keep the service coming rather than have her niece move in with her.  Okay.  That meant I needed to explore the options to have this service covered by insurance or by some program.

I called a number provided by the service I was using for her.  The young man on the other end of the line apparently pulled up my friend's information in "The Beast" (the government computer system that knows every single thing about you!) and advised me that she did not qualify for one program as she was not on "full Medicaid", whatever that is.  He told me I could apply at the local office (which there isn't) or online.  He also told me that she DID qualify for the "Waiver program" (GREAT!) but that she would need to complete an application (no problem), submit it (no problem), and have that reviewed in order to be placed on the waiting list for payment for the services.  Okay.  So what kind of timeline are we looking at here?  Well, they are currently reviewing applications from... wait for it... March (it's September)!!  Of 2008.  Yes.  You read that correctly.  They are four-and-a-half years behind in application review... which is necessary before one can get on the waiting list!!!  I began laughing hysterically in this guy's ear.  Really???  You DO realize she will likely be DEAD before her application is even reviewed, right?  He stayed on message and simply told me that he had to provide me with that information.  I thanked him and advised him I do not shoot messengers but that I would hate to have his job if the best hope I could ever offer was a minimum 5-year wait.

I am dealing with this now by working toward getting Medicaid coverage for my friend.  I have no idea what kind of timeline that will be... but I'm betting the state government works a little faster than the federal government.  Regardless, I will make certain my friend is taken care of no matter what.  She deserves it... and it's the right thing to do.

So... if you think that any government-run program is preferable to one run by an individual or a company that has to be competitive and customer-service-oriented to stay in business, please come join me in this journey through government-program Hell.  I can promise you this is not pleasant and I assure you it will not get better.  I just hope my sanity holds out long enough to help my friend.  Beyond that, I will do everything within my power to make sure I NEVER have to deal with the government in my lifetime.  What a joke.

Until next post...

9/11/2012 - PLEASE RENEW YOUR ACQUAINTANCE WITH SGT. MAJ. LARRY STRICKLAND!

Greetings to my Blogging Pals. Those who have been with me a while know about my participation in Project 2996. I began my participation in 2009 and plan to continue this as long as I am able to do so. I ask each of you to take a moment to remember what happened on 9/11/2001. Even if you read my tributes previously, please read them again. It's important that we see this as an individual, personal event... not just something that happened in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania over a decade ago. It affects us all and will continue to do so. I do not see the 11th Anniversary as any different from the 2nd, the 19th, or the 100th. The pain for the families is the same. But this is a tribute to their loved one!! Please read about this wonderful gentleman.
*** This was posted in 2009 as my tribute to Sgt. Maj. Larry Strickland. I repeat it here as I will continue doing so on each anniversary of 9/11 as long as I am able. There are a couple of notes and updates from 2010 in bold/italic.

Please meet Sgt. Maj. Larry Strickland. He was 52 years old, born in Washington State, and had a Bachelor of Science degree. He had served our country in a lot of places including Germany, Washington State, Washington DC, Texas, and Virginia. He had many awards and decorations. Most devastating for me to learn was his plan to retire upon completion of 30 years of service... at the end of September 2001. After all of his service, he was close to spending more time on his hobbies (fishing, hiking, gourmet cooking, and needlepoint) and especially looking forward to spending more time with his family. SGM Strickland left behind a wife, Debra, who was the Garrison Command Sergeant Major of Fort Belvoir, VA. at the time, three adult children, and one grandson who will never know his grandfather as he was only a year old when SGM Strickland was taken. His parents also were left to deal with the untimely loss of their child.

NOTE: I posted a note to the family at Legacy.com and received two emails.

One was from SGM Strickland's son-in-law and read, in part:

"I came across your blog today while searching for SM Larry Strickland. I am lucky enough to be married to his daughter Julia and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for caring enough to research this remarkable man. Everything you read about him and his character is true. He left behind an amazingly strong wife, a beautiful daughter, his two sons, and his grandson. His grandson was 4, not 1 as many newspaper articles claim, so he does remember his grandfather, and fondly."(I was SO happy to read that his grandson did remember his grandfather and wanted to share that with you all! MNC)

The other email was from SGM Strickland's daughter and read, in part:

"Mary, thank you very much for your kind words. I am Larry's daughter, and it is wonderful to know that though it's been 8 years, remembering him and this tragic event is still as important now as it was the day it happened. He was truly a wonderful man, and the best father anyone could ask for."

SGM Strickland headed out to work that day at the Pentagon as there were some meetings he deemed important enough to attend even though he could have skipped them. He had annual leave built up that needed to be used or lost. He chose to go to work. If you knew nothing more about him than that, you would know the character of the man. It was that character that had him in his office on the second floor when the wing he was in was struck by American Airlines Flight 77.

But this is a tribute to SGM Strickland's life. And I've got to tell you the things said about him and written about him are absolutely glowing!! What a wonderful thing... to have those left behind remember you so well and so lovingly. It's not just family. These were friends, co-workers, people who knew him on a "business" level where, many times, the feelings are not so great. I would suggest you take a few moments today to review three different web sites where there are tributes (and from where I gathered much of the information I am sharing with you). It really won't take that long and, thankfully, most of us did not actually know anyone who was lost that day. Perhaps it would be good to learn about at least one of them. I know it gave me a very new perspective.

Pentagon Memorial Fund - Names of the souls lost at the Pentagon are alphabetical by last name. Scroll down and click on SGM Strickland's name to read about his service career.

Columns - The University of Washington Alumni Magazine- Read a really great article here about SGM Strickland's personal life. Sounds like someone we would all like to have known.

The Washington Post - This project is a database of all of the souls lost that day and has a very nice tribute to SGM Strickland.

Legacy.com - This is where folks can leave notes for the family. Many folks were positively impacted by SGM Strickland. Some commented here about their appreciation of the man. I invite you to take just a moment to leave a note here to let the family know the loss of their loved one is something we all remember.

9-11 Heroes - This is another site where a note can be left. Again... take a moment to leave a note on at least one of the sites. You have no idea how much this can mean to family members.

Thank you, SGM Strickland, for your service, for your honor, and for your character. I'm glad I got to know you.

We should never forget.

9/11/2012 - PLEASE RENEW YOUR ACQUAINTANCE WITH MAJOR RONALD D. MILAM!

Greetings to my Blogging Pals. Those who have been with me a while know about my participation in Project 2996. I began my participation in 2009 and plan to continue this as long as I am able to do so. I ask each of you to take a moment to remember what happened on 9/11/2001. Even if you read my tributes previously, please read them again. It's important that we see this as an individual, personal event... not just something that happened in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania over a decade ago. It affects us all and will continue to do so. I do not see the 11th Anniversary as any different from the 2nd, the 19th, or the 100th. The pain for the families is the same. But this is a tribute to their loved one!! Please read about this wonderful gentleman.

Major Ronald Dutrell Milam was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and had a Bachelors degree from Eastern New Mexico University earned in 1991. He served his country in Germany, Korea, and Saudi Arabia. He had recently received his assignment as Military Assistant for the Secretary of the Army. He had also recently married Jacqueline on January 15, 2000. Things were definitely going well for Major Milam and his new family. His future was clearly a bright one and who knows what wonderful things he would have accomplished!

On 9/11/2001, Major Milam, who had just turned 33 the month before, was at work at the Pentagon. His wife, Jacqueline, five months pregnant with their second child and an Air Force officer, was also at her job at the Pentagon. Neither had an office in the area where Flight 77 struck that morning. Jacqueline was not terribly concerned immediately after the attack assuming they would connect in the parking lot. Major Milam had been attending a staff meeting that morning... right where the aircraft crashed into the Pentagon.

But this post is a tribute to a man who lived well, with honor and with dedication to his country. His college basketball coach had no doubt Major Milam was a leader and a role model during his years working with him. When Major Milam told his coach he had chosen the military as his career, the coach, who thought Milam should pursue a career in law, told the young man he supported him 100%. Major Milam clearly touched many lives during his own. What a great legacy to leave!! We should all be proud of this young man.

Take a few moments today to visit the sites below. If you can, leave a note for his family at either Legacy.com or at 9-11 Heroes. All of the sites below are links to get you there quickly.

Eastern New Mexico University News Release - Review this page for comments from Major Milam's high school principal and his college basketball coach. This will let you know the caliber of the man we honor today.

Arlington Cemetery Site - If you read nothing else, read this tribute. Major Milam's wife recounts the events of that day and what has kept her going.

Pentagon Memorial Site - This site has a full obituary providing information on Major Milam's life.

The Washington Post - This site has a short remembrance from Major Milam's father about the Major's love of golf.

Legacy.Com - Take a moment and leave a note for the family here, if you wish.

9-11 Heroes - Or you can leave a note for the family here, if you wish.

Thank you, Major Milam, for your service, for your honor, and for your character. I'm glad I got to know you.

We should never forget.

VERY DIFFERENT BIRDS!

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals!  Hope your summer has been fantastic thus far!

It's a little nature post today.

My first photo is from a very early morning walk.  I had noticed a few small "V"s of these birds one morning and reported to the spousal-unit that "there must have been 50 to 100 of these beauties in several groups flying over me" during my stroll.  Based on their "S" curved necks and very long legs trailing, I determined they were likely egrets.  (If you want to research the difference between herons and egrets, feel free... but it is mostly coloration and I'm not going to spend that much time!)

The next morning, I paid a bit more attention and was delighted to discover my original estimate of numbers was short.  "There must have been between 200 to 300 this morning" was the report to the spousal-unit.

Imagine my surprise one early morning following when I came to a halt and watched the sky above as literally HUNDREDS, perhaps nearly a thousand, of these lovely creatures flew over m e in "V"s ranging from 3 birds to 20+ birds!!  I have determined there is clearly a rookery or at least a substantial roosting area nearby.  There are definitely plenty of waterways nearby so I am not surprised.  At any rate, they are very quiet and fly lower when there are clouds and higher when there is clear sky above them.  I keep watch for them now every day but have given up trying to get any reasonable count.  There are just too many... and I am just glad for that!!

Look closely at the upper left to see a particularly large group of egrets flying overhead as dawn breaks

Obviously when we say "birds", the winged variety comes to mind.  There are other "birds", however, that aren't so immediate in our brains.  One of my favorite "other" types of bird is the intricate bird-of-paradise flower.  In fact, it is my very favorite flower... and I don't even much like orange as a color!!  The beauty of this particular flower, however, allows me to ignore the orange color while admiring the beauty of the configuration and combined colors of this bloom.

I had always lamented that I did not have one but assumed it would be difficult to grow and require a lot of maintenance that I wasn't sure I was interested in performing.  (Remember... to succeed in my yard, you must be able to make it on your own!)  About three years ago, I ran across a single plant at a local nursery and decided to buy it just for fun.  I wasn't even sure it would make the first year, quite honestly.  I put it in a large pot and moved it, covered, into a protected corner for the past two winters.  It did grow nicely but there were never signs of flowering.  That was okay.  It was hanging in there, remaining alive, and that meant there was always hope.

Well... hope springs eternal.  Here are a few photos during August 2012.

Look closely for 3 separate bloom stalks with pointed tips

The first bloom begins to peek out giving a hint of the glorious colors

The first set of petals on the first bloom

The second set of petals on the first bloom

So... I am happy to have the first bloom and look forward to the remaining two blooms.  It appears they will bloom in sequence as opposed to simultaneously but that's just fine with me.  To have blooms when none were expected... well, that's just fun for me!

Until next post...

IT'S FINALLY OVER!!! HGTV... YOU LIE!!

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!

Yes, I know it has been WAY too long since I last posted but I am hopeful you will forgive me when you see what I am about to show you.

On July 9th, I let you in on my judgmental error... I was going to paint my kitchen cabinets.  Sure.  I could do it.  Nothing tough about slapping a coat of paint (or two!) on some wood.  I was clearly not in my right mind when I decided to make this move.

Six weeks from the beginning, it is finally over.  The cabinets are painted, some have been cut shorter for specific reasons, and I have learned a VERY good lesson.  I am NOT an indoor do-it-yourselfer.  Nope.  Not me.  I will dig around in the dirt all day long... or until I'm too tired to see... but I should stay out of indoor DIY projects.  Yep.  Self-knowledge is a good thing.

I will reiterate that the actual painting portion of the project was the easiest part.  The clearing, cleaning, prepping, and rearranging which prefaced and ended each section of work was the killer.

Without further ado... I would like to present to you my newly configured and painted kitchen cabinets.  I will hold my explanation and comments to a minimum. Please note that I will NOT be joining your endeavors to redo anything in your home... so please do not ask.

The arrangement that follows is designed for you to see the "before", "during", and "after" shots of kitchen segments.  Lotsa' photos coming.  Stop now if you don't want to get involved in my kitchen!!!  :)

THE "WONDER BREAD" KITCHEN!!!

BIG CHANGE COMING HERE!!!

GET READY!!!  WAIT FOR IT........

FROM 3 SHELVES TO 1 SHELF!!!

WHAT TO DO WITH NOW OPENED CABINETS

NO LONGER "WONDER BREAD" AND THE BIG BLACK FRIDGE IS OUT OF THE GARAGE!!!

FROM THE NOW-VISIBLE DEN INTO THE KITCHEN

So... it's finally over.  No more removing of hardware.  No more sanding.  No more prepping.  No more painting.  No more rehanging.  I am SOOOOO done!

Should you ever have even the vaguest urge to "redo" something in your home, I beg you to stop, have a beverage of your choosing, sleep on it, then remember this post.  Heck.  Print this post out and hang it on your refrigerator, if you like.  It is simply not simple.  That's all you need to know.

I will try to be better about posting and thank you all for sticking with me!!

Until next post...