When I was young

 

When someone refers to me as “old person” I am offended.

I look awesome for someone who is called “Old Person”.  Whenever I see myself in the mirror, I say “Damn, girl. You still look like you are 40.” Why not? I don’t have glasses on when I look in that mirror, and fuzziness wipes out the wrinkles.

My hair has a strip of white at the roots, but Jennifer at JC Hair Studio has magic hands. My own hands look old, I’ll give you that.  When my daughter and her two daughters placed their hands in a circle around mine, you can see where my hands started out and where there are now.

I am now 1/2 inch shorter. That plus one sweet gr-daughter is about 5 inches taller than I am, heightens the effect.

Over the years, I have avoided telling my weight: Traumatic  ridicule from my brothers and my father.  (I wrote a letter to my mother, asking for her help. She did nothing.)

Telling my age no longer fits in that list.  So I proclaim:  I am on Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, and just had my 72 birthday.

Now I ask you to view my daughter and myself.  It was taken Summer of 2021. Erin is 48 now, born in 1975.

. 

Age comes and there is no stopping it. I will take off my glasses.

                                                       
 

 

Post Christmas Blues

 

Christmas always comes to an abrupt end, it seems. For 2 1/2 solid months, the stores have been draped with garlands, dripping bright ornaments, while Halloween candy is in shopping cart marked "50% off". Carols of all types have been playing in a loop, but for some reason they have been classier this year.

Celebrating and loving with our family is a wonderful year long fest. So, pick up all that wrapping paper, down the eggnog, and finish up all those little chores.

Here is before:

Walmart sells everything.

Here is after:

after the Christmas rush

But, no one sees what is really left behind:

Dump site for carts from all stores
There were mountains of shopping carts tossed in the field.
After a month or so, these were all gone. 

Christmas is over, yes, but we will continue rejoicing for the entire year. No matter how strange and scary our lives are now, we will continue to rejoice. 

After all, Christmas is only 11 months and a few days away.

 

Good eatin' in Missouri

 

 

Old Man and Old Woman had driven on Interstate 55 many times, too many to mention.  This time they were driving from Beaumont, Texas, the day after Christmas. Christmas in Beaumont with Golden Boy, their youngest son, had been painful and disappointing for too many reasons to count.

Old Woman strongly suggested they stop and get some food.  Old Man said he was just fine, and she could wait a while.  Old Woman replied in no uncertain language that they had better stop or there’d be pee all over Old Man’s precious car.

 

Passing by Sikeston, Missouri, a sign announced “Home of the Throwed Roll”, and this would suit them both just fine, since they weren’t talking with each other at this time. 

Old Man parked his precious car, and Old Woman got out even before the engine stopped running.  By the time Old Man had opened his door and slammed it, Old Woman was inside and sitting at a table, menu and coffee in hand.

Lambert's Home of the Throwed Roll was unusually quiet this day right after Christmas which suited Old Man just fine with his failing hearing.  Old Woman could have done with some laughing and people around, since she enjoyed visiting with people on next table over or behind.

 

 

A chirpy little waitress named Patty took their order of ham and beans for Old Man, and turkey with stuffing for Old Woman.  Old Man canceled his order and instead asked for meatloaf, after Old Woman announced that she wasn’t going to ride with someone who had just eaten beans.

Plates delivered and Patty asked if they would like some rolls.  Why, yes, Old Woman nodded.  Patty called to Norman Lambert, owner of the restaurant, for rolls and Patty moved out of the way.  You’d better get ready, she whispered as Norman launched the first roll to Old Woman, who had excellent reflexes.

The soft-ball sized roll hit her hand with a WHAP, just like being caught in a ball mitt. Then Old Man caught his roll, barely containing it. Patty set a bowl of  smooth butter and a jar of molasses on their table, asking if they’d like to put some on their roll.  

 

Why, yes, Old Man nodded. Patty wiped her hands on her apron, and then burrowed her index finger into each roll.  Then Patty slathered a sizable amount of butter in the well, followed by thin line of molasses easing out from about a foot above.

Old Man and Old Woman gasped and then laughed, finally making eye contact. Three rolls later they were back on the I-55, heading home, talking to each other like old couples do.

Throwed Rolls has probably saved a marriage. 

This is a re-post from 2019 and 2022. Since that time this has been a story told to the family.  Dad always elaborated the story somewhat, and Mom always corrected the incorrect details.  

Angels we have heard on high

                                                             DanVasc "Nessum Dorma" Opera, Puccini

This is Dan Vasc, in Metal or Opera or both together.  Look him up.  He is a highly trained musician,

 

 

Listen to him.  He is young, he is dedicated to excellence.  Looking forward to hearing more. 

 

 Just need to follow his career.  

Beth-la-ha--ha--ham follow the star

Now, during all these shows--Scrooged, White Christmas, Christmas Story (Red Rider BBgun with a compass in the stock), Rudolph, etc.--it is time for the real story of Christmas to be heard and seen.

And, who better to do this is are children at Southland Christian Church.

Rejoice! For unto us has been born a Saviour...

Now you know what really happened.

This is a re-post from 2017 Christmas. From the mouths of children....

"She was just doing laundry and then the angel just appeared and she was really scared," 

 

 

 

Snow and Fire

 

When cold blows in from Canada, pushed up by warm wind from Texas, snow happens suddenly and furiously.  Only older siblings, big enough to sink only to the knee and then leap into the snow face first, could rejoice.

For two small children, enjoyment was peering out through icy panes and wishing.  Mom…Mom…Mom…Can we go outside, too?  Mom? Mom?  Mom relented only when Mom became unbearable.

Two and four years old, Mary and Bill were wrapped, bundled, booted, and mittened, then given instructions:  Stay on the porch.  Both nodded solemnly.

Mom stood at the kitchen door, staring through the lacy ice crystals at five children enjoying the snow.  Then Bill launched off the porch into deep white sea. Bill, she sighed. 

Stomping out the door, Mom grabbed him by scruff of his coat and pulled him up.  Then Mary whispered, “Mommy!  Mommy!  Look!  Fire in trees!  Fire in snow!”

Fire in the trees?  In the snow?  She beheld glorious cardinals perched in bare trees.  Fiery cardinals with black masks.  Brave cardinals in frigid air.

Fire in the Trees

Mom hollered, “You kids get in here.  Been out long enough!”  But she continued to watch until fire became scarlet birds winging over snowy horizons.  

For those bloggers in the beginning of a long winter, this story is about the snow of 1958, which has been called the mini-ice age.  Keep warm, enjoy the beauty as much as you are able, and Merry Christmas.This is a repost of 2014 and 2021.

 

 

True giving doesn't need to be wrapped up.

 

 

YouTube Chevrolet station wagon

 

I wish my grandmother was still here. I would love to take Grandma Cardiff in an old black Ford like they used to drive around.  Taking her to places that were important to her would be awesome.  

 Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Hug all and love them!

Remember those who made Christmas for their family!

Rejoice!

Christ was born for all people and died for their salvation. He rose up to Heaven for us!

 

 

Mary, did you know?

 

My rt. hand/wrist have been abused too much by me.  I am having to cut back, SO please leave comments.  I am depressed.

Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas to all,  and to all a good night?!

  Martin Luther was a brave man.

Gloria, Gloria in the Highest

 

 Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of this New Year to you all. 

Celebrate together, rejoice in your lives, find peace where you are. 

God bless us, everyone.

.May you have a love-filled Christmas, May you keep well and safe, May you stand in awe that God sent His Son for you and for all of us.

Christmas of our past

Our own "Monkey Ward" book; we wore that thing out.  We kept it up into February when it was shredded. Are there are Wards fans out there?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These gems are from "Google Images vintage 1950s Christmas photos", Pinterest, and many other great sites.

Just trying to leave something behind

 

I have a song that stops me in my tracks. It would have to be something unexpected.

 Sean Rowe

This stopped me one day.  Actually "Okay Google" had selected this and played it for me. The lyrics are following.

I cannot say that I know you well
But you can't lie to me with all these books that you sell
I'm not trying to follow you to the end of the world
I'm just trying to leave something behind

Words have come from men and mouse
Oh, but I can't help thinking that I have heard the wrong crowd
When all the water is gone my job will be too
So I'm trying to leave something behind

Oh, money is free but love costs more than our bread
And the ceiling is hard to reach
Oh, the future ahead is broken and red
And I'm trying to leave something behind

This whole world is a foreign land
We swallow the moon, but we do not know our own hand
Oh, we're running with the case, but we ain't got the gold
Yet we're trying to leave something behind

My friends, I believe we are at the wrong fight
And I can not read what I did not write
I've been to his house, but the master is gone
Yet we're trying to leave something behind

Now there is a beast who has taken my brain
You can put me to bed, but you can't feel my pain
When the machine has taken the soul from the man
It's time to leave something behind

Oh, money is free but love costs more than our bread
And the ceiling is hard to reach
Oh, the future ahead is already dead
And it's time to leave something behind

Now, I've got this feeling that I'm still at the shore
And pockets don't know what it means to be poor
I can get through the wall if you give me a door
So I can leave something behind

Oh, wisdom is lost in the trees somewhere
Oh, you're not gonna find it in some mental gray hair
It's locked up from those who hurry ahead
And it's time to leave something behind

Oh, money is free but love costs more than our bread
And the ceiling is hard to reach
When my son is a man, he will know what I meant

When I was just trying to leave something behind
And I'm trying to leave something behind

Songwriters: Sean Rowe.

This is the closing scene of The Accountant. 

 I hope you ejoy it.

The Lion and the Lamb

 

This is another re-post, from 2020. Must obey the hand, wrist. 

 

We live near The Safari Park, located in San Pasqual Valley, in San Diego County.  Animals from the Savannah in Africa live in a uniquely designed area that accommodates the needs of the animals.  

They all live in well hidden borders.

With the exception of lions and tigers, of course…they live in natural enclosures and unbreakable plexiglass.  Scare the daylights out of me.

Here is a collection of lion words:

Lion’s share

Lion’s mane

Lionized

Lion heart

Into the Lion’s mouth

Lion’s den

Lion and the lamb

Cowardly lion

Lion of Judah

Lion in winter

Sea lion

Mountain lion

Lion's Roar

 

The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

Christ, the Lion of Judah

 

 

The Wild Animal/Safari Park near Escondido,CA has created an international compound for preservation of endangered species. Two of my then-teenage children worked at the Park during summer. It was an awesome place to learn.

My wrist is having some trouble.  I am putting too much strain on the joint. Pray for me.

Yipstick and Barbie

 

 

 

Commercials have changed gradually, neither good or bad.  It is hard to explain, but health and beauty are huge on the commercial market. Women + kept home to work or whatever + overeating + looking in the mirror is generally 

unhealthy for all. 

My gr-daughters have taken me to Ulta, a store that is a cornucopia for all sorts of make-up with all its enticement. They had a list and some $$ from Dad. I followed along, mentally tallying how much they needed when Dad's $$ ran out. Not much $$ at all, but it thrilled me.

Lipstick is marked as being an instigator of make-up history. Fruit dyes (no cost) for lips then. Now lipsticks are chemical magic, expensive magic at that. 

Who likes lipstick? Besides teen age girls at ULTA, little girls who have found Mommy's lipstick in her purse really love lipstick. 

Home Depot

If I have discovered this major cuteness by myself, think how many videos there might be of lipstick fans? Or finger nail polish?

Barbies

Just a note, I am not a make-up collector. My gr-daughters do that for me.

This is a repost of 2020,  I know many have read this post from back then. My wrist is a cruel task master.This has been a hard experience. Gotta keep taking care.Gotta plow the row.

Phlegm, gotta have it.

Ben stared through the bars as he groaned at this unjust incarceration.  What had he done?  Just the usual stuff, but this time?  I got caught big time.

He coughed up a ball of green-yellow phlegm, spitting it on the floor beyond the bars.  Heh, heh, heh… Ben had been charged with disturbing the peace, marking graffiti on public walls, and destruction of property.

That last one gave him joy.  With just a plastic knife, Ben had sliced up a fancy pillow, tossing foam and stuffing everywhere.  Truly an achievement! Good times.

Ben then realized that his diaper was beyond damp, it was dripping.  “MAMA!” he cried, with big tears.  Sometimes the not-yet-potty-trained times were a blessing.

This is from 2014. My wrist is insisting that I behave. 

The bold underlined words are from Wednesday Words, a writing challenge created by Delores 

She handed it  off to River  and Elephant's child who now gives us the words. Check out the sites and see the words for this week. Leave a comment!

 

If you are curious about phlegm, go to this :You must check this site out.

Unending neverending eternal

 

                   Neverending Story 1985 

There are lists and lists of projects or events that are in never ending in the completion. We wrestle with these, all the time. They never go away.

Replacing an engine, discovering missing parts and tools, with more auto parts littering the floor.  Oh, sure, friendly veteran sang a story about an old war injury prevented him from using manual shift, so that's why there are only 75,000 miles on the speedometer.  You drive classic car home, finding smoke and clanks following you. Not such a good deal, and when online sites send replacement parts, there will always be a screw short.

Being in labor for hour after hour definitely makes the list. (45 hours? Followed by C-Section.) After ten hours, just when you beg for an epidural, An army nurse briskly tells you that it is too late to give one.  

Flights to the other side of the world.  Australia?  South Africa? Switzerland?  You find yourself in cheap seats, middle seat packed in, next to someone who hasn't taken a bath in the last year.

 

Playground duty. You are the only teacher with 300 children racing around an one acre playground.  You clutch a clipboard under one arm and grip the teacher whistle in  a tightly clenched fist.  

 

 

Waiting for Santa. You are 6 years old and this night is one wished for all year. Tick, Tick, Tick...eyes want to shut but you won't let them...tick, tick, tick...

Picking strawberries day after day after day. No joy after the fifth day. Mid-May arrives with garden full of red berries peeking from green leaves.  First day is like discovering rubies, sweet rubies. Leads onto the second day, third day, fourth day, fifth day....Enough already.  This won't ever end, our hands will be dyed red. 

Waiting in an emergency room, filled with sneezing and coughing. You have a brain-splitting migraine and your blood pressure is 177/85.  With your head dropping to your knees and a throw-up bowl beneath, you watch as a child with sinusitis(#45) is called in.  You are #62.  You won't live to see the end of this day. 

Driving through Death Valley in summer. (Been there, done that) Long straight road over flat desolate land, you see in distance, heat waves fooling you to think it is water.  It is 121 degrees and you watch your car's gas light like a hawk.

Standing in the line at DMV, until legs are shaking, growing light-headed. Husband is home, too sick to go into the line from hell to transfer registration.  You are three months pregnant, and hours pass.  At the third hour, you tell the kind lady behind you that you are pregnant and wonder if...then you open your eyes as you lie on the floor.  Registration was expedited. 

                                           YouTube has numerous of Curling videos

Being forced to watch “curling” during the Winter Olympics. Your family is Nordic, and cheer for some team.  Crushed between Olaf and Sven, you decide to develop a tummy-bug, staying in the bathroom before sneaking away, where is not important.

Re-modeling a bathroom and/or kitchen the week before company arrives--this is your spouse's idea.  Tearing out the sink and cabinet reveal rot and mold.  Company will be staying in the hotel with you, as your entire house is being examined and treated.

Most or all of this involve unending waiting…and more waiting…i 

 What about you?  Can you add to this list your own unending events?

 

 This is a repost from 2016, I think.  My wrist and joints are looking better.

BikeHikeSafari