Snow, go away, come again another day.

Another Day, Another Dollar....

Why did that silly phrase come to mind. It is another day, Friday to be exact and time for http://aruraljournal.blogspot.com/ However, I am not sure how I will come up with another dollar!!

My Random Five Friday entries for today are:

1. The snow is beautiful but enough, already. I need for my driveway to melt. No, I mean the snow to melt off of the driveway. So I can get me outta the house. Cabin Fever!!

 

2. I worry about my birds. Too afraid of falling ( I seem to be an expert at that) to venture out in the snow to fill my feeders. Broken leg - Hungry birds.  Either one is not good but I don't want a break, that's for sure.

See the feeder is empty... the birds are scrounging around for spilt seed. Sad.

3. I seem to be in a constant stage of change lately. Moving furniture around again. Can't make up my mind where I want stuff to be. Maybe I have too much stuff.

4. Isn't it scary when you are bolted out of a deep sleep by a noise? And, then you realize it's just the ice-maker!

5. My Random Five from the past.....
We had just moved in to our home on Main Street when it came a big snow. I was delighted for we didn't get much snow in Alabama. This is a picture of our side yard. The year 2000.

                 Sure hope all my southern blog buddies are finished with this Polar Vortex stuff.
                       And, as far as it's concerned it can leave us alone too!! Stay warm, you all.
                                                                                                                          

Hot Cider and a Crazy Computer

Here I sit, sipping from my cup of hot spiced apple cider and watching the snowflakes coming down outside my window. Gee, wonder if I could make a poem out of that.... nah, probably not.

I was so excited to finally access my NEW POST thingamagig. I haven't been able to make a new post at all so now I am super excited. Just wonder if it will let me add a picture? Hmmmm. Think I will try it. The computer won't let me open the card out of my camera so I will have to choose something from my archives. Wish I could retrieve those pictures I took yesterday of my 'peeping tom' but that will have to wait.

Wow, it worked... this picture is one I took of a red-bellied woodpecker eating out of the sunroom window feeder. And I cropped that photo very little so I actually was up  close and personal. You just gotta see that bird better so click the photo to enlarge. Love having the birds right at my camera length. By the way, I am so glad that my window is fairly clean. Hope it stays that way. I'm not much into window washing.

I just wanted to let you all know that I have missed you... although I did discover that I could open the blogs on my blog list and started doing that and commenting but wouldn't you know it, some of them wouldn't take my comment. Dang crazy computer!!

Stay warm, wherever you are... and safe, too. Love you all
                                                                                      Latane

Snow, the dentist and more

UPDATE: I am adding an update before this post ever gets published. I seem to have a gremlin in my computer. Couldn't post this yesterday and some of my pictures would not load onto the post. Maybe I can get it cleared up soon.

Mercy me, where has this week gone. Being cooped up inside with snow on the ground kept me wondering what day it was, all week long. But, TGIF, and time to visit Nancy Claeys and all her Random Five buddies.

Let's see..........hmmmm.........

#1. I had to be at the dentist office at 8:30 this morning and that was not fun.
            The temp was 11 degrees,
                            I had to get up earlier than usual,
                                                    and nobody likes going to the dentist.


#2. The day it snowed I sat for hours watching a multitude of birds feed near my sunroom window.
             Birds are one of God's wonders.
                             I had such fun.
                                                    and, it felt good that I was helping keep them warm and fed.

#3. I am enjoying quilting some now.
              I didn't think I would miss it so I gave a bunch of my supplies away
                             But, then I did miss it
                                                    so, I am back at the sewing machine again. That's a good thing.

#4. The Windsor Ace Hardware Store had paperwhite kits on sale
               I love paperwhite narcissus. They smell so good
                             So, I bought a kit
                                                     The bulbs are all planted now. I will let you know when they bloom.


#5. My Random Five From The Past.
                My husband and two grandsons with an icicle that was hanging from a bluff on our farm.
                               The children and grandchildren all loved that bluff
                                                       Now those grandchildren are grown. How time changes everything.

                    

We Got Snow!

Good snowy morning to you from my little home on Main Street!!

I got up to 2 degrees wind chill factor this morning but I am not going to go outside and check that out. No siree bob! I am staying inside where it is warm. I'll let the weatherman keep me posted on the temp.

Do we ever stop and thank God for warm houses, cozy quilts, heavy coats? We certainly should.

I did crack my kitchen door just a tad at midnight last night and braved the cold enough to stick my hand (with a camera attached) out there and snap a couple pictures.

my backyard in the security light glow.

 

Okay, you photography buffs, can you answer this one for me. Even though the snowflakes were minuscule, when I used the flash they looked like baseballs.

 

The snow was beginning to cover the gold dust bush at the back door.

 

My neighbors cars sitting in her carport across the street. The flash picked those tail lights up really nicely.

 

This morning this sleepy eyed little titmouse was looking for something to eat. I managed to ease the lens of my camera through the drapes to take it's picture while it ate on the window feeder. 

 

I love this shot of the cardinals and the snow-capped feeder at the edge of my yard.

 

There is something so peaceful and calm about snow. Then why, I ask you, does my RETIRED neighbor think he has to crank up a snow blower and disrupt my nice peaceful day? He's not going anywhere so why disturb the glittery white stuff that covers our world.

 

For those who asked where the snow pictures were taken that I used in a post recently.... I was visiting my daughter in New York last January and it came a big snow. I had my camera ready.

 

Another photo tidbit. I have been so dying to make those wonderful pictures where the birds are focused and the background is blurred (and you do it with flowers, too). So, I found out why I can't do that!! The fstop on my camera won't go below 2.8. Well, I'm not going to run out and buy a new camera so I can have a smaller f-stop.

 

Oh, and on another note.... I received one copy of my manuscript yesterday in the mail, which my daughter, Marie, had been proof-reading, making corrections and suggestions on and it blew me away. One more step toward that publishing date. Next week I get the copy from the editor for final review before shipping it off to be printed. Super excited.

 

 

 

 

 

PIGS

It's Monday. How can I tell? I'm just sort of blue and down in the mouth. Need to have a gabfest with my blogging buddies and then I will feel better.

It's cold, maybe that's the problem. I hate cold. Do you? Some people like cold weather but not me!
So, I've not gotten outside to take many pictures lately. What to make a post about... that is the question. So, I dig into my archives and I find the following.....

One morning my daughter and I were headed down Main Street. I know this town is small but... A pig in my neighbors yard!! Where did it come from? Naturally I grabbed the camera. It's not every day you see a pig on Main Street. Not around here, anyway.

Yes, it was a rooting, snorting pig which ran off across the yard and quickly disappeared.

 

That got my interest peaked. I mean, who takes pictures of pigs? I got on this kick and away I went. They didn't have to be live, either.

 

On a trip to Alabama I saw this old restaurant by the side of the road and this huge metal pig which I guess had advertised the place was sitting out front. That pig was nearly as big as the building!

I love it!

 

On a road toward Corolla on the Outer Banks, N. C. Shirley and I spied this mailbox which was a pink pig. Crazy! At least, the pig and the flowers match.

 

At Virginia Bar-be-que in Carrollton, this cute little glittery pig was all curled up taking a nap. I guess it's alright if pigs are covered in glitter.... sure beats being covered in stinky mud!

 

This heavy iron pig stood guard in Edwards Ham Shop in Surry, Virginia. He looks kind of grumpy, doesn't he? Or maybe he's just napping. 

 

This concrete pig was found just outside a shop on Main Street in Smithfield, Va.

I love Main Streets wherever they are found. I started to take it's picture and noticed two men sitting on a bench right in my picture taking line of fire and had to assure them 'No, I am not taking you guys picture. I'm after this pig'. They just grinned. 

 

A paper pig. Well, it takes all kinds. This flying pink pig hangs from the ceiling of Capt. Chuck-a-mucks in Rescue, Va.

Guy what's his name featured this place on his tv show 'Drive-ins-Diners and Dives'.

 

Smithfield, Va. is home to Smithfield ham, bacon, anything pork. So, they decided to make the lowly pig their town mascot, icon, whatever you call those things. Here are two pigs that grace the streets and by-ways of Smithfield. They are colorful, that's for sure!

 

 

Shirley and I are on our way to the beach (Nags Head) and stop at a large flea market and lo and behold, there is a pot-bellied pig.

 

 

And, then I lost interest in pig picture taking. Wonder what will interest me next?

 

                                                                              That's all, folks.

 

                                                                                                                        

Duck Tape!! No Way!!

I am on a roll this morning!!! I got out of bed.

Now to stay on 'that roll' and start getting some things done today. That is the challenge.

Another challenge is coming up with my My Random Five Friday entries .

Number 1.
     I really enjoyed the falling snow yesterday. The ground was too warm for it to stick but we had it coming down about two hours. What a beautiful sight that would have been if it had been colder.

Number 2.
     I haven't seen a blue jay in my yard in years. But, there he was yesterday. Guess the snow 'brung' him in!

Number 3.
     They say that duck tape can be used for 'everything'. I sure was surprised when my podiatrist told me to use it on my foot following her digging a wart out of the bottom of my foot. I have no idea why it helps.. I just hope it does.

Number 4.
      Everyone needs a change occasionally in their lives. I think I am due one.

Number 5.
     My usual 'blast from the past random five'. I won 'Homemaker of the Year' in our county at the annual Extension Homemakers banquet. I still have the plaque. Not so much into homemaking these days, though. Time changes everything.

Note Card Pictures

Tuesday.... well, the week is off to a rainy start. I hate dreary days. Think I will try something new today and join in with Note Cards   . I have never been on that meme before but it looks like fun. Maybe you would think so, too.

Here are my pictures which I think would make great note cards. What do you think?

 

 

Those should make pretty cards to send friends during the month of January.

 

For some reason I could not link my post to the Note Card meme but enjoy the pictures anyway.

 

 

Latest excerpt from my book

Okay, I asked, I listened and I fixed. So, my blog posts are easier to read now.

I get this, what my grandma used to call, 'a wild hair'. Why she called it that I have no idea but it means that I do something different and strange. At this point in my life I find having that 'wild hair' thingy comes often. I want to try it all!! And, I often do. Love changing my blog look but I will try to keep it readable. I promise. Cross my heart.

I am riding on a wave of euphoria these days! Euphoria may be a strong word to use here but I am excited. Those of you who know that I have been writing a book know that I finished it and the manuscript was sent off to the editor and a proof reader as well.

The feedback, so far, is outstanding. Those two people who have read my book from cover to cover had nice things to say about it so I can't wait to get the manuscript back so it can be sent off to the publisher. Well, it was TWO people. They liked it. Hopefully others will as well.

Back on Nov 11th I posted the last excerpt from the book (still no title) so I thought I'd whet your appetite today with this...........................

The boxcar was stifling hot, the air dusty and dank, smelling of sweat, moldy corn, and cow manure. The car had been swept out at some stop back up the line but the powerful odor lingered. Tom held his hand over this nose until he finally grew accustomed to the stench and then he threw his knack-sack into a dark corner and curled up on the filthy floor with his head resting upon it. The heavy swaying of the train car as it clickedy-clacked over the rails had a monotonous rhythm to it and soon Tom had dozed off.

Hours must have passed when Tom bolted suddenly from his fitful sleep. What was that noise? There it was again – the engineer was applying the brakes. The train must be coming into a town. He’d need to see how it looked, if it appeared to hold good
prospect for work. His stomach was growling, too. Just how long had it been since he had last eaten? The memory came flooding back. It had been early that morning that he had been sitting at the kitchen table with Mary and the children enjoying a cup of hot chicory coffee, some eggs, gravy and hot fluffy biscuits – and his last few moments at home.

Tom’s heart ached. His body felt old from being cramped up on that sticky hot floor. He hurt, not only in his joints, but his spirit was crushed. He felt a failure, not being able to provide for his family. A man’s worth was measured in how well he could take care of those he loved, how well he could make it in this world. Well, it looked like he hadn’t done so well. But, he reminded himself, that it was not his fault. He missed his family beyond measure. He roughly wiped his sleeve across his eyes, somehow ashamed that tears had begun to form there. He had to remind himself that he wasn’t the only man that was forced to travel the roads and rails just to make a little money. However, that gave him little comfort.

 

The train was slowing down so Tom drew unsteadily to his feet, trying to regain his balance from being asleep so long. Holding onto the sides of the box car he slowly made his way to the opening and looked out. They were coming into a small town. The name painted on the water tower said ‘Benton’.

This and That this morning.

TGIF.... yep, it's Friday, folks, and time to wander on over to Random Five Friday with Nancy Claeys and all the good people posting about their random five thoughts.

So, here goes with mine....

* I guess I am not alone with my problems following that awful cold spell. A pipe under the house broke and I had no water. Son-in-law John to the rescue!

* Had foot surgery Tuesday. It did not hurt while they were digging out a 'wart' from the ball of my foot. I thought it was a callus but what do I know! Two days after the surgery the darn foot started hurting. Guess it will quit one of these days. In the meantime I am hobbling around like One-legged Pete.

* I'm reading a dumb book 'Free Country' which is about two guys who are traveling the entire length of England. They started out just wearing a pair of shorts, walking, with no money and the story is about how people helped along the way. Now, why in the world am I wasting my time reading a story like that?????

* I am curious about what the response is to my new blog look. I like that my words look like I wrote them myself longhand but are they harder to read than a print font? I like the writing font for my posts but hate that I can't change my sidebar font! Give me your feedback. I love changing my blog around often. You never know what you are going to get but this may be over the top. Please let me know what you think!

* My Random Five Memory...

I bet there aren't many people who can say that their children played in their yard just feet from an albatross (goony bird) nest. That was common when we lived on Midway Island back in the 1950s.

                                                                                                                                 

My Birthday and the Birds

I awoke to a cold, cold morning. I could tell, because when I opened my eyes and lay there a bit, the furnace just kept running and running and, the room still felt chilly. The arctic air was here! So, I snuggled back down under the covers and wouldn't budge. Not for awhile anyway.

It was 13 degrees when I forced myself out of that warm bed. Do I have to? Well, yes... I have a podiatrist appointment after awhile. If that foot wasn't hurting I'd call and cancel but getting rid of the pain takes precedence over freezing to death.

I wrote my sister a letter. Typed it big print. She has to have cataract surgery soon and can't see much. I am so upset that letter writing is a thing of the past, as are a lot of other wonderful things.

(my sister)

Yesterday was my birthday. #80. My daughter is planning a big party for later on in the month. My fault because my birthday is just so close to Christmas!! Everybody's pooped out after the holidays. Perhaps by the time my party rolls around they will be ready to celebrate!! I hope so 'cause I will be.

The day was fun anyway. Daughter Shirley sees that I don't sit home alone. She grabbed me up and we headed to a new seafood place but wouldn't you know it... they were closed on Mondays. Durn.

We were going to the movie. I wanted to see 'Saving Mr. Banks' so we searched for a place to eat near the theatre. Found one we had never tried. It's called 'The Broken Egg' bistro. Hmmm.... well, we would try it. I was not going to eat ordinary bacon and eggs on my birthday!! No siree. So I ordered the Bayou Omelet (stuffed with peppers and onions and topped with crawfish etoufee). Shirley got us mimosas. Yum, yum, yum.

Sure wish you all had been with us. You could have helped me eat that plateful of yum. But, the mimosa was MINE!

This morning I was a little worried about my birdies so I checked the feeders. One is half-filled. Maybe it will not get empty until this weather warms up. But, look at this one. What happened!!

It's all helter-skelter. The squirrel maybe. I don't think the birds are gonna be happy about that. But....

That little titmouse isn't scared. He already has his breakfast in his beak. Good job, Birdy.

Now, it's time for me to get ready for that dr. appt. and to brave the cold. Maybe I'll straighten the feeder when I go outside.

Have a good one and stay warm.

Trying to stay healthy

Okay, so I go to the doctor for my semi-annual checkup (I have to go twice a year when you get to be my age!! Guess they think I am gonna keel over or something).

I tell my doc (she's really a physicans assistant but so doggone good) that I am going to be starting a new decade next week and I want us to make a deal. I want her to help me be healthy so I can have the best decade ever! So, she gets right on it, asking me what I want out of it, telling me what I need to do and drawing some blood (OUCH) to check things out.

Seems my Vitamin D level is low. It's 19. Now, I don't know what it's supposed to be but I looked it up and found that it should be over 30. Well, okay. So, I am an inside person, I live way north of that 34 degree line that runs from south of Columbia, S. C. all the way across to L. A. and I don't do much to get vitamin D. Shame, for shame.

So, I get online and look up why the dickens Vitamin D is so important. Did I get an ear full!! Now I am popping those little D pills every day.

I bet you didn't know that having enough D gives you greater resistance to viruses and cancer and reduced risk of Parkinsons  (Hmmmm. wonder if that included Alzheimers,)

And, I bet you didn't know that if you have low levels that you have an 80% risk of your arteries getting more narrow which means the blood can't flow as freely. D is directly linked to the stimulation of insulin production which helps stave off diabetes. It also helps with Chronic Pain and depression. Wow, I didn't know all that!! Nobody told me.

If I have peaked your interest here's what you need to do....

* Get tested, especially those of you with family history of cancer. And, I sure fit into that category.

* Don't assume you are getting enough D in what you eat. Make sure you are getting enough by other
   means. multi-vitamins do not supply enough, so don't rely on taking those.

* Get 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on your arms and legs every day.

And, get this.... and why wasn't I told.... surgery that removes portions of the intestines (or stomach) can lead to low vitamin D levels. I had that colon resection back in 2002 which took out about 18 inches I think it was of my intestines. Had no idea it should be a concern!

Anyway.... that's my medical tip of the day (probably year).  If you have any concerns then ask your doctor to check your D levels... they probably aren't going to do it without being asked.

Have a HEALTHY new year.
                                                                                                        Love you
                                                                                                                            

I Remember

Today is Friday January 3rd. Time to join Nancy over at Random Five Friday. I have lots to share with you today so I will get right to it.

1. It was 3 years ago on Jan. 3rd that I lost my beloved husband of 60 years. I miss him terribly. He was pretty special! I am learning to live without him but it's hard.

2. I got great-grandson #4 on Dec. 23rd. Sweet little Tobin Culley. What a blessing to us all. A new life, a new joy.

3. I met yesterday with the editor of my book. She's halfway finished with the editing phase. I am so psyched as she had some very nice things to say about my efforts. Now to just come up with a title. That's the hard part.

4. It's so cold this morning. Guess Winter is REALLY here at last. The bird feeder that I can see out my kitchen window has a lot of activity. Poor little birds are hungry today. If you look closely you can spy a female cardinal sitting inside the bushes awaiting her turn.

5. And, I end (as always) with a random thought from my past. When Elbert retired I gave him a little fishing boat. Here we are about to set out on the lake near our home in Alabama, ready to catch some fish.

Happy New Year

Couldn't let the day go by without wishing all of my wonderful blogging buddies a..........