Sunday, December 27, 2009

Look Out - Here Comes 2010!

One of my Facebook friends posted a comment today that really made me think. It should make you think too!

Approximately what she said was,

"Usually I stay up to see the new year come in, but this year I'm going to stay up to make sure this year goes out."

I think I'd like to stretch that to be the entire decade! There is an excellent three minute clip at ABC.com that takes you quickly through the decade - just in case you forgot any of the details.

Here in East Texas, we actually had more than our share when you recall Hurricane Katrina and the Crash of the Columbia Shuttle. Many Katrina victims came here and quite a few stayed. Columbia crashed so close, we felt the rumble of the earth. Of course, we also had two major hurricanes right here: Rita and Ike.

To say the economy tanked is to make light of the situation. IRAs and Stock Portfolios - through no fault of our own, dwindled to pathos. Many families have at least one person who has lost their job. Some of us (myself included) have found jobs at times in our lives when we should be retired. And many who would have retired have decided to stay working. People are being more careful how they spend and they use more cash and less cards.

History shows us that in tough times we tend to appreciate church, friends and family more and I see that every day. I also see people helping people. Many folks are using food banks and second-hand stores and services they never have. The heart-warming part is that more and more people are contributing or helping however they can so there will be some for everyone.

Say what you will about Social Networking, but it helps me know what is going on with more people in less time than if I were to attempt to telephone them all. People are worrying more about each other than they ever did.

If the Fifties were the best decade that everyone remembers as gentle and fun with lots of inventions and President Ike Eisenhower, well, this past decade - which I am not sure has a nickname yet - shall be remembered as one of shock and fast-paced "it couldn't have happeneds". When stuff happens, you really cannot blame a leader and I often think about the George W. Bushes sitting in Dallas with their feet up - at last.

This sure has not been an era of poodle skirts and Elvis. It has been an era of taking a look to see who is behind you. Yes, we have cell phones - and we might need them! (I still think of the people on 9-11 in the plane over Pennsylvania using their cell phones to say "Goodbye" to loved ones.)

It is an era where education is just about the most important thing young people can do for themselves. Fortunately, there are enough ways for people to afford higher schooling, that young people - and even some older people - must merely just apply themselves. We must be willing to work just a little harder for longer hours.

Probably because my home town, Toronto is such a multilingual society, I was heartened to see Barack Obama become American President. No one should envy him as he is in office in just about the most tumultuous time ever. You will enjoy the second video if only for its light-hearted look at Mr. Obama's background. Here is a man who makes young people stand up and notice that each of us can do what we chose to do, if we really put our mind to it.

So, are you going to wait up to see 2009 leave? Have a Bud Light and text to your friends wherever they are?

Ah, yes, please also remember our military who are out there for us every day, often risking their lives.

And also - give a thought to those who have come back and are trying so very hard to adjust. Could I have gone there? No, I don't think so! Can I help a little - just a little - yes, I can and so can you! Keep it simple; keep it American - like apple pie, but let them know you care about each of them!


http://abc.go.com/ Click on NEWS; search for 3 minute clip of the decade (ABC's 3 minute clip of the decade)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HplZ_taHXLM (YouTube: There's No One As Irish As Barack O'Bama)

Saturday, December 26, 2009

A Very Special Christmas Gift!



This has been a very busy year for us . . . especially when you consider we are seniors. This photo was taken in advance of Christmas. Our friend, Rebecca who majored in art and photography took several shots of Keith, Buddy (the Lhasa) and me and we chose several favorites.

We are sitting in front of our fireplace which is the focal point of our so-called great room.
Posted by Picasa


The term "Great Room" is certainly not a Canadian term so I will explain briefly. And for Americans - especially here in Texas - I must tell you that in the Toronto area, the frontages of the lots are very narrow and builders compete to see who can cram as many houses as possible on the least amount of land. That is simply because Toronto land is very expensive. The demand is very high because that is where the jobs are.

Something else to note is long commutes for people attempting to get houses for more economical prices.

Well, where we live in Texas, almost all houses are one storey, or as that is called in Ontario - bungalows. Yes, yes, I know - in Texas a bungalow is half a house or two houses on one lot. In Ontario, that is called semi-detached. And then there are quad houses which are four to a lot.

So, thirteen years ago when I came here, I had to begin learning all these terms wo people could follow what I was saying.

I had seen a "great room" before - back in the early 90s in Big Bear, California.

A great room is a giant room which most people dlvide (by furniture) into living and dining areas.

When we actually moved to our current house, and so many boxes were marked "Great Room", one of the movers asked Hubby,

Where is this "Great Room"?

"It's right here! Doesn't this look like a GREAT room?"

So, you get the idea.

I was interested and found the history of our subdivision which is called "Englewood" from the builder a few years ago. He now has the Century 21 Franchise in town and his brother is a District Court Judge, having traded the family business for law school.

One time, we even got to talk with their father who created the subdivision some 45 years ago. Although it is inside the loop of the city, it was at one time an area of cottages with a little lake and a general store.

The great room? Well, since we had seen about four of this same design home around town, we were not at a loss for ideas.

Some of you know I sold real estate in the 70s in the Toronto market and so for me, a house that had no garage showing at the front was a beautiful sight to behold: major curb appeal!

Our lot is on a gentle curve and has a 239 foot frontage, so it was easy to set the garage at the front, sideways with windows matching the other side of the entrance. So, the garage door is at the side of the house. Voila! Instance curb appeal! Without being a corner lot, we still have lots of room for a double drive to come up and make a gentle turn into the garage. (Our home is now about 15 years old and we have lived in it for 12 years.)

For my Texas readers, garages in the Toronto area are very prominent and the living space is built on top and behind. Land cost is the whole name of the game.

There is a street in Toronto spelled Inglewood where many famous people, including movie stars filming there, have lived. So the street name had a nice ring.

So, our subdivision - as I said - is inside the city's loop and has many egresses (ways in and out) which was another plus for me.

The great room? Well, when you walk in our front door - greeted by the exuberant "Buddy", you are in a small ceramic-tiled foyer. When you are in the great room, you are first in the dining area. (Remember, to your left as you came in was actually a double garage.)

You come past a curio with my dog figurines and past the buffet and hutch, the table and you are coming upon a chesterfield - ah ha, you thought I would say "sofa" first, didn't you?

(You know, being a Toronto native in Texas, I must be every bit as bilingual as I was in Toronto, only not French, eh?

So, there is a sofa with recliners on both ends facing a loveseat which also reclines. (Texans are pretty casual.)

The sofas and tables are grouped around the fireplace which has bookcases on either side and a lovely mantle, with brickwork up the wall.

The major windows face out to the garden which has a covered patio. As you might have figured out, the backyard is very wide and "Buddy" does a lot of running back and forth there.

At about 10:15 on Wednesday night, this computer went dead as did the power in the entire house. There was no warning, no rumble, nothing. Earlier, there had been Tornado warnings and flash flood warnings, but not exactly for 10 or so blocks away.

Yes, a tornado - not very common for this area, came through and flattened the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Building where people play bingo Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Hubby's name was on the special wall they have there.

Down the block from us, say four houses, trees where flattened to the ground and a little further down, a garage was demolished.

Once again, we were very fortunate! One of our decorative Christmas angels took a fall for us, as did a patio chair and two small limbs.

How blessed we are to have been spared! A very special Christmas Gift this year!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Go to Fido & Fifi today for Five Star Special!

http://fido-and-fifi.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Stop By Lacks Home Furnishings to Donate Food and Baby Items!


blue christmas, originally uploaded by sheram's nest.


Lacks Home Furnishings in Lufkin is having a Trim-A-Tree Charity Contest until Saturday, December 19. Drop by during regular business hours and vote for your favorite tree by placing non-perishable food items and baby items under your favorite organization's tree. Each donated item represents one vote for your organization. Donated food items benefit Godtel Ministries in Livingston, Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Donated baby Items benefit the Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin. Of course, I'd like you to place your donated items/votes under the Pregnancy Help Center Tree which is soooo cute -- decorated in baby items. Thanks!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Believe In Yourself!



Many of you know that I am now into a career that is new for me and that is mentoring/counselling young women who either have a child (or children) or are pregnant. Specifically, I am working with women ages 18 to 21, encouraging them to go back to school.

Many people get side-tracked in life because of so many reasons. A pregnancy often puts other life goals on hold. In our community, we have many services to help young women back to get their high school diploma and go on to college. We have money available, parenting education and child care available. There are people like me to encourage and be cheerleaders.

The statistics reinforce that young people today must have higher education to get along in this very competitive world. We must encourage them to get back to school and be independent, self-respecting citizens.

Although I am just beginning this mission, I can tell you that I am going to really enjoy my "work".

Some of us have had circumstances in our families over which we had no control. Abusive parents, alcoholic parents, poverty, and general lack of encouragement; the physical and spiritual things we need to grow into prosperous adults happen to more people than you may have thought.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ~ Colossians 3:12

Monday, November 9, 2009

Hope You Have Enough For Your Family And A Few Others


This morning, while driving to work, we saw a full parking lot and a line-up of people waiting to get into C.I.S.C. in town to get some food.

Every day I see people who are looking for jobs. There are some jobs, if you really look for them. They are not top paying, but they will help.

This holiday season, more and more people who never had to before are visiting food banks. They are depending on churches and other organizations to help them with gifts and food.

If everyone gives something, no matter how little, these people - many who have never had to ask for anything before - will have a brighter holiday season.

Probably the most touching sight I have seen in the past few weeks was a man with a sign, "Will work for food", with his dog by his side, pacing back and forth on the concrete triangle where they were standing. His dog doesn't know how tough things are. He just knows he belongs with his master.

Please do what you can this season. Blessings to your family and your friends and I hope you have enough for your family and a few others.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Denim & Diamonds Banquet - Thursday, November 12th, Pitser Garrison Civic Center - Lufkin, Texas

The Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin, TX

invities you to the

Denim & Diamonds annual fundraising banquet

with special guest, Ryan Dobson, son of Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson

Thursday, November 12, 2009
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Pitser Garrison Civic Center
Lufkin, Texas

Info at (936) 632-9292

We are looking for Volunteers to help us serve. It is a buffet, but our servers will be bringing beverages, etc. to the tables and cleaning off the tables after dinner. Please call the above number if you can help us.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Too Many Angels - Is There Anything We Can Do To Make It Stop Hurting?



There is a hurt that never goes away. I am sure there are many but I am thinking of one that will always be a part of me. That is the hurt of losing a child. Some of us have lost children in infancy (Robbie was three-and-a-half weeks; Carrie Jane was 6 months).

The questions will always be there . . . why was my baby born sick? Did I do something wrong?

Is there anything people outside the family can do?

If you have any friends who have lost a child, think of something quiet and gentle you can do that will touch their heart and let them know someone cares that they lost their precious little one.

You could call them and say, "Hello. I have been thinking of you. Please know we are praying for you and your family."

The truth is: there is nothing any of us can say that will take away the pain. Knowing people are thinking about them, taking their hand, hugging them, crying with them . . . little things . . . that is all you can do.

God loves all children whether they were born alive on this earth or not: whether their mother was married or not. Children are a precious gift from God and some of them are only with us a very short time.

Even though my children died about 40 years ago, I still wonder . . . why?

Many of you have been praying for Sarah. She is fine, but she has not had her heart surgery yet. Waiting. Wondering. You have to feel for her family.

Five-year-old Hannah is another little girl we have been praying for and she went up to be with the other beautiful angels on Sunday. Please pray for Hannah's family. Details aren't necessary. You know hearts are broken and you wonder why . . . Please pray that her family can go on. Pray that there will be calmness in their grieving.

Please keep praying for Sarah and her medical team and her parents and her older brother, Jason. Keep praying that they get the call soon to have that surgery. Please pray that the surgery goes well.

"Jesus Loves The Little Children . . . All The Little Children Of the World . . . "

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

What A Great Experience!

I really enjoyed being today's guest on Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller's Blog Talk Radio program today.

You can still go to the right of this blog and click on the link to hear that 30 minute program in its entirety.

Hubby thought I would say, "You know" a lot, but I didn't. I don't sound real confident, but then I don't do radio programs every day.

Thanks very much to Carolyn for inviting me and thank you for listening!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Go To Right Side of Blog and Just Click to Link To Blog Talk Radio! Live Air Time is Wed., Oct. 21/09 at 12:00 noon Eastern; 11:00 a.m.Central

Can You Believe It? - This week Dr. Carolyn's guest is me . . .

Life is very full these days! I think I am living proof that if you plant enough seeds, you will harvest a crop!

I think some of you are "harvesting crops" on Facebook with the farms on there . . . right? The part I like about those farms is that they are a nice little distraction from the real world.

You know I'm on Facebook. I visit there at least twice a day. I keep up with the grandchildren and friends all over as well as making new friends and finding a job!

Well, back when President Barack Obama was being inaugurated, a pretty gal named Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller caught my attention with some pictures of herself meeting with her family and going to see the main event back in January! Every time Dr.Carolyn would send a photo, it was just as though I had flown to Washington with her! Then, of course, I cropped the pictures in my scrapbook. I "knew" someone who had actually been THERE! And, I must tell you, that for a gal who has only been an American Citizen for coming up to six years, that was HUGE!

Well, tomorrow, I will be the guest on Dr. Carolyn's Blog Talk Radio Program. You can tune in at the live time, or you can log on and listen later, anytime you want.

Now, in addition to my writing which I have been doing pretty much my entire life, I am mentoring at our Pregnancy Help Center in Lufkin Texas. I work through a grant from Americorps and in addition to my job, I will have scholarships for two years of college.

I can just feel a sequel coming to Bumpy Road To Texas and the working title pretty much has to be NOT FINISHED YET!

Hope you will be listening to the interview live or later and thanks for your interest in my blog! Here's the info:

Getting Good at Life - Radio!

Join Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller on Getting Good at Life! as she interviews some of the most fascinating experts and every day folks that will inspire and give practical insider tips to take your life, business, and ministry to the next level!
Show Notes
Getting Good at Life is a 30 minute program designed to provide inspiration and proven strategies to develop your life, business, and ministry. Your host, Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller possesses a passion for service that goes far beyond the pursuit of professional accolades. As a psychologist and coach, she provides practical solutions to help you get good at life!
Upcoming Episodes
How to Ride the Bumpy Roads of Life
Getting Good at Life
Date / Time: 10/21/2009 11:00 AM
Category: Women
Call-in Number: (646) 716-6910

Sometimes life is like driving down a bumpy road. You may slow down or dodge to the left or right; the key is that you keep moving. How you respond to the potholes of life makes all the difference! Do you ride them well? Or do you get stuck waiting for road construction to be completed? Tune in to Getting Good at Life with Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller as she talks to Martha Sutton, author of Bumpy Road to Texas. Hear how Martha handled her unexpected bumps and learn from her wisdom so you can ride the bumps of life well!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Fall Festival - Saturday, October 17 at Angel of Joy Lutheran Church, Lufkin, Texas



Angel of Joy Lutheran Church, College Drive & Daniel McCall (across from Angelina College) in Lufkin, Texas is hosting their Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be a Church Sponsored Food Booth and also a Bake Booth for Take-Home Treats. Other booths include jewelry, crafts, beauty, household and recycled items. (Vendors are not limited to crafts but no garage sales, please.)
To inquire about booth space and price, please call Charlotte at (936) 824-2653

Come one, come all! Delicious foods to eat there or take home; delicious baked goods (to put in the freezer for Thanksgiving?); lots of beautiful gifts!

REMEMBER LAST YEAR - EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME - PLAN TO COME AGAIN!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Sarah's Surgery Off Again . . .

There was another emergency at TCH (Texas Children's Hospital in Houston) and Sarah's surgery has been delayed again. They are returning home to await another call.

Truly awesome is the number of people praying for Sarah and her family. Also, you would like to know that their Pastor went over and stayed over in a hotel to be with them first thing this morning. We sure have some great Pastors, don't we?

Will try to keep you updated and please keep praying as this starts to eat at resources, vacation days, nerves and patience.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sarah's Surgery On Again - Friday Morning 6:00 a.m.

Please pray that Sarah's surgery will go well. Please pray for her surgeons and the medical team. Thank you everyone!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Keep Praying For Sarah And Her Family

Sarah's surgery was postponed. Another child received lungs. Sarah's family will be called to be rescheduled. Thank you everyone!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Prayers for Sarah


The five-year-old on the left is Sarah Swan and she is having heart surgery this week in Houston, Texas. Sarah was born with a problem and has had treatment over the years. This surgery is the critical one her family and medical team have been building up to over her lifetime.

The gal on the right is her mother, Sharon. I cannot quite remember exactly when I first met Sharon - probably not long after I came to Texas. Sharon is always on the go and is always involved in a project, helping someone, reaching out to someone, organizing something or out having lunch at the tea room.

Today I am wearing a cross I bought from Sharon several years ago when she had a jewelry party at my home. She used to buy Avon from me when I sold that. So, I really can't remember when I didn't know Sharon.

It is not very long ago that I asked you to pray for our granddaughter, Kyla Jayne when she had heart surgery in Iowa. What did Sharon do in addition to praying? She sent a pretty nightgown and a pillow with Kyla's name on it. Sharon and her friend started a program to do this and now it is expanding across the country.

That's what Sharon does. She reaches out to others . . . all the time.

So, this week, could you reach out to Sharon, her husband Todd, her son Jason and most of all to sweet little Sarah and say just a little prayer?

Please pray that her doctors and medical team can give Sarah a healthy, happy life so she will be strong and be able to live a long beautiful life?

By the way, if Sarah were tell you herself about the most important things that have been happening in her life this past month, I think she would tell you about her fifth birthday party with a Barbie theme, but probably she would also tell you about her good morning call from Barbie and her visit to her Mommy's "old office" to see just some of her friends.

Please add Sarah Swan and Family to your own prayers and any Prayer Lists you have.

Children's children are a crown to the aged and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17: 6

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Matthew 19: 14

Saturday, October 3, 2009

A Huge Commitment!

This has probably been one of the best, busiest and fullest weeks of my life. Some of you know that I was accepted into the Americorps Program for two terms and will be mentoring at the Pregnancy Help Center in Lufkin, Texas.

I will be working with young women ages 18 to 21 who either have a child or are pregnant, to encourage them to get their high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Statistics show that people below the poverty line are very likely to not have stayed in school. In today's society, we must have as much education as is possible.

Americorps was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and the first 20,000 people (like myself) started working in programs across the United States the next year.

Right now, I am in training and for a person 69 years old, this is a whole new experience!

I began on Thursday, have the weekend off and will be back at it for three more days starting Monday. My classes are at SFA (Stephen F. Austin University) in Nacogdoches, Texas, about a half hour drive up the road from home.

Hubby is very supportive, as are family and they are proud that I have accepted this challenge and opportunity. I know that their encouragement is helping me tremendously!

The building where I am based at SFA is only about two years ago and it is certainly a unique experience for someone my age. My classroom is up on the second floor with an elevator. In the building . . . and (as Dave Barry would say), I am not making this up . . . there is a huge cafeteria with every kind of food (including a full salad bar), a Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, a Chinese Restaurant, a convenience store and a movie theater with several movies with a $1.00 admission. There is a large area with computers for the use of everyone and several areas with comfortable lounge chairs.

If every senior citizen were to tour this building, they might consider going back to school!

That brings me to the fact that I will also be able to have two scholarships, for two years of Community College (which would cover the whole cost of Angelina College or be doubled for a university like SFA.

The instructors are fabulous and the other Americorps students are a wonderful mix of age and ethnicity. (I want you to know that there are two other women also 69 years old!)

As we live longer and our economy is stretched to the max, I believe we are going to see more and more people going back into the workforce and back to school.

I find I am learning from the younger people but I guess they are learning from the older ones as well.

I told you the other day about Molly and yes, she was there my first day and of course, I gave her my blog address. There are more "Molly's" at this college, than you might think. Walking through the university, one sees lots of bright and smiling faces and sees hope, encouragement and the face of the future. It really looks pretty good!

Commit yourself to instruction; attune your ears to hear words of knowledge.
~ Proverbs 23:12


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Making Lots of Changes

As you found out yesterday, I will be going back to work. First, I will be going for training at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches (Oldest Town in Texas) which is about a half hour drive from home.

The first change we are making is in our routine. We have already been working on that: early to bed and early to rise. (If you were wondering why NBC changed Jay Leno to 9:00 p.m. Central Time, now you know: to accommodate seniors going back to work!)

Baseball - which is my favorite sport - is very accommodating. Here in Central Time Zone, it generally comes on at 7 p.m. , sometimes at 6 p.m. , as long as The Astros or Rangers are not playing on the West Coast. Of course, Houston Astros are very much "out of it" as far as playoff season is concerned.

Football - probably my least favorite sport, mostly because I have trouble understanding it - goes on forever. I am not sure whether that is by the clock or by my mental attitude. This is really too bad, because Hubby likes football and even played it in High School and College.

Basketball - even though I played it in high school - is again not one of my favorite sports. I think it has to do with their clock. Why, when there are only a few minutes on the clock, are there several time outs, causing the game to continue for another half-hour or so?

So, watching sports is something Hubby may have to curtail and that will be hard for him because he is such a fan.

I like to read the morning newspaper to find out what is going on and be up-to-date, so now I have to read the headlines and only have time for the stories I really want to read, the horoscope and the comics. (I'll have to read the rest of the paper in the evening.)

We used to have apples and cheese when we first awakened but now we will have our whole breakfast first thing.

We were able to catch an afternoon nap which gave us a second wind but I don't think I can do that at work!

I do workout in the morning and so, I must still do that! I exercise, not only to lose weight, but to boost my energy. So, I cannot give that up.

So, here we are, with less energy than we had when we were younger, extending our sleep time to keep us up and at 'em.

Oh, yes, this is for those of you who did not figure it out yesterday when I said that now I will become a Sutton . . . Because I will be counselling, I will be joining the four immediate members of our family who do that (currently at a higher level than I).

Wish us well. There will be big changes for Hubby as well as me. He is my backup, you know and no one has better support in my projects than I do! A great Hubby maketh a great wife!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Molly and Me

Hubby and I are about to turn our lives around considerably!

I got a job! I will be counselling/mentoring young women ages 18 to 21 (who have a child or are pregnant) with a goal of them getting their high school diplomas (at a Pregnancy Help Center). I start my training this Thursday and today we went to get acclimatized at the University in Nacogdoches where the training is being held.

Perhaps I better get used to a college environment, because in addition to two rounds of 10 months work, I will be receiving two years' full scholarships.

Me working? Me back in school?

Times are "a changing" and there are a lot more older students in colleges and universities now.

Funny thing: I was telling Hubby that my original thought when I was about 13 was to be a Social Worker. So, here I am.

We were given the tour by a final year student, Molly, who did not seem the slightest bit fazed that a senior might be joining her ranks. When I left, I felt like I belonged there.

Sorry you didn't get to meet Molly - and my guess is that there are lots of young people just like her - because it would make you feel pretty good about where we are headed.

The program that provides this opportunity to me is Americorps, which was founded in the Clinton Administration and is very much in high gear today under Mr. Obama.

I told Molly I was a little nervous about - for instance - if a person her age would feel strange if I were to extend my hand to shake hands.

She smiled, "Oh, not at all". So, I did extend my hand so she would know how much I appreciated her giving us such a royal tour.

At SFA (Stephen F. Austin) University, in the administration building we were in, there are real restaurants like Chic Fil A and Starbucks! And Molly told us there are movies for $1.00 admission! I saw a room full of computers where you can just walk in and work on a project! There was a big container of Hershey kisses in the reception area.

Driving back home, I was thinking about a lot of things. I just found out officially that I will be doing this. Of course, I worry about being a senior in a young people's world.

I think you would be surprised at how well we were treated on campus - first at the guard house by the Campus Police and then by Molly and the crew at the information desk. Each person we passed had kind smiles for us.

I think I have a lot to learn, but I also think I have a lot of support from family.

For those of you who have read Bumpy Road To Texas, I think you will understand when I say I may have finally become a Sutton!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Scrap Pink - This Saturday - Two Vacancies!


Pink Ribbon (Discursive Design) by kretchy13

Because of an unfortunate accident, there are two openings for this event on Saturday. The day will go from 9 - 9 and there will be lots of cropping, great potluck food and prizes. Call Sue Knox, herself a Breast Cancer Survivor to reserve at (936) 632-5444. (Scrapbooks & Memories, Denman Avenue, Lufkin, across from Century 21 Bryan Real Estate. ($15.00, which goes to the cause, covers your day.)

SCRAP PINK: Saturday, September 26, 2009

Proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to benefit breast cancer research. To participate in this all day Scrapbooking Crop, Call Scrapbooks & Memories at (936) 632-5444.

Pink Ribbon (Discursive Design) by kretchy13

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Today's post is a story I wrote about 14 years ago when I was a member of a writer's group in Port Hope, Ontario. You can find it at Fido and Fifi.

http://fido-and-fifi.blogspot.com

The photo, posted with special credit is just like Bobo. I hope you enjoy this fiction which I so seldom write. ~ Thank you, Martha Sutton

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Good Bye, Dear Friend

Our good friend, Harry Farmer, left this world last Friday at age 95.

Harry (on the left with Hubby on the right) was a snowbird from Illinois who starting attending our church a few years ago. Over the years, we were able to get to know Harry and become friends with his family in Texas.

Of course, being from Illinois made Hubby feel even stronger about this special man. Perhaps Hubby likened him to his own father. Harry loved all the hymns and knew all the liturgy and prayers. He always had a smile and was so proud of all his family.

One year when Harry left to go back to his own home for the summer, he said to Hubby,

"Well, if I don't see you here again, I'll see you at the gate."

As we go through life, we don't really meet too many people like Harry. If we did, it would be Heaven right here on earth!

Good Bye, dear friend!
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Friday, September 11, 2009

Remembering 9-11 Through An Immigrant's Eyes


Where were you? Were you on the road, were you at work, were you at home? Where were you on 9-11-01 when the unthinkable happened?

Do you remember George W. Bush sitting, talking to school children when a person came to tell him we had been attacked? Yes, that's right, The President was talking to school children!

Do you remember that it was Tuesday morning early and it was the most beautiful day you could ask for . . . the sun was shining and the sky was clear . . . clear except for those hideous images on every channel - even the music channels - on television sets everywhere.

Hubby and I were finishing packing for a drive up to Terre Haute, Indiana for his College Reunion at Rose-Hulman. We saw the planes as they purposely crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. We saw them crash into the Pentagon and we saw them crash into a field in Pennsylvania.

They missed their target when they went down into that field . . . why? Because passengers overtook the attackers! There was a man who called on his cell phone to alert us and asked the operator to tell his wife how much he loved her. Others called from their offices to also say, "Good-bye".

Was that when we realized it might be a good idea to always have cell phones with us? Even if it is just to say, "Good-bye . . . I love you"?

I was not yet an American Citizen and I felt quite panicky. We were about to get into our car and drive on public highways to go north.

Please understand something about a Canadian who grew up in Toronto. My Father always said that if we were attacked, we would drive north. Well, when you live in Toronto, that makes good sense! If you have enough gas and you just keep on going, you will be in sparsely populated places where nobody thinks about attacking because there are not enough people there . . . and there are no tall buildings. There are lakes and trees and grass and weeds and wildlife . . . nothing anyone would think about attacking.

(For those of you who might not know, about 80% of Canada's population lives within 200 miles of the border with United States of America. So, you don't really have to drive very far to be in a safe place.)

So, having grown up with this mentality, I was having to re-think about what a person would do when they thought they might be attacked. And, make no mistake, Hubby was thinking about Houston and the ship channel and the oil and that we are pretty close to that. Hubby was very anxious to get on the road.

We had a passenger car, not a truck bed with an extra can of gas. We did put lots of water in the trunk and then, I said,

"Oh, oh . . . I better have my papers - my "Green Card" - because I am not even a citizen!"

So, we put together some documents and a few things like you would have in a box for a storm warning and we drove off up the road.

Along the road, we would stop for gas and wait in long lines each time. As the day wore on, the stations were running out of gas to pump!

I called my neighbor and I guess she was watching TV because she told me she was praying for us and gave me this fine piece of advice:

"You watch everything around you! You make sure you know who is beside you and who is behind you!"

Then her daughter, who works at the TV station called and asked about the gas situation.

We called to Rose-Hulman to ask if they were still having the reunion. The answer was, "Yes".

So, we were very careful to stop to get gas more often than we normally would and when we stopped, we turned on the TV in the hotel room immediately.

We called back home and found that our grandson, David who was living in New York was fine and had just left one of the buildings before it was struck. We knew where everyone was.

My fellow Canadian, Peter Jennings - also not yet an American himself - stayed on the air all day and took calls from his children who reassured him they were safe. He wept just as everyone else was doing. It was a day never to be forgotten. A day when someone who hates us so bad did the unthinkable.

Back then, I did not have all the Americana I have now and I recall us stopping in one town and going to a Hancock's fabric store where they were fashioning red, while and blue ribbons and affixing safety pins to them. I bought some ribbon and some pins and made some.

The next day, we made it to Robinson, Illinois. That is Hubby's hometown. We stopped in to visit cousins Bette and Shorty Clements just before heading down the road Keith used to take to get to college when he was a student. When we told him there were no American flags to be found, Shorty (a decorated Veteran) came out with a small flag as we were leaving. He opened the back door of the car and set it on the back deck so you could see it through the window.

You don't forget gestures like that . . .

When we got to Terre Haute (High Ground), we found that almost everyone had made it to the Reunion. Some had to rent cars as planes were grounded.

On the Friday, there were special services across the county and church doors were unlocked. We went inside a church Keith had attended when he was in College and we read Psalm 91.

In October, 2003, I was approved for American Citizenship, having passed the examination with 100% as I had challenged myself to do. We had an amazing party at our church with 150 people coming and going. The Community Band played patriotic music and it was the most amazing celebration ever! I was actually sworn in early the next year in a private ceremony in Houston.

So, I do not take today lightly and I do not forget all the work I did to become an American Citizen. (By the way, I am able to have dual citizenship so I am also a Canadian Citizen as well.

There is a song sung by The Men Of The Deeps called My Father's Immigrant Eyes. I guess that is how you are reading my account of my experiences on 9-11: through an Immigrant's Eyes.

God Bless you and God Bless America!

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow the flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plaque that destroys at midday. ~ Psalm 91: 5, 6 NIV
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Monday, September 7, 2009

If You Want To Watch The President's Address To Students, Here's How!

***The text for President Obama's Speech to Students has now been posted at http://whitehouse.gov ***
On Tuesday, September 8 at noon Eastern - 11:00 a.m. Texas (Central) time, if you want to, you can watch the President's address to the students of the nation.

If I have posted it correctly, you can watch it here. Or, you can go to

http://www.whitehouse.gov

or

You can watch it on TV at C-Span.

I know I am just a Yonge-Street-Texan (a Canadian-born who became an American citizen and lives in Texas) but, by golly, I cannot believe the bruhaha about this speech.

Mr. Obama IS the President and what the heck do people think he is going to say to the students of our nation? If we are going to censor the President, then perhaps we are not the Home of the Brave and the Free.

What do people think Mr. Obama will say to the students? I think he will welcome them to a new school year. He will tell them that studying hard and paying attention in school will get them more opportunities in life. He will wish them all the best for this new school year.

What on earth do people think he would say to students sitting in classrooms?

Perhaps you should find out live tomorrow!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Everybody Should Cook Chicken Today!

Well, at Hubby's recommendation, I just finished reading Leon Hale's blog today. It is about cooking chicken, at his wife's beckoning. I think Hubby wanted me to read this so he could feel a kinship with Leon Hale as he helps cook chicken for our dinner tonight.

We've invited a gal to dinner and we have the chicken breasts - skinless and boneless - just like The Hales - in the 'frig. They should be ready to cook now.

We even purchased a stock pot the other day: yup, a simple stock pot - not to be confused with "crock pot".

We have all the ingredients and spices - pretty similar to what Leon and his "Partner" (wife) used.

We have chicken stock, cooking onions, baby carrots and various spices ready to do this. I think we will simply cook it on the stove although Leon's Partner did place theirs in the oven.

Another difference is that The Hales used a cookbook and my recipe is in my head. (Uh oh . . . )

Yes, I will be encouraging Hubby to wash his hands many times as Mrs. Hale did her husband.

In not too long or stressful a time, we will have a delicious chicken dinner to serve for dinner. We'll put it in the 'frig till this evening when we'll place it on a pretty platter and have a side salad in another bowl. (Yes, we will serve dessert.)

So, in case you were wondering, that's what we're having for dinner.

Of course, all this is Richard Simmons approved. That would be the difference between the Hales' dinner and ours. I am still about 18 pounds from goal which is miraculous (for me) and yes, this recipe is a simple variation on Richard's Sunday cooking meals.

So, what are you having for dinner tonight?

(As an aside, columnists and bloggers traditionally do not refer to their spouses by their names or as husband or wife, hence, Leon's "Partner" and my "Hubby".

To read any of Leon Hale's blogs, just go to the link in the right sidebar of this blog and click on Leon Hale.

Monday, August 31, 2009

SCRAP PINK - SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

S


Scrap Pink will be held again this year at Scrapbooks & Memories on Denman Avenue in Lufkin, Texas, across from Century 21 Real Estate. This event is held across the country.

This is the third Scrap Pink - most of the gals arrive wearing pink with a potluck offering and we crop all day - from 9 to 9! There are lessons, tips and drawings all day long.

Sue Knox, the owner of Scrapbooks and Memories is a Breast Cancer Survivor herself.

There is a $15.00 fee which goes direct to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This event benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Scrap Pink has already donated over $200,00 to breast cancer research.

To sign up for Scrp Pink or for more detials atbout the local event, call (936) 632-5444. Scrap Pink info is also available at http://www.scrappink.com.
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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Pondering Some Lessons of Ted Kennedy

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."
- Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Several years ago, while I was still living in Toronto, I made the mistake of commenting to a native of Massachusetts that I could not understand how Senator Edward Kennedy kept being elected. She let me know in no uncertain terms that Senator Kennedy was held dear by every one of his constituents and was the finest senator a state could possibly have. Of course, now I understand what she said.

Today, on the day of his funeral, we were also given insight to why and how this man was loved and revered by so many.

In particular, his son, Teddy, gave his very personal eulogy where he told of a father who instilled confidence in a 12-year-old who had lost a leg to cancer. In essence, he told his son, Ted Jr. that they - together - would make it up an icy slope together . . . even if it took them all day . . . and that he would help Teddy Jr. do what his son thought he could not.

The story of Ted Kennedy is a story of a person who knew he was not a perfect person. Here is a man who knew he could not make the bad things he had done go away. He knew he could not bring back siblings or children who died. Nor can we. Sometimes, bad stuff happens to us and sometimes, we ourselves cause bad stuff to happen. Only a strong belief in God's grace, forgiveness and redemption can get us to turn our lives around and put ourselves back on course to lead a good and fruitful life.

I have never been sure whether the Kennedy Family had more bad things happen to them, or if it really just seemed that way because they were such a large family.

By the time you are my age, you probably have had some bad things happen . . . death of loved ones, sickness, loss of income, addiction . . . either to yourself or to someone you loved.

It takes less energy to forgive someone and get on with life than it does to mull their transgression around in your mind for the rest of your life. Everybody has bad days when they give up on being nice and sometimes you are the one standing there when they just cannot take it any more. To understand that is to bring peace to your own being and joy to your life.

Many of us - perhaps not all of us - have had some really bad stuff happen to us in our lives. Children die, parents die, spouses die, hearts break, minds break. We have some really rough times and we think our lives will never be smooth again. As I have grown older, I have realized that many people have many of the same wretched things happen to them as I have had. Sometimes I am surprised to realize that perhaps they have not handled it even as well as I.

I call my blog Yonge Street Texan, because I know I will always see Texas through Canadian eyes. Probably because I am a Canadian and raised in Toronto when Canada was still a British Colony, I am a little more conservative and a little more detailed. I take things a little more seriously and do things more "by the book". But if I went back to live in Toronto, I know I would take all I have learned here in Texas and my attitude - while not totally relaxed - would be more calm and I would have more fun.

We can only learn to be the best we can be and we cannot control who are parents were or how healthy we or our children are. We can only try to live healthy lives and must understand that sometimes disease just happens. We can only deal with each aspect of our life as it comes to us and do our very best. We can learn the art of forgiveness and learn that we can generally dust ourselves off and get on with doing our very best and having a very good life.

God Bless!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Cleaning House

There are lots of meanings today for the term "Cleaning House" but I am going to talk about just plain old trying to keep the house clean, tidy and clutter-free.

As we get older, it gets harder and harder just to do the simple vacuuming and washing floors. We keep looking for a vacuum that is easier to use and I think right now we have at least four assorted of different shapes and sizes, with and without cords. We try to find a better mop, a better pail, better dusters. Perhaps you do too!

Sometimes, I think that if we had less stuff it would be easier. So, I give things away, give to the church garage sale, give to the thrift shop and even occasionally have our own garage sale. (Oh, how I hate having a garage sale . . . )

I read every article there is on how to "speed clean"; how to de-clutter; how to keep the house tidy.

As we get older, it just gets harder and harder to do the simplest tasks. Well, some days, the hard part is getting the equipment out into the living area . . .

So, today, we worked hard at it - both of us - and we will do that again tomorrow. Tidying and cleaning is satisfying but it also means hurting knees and backs. One friend cannot do housework because she cannot breathe well enough. And . . . no, we are not ready for an apartment yet.

In the past year, I have visited a lot of homes where people have simply given up. It is becoming more common than you would think to see homes where you can barely find a path to walk through from the entrance. It is becoming less common to be invited to peoples' homes. Gee, we used to go to someone's house to play a board game or cards on a Saturday night.

People seem to be busier than ever and what little time they do have for themselves, they certainly do not want to spend it doing housework. Some households have children but I presume the parents are afraid to ask the them to pitch in. Or perhaps they would rather their children have a more diverse life of sports and hobbies. Can't fault them on that!

When I was a kid, most wives stayed at home. Now, most women work. Not only do they work, but it takes them longer to get to their work. Surely their time at home should be spent with family. We must not forget that they also are chauffeurs, driving their children to and from practices and events. They also need to spend quality time with husbands and family.

(I have not even mentioned laundry, have I?)

About the first five years Hubby and I were married, the amazing Patty used to do all the chores around the house. Patty ultimately went to college and became a registered nurse. She stayed with us until she graduated. Now she is a supervisor at a Home Health Care Company and we gave up long ago trying to replace her.

I still think about the special courses they used to give after work at big companies to teach people how they would spend their free time when computers did everything for us and we had so much spare time. Of course, that never happened!

Most of us . . . even "retirees". . . do all of our bill paying online and balance our accounts online. If there is too much traffic on the internet, sometimes it takes us a long time to get everything done.

Computers did not make time for us . . . in fact computers are challenging us every day and less people are doing more of the work.

We live in challenging times for people of all ages, not the luxurious world we dreamed about twenty years ago!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Dreams and Prayers and Love Do Come True!


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We are a little tired after our driving trip to Iowa so Keith could walk his granddaughter, Keri, down the aisle on Saturday, August 15th to wed her true love, Tim.

Keri and Tim had a dream and they made it come true with lots of love.

The almost-five-year-old you see in the top photo is Kyla Jayne, who you all were praying for when she had her heart surgery not so long ago. She is doing really well . . . as you can see. That is her little sister, Alexis (Lexi), who was also a flower girl. Lexi turned one yesterday.

Hubby traveled with his daughter to Juarez, Mexico to adopt Keri when she was an infant and she has always had a special place in his heart. He was honored to be a part of her wedding. Life is a little gentler now that she has found her soulmate, Tim.

Please wish them all the best in their life together and do keep all of them in your prayers.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Whataburger . . . What A Decor!

We are back from our round trip of 1,700 miles to Iowa where Hubby walked his granddaughter down the aisle at her wedding on Saturday.

We arrived back in northeast Texas last night. This morning we were in a "rest stop" where the decor was distinct Texan. There were all kinds of souvenirs and interesting things to buy. The restroom (Canadian = washroom) doors were painted - the Ladies with a cowgirl and the men's with a cowboy. Man, I was just about to get my camera out . . . Once inside the facility, it was filthy and there - of course - was no toilet paper. Whoa! How is it that a lot of "rest stop" proprietors do not understand that you stop there for gas, bathrooms and coffee? (I think you've heard me say that before!)

In fairness, I must tell you that this trip, we encountered some really excellent stops! The situation was much better than on our drive in May to Toronto.

And then, today in Henderson, Texas - there it was! A BRAND NEW WHATABURGER! It seemed to be a rebuild or a renovation in a 50s decor. I hope you can see that it is absolutely sparkling, as were their restrooms.

(Note to Richard Simmons: yes, Whataburger is now serving salads with LOW CALORIE dressing and yes, I had one!)

I also better explain those panels as it was difficult to capture them in a photo. Three panels are anchored with chrome pillars from a counter to the ceiling. The panels are about 10" thick and contain a large plasma TV. There are guitars on the opposite side. All is covered in Plexiglas. So, the TV is flush with the wall.

I hope our Richmond Hill friends, Shahab and Cathie see this because Shahab could have conceived this idea. It is the sort of thing you see and say . . . oh, wow . . . how good would that look in my home!

I guess I was really taken with the 50s look and the 50s music. But what I really liked was televisions that were in integral part of the decor rather than an object out of place as it has been since it was invented.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Great Customer Service!

We're travelling up the road from Texas to Iowa and we have had one really good experience I'd like to tell you about.

You know how much I want my food to be Richard Simmons approved and you also know what kind of food is generally sold at truck stops and the like.

Well, yesterday, we were really behind the eight-ball and we knew we did not want to go out for dinner when we got to our hotel.

A perky gal who really knew her stuff, put Hubby's Corn Dog in a box along with some packets of mustard. Then she turned to me and said,

"What would you like in your salad - grilled chicken?"

"Yes, please!"

"How about lettuce, tomatoes, a bit of cheese, cucumbers . . . ?"

"Yes, that would be great!"

"And dressing?"

Do you have some lite?"

I do . . . I have lite ranch!"

So, it was that I had a wonderful salad . . . albeit very late last night.

Just wanted to tell you about this because especially when you are away from home, it is really nice to fine someone so obliging. That gal will probably never see me again, but that didn't matter to her! She is busy pleasing one customer at a time.

What a beautiful world it would be if we met people like THAT every day!

Thanks for the great salad and blessings to you!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Another Lively Senior: Esther Williams is 88 Today!

Esther Williams is 88 today! So, if you can recall her pin-up days in the 40s and her movies with the likes of Mickey Rooney and Van Johnson, you just might be a senior now!

Unique to Esther Williams is the fact that she was a champion swimmer. She was slated to participate in the 1940 Summer Olympics but they were canceled because of WWII.

Some of her movies that come to mind are Andy Hardy's Double Life ((1942), Dangerous When Wet (1953) and That's Entertainment (1953).

She has been married four times and her third husband was the late Fernando Lamas.

I was interested to see that she still has a swimwear line and you can take a look at how she looks today, the swimsuits you can purchase, and lots of memorabilia at her website which even has a track of her singing.

http://www.esther-williams.com

Friday, August 7, 2009

Please visit

http://fido-and-fifi.blogspot.com

to find out if Buddy the Lhasa should have his own Facebook page . . .

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Good Things Do Still Happen!

Four of us went over to Mike's B-B-Que in Nacogdoches for lunch today and Hubby had the good fortune to have dropped two twenties on the ground.

Good fortune?

Well, yes, if you drop them in front of an officer of the law, that is.

Thanks very much to our new friend on the Nac Police Force for bringing the twenties to Hubby at our table.

Good things DO still happen!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

How To Replace Toilet Tissue!

There is only one way to place a roll of toilet tissue and that is so the paper rolls over the top, as shown in the photo above.

In industrial holders, this is mandatory! A large, new roll will not roll if inserted with the tissue coming round the bottom.

This is fundamental! People of the World - UNITE!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Go to

http://fido-and-fifi.blogspot.com

to read You Can Be As Smart As Your Dog!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

How To Sell A House

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It strikes me as odd the concept of "staging" a house to sell it. I see real estate ads in the classified section identifying a real estate agent or broker as having taken a course in "staging" a house for sale. I read about it in magazines and I hear people tossing the term around.

So, I googled it and found an article on how to "stage" a house to sell it.

Well, I was selling houses in Ontario for several years and I can assure you that if I had made some of the suggestions from this article, I would have been turfed out the owner's front door. Getting listings to sell was extremely competitive and I am sure the vendor could have located another sales person.

I think people have forgotten - if they knew at one time - what sells houses!

People definitely buy on location. Yes, it's true about: Location, location, location!

But I can tell you from my own experiences in the Toronto and Barrie, Ontario markets - a huge market and a small market, that there are some very odd reasons you would never think of that put a person in a mood to purchase a particular house.

I love to watch the program on the Home & Gardening channel where they show three houses and then tell you which one they pick. I can guess it every time. Why?

Well, people purchase houses for some very emotional and mundane reasons. They will completely overlook something they totally dislike because something else takes their fancy.

People buy houses that are like their Grandmother's house. People buy places with flowers just like they knew when they were kids.

More than once, I have had prospective buyers comment on colors that were hideous to them and still buy the house. One gal commented on the terrible mauve bathroom (which made me feel bad because I had one just like it). Then, she and her husband gave an offer on the house. When I called to tell them their offer had been accepted, do you know what she asked me? Oh, I bet you are ahead of me on this one . . .

"What color was that main bathroom?"

You gotta love that!

Another couple I remember well complained vigorously about the vivid red basement in the split level home. Each year when I visited them in December with their new calendar, that basement was still very red!

When I was selling real estate, I took every course offered by the company I worked with and by TREB - The Toronto Real Estate Board.

The whole principle behind "closing a sale" is to listen very carefully to what your customer is saying and know when to comment and when to say nothing. So, for the red basement and the purple bathroom, if it is only mentioned once, you say nothing.

If it comes up a second time, you could respond with,

"Well, other than that purple bathroom, is the rest of the place to your liking?"

Buyers often "close" the sale themselves and the real estate agent needs to know this. He or she needs to know when to say absolutely nothing.

The worst think I can recall happening to me when showing a house where a grandson was living with the grandmother, was hearing a tiny voice from up in a tree in the backyard:

"You bought it; you got it!"

What a rotten little kid, that was. I wonder where he heard that from? Also, I wonder if the prospective owners heard it? After all, they DID buy it!

So, in selling houses, a lot of the time, it is often when you are quiet that you do your best work!

People say little things like,

"This is just like my Grandmother's."

"Is that tree on my property?"

"Oh, they must have baked a batch of cookies."

"Hmm . . . I love that depression glass on that shelf."

Actually the article I read said that books should be removed from bookcases. Hello? Our house has built-in bookcases on either side of the fireplace and I would never think of taking the books or the knickknacks off them!

Above everything, above all the little things people buy location and price. I sincerely believe that your photos on the side table will never ruin a sale.

Do you know the main selling feature that made us want the house we are in? The Jack and Jill bathroom . . . yup, two doors off the master with a full counter on each side with a full closet on each side. The garden tub is between the closets and the enclosed shower and commode (as they call it in Texas) are opposite.

We had seen the same design before but it cost less in a subdivision that I actually preferred, mostly because it was more accessible for me. (I do not like highways and loops.)

So, those are just a few random thoughts for you to use on some agent trying to clear out your house. You can see an empty house in a sub-division of new homes - so open and bare that you cannot even figure out where anything would go.

Ah, yes, I must tell you about the offer. We made our offer for one dollar over the asking price which had been reduced and was very fair.

When we took possession of our home, Hubby was looking through the kitchen drawers - like engineers do - for the booklets for the appliances, etc. and guess what he found? A looney - that's what! Yup, the seller refunded our dollar!

Note: A Canadian One Dollar Coin is called a Looney (because there is a picture of a loon on it. And just to make you really knowledgable, a two dollar Canadian coin is called a Tooney - just because.)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Wearing My Astronaut Earrings Today!

It was 40 years ago today and Richard Nixon was president. The vision of President John F. Kennedy had come true: Man had landed on the moon!

Today I am wearing a patriotic shirt and my astronaut earrings that I bought at NASA in Houston in the early 90s.

I remember we had just come back from Lake Muskoka in Ontario and we watched the landing on TV. I think all of us remember what we were doing when Neil Armstrong spoke those words:

"One small step for man; One giant leap for mankind!"

. . . and we have never turned back. It just seems natural to us and to younger people, it was just always factual that Captain Kirk was real!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Away From the Economic News . . .












"No, I am not making this up!" was a standard line for Dave Barry. The renowned comedic writer wrote a column for many years in the Miami Herald. For me, one of the funniest things he ever did - and wrote about - was borrowing the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to pick up his children at school.

So, of course, I just had to draw to your attention to a news item that yesterday the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile crashed into a house in Mount Pleasant, about 35 miles south of Milwaukee. The driver was attempting to turn in the driveway and the vehicle went forward when the driver thought it was in reverse.

No one was home; no one was injured and the Company says insurance will cover the damage. On a sad note, the report notes the driver was a woman. Uh oh!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Recession 101: How Much For Dinner?

We all know that we are living in tough financial times. We know that the National Debt is the highest ever. We try to get a grasp of what is going on without watching a news channel 24/7.

There is one thing happening which needs to be noted and known by every person today.

You know from the news that financial corporations and credit card companies are being watched a little more closely than previously.

Some of them had to "borrow money from the government" or take "bailouts".

There is legislation pending which is going to make it tougher on credit card companies. To put it simply, some of these companies are trying to get their houses well in order before the mother-in-law comes for dinner.

Some companies are jumping the gun on raising interest rates for late payments - allowing no grace period at all. Some companies are arbitrarily boosting the percentage you pay.

Now, everybody knows that all Texans are wealthy, but perhaps not enough to pay $23 quadrillion dollars for a dinner at a Wolfgang Puck Restaurant. Yup! That is what a $65.00 dinner was billed on Jon Seale's credit card statement this month.

The NBC Universal article I saw spelled it out this way:

$23,148,855,308,184, 500.00

That is said: 23 quadrillion, 148 trillion, 855 billion, 308 million, 184,00 and 500 dollars.

Hello?

Machines just spit out whatever and apparently humans do not proof the results before they are sent on to customers.

This goes for increases in interest rates, refusals for credit cards, late charges, etc.

Please review every bill that comes into your home. Keep each credit card or debit card receipt. If there is something that does not seem right, do protest. Find out who is at the top of the company and write a letter to that person.

These are times to monitor everything as carefully as possible. These are not the best of times but there is hope. Yes, we are in a recession. The course RECESSION 101 teaches us this: Recessions do end!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Thinking About Melba

One of the first people we met when we moved into the Englewood Subdivision, in November, 1997, was a lady named Melba. She was the President of the Neighborhood Association and there was a meeting at her home to organize the display of Christmas decorations.

In Melba's home was a big central area where you could accommodate lots of people. I soon learned how much she enjoyed being President.

We quickly learned that Englewood was known for its Christmas light display. Most people turned their lights on the first Saturday in December and they went off the day after Christmas.

(In Toronto, I used to drive to neighborhoods known for their displays, now I was living in one! Most people installed lights down their paths and across the curbs. At night, it truly was a "sea of lights".)

Melba and her husband Don, had a large carousel on their corner lot, but the real feature was the giant picture window with dolls. There were dolls of every type and size and they were dressed in elegant Christmas finery.

Great numbers of cars filled with families would slowly drive through the neighborhood with more and more cars as it came real close to Christmas.

At Melba's house, there would be a logjam of cars as people stopped to really get a good look at the dolls.

One of the more interesting parts of the Christmas season - for which Hubby and I volunteered - was the Englewood Patrol. This was a patrol of the neighborhood from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and two cars would cruise the neighborhood ensuring all was safe and no damage done. Melba staffed the base with her home CB and each of us had a CB to talk back and forth to let her know how things were going. We put magnetic signs on each side of the car, "ENGLEWOOD PATROL". Usually, Melba would suggest we pack it in about midnight.

I would take leftover Halloween candy and chips for us to munch on and it was a real fun experience for us, We pretty much memorized not only the displays but the streets.

During the year, Melba would organize events and I served on the executive for one year. Melba truly enjoyed her home and her neighborhood.

Melba's hubby made their corner lot spectacular all year round and it was always pretty to drive past. Melba used to walk through the neighborhood with her dogs and I believe that lady knew every inch of Englewood.

(Englewood was developed by the Bryan Family about 45 years ago and when we moved in, many owners were original. We live in a house built by Michael Bryan in 1995 in what is called the "New Addition". Mr. Bryan Senior, told us of the area before he delveloped it. There was a small lake and a little store and it sure sounded a lot like the Simcoe area in Ontario. I like the area because it is very accessible and inside the Loop. I can easily get everywhere I want to go.)

Melba has been missing from sight for some time now while she battled disease, including cancer.

On Independence Day, Melba died. Today at two we will celebrate the lady who truly loved her home, her dogs, her neighborhood.

Good-bye, gentle friend! Thank you so much for the fond memories!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Buy It And You Will Learn To Use It!



I finally got a digital camera for my birthday. Actually, I picked it out myself in Ontario at a Wal-Mart. This camera is already saving me money because I have been using one time use digital cameras I was purchasing from a drug store chain. (I would take them back and they would make me a disk to put into my computer along with a set of prints.)

Of course, I had absolutely no clue about operating the new camera. It came with a lot of instructions, gizmos and gadgets.

Hubby (The Engineer) says I learn how to do something by doing it. I have no idea if he meant that to be good or bad. Generally he makes pretty nice comments about me so I have to take it as simply factual: I learn by doing.

We all remember how many times we have learned by doing something wrong. I don't think that is what he meant. No, not at all. I think he just simply sees me sit down, fiddle with something and keep at it until I get it going.

My grandmother used to say I had a lot of patience, and I guess either that is true or I am just plain foolish.

Well, anyway, I am still learning how to take pictures and then link the camera to my computer and upload them. I have a nice program called Picasa3 and my pictures actually end up in that program and I can edit them quite nicely, thank you. I'm certain you recognized one of my favorite subjects up there, Buddy the Lhasa.

I don't really have a strong point to make to my readers today other than if you want to do something, like use a real digital camera, do so. Buy it and you will learn it!

That might be a useful message in a time when there are a lot of new devices and gadgets - all that take time to learn, unless you are a teenager!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

This is a nice photo I found of Brooke Shields with Michael Jackson, quite a few years ago. Brooke was one of many who spoke or entertained today at the Memorial Service for Michael at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It ran for over two and a half hours.

I am not sure what we were expecting, but what we watched today - and it was on all the major television networks without commercial interruption - was very fine indeed. A fine tribute.

We, at a distance, will never know the torment of this person or others who have been pushed into the limelight by parents and promoters. Rest in Peace.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Happy 100th Birthday, Mabel Miller!

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Today, Mabel Miller is 100 years old. That seems like a landmark - and it is - but it would be nice if everyone who reaches the century mark could still be well, healthy and alert. None of us wants to be otherwise.

Mable's daughter and son-in-law are Nina & Will Stambaugh. The picture above is from my Citizenship Party five years ago when Mabel was still enjoying life. She often came to Angel of Joy and is just one of the sweetest ladies we have had the privilege to know!

If you look carefully in the background you can see my good friends, Jo White and Bonnie Larson, part of the Team who made that party such a success!