That's What We Like About The South!

One thing that makes the South THE SOUTH is the obvious friendliness! 

When I first came to East Texas, I was surprised that everywhere I went, people spoke to me. They greeted me walking in or out of a supermarket. Dining in a restaurant, people coming by would always say “Hello”. 

Of course, I had seen the same sort of friendliness in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and in Ontario small towns. Folks in Newfoundland and on Vancouver Island are very welcoming. Torontonians are in a hurry, and not as friendly as they may have been when I was a kid. But Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and people are pretty friendly there as well. So, I have concluded that Texans are pretty affable people. 

Well, the other day, we lost one of our charter church members and today we had a reception after her funeral. 

Hubby wanted me to tell you about the wonderful meals that just seem to come together. Everybody makes or buys something delicious and brings it to the church. We all sit down and enjoy a wonderful meal. 

Hubby and I greeted at the main door today and received lots of hugs, even from people we had just met occasionally. 

I pointed out to some there for the first time, our window which is what we see from the congregation every Sunday. I thought they would like to see what their friend looked up at every Sunday. And she attended church every Sunday up until about three years ago when Alzheimer’s took over her brain and body. In fact, she used to greet at the door, making people feel welcome as they arrived Sunday morning. 

The colors in the window represent the church calendar year. The White represents Christmas and Epiphany, Purple is Lent, Scarlet is Holy Week, Easter is White, Pentecost is Red, Season after Pentecost is Green and Blue is Advent. In the center is the Dove of Peace. 

Our church is a very friendly church, even for this area. Everyone goes out of their way to make people feel welcome. 

When I first came here, everything was very new to me. The people of Angel of Joy were, in fact waiting for me. They probably wanted to see what Hubby had done, marrying a Crazy Canuck! Back then, we met at the Days Inn. So, twelve years ago, on a Wednesday night in Advent, coming up to Christmas, Keith and I went to one of the famous potluck suppers. 

I was amazed that everyone was greeting me with hugs and welcoming me into their group. I felt as though I belonged. I cannot say that I ever felt like an outsider. Some of the reason for that goes to Hubby who is well-loved and respected and a lot of if is the friendliness of the South! 

Now, you probably already know that I am a pretty outgoing person, so it is not really a stretch for me to be one of the ones welcoming newcomers. After twelve years, I guess I belong in the South!  

Voting - That's a Personal Thing, Eh?

Canadian Government is different from the American system – not better necessarily, just different. I sure don’t intend to give you all the details except to say that it is patterned after the British system. Also, I should let you know that there are not fixed four year terms. A leader can be turfed out by a vote of “non-confidence”. This is vote is instigated by the opposition, which may or may not be at any current time, “Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition”. Rather interesting system for getting rid of a poor leader, don’t you think?

 

In my time there has been a woman (Kim Campbell) who was in office 132 days (1993) and at least two men who were “asked to leave” (Joe Clark and Paul Martin). These were elected, not taking over terms of other Prime Ministers.

 

To balance it off, Pierre Elliott Trudeau (just enough English, just enough French) served 15 years, 164 days. He “brought home the Canadian Constitution” and put Canada on the map. He also is remembered for his various shenanigans which made him a very colorful Prime Minister. Off the top, I recall him dating Barbara Streisand and uttering an obscenity in the House. He swore in a House of Parliament? Ah, yes, but he said that what he said was – get this, Americans – “Fuddle Duddle!” Whoa! Sadly, the breakdown of his marriage was played out on print front pages and national television.

 

I am only telling you a little of what I was used to in Canada. I voted for the person I liked at the time and was not obliged to tell anybody. I did not have a political party name stamped on a card to hand to a Poll Worker.

 

So, after I became an American Citizen, and could vote, imagine my surprise (when we parked and started walking toward the Voting Station) to be approached by a local TV reporter standing beside a camera on tripod.

 

The fellow asked me how I felt about George W. Bush and I lobbied with talk of the misfortunes of having 9-11 and the Iraq war on his watch. When the reporter looked a little puzzled, I launched into the fact that this President, “Is a fine Christian man”.

 

Then he asked exactly who I would be voting for and I said I had never had to answer that in Canada. He turned off his camera, looked around to see there was only Hubby left to interview and said to Hubby,

 

“What am I going to do with that?”

 

I love it! My quote about Mr. Bush was used on the 5, 6 and 10 o’clock news and the bit about not having to answer, was edited out.

 

I am still learning about the American system of 2 four year terms max and not less than 4 years unless you are impeached which would be a little stronger than a vote of non-confidence!

 

Hubby is still trying to help me to understand this straight two party system and more than that just who might be voting for whom.

 

Like I said, “Voting, that’s a personal thing, eh?”

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The All American Family - only We're a Little Older

The All-American Family - Just Like Us, only younger!

It's an Ava Day!

Yes, yes – it’s an Ava day today! I’ve written before about how important Ava has been to me and what an influence she is in my life! (She’s almost 19 months.)

I crop (scrapbook) every photo I’ve taken or anyone else has taken. I sure had to wait a lot of years to have this precious little girl in my life. So, I make the very most of it!

Now, today is her Mama’s birthday, so that is a good reason for Ava to come over. Her Mama is going to find out just how much her life is changing when she sees her gift! Ava, Mommy and Daddy are moving to a house! Ah, now the responsibilities really begin for them!

You can see from the photo I’ve posted that Ava has her eye on the white Standard Poodle in the curio cabinet. I was lucky to be able to capture that! I remember someone giving me a pink Standard Poodle figurine with two little pink poodles when I was little. I loved it. So, I’ve been looking for one for Ava for her new room in her new home.

Ava is pretty – no, she’s beautiful (just like your grandchild) and she can do no wrong (just like your grandchild)!

Ava is a very good person to invite over to eat because she likes really simple stuff. She likes veggies and hot dogs. So, we will have hot dogs today! (Does she get this from her Dad who is a Houston Astros’ fan?) Or does she like them because her very special great-grandpa makes them for her? She doesn’t need the bun and she probably won’t have mustard and she’d like some carrot sticks on the side! Yup, she’s going to be trim like Mama!

I hope that today you have a joy like Ava in your life. Children are true gifts and blessings from God and I thank God every day for Ava!

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mama!

Bring Your Little Fingerprints!

Not Much to Talk About?

Well, yesterday it was Hurricane Gustav. That was newsworthy and hurricanes tend to pre-empt other news. Especially, meteorologists get that crazed look in their eyes! This is what they live for! Junior reporters doing live remotes get their breaks (hoping to follow in Dan Rather’s footsteps)! When Gustav turned out to be gentler than expected (thank goodness), the media was left with virtually nothing to talk about today.

From first thing this morning, every network has done major features on Gov. Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old daughter’s pregnancy. Well, welcome to the real world, all of you!

Many families today – make that huge numbers of families -have to cope with unwed pregnancies and child-rearing of another generation of children. Many of these mothers do not marry the fathers. It is so much of a common thing, and many of us have been touched by this. Yes, it is not right, but it is fact. It’s life today. (Remember, we are no longer looking at the Cleavers as your average family: most mothers work outside the home. This is not the 50s.)

Concerning the coming Presidential Election and the non-stop coverage: let me make a couple of comments and put forth an idea.

The Presidency of the United States is without a doubt the worst job a person could apply for. I mean it! If you get to live out your term, you will come out of possibly an eight-year stint with grey or white hair, plenty of wrinkles and a furrowed brow. You will have a few less friends and influence than you had going in. Your pay will be rather low by today’s standards for top executives but you do get secret service protection for the rest of your life. (Just what everyone wants: someone tailing them to the supermarket or department store.)

As for being Vice President, well, that is a job where you pretty much stay in the background, unless of course, your President dies in office. Sometimes you would become well-enough known to run for President yourself. Of course, that could put you in the situation for as long as 16 years! Whoa!

So, perhaps a few people of enormous credentials have noticed that this just might not be the job they want.

So, when we have a few good people – true patriots who indeed are willing to sacrifice to serve their country – well, what happens?

Let me count some of the ways we knocked off some of the people willing to run. We said they were: too Mormon, too old, too Hispanic, not Hispanic enough, too Libertarian, too show biz, too female, too Black, or perhaps not Black enough . . .

So, shall we set up Gov. Palin as too human?

Some people need to sit back and think about what it would be like to have one of us in the White House. Because, it looks to me as though some of these people are indeed, one of us!

Granted, John McCain is NOT one of us. Not too many of us have gone through the sacrifices this man has, all in the name of love of country. In an era of longevity, he should not be considered old, but of course, he might have a little more money than most of us.

Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle are pretty ordinary people in a country built on immigrants and working people trying to provide quality education and good starts for their children.

Joe Biden has suffered some of the painful events others of us have suffered: widowed with young children to raise and severe afflictions and illness to overcome.

So, perhaps we have something we have not had in the past! Perhaps we can finally elect an individual who can relate to ordinary folks, who are, after all, the employers of the President of the United States of America.

So, as an employer, why not just listen and see who you would like to elect. Because, this time, you have the chance to elect one of us!

Now, is there something else you’d like to talk about?

Well and Safe . . . Awaiting More Rain & Wind

We awoke to a solemn quiet this morning. There is a light breeze and a little rain. Forecast is for more serious rain and wind over the next 48 hours. This is the Gustav residual. People from parts of the Texas coast are being told they may go back home.

Of course, we see there are other disturbances in the Atlantic. Looks like this might be a busier weather season than we had last year.

No newspaper in the driveway this morning. That is a poor way to start the day!

Gustav Update - Rain & Wind Coming

We are expecting lots of rain and wind to reach East Texas soon.

At home, outdoor items are battened down, flags and banners down, door ornament off; trash and recycle bins are in the garage.

Inside are provisions including spare batteries and simple food. What we anticipate is power outage. What we pray for is no damage to our house or fencing.

We are as ready as we can get and have a portable TV and radio.

Here in town are lots of evacuees and there is a feeling of shelter and preparedness.

Thanks for your prayers!

For Better Or For Worse

The comic strip, For Better or for Worse has been written by Canadian Lynn Johnston for 29 years. Today, she has summarized it into the future for us to know what happens to all the characters.

Now, Lynn will go back to elaborate on some of the topics she took on over the years. She talks on her website about being happy with how her drawing has evolved over the years. I get the sense that she might like to fix a few things – how they were drawn – and perhaps elaborate on some of the story lines.

Ah, yes, how good it would be to be able to go back and do a few things a little differently! Since Lynn is doing a fictional story, loosely based on her own family, she will be able to do just that!

One thing I enjoyed over the years, of course, was that this strip was based in Canada, mostly in Ontario. It was nice to see the Toronto skyline with the CN Tower and Canadian flags. I loved reading it each day and seeing various references to Canada and Canadian ways.

You can go to fborfw.com to see details on this strip and right now, they have just posted a biography of Anthony who has finally married Elizabeth.

As a writer, it is hard to imagine trying to convey an entire story in just four frames a day. Longtime readers will recall the Pattersons’ dog, Farley and his heroic death, while rescuing April. (I have tried to explain to my American friends that Farley was probably named after the Canadian writer, Farley Mowat.) Lynn Johnston says she will be bringing Farley back. Gee, I’d like to bring back my dogs, particularly Red the Boxer and Harry the Shih Tzu! But, I am able to write stories about them and to look at their pictures whenever I want. And that is what Lynn Johnston intends to do.

There is much speculation now as to whether all papers currently carrying For Better or For Worse will keep it. Let’s give it some time to see how much people enjoyed this Canadian-spun, homey strip.

http://www.fborfw.com

Be Prepared!

Well, the town is busy, some gas pumps are empty, and we’re a bit edgy. Even though people have been evacuated to our area, we ourselves must be prepared as Hurricane Gustav moves toward Texas. As noted yesterday, a big problem here is power outage, causing us to be pretty hot. Police had to be called to Wal-Mart in one town yesterday because chaos broke out at the bottled water display. Could that be why our supermarket has the water outside the front of the store? There must be some humor to this whole event!

One couple has gone up to Dallas to visit their son but I think they will likely be back by Monday. Another, whose home is in a mobile home park are on their way north to their daughter’s. So, they will be missing from church in the morning. Perhaps some out-of-towners will stop in to pray for themselves, their friends and what they left behind.

People from the Texas Gulf Coast are now headed here and the hotels and tourist homes are solidly booked. Some people will be here from Louisiana. So, it’s busy and a little rude out there.

We just came in from dinner at Catfish King and it seemed very loud there. On the loop, people were sort of rude and rushing. So, a good place to be is home.

We have everything we need and we will pray that as the branches fall during the high winds, that nothing falls on our house.

When people told me about gas stations running out of gas last night, I thought of Hubby and me on 9-11. Back then, I was not yet an American citizen and we were headed to Terre Haute, Indiana for Hubby’s college reunion. Hubby is that Engineer that my Daddy always said you needed for just about everything. (Daddy was right about that!)

As we were preparing to leave, we saw on TV what most people saw happening in New York City that day.

There was one specific thought that came to my mind and any of you from Toronto can relate to that thought.

When I was young, Dad always said if there was any threat, we would just get in the car and drive north.

Well, Daddy’s been gone 46 years and if we drive north from Texas, we’re still a long way from Canada’s northland.

So, what I went back for was my passport, because once you are in Indiana, well you could be headed north . . .

As we drove up the interstates, every time we would stop for gas, we would see signs that there was none or long lines of cars.

Long story short, we made it to Terre Haute and the reunion went on as usual.

When we arrived in Terre Haute (“High Land”), we went to the church Hubby attended when he was there and we prayed. And we read Psalm 91.

Although 9-11 is never forgotten, we made it through as did many others.

We will make it though this storm too – with good planning, a little luck and lots of praying.

Luxurious Vacation

Having been away from the Toronto area and living in East Texas for almost 12 years now, I am able to see more clearly the distinct differences.

We are expecting Hurricane Gustav in three to four days. The last two hurricanes to really impact this area were Katrina, the one that devastated New Orleans and another named Rita.

Katrina impacted our area in that many people came here and on down to Houston to get away. Some never went back; they stayed here.

We happened to be in Shreveport, Louisiana when Katrina was on her way and we left early the last morning of our stay and ambled down back roads to keep away from the heavy traffic on the major thruways.

Rita did bring damage to our area – mostly downed trees and many damaged roofs. She also took out our power, or as you in Ontario know it, “Hydro”.

(Electric power in Ontario is mostly generated from water, such as Niagara Falls and since “Hydra” is the word for water, you get the idea.)

To help you get the humor, let me digress and tell you how much people in Ontario love to leave their city homes, often near water and take a break at a cottage. The humorist Stephen Leacock wrote about how much Ontario folks like to live and vacation near the water.

Well, when I was about 20, a friend of mine invited me to her family’s cottage for a week. Their cottage was actually on an island, their island. Now, I had been to her home which was very large and suitably situated in a fine Toronto neighborhood. I had also been to her family’s hobby farm also with a spacious, comfortable house.

Well, I took a bus from Toronto up to Parry Sound on Georgian Bay (maybe 120 miles) and she came to meet me in a fancy car. We drove to the dock where she parked and we got in to a large and impressive boat.

So, I was not prepared for their island. There was no electricity and no indoor plumbing, only outhouses. (Now, I think there may have been more than one outhouse, which of course is impressive.)

I stayed on the island for a week and actually had a very nice break although at age 20, I did not truly appreciate how nice a break it actually was.

In Texas, so far, I have not heard about people taking this type of vacation.

So far, in our neighborhood, the destruction since I have been here has generally been fallen trees, downed fences (which are mostly wooden), and some roofs damaged. The temperature here gets really hot and the most oppressive thing about a hurricane is the power outage. That means no air-conditioning and when the temperature is 90 – 100 degrees that becomes a major problem. (Air conditioning is not a luxury here.)

So Hubby and I are sitting on our reclining sofa in the late evening and it is not too hot yet. We are in the dark, reclined back, holding hands and I say,

“Do you know what we call this in Ontario?”

“No, what?” (Hubby is a very good straight man and is an Illinois native.)

“A luxurious vacation!”

So, it looks like Gustav is heading our way and let’s pray that it is just a “luxurious vacation” again!

Vanilla & Rocky Road

When I was young, I knew a chap (that’s Canadian or British for “man”) who had a motto and that motto was a credo for him. His name is Frank and his motto was, “What I say is my problem, how you interpret it is your problem!”

That was pretty strong for a person of 18! I still think that! One thing we really had in common was that we both loved to write!

Over the years I have done articles on purebred dogs, grief, prayer, manners, houses, family, scrapbooking – all pretty Vanilla stuff. He likes to tackle more contentious topics and so I’ll say his flavor would be Rocky Road!

I have thought long and hard about why I write about pleasant stuff and you know, it is probably because I do care how you feel about it. Right or wrong, I want you to like me. That of course, is a fault, but perhaps not a grievous one!

While I was reporting for the Uxbridge Times Journal and turning in a story on a car fire at a Tupperware Party up on Toronto Street, Frank was reporting from Capital Hill in Ottawa on national television. So, for me, writing has been an avocation and for Frank, a vocation.

Hubby and I read the newspaper first thing every morning. Now, we used to read two newspapers every morning, but Houston Chronicle decided it no longer wanted to deliver to our address in East Texas. We watch the local and national news. Our living room – and yours – is front and center. We can watch the Iraq war or catch the odd high-speed car chase in L.A. or Houston. No one forgets watching the horrors of 9-11.

So, I guess my feeling is that there is enough “rocky road” stuff and you might just like to read about what my neighbor’s child said when she got off the school bus today.

Probably because I now live in the Bible Belt, I have really good feelings about my church and all the friends I’ve made there. Perhaps you’d like to hear about our Fall Festival or Mardi Gras Party.

The only Mardi Gras I knew in Toronto was an Airedale Terrier who lived next door! Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and in Canada, that would be Shrove or Pancake Tuesday. The big difference is that in Texas, we wear purple, yellow and green (with lots of beads). We serve red beans and rice with a gooey cake chaser.

When I first came here, I didn’t think I was any different from the people I was meeting. oddly enough, they thought I spoke a little funny, eh? I have been teased but not maliciously, and most people here want to know more about Canada. I have a few Canadian friends here and occasionally we compare our thoughts on life in such a casual area.

One thing I have never really developed is the taste for the spicy food and I still ask them to, “kick it down a notch and put the sauce on the side, please”.

Probably because I’m a vanilla person!

We May Not Look It But We Can Bark

Routine: More Than Organization!

Some of us are fairly well organized people, very much into routine. I like to think it is not just because we are older. Hopefully there are lots of people who have their time well-planned.

Because we are seniors, we cannot do the long hours that I know many younger people do. I hear about a lot of people who are only getting six hours sleep each night. Hubby and I need our eight!

I cannot imagine mothers with jobs not being organized. Their life would be chaotic otherwise. Delivery and pick-up times for children dictate somewhat how their days go. So, they are up very early, getting themselves and their youngest children ready.

Hubby and I still set out our clothes the night before so we have no decisions to make about what to wear. I would think mothers do that also, for themselves and their children. If they have babies, they surely have a diaper bag always packed with necessities. Hopefully, their husbands help with some of this. I think some men like to take time out for bath time with little ones and help with getting them to bed. Traditionally, that has been a bonding time for fathers and little ones.

Dinner is perhaps the one time that is not quite what most families would like to have. In homes with teenagers, it is hard to get everyone to sit down at one time.

That is where processed, frozen foods and take-out have taken over many kitchens. Fortunately, we can also purchase ready cut salads in bags in the produce department and cooked dinners at the deli department.

I have one friend whose house is centered around a really large kitchen with a center island with stools and a large sit-down table and chairs at the side. Everyone gravitates to that kitchen and her friends seem to know where to find everything and tend to pitch in. Now, there are seven children in that family and my friend does not have an outside job. One complication for them though is that her husband does work 12 hour shifts several days a week. So, that pretty much puts the onus on her for all routine in that household! One great bonus for that family is their children’s friends coming to their home.

I believe very strongly that if your children’s friends gravitate to your home, you know who they are and you have a better overview of what everyone is doing.

Hubby and I do keep appointments and obligations on a board on the kitchen wall and we do have shelves, and hooks by the door to the garage.

I have an old friend (well, I mean, how hold can he be?) who pens the blog, Mesopotamia West and has written the book, Home Invasion Prevention (lulu.com). He is right about some things, and we do alarm our SUV which is inside the locked, built-in garage. Then, we have one set of keys with the control by that door and another set in our bedroom.

Of course, we have “Buddy” the Lhasa Apso (a guarding canine) who alerts us of outside noises. That way, we can set off that ugly car alarm pretty quickly any time of the day or night.

Next time, I will explain to you why my blog is so vanilla while other peoples’ are more rocky road!


http://www.mesopotamiawest.blogspot.com/

http://www.lulu.com/

Volunteer!

Americans are really good about volunteering and contributing! Not everything can be accomplished by government and we rely heavily on churches, faith-based groups and community organizations to help people live better.

This week, I was talking to the director of an organization in my town that reaches out to people needing food in particular. She mentioned to me that the school supplies in our area – not including a backpack or uniform – are $48.00 this year. She also mentioned that several families found they could not spend this money and still have grocery money, especially if they have more than one child in school!

At our church, we have a group of people who meet on Monday evenings to make quilts for homeless people. Essentially these are easy to carry rolls and we put a pack of personal toiletries with each one. This ministry was created by one of our members who knew of a similar effort up north.

During the year, we have several events to raise funds, either for community or church needs. Sometimes we ask people to bring non-perishable food items or gently used clothing.

Everyone likes to think that we have no needy people in our communities, but the truth is we do – particularly now that groceries, gas and most necessities have increased so much in price.

As we start the fall season in our churches and community organizations, we are going to be asked to pitch in with some special projects.

Everybody has lots to do, but everyone who finds about two hours every week in their schedule to help will find out something special.

When we reach out to help others, we also gain. We will have a feeling of accomplishment and contentment knowing we are helping out our neighborhood or church. We learn new skills, make new friends and start to feel really good about ourselves!

Just a Little Thing . . . for Our Troops

Every month, our Legion Auxiliary sends boxes to troops from our area. They are currently sending about 75 every month. Local churches and individuals donate money for mailing and incidentals the men and women in uniform would like to have and help fill the boxes.

Hubby and I send a letter to go in each box. We put a comic strip top and bottom and here is this month’s letter. Perhaps you know someone who’d like to receive a note from home. Maybe our note will help you compose one for the troops from your area:

Hello Again from East Texas!

After a pretty dry summer, we have been having some major rain. Of course, given that everything is BIG in Texas, we get big droughts and big rains! We’re used to that, right?

We pray for you and hope you have been able to keep dry and able to feel comfortable though we hear your temperatures may be very hot!

The fall cycle of return to school, planning for fall activities, and of course, football, is in process. For all of us and your friends and family, of course the missing link is YOU!

We pray for your safety and safe return home and send you our blessings!

Thank you for all you do to keep America free!

THANK YOU INDEED!