Texas Hiatus

Hubby and I are on a much needed two week ... or more ... vacation to the Texas Hill Country. Thought I'd warn ya so you won't think I fell off the face of the earth when I become suddenly ... silent. (Hey, stop applauding out there!)



The doggies are in a loving kennel, the house is in Lock Down mode, the trailer is loaded with food, two motorcycles and various accessories.

We are good to go.

I do plan to keep visiting y'alls blogs of the evenings after long motorcycle rides on those lovely Texas roads. All the hotels we plan to stay at have wireless internet access, except some hoity-toity joint we'll be at in Vanderpool. I'm like Jerry Clower with his TV access. Dang, people, even the Super 8 has internet but not the Vanderpool place that cost about 4 times more! Geez. Well, hubby wants to spend three nights there because the wild bird watching is suppose to be spectacular. It's located on 56 pristine acres with a seven bedroom lodge (we'll have it all to ourselves ... no peeking). It'd had better be worth it, though, to watch me go through withdrawls of the evening from not having my computer hooked up!

HA!

One place we are definately going to visit again is the Sister's Creek Winery in Sisterdale. This time I plan on bringing back two cases of Muscat Canelli that are all mine!! Mine, mine, MINE!! Hubby can bring back his own case or cases as the, um, case may be. Good thing we're taking the trailer, is all I can say. Bwwaahhaa!

We're meeting some motorcycling friends, old and new, in the Hill Country. And we're also hoping to get to meet Pappy and wife Bebe face-to-face for the first time.

So, we should have loads of fun and oodles of exploits to tell you about upon our return.


Well, catchya on the flip flop good buddies!!

Postcard Friendship Friday (03/27)

Texas Hill Country
We are going to be in the Texas Hill Country for two weeks or so and thought this would be appropriate for PFF day.

This postcard was found at Legands of America Lost Treasure of the Texas Hill Country website. There are some stories of buried treasure there.

PFF is hosted by my wonderful friend in France, Marie. See her link on the right hand side to visit her blog. She has many lovely vintage postcards. ============================>

My Bath Time Giveaway Prizes

I'm a winner!

Well, at least according to Hidden Haven Homestead, I am. She's a lady in Fayetteville, North Carolina, who makes vibrant-smelling soap from goats milk. I won a prize! Thank you so much Peggy and Mildred!

How did this prize giving come about?

All I had to do was leave a message at Mildred's Nalley Valley blog for the Bath Time Giveaway. And mine was chosen. Easy as falling off a log. [snapping fingers] Let's see, in a nutshell, all I said was "I love speciality soaps. My birthday is in May ... [clearing throat] but I won't get in a lather if I don't win." I'm not always very clever but I am proof positive that sometimes even a blind hog finds an acorn.

And now I can be a clean hawg. [lol]


The package arrived yesterday, for which I was very excited, but I was too dadgum tired to talk about it last night. Hubby and I had traveled to Savannah for my final neurologist visit and we were both slap tuckered by the time we got home.

I'm cleared for take off, by the way, doc said I can ride 'til my heart's content. The bone in my neck is just about all healed up. Praise God for His wonderful mercy.

So, if you enjoy sweet smelling soaps and lovely handmade items, pop on over to Peggy's blog at Hidden Haven Homestead and cruise through the lovely wares. Tell her Howdy from me and Mildred. She's got the sweet smell of success!

Thank you again Peggy.

Hidden Haven Homestead OR her Etsy website
Peggy Lineberry
584 Stoney Point Road
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Telephone: 910-867-1110

Some Southern Molearchy

Mole
I hope he knew his The Ten Commolements because he's now in Mole ... whatever.

Lucy saved the day as Maxie lazily looks on.
I'm going to get Lucy some "Have Boxer Will Travel" cards.

"You want a piece of me Mole??"
For your entertainment, I found a couple of websites pertaining to Mole humor. There is actually a Mole Day in October. Geez, who knew moles could be so humorous? They're just fur bearin' pesty critters in this yard.

Funny Moles Pictures And Some Jokes
Mole Day Jokes

I won't subject you to any mole, ah, I mean, more puns ...


... promise.

♥ ∞

Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring (1987)

Hubby first watched "Manon of the Spring" after his first colon surgery. He had suffered a ruptured colon from diverticulitis in March 1989 and almost died (I had no idea colons can burst until this happened!). It was truly God's mercy that I got him to the emergency room on time. He had to have a second surgery six weeks later to put everything back together again. It was pretty arduous time for us.

Anyway ...

He was recovering at home, alone, depressed that his life would never be the same, and he watched this on one of the movie channels. It really spoke to him. So, he's enjoyed this series of movies every since. The actor Yves Montand is one of his favorites.

This post is for him.


First in the series is Jean de Florette.

CAST:
Yves Montand ... Cesar Soubeyran dit Le Papet
Daniel Auteuil ... Ugolin
Emmanuelle Béart ... Manon (as Emmanuelle Beart)

ABOUT THE MOVIE:
Co-adapted by director Claude Berri from a novel by Marcel Pagnol, this hugely successful French historical drama concerns a bizarre battle royale over a valuable natural spring in a remote French farming community. City dweller Jean Cadoret (Gérard Depardieu) assumes ownership of the spring when the original owner is accidentally killed by covetous farmer Cesar Soubeyran (Yves Montand). Soubeyran and his equally disreputable nephew Ugolin (Daniel Auteuil) pull every dirty trick in the book to force Cadoret off his land, but the novice farmer stands firm. Although the Soubeyrans appear to gain the upper hand, the audience is assured that they will eventually be foiled by the vengeful daughter of the spring's deceased owner -- thus setting the stage for the film's equally successful sequel, Manon of the Spring.
Written by: by Hal Erickson - allmovie

PLOT: In a rural French village an old man and his only remaining relative cast their covetous eyes on an adjoining vacant property. They need its spring water for growing their flowers, so are dismayed to hear the man who has inherited it is moving in. They block up the spring and watch as their new neighbour tries to keep his crops watered from wells far afield through the hot summer. Though they see his desperate efforts are breaking his health and his wife and daughter's hearts they think only of getting the water.
Written by Jeremy Perkins {jwp@aber.ac.uk}
Source


The second movie to watch is Manon of the Spring. "Manon" is pronounced "Man-yon". This is the one I watched and did enjoy it greatly.

CAST:
Yves Montand ... Cesar Soubeyran dit Le Papet
Daniel Auteuil ... Ugolin
Emmanuelle Béart ... Manon (as Emmanuelle Beart)

PLOT: In this, the sequel to Jean de Florette, Manon (Beart) has grown into a beautiful young shepherdess living in the idyllic Provencal countryside. She determines to take revenge upon the men responsible for the death of her father in the first film.
Written by Martin Urch c/o {mah@imdb.com}

PLOT: In a rural French village an old man and his only remaining relative are successful flower growers using water from a spring on an adjoining property they now own. The grown-up daughter of the previous owner still lives in the hills as a goatherd and comes to realise that not only these two but the whole village knew of the existence of the spring when her father was desperately trying to water his crops. An accident with one of the goats leads her by chance to the source of the spring and the possibility of a terrible revenge.
Written by Jeremy Perkins {jwp@aber.ac.uk}
Source


What starts out as a story of revenge carried to the second generation evolves into one of forgiveness. It's quite touching and teaches a good lesson about life. I hope y'all enjoy them too.

♥ ∞

It Was A Lazy Day In Paradise

Zephyr Lilies
Zephyr Lilies line the roads and fill the fields this time of year.

Tiger Swallowtail On The Azaleas
The butterflies are beginning to make their Springtime appearances.

Azaleas Are Blooming

Lord's Prayer Statue At Greenlawn Cemetery (Waycross)
Stopped by a local cemetery to see if the office was open. It wasn't. They must not work on Saturdays. I'm going to start surveying this one next and will put the information at FindAGrave for other genealogists. Greenlawn is not old but it is quite large. I really need a map of burial locations before beginning. I'll get to the surveying after our Texas vacation.

Sunset At Red Bird Acres
Well, time for y'all to go in and get ready for bed. Sleep good bloggy buddies. Hope you enjoyed the brief stroll through southeast Georgia. Spring has sprung!! Wahoo! I hope your weather is nice too.

♥ ∞

Spring And The Waxwings

Cedar Waxwing In A Savannah Holly Tree
Photo By: Steven R. Hudson
The Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) came through our area this week. They are such lovely birds. I love it when they pass through as it means that Spring has definately arrived. Cedar Waxwings are en route to their summer nesting areas further north.

When they have landed in our yard, they proceeded to strip this tree bare. I don't think there is a single berry left, not even on the ground. The resident mockingbird, who had been guarding it all winter, finally gave up trying to keep the invading hoard off his territory. Poor little guy. At least there are ample bugs out now to keep his belly full.

Spring has sprung, the grass has ris’,
I wonder where the birdie is?
There he is up in the sky,
He dropped some whitewash in my eye!

I‘m alright, I won't cry,
I'm just glad that cows can't fly!
by Anonymous


Happy Spring Y'all!
♥ ∞

Funny Friday And Postcard Friendship Friday (03/20)

For all you who ride "those Triumph death traps" this is for you ... [tee hee] Check out how they embed the motorcycle with humor through osmosis! I always say, British humor is one of the best in the world.




And now for PFF, this is a postcard depicting the first Soviet motorcycle with the engine with the vertical dual cylinders. This machine is (or was) in the Polytechnical museum in Moscow, Russia.


Source

Postcard Friendship Friday is hosted by my wonderful friend Marie. Her link is on the right hand side of this page. ---------------------------------->

♥ ∞

Tough Toenails Bubba

Sam Jr.
Poor Sam. He's had a really rough week. He's getting elderly for a miniature schnauzer at over 10 years old, so, things are starting to fall apart. He's lost most of his teeth and his eye sight is failing. He had been groomed a few days ago and since then had been chewing his right toenail like there's no tomorrow. Every 5 mintues I've had to yell at him.

"Quit it!"

"Stop licking!"

"I'm going to slap a knot on your head!" (I didn't.)

Finally, I figured out that something is wrong. (I'm slow ... so sue me.) Hubby took him to the Veterarian in Waycross. Vet said the nail was 'ringed': broken clear back to the quick and all the way around. It must have gotten caught on the groomers cage by accident. In other words, the nail was hanging on by a thread and everytime he'd walk it would shove up into his foot! Owie! The base was cracked. Thus the intense pain. Well, Vet sedated the little guy and removed the entire nail. $146.80 later Sam is back home and sleeping off the drug on our living room floor. He can't jump up yet.

Oh and he's also on amoxicillin antibiotic ... again. I call it "the pink stuff" because I can never remember the drug name. He was on these same antibiotics not more than a few weeks ago from a head cold contracted from a kennel stay.

And the unexpected expenditures never end ... [sigh] Since the stock market seems to be improving, maybe I should invest in this company? My three dogs health 'issues' alone could keep this drug company afloat for years.

♥ ∞

Whatcya Doin'?

Boy, I wish I had this problem. I have been busier than a one-armed paper hanger this week.

But, I'm happy to be busy because my neck and right shoulder are greatly improved that I'm able to actually perform physical labor again! Yay! For quite some time now all I've been able to do without doubling over in pain is my usual duties of paying the household bills. Hubby always opts out of that one, he hates finances, except when it comes to spending money. [grumble] This week I've done my own vacuuming, un-dusting (private joke in our home), cleaning windows, light gardening, bathing dogs, laundry and so forth. Whew. So you see I've been a Busy Bee!

My step mom, Myra, would have been proud. One thing she always had, even up to about six weeks before her passing, was a clean house. This woman had so much stamina that even with suffering from the devastating disease of Alzheimer's, her home would be spotless and smell fresh.

This lady ran a tight ship, let me tell you! I learned how to vacuum properly (there's the wrong way and there's Myra's way), get dust & pet hair out of corners with an old tooth brush, sanitize a bathroom / kitchen like we're getting ready for surgery, etc. And there were no excuses in her mind. Even though I am not that anal about cleanliness (anymore) I do like a clean, or at least tidy, home.

This is no small task with three dogs that do not cooperate! They have their own pet door. I wish I could teach them to wipe their little paws before entering. [lol] They create the bulk of our work around here. [sigh] But, I love them and put up with it.

Well, I'm a little bit sore on my right side but it's OK. I am ecstatic that I can work around the house and pull my own weight. Hubby does a good job on his own and I appreciate his willingness to clean more than words can say. This whole experience would have been absolute misery without his kindness and thoughtfulness. But it's nice to be back in the saddle.

Speaking of that, I plan to ride the motorcycle in a day or two. I know, I know, it's a week before the doctor has released me but I'm gonna try it anyway. Cross your fingers and toes for me? 'ppreciate it.

All in all I am pleased and oh so grateful that things are getting back to normal for this semi-normal person.

So what's going on in your neck of the woods this week friends?

Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever (Jeremiah 33:11)

♥ ∞

Eleven Most Expensive Catastrophes In History

# 11. Titanic - $150 Million

The sinking of the Titanic is possibly the most famous accident in the world. But it barely makes our list of top 10 most expensive. On April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage and was considered to be the most luxurious ocean liner ever built. Over 1,500 people lost their lives when the ship ran into an iceberg and sunk in frigid waters. The ship cost $7 million to build ($150 million in today's dollars).

# 10. Tanker Truck vs Bridge - $358 Million

On August 26, 2004, a car collided with a tanker truck containing 32,000 liters of fuel on the Wiehltal Bridge in Germany .. The tanker crashed through the guardrail and fell 90 feet off the A4 Autobahn resulting in a huge explosion and fire which destroyed the load-bearing ability of the bridge. Temporary repairs cost $40 million and the cost to replace the bridge is estimated at $318 Million.

# 9. MetroLink Crash - $500 Million

On September 12, 2008, in what was one of the worst train crashes in California history, 25 people were killed when a Metrolink commuter train crashed head-on into a Union Pacific freight train in Los Angeles . It is thought that the Metrolink train may have run through a red signal while the conductor was busy text messaging. Wrongful death lawsuits are expected to cause $500 million in losses for Metrolink.

# 8. B-2 Bomber Crash - $1.4 Billion

Here we have our first billion dollar accident (and we're only at #7 on the list). This B-2 stealth bomber crashed shortly after taking off from an air base in Guam on February 23, 2008. Investigators blamed distorted data in the flight control computers caused by moisture in the system. This resulted in the aircraft making a sudden nose-up move which made the B-2 stall and crash. This was 1 of only 21 ever built and was the most expensive aviation accident in history. Both pilots were able to eject to safety.

# 7. Exxon Valdez - $2.5 Billion

The Exxon Valdez oil spill was not a large one in relation to the world's biggest oil spills, but it was a costly one due to the remote location of Prince William Sound (accessible only by helicopter and boat). On March 24, 1989, 10.8 million gallons of oil was spilled when the ship's master, Joseph Hazelwood, left the controls and the ship crashed into a Reef. The cleanup cost Exxon $2.5 billion.

# 6. Piper Alpha Oil Rig - $3.4 Billion

The world's worst off-shore oil disaster. At one time, it was the world's single largest oil producer, spewing out 317,000 barrels of oil per day. On July 6, 1988, as part of routine maintenance, technicians removed and checked safety valves which were essential in preventing dangerous build-up of liquid gas. There were 100 identical safety valves which were checked. Unfortunately, the technicians made a mistake and forgot to replace one of them. At 10 PM that same night, a technician pressed a start button for the liquid gas pumps and the world's most expensive oil rig accident was set in motion.
Within 2 hours, the 300 foot platform was engulfed in flames. It eventually collapsed, killing 167 workers and resulting in $3.4 Billion in damages.

# 5. Challenger Explosion - $5.5 Billion

The Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after takeoff due on January 28, 1986 due to a faulty O-ring. It failed to seal one of the joints, allowing pressurized gas to reach the outside. This in turn caused the external tank to dump its payload of liquid hydrogen causing a massive explosion. The cost of replacing the Space Shuttle was $2 billion in 1986 ($4.5 billion in today's dollars). The cost of investigation, problem correction, and replacement of lost equipment cost $450 million from 1986-1987 ($1 Billion in today's dollars).

# 4. Prestige Oil Spill - $12 Billion

On November 13, 2002, the Prestige oil tanker was carrying 77,000 tons of heavy fuel oil when one of its twelve tanks burst during a storm off Galicia, Spain. Fearing that the ship would sink, the captain called for help from Spanish rescue workers, expecting them to take the ship into harbour. However, pressure from local authorities forced the captain to steer the ship away from the coast. The captain tried to get help from the French and Portuguese authorities, but they too ordered the ship away from their shores. The storm eventually took its toll on the ship resulting in the tanker splitting in half and releasing 20 million gallons oil into the sea.
According to a report by the Pontevedra Economist Board, the total cleanup cost $12 billion.

# 3. Space Shuttle Columbia - $13 Billion

The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first space worthy shuttle in NASA's orbital fleet. It was destroyed during re-entry over Texas on February 1, 2003 after a hole was punctured in one of the wings during launch 16 days earlier. The original cost of the shuttle was $2 Billion in 1978. That comes out to $6.3 Billion in today's dollars. $500 million was spent on the investigation, making it the costliest aircraft accident investigation in history. The search and recovery of debris cost $300 million.
In the end, the total cost of the accident (not including replacement of the shuttle) came out to $13 Billion according to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

# 2. Chernobyl - $200 Billion

On April 26, 1986, the world witnessed the costliest accident in history. The Chernobyl disaster has been called the biggest socio-economic catastrophe in peacetime history. 50% of the area of Ukraine is in some way contaminated. Over 200,000 people had to be evacuated and resettled while 1.7 million people were directly affected by the disaster. The death toll attributed to Chernobyl, including people who died from cancer years later, is estimated at 125,000. The total costs including cleanup, resettlement, and compensation to victims has been estimated to be roughly $200 Billion. The cost of a new steel shelter for the Chernobyl nuclear plant will cost $2 billion alone. The accident was officially attributed to power plant operators who violated plant procedures and were ignorant of the safety requirements needed.

# 1. 2008 Stimulus Plan

$800 Billion in the first month??? And 53% of our population thought this would be OK.

"Oh, waiter ... check please?!"

Oh, that's right, we've already paid for all this. Including our children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, etc. etc.

It's not just the Dem's, this includes the Republican politians that signed on-board for the phoney stimulus too!
♥ ∞

Happy St. Patrick's Day And An Anniversary

Today is a very special day for hubby and I. 30 years ago we had our first official "date".

Let's see if can briefly explain all the ins and outs of 30 years ago without boring my bloggy friends to tears.

We had known one another for about a year by that March in 1979. We had first met on a SCUBA diving trip to the Florida Keys with a bunch of other divers in April of 1978. I was married to someone else then but we weren't happy. I had made a dreadful mistake and knew it. Hubby-to-be and I accidentally got paired up (one always has a diving buddy) for reasons I can't remember now. We hit it off bit time. That night the whole dive party was seated at the local Keys restaurant and we ended up sitting together. I fell head-over-heels in love with him. He was so personable, humble, intelligent and downright charming. But, being a married lady, I didn't do or say anything about it. Not because I was shy (perish the thought!) but because I was already married and believed in keeping ones obligations until the bitter end. It's just one of my core beliefs. And I may be a lot of things but I'm not one of 'those' things. [lol]

My marriage to first husband finally crumbled. He wasn't a bad guy or physically abusive but we were definitely mismatched. The marriage was over, kaput, finished. First husband had asked for the divorce and I agreed. It was mutual. No contest. I moved out immediately. So sad to watch a marriage die. But one must learn when to move on.

Hubby-to-be and I were still casual friends. He learned in a roundabout way from a mutual friend about the impending divorce. I was staying with said mutual friend that I worked with (she had graciously allowed me to room with her until my new apartment was ready) and hubby-to-be called this friends home. I answered and immediately said "Oh, (friend) isn't here ..." But, Glory Be he had called to talk to ME! I was so thrilled. We set the date, March 17th which happened to be a Saturday that year. We enjoyed our supper at the local Shrimpy's. And we've been together as a couple ever since.

Cool, huh?

Thus begins our 6 month long celebration this year of all our first times together as a couple. He asked me to marry him April 1st. Yeah, April Fools Day! And he did it on bended knee and gave me a gold bracelet. He was so concerned I would think he was joking that he bought the bracelet with his meager salary in hopes I would say "Yes". Bless his heart. Liked I'd say No to him. [pfftt]

I caught him!
Our 30th wedding anniversary is August 11th. We're planning a big get together in Waycross with friends at one of our local favorite restaurants. Then, with doggies safely tucked away in a kennel and the house all locked down, we take off for a foreign land called New England. Never been there, so, I thought this would be a good time to go. It's bloody hot here in the southeast. Hopefully, New England will be cooler with friendly natives. Pray for us, 'k? [roflol] JK - I'm not worried about the locals. I think I can take 'em ... [snort]

Now, if you're still awake (just drink more coffee, it's almost over). Let's get back to the holiday. I had the idea of posting this from my good bloggy friend Lanny.

How about ...

Saint Patrick Icon
A Little History About Today

St. Patrick's Breastplate is contained in the ancient Book of Armagh, from the early ninth century. along with Patrick's authentic "Confession." St. Patrick is said to have written this prayer to strengthen himself with God's protection as he prepared to confront and convert Loegaire, high king of Ireland. I see in it some similarities to Paul's exhortation to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18), except that it is much more detailed. I recommend St. Patrick's prayer to you as a wonderful prayer of spiritual preparedness.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.


I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.

Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort, [i.e., at home]
Christ in the chariot seat, [i.e., travelling by land]
Christ in the poop. [i.e., travelling by water]

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

Other translations are also available. In 1889, Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895), penned the following version at the request of H. H. Dickinson, Dean of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle. He recalls, "I wrote to her suggesting that she should fill a gap in our Irish Church Hymnal by giving us a metrical version of St. Patrick’s "Lorica" and I sent her a carefully collated copy of the best prose translations of it. Within a week she sent me that exquisitely beautiful as well as faithful version which appears in the appendix to our Church Hymnal." The traditional (but not very memorable) tune, was written by Charles V. Stanford (1902). (Information obtained from CyberHymnal.org where a MIDI of the music is available.)

Source

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig
(Gaelic for Happy St. Patrick's Day)!
♥ ∞

Bruce Maloy, Hometown Hero

Somehow, I missed this event in the news recently. I remember my bloggy friend Janeen mentioning this in passing but it didn't stick in my memory because we have a needy neighbor who is eating up a lot of my time. I'm really concerned about my neighbor (how do people let their lives get into such a pickle!?), but that's not what this is about today.

It's about a Hometown Hero in southern Alabama.

I am a Maloy family researcher. They are my blood-kin via my birthfather of the KEITH family clan. My particular branch of Maloy live/lived mostly in southern Alabama in Geneva and Coffee counties. Unfortunately, I don't know any of these good folks as I was adopted out of the family.



Alabama Welder Hailed as Hero For Trying to Stop Mass Murderer
Friday, March 13, 2009
Associated Press

SAMSON, Alabama — Many around Samson knew Bruce Maloy as their town's comedian, a goodhearted, wiry little jokester who was always boasting about hitting it big someday.

In life, he never really got the spotlight he was seeking. But in the days following the massacre that shattered their small Alabama community, some have dropped the comedian label and replaced it with another: Hero.

On Friday, witnesses and authorities said Maloy, the 10th and final victim of Tuesday's shooting rampage by Michael McLendon, single-handedly tried to end the violence with his beat-up old pickup truck.

With gunshots still echoing through downtown Samson and the killer headed toward a bigger city 12 miles away, Maloy chased McLendon's dark red Mitsubishi out of town, ramming the vehicle at least once.

Maloy slowed down the killer briefly, and he may have given police and state troopers time to catch up to McLendon, said Geneva County Chief Deputy Tony Helms. But it cost him his life.

"There's a hero in all of this that nobody is talking about, and that's Bruce Maloy," said Jim Stromenger, a dispatcher with the Samson Police Department.

McLendon shot the 51-year-old welder to death at a lonesome spot on Alabama 52 before eluding police in Geneva and killing himself with a single gunshot to the head at a former workplace, Reliable Products.

"Whether Bruce was following him in an attempt to find out where he went, stop him, I don't know. But I think he deserves recognition for what he did," said Helms.
Helms was one of two officers involved in a dizzying, final shootout with McLendon at Reliable Products, where the killer ran inside and killed himself.

A divorced father with three grown children, Maloy lived in an old trailer off a dirt road on the outskirts of town. Christmas lights still hang from the side.

Maloy's youngest child, 19-year-old Eva Maloy, helped his ex-wife and friends gather a few items from his home Friday as others made funeral arrangements. She's not exactly sure what her father did that day, but the idea of him giving his life to help others wasn't surprising.

"It sounds like him," said Maloy.

Initial reports depicted Maloy as the final victim of random gunshots sprayed by McLendon after he killed his mother, four more relatives and four others in the Alabama's worst mass killing. A truer picture emerged when investigators spoke with witnesses, piecing together details of McLendon's 24-mile path of death, Helms said.
Maloy was stopped at a traffic light on Main Street in Samson, headed west toward his home. Shots rang out to his left at the Big Little Store, and McLendon pulled out of the parking lot going east toward Geneva.

Two workers at Samson Feed and Seed saw Maloy whip his ragged old Isuzu pickup to the left, doing a U-turn and gunning it as he took off after McLendon.

With Maloy behind him, McLendon shot at a hardware store and a car stopped at a red light and kept going. Within seconds, Craig Harrison saw both vehicles speed past his business.

"The car came by and Bruce was right behind him. He wasn't two car lengths away from him," said Harrison, who formerly employed Maloy at Craig's Cycle and Marine. Harrison heard two more shots and believes McLendon was trying to get Maloy off his tail.

Maloy's chase ended 2.4 miles from where it began. Damage to the front of Maloy's truck indicates he rammed McLendon at least once, and the Mitsubishi had damage to its rear, although a police car could have done that.

Near a pipe plant just inside the city limits, McLendon fired at least three shots at Maloy after a collision. Two bullets hit metal, a third went through the windshield and struck Maloy.

Some people didn't like being around Maloy because he was such a big talker, Harrison said. He could be a little obnoxious with his joking and boasting.
But Samson now knows him as someone much different.

"He needs some recognition for what he did," said Harrison. "It was something he always wanted, and now the old boy won't see it."

This article is at FoxNews.

Rest in peace, cousin. May God bless you and your family.

♥ ∞

Sisterhood Award

My exceedingly funny and multi-talented bloggy friend Muse Swings gave me an award today. Way cool! I'm totally delighted and very humbled. Thanks 'Moosey Musey'. I'll wear it with pride.

Now, I'm suppose to share it.

No problem.

But unfortunately, and I apologize for this, I don't have time to spell out all my bloggy friends today and I do love you all. I wouldn't want to accidentaly skip someone. I enjoy hearing about your lives and the wonderful comments that get left here for me to read. That means a lot to me. You are very appreciated my friends. So, if you're here at my blog, feel free to 'take' the Award. I'll share it will all my sisters in Christ, including back to Muse Swings.

Have a wonderful Sunday! God bless y'all. Thanks for stopping by.

♥ ∞

What's Up, Doc? (1972)

What's Up Doc? (1972)
This is one of my all time, absolute, compared to none, fav-or-ite movie. It is A Numbero Uno with me.

"What's Up Doc?" was directed by Peter Bogdanovich and written by Buck Henry. They made a good team, at least in the movie world, that is.

Barbra Streisand plays the lead role of Judy Maxwell. There's a twist at the end that is just a riot.

Ryan O'Neal plays the male lead role of Dr. Howard Bannister. He made an excellent Straight Man.

It has many big name stars one of which was the then unknown Madeline Kuhn in her first starring role as Eunice Burns. Gosh, she was funny in this movie. Poor thing died of cancer in December 3rd, 1999. I miss her comedy.

If you haven't seen the movie, this is the synopsis according to Wikipedia:

What's Up, Doc? is a screwball comedy from 1972. It was intended to pay homage to comparable motion pictures of the 1930s, such as "Bringing Up Baby" (released by RKO Pictures), as well as the Bugs Bunny cartoons — which, like this film, were made by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The story, which takes place in San Francisco, centers on four identical plaid overnight bags and the people who own them.

One of the bags belongs to Howard Bannister, Ph.D. (played by O'Neal), and is filled with igneous "tambula" rocks that have certain musical properties. Bannister, a musicologist from the Iowa Conservatory of Music, and his tightly-wound, overbearing fiancée, Eunice Burns (Madeline Kahn), have come to San Francisco from Iowa in the hope of winning a grant funded by Frederick Larrabee (Austin Pendleton). Howard has a theory about how ancient man may have used rocks to create music. Howard's rival for the grant is the ethically-challenged, dubiously-accented Hugh Simon (Kenneth Mars), who apparently is from Yugoslavia (Croatia) but seems to be doing work in Western Europe.

The second bag belongs to Judy Maxwell (Streisand), and is filled with her clothes, and, interestingly enough, a large dictionary. No matter where Judy goes, trouble happens, from car crashes to spontaneous combustion of hotel rooms. She never finished college, but nevertheless has amassed a considerable amount of knowledge from all of the courses she took at the many institutions of higher learning from which she was expelled.

The third bag belongs to Mrs. Van Hoskins (Mabel Albertson), a rich woman who is using it to store her valuable jewels.

The fourth and last overnight bag belongs to the mysterious "Mr. Smith" (Michael Murphy) and contains top-secret government papers. There is at least some indication that he has them illegally and wishes to make them public. The equally mysterious "Mr. Jones" (Philip Roth) identifies himself as a being from the government, and is on a mission to recover the documents.

Howard, Eunice, Mrs. Van Hoskins, and Mr. Smith all happen to check into the Hotel Bristol at the same time, whereupon Judy lodges herself there without paying and begins pursuing Howard (to his bewilderment), two hotel employees (Sorrell Booke and Stefan Gierasch) attempt to steal the jewels belonging to Mrs. Van Hoskins, and Mr. Jones attempts to get the bag belonging to Mr. Smith. Over the course of the evening, the bags get switched willy-nilly from room to room as the four parties unwittingly take one another's suitcases. Howard ends up with the jewels, Judy with the documents, Mr. Smith with the clothes, and the thieves end up with the rocks. Few people ever actually open the bags to confirm that what they think they have is what they actually possess. Meanwhile, Judy manages both to secure the grant for Howard while masquerading as Eunice and to destroy his hotel room. The following day, everyone makes their way to Mr. Larrabee's home where a shooting ensues, Howard and Judy take all the bags and are chased up and down the hills of San Francisco on a delivery bike and a Volkswagon Beetle (after they crash the bike into a costume shop) by the thieves, Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, Eunice, Simon, Larabee and a few roped-in bystanders. They go through Chinatown, down Lombard Street, and eventually into San Francisco Bay. All the protagonists finally end up in court, under the gavel of a world-weary and curmudgeonly judge (Liam Dunn) who, improbably, turns out to be Judy's father.

WARNING: Below is the Spoiler!.
In the end, everything is cleared up, Mrs. Van Hoskins pays the considerable damages in Howard's name with the reward money he would have received for the return of her jewels, the hotel thieves are forced to flee the country and the papers are put back in the hands of the government (though perhaps not for long...). More importantly, Judy exposes Simon as a fraud and plagiarist, Eunice leaves Howard for Larabee and Judy announces she is taking one more pass at college — studying Music History at the Iowa Conservatory of Music. The film ends a suitably romantic (and silly) note as Howard and Judy share an airborne kiss while their in-flight movie shows the Bugs Bunny cartoon that gave the film its name.

Source

I love this movie and never tire of watching it. I'm not a 'fan' of Barbara Streisand as I don't like her as a person nor her politics. (This was made back before she was so nutty.) But whenever I need a Pick Me Up, I pop in the DVD and it's instant joy. I hope you enjoy it too.

Have a great Sunday y'all!

♥ ∞

Obituary For Common Sense

It's 'funny' as I was going to post the Obituary For Common Sense anyway when I read this at FoxNews today. They'd have a cow with me as I always carry a 9mm in my pants pocket! Ewww, better lock down the schools and run for cover! Gosh. I hope this poor lady has a good defender and takes her kids out of the Public School. Money talks ...

Maine Mother Charged With Packing Pistol in Pants While Picking Children Up at School

"LEWISTON, Maine — Police say a Lewiston woman is facing charges after showing up at an elementary school with a handgun tucked into the waistband of her pants.

Police say 30-year-old Tylor Austin had a 9 mm pistol when she walked into the principal's office at Montello Elementary School to pick up her three children Friday morning. She is charged with possession of a firearm on school property.

Lt. Mark Cornelio said Austin didn't make any threats and later told police she was carrying the gun for self-defense after taking out a protection order arising from a bad relationship. The school went into lockdown before police arrived. Nobody was hurt."

Source

Of course, no one was hurt ... sadly, what's below really fits in modern America.

NOTE: I didn't write the Obituary. I wish I knew who the Author was as I'd like to give them credit. It's pure genius! :o)

OBITUARY FOR COMMON SENSE

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:

I Know My Rights

I Want It Now

Someone Else Is To Blame

I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

♥ ∞

Postcard Friendship Friday (03/13)

Now how about this unique postcard someone found on eBay:

"Offered for sale on eBay is a possibly unique post card signed by Elvis and posted on January 15th 1955 (using a 2 cent stamp).

The post card reads "Dear Al. Your a heart breaker if you don't help me with my "Milk Cow Blues Boogie." Sun Records Thanks Elvis Presley" and it is addressed to Al Robinson KSYL Alexandria La.

The post card was taped in Al's scrap book so there are some tape marks on the edge.

Robinson tells the story about the postcard and about the only booking of an Elvis show he ever did (for 165 dollars) on the clip below.

In case you're wondering: bidding begins at 250,000 $US." Source: Elvis Information Network

Postcard Friendship Friday is hosted by my friend Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards. Pay her lovely blog a visit if y'all have time.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

♥ ∞

I Don't Hurt No Mo'

Today, I was able to ride the mower to mulch the leaves on our acreage for the first time in literally months! My neck surgery to fuse two discs together was February 4th, so, I consider this healing to be quite rapid. No more neck pain, no more numbness on the right side, no more sitting for hours in my easy chair with a heating pad trying to alleviate the ache.


However, I got this far from the house on the 4 acres that's open (the rest is all natural) ... and had to stop. I was starting to ache and I freaked. I eased the mower up towards the house and hollered, "Honey! Can you finish this please?"


Honey did. Even though he is so congested from the dust and pollen he could barely breath, poor guy. Out he bounded from the house and hopped on the zero turning radius mower. My hero. "I'll have a cold one waiting on ya when you're done, babe." And I did.


I laughingly refer to this part of the yard as The Back 40. See the cemetery way in the background? That's the Mill Creek Cemetery which is over 100 years old. I help the caretaker watch for 4 wheelers and other unauthorized trespassers.


So I walked around the yard with the camera, since my mowing enterprise was temporarily curtailed. Boy, do we need rain ... badly! However, there's a few flowers starting to bloom, mostly wild flowers. However, the Red Honeysuckle is doing pretty good in spite of the drought.


And for some weird reason, I took a photo of the front door. I carry this Red Bird Acres thing to the extreme. Ya think!? [lol]

Anyway, I was so excited, I had to let everyone know how much better I feel. I'll bet next will be *(drum roll please)* a motorcycle ride!! Wahoo! Then I can break in my new helmet.

Opps, hope that's not a poor choice of words.

Hope y'all are doin' good too and have a great evening!

♥ ∞

Leave It To Me ...

... to have something nice for 5 seconds and I have to trash it up! Y'all remember the new pearl white helmet I bought at the last International Motorcycle Show? Well ... the decals finally arrived!!

Check it out ...
The back now proudly displays "Sparky" in pink with a purple butterfly above the name.

While both sides now have purple flowers emblazed across the lid opening.

I've even got Hubby into the act! He put his National Guard Insignia on the back of his Nolan. He wants a sticker with his nickname of "Stumpshooter" now. (I've got groovy Jammie's there, don't ya think?)

We are getting so ready for our trip to the Texas Hill Country this April! Maybe Pappy could make the Blue Bonnets be in bloom for our visit? :o) Pray for rain, guys, pray for rain.

"I'm ready for my closeup now Mr. Damile."
You can see how 'helpful' the dogs all where. Lucy was tanning herself in my office and the schnauzers ...

"Is it time to eat yet."
... look like they need a Do Not Disturb sign! Lazy rascals. At least they could clean the pet hair off the sofa and pick up their toys. [lol]

♥ ∞

Wordless Wednesday (03/11)

Florida Scrub Jay

Yellow Throated Warbler

All Photos By: Kirk M. Rogers.
Scroll down to "Recent Additions".

♥ ∞

I Need A Day Of Rest

Whew, yesterday's Orient Express Bloggyland Adventure plumb wore me out! This traveling to foreign ports is for young people. I'm old, crotchity and like my easy chair.

Geez.

I'll see y'all tomorrow ... or not. [giggle]

♥ ∞

Orient Express Bloggyland Adventure

Welcome Aboard!
It’s time for the Orient Express Bloggyland Adventure hosted by Muse-Swings.
I'm all packed and ready for the transport.

I hope I brought enough clothing?

My good friend Hercule Poirot dropped by as I was packing my bags.


I asked him to travel along since I was carrying all my jewels and most particularly the ...
... Emerald Cross Pendant rumored to have been carried by St. Patrick himself when he was eradicating the snakes in my homeland of Ireland. It's a very, very precious piece of jewelry.

My travel outfit is this lovely little number by Christian Dior.
"Oh, this old thing?
Why this is what I wear to vacuum, dawlink."

And for those formal evenings aboard the train, I thought my 'Cygne Noir' (Black Swan) 1949 evening dress by Christian Dior would be just the ticket. It's made of silk satin and velvet. Oh la la. My good friend the Baroness Antoinette de Ginsbourg also has one but I specifically asked her not to wear hers this time.


So ring the bell for the Wagon Lits. We’re traveling into history. On June 5, 1883 the first 'Express d'Orient' left Paris for Vienna. Vienna remained the terminus until October 4, 1883. The train was officially renamed Orient Express in 1891. Source

Different Routes Available
So, join us in the dining room for tea and crumpets or a first class meal. The food is wonderful here. I’m there and waiting on y’all. Hope to see you there!

♥ ∞

Sparky's Celebrity Look-Alikes

As usual, Muse Swings started this. "But Mom, Li'l Cindi started it!" She issued a Double Dog Dare for all us go make our own Celebrity Look-Alike Collage.

Well, at least I don't resemble one of the Marx Brothers or Dracula. Not too bad, not too bad. I'm deeply honored that I resemble Lucille Ball! Wow, she is one of my favorite comedians. Hubby always says that I'm a big clown too.

Now go make your own. It's free at MyHeritage.Com. Click on Celebrity Collage to create your own.

... and I Triple Dog Dare ya!! :o)

Have fun y'all.

♥ ∞

Cold Comfort Farm (1995)

Another obscure, quiet movie y'all may have missed is the English film "Cold Comfort Farm" (1995, comedy).

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons is a comic novel. It was made into a movie and released to the public in 1996.

The setting is England in the early 1930's, 20 year old Flora Poste, a recently orphaned 19-year-old socialite, moves in with her country relatives, the gloomy Starkadders of Cold Comfort Farm. Everyone on the gloomy farm is completely around the twist, but Flora tries to sort everything out. But Flora discovered a new branch of her family tree ... the one with all the nuts.

It's one comic situation after another.

If you're a big fan of English comedy, you'll probably recognize many of the cast.

Some Of The Cast:

Joanna Lumley as Mrs. Smiling (of AbFab fame)

Kate Beckinsale as the orphaned Flora Poste

Ian McKellen as the overly religious Amos Starkadder

Miriam Margolyes as the sensible housekeeper Mrs. Beetle


Part 1 of 10
Here ya go Lanny. Now you can waste another afternoon at YouTube ... tee hee

Let me know if you've seen this movie. I now have it on DVD and never tire of watching it. Enjoy!

♥ ∞

In A Vietnam Vet's Own Words

I'm Tired
by Robert A. Hall

I'll be 63 soon. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce, and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to spread the wealth around to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy or stupid to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to keep people in their homes. Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the leftwing Congress critters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the basis for this crises in housing take on the financial responsibility.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women's rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela. Won't multiculturalism be beautiful?

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a Religion of Peace, when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family honor; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't believers; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for adultery; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Quran and Sharia law tells them to.

I believe a man should be judged by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin. I'm tired of being told that race doesn't matter in the post-racial world of President Obama, when it's all that matters is affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of US Senators from Illinois. I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the emancipation proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less in an all-knowing government.

I'm tired of a news media that thinks Bush's fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but think Obama's, at triple the cost, were wonderful; that thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress; that picked over every line of Bush's military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his; that slammed Palin with two years as governor for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as an absent senator as potentially the best president ever.

Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn't vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I'm tired of being told that, out of tolerance for other cultures, we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's and, if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease and I must help support and treat them and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called undocumented workers, especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, Undocumented Pharmacists? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare or who serves honorably for three years in our military. Those are the citizens we need.

I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people than themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. I'm tired of people telling me we need bi-partisanship. I live in Illinois where the Illinois Democrats and Republicans have worked together harmoniously to loot the public for years. And I notice that the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet are bi-partisan as well.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were poor. The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to get to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter.

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts state senate. He blogs at www.tartanmarine.blogspot.com.

---

And a profound short paragraph ....

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom.

What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005 ~~

♥ ∞

No Applause, Just Throw Money

Well, well, well. Imagine my surprise when Jennifer at We're In Good Shape gave my humble little blog an award.

ME! Mwa! Oh, thank you! Air kissy kissy! Thank you! I would like to thank the little people who made all this possible ... Oh, they love me so! [giggle] Nah, I really am touched ... and humbled ... and all that good stuff.

"This award acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values with each message they write. Awards like this have been created with the intention of promoting community among Bloggers. It’s a way to show appreciation and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.”

Well, I don't know that I do all that but I am opinionated.

So, I am suppose to pass this little jewel on. Can you feel the tension in the air? Stop yawning out there!

I want to give it to all my blog buddies but I think I'm only suppose to choose about three. So, these are my choices:

1. Pappy's Balderdash by Dennis ~ I finally found someone as opinionated as me but he's better at articulating thoughts. I tend to get distracted when writing ... oh, look, a bunny ... what was I saying? Oh, and he and wife enjoy motorcycles too. It doesn't get any better than that. Careful there, he's a retired cop. Now keep your hands where I can see 'em mister ... !

2. Nanny Goats In Panties by Margaret ~ Yeah, you heard me right. They wear panties, wanna fight about it? [lol] Nah, she's not confrontational but from her hilarious take on Rosy Palms (ya gotta read it) to how it sucks to be in Hawaii when it's freezing cold back home, she's really, really, really funny. Really.

3. It's The Dirt by Lanny ~ No, no, it doesn't have X rated posts. Not that kind of dirt! Really people, get your minds outta the gutter. It's because you read Rosy Palms above isn't it? [sigh] Anyway, Dirt is her husband's nickname. They farm. Have livestock. Farm some more. Share recipes. Her blog is so entertaining that even her comments are worth having at your blog. Make friends with her and see for yourself.

So enjoy. Now don't bother me anymore. I'm feigning Writer's Block and enjoying the brief hiatus.

ROFLOL!! And truly, many thanks again.

♥ ∞

Postard Friendship Friday (03/06)

Dog and Boy on Indian Motorcycle

I found this nifty little number on the 'net at Apex Postcards. Apex states the postcard is "Velox Stampbox, c. 1900-1910". So, I guess the postcard is about 100 years old. Wow.

The boy doesn't look very happy, does he? Maybe he wants to ride and not sit around waiting for a picture to develop. Let's let the boy go now ...

Postcard Friendship Friday is hosted by my friend Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards. Pay her lovely blog a visit if y'all have time.

♥ ∞

Writer's Block And A Joke Or Two

I have a serious case of Writer's Block this week. I can't get interested in anything at the moment.

Could be the weather ... (Baby, it's cold outside)

Could be the recovery time from my neck surgery is taking so *&#$^% long and I haven't been able to ride ... [whimper]

Could be the tanking ecomony ... (What was your first clue?!)

Could be my 'stars' are not aligned right in the heavens ...

Could be ... ah, heck who knows?? Any excuse would fit.

I .. am .. not .. a .. ray .. of .. sunshine .. today ..

Sooooo ...

How about a little humor to brighten the day and pass the time?

++ A Joke For The Gentlemen ++
How To Understand Estrogenese

FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use "fine" to describe how a woman looks - this will cause you to have one of those arguments.

FIVE MINUTES
This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so it's an even trade.

NOTHING
This means "something," and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with "Fine".

GO AHEAD (With Raised Eyebrows)
This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine".

GO AHEAD (Normal Eyebrows)
This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care" You will get a "Raised Eyebrow Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment, and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

SOFT SIGH
Again, not a word, but a non-verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" mean that she is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe, and she will stay content.

THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you back for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and in conjunction with a "Raised Eyebrow."

GO AHEAD!
At some point in the near future, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

PLEASE DO
This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance with the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay".

THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not faint. Just say you're welcome.

THANKS A LOT
This is much different from "Thanks." A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have offended her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing".

++ A Joke For The Ladies ++
A mild-mannered man was tired of being bossed around by his wife so he went to a psychiatrist.

The psychiatrist said he needed to build his self-esteem, and so gave him a book on assertiveness, which he read on the way home.

He had finished the book by the time he reached his house.

The man stormed into the house and walked up to his wife.

Pointing a finger in her face, he said, "From now on, I want you to know that I am the man of this house, and my word is law! I want you to prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, I expect a sumptuous dessert afterward. Then, after dinner, you're going to draw me my bath so I can relax. And when I'm finished with my bath, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?"

"The funeral director," said his wife.

+++
Hope I at least made ya smile!

And maybe this uncharacteristic sour mood and lack of ideas will pass in a day or two. [sigh]

♥ ∞

Wordless Wednesday (03/04)

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Orient Express Blog Day Adventure

All Aboard!
The Orient Express is boarding in Paris on Monday, March 9th, and you are invited!

My blog buddy Muse Swings is hosting the event. Simply pop over to her blog and leave a message at the link above. That way we can all visit one another that day.

So pack your bags and join us for the fun! Everyone is invited.

Hope to see you there ...

♥ ∞

Avanti! (1972)

Avanti!

Another one of my favorite movies, that I never tire of watching is "Avanti!". This movie was released to theatres in 1972.

In a nutshell, the story is a successful businessman (Jack Lemmon) who goes to Italy to arrange for the return of his tycoon-father's body only to discover dad died with his mistress of long standing.

Plot Summary: Baltimore industrialist Wendell Armbruster (Jack Lemmon) crosses paths with London shop girl Pamela Piggott (Juliet Mills) when they come to Ischia to pick up the bodies of her mother and his father, who have been killed in an automobile accident after a ten-year summertime affair. Straitlaced Wendell tries to avoid a scandal while free-spirited Pamela is impressed by the romantic setting. After some confusion with the bodies and a blackmail attempt by unscrupulous locals, Wendell and Pamela extend their parent's affair into the next generation.
Source



You'll remember the English actress Juliet Mills from the short run TV show "Nanny and the Professor" (1970-1971). She exudes an adorable personality and makes the story so much fun.

The Director was Billy Wilder. I thought he did a superb job in the timing of the jokes.

And for anyone who understands the laid back way of how the Italian's 'work' and think, it's an absolute laugh riot from beginning to end.

Caution: Being a 'foreign' film it does have some brief nudity but it is all very tastefully done and does fit into the story.

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PS: Off subject but the first race of the season for World SuperBike starts today at 4:00 PM EST on Speed channel. It should be really exciting as the new rider for Yamaha, Ben Spies (pronounced SPEEZE), has the pole position today. He's American and we're pulling for him.

I'm gonna have my 'secretary' (i.e. answer machine) hold all my calls this afternoon ... [lol]

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