Excuse Me But There's No Apologies Here

Just a quiet moment to pay tribute to all veterans and those actively serving in our armed services.

In our home we appreciate and support our military more than words can express, with no apologies.

And we will never forget your sacrifices so that we may be free.

May God richly bless you and your families. Stay safe dear ones.

Mr. Zip

Welcome to Postcard Friendship Friday.

My contribution today is Mr. Zip.

May 1963
Source
Our home received a similar notice like the one above in the early 1960's. It's too bad my father didn't save his. Who knew this would be a collectible?

I recall my father saying, "Our zip is 32780. Memorize that." (He was a man of few words.) Well, I did and I still remember the zip to this day.

Want to join in the fun of Postcard Friendship Friday? Everyone is welcome. This 'event' is hosted by my good friend Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards. Be sure to leave a message at her blog so we'll all know to visit your place too.

Thanks for coming by! Have a great weekend y'all.

Too Old To Die Young

Happy Birthday To Me!

I LOVE birthdays!

Especially mine.

It means I'm still alive.

I like that.

It annoys all the right people.

So, we're out and about today. Hubby has plans that he won't share with me ... yet ... about what he has in store. So, you'll just have to wait too to see what the Sparkster et. el. where up to today. [smile]

In the meantime, how about some old photos?

The first one is my birthmother. Once I made up my mind to find her, it took me all of three weeks to find her burial location. Yeah, she was deceased by the time I got 'round to locating her. Mary died in a tragic auto accident in June of 1980 in Yulee, Florida, just about 18 months before my search.

Too little, too late.

But ... I have learned oodles about my roots irregardless. I'm still glad I searched (and so are many other folks going by all the e-mail of Thanks I get).

My birthmother, Marian Estelle "Mary" McMahan (left), and a friend
In the above photo, Mary was preggers with me. Being unmarried she wisely allowed me to be adopted by a loving married two parent family. I wish I could have told her "Thank you for not killing me". Sure do appreciate that.

Now finding my birthfather, since he wasn't named on my original birth certificate, is a real detective story! Pappy would have been proud of me. You can run, but you can't hide ... am I right Pappy? Never tell this ol' Bulldog (me) that something can't be done because then I will probably do it.

I've learned a lot in my short 53 years on Earth.

Here's a few of my pearls of wisdom. Feel free to leave your pearls too.

* After all my family research, and helping others do the same, I'm amazed at how closely related we all are.

* Life is very precious and every moment should be treasured. It can be tragically short or painfully long. But a good attitude makes the path a whole lot more pleasant.

* That friends may come and go, but they stay in our hearts forever.

* Our Judeo-Christian western European capitalist culture really is superior to all others. There's no denying history.

* That a loved ones smile or gentle touch at just the right moment is worth more than diamonds and gold.

* And mostly, but certainly not lastly, that God's love above all else stands the tests of time, even unto death. He is always there for us.

Now, off we go to celebrate the end of Sparky Birth Month. [tee hee]

Thanks for coming by and singing "Happy Birthday". Sing loud now so I can hear you!! :o)

Freshly Squeezed Sparky

I'm No Stranger To The Rain

Looky what all this lovely rain has brought us!! Yay! Thank you blessed God and Father for all this rain.


Sensitive Brier (wildflower)


Confederate Jasmine (domestic)
And southeast Georgia has many Hummingbirds. I call them "hummin' bees" because they sound very similar to bees in flight. We had a few earlier but now there must be dozens. Little rascals won't hold still for a photo shoot, so, I apologize for the poor picture quality. Aren't they adorable!?


Ruby Throated Hummingbirds
Hope you enjoyed the visit to our home. Thanks for coming by.

If you own a car, stay tuned for this important announcement

How many of you have seen this obnoxious commercial? I’ve never actually listened to it since I’m quick with the ‘mute’ button. Take note of that advertisers. It’s not being listened to in the Sparky Household.

But this commercial lead me to thinking about this:

You know how the government loves to tax our ’assets’? How dare they call my car, truck and motorcycles assets!!

We have bought tires, paid innumerable local taxes, road taxes, licenses, insurance, waxes, soaps, special washing tools, oil, filters, repairs, CD’s to play in these overpriced lumps of metal while moving rapidly at unsafe speeds, speeding tickets, taken driving lessons, bought a gazillon gallons of gasoline, paid yet more taxes, built another carport, key chains, extra keys … [gasping for breath]

The list goes on and on.

How dare they classify these money suckers on wheels as ‘assets’!


Also, I was reading that there will be no marriage between Volkswagen and Porsche. Forbes

They should move to Massachusetts. They’re not chosey and anything can get married there: animal, vegetable or mineral ... living or dead.

I wonder which one should wear the ring?

Also, there are so many car dealerships closing in America. Forbes

Everybody knows that unless they live on a desert island with their fingers in their ears and have no satellite TV.

It seems that this could not be a good thing but maybe, just maybe, there is a silver lining to all this?

Most people, when asked, do not like to deal with car salesmen.

Therefore, I would like to make a proposal. Pay attention here car manufacturers. You should get directly into the retail market by offering vehicles on-line so that potential car buyers can order from the manufacturer. There could also be major car lots of spankin’ new vehicles in large cities (Atlanta, Miami, etc.) where we could all go to either pick the vehicle of our dreams with a set price or have your special order brought to you by careful driving retirees for a small delivery fee. Or, on a flat bed truck if it makes one more comfortable, I’m easy.

Hmmmmmm? Now, just say “I do”.

I think it might work out well that way. It would certainly cut costs AND keep the manufacturers cranking out vehicles. It should save current jobs and create many real jobs, not made-up pointless government jobs.

My husband also suggested having authorized service centers that would specialize in that particular car or truck and take care of all warranty service. Keep the overhead low. They could be offered from any location that is convenient to the bulk of the customers.

So, car making guys, are you with me so far?

This is basic economics and good customer relations: offer what the customer wants and give good service, keep the overhead low and pass the savings on to the consumer. Everybody’s happy.

Use this economic downturn as an incentive to better yourselves not walk around with your hands out.

Capitalism works. Socialism doesn’t.

I’m just saying.

And that’s my two cents.


Now, let’s talk about houses. How dare the government call this thing an ‘asset’ …

Riding Into History 2009

Yesterday, Saturday the 16th, we attended our first "Riding Into History" event near St. Augustine, Florida. It was held at the World Golf Village just right off I-95 south of Jacksonville.

I'm amazed at how many people attended the event. It was all handled very well, I thought. There was good music (Lynard Skynard), beer, hot dogs and lots of fellow enthusiasts. Everyone was very polite and kindly. It was quite pleasant.

Since we met friends there, after touring all the wonderful vintage motorcycles (and a few bicycles), we opted to eat our noon day meal at O'Steens in old St. Augustine. It's located on Anastasia Blvd (A1A) just across the Bridge of Lions. We used to eat there quite often when we lived in Jax. That's what Jacksonville residents call it: "Jax" for short. O'Steens has the most superb seafood. It's always crowded no matter what time of the day or night one tries to eat there. We had a 45 minute wait, so, my friend and I browsed the antique shop next door. I used to collect antique glass, especially the pink shades, but no longer do so. Our new home doesn't have the shelf space for such collections. I still like to look, though.

Anyway, back to the show. If y'all would like to view the vintage motorcycles, I've uploaded them to MyPhotoAlbum. Hubby only snapped a few photos this time. I think after the visit to Barber's in Alabama, that place spoiled us. We've "seen it, done it" now. [lol]

Enjoy!!

St. John's Church

A postcard featuring St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" speech in 1775.


Join us every friday for the fun! Everyone is welcome. Hosted every Friday by the lovely and gracious Marie at Vintage Postcards.

My Second Childhood

In my early teens, I had brace apparatus on the teeth. Now, in my early 50's, my teeth had become so crooked that they were affecting my ability to chew. So, I decided it was time to get them fixed again.


Just call me tinsel mouth!
Christmas 1971
So I went in this morning and we started the procedure of straightening the teeth. Doc said we're starting on the top ones first. They have to be pushed out, then he can install the braces on the bottom ones.

I had forgotten how much is involved with getting braces.

First, the technician took two x-rays of my jaw. Then, I had to endure the ice cold gooey impressions that have to be made. [yuck!] Then, the technician makes a wax impression of the teeth while closed.

I must have looked like a dog with it's tongue hanging out for that one!

Then I'm moved over into another torture chamber room where that little technician can hurt prepare me for the Orthodontist. My mouth was spread open with some strange apparatus like we were filming the movie "Brazil".

Then the teeth had to be scrubbed, waxed, prepared with smelly adhesive, blow dried ... you name it. It was like having my nails polished (only this didn't feel as good).


" ... and when you smile for the camera ..."
Let me tell ya, it was arduous for this middle-aged lady! My jaw and head hurt after all the pushing and pulling. I'm gonna need several Margarita's to get over this. And I still have to have the bottom teeth braced in a few months.

Gosh, it's gonna be a long two years.



And on a side note, a prayer request please ....


Amberlee
Our little niece gave us a scare yesterday. She was taking a nap after school and her mom glanced over at the couch to check on her. She was rigid, eyes rolled back in her head, vomit foaming from her mouth and generally unresponsive. Her older brother (who happens to be training to be a nurse) checked her vitals, then called 9-1-1. After several tests the emergency room doctor said she had a virus. I still don't know the name of the virus or if it's an accurate diagnosis. Her Mom took her to their usual pediatrician sometime today. If I learn more, I'll let everyone know.

Non Sequitur and Wizard Of Id Cartoons

Notre Dame Students Make A Stand

"Public display of mourning is no longer made by people of fashion, although some flashier kinds of widows may insist on sleeping with only black men during the first year after death." -- P.J. O'Rourke
I feel like our country is the widow. Something died (morals? faith?) and now, like a common harlot, the widow is sleeping with the consequences.

But I read this at FoxNews today "Some Notre Dame Students to Forego Commencement in Protest of Obama Visit". Maybe young people will be the salvation for the country after all. It's very encouraging.

Go Notre Dame!

Oh, yes, and a side note, Neil Cavuto of Fox News interviewed former Vice President Dick Cheney. The piece will air tonight at 6 PM EST.

Sam And The Snake

Sam Jr. and Maxie
Our miniature Schnauzer, Sam Jr., doesn't know when to quit. He's really bad about pushing an issue with whatever animal life is in front of him. He's so contentious that he always has to be Boss Dog in every situation. He darn near got killed by a German Shepherd that lived next door to dad in North Carolina.

For the newbies at my blog, Sam was my father's dog until he died in 2006.

Today, Sam encountered his first snake.

Well, not really his first. The first one that I know of was a Coral Snake in the back yard. I caught him flipping it up in the air one day and put a stop to that! Coral snakes are poisonous. I picked it up and put it out into the woods.

Yeah, I like snakes. So, I saved the little guy's neck (if he has one).

But this time, before I could react, Sam approached the snake, it instinctively coiled and struck Sam right in the throat. Ouch! Now he has two bloody tooth marks on his throat. Rat snakes have very sharp, needle-like teeth.


Actually, this is a good thing. We were hoping that he would mess with a non-poisonous variety first. Southeast Georgia has multitude of Rattle Snakes and they are pretty deadly. Whenever I go strolling in the woods, I'm sure to wear my snake proof boots. They don't always rattle, you know.

So, now poor Sam is laying on the floor, trembling and licking his feet. I put an antiseptic salve on the wound and comforted him as best I could. He'll feel better by morning. But that'll larn 'em. He was lucky ... this time.

Me And The Rhino Virus

YUCK!

That's the only thing I can think of to say.

Hubby and I are suffering from a mild rhino virus this weekend. There's no pucking or anything else disgusting (isn't that a lovely mental image?), but we're moping around the house looking sullen and feeling tired and headachy, mumbling one syllable answers to our one syllable questions.

Such fun.

We're definately not good company today.

Well, at least it's not too bad. Since hubby doesn't feel like cooking I get my favorite meal of junk food (i.e. turkey hot dogs on whole wheat buns with cole slaw and mustard toppings ... drool).


Hey, you don't think I'll sprout a nose horn after all this, do ya?

[giggle]

I pray everyone else is feeling fine and having a wonderful weekend.

Me and my yucky feeling will leave now until my next post. Try not to get too close to the screen. I wouldn't want to spread this Bad Boy.

Now I Know Why It's Called Sweet Home Alabama

Now I understand that song! I've been to southern Alabama many, many times and was not really enamoured. This trip we journeyed to northern Alabama. The Birmingham - Tuscaloosa countrysides, in my never-to-be-humble opinion, are absolutely breathtaking!

This journey to far off lands was to visit the greatly acclaimed Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds near Birmingham. Well, everything good said about it is true. The BVMM is one of the best motorcycle museums I've visited to date.


First, though, we went a little further into Alabama to visit my new good bloggy friend, Gator Mom and her delightful family. This is the first of what I hope are many visits with Gator Mom and family. They sure are nice folks and we had a splendid time. 'The boy' is an intellegent, well-rounded young man. We plan to do something special for him, but don't tell. [shhh] Hubby has something he wants to give the boy that I think he will really treasure.


The museum has multiple over sized statuary scattered about the 720 acres. I wish I had made a note of the name of this one. These out front were about 12 feet high and quite impressive. The driveway up to this place took a while to get there from the highway turn off.


The museum is five floors of vintage motorcycles and a few automobiles, bicycles, and outboard motors. These are all real working machines.


Even the elevator was impressive! It was completely transparent. I have a fear of heights but rode the elevator anyway and I'm glad I did. At least I can say "I did it once".


One of the Easy Rider custom choppers was located for the museum. This was the one that the film crew used in the wreck at the end movie. So, it had to be refurbished and reassembled for display. There are strict rules about DO NOT TOUCH and DO NOT SIT ON BIKES. I can't tell ya how tempting it was to hop on some of these beauties and ride off into that lovely Alabama sunset!

"No officer, I didn't touch the bike!"
Yeah, it's a mannequin. First time I saw this I had to do a double take.


Here we are in front of one of the vintage Triumph displays. I had to drag him away from the Triumph's. :o) "Silly boy, PUT THE CREDIT CARD DOWN!" [lol]

Oh, and a special note, there is a superb Bass Pro Shops practically 'next door' (as next door as over 800 acres will allow). The driveway up to this place alone is worth the stop. It's so overdone with the 'outdoorsy look' that it reminds me of DisneyWorld. The inside was wall-to-wall outdoor clothing, fishing equipment, guns, pet products, etc. There was even a simulator for children to play Nascar. Back to outside: the landscaping was to die for! I now have some really good ideas for future yard projects, on a smaller scale, of course ... (my husband just sighed and rolled his eyes ... ha ha)


Sadly, it was time to leave. We hugged Gator Mom and family goodbye with promises of writing, calling and visiting. It was raining when we left. The roadsides were all green and lush with profusions of lovely nameless wildflowers.

We left Birmingham heading southeast and drove over a small mountain. We're hoping to go back again as much as possible. I just want to live at the museum! Do you think they'd notice if I built a house right on the grounds? [lol]

There are many more photos. The whole enchilada has been uploaded to MyPhotoAlbum. Enjoy!

Zobama's Express From Pajama TV

National Day Of Prayer

Thursday, May 7th, is the National Day of Prayer.

Many churches are meeting of the evening to pray together. Even though we are out-of-state, we play to attend. I would like to make a humble request to all my fellow Christians. I've been given a great burden for our country. We're losing our heritage and our culture every day. My humble request is that all Christ believing people, far and wide, rich or poor, black or white or yellow or pink, to please pray for our Nation ALL DAY in their hearts. Please lift up our leaders to our merciful God and Father for scrutiny. That they be convicted in their hearts and ask to be saved by the blood of Jesus, for their sakes and for our nation. And also that there will be a great revival that the unsaved may know Christ as their Saviour. Jesus loves us all very much and wants all to be saved from the wrath to come.

Maybe if we all pray for mercy, have contrition and humble ourselves before a mighty and fearful God, He will have mercy on us. Only He can bring forth the hope to save our nation from this evil lawless regime. I'm not being a drama queen. This is a real threat and we might still have time to correct it.

I love our country and my fellow man. I only want the best for us all. To live free, have a strong economy and be safe. I know you want that also, not only for ourselves but the generations to come after us.

So, let's be Soldiers for Christ that the lost be saved and our nation brought back from the brink of oblivion.

Thanks y'all. God bless you! Lift high that royal banner and BE BOLD FOR HIM!

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the Cross!
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From vict'ry unto vict'ry
His army shall He lead
Till ev'ry foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed."

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet-call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day!
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger
And strength to strength oppose."

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there."

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next, the victor's song.
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally."

"Stand Up!--Stand Up for Jesus"
by George Duffield, 1818-1888
Text From: THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)

New Cruise Package Available

I was checking cruise lines because I heard the rates are very cheap right now. I found a Somalia cruise package that departs from Sawakin (in the Sudan) and docks at Bagamoya (in Tanzania).

What I found interesting and enlightened is that the cruise is encouraging people to bring their 'High powered weapons' along on the cruise. If you don't have weapons you can rent them right there on the boat. They claim to have a master gunsmith on board and will have reloading parties every afternoon. The cruise lasts from 4-8 days and nights and costs a maximum of $3,200 per person double occupancy (4 days). All the boat does is sail up and down the coast of Somalia waiting to get hijacked by pirates.

Here are some of the costs and claims associated with the package:

* $800.00 US/per day double occupancy (4 day max billing).
M-16 full auto rental $ 25.00/day ammo at 100 rounds of 5.56 armor piercing ammo at 15.95.
* Ak-47 riffle @ No charge. ammo at 100 rounds of 7.62 com block ball ammo at 14.95.
* Barrett M-107 .50 cal sniper rifle rental 55.00/day ammo at 25 rounds 50 cal armor piercing at 9.95.
* Crew members can double as spotters for 30.00 per hour (spotting scope included).
* They even offer RPG's at 75 bucks and 200 dollars for 3 standard loads.
* "Everyone gets use of free complimentary night vision equipment and coffee and snacks on the top deck from 7pm-6am."
* Meals are not included but seem reasonable.

Most cruises offer a mini-bar ... these gung ho entrepreneurs offer ... get this ... "MOUNTED MINIGUN AVAILABLE @ 450.00 per 30 seconds of sustained fire".

"Sign my arse up!", I proclaimed to the computer screen.

They advertise group rates and corporate discounts and even claim "FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY". Sounds like good wholesome fun to me.

They even offer a partial money back if not satisfied.

Here's some text from the ad:

"We guarantee that you will experience at least two hijacking attempts by pirates or we will refund half your money back including gun rental charges and any unused ammo (mini gun charges not included). How can we guarantee you will experience a hijacking? We operate at 5 knots within 12 miles of the coast of Somalia. If an attempted Hijacking does not occur we will turn the boat around and cruise by at 4 knots. We will repeat this for up to 8 days making three passes a day along the entire length of Somalia. At night the boat is fully lit and bottle rockets are shot off at intervals and loud disco music beamed shore side to attract attention. Cabin space is limited so respond quickly. Reserve your package before Feb 29 and get 100 rounds of free tracer ammo in the caliber of your choice."

-----+-----

As if all that isn't enough to whet your appetite, there were a few testimonials.

"I got three confirmed kills on my last trip. I'LL never hunt big game in Africa again. I felt like the Komandant in Schindlers list
---- Lars, Hamburg Germany

"Six attacks in 4 days was more than I expected. I bagged three pirates and my 12yr old son sank two rowboats with the minigun. PIRATES 0 -PASSENGERS-32! Well worth the trip. Just make sure your spotter speaks English."
---- Ned, Salt Lake city, Utah USA

"I haven't had this much fun since flying choppers in NAM. Don't worry about getting shot by pirates as they never even got close to the ship with those weapons they use and their crappy aim. Kinda reminds me of a drunken 'juicer' door gunner we picked up from the motor pool back in Nam."
---'Chopper' Dan, Toledo USA

"Like shooting ducks in a barrel. They turned the ship around and we saw them bleed and cry in the water like little girls. Saw one wounded pirate eaten by sharks. What a laugh riot!! This is a must do."
--- Zeke, Minnahaw Springs, Kentucky USA


Finally, someone had the common sense to cash in AND solve a major problem. These folks deserve a medal!

Dangerous Demographics