Thinking Of New Years Eve

What will you do this New Years Eve? That is what I am hearing, and Christmas isn't here yet. Are you going for the headache, or ignore it and go to bed? I know we will bowl, because it is a League Bowling night. Afterwards it will be dinner with friends and to their house, where we will have a game night, and I can tease and spoil their cats, and maybe we will just sit around and try to remember someone"s name. Our friends are younger than us, but everyone is younger than us, except God. Still, there is no age limit on this game My daughter is supposed to fly to New York with a girlfriend to watch the ball drop in Time Square. I am happy for her. New experiences make you feel alive, but I wouldn't go to New York to watch Obama drop. That is just me, and yet, I would drive across the States to see a pile of rocks, or a hole in the ground. I know it will be fun for her with a hotel room reserved where she can watch from a window, and not have to stand in the street with a press of strangers. Her friend knows people there, so maybe they can see some of the sights. I hope so. The Big Apple has theater, museums, and of course The Statue Of Liberty. I am looking forward to hearing about her adventure. Whatever your plans are, I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Redneck Christmas

If your beer cooler can be ridden like a scooter, you might be a Redneck. If your Christmas dinner is cooked on an outdoor grill, and includes Mexican food and sweet potatoes, you might be a Redneck. We joined Ricky Dannalley for his family Christmas get together this Saturday. Any one who was at our Garage Thanksgiving will remember him and his family. The food was good. The kids were full of fun, but the grown ups got to play too, when they brought out the beer cooler scooters, and started having races up and down the drive. I got to meet the youngest grand daughter, a beautiful three month old little doll. Their three year old grand daughter entertained everyone with her twin dolls, backpack, and an armload of stuffed dogs. The grandsons crashed their new Christmas cars into concrete until the wheels broke off. If you sat down inside, you were sure to have two or three small dogs jump up on you lap. Before the evening was over, there was standing room only, as family and friends came in out of the cold wind. This was a whole new spin on Christmas.

Collecting

I think sometimes, I am a pack rat. I have always collected something. When I was a kid, it was rocks. I ended up with shelves of them, all identified and labeled. We move and they were left behind. I collected lighters. I didn't smoke, but everyone else did, and they were happy to add to my collection. I had lighters that looked like coke bottles, cameras, pistols, you name it. I tired of them and gave them away. I have, over the years collected coins, stamps, bottles, shells, dolls, bears, old family jewelry, tiny Occupied Japan vases, and old records. They all take up too much space. I don't know where this trait comes from. My mother said the only thing she collected was dust. It is easy to come by, and no one would steal it from her. I think it is the "hunter, gatherer" in my genes. It is the thrill of the hunt. I think, now I am onto something. I can collect sunrises, and sunsets, and scenery wherever I go. Pictures don't cost like they used to. With digital camera and computer, there is no film or development. Thousands can be put on a single disk. Lovely. I can share them while I keep them. Now, I just need to get rid of some of my old collections that try to grow.

Sisters And Butterflies

I watched my sister's kids grow up, the three of them.With three there is sometimes one left out in a game, or slighted, as two bond in their growth. Even in this sometimes painful occasion, they were always aware of each other, and if one was injured, the others were at their side for solace. As the girls got older, they became closer, like room mates, sharing clothes, and adventures. When they were married, they planned to raise their kids together, sharing birthdays, holidays, and play dates. Fate separated them by miles, due to the jobs of their spouses. Still, they keep in touch, by phone and email, and try to visit. It seems odd that they are so far from each other by miles, yet their kids get sick at the same time. They battle the same demons. When there is a misunderstanding between them, it hurts like no one else can hurt them. What an awesome power this is, to bless, or to crush. What destruction there is within them. What a great responsibility they carry. Love, like a butterfly, is beautiful to behold, as it takes flight, but can be crushed and destroyed by carelessness. Sisters, unlike butterflies. are forever.

Computer Warfare

I've sounded off about my battle with Myspace, and my move to a new Home there. Then came another battle, this time with my computer. I was under the impression that I had virus protection for as long as I was on line with AT&T. Everything I received has been scanned before I opened it, and some things I didn't open because I was advised against it. I got no warning that my protection was about to lapse, when suddenly I was startled to see a warning that I had Malware and invaders. Bold signs appeared warning me to scan now to remove what could destroy my computer. I scanned. Another sign said download to finish the destruction of my invaders. This was from Microsoft Windows Security 2009. I downloaded. There was the price..$49.00. I thought that was rather high, so I exited and found another virus protector that was free..Free AVG. I tried to hook it up, and it was refused by my computer. Then for days, every time I started my computer, warnings came up all over the page. My computer slowed, and finally started shutting down for my own protection. I was offended that my own virus protector could be so rude and mean. Yesterday, instead of just clicking off all the warning balloons, I opened the one that said, You may have a Malware trying to take over. Click to find out more. I did. It was the Windows Live logo I have always seen in my updates inside my computer. The Malware was the 2009 Security that I had downloaded. They told me to go to Windows Live One Care, and click on Safety Scanner, then Full Service. I did. A note said for full scan, it may take hours. I left it scanning, and went bowling. When we got back, I woke up my computer, and everything was well and fine again. WOW! They thanked me for using their service, after telling me what all they found, and said be sure to tell my friends about them, and that about once a month I should use them to keep junk out, or I could buy a different part of their service that does it all regularly. How nice. How simple. Now I can play.

Myspace

I am still with Myspace, though I have a different Home now, which has nothing to do with my old profile and vacation stories and pictures. I am so special, I have two sites now, the old long winded one with the scores of pictures, and the new, bare site with the same blue sky background. I have some of my old Friends on my new site, but some, who don't spend much time on their Myspace, don't know I have been moved. It is too lovely a day to stay on this subject. I am going outside to fill in dog holes, lots of holes. Where does the dirt go, when they dig? I know they don't eat it, not all of it.

About To Jump Ship

I am seriously thinking of bailing out of Myspace. I am sick of Tom. So often when I go there to play, the Apps. are missing because he is working on them. Now he messed up Home. It looks like I just started. I can't navigate from Home to Profile and back. It seems like I get stuck on Vacations when I go there, anyway. When I go to blog and see the last one another comes to mind. That is stuck in a rut. I may just desert this one and start a whole new one. Maybe then I can wrap my mind around a whole new idea. New beginnings are a good thing.

Wild Animals As Pets

In case anyone gets soft warm thoughts about raising a wild baby, keep this fresh in your mind. If the baby you get is too old, they will not tame down. I got our squirrel so young, her eyes were not open yet, and she looked like a bald rat, no fluffy tail. I tree blew down with the babies in it. I took Munchy to raise. In raising a baby like this, you have to get the right formula, and be prepared to feed her every couple of hours. To get her to use the potty, you have to stroke her tummy and rear end, to simulate the mother licking her. I didn't lick. I tried raising a couple of new raccoon babies when I was working, and left them at home. They died. I would gather acorns for my Munchy, getting only perfect acorns without holes in them, as holes meant a worm was insides them. One day I missed the hole, until she had it in her grip. I tried to get it back, and she growled at me. She gnawed it open, grabbed the larva and devoured it with relish. My little darling got out of her cage when we were gone for a short time. When we got back, we found chewed wires to our VCR, a rose bush with the roses chewed off, a few bites out of an antique liquor cabinet, and frayed drapes. I let her out to interact with us when we were home. She liked to jump up on Jerry's shoulder and grab his cigarettes, and run in mad patterns around the carpet, scattering them. He had to get down and gather them back up and hide them from her. Then she would sprawl across his head like a Davy Crockett cap, to let him know they were still friends. After she was released in the park, we visited her to be sure she was okay. She knew us, but kept her distance, thinking we may take her again. Jerry was in a bow club that met in this park for a competition, and he spotted her. He held up his hand like he used to, and said, Munchy. She ran up his arm, and sprawled across his head. Everyone was amazed. Some one asked, "How did you do that?" He said,"You gotta know how to talk to animals." A legend was born.

Hunting Update

Yesterday, when our hunter was waiting for deer, he was harassed by squirrels, who ran up and down the trees, throwing acorns and scolding. The deer didn't come to play, so he went for squirrel. After an hour of sitting in the spot they had before claimed, he only saw two, just out of range for his puny pellet rifle. How do they know? Does a hunter have to go packing two different rifles? This morning is thick fog. I think there is a hunter out there now. I don't know how he will know what is in the woods, but I bet the animals do. I am a neutral game watcher. I love venison, but I love the deer. I remember liking squirrel, though it has been years since I've eaten it, but I raised one, Munchy. After having a cute, destructive, mischievous pet for years, I took her to a park full of squirrels, where hunting was not allowed, and released her so she could be what she was meant to be..a provider of food.

Hunting Home style

My big hunter went out this morning, and after sitting in his favorite spot and not seeing any deer, he traded his deer rifle for his pellet rifle and went back for squirrel. We have thousands of them. We have lived in these woods for fourteen years, and never killed one. They breed like the tree rats that they are. I can't hear a pellet rifle in the woods, so I don't know how many he may have. A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do.

Each New Day

It is raining today. I know we are behind in rainfall. Our pond is a foot low. The drive was dusty. Without the rain, the leaves won't hold on long to fulfill their fall beauty. They will just drop from thirst. I love watching the leaves turn their bright gold and burgundy. Each day I go out and look around to see all the changes. Today I do most of my looking from the car port or out windows. We are retired now, and there is no reason to get up early, but we are nearly always up by six. We look at the clock to be sure it isn't a two o'clock false alarm, and if it is anywhere near six,we grab our coffee and go to the window or out the door to see what the morning holds. It is a treat to see the skyline brighten with color, to hear the birds whispering. With the first light of the sun the whispers become a celebration, and we watch the edge of the woods, as does edge out with their fawns to sample the grass. Now it is hunting season, and deer know this is the time of year when madness comes over mankind, and they are not to be trusted. Still, like us, they have to peek out in the morning. Each day holds a gift, a joy, a treasure to hold in the heart and be thankful for. God gives us these blessings, and gives us the desire for them. It's a good thing.

Not Surprised

I was not thrilled with the outcome of the election. I saw it coming. I didn't see any enthusiasm in the Republican camp. Most voted against Obama, not for McCain. He didn't show any enthusiasm. Looking at the other side, they had something to fight for, a black president, wow, a first. If he had visible horns they would vote for him, even if they never voted before. To others, they promised money, or health care, or citizenship, Social Security even if they were illegals, get the rich man, not to mention the vague..change. People voted who didn't even have that right, but nobody was looking. There was a promise for everyone. All you had to do is believe, and get involved. What did the Republicans offer? They could have made something up, but no, they just stuck to security. Well, screw the security, they wanted money and pie in the sky, to be taken care of, dreams fulfilled, promises. Even the angle of photography was wrong. They just looked like mortals. Obama's photo props and shots made him look like Jesus on earth, a God to take care of them, and it worked. Now it is done. He is our leader. All we can do is pray for his mind and heart, that he listens to wise advisers and remembers he works for the people, and not the other way around. Pray for our country, and the Constitution, that governs us. Pray for the people, that they remember it is God that allows or prevents everything. He is our source of happiness, and not who is in power.

Deer

We live in the woods, so I have a stay at home hunter at least until a turkey hunt comes up. I have never had the desire to hunt, but I am for it, as it helps control the deer population, and provides meat that is better for you than beef. I love seeing deer leaping through the woods, and grazing by the creeks. I am moved when I watch fawns playing like puppies. I think deer are one of God's prettiest, most graceful creatures, but they just shouldn't taste so good. Today I stood for an eternity cutting up and packaging venison, and thought of all the other wives who will be doing the same thing when their hero brings in his kill. Some things don't change. Good luck to you big hunters, and to the wives who stand by them.

Prayers And Torture

I want to thank everyone for their prayers for my husband. He got the colostomy, and they found a lot of polyps, and removed them. A procedure that usually takes less than half an hour took an hour and a half. The tests came back not malignant, but pre cancer, which, I imagine is pretty common, but the doctor wants him to do it again in three or four months. That didn't thrill him too much. He had to live on pretty much liquid for a whole day, and drink a couple bottles of super duper pooper stuff, and stay real close to the john. Nice. Then the real horror is the next morning, no coffee. Like the doctor said, it isn't fun, but it beats the alternative. He should have had this done fifteen years ago. Of course they would have liked him to do it every year or so. A really scary thing is I know I need to Get one.

Another Blast From The Past

After my last blog, I had to get out my notes from my baby and drop some toddler wisdom. When Cheri was eighteen months, she asked for a cookie. I said, "No. It's time to eat." She said, Mama, cookies is eat." On her second birthday, I was scraping some of the icing off her cake to make it neater to eat. She said, "Mama, don't peal my cake." When she was two and a half, I put her to bed and forgot to kiss her. She called out, "Can you shake my hand?'' She was a talker. I asked her once, when she was extra chatty, "Don't you ever get tired of talking?''She instantly answered, "It's in my mouth." I know how that is. When she was three, she was sitting on her dad's lap and loving on him. She put her little hand on his face, smiled up at him and said, "You're such a pussycat." At a time like that, my six foot five redneck husband is just that.

Kid's Quips

For more of these treasures, you can go to my sister, as these are her babies' sayings when they were with me. Tonigirl: "Isn't it neat how we can see such big things out of little bitty eyes?" or, when we were all traveling, and her mom was pointing out likely Indian camps of the past, she said, "Get real, Mom, why would Indians set up camp so close to the highway?"How about our Lori, age three, who had been Pentecostal, and not seen make up, watched me putting on mascara, and asked, "Will you comb my lashes?" She had lashes like her girls, so they could be combed. Another time, she pooted. Her eyes got bigger, and she exclaimed, "That nearly blew my caps off." Driving through mountainous country, Tonigirl saw where they were mining, and blasting, and trucks leaving with loads of rock. She watched sadly out the window, and said, "If they don't stop, when I have kids there won't be any mountains to climb. The world will be flat." She was wise beyond her years.

Kids Say The Darndest Things

That is the saying, Kids say the darndest things. There is a very young minded woman who bowls in our league. I asked her about her puppy. She said he is getting big. I asked, What kind is he? She said, Part chow and part A-1. I puzzled over that breed for a minute, and asked, do you mean Heinz 57? Yeah, she said. That's it.

Prayer Warriors

There have been a lot of prayers going up for family members, and those prayers have been answered.Praise God. Now I am asking for prayer for my husband. He did the right thing, and got his colon checked, just to be sure he is in good shape. They found quite a few polyps, and removed them. They will be sent off to be sure they are non malignant. Please be praying with me that the tests come back good on Friday. God is all powerful, and prayers of the righteous availeth much. Thank you, and God bless you all. Aunt Toni.

Sounding Off

I signed on here to make it easier to get into family blogs. This will be where I go with pet peeves,and random rambling. I will keep my blog spot on Myspace upbeat with travel, philosophy, nostalgia, and humor. This will be my growing place. Wish me luck. I tend to feel overwhelmed when I start something new.