Thistle Patch Hill

Where oh where

2010-08-31T15:31:00.000-04:00

Have all my gadgets gone? I have tried reverting to my old template and then back to new and back to old and on and on and still, yet, my gadgets that are to be on the right are on the V E R Y bottom of my page. WHY? When I go to the view that lets you edit gadgets and rearrange them they are there? I went to a help forum and found I am not alone? Anyone else having problems? Anyone else find a solution? If you did, please, let me know what it is! Thanks!

Blogger

2010-08-31T12:12:00.001-04:00

I thought I was pretty computer literate until I started fooling with the new Blogger template. Geesh! Now I am frustrated. I can't get the layout to work. Despite choosing the layout I am unable to apply it to my blog. Anyone else have these issues or is it just me? And here I thought I was ready to get back to regular blogging again.....

Working on the house

2010-08-18T20:53:00.006-04:00

I am still not back to blogging regularly but thought I would post a few pictures of the house now that construction is complete. And now I also see I need to spend time working on this blog. For some reason it all went haywire. To salvage it somewhat I applied a new template but now...what a mess. For another day!

Mom's bedroom and bathroom are completed. The living room needs a few more touches. The basement is still a major work in progress as we unpack boxes and sort. One of these days we will actually find time to start our morning with coffee at the little table outside the dining room window.

Our construction is drawing to a close!

2010-07-07T14:38:00.002-04:00

I never would have dreamed that this process would be so quick. It has been fun-most days. The work crews have been so great that we joke we will miss having them here each day. Once we have the decorating underway we will post more pictures. For now you can catch up with the new pictures I posted on the blog devoted to the addition here.

May we ask God to continue to pour His blessings on our great country!

2010-07-04T11:57:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

2010-06-30T13:23:00.002-04:00

Construction on our addition is coming to an end and we are getting anxious. It has actually been a very positive experience but no matter how positive the experience, there is only so much one can take! We spend most of our days at home as there are crews here working. The only places we can move about freely, or should I say the only places with accessible furniture, are two bedrooms and the kitchen, oh and the deck. It is too hot to enjoy the deck right now. Even the cars have had to sit in the driveway as the garage is packed!

I was told that I can't move furniture in yet- there is still electrical, HVAC, plumbing and touch up work to be done. This morning I decided to be defiant. I moved ladders, trim, and doors so I could reach the one sofa that remained in the living room. I uncovered it and since I could not find my handy sliders, put dust rags under each leg and started shoving. I shoved it to the window where mom and I sat and ate our lunch of yogurt. Ah, heaven! What a change from the kitchen table! As we sat and looked out the windows I asked mom what she was seeing and she said that she was looking for a bear to come out of the woods! I kept looking for "the others." You see, we have been watching LOST on DVD and are on season 3. I had heard about it but never watched it. I am hooked!

Celebrate our Flag Today

2010-06-14T09:37:00.001-04:00

New Blog for our addition...

2010-06-12T10:06:00.004-04:00

I decided to create a new blog to document the house addition. You can see it here.

Pretty in Pink!

2010-06-10T08:13:00.004-04:00

Pink insulation that is...the insulation has been added. Soon the drywall, then paint, flooring, and we are IN

Planning landscaping for this area. Found a variety of lilac that will grow here. Think we will put one at the left corner so mom can smell it from her window. They are adding a third airconditioning unit at the right so some shrubs in that area to hide them all.
Trey ceiling in mom's bedroom.

Patio to go outside these doors from basement family room extension.
Mom and I are planning our craft area for this space.

You can scroll down to earlier posts to see more pictures on our addition.

First sunflower bouquet of the season!

2010-06-09T17:24:00.001-04:00

Many more to follow. It is a sunflower jungle out there!

45 days after signing the contract and.....

2010-06-05T20:28:00.004-04:00

we are amazed!

The addition is coming along quickly. This week we will have insulation and drywall. Then the fun of flooring and painting will begin!!

The brick mason will be here on Monday to add the brick up to the window. They added shakes to the peak to match the other peaks on the house.

Changes

2010-05-25T07:07:00.007-04:00

Can't believe it has been 3 months since I last did a blog post. I have been keeping up with friends on FaceBook as that just seems a faster way to keep in touch. I am posting today but not promising that it will be with any consistency right now. Lots of things going on here. I am on a two week hiatus between the online classes I teach. I am also in the middle of chaos. Chaos for a good end, however. As I mentioned in February, mom is living with us. We are now in the midst of a construction process that includes a new suite for her as well as an enlarged living room and family room. Construction is fun to watch but not that much fun to live in the middle of. I will share a few pictures of the progress to date.

The Spring started off as usual. High hopes for a new garden. The raised beds were formed in what we thought would be a good location but having never lived through anything like this before, we soon learned that they had to go....

Even the grill had to move.

The furniture never went onto the deck or patio this Spring.

Very soon the landscape we knew was going to be gone.

And in its place bricks, blocks and boards.
We also learned that construction means dirt- lots of it. Our builder has moved some to the front as the base of an island bed we want to install.

Our basement family room is gong to be HUGE. Mom and I are dreaming of the craft area we will have!

Some outside views.

What was a guest bedroom will become a bathroom. The carpet was torn out. The door will disappear.

The shower was roughed in.

The fireplace was removed and will be relocated to the basement.

We are living in a bubble. We put furniture in the dining room before walling it in with plastic.

And so it goes. I will try to post with more frequency. I look forward to the decorating and the fun posts that will follow with that.

Still here

2010-02-16T13:57:00.002-05:00

I say that life takes twists and turns. It has. I have spent a lot of time with my dear dad since Thanksgiving. His battle against lymphoma took a turn for the worse at Thanksgiving. I was so fortunate to be able to be there for chemo treatments, etc. Despite his determined fight he lost the battle on Super Bowl Sunday. He was 79. The heavy snow and massive power outages due to fallen trees kept all of us from reaching him in the hospital for two days. We were so blessed to all be at his bedside when he passed away. Although unable to speak, we are sure he knew we were there.

There are many decisions to be made. Unfortunately blogging is not high on my list of priorities at this time. It does look as if mom will be moving in with us. Now SHE is THE decorator so....I am hoping together we will be quite a team and will enjoy sharing our fun with Blogland in the near future!
Sue

Happy New Year!

2010-01-11T09:02:00.002-05:00

No, I did not get lost. Life takes twists and turns and right now I am following a turn that has me helping family. Blogging has taken a back seat but I will be back! Seems I spend more time on FaceBook as I can sound off about things quickly. (Also fun to be in touch with some blogging buddies via FB!)

Today I read Luke 3:11 He answered and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. So appropriate for the weather this entire nation seems to be facing and a reminder that we need to think of and help those who are not prepared to deal with these temperature extremes. The scripture also got me thinking about the state of our country. Seems our government wants to be the one doing all the helping using our money. I oppose big government and its social programs. Unfortunately the minute you say that, some say that you are cold and uncaring. Quite the opposite. If big government would stop stealing my money (yes, I do believe it is stealing) then I would have access to more money that could be given directly to those in need.

Looking forward to the new year and all that the Lord has in store.

Jingle All The Way....only as a 21 month old can!

2009-12-20T22:37:00.000-05:00

One last thing.....

2009-12-20T21:37:00.006-05:00

It is peanut brittle time! The snow has set the perfect conditions for Joe's annual adventure of peanut brittle making. He has been making it for more than 15 years after tasting our friend Ken's terrific peanut brittle. He shared the recipe and the tradition and now I am sharing it with you. Wish you could each taste it!

Joe always waits for snow. The peanut brittle comes out best when it cools in a snowbank!

Just look at that yummy stuff!
We put it in boxes and share with friends.

A third of the way through!
Try it yourself. You won't be disappointed!

Recipe for Ken Fleming's Peanut Brittle
Combine in a heavy pot:
3 cups white sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
1/4 cup water
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until a candy thermometer registers exactly 300 degrees. Add 1 lb.(3 cups) raw peanuts. Cook and stir until the mixture is golden brown. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. baking soda and 1 Tablespoon butter. Put on a parchment lined cookie sheet with sides. Immediately take it outside to the nearest snowbank (or if you don't have that use the freezer!) When it is cooled, break it apart and enjoy!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

2009-12-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-05T20:11:00.008-05:00

I have a few Christmassy things up. I will add some more decor and photos when I return from my week with mom and dad. We have been doing some cookie baking!

Stop by Rhoda's for some more decorations on her holiday house tour!

Heavenly Pineapple Cake

2009-11-23T03:05:00.000-05:00

As promised, I am sharing the recipe for the pineapple cake Sherri shared with me.

Of course, not being a photographer by nature, I never did take a picture of the finished cake. It did look lovely and I did remember to get a picture of one of the last pieces of the cake. The cake recieved rave reviews and I will be making this one again. Sherri told me you can also use coconut in place of the pineapple.

Heavenly Pineapple Cake

1 box (2 layer size) cake mix

Icing:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar
1-(8 oz) container sour cream
1 medium (15.25 ounce) canned crushed pineapple in its juice (strained with juice reserved)
1- (3 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 -(16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (I used real whipped cream, whipping 16oz heavy cream with 2 Tbsp. sugar and 2 tsp. vanilla)

Directions:

1. Prepare two layers of yellow cake according to package instructions. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cut each layer horizontally in half to form a total of 4 thin layers.
2. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar in a mixer until smooth and very creamy. Add sour cream and beat well Then add strained crushed pineapple until thoroughly mixed. Add the pudding mix and blend well. Last, incorporate the whipped topping.
3. Spread the reserved pineapple juice on the cake layers before spreading the icing. Frost the top of one layer, then place a second layer on top. Repeat until all four layers are stacked then frost top and sides of cake. Keep refrigerated.

Recipe as taken from the Winston Salem Journal food editor Michael Hastings.

Charlie's Soap

2009-11-21T02:32:00.001-05:00

I first heard about Charlie's Soap when I lived in PA. I learned about it on a blog. (Not sure which one.) The blog gave the link and the author said that she orders the soap as it is so great, economical, gentle on sensitive skin,fragrance free,and all around wonderful.

Sounded good but I am not really into doing mail order for my laundry detergent. I then realized that the town where this soap is made is about 10 miles from my new home. I found it for sale in the local grocery and tried it. One little bag lasted forever.

Then I met Sherri. She could work for the company she is so knowledgeable. I learned all about the history of the company as well as the great things this product will do. She even shared another bag of soap and a bottle of liquid.

Have you ever heard of Charlie's Soap? It is recommended for folks with sensitive skin and for those with dirty clothes. I'm sold on it!

This product also speaks to the American spirit as it began with an idea and $200 to meet a need for a cleaner in the textile mills. It has come a long way since its inception in 1976!

Happy Friday!

2009-11-20T02:49:00.004-05:00

As far back as I can remember my mother has always greeted me with a "Happy Friday". It started as a child when I would get home from school. When I was first married and working she would call to wish me a "Happy Friday." We don't talk every Friday anymore. (After all, Friday is her BINGO night!) I do think of her always on Fridays and have wished my own children and my husband "Happy Fridays" for years. So when I was asked by one of my husband's co-workers to bake the pinepple upside down cake they all love for a meeting today, I could not help but add the "Happy Friday" greeting to it.

Of course, hubby deserves his own special cake. Only because it is Friday!

And now I am going to bake a cake for tonight's get together with some other women who have recently relocated here with their husbands. I am going to make a cake that my new friend Sherri shared with me. It involves pineapple too! I will take a picture and share the recipe with you later.

It is a Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!

5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Kids Do

2009-11-19T07:58:00.002-05:00

Sorry for not posting lately. Life is busy-even being at home. Blogging is something I just have not taken time for. I wanted to share this clip with you. I am teaching an intro to early childhood ed class and this is a clip used in the class. I thought that it would be worth sharing. I watch it and wish I had taken a different approach in a lot of things with my boys- they did own pocket knives and did get some of these experiences but not all of them. My brother had these experiences. My mother was wise (still is!). She let him have these experiences. As the older, safety conscious sister I always thought she was nuts but now I realize how wise she really was!!

They grow up so fast

2009-11-12T14:49:00.003-05:00

I just can't believe that Milo is already driving.... His cousin Norah, born 2 weeks later is growing too.....

And the oldest, Hannah has taken over all her dad's yard work!

Aren't children great???

Thank you

2009-11-11T06:42:00.002-05:00

Selfless Service Is Our Nation’s Strength.

Ronald Reagan

The willingness of our citizens to give freely and unselfishly of themselves, even their lives, in defense of our democratic principles, gives this great Nation continued strength and vitality.

Ronald Reagan

So you think this furniture is great...just wait!

2009-11-08T20:35:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we took my sister in law to Furnitureland South. We weren't buying anything but it is one of those places that you have to see to believe and a great place to bring folks from out of town as we live so close to the "Furniture Capitol." I've walked through these buildings before and am always struck by the price tags. Frugal me goes into sticker shock when I imagine what some folks will spend and at how some folks have the resources to spend that much.

Yesterday as we walked through those many room displays, each more elegant than the last, I was struck by something else. I started thinking about this life and how temporary it is. There is an eternity and I am thankful to know that God has a place for me there. If I thought the rooms on display in this manmade building were awesome I can scarcely imagine what those many mansions look like that God is preparing for us!!

As much as I enjoy pretty things, cozy homes and decorating, they will never compare to the joy and true happiness found through Christ. Amazing how He reminded me of this truth while walking through this place!

Shoeboxes

2009-11-04T14:23:00.003-05:00

We picked up 4 shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child at church on Sunday. We decided to do two for little boys and two for little girls. We went to Walmart on our way home on Sunday to get a start on the boxes. Today I had fun shopping at Dollar Tree for extra little things to include (of course I found some treasures for me too). My eyes were bigger than the box! I had to leave some things out or perhaps pick up a few more boxes.

This is such a worthwhile ministry. If you are looking for a way to brighten a child's life this Christmas, I heartily recommend it! Here is a video clip with more information.

Treasure Hunting

2009-10-31T15:02:00.005-04:00

It was DARK when we started our usual Saturday morning yard sale jaunt...really DARK. The first stop was just a mile from our house and I could not believe my eyes- a stand alone garage FILLED with stuff- good stuff. I was overwhelmed just looking. I did not know where to start. We did leave with a few things. The seller promised that he would open the doors to his collection anytime I see him or his wife sitting on the porch. I told him I would be back. And I will.

I have always wanted a wicker plant stand and found one in that garage

As well as this cute little rocker

And this little chair

Joe got this tin sign that he hung above his golf clubs in the garage

It was actually raining lightly most of the morning and the other nine yard sales we went to were all duds- I should have spent more time at the first one. I guess not total duds- Joe found a whole set of irons (golf clubs) that he says are great! We then went to the Red Collection. I have heard about it and we have not had a chance to go until today. We will be back. We both fell in love with the same picture. She followed us home.

I don't do much decorating for Halloween but do bring out this black cat that I have had since childhood.

I have treats ready- now to see how many neighborhood children we will get.

Come on Yankees....we are rooting for you!

2009-10-30T13:17:00.001-04:00

Joe said that this was going to be a tough series to root for a team...he likes them both. The Phillies have many players that he has watched work their way up through the Reading Phillies, a local team that we rooted for when living in PA. But blood has got to be thicker than that and I do believe a part of Joe's blood runs blue. It has carried on down the generations.

This poor little guy is going to really have issues. He has a grandma and a grandpa (who live closer than we do) who hail from that city of brotherly love. Their love runs deep for this little guy and also for those Phillies. He has shirts from both teams but his mom is afraid to put the blue on on him for fear of giving her mother a chill. So far he seems to be favoring the red. I have been told that soon after putting this shirt on, he threw up all over it.......poor Milo....the stress adults cause their children and grandchildren!

And just as their grampa does, sometimes the hat gets put on when the team needs that extra little nudge.

On Wednesday night it got so bad that he actually did something he has NEVER done before, resurrected a Superman costume I made him years ago and put that on under the Yankee duds. Doubt we will ever see that combination again- they lost on Wednesday.

Last night he traded the retro Yankees shirt for the current Yankees shirt and wore blue pants. They won so I do believe I will be seeing a lot of that outfit during the remainder of this series.

Somehow I don't think the Phillies ever really stood a chance at being rooted for against "them Yankees." Sorry guys but seems no matter how well he knows you, that blue blood wins out over the red.

October 30, 1953 was a very good day!

2009-10-30T05:32:00.004-04:00

Today is the 33rd time I have celebrated your birthday with you!

I have enjoyed each year of those celebrations.

You are my favorite and always will be.

Enjoy your day!

It has been awhile...

2009-10-28T14:59:00.005-04:00

I am here but catching up on things at home after having been away. I promise that thistlepatch will get some much needed attention very soon.

I was thrilled that we could be in the DC area to celebrate the start of a new life together. We have watched the groom grow up with our sons and,in fact, refer to him as our third son. He has a gorgeous bride. The two were made for each other! The party to celebrate was breathtaking! Congratulations Joe and Alicia!

It was also great to be able to stop in VA on our way home to celebrate my dad's birthday with him! It was a quiet celebration- we didn't go riding or anything exhilerating like that. Just for fun I thought I would remind dad of a day when he did go riding....many days ago. (I also thought you would get a kick out of this, Kiera-the great horsewoman that you are, to see your daddy and grandpa riding! Believe it or not, it happened!) Yee-Haw! Have a great year, dad!

Lately I have spent more time on Facebook than on blogs. (It allows me to rant in short snippets!) It is also fun to see how some of us fellow bloggers and ranters have found each other! My concern for this great country continues. I could listen to Reagan over and over again. Too bad we do not have leadership like him right now! If you have some time, listen to his words- it amazes me how we can apply them to today's issues.

like that

I think we need something lovely here...

2009-10-19T18:36:00.000-04:00

Anita Dunn's "facts" are not facts

2009-10-19T11:45:00.003-04:00

It has been awhile. I have been visiting my children, grandbabies, friends and even doing a bit of work! I will give thistlepatch some attention soon but first I had to send our leader a letter. Thought I would share it:

Dear Mr. President,
It has been a while since I have written. Not that you have ever read nor even noticed my prior emails. Despite that, I am writing once again.

As I have told you time and again I am disappointed, VERY disappointed in what has happened since you have assumed office. You promised transparency and all I see is cover up and close-minded behavior. The attack on FOX news is yet another example. For your staff to question a news agency that does fact checking is appalling! If you have nothing to hide, fact checking should come as a welcome step. If you were transparent, fact checking would probably not even be an issue. I am disgusted by Anita Dunn’s conversation with high school students, espousing Mao as one of her favorites! I am sickened by your desire to control the media, as openly stated by Ms. Dunn. I could continue with a long list of staff who have me concerned and upset but today Ms. Dunn is the one who is drawing my greatest concern.

This is all so outrageous and so sad for America. I think you need to have done fact checking before hiring your staff. I do believe Americans will be doing more fact checking before voting next time. I know I will.

I case you have no idea what I am referring to, let me share this article and this article. So that you can see Anita Dunn in action......

She was addressing high school students! Don't know who Mao was? I would suggest you start reading!

Sisters

2009-10-09T11:45:00.003-04:00

Norah -2 months

Hannah-2 months (she is 19 mos. now!)

I always thought it would be fun to have had a sister. These two will have so much fun together I am sure!

Now government is messing with us bloggers

2009-10-06T07:25:00.003-04:00

If you offer giveaways of products on your blog you better beware. Government is gettng involved. You can read about it here. In a nutshell this is what they are doing:

The Federal Trade Commission will require bloggers to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.

It is the first time since 1980 that the commission has revised its guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, and the first time the rules have covered bloggers.

But the commission stopped short today of specifying how bloggers must disclose any conflicts of interest.

The FTC said its commissioners voted, 4-0, to approve the final guidelines, which had been expected. Penalties include up to $11,000 in fines per violation.

The rules take effect Dec. 1.

I have been saying it all along- government is getting TOO big and meddling in our lives way TOO much. Don't know about you, but I am tired of it!

The Government Can

2009-10-05T09:24:00.003-04:00

My friend Sue posted this and I just had to share it as well. Stop by Sue's blog to get some more of her insights on Politics and Religion.

Becoming more Southern each day

2009-10-02T14:35:00.003-04:00

On my last day of work my co-workers sent me out the door with lots of hugs and some gag gifts. My colleague Joan, the food guru, sent me off with a new cookbook. She told me all the Southern women use it. I almost believed her when we hit an opossum on our ride. (Those things can do a lot of damage!) Despite the dinner sitting before us on the pavement I decided AGAINST pulling out this book.

I added the book to my collection, in the way back. Well guess what! Today I had to dig it out because I realized that Southern women probably do use this cookbook. And I want to fit in.

I will be looking for a big black pot when I am yardsaling tomorrow- I never like to pay full price for anything. And if I am lucky, maybe our guests will not have lasagna tomorrow night! I can treat my fellow Pennsylvania transplants to a true Southern meal!

Ready for guests

2009-10-01T10:29:00.007-04:00

Since moving here it is a treat to have visitors! We are having some folks for dinner on Saturday. I already have the table set. Does that tell you I am anxious to have folks over?? Making my lasagna that is always a hit.

Stop over at Susan's to see some other folks who have their tables set as well!
If you are looking at fall decor you can go to my earlier post here to see what I did to get the front of my house ready for fall. Rhoda is hosting a gathering for fall. Go and check out the friends she has gathered to show off fall decor here.

We stopped by one of our favorite furniture places last weekend. Got a queen mattress set for our upstairs guest room. While we were there I found this piece. It was a sample from the furniture market. I fell in love with it and could not beat the deal I got! It needs a good dusting and some staging! (Great way to procrastinate from what I should be doing....)

Since the day we moved in we have been on a search for the 4 tiny drawers in the top of this piece. I found them last week!! Ta Da!! They were neatly wrapped in the bottom of a box of fabric. Funny how putting those four drawers in made everything right with the world. We had scoured box after box seeking them and feared that somehow they were lost. This piece is special to me. I call it "the Betsy Table." For years it sat in my dear friend Betsy's kitchen. She loved to putz around and decorate it. I love to sit at the kitchen table with my coffee. Somehow I feel like she is with me. I don't think her husband, Ken, had any idea how thrilled I was the day he offered the piece to me.

Another treat was seeing my newly planted Magnolia bloom. Betsy, a true southern lady, would be proud!

Thank you

2009-09-26T06:22:00.000-04:00

to the Joes and Lillies who made this country what it is today. I pray there are many more Joes and Lillies out there today who remember and will fight for the America of this Joe and Lilly.

Planting done, weekend begun

2009-09-25T16:43:00.002-04:00

The last of the shrubs went in. We are getting perennials on Sunday- not yet sure what bed they will go in. Until then, the planting is done and the weekend has officially begun.

Still busy working on lessons but hope to get back to posting next week. May stick to pretty things for awhile as I am hitting overload with this administration. Everyday there is something happening that is beyond belief. I have been using my FaceBook to rant. My friends are probably getting tired of it BUT I am in disbelief that there continue to be people blindly following this man.

Happy weekend!

Hypocrisy and a little digging

2009-09-22T14:51:00.002-04:00

OH MY GOSH! This is a great example of hypocrisy! I resent this guy calling folks who speak against Obama as having had a mental breakdown and as unAmerican. I am not waiting for a call to violence nor is anyone I know. We are simply expressing outrage at the proposed changes to the country we know and love. Back to my point that I have raise all along- why, oh why was it ok to bash Bush but not ok to bash Obama. Hypocrisy I say and the vitriol is evident in the speaker's voice, not in any of the protests I have been a party to.

I have been getting my irritation out through digging.
We are putting in a bed filled with bird attracting shrubs. Will be adding perennials and others things in the spring. This was all grass so digging, adding top soil, planting and mulching has been an ongoing chore.

222 years ago today

2009-09-17T09:06:00.003-04:00

39 brave men changed the course of our history by signing the U.S. Constitution. I am thankful for their willingness to stand proudly and do what was right. We need more brave men today.

The website for the Constitution Center in Philadelphia has some information you might be interested in, including a sample naturalization test.

Will catch up soon

2009-09-16T09:20:00.002-04:00

I am teaching a class this semester that needs attention right now and have a few speaking engagements to get ready for. Unfortunatley it means that blogging is on a back burner right now. I will be back!

Perpetual Dependence

2009-09-13T21:17:00.002-04:00

I had to go and find out more about Lloyd Marcus after hearing him sing at the DC tea party (previous post). I love his story! I too am convinced that giving people things is not the answer. Why do I say this? From personal experience. I have worked in shelters, with those on welfare and in childcare. His observations are so true! As hard as I tried with the best of intentions, I could make little impact on these folks and neither could others also working with these folks. In fact I watched the paid staff become like the clients in order to protect their government funded jobs! We are perpetuating welfare for generations. It is imperative that folks get out and work to earn what they have.

I remember training childcare staff in a center at a shelter. It was outfitted with equipment that was more beautiful than most of the other privately run centers in the county. It had been donated by a local retailer who was committed to better the shelter and community(and get a tax write off). Within months I watched the facility fall apart and look a mess. The idea of cleaning up after oneself and caring for equipment was foreign to this group- former shelter residents now in subsidized housing. They knew that someone else would give them more stuff when this got bad. I don't know about you but I am tired of throwing my money at people who choose not to work and perpetuating this attitude from one generation to the next.

I encourage you to listen to this man's story.

Wish I had been there!

2009-09-13T21:09:00.000-04:00

September 11

2009-09-11T06:42:00.003-04:00

Just the date sends a chill up my spine. I remember the feelings I had that day. I was at work when the attacks began. A co-worker was on the phone with her husband. Retired, he was at home watching the TV and saw the first plane hit. She told me and we assumed there was some really bad pilot in the air- had no idea it was a commercial airline. We alerted the others in the office and turned the radio on. We all moved to a conference room with a tv and were then told to close our office and go home as we were a government entity.

I can remember the drive home- talk about an extreme sense of nesting. I wanted everyone home where I could account for them. My husband was soon sent home as well as my sons. We had men working at our house (we were recovering from a fire!). They were soon in our family room watching tv. A knock at the door from the dry cleaner broke my focus. When we had the fire, I did not know that the clean up crew had taken all the clothes in the attic to the cleaners. We are talking hundreds of garments of mine (in sizes I will NEVER wear again). Here they were. All clean and on hangers! I did not know what to do so I had him put them on sofas, chairs, the floor, tables, everywhere! My husband ran to Walmart for clothing racks. The store was deserted. (I later found homes for all the clothing.)

I remember going to church that night as we all gathered in prayer. The America I knew and loved had suddenly changed. We went to a camping show that weekend and I remember feeling so dead inside. Nothing was exciting. I felt guilty for even thinking about something as frivolous as camping. I wanted to do something but did not know what. I had lived in NJ, 20 minutes from NYC, for many years. My friends there told me about people they knew who were lost in the towers or who were impacted directly. It was just all surreal.

Then the anger hit. My anger toward those terrorists, those animals, is still there. I simply cannot understand a culture that does not value life. I am surprised by how many Americans forget September 11, 2001. Sure, they know what happened that day and yet they have not changed. Tomorrow, September 12, I will gather in my town with those who do not forget what America used to be like. I pray that as a nation we never face another day like September 11. Yet I fear we will. Defense is on the back burner and we are forgetting who our enemies are.

Today I will remember those families who are missing a loved one who was lost that day. I will remember a country who pulled together and focused on the common good. A country that stood proud and saluted our flag with honor. I pray that we might find that passion for America again.

Dollar Tree

2009-09-10T15:54:00.002-04:00

I just had to pull into the local Dollar Tree today after seeing the post at Joys of Home. I saw the goodies posted there and found many other neat things. I came home with the rosey ones pictured here. And yes Mom, I thought of you the entire time!!!

I am keeping my eye on this guy!

2009-09-08T11:14:00.000-04:00

Nesting

2009-09-07T10:27:00.009-04:00

The weather hasn't even turned colder and I am feeling that fall nesting urge.I made a few new signs and a basket for the front door and steps.

It was rather sad to cut down the sunflowers. Some of those stalks were pretty big! I got lots of big seed heads and have them placed around the yard at the feeders for the birds to enjoy. It seems like yesterday that I planted those seeds! A few small sunflowers are still hanging on. The hummingbirds are also hanging on! We are still filling all of the feeders as they are being visited all day long. I only count 4 at a time now but they are busy little things. I think they are filling up for their long trek south. We planted mums and since I could find no real pumpkins yet, put out some faux pumpkins.

The sink in this house was not my favorite. This is what it looked like when we first visited the house in December. (someday I will show the whole kitchen)
BEFORE - standard stainless sink

I was missing my sink that we had installed a few years back in our old house. Can you believe we saw it at Lowes for $100 off?? We did, and here it is NOW!

Our deck staining has been an ongoing project interrupted but we are determined to finish it today. I will post pictures when it is done. You can see some more changes folks are doing in and around their homes at Metamorphosis Monday! You can also see lots of before and after projects at Sanctuary Arts!

An inspiration

2009-09-06T13:49:00.002-04:00

Joni Eareckson Tada has been an inspiration to me since I was a teen. I have read her books, enjoyed her music and appreciated her art. Her faith, despite her paralysis, has served as a reminder to me when I forget how blessed I am. I found these clips on YouTube that I thought I would share. If you have not heard of Joni, watch this interview with Larry King.

Can it be? The basil is ending...so sad...

2009-08-29T00:02:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe that this is the last of the basil..enough for one small batch of pesto. Nothing is better than the smell of fresh basil...even chocolate can't beat it!

A tad bit more to add to the freezer. I WANT it NOW but I know in the middle of winter it will be a taste of summer.
Instead I chopped and made some crab and corn chowder for supper. The house smelled great!

Now to dream and plan for next summer's REAL garden!

Finishing some loose ends

2009-08-28T22:45:00.002-04:00

Finished up Milo's quilt. Everyone at the shower signed a triangle and I pieced them into pinwheels. Now to make the delivery!

Finally, something to crow about!

2009-08-28T07:38:00.006-04:00

I have not felt like blogging all week but when I heard that there was a rooster party going on at Barb's, I thought, well that is easy enough, there are a few crowing around our place. So here they go, the roosters of thistlepatchhill!

If this has whet your appetite, go on over to Barb's for some more of these happy guys- more than you ever knew existed!

Back Home

2009-08-23T07:28:00.002-04:00

But missing these folks.

So much to catch up on!

And baby makes three...

2009-08-18T13:02:00.002-04:00

three grandchildren, that is!

Norah Violet arrived at 9:00 last evening weighing in at 7 lbs. 10 oz and measuring 19" long! She is beautiful and mommy and daddy are doing well. Gramma and Grampa are enjoying her big sister. Hannah was asleep when Norah entered the world but got to meet her baby sister this morning. It was wonderful!

Why are some voices allowed to dissent?

2009-08-14T14:29:00.003-04:00

Why do some people treat certain groups one way and other groups another way?

What do you call people like this? I call them hypocrites.

I also call those who would vote for programs that increase taxes and then find ways to save on their own personal income taxes hypocrites. Unfortunately I have met many.

Unfortunately we are forced to pay the salaries of hypocrites. Fortunately I will not let hypocrites silence me. I am thankful to see so many Americans letting this administration know they will not sit idly by. At the risk of being called all sorts of ugly names by the left, we will continue to speak out.

Isn't it amazing how some wisdom never changes?

Follow Up

2009-08-14T06:23:00.002-04:00

Since we are away from home I have lost touch with lots of stuff. Last night I got to thinking about the fate of Free Market Warrior. If you recall, this is a kiosk at a mall in Charlotte, NC that we visited in support of their eviction due to the materials that were being sold. (You can see my post here.) Mall management received a complaint and chose to end the lease for this business. I went to their site to see what had happened as the Simon Group that owns the mall had been flooded with folks complaining about their decision. It seems that they were told that they could remain open if they removed certain items. Free Market Warrior chose to leave rather than compromise. I say HURRAH! Read the article posted on their site here to find out details as well as to read about other items for sale in the same mall that the management does not deem offensive. The mall is a microcosm of our current society. I knew there was a reason why I don't enjoy shopping in malls!

Even Grandmas Keep Up With The News

2009-08-12T06:49:00.002-04:00

I may be busy chasing after a 17 month old but that does not mean I have forgotten about the rest of my country. Senator Specter from the great state of Pennsylvania was recently quoted saying "There is more anger in America today than at any time I can remember." Perhaps that is because there are more people trying to change America into something we do not want it changed into. Perhaps it is because as our population has aged we have become less intimidated by our elected officials and grown tired of spending our hard earned money on those who choose not to work hard. Perhaps more folks are concerned for the generations who will follow. Perhaps more people are enjoying life and don't want a health care plan that will deny them life saving treatments as they age.

Whatever the reasons, I am insulted that they blame the vocal output from citizens on talk radio. Do they think we do not read and think on our own? I am not a member of any group nor do I take marching orders from anyone but my Lord. I do know the difference between right and wrong and am not afraid to tell you when something is wrong. This plan as set forth before Congress is VERY flawed and I will not sit idly by. I resent the complaints of paid representatives who are disturbed by those of us who disagree with them. I pray they will feel our disapproval at the polls. We need a new breed of representative in Washington.

And now I will spend the day with a young lady who is discovering what it is to be free to explore and learn about the world around her. I pray that as she grows she will continue to experience the rights and freedoms of Americans set forth by brave souls so many years ago!

RWE..that's me!

2009-08-07T20:25:00.004-04:00

Yep, that is me, a Right Wing Extremist. Even my car says so. A lot of people know it too because I have put a lot of miles on my car over the past week. We will be putting even more on it this week but all is good.

I am appalled by our President's suggestion that we snitch on our friends and report those who disagree with his health plan to his special address at the White House (flag@whitehouse.gov). I really hate to have you all do this, so I think I will report myself. You see I disagree with what is happening and am quite frankly living in disbelief right now. Is this really THE United States of America?? Or is this a bad dream where we lost our freedom somewhere along the way?

I saw this and could not have said it better myself so I thought I would share it with you. Take the few minutes and watch it.

And if you don't hear from me in a while, it is because I am busy enjoying being a grandma. I will hope it is not because those at the snitch hot line have taken me in. If they do, I will do my best to decorate my cell and welcome visitors!

In the meantime, if you see a blue Vibe with RWE on the back, wave, it will probably be me, wracking up more miles on the recently achieved 100,000 mile mark of this great little car!

Sue

Do YOU belong to AARP?

2009-08-07T20:07:00.000-04:00

My husband became eligible to be an AARP member before I did and he has always refused to join as he disagreed with how the money was spent. Ironically I received a "membership card" in the mail last week. I contacted AARP and told them that they could cut down on mailing costs by removing both of our names from any future mailings as neither of us would EVER consider joining this organization. So glad I did- these members really regret their memberships!

Grandma time

2009-08-04T12:43:00.001-04:00

I am enjoying time with Milo....will be back to blogging soon!

Just a quick peek....

2009-07-31T11:40:00.002-04:00

Just a quick peek at the gorgeous Milo! Spending time with him and his mom and dad for a few days.

He is on his way!

2009-07-30T04:51:00.004-04:00

Looks like today is the day we get to meet our grandson and learn his name! That has been under wraps! And Joan, looks like you and this little guy will share a birthday!

(How fitting as Tom grew up at Little Fiddler with us!)

MILO THOMAS

was born at 9:00 this morning.

He is 7 lbs. 9 oz. 20" long

and gorgeous!

Pictures will soon be posted but for now I need to sleep. It was a long drive to Philly and longer without sleep. But, oh so worth it!

Happy Birthday, Joan!

2009-07-29T20:40:00.001-04:00

Joan and I have known one another since high school. We've learned together, worked together and most importantly, played together.
She is one talented and fun lady! I love you, Joan!

Enjoy your day!
(The photo was taken at a book signing for her book

"What Went Right Today?")

A letter from my President

2009-07-29T15:56:00.005-04:00

Seems that when you write a letter be it pro or con, the White House adds you to their mailing list. I truly believe that this means that they do not read what they receive or they would eliminate me from their mailings. Just got this note from our "Commander in Chief."

Dear Friend,

If you’re like most Americans, there’s nothing more important to you about health care than peace of mind.

Given the status quo, that’s understandable. The current system often denies insurance due to pre-existing conditions, charges steep out-of-pocket fees – and sometimes isn’t there at all if you become seriously ill.

It’s time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections:
• No discrimination for pre-existing conditions
• No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays
• No cost-sharing for preventive care
• No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill
• No gender discrimination
• No annual or lifetime caps on coverage
• Extended coverage for young adults
• Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid
Learn more about these consumer protections at Whitehouse.gov.

Over the next month there is going to be an avalanche of misinformation and scare tactics from those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. But we know the cost of doing nothing is too high. Health care costs will double over the next decade, millions more will become uninsured, and state and local governments will go bankrupt.

It’s time to act and reform health insurance, drive down costs and guarantee the health care security and stability of every American family. You can help by putting these core principles of reform in the hands of your friends, your family, and the rest of your social network.
Thank you,
Barack Obama

I responded promptly:

Mr. President;
Why does what you write not jive with what I understand to actually be in this bill??

I do not want counseling at the end of my life nor do I want it for my parents. I want elderly extended the same care as everyone else.

I don’t want the government involved in my care nor do I want them to access my records. You can’t control the records already in your care.

There is cost- sharing and it is on the backs of the employers and the tax payers. Do you really think you can offer healthcare without sharing the cost or are you going to print the money to pay those in the medical field??????

Why is there no mention of tort reform in this bill????

Are you wondering why your popularity is plummeting? Perhaps you are acting “stupidly” by promoting this plan.

I find it amazing that I remain on your email list. It shows me that no one at the White House reads these responses. I say NO government involvement in health care. I believe in the value and sanctity of life and this plan does not. You are attempting to solve a problem-not a crisis- by creating a total mess of things and by creating a crisis for our country.

Want to go up in the polls? Want to be re-elected? Abandon this health care idea!
Sue

Thank you to those who stand firm

2009-07-28T10:27:00.002-04:00

I appreciate Americans who are well educated and stand up for what is right. This young man is one fine example.

Missing my garden

2009-07-28T09:22:00.003-04:00

We did not plant a vegetable garden this year. There is just too much to do when you first move. We've decided where our garden will be and we will start prepping for it this fall. We have been away from home so often this summer that vegetables would never have survived. Instead I garden vicariously through blogs, magazines and my son's garden. He sure does grow beautiful things.

The story of the elephant

2009-07-27T12:31:00.001-04:00

This may not be the greatest metamorphosis but it ranks right up there among great prodigal elephant stories....or among "how to recapture storage space in my basement."

A few years ago, after my son Joe was married, we were having a conversation about garage sales and stuff. Joe told us that the one thing he wished I had not gotten rid of was the plastic elephant. I was shocked and said "Really???" That elephant was, in my mind, a plastic monster that my mom had picked up at a yard sale years ago. It served well as a place to store toys next to the sandbox. Those years had long passed and I had even wondered why it followed us from the first house to the second. Since that time it sat in a corner of the basement.

About ten years before the conversation where Joe expressed regret over its loss I had sold it at a yard sale, never even thinking it would be missed by anyone. A few days after the conversation, my husband took an alternate route home from work, not quite sure why he did but he did. As he went down a side street he noticed a yard sale ahead and guess what was in the front yard....the elephant! Yes, it was THE ELEPHANT! My husband stopped, paid $5 for it and asked the guy where he got it from. The guy said, "Oh my wife got it years ago at a yard sale in Blandon." Guess where we lived....yep, Blandon. Here he is:

We put the elephant on the front porch for Joe and Sharon to see when they came by. He could not believe it. I think Sharon could not believe he wanted it. Guess where it remained. In the basement where it sat 10 years earlier. I offered it to Joe and Sharon before we moved but no, the elephant moved with us from PA to NC. He sat in our new basement until today. Now he is a she and she will be going back to PA so Hannah and her sister can keep their sand toys outside.

Isn't God great? He gives us the desire of our heart. Even elephants.

If you haven't already, head on over to Susan's place for some really great metamorphosis projects. I'm drooling over her deck metamorphosis.

A visit to Free Market Warrior

2009-07-27T10:52:00.002-04:00

We drove to Charlotte on Saturday morning with the express intent to visit the Free Market Warrior kiosk at the Concord Mall. We were there shortly after opening and in the 20 minutes or so we were there they had about 30 customers and folks were buying. In fact, the young lady working that morning was running out of merchandise. I spoke with those shopping and they were there to support the shop because of what they had read. I saw nothing really offensive. I have seen more offensive materials in other shops with crass t-shirts,etc. When Bush was in office there were constantly ugly things plastered about against him. You can click on the picture to get a better look at some of the merchandise.

We bought some bumper stickers. I have never put bumper stickers on my car so not sure if I will put any of these on- probably just the RWE oval. I really like the one that reads: Why is it...if you have more than one wife you go to jail. If you have 10 kids with 8 different men-you get government assistance?

Had we gone to the mall on Sunday we could have been in on the protest that I just read about. I also read that the mall management sat down with the owner. I guess they are getting publicity over this that they did not expect to get. You can read more here.

Just what is being destroyed?

2009-07-23T04:40:00.007-04:00

We are taking a road trip this weekend to Concord, NC to visit and shop at the Free Market Warrior. So much for a free market, the store is being evicted from the mall because of the conservative material it peddles. Agreed, a privately owned mall can choose its tenants just as we can choose where to shop and where not to shop. I know where I will spend some of my money this weekend. You can read about this here.

I found this article to be interesting. Here is a short snippet concerning passage of the heathcare legislation:

"Let's just lay everything on the table," Grassley said. "A Democrat congressman last week told me after a conversation with the president that the president had trouble in the House of Representatives, and it wasn't going to pass if there weren't some changes made ... and the president says,

'You're going to destroy my presidency.'

I ask: What about destroying this country. I do think that this is a far greater concern than one man's presidency.

More outrage

2009-07-22T20:51:00.002-04:00

Everyday I am outraged over something that has happened in DC. Yep, I do believe we have a gangster government in control.

I think I need to do something relaxing or some sewing or some decorating. The problem is that these problems are too great and too important to push aside. I love my country too much to sit idly by as I watch it being taken over. I wish every American would realize the path we are on.

Favorite Spots

2009-07-20T06:48:00.001-04:00

You see those two red chairs at the bottom of our yard? Yes, those two. They are quickly becoming one of our favorite places to sit. We like to take a glass of wine and sit there, listening to the frogs and birds in our woods while watching the bluebirds eating bugs. It is so peaceful. I think that the two trees behind the chairs are begging for a hammock, don't you?

Now for my question of the weekend: How much nectar does one hummingbird hold? We have two hummingbird feeders- one at our kitchen window and one at the front office window. There were hummingbirds at our feeders all weekend long and we have filled each of them twice in the past two days! I wanted to capture their antics as they chase,dive bomb and zoom all over the yard but they are rather camera shy. I had to maneuver between the slats in the blind to get the pictures I got and I really should have had a tripod. They are still flying all over as I type- no wonder they need so much sugar!! Or are they flying all over because they have had so much sugar?? I have never had this much activity with hummingbirds! What fun to watch. Judging by their play I think they are brothers and one is definitely in charge. Everyone clears out when he starts pushing his way in!

Oooops...

2009-07-19T13:34:00.004-04:00

Time slips by so quickly. I almost forgot to wish these two folks happy anniversary (#54)!
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad from that gal in your arms!

Love you!

Visit New York City while it still exists.

2009-07-16T06:05:00.005-04:00

I guess if you want to see NYC you better go soon. The moves that the libs are discussing will destroy the city. As it is NYC is held together by a small number of earners who support those receiving government support. Those who are productive members of society (the workers=earners=the rich in Obama speak) are already leaving the city because they are being taxed to death. The city is feeling the loss of income from these citizens. This story makes me see the future of the city as even more uncertain.

Who in their right mind would work hard and give 57% away in taxes? I realize that many already do. In fact if you add all the taxes we pay, including sales tax, many of us probably pay close to that amount to our government. (I have always admitted that numbers are not my thing and I am sure someone has done the math so feel free to find it somewhere in our vast internet of information.) Do those proposing these taxes not realize that folks with half a brain will move out of the city to avoid the taxes?

Wake up people! Not only are the taxes required to fund this healthcare proposal going to drive many to the edge but if you are at all alert you have to have heard countless stories where government run healthcare has failed! Americans are used to receiving treatment they need when they need it. This new system will force you to wait and as you age your priority will be lowered. Are we really in a healthcare crisis? I think not! Why is our government telling us we are in a crisis everywhere we look?

We went out for a ride last night and despite our economic woes I saw cars in the lots of every restaurant and I am not just talking drive-thrus! How can this be? Yep, unemployment is up and I would be lying if I said I don't fear job loss but why are we losing jobs? Businesses are being taxed and regulated to death! Loosen the noose and we will see jobs opening up! Americans need to start being in the business of building and creating, not shipping those jobs overseas.

How did I stray from New York city to healthcare to unemployment and job creation? They are all connected by our government. A government that wants to grow and has taken on a life of its own. A government that forgets who its boss is- us, the American people. It is time that we tell this administration to stop. Stop creating a crisis. Stop spending our money. (look at how some of your tax dollars were spent recently) Stop rewarding those who don't work (did you hear that those on assistance in Colorado may be getting free cell phones??)and punishing those who produce. Stop appointing people with radical views to positions of power. It is time that we as Americans stop too. We need to stop seeing each other with labels and look at this mess with open eyes. Too many have worn the label Democrat or Republican on their lapel and refuse to listen to the other side simply because of that label when in fact the other side just might have some insight. My argument is with politics as usual. Idealists voted for hope and change. I don't know about you but the changes I see offer me very little hope for this great country.

Photo source

Remembering

2009-07-15T08:04:00.000-04:00

The sunflowers are blooming and I think of her.

There are so many things that continue to remind me of my dear, dear friend Betsy. We shared fun times and sad times always knowing Who was in control. No matter what.

Betsy died fifteen years ago today. I was shocked when she first told me she had cancer and the Drs. did not hold out much hope. We spent three months sharing our deepest thoughts, hopes and dreams all the while knowing her health was steadily failing. I look back on that time and see how it served to grow me and shape me. I also look back and think about how much I miss her friendship. I can't wait to see her again!

As she lay in that hospital bed those last two weeks this Psalm became one of our favorites.

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills --where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip --

He who watches over you will not slumber;indeed,

He who watches over Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you --the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm --He will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.

So what is on your mantel?

2009-07-15T07:37:00.004-04:00

Pennsylvania's Governor Rendell is another guy who has never been one of my favorites. Again, if you have ever seen him in action I can't imagine finding him appealing yet apparently voters in PA have. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that he will not be able to run again. Maybe knowing that he is not up for re-election has caused him to let folks know what he really thinks about himself. It takes quite an ego to declare that folks should put a statue of oneself on their mantels. This guy is nuts and he is spending taxpayer money without a care while looking for more of it to spend. Politics as usual. Hopefully PA will smarten up and look for real change during the next election, less ego and more money in individual pockets.

(Sorry if you were looking for decorating ideas for your mantel. I will get back to decorating but right now I am finding it hard to focus on decorating when our country is in the state it is in.)

So how did you meet your spouse?

2009-07-14T16:57:00.004-04:00

I met my husband on a blind date to an America concert. I remember it like it was yesterday although it was more than 32 years ago. Apparently our president does not remember where he met his wife. In a speech to college students in Moscow he said that he met her as a student in class. Apparently this is NOT where he met her- it was in a law office where she was employed and he was an intern. I am giving him the benefit of the doubt- someone else probably wrote the speech and he read it, either never really thinking about what he was reading or deciding that it was so much easier to just following the bouncing teleprompter ball than to ad lib with the facts. Which brings me to my point.

How can someone read something and not know what they are reading? How can you trust someone to have written what you want to say? Reminds me of one of our PA State Senators who I had speak before a group of childcare folks. He was a guy I never really liked- eely, creepy and an institution in the county. He arrived late to the event- his usual practice-and then had the nerve to ask me, "Who is this group I am speaking to?" Well fortunately for him someone in his office knew who the group was because as he walked to the podium he pulled a written speech from his breast pocket. (That sucker was a long speech too and he did not shorten it despite his late arrival!) The speech was well written and promised providers the world (at taxpayer expense). Of course he got applause while I politely covered my rolling eyes. The guy is still there, people still vote for him despite the joke most folks think he is. Why is that? (Surely it can't be for the free maps he is known to give away..free? taxpayer paid) Anyone who runs against him is put through the wringer that I feel he needs to be put through! Which leads me to my second point.

Had our past president forgotten where he met his wife, the news would be all over the place, on every network and there would be no let up until he made his next mistake. And you know, being human we do make mistakes. Why are some folks allowed to be human and others are not? Speaking of humans...

The choices our President has made and are making give me the creeps. Our next Supreme Court Justice is a case in point. (C'mon you know she is going to get in.) I despise what she stands for but what I despise even more is dishonesty. All her life she has been radical in her thinking yet when she faces this Committee she is not brave enough to stand and admit what she believes in. Instead she makes excuses for what she has said and done. If she was at least honest enough to admit what she believes I would have a little more respect for her- but never for what she stands!

And now about these Czars Obama is appointing. John Holdren,who he has nominated for the science czar, (what do we need this for? Another salary for us to pay!) is one scary guy. He has been a proponent of forced abortions to control population growth. What is going on in Washington? What is going on with Americans who sit idly by?

Little things

2009-07-11T23:58:00.005-04:00

Today we got lots of little things done around the house and in the yard. One that I am thrilled to have done is installing shelves into this little closet.

I laughed out loud when I first saw this "coat closet." Good thing our house has lots of other closets. We decided to put some shelves inside to provide storage for glasses. There is even enough room that I can unpack a few more boxes of glasses!

What a good feeling to get lots of little things done around the house!

Happy Birthday, Joe!

2009-07-10T01:00:00.005-04:00

Enjoy your day! I love you! These 29 years have gone faster than I would have ever imagined. And now for your listening pleasure. (oh, and did I not know my hair was too bleached by that chlorine or what??)

So What Purse Is Your Wallet In?

2009-07-09T14:10:00.003-04:00

Michelle Obama is making news again. This time it is not over her shoes but instead over the purse she carried while in Moscow. (The White House denied that she was carrying the $5950 bag and said instead she carried an $875 bag despite a VBH rep IDing the bag as theirs.) Quite honestly I could care less what purses most folks carry. My attitude has always been, if you can afford it, spend it and stimulate this economy. My problem lies in the fact that we are being told by this administration that it is evil to be rich. We are also told that we need to conserve and be aware that our country is hurting.

Ahem...(clearing my throat)...psssst....Mrs. Obama, did you hear that? Why can't these people walk the walk we are supposed to do blindly? Oh...are there different rules for different folks? Could she have not settled for a bag from TJMax and given the difference to one of her favorite charities...like ACORN? Or perhaps this was a gift? I guess the giver had to buy it and it stimulated the economy somewhere along the way (probably provided more economic stimulation than her husband's efforts).

Don't worry, I won't be buying one of these bags. Soon the handbag industry may need a government bailout as none of us will have any money to carry around.

Family Times

2009-07-09T07:51:00.002-04:00

We have been in PA. On Sunday there was a shower for our new grandson. I thought this gift was really unique. All of the clothes were clipped on a clothesline. There was note to pull on the end of the rope that was hanging out of the bag. Look at the great surprises that my son and his wife found on the rope! ( My fellow grandma is watching too!)

We finished our visit by taking a walk with Hannah. She waved bye as we left. It is always tough to say goodbye. It will be even more difficult to say goodbye when there are 3 grandbabies!

A letter to our President

2009-07-08T07:45:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share this. I received it from a PA friend. I have had the good fortune to meet Representative Rohrer. Although he was often frowned down upon by those receiving government funding, I found him to be a genuine, caring man. He spoke before a group of our local childcare providers and spoke from the heart while our other Representative promised providers the moon- at tax payer expense. (Rep. Rohrer also arrived on time knowing the group that he was going to be addressing!) His letter to the President is well worth reading and the You Tube clip is worth watching. I am shocked that I am posting ANYTHING from MSNBC!

-An Open Letter to the President-
July 3, 2009
Dear Friends,

In just another day, we will all observe Independence Day. Yet, like you, we all realize that our freedoms have never been so threatened both from within and without. We wonder what actions we should take. We wonder what happens if we wait too long? I know we all wish for some clarion call from some leader with a response commensurate to the challenges we are seeing. A recent news analysis from Rachel Maddow (MSNBC News) of a major policy speech made by our President in May prompted me to write this open letter to the President as my next step. As you watch this news clip, you will likely find that the President’s attitude toward the Rule of Law and the Constitution is even more alarming than what he is proposing. I hope that this video and my letter will further develop your thinking as we celebrate Independence Day. While I stop short of suggesting a specific collective action that American citizens can take, I believe that history lays out the pattern.

Please watch this video, and then read my “Open Letter to the President.”

Dear Mr. President,

I write to you as one elected official to another on behalf of average American citizens. We listen to your words and measure them carefully. With hope, we watch your actions. We then look to history and compare the events of our day with the events of yesterday. We look to our Founders and read carefully their intellectual discourses and their moral debate. They ultimately concluded that the actions of the king were best described as tyranny, because they could not be honestly described any other way. Having come to such a serious and reasoned conclusion, their path was charted—unknown as to its outcome—but certain as to its demand upon them. Mr. President, we are doing what Americans have done before.

Many of your words, at face value, inspire and offer some level of hope. This is why many Americans cast their vote for you. Yet, now that you are in office, your actions are inspiring fear and distrust. At nearly every level, Americans, regardless of political party, are being forced to walk down the same road our Founders were forced to walk – questioning, analyzing, and looking deep within their souls. The similarities between the past and the present are amazing. If you desire to test the American people’s resolve and challenge their patience, you are accomplishing your goal. You know what is happening within the hearts and minds of the average American. That is why state legislatures are offering and passing resolutions, re-affirming the 10th Amendment and state sovereignty issue. That is why the Tea Party movement is growing by the day and is attended by rich and poor alike. That is why you and Congress are hearing from the American public in record numbers on an increasing range of major issues including the bail-out, the stimulus plan, “cap and tax”, and government intrusion into health care.

Your speech sounds sensitive to the economic and emotional needs so heavy on our people. Yet, your continued references to being guided by the “Rule of Law” (our Founders knew this meant God’s Higher Law and the Highest Law of the Land – the Constitution) are hollow and disingenuous. Your recent speech in front of the original Constitution of the United States of America in the National Archives makes it all so clear that your words mean nothing. Your agenda and you yourself appear to be that “rule of law” – effectively setting aside all Constitutional constraints. It’s unfortunate that I must be so direct, but you are leaving the American people with very few options.

Mr. President, it is clear by your speech and actions that your oath to the Constitution is not binding to you and, therefore, is a broken oath. On many fronts, so much of significance has happened in such a short time. You (and the Congress) are overriding state sovereignty and encouraging the states into unsustainable programs through Stimulus Funds: this will force them to beg you and the elite in Washington for help when the funding runs out. Your policies are destroying the wealth of hard-working Americans by plunging this nation into inescapable debt to our enemies and by justifying the disastrous printing of trillions in fiat money. What you and the Federal Reserve do not destroy immediately by exploding our debt, will be completely devoured by the ensuing hyper-inflation. What an insidious way for you and Congress to spend what you do not have by robbing it from every hard-working American who has responsibly worked and saved!

You have violated historic contract law by choosing who wins and who loses, while Chrysler and General Motors is eviscerated and turned into ‘Government Motors’. You have thumbed your nose at the ‘Balance of Power’, so carefully conceived and implemented by our Founders, by appointing unaccountable “Czars” to function as your direct emissaries over fundamental areas of public policy, thereby blatantly by-passing the checks and balances of Congressional oversight. You pursue special interest agendas motivated by the faddish science of “Global Warming” or “Climate Change”, or whatever it will be called next. In the ‘cap and tax’ plan, you justify the biggest tax assault on the American people ever conceived. Yet, you boldly assure the American people that it will cost them nothing, since only the “polluters” will pay. But, in the process you will destroy thousands of truly sustainable jobs (in exchange for temporary “green” jobs – like insulating buildings and re-caulking windows). Bringing America to its knees in financial dependence, in energy dependence, and a gutted manufacturing sector is sadly what’s happening. It appears that in reality, the “Change” you promised is just your personal change—clearly not what the American people so desperately hoped for.

So Mr. President, these things that I and the American people have come to observe and conclude are bringing this nation to a point closer each day that resembles the circumstances that forced the hearts, the minds and then the hands of our Founders. As we quickly approach the remembering of Independence Day – July 4, 2009, please remember that as you make your choices, so must we. May you and all the American people reread the Declaration of Independence – very carefully. Identify the principles they clearly stated and then apply them to today. Feel the intensity of the letter sent to the King. Understand the careful steps they undertook to make the moral case for freedom and independence in the context of the history of mankind. Note in particular the foundational precepts woven into paragraph two, written as much for the benefit of Americans yet unknown and unborn as it was a message to King George. As the President who holds the highest elected position in both honor and responsibility in this Republic, place yourself in the position of the King, look in the mirror, and then look across this great land at the faces of our great people and listen to their pleas. The King didn’t know for sure all that Declaration Letter would mean for him, but I am certain that he knew he had ignited the will and passion of a freedom-loving people for which only time would prove the outcome.

So it is today. Now, we have the Constitution against which to compare the words and actions of those in public office. The people, Mr. President, are awaking. They are realigning their priorities, purifying their motivations, and galvanizing their wills. Their freedom and their families are what they love and, thankfully, what they will defend. As to what comes next, I cannot say. I do know that another Declaration Letter is not necessary since this country already belongs to us. Our freedom and this republic are already ours. It is the return of freedom they demand. It is nothing less than the adherence to the Constitution and to the oath we have both taken that they demand. We, continuing to carefully note and compare as our Founders did, are also coming to serious and reasoned conclusions. Our path is charted – unknown perhaps as to its ultimate outcome – but certain as to its demand upon us.

From all those who love their Freedom,

State Representative Sam Rohrer
District 128 – Berks County, PA

Working hard!

2009-07-07T15:16:00.001-04:00

Hannah and I played while her mommy and daddy visited the hospital where Norah will be born. Afterward we got to visit Aunt Gina and Uncle Tom. Grandma thought that this was a funny picture to take but I really think the work is just beginning!

It was so good to spend a day with ones I love. I sat back looking at the four of them wondering where the years have gone. Wasn't it yesterday when I was carrying them?

Spending the day with a princess

2009-07-06T07:59:00.003-04:00

She may be small but we are going to have some big fun....and it will be colorful! I can't wait! I think she is waiting for the fun to start!

Thomas Paine Wisdom For The Fourth

2009-07-04T00:17:00.002-04:00

He who dares not offend cannot be honest.

When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.

Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.

I am always grateful to those who have gone before, affording me the privelege to think and share honestly.

I am thankful for those now serving to safeguard our freedom and liberties. May our great country continue to be a beacon of liberty.

God bless America!
Sue

Biltmore

2009-07-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed a visit to Biltmore in Asheville, NC. I was completely impressed and can't wait to return! Our visit was even more delightful as we shared it with some dear friends. Thought you might enjoy some pictures. (Pictures are not allowed inside the house.) I found it hard to imagine one family actually living here and owning all of this land. Forty three bathrooms! I have a hard time using and keeping 4 clean!

A few more things to think on....

2009-06-30T14:14:00.002-04:00

Interesting stuff....told you the global warming is a bunch of bologna. I sure do hope there will be an inquest into this but with the underhanded nature of this Whitehouse I am doubtful. I am thankful for people who are willing to stick their necks out and speak the truth. Our government could care less about global warming- they just want excuses to spend our money.

Remember the video clip I posted yesterday. Remember what life was like under the government's control? Here goes another one- lightbulbs! I am not completely against conserving energy. I personally conserve at home to save on my expenses but this is nuts. I do not need a nanny to take care of me or to tell me how to live and what to do! Conservation is not the be all they are making it out to be. We need to look at realistic energy sources for energy independence. What about nuclear? Ohhhh...is that too scary and evil to consider? Other countries are and have been using it for years- safely and cleanly! What about drilling here and NOW. I was thinking about oil this morning. We pay for oil based on supply and demand. What is it now? $70 a barrell? I read that it is actually costing $2 a barrell to produce and that there are tankers sitting filled with the stuff just holding back to get the most money from us. Sort of like ransom. I mean if your child were kidnapped and you were demanded a ransom you would probably pay it but what happens when you find your child happily playing in the back yard? Do you keep paying the ransom or do you go out and get him and bring him in? We have oil in our own back yard. Why don't we go and get it and stop paying this ransom?

Now I'm off to Asheville!

Happy Fourth!

2009-06-29T23:37:00.004-04:00

I know we have a few more days until the fireworks begin but Sue had this great clip on her blog. (As a former Cooperative Extension Educator I just had to watch it!) I would encourage you to watch this 1948 video as it is something we NEED to hear TODAY! (I really doubt Extension would produce such a video today!) I know, 9 1/2 minutes in length but I promise you it is worth your time. So as you are peeling those potatoes for your picnic's potato salad, turn this on and watch.

So who did that "ism" salesman remind you of?

He reminded me of our current administration -big time!

(If you never did watch it, I am telling you, you should- all Americans should!)

I won't be posting until next week. I do hope that as we enjoy time with family and friends this weekend, we remain aware of the sacrifices made by many so that we have the freedom to gather and live in this great country. May we always be mindful of this and forever stand strong against those who would work to take it all away.

Have some coffee with me so I can rant!

2009-06-29T09:18:00.004-04:00

Obama's campaign pledged no new taxes on the middle class. For those of us looking at all he promised to do we doubted very much he would be able to do it and put very little trust in his "hope and change" promises. You can't create government programs without revenue and you can't get revenue from many other places than those of us who are the government via taxes. So how did some of us figure this out BEFORE we went to the polls? It is not rocket science.

Now let me think about this....if I want to buy something and I don't have money and I don't want to go in debt what do I do? hmmmmm.......oh I cut back on something so I have the money for what I want. Yeah, that is what I do. So WHY does our government not do the same thing. No, instead they are now talking about new taxes. This Cap and Trade, that is now going to go before the Senate, will raise taxes- oh we may not see it all as taxes but when you raise energy costs and tax producers we inevitably pay those taxes in higher costs to us, the consumers. Again, common sense. Why are so many Americans oblivious to this???

OK, so back to the new taxes. In order to accomplish all Obama wants in terms of healthcare reform he needs to find a way to pay for it. Since we all know that ANYTHING the government grabs hold of costs more than if it were in the private sector, we are talking about a big chunk of change. Since we know that the government never cuts back or eliminates in order to create new programs guess how this new healthcare reform will be tackled. By reforming our personal bottom lines- taxes on OUR health benefits! Oh, excuse me, if you happen to be a union member they are saying more than likely you will be exempt from taxation of your health benefits. (ok, OK, I will save THAT RANT for another day- I am so angered over unions- do a good job and you get to keep it, do a lousy job and you lose it- no protection for those who become complacent)

One more note on the Cap and Trade. I watched a White House spokesperson, Carol Browner interviewed this morning about the Cap and Trade. First of all what she said was hogwash- double speak- the programs and incentives she talks about cost money-our money. (wind farms are only here because of government -our- subsidies - another whole post someday; why are we not drilling here now!)

Secondly she was asked if she has read the full bill. She said she was "very familiar with it." When asked again if she read it, she admitted no when she said that she has read "vast portions of it." She then claimed the reporter was unfair to ask this. I SAY IT IS UNFAIR, A DIS-SERVICE for our representatives in Washington to vote for a bill they have NEVER read!!!! So much for change. I hold out little hope for this current administration- it is worse than the last yet those who voted for it will not admit it! Friends assure me the pendulum will swing the other way. I am not so confident in that when I see what the average American is thinking about and how willing they are to be led astray like sheep. Come on people, wake up!!

My husband has been reading Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. He just can't get over how much it is like our country today despite having been written more than 50 years ago. Truly scary! I think I will read it when he is done BUT am taken back by its length- sort of like those representatives who won't read Cap and Trade (and they get paid to do so!). Maybe they would be better off reading Atlas Shrugged!

On a lighter note, I am looking forward to a visit to the Biltmore Estate with friends. I will take pictures to share!

Did YOU Hear?

2009-06-26T14:31:00.004-04:00

I interrupt this break to ask you...

Did you hear about Michael Jackson?

Did you hear about the Cap and Trade Bill that is on the floor for a vote?

Why is it that Americans are more interested in the death of Michael Jackson than they are in the what could amount to death to life as we know it in so many ways? If this bill is passed we will see taxes like we have NEVER known! Very scary and all in the name of saving our planet!

Man can't save the planet! So much of the global warming information that is being pushed on us is bogus! If you don't know anything about this bill I urge you to find out. You can start here. I have called and written my representatives promising them that if they support this, I will personally fight as hard as I can to make sure they are never elected to public office again. This is THAT important!

Our farmers should be really concerned about this bill. And uh, since we consume what they produce we should be too! Costs will rise not only in our energy bills but also in just about every product we consume because guess what, they consume energy to produce those products!! Do you have extra money to spend on taxes like this? I don't!

And now I will continue with my blogging break!

Blogging Break and Other Stuff...

2009-06-24T08:10:00.003-04:00

Busy times right now. It is VBS week- lots of fun, lots of children (300)and lots of noise have zapped me-in a great way. I am also taking an online class which has me distracted. So for the next few days I will be taking a break from blogging. I encourage folks to be aware of what is happening in our country. Drudge is a great place to go for headlines.

I can tell you that I WILL NOT be watching ABC tonight as they join forces with the White House to try and shove Health Care Reform down our throats. I think my energy drain is magnified by this strange country I now find myself living in. Who would have ever dreamed that a major news network would be joining forces with our government and that no opposing opinions would be allowed. Nationalized healthcare is a very frightening prospect. (If you don't know why perhaps it is because you are not very well informed about how poorly it has worked in other countries!) Having our press in bed with our government is even scarier. Why has this happened? Too many complacent Americans. Too many Americans who stick with party lines without ever asking questions. Too many Americans who are ignorant of what is going on and on the impact of their vote. Too many Americans caught up in their own personal lives and what feels good to them without looking at the big picture. (One day they will wake up and it will be too late.)

I did say I was taking a break from blogging, right? I am not taking a break from our country, though! A few of us have to be out there reading, trying to learn and understand what is happening and then trying to impact what we can. I pray more folks will take an interest before it is too late.

Above All Things

2009-06-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

I have taken you in my arms,
I prefer you to my life itself,
For I love you, I love you.
And my most ardent dream is
To spend my days in such a way
To be near you, to be near you.
And this present life is nothing,
Without knowing that we're loving,
I am here to live for you,
Yes here to live with you.
For I love you.
I have taken you in my heart,
I prefer you to all else
Because I love you.
And together we in prayer
Beseech the blessing
We will share, I love you.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more bitter to me
Than to be of a different mind than you,
Than to be of a different mind.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more painful to me
Than to be of a different heart than you,
Than to be of a different heart.
I love you.
And this present life is nothing,
Without knowing that we're loving,
I am here to live for you, here to live with you.
For I love you. I love you.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more bitter to me
Than to be of a different mind than you,
Than to be of a different mind.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more painful to me
Than to be of a different heart than you,
Than to be of a different heart.

Today we celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary! I can truly say that each day gets better. It has been a wonderful 30 years and it would be so wonderful to share another 30. (It would be fun to be that young again! But with the wisdom we have now!)

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

I love you Dad! Your example of hard work, devotion, determination and constant love of learning have inspired me. Enjoy today!

I am also wishing a happy day to these two guys:

Before you know it, Tom, that will be your little guy in your arms!

Joe, I just love to see how you interact with Hannah! Just imagine, soon it will be two little girls!

Those two great dads learned all about being a dad from this great guy:

I am so blessed!

Lots more burlap....

2009-06-17T11:39:00.004-04:00

We are hooked on Reading Coffee Roaster's Ethiopian Coffee. Since moving we have tried hard to find a replacement for this nectar but to date have not had success.

Our vacation included a side trip to our dentist (whole other story). That brought us so close, oh, so close to our favorite coffee that we just HAD to make a side trip. When we arrived, the Ethiopian was just being roasted. YES! So we waited the 20 minutes, I in the car with the radio and my husband chatting with the friendly owner. I saw him beckoning me to come in. It was worth it! There was an entire pallet of burlap coffee bean bags that he had no use for. My heart skipped a beat. I mean, I had just created burlap pillows, bows and bulletin boards before our trip! I wanted the entire pallet load- why?, I am not sure but the price was right! Joe reminded me that we were driving a mid-sized compact car that was filled to the windows hillbilly style on our trip to the beach. Although there may have been room at that moment, all of that stuff we packed in the car at home had to be repacked so I settled for this pile.

And now it sits...in my garage...waiting for those creative juices that were flowing back on that delicious coffee roasting day to hit me again. So far they have not.....got any ideas?

I would love to hear them. Anyone else inspired to create something from a coffee bean bag?

By the way, I called my friend Cindi who owns the child care center right next door to this heavenly roasting site to suggest she stop by for the rest of the pile. Great for sack races this summer! As for the coffee...we left with 10 pounds of beans and hope they will see us through until our July visit. Think I will have a cup right now!

Wait, I hear the grinder. Joe must have heard me writing...he is brewing a pot!! I love it when he comes home for lunch!

Morning Treats....

2009-06-17T06:53:00.001-04:00

My morning treat! Can you believe these came from Aldi and are all grown in the USA? I usually purchase direct from local farmers but could not resist when I saw them. (Now my friend Ken, who has an aversion to anything ending in "erry" may not agree that these are a treat!)

Barb at Grits and Glamour is hosting a challenge at the end of the month to see meals created with items purchased at the Dollar Store. I will have to go and check out our Dollar Tree to see if there is anything I can use to come up with a meal- never have bought food there before.

It gets scarier!

2009-06-16T10:42:00.002-04:00

ABC news is actually going to turn over their news to the White House to push government run healthcare! Am I still living in the USA or have I been transported back to communist Russia????? Guess which channel I will no longer watch! Pretty soon we can eliminate the cable bill- I will not be watching anything!

Some strange things are going on...

2009-06-16T06:57:00.003-04:00

So what do you think of Letterman's apology? I think he looks rather pathetic- fighting for his job as even sponsors have dropped advertising. He barely makes eye contact. I find it hard to believe that he did not know the governor did not have a daughter at the game- if there was no daughter at the game the joke would never have even been written.

What do you think about ice and hail deep enough to shovel, in NJ, in June? Kind of makes those fighting global warming look silly. All those green causes costing green dollars...hmmm...maybe we should rethink some of them.

And CBS, of Letterman fame, is producing a new "reality" show where they have blocked 8 neighbors behind a tall wall and will soon start filming. Who will be watching and WHY?

This morning I can't even bring myself to think about the really scary stuff around us like N Korea, Iran, our very own government. So instead I am pondering these absurdities and wondering what have we become? A recent report confirms what I have known for some time. American families are spending less time together and this report is saying the internet is to blame. I am not surprised.

I do hold out some hope that I am not alone. A recent Gallup Poll
reveals that 40% of Americans consider themselves to be conservatives and 35% moderate. So WHY are Americans accepting this radical agenda our president has set forth???? Only 16% consider themselves to be liberal and 5% very liberal. 4% had no opinion (but they can still vote!).

I say instead of having our taxes withheld from our paychecks, Americans should be forced to write a check to the government for their portion of taxes. Then we would have change and fast! People are complacent and just accept what is taken from them whether it be money, freedom or this country as we know it.

Revelations

2009-06-15T06:38:00.003-04:00

It is amazing what 2 weeks away will do to you! I forgot the combination to my locker at the pool. I mean I really forgot it! Clever me wrote it on the edge of my towels in case I forgot in the pool and could get dressed but guess where those towels are. Yep, IN the locker!

Looks like I will be toting my stuff to the pool and tucking a pair of bolt cutters into my bag (now won't that look sweet!) as I pray for a revelation of that combination on the ride there.

I was amazed by the revelations this gardener received (from my Cape May stroll). He/she managed to turn junk into garden art. I am not quite sure why there needs to be a mosquito quite this big but here it is!

I rather liked the fan blade flowers.

Some Thoughts I Have On Flag Day

2009-06-14T11:00:00.001-04:00

I am amazed by some Americans. Our country has so many things happening that will make changes to America as we know it. Unfortunately these changes, in my humble opinion, are for the worse.

There is no longer a moral backbone because we would hate to offend anyone. The result is a country being led astray and people doing things because they "feel good"! Too much energy, time and money is being spent on "green causes" because they asuage American guilt. What are we to feel guilty about? America is the most generous country in the world.

Bad behavior is tolerated because again we don't want to make anyone feel badly and because who are we to differentiate between right and wrong? We have a leader who condemns the rich while they are the economic backbone, the employers, the investors. Those of us who have a work ethic are expected to support those who choose not to work even though they have the ability to work.

Jobs have gone oversees because Americans are unwilling to work at low paying jobs. I say a low paying job is better than no job. We have unions that have taken control and worked to create products that can't compete in the world market.

Our government is now talking about taking over our healthcare. Why? Where has personal responsibility gone?

Last week I sat at a table next to two other couples. One guy said to the other, "Looks like our government is going to start taking over healthcare when Europe is trying to get their government out of the healthcare business." The other guy says, "Why, I heard on the news that having the government take over healthcare is a good thing. I mean I am on Medicare and it is fine. I don't have to pay and they take care of me." The conversation then shifted to what they would eat for dinner. I wanted to go and shake the guy by the shoulders!!!!

What is wrong with so many Americans, depending on the news for information. Blindly accepting what our government suggests without any thought to long term consequences. Thinking that Medicare and other government programs are free?!! Who is the government? Who is working to make the money for the government programs? How efficient are those programs? Why would we want MORE goverment involvement in our lives? Why, because we may be receiving Medicare is it all right? It is easy to ignore others' needs and the fact that they are and will continue to work to pay for this and other government programming as long as we feel our needs are being met.

What a selfish attitude- what about our children and grandchildren who are left with the burdens we are creating. If we are willing to work to "save" our planet and its animals why are we not concerned about how our actions will impact future generations of Americans?

I also want to say to these same folks, if we take a lesson from those countries where nationalized healthcare is in place, the older you get, the less care you receive. You are no longer a contributing member of society and therefore dispensable. How does that sound? Guess if it is okay to abort babies it is now okay to terminate our elders.

Too many Americans have become lazy, spoiled and complacent. They latch onto feel good policies when in fact they are ruining this country.

I take refuge in my God. It is such a good feeling to know that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. No matter what this human experience may bring, I know Who is ultimately in control and where I will spend eternity- no matter what policies and practices our government chooses to make.

Psalm 90

Lord, Thou has been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were born, or Thou didst give birth to the earth and the world.

Even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.

Thou dost turn man back into dust,

And thou dost say, "Return, O children of men."

For a thousand years in Thy sight

Are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night.

Thou has swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep;

In the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew.

In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew;

Toward evening it fades, and withers away.

For we have been consumed by Thine anger.

And by Thy wrath we have been dismayed.

Thou has placed our inequities before Thee,

Our secret sins in the light of Thy presence.

For all our days have declined in Thy fury;

We have finished our years like a sigh.

As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,

Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow.

For soon it is gone and we will fly away.

Who understands the power of Thine anger,

And Thy fury, according to the fear that is due Thee?

So teach us to number our days,

That we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.

Do return, O Lord; how long will it be?
And be sorry for Thy servants.

O satisfy us in the morning with Thy lovingkindness,

That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad according to the days

Thou hast afflicted us,

And the years we have seen evil.

Let Thy work appear to Thy servants,

And Thy majesty to their children,

And let the favor if the Lord our God be upon us;

And do confirm for us the work of our hands;

Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

At the zoo

2009-06-14T03:51:00.000-04:00

We spent a day at the Cape May County Zoo. It is actually quite a lovely park. But as is typical, I did not remember to take any pictures while in the zoo. Hannah is very lucky that her daddy is not at all like me. He loves to take pictures. Unfortunately my guys did not have that many photos taken of them (sorry guys!). Well there was one picture I did take on the way out. People were probably wondering why anyone would be taking a picture of the bathrooms but not me. I stood there laughing. It reminded me so much of the green farce of a house (costing a mere $900,000) that I blogged about here.

You would probably be more impressed by a picture of their tiger. He was very beautiful. So here you go...oh, but I did not take this picture. I cut and pasted it from the zoo website!

My intention was to not even think about politics during the past two weeks but I did. David Letterman's crude and inexcusable comments concerning Sarah Palin and her daughter have angered me greatly. This reaches far beyond the political and certainly is not a joke. I actually broke my promise to not write any letters while away and sent CBS a note about my anger and vow to never watch Letterman again. What is happening to our country that we can laugh at jokes such as his? I am so saddened.

A short stroll through Cape May

2009-06-13T01:16:00.002-04:00

In all of the years I have visited Cape May, I can't recall walking through the town to take pictures. I am not one of those folks who carries a camera. I have to remind myself over and over again to take the camera and then never remember to use it. I will share pictures I took until my battery ran out. Since I waited until the last day of our visit to bring the camera on a walk, I did not return for more shots. It is lovely to walk through the town and see the flowers in bloom but I must admit that I especially enjoy the walk on a crisp winter evening with Christmas decorations adorning this adorable town. There are also fewer people then! Once the summer season picks up I find it too darn crowded to enjoy, hence our early June visit!
Isn't this an inviting path?

This shop has all sorts of gifts for animal lovers.

This house has a name that appeals to the bunny lover in me!

See if you can see what I picked out in these places...

Has it become clear that I LOVE to see our flag flying proudly?

I wanted to jump the fence and sit on the bench over there...but Joe thought it was not my brightest idea so I just stood drooling over the fence imagining what it would be like to sit on the bench-everyday!

I love these signs

I wanted to knock on the door of this place to see if I could peek out of this window but again Joe said, "no go!"

Some more cute spots. I wanted to sit on this bench but was AGAIN advised that it would not be a good thing to do!

This one was not so cute but I need to find out what the Girls Friendly Society is and why they have a Holiday House and what they do there..... (edited to add that I did find out and you can too by following the link above for info on the group or the link here to find out about this house- you can rent it- it is a retreat center BUT I warn you, it looked very tired on the outside)

This is a photographer's shop

This is my kind of a fire escape- think I would find an excuse to use it everyday if I lived there!

When I spotted this I was immediately tempted to book another stay in Cape May!

But when I saw this black door I knew I needed to head home to my own black door!

Even though I found the place that is ME, through and through....aaah...to sit on this porch with a book all afternoon would be such a delight! But again, Joe reminded me it would not be a delight for him to get me at the Cape May Police Station when the homeowners found me deeply engrossed in my book on their porch.

All I can say is, "Cape May, leave a light on for me because I will be back!" And I know that Aunt Nellie will be waiting!