Art and animals

This was the first place I found the painting link Goya’s Ghosts,
2nd place Link Goya's "Don Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zúñiga"

I have had this Goya Lithograph since 1977.
It has been through a house fire and 4 moves and has survived. It was old when I received it from a neighbor when I was a kid. She was going to just throw it in the trash.


This is so amazing You have to look close to see the hidden cat.


Me and Art
Before I was 10 years old I loved animals and Art. My neighbor at our 2nd home was a collector. I felt honored she brought me in and showed me her art collection. That 1 time left a lasting memory on me. This picture has always had a place of honor in my home. My friend a number of times said I should get ride of it as it did not work with my decor. But no way this is my childhood treasure. I would get rid of my decor before it would go. I am eclectic so any thing goes. At my old home it went toward a south west and native American flair. But this still had it's own place. I had no ideal this was a Goya painting till the Sheba cat food commercial came on tv and it was in it. Here is a link to his painting some one else took in New York: The Metropolitan Museum
.
About the portrait
They say this portrait represents the son of the Conde De Altamira. Outfitted in a splendid red costume, Don Manuel is shown playing with a pet magpie (which holds the painter's calling card in its beak), a cage full of finches, and three wide-eyed cats. In Christian art, birds frequently symbolize the soul, and in Baroque art caged birds are symbolic of innocence. Goya may have intended this portrait as an illustration of the frail boundaries that separate the child's world from the forces of evil, or as a commentary on the fleeting nature of innocence and youth. The picture is one of several portraits commissioned by the Altamiras after Goya was appointed painter to the king (1786). It may have been executed after the child's death in 1792, since the imagery and sinister undertone seem more characteristic of Goya's works of the 1790s.

Impulse Buy

Look what I found while searching for this info. A doll . Yes I bought it. He he He is art not a toy.
There was the only 2 on the Internet The small photo is the one they will be sending me in the box. This is an Effanbee 1985 Limited Edition 14" Doll. It portraits Francisco De Goya;s Portrait painting DON MANUEL OSORIO MANRIQUE de ZUNIGA'. Is made of vinyl with dark rooted hair and sleep eyes and lashes. He was hand-painted. It comes with the original certificate of ownership.
My cat
Reba and her wisdom for today.


Pleas take a look at cammera critters meme to see some real animals too.

My first sunrise of 2009

You may have to click to enlarge I caught the geese flying to the cow pond across the street, at sunrise last Friday, Jan 23, 09. It was great to see but not easy to photograph. The sky was beautiful and full of color.I love to sit in the front yard in summer time, and watch the young calf play like puppy's in the field. Right now they are in a diffrent field or have been sold.




Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

THANKFUL THURSDAY.7

I am very thankful today for my family and friends.
All of you who stop by and leave me wonderful comments bring such joy to my heart.
And fill my day with hope and happiness.
I am thankful for knowledge.
The ability to relearn things.
The positive attitude I am growing in.
The creative side waking up.
The joy of hope that this world will survive and turn around.
What is happening to the economy is temporary.
I thank God that I have a new outlook on life. I am learning to be an optimist.


How do you find out if you are an optimist or pessimist?
Ask yourself the question: How do I think when bad things happen to me?

A pessimist. lets the bad things take over and rule there life.destroying everything home, work, and even relationships.

" An optimist,separates the 1 bad thing from good things .
"It's just one thing that's not so good, everything else is fine."


" You may not be able to control what life puts in your path, but you can control who you are and who you will become"

wonderful award.

Renee At 2 Peas in a Pod blessed me with this wonderful award. Thanks so much Renee! Here’s a little bit about it:

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

I’m passing this on to You my wonderful friends.
Thanks

My garden design

I did my garden design with windows paint and adobe photo deluxe. 4.0 I have version 6 & 7 to but do not like them yet.
I did an overview of the yard. Then added photos of last summer to remind me of what I did then.
Now I have to decide how to expand. Where to put things like tomato and corn so not to cross pollinate. I need more information on distance. So I can keep the seed pure. I also need a place for melons. as they did not do well last year.

I looked for an online designer or free soft ware.

So far this is the first one I have found it is simple and basic.
virtual online plan graph designer
I will use it later for placement of veggies

.My first plan above is the whole yard. placement of trees house etc. The tan color is house or buildings. gray is rock.The color yellow is where the is a chance . either full or part sun. White is full shade. Blue is water. Red is fruit tree or berry. Green is flowers , bush or veggies. We have allot of trees so there is not much full sun locations. My main veggie garden is the top of photo beside the house. I do not use the back because there is a dry creak bed that will flood . We have crawdads in that area also. I my try corn back there near the property line. or container or top soil bags this year.





This is my basic design . I used the 3 sisters method of growing last year. beans using the corn to grow on and yellow squash between the plants. It worked quite well in saving space.
I plan to try self watering buckets.
And the no dig method of top soil bags . This will help to expand the garden.

I also used companion plants to prevent insect damage to the veggies.
I will expand on that and add more flowers.





Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.
Grammy

My Brain

Right Brain/ Left Brain Quiz The higher of these two numbers below indicates which side of your brain has dominance in your life. Realizing your right brain/left brain tendency will help you interact with and to understand others. Left Brain Dominance: (7) Right Brain Dominance: (10) Right Brain/ Left Brain Quiz

Here are some of the characteristics of each part of our brain...one of which is dominant in each of us:

Right Brain ***Intuitive, led by feelings ***visual, focusing on images, patterns ***process ideas simultaneously ***see the whole first, then the details ***like to know how you're doing something or why rules exist(reasons) ***enjoy touching and feeling actual objects (sensory input) ***listens to how something is being said ***listens to what is being said ***talk with your hands ***impulsive**make lateral connections from information ***fantasy based ***presents possibilities ***imagination rules.

Left Brain ***analytical, led by logic ***process ideas sequentially, step by step ***likes making lists and planning ***plan ahead ***work up to the whole step by step, focusing on details, information, organized ***spelling and mathematical formulas easily memorized ***enjoy observing ***make logical deductions from information ***likely to follow rules without questioning them ***likes order ***reality based ***forms strategies ***facts rule.

According to these theories
(the right brain) is visual and processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture then the details. The other (the left brain) is verbal and processes information in an analytical and sequential way

By taking this quiz the numbers are close it shows I still do use both sides but I have started lean more to the right. Where I have put my analytical side on hold a few years. And am now waking up my creative side again.

Conclusion . Maybe when I was hit in the head my left side took the impact.this explains the breakdown and confusion I have had . This led me to a new state of being. Where I can decide to be happy. I have have enough marbles left to choice from now. I am able to learn control.

For me the red areas were damaged. Bold is what is left. Gray is slight damage.
It has taken a year of learning to be at the point I am at not. Where I can learn and reason again.

Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

Last 10 years now

MY FIRST CARTOON

I AM NOT AN ARTIST BUT I LOVE ART.
I AM NOT A CARTOONIST. BUT I LIKE GRAPHICS.
I NEVER EVEN READ A COMIC BOOK TILL WE SOLD THEM AT FLEA MARKETS.
IT TAKES CREATIVITY AND TALENT TO DO A GREAT JOB.
SO WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MY FIRST TOON?
DO YOU THINK THERE IS A POINT TO IT?
DO YOU THINK I AM WAISTING TIME RATHER THAN DOING THE DISHES?
DO YOU THINK THERE IS A LESION TO LEARN FROM IT?
OR IS IT JUST MOTIVATION TO HELP GET THINGS DONE?
OR AM I JUST A TOON? LOL

I did this with Windows paint program. It is not that easy to freehand draw with a mouse.

Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

Family Life

The photo with me is the latest. Please don't look at it too closely. I am still recovering from whatever I have from Christmas time. Photo 2 is my other Daughter Tessa and her family at the hospital. Tessa is expecting a new baby Aug 1 2008. Scott, Tessa's new hubby has just survived a rolled car accident. The axle on there GMC Jimmy broke while on the highway at 70 mph causing the Jimmy to roll. He is just bruised a bit. With a slight concussion. But car is totaled. The air bag did not deploy either. And no other car was involved. So he had a guardian Angel looking out for him.




The happy dad!

# 3 Her big brother Jeremy feeding her.#4 is after she was brought home.
She is now over the Jondis she had. But her weight is 6.09 . So she is 1 oz less than birth weight at 2 weeks. Doctor is concerned a bit and will monitor her weight. She also has a closed tear duct. This is common with kids in our family.

Camera critters #8

Adventures of Crash
On his way in from his Dayle rounds

I think I smell something in my yard!

The birds know to look out for him.
I taut I tall a puddy tat!

The squirrel loves to throw nuts at him too.

His mission in life is to get you to smile and rub him all over!

Joke of the day:
I had to get rid of my husband. Because the cat was allergic to him.!"
To see more wonderful critters please visit the Camera critters blog.

Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

Sky watch Friday 8

The best photo on Jan 17 2009
This is unedited other than crop for smaller size. I love the red we have been getting in the sky. You have to click on the photo to see it is a lamp light in the distance.




Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

THANKFUL THURSDAYwith a twist

I was going to title this post a cheap date.

But I decided to take a fun post and be thankful for it.
We take so much for granted. A simple trip to the grocery store turned into fun.for me Wednesday night. I went with a mission to buy roast beef and bread. Something easy to eat for dinner. The excitement started when we entered the store. SALE SALE SALE!
First the bag of mint candy went in the cart. We turned the corner candy bars 10/$3. So I contained my greed 6 for me 4 for hubby. Down the front row we went. Ding dongs said look at me $2.50. I am 1/2 price. So I said ok jump in the cart. Hubby thought. "Man what is this chocoholic day". So he turned down the chip Isle and grabbed him cheese popcorn. Since I was so into chocolate on sale. Then the frozen food Isle had 10/$10 so all the meat loaf mash potato dinners jumped in the cart. I asked him what one does he want. He looked at me. like what. 1. I laughed and said we need 1 more to make 10. So he was ok again.
Finally we got to the bread and roast beef. he tossed a couple bottles of soda in the cart and we headed for the check out. When red rose's for $4.99 was all over there. Saying I am cheap! I won't die! I am silk I will just get dusty! You know you do not spoil your self with material things! "Wake up and want me!"I showed them to hubby he said ok throw them in. I said no you have to want to buy them for me. He said that is why he don't. I was like rrrr. But this was easier than the sock monkey. We went to w-mart Tue to get cat food. He pointed out the already made sock monkey for only $8.00. I was like wow. It is cheaper to buy them than the amount it cost me to make the ones for Christmas. Hubby was like you don't need that. I was like I know. But I have never had one for me. And It is cheaper than making one for my self. The sock monkey continued to work his charm on me. Then the stock girl said so many reasons to by it. Hubby said no no no. I was then determined he was to be mine. I am not the kind of person to buy my self fun things, This is something missing from my life. Fun!
So conclusion. I have a valentines present in January. I see hubby waking up a bit to make some one else happy. for less than $30.00 all this was purchased.

Back to grocery store story. Sorry I get derailed. We checked out and cashier was saying what a bargain on the tv dinners. Hubby said "they are for when she feels like cooking". I could not believe I did not defend myself. I started to giggle then laugh and every one was laughing. It was too funny.

So I am thankful for the laughter today.
The thrill of chocolate on sale
Bargains
And for the experience of wanting hubby to buy me something I do not need.
I am thankful most for simple happy times we take for granted.


Lori at Lori's Relfections is hosting Thankful Thursday this week .
Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

My heirloom garden seed 2009

This is not a paid advertisement.

I have chose to be a Harvest keeper this year and have joined the grower challenge.

I bit the bullet and ordered some of my heirloom garden seed for this year.
I have never tried any of these veggie types before.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co Was my choice to try this year.
You may ask why I paid more and chose these seeds.
Really it was not much more and shipping was only $3.00 for all this. With these seed being open pollination. Saving the seed each year will feed us forever.

1. They are not genetically engineered.
2. Some are endangered of becoming extinct . Like the dinosaur.
3. I feel honored to be a seed keeper.
4. This was the heritage of my ancestors and the past farmers.
5. I will know my family will not be fed pesticides or genetically modified food.

You will see me grow these over this next summer. Plus others not listed here.



- melon- Ananas D' Amerique A Chair Verte (Green Fleshed Pineapple)This historic heirloom was grown by Thomas Jefferson in 1794. It was offered commercially in the USA in 1824, and it was illustrated in color in France in 1854 in the Vilmorin Album. This wonderful variety has become very rare. The fruit have netted skin and light green flesh that is firm, sweet and highly perfumed. Productive plants can be trained up a trelli
- Minnesota Midget ( OP) (Reticulatus Group) 60-70 days
This very small, very early heirloom was Developed at the University of Minnesota and introduced by Farmer Seed in about 1948 . The fruits are five to six inches in diameter, weighing thirteen ounces to one and a half pounds, they have sweet, orange flesh and are perfect miniature versions of the "Classic Muskmelon". Compact, 3'-4' vines, produce good yields.Fruit slips from vine when ripe.This is not a small plant, but it's very manageable in a large container. It's an especially good choice for northern gardeners who usually can't grow cantaloupes, as well as being the best cantaloupe for containers.
Note:melons crave warmth and sunlight, so early summer is the best time to start a melon patch.It is esistant to fusarium wilt.

- Mary Washington Asparagus, green long stem




- Precoce d'Argenteuil .Asparagus An old traditional heirloom, this gourmet variety is highly esteemed in Europe for its delicious stems that can be blanched white with rose-colored buds. Italian Seed






- Calabrese Green Sprouting.broccoli , An Italian heirloom brought to America in the 1880s; 5"-8" heads and many side shoots

- Romanesco Italia. broccoli
The true and popular Italian heirloom with spiraling, applegreen heads that are so superbly flavored. This variety is widely grown in northern Italy. A must with many of the finest chefs.

- Stowell's Evergreen Sweet Corn, This is among the oldest sweet corn that is still in production, predating 1949. It is still a favorite of many, producing tasty white kernels. The plants used to be pulled up when completely ripe, and hung upside-down in a cool pantry; the ears would last well into the winter, in a semi-fresh state. In 1873, the seeds sold for 25 cents per pint.



- True Gold Sweet Corn, Attractive ears are filled with sweet, yellow kernels that have a fine flavor. This newer open-pollinated corn is becoming a favorite of gardeners everywhere. Productive 75-day corn that is a great home and market variety


- Chires Baby Corn . picke fresh and put into stir-fries and soups. This variety produces up to 20 tiny ears on its multi-stalked plants; pick just after the silk shows at the tips of ears, or let mature for popcorn!
- Lemon Cuke, 60 days. The shape, size and color of a lemon but the flavor is sweet and mild! This heirloom was introduced in 1894, and is still a favorite today.
a cuke is a cucumber in Australia.
- Crystal Apple Cuke. Small 3" oval fruit are a bright, creamy white, about the size of a small apple, and sweet, mild and very tender. This variety has become almost extinct in America after being introduced here from Australia around the year 1930 from Arthur Yates and Co. But this type of cucumber is likely to have originated in China. The small fruit are so tender you can eat them skin and all.

Chinese Green Noodle Bean
Here is an early variety of long bean imported from China. 20" pods are straight and smooth, bright green, and of excellent quality. This hardy long bean is easy to grow almost anywhere. Very tasty stir-fried.
Henderson's Black-Seeded Simpson
60 days. Introduced in the 1870's by Peter Henderson & Co. Sweet and tender leaves, light yellow-green, very popular.
Lau's Pointed Leaf
This variety was collected from Lau, a Chinese farmer in the highlands of Malaysia. It produces star shaped plants with long, thin, bright green pointed leaves. The flavor is sweet and very tasty. This variety was the fastest growing and most vigorous of the many lettuces grown .
- Rossa di Terviso Precoce radicchio from Treviso, ItalyMakes a long slender bunch of leaves, turns deep brilliant red they're said to be good for insomnia and purifying the blood

- Brandywine Pink 80 days. The most popular heirloom vegetable! A favorite of many gardeners, large fruit with superb flavor. A great potato-leafed variety from 1885!
Beautiful pink fruit up to 1-1/2 lbs. each!





Flame (Hillbilly)
80-85 days. A huge, bi color heirloom, brilliant yellow color with red marbling. Very large with a rich, sweet flavor. Beautiful when sliced. An heirloom believed to be from West Virginia.

Gold Medal
75-90 days. The 1 lb fruit are among the smoothest bicolored tomatoes we carry and are one of the most beautiful we have seen. Lovely yellow fruit are blushing with rosy red that radiates from the blossom end. The firm flesh is of superior quality, being sweet and mild. The low acid content makes them great for fresh eating. From the late, legendary seed collector, Ben Quisenberry.
- Sugar Baby
79 days The #1 icebox-sized melon! Early! 6 to 10-lb melons are great for the North and have sweet, deep red flesh.

The Tropaeolum or aka Nasturtium flowers and leafs are editable and repel some unwanted pest in the veggie garden. I used them last year and they worked well. My corn was not chewed by any thing but me.

double and large. Plants set flowers earlier than many varieties; the 4’ plants
Nasturtium- Dwarf Jewel Mix









- Nasturtium-Milkmaid
Nasturtium- Jewel Peach Melba
Nasturtium- Empress of India

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Caution All of the next plants are Toxic if eaten.

(Ricinus communis) Castor Beans This will help to control moles and voles.
- Ballerina Mix (Datura metel) A dwarf version
Sacred Datura
- Double Golden Queen Datura (D. metel) Gorgeous pale lemon-yellow blooms are ruffled, double and large. Plants set flowers earlier than many varieties; the 4’ plants
Splash of Cream (Nicandra physaloides) aka apple of Peru or shoo-fly plant
Said to be a repellent against white flies. Toxic. Flowers July-September. Reseeds Annual. Bushy, 1 to 1,5 m tall plant with 3 cm blue flowers

I will update this later with more info one each plant. As I find out more about them.
If you grow any of these or have a favorite you use, pleale let me know .

Pay It Forward challenge.

I was at Melanie"s blog The Fruits of the Spirit
I saw she was so excited she was able to participate in the Pay It Forward challenge.

I saw she had no comments and knew she chooses to moderate them before they are posted like I do.
So I took a chance. And look I was number 2 to my surprise.

So, you ask, what is this challenge all about? Well, here you go.....

The first three bloggers to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand-made item from me. Also, those same three bloggers promise to post this challenge on their own blog. This means they will be "paying it forward" by creating a handmade gift for the first three bloggers that leave a comment on their blog. Now, doesn't that sound like fun? All that hand-made love going around in the blogosphere?

This part is fun, too... the gift can be anything that you choose and be in any price range. And, you have 365 to make/ship your item.

How about it? How about joining in on the fun with us?

Here is a chance to make something with your hands and send it with your heart.

for Wendy

Happy Birthday Nathan!
Congratulations Grandma Wendy!

Wisdom from Reba

You can click on the photo to read them better.

Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.


Reba decided to share some of words of wisdom that she has learned. Since Grammy got some sleep last night. Reba will do the post today. Can you believe I finally let Grammy take some good photos of me. Normally I never look into the camera. So you do not get to see my blue eyes.

My brain has a hard drive.

Last night I started out saying hi to some of you. I clicked on a link to another person in some ones comments to see there blog, this led me to This amazing painting of a St. Petersburg cathedral in Russia I was in Awe ! All the detail. All the craftsmanship. As I looked at the photo of the painting , I thought," I would love to see this in person. I love art. I love the Victorian days of detail". I forgot that way back then Europe is full of detail. I had no Ideal Russia would go to the top of my list as a place I would love to see. So I took a virtual vacation to this this country last night. I so enjoyed it.The painting and photos both touched my soul. And left me in a state of enlightenment.

After looking at great photos for hours on the link below. I had to stop.
All this started my brain working over time.

I had to write all this down as my brain is like a computer it loves input. I love to learn. But I must need to defrag my brains hard drive to organize my thoughts. Then a disk clean up to get rid of my corrupted files. Then I thought , My brain needs an external hard drive as I keep loosing my floppies.. I can just use floppy disk to store negative thoughts and problems." I don't mind loosing them at all". But If I start writing things down for safe keeping. Maybe, I will have a great operating system. As in my brain will then be good again.
I wish I had this desire as a kid. I was in 10 th grade and so loved art. I went to visit the graphic arts class at North Co tech. I loved it but "It was not the type of art I wanted to explore then". I went a week each to diffrent classes. And I assume this helped me to be eclectic I could use both my head and body back then. I had a week in Auto mechanics. "I rebuilt a 350 engine block". I liked using the sand blaster the most. to smooth out the valves or ? don't remember what.This was a form of artistic craftsmanship I took a week in small electronics. A week in Airframe and power mechanics. "I did not get to do any thing but watch in that class". I was in small engine. And of all the classes I went to visit "I picked Offset lithography". It was mechanical, artistic, use of cameras & photo development, printing, bindery . It offered a bit of what I thought I wanted to learn . But I never used this to earn a living. As I always made more money in sales or management. Only 1 person in our class made a living and stayed with it .

I was lucky I had the ability to teach too. My oldest Amy was a book worm it was read me this. My grandson Jeremy is like this too. But in high school Amy exceeded the master. She took college level calculus in the 11 th grade. She came home with an attitude of "where do I go for help if I am smarter than in one here?" Her teacher was not a teacher but a person who said do it. So it was the first class she ever failed. When she went to collage though. Where she did not fail. She had good teachers. And she did well. As she was hired as a chemical engineer with out going to chem tech. She passed all the test that was required of her to know to get the job.

So I guess I accomplished something in this life. I have looked for the answer to" What is my purpose ?" "Why am I here?" So I need to find the answers.
"What will they say at my funeral?"
"I have always had a problem with being called a house wife. I prefer Unemployed. Retired. Lazy. lol ??"

I am a empty nester, wife, parent, now a grandparent, a friend, a teacher and eclectic..Not necessarily in that order.
I worked when I was capable. And some how I can solve other peoples problems. But not always my own.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Link to awesome detailed photos of Russia's palace's and etc.
Photo from wickpedia

The church was built between 1883 and 1907 and was officially called the Resurrection of Christ Church (a.k.a. The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood), By looking at the awesome photos in this Link to detailed photos of the church. I had no ideal it was so new. The construction of the church was almost entirely funded by the Imperial family and thousands of private donations.
The church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881 by a group of revolutionaries, who threw a bomb at his royal carriage.
click on photo to see more from wickpedia

Inspirational art

I found these on photo bucket. A place to share web graphics and photos.

I love photos like this. It makes winter disappear in your mind.when you look at this wonderful creation .It wakes up your imagination. I would love to be in the photo. It is like a dream world. But It has to be in Arizona to have smoke in the chimney and flowers around the lake. The only thing that would make this better it to have the waterfall flowing. That would be even more tranquil to look at. I am in awe of how graphics are made to move. I have never learned this skill but would love to. I find it good to have positive happy things around you to make your atmosphere happy or calm. I was thinking wildlife was missing in the photo. But that could be firefly's sparkling on the water.



And this is so cute.
You know there is a bear in there sleeping.
It looks like a magic forest. With filtered light or wind.
Or could it also be fireflies?
These graphics represent every thing I love in the environment. Water, wildlife, nature and a calm beauty. Along with a little bit of fun.



What do these graphics inspire in you?

Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

Camera critters #7

This was the highlight of our honeymoon in 1980
It was called gator land. It was really fun. I found a web page for it and on google map it has photos that look like they are still there just bigger now. lol.





















This was Sea world in 1980 Orlando Fl.













Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

I've been Tagged

Charlotte,at The Robins nest has tagged me with a photo tag

First, the rules are simple. As follows:
6th Picture Meme!
1.Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.
2.Go to the 6th Folder, then pick the 6th picture in that folder.
3,Post that picture on your blog and the story that goes along with the picture.
4.Tag 6 other peoples that you know or don’t know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.
Since
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Here is my photo.
It is a photo of my computer screen. I was into family history and researching my roots.

It shows a over head view of the terrain of the family homestead in West Virginia.

My Mom was born there. It is on the top of a peak of Williams Mountain.
By grandpa paid $100.00 and 2 cows to the Williams for this peak of the mountain.
My Aunt still lives there. And Grandmas house is no longer standing.
Were you see the yellow pin. In front was where my grandparents had a store during the depression.
They had an orchard and sold or traded fruit and veggies for other things to survive. My Grandpa. Ira Yeager also was a moon shiner. I was told the story of how the Law as it was called by my aunt. came to the house one day. They Asked uncle Charlie. "Wheres your pa? He took them to the still to be met with Gun shots. My Grand pa hid out for Days. He gave up when He needed medical care and food. As he was shot in the knee. She said. Boy did Uncle Charlie get a whooping. I was born in Madison at a hospital. But was raised here till Age 4 In July of 1964,This was when My my mom married my step dad. He is the best dad a person could ask for. He is the reason I have the life I have now. My mom wanted to leave me with my grandma who loved me so. But he said that aint right. She is coming with us. So here I am. Still in Missouri.

Here is a link to photos of the homestead as it was before I was born.
My Grandpas cousin was Chuck Yeager He was famous for being the first pilot to break the sound barrier. The airport in Charleston WV. is named after him.
Here is a photo of me and my dad at Christmas. in Dec of 2000


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

Sky watch Friday 7

Thanks for visiting my view of the sky in the Lake of the Ozarks area of Missouri USA

Grammy

A peek at the Osage river++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We survived the arctic blast.

We prepared by Adding 1 inch STYROFOAM SHEETS to the north west side of the house. This kept the pipes from freezing and We moved the kettlekorn trailer to deflect the 40+ mile and hour winds they were predicting. This is the end result. The wind tore up most pieces but we are comfortably safe. With lots of debris through out the neighborhood. So I will make this 1 inch STYROFOAM a permanent addition to the house. and add siding over it. As it proved to work well.
Also the concrete blocks Hubby added to the flat roof worked. The roof was not pulled up this time.
So I feel blessed we overcame the elements this time won.

Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

Blog Award

New Award-- Noblesse Oblige

I received this award from Rottlady of the Ozarks whose blog title says:Lovin' and Livin' Life in the Ozarks She has provided many inspirational posts and some funny ones too! One her most recent posts that I found to be so funny was this one titled: My Private Part Died---Funny!

The rules are :

The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.

The Blog contents inspire; strive to encourage and offer solutions.There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures and Sciences and Beliefs.

The Blog is refreshing and creative.The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to follow the following steps :

1. Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige award.

2. Display the award conditions on the post.

3. Write a short article about what this blog has thus far achieved - preferrably citing a post to support.

4. The blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.

5. The blogger must display the Award on their blog.

I pick all my friends

THANKFUL THURSDAY.6

I am so thankful for the sky's above and the world below.
The air that we breath . Food and water that sustains us. And a home with some heat.

The love of family and friends.

I am so thankful I am on the path to happiness, joy, and laughter.

I am thankful for our new family member Jozlyn Rose. Our first Granddaughter.

I am thankful for all my blog friends. They lighten my heart. And fill it with love & joy.

I am thankful I met
Fr Wade on myspace
He now shares video of his service in Lakeland Fl.

I have learned from him there is more than 1 form of the catholic religion. And his way I have never seen before. It is well worth a look at his videos you will be pleasantly surprised. Link

I am thankful for my new positive attitude.
and knowledge popping in my head that I can share to help others. And If I forget I can just look it up.

My life now includes limericks. Thanks to Gail.

I can already tell, this year is going to be the best yet.



If you would like to share your thankful heart click on the T T photo



Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh and play.

My thoughts on lemons

When I put up the video below.
At first it was to make you laugh, and start your day with joy. But then the more I read your comments and saw your views. This message jumped in my head. I looked at the video as a lesions in life.

We feed on bitterness and learn to except it as part of our life. We feed it to our kids and they follow in our foot steps. When really we have a choice to not eat a lemon. When it comes our way we can just say no.
And choose to make our life sweet.
How do you like my words of wisdom. My brain is finally working on a positive note again. It is good to laugh at the funny faces, Because laughter is healthy for the body, Mind an soul.

Thanks for joining me on my mission to be happy and filled with joy this year. I am winning the battle with winter blues. Like a child I have visions of flowers and composts in my head. Veggies growing in there bed. I have spring fever and yet the wind chill will be below zero tonight. Burr, I not only need a fire in my head but one in the house.As for our mouse. He is on his own. And needs a new home.


Image & video from photo bucket.

Have a wonderful day and remember to play

Lemonade And laughs

When fate hands you a lemon, make lemonade."(Dale Carnegie)



Have a wonderful day and remember to play
Only 66 Days until Spring

A positive path to follow

This year I plan to follow a path to happiness, wisdom and joy.
I searched the web for words of wisdom.
I have the links embedded in the words to show where they came from.
I looked for funny ones but have not found many that are original. So I only a few to share.
As Laughter is medicine for the soul.


1. To achieve all you have to do is believe

2. Remember, you may not be able to control what life puts in your path, but you can control who you are and who you will become.

3. The man that makes no mistake, is usually the man who does nothing.

4. Wisdom is not knowing what to do now, but knowing what to do next.

5. Two can live as cheaply as one - if one doesn't eat.

6.Last night, I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and thought to myself, "Where the heck is the ceiling?"

7. Always forgive your enemies - Nothing annoys them so much.

8. You should not confuse your career with your life.

9. “Kind words are such a blessing to the needful.” (John McLeod)
“If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.” (Mark Twain)

10.If you light a lantern for another. It will lighten your way also.

11.It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves. (Francois De La Rochefoucauld)
Please share your words of wisdom or funny jokes in the comments.
Have a wonderful day and remember to play

Questions asked of me

Gail asked me these Questions?

Grammy at Empty Nester has kindly agreed to an interview. We will hope she does not regret this. This is a great way to get acquainted. I had some very soul searching questions from Trucker's Wife. The torch is now passed and I get to ask the questions!
First let me thank you, Grammy, for giving me a shot at this. Remember I admit to being strange!

Questions.
1. If you were a Cartwright on "Bonanza", which character would you be and why? If you are too young for Bonanza, choose another show we will be familiar with and answer same question applying to that show.

2. You are a musical instrument, which one and why?

3. What is your favorite color and why?

4. If you could have an old fashioned picnic in any area of the world, where would you be and why?

5. Of all creatures in our vast universe, imaginary or real, which would you be and why?
Answers
1.I would be little Jo. As he had so much fun and always had a wonderful smile. He was loyal to his family. And had a nice pinto horse..

2. I would like to be. A banjo full of spirit and charm. But I may be a dusty piano left in a corner not played with any more.

3. This is a hard one as I love rainbows and sky's of blue. Red just brings me to life. Yellow calms me. Brown is a tree, that I respect and love. Green I use to hate because my first house was every shade of green including green contact paper on the bath tub. But since Hunter & sage green came out I am drawn to green.
I love green grass and plants.. So How do I pick just one. As they all complete us in some way or another.

4. As long as I do not have to cook or plan this event.I would like it to be in the country or by the lake, Any where in the world, with the people like on little house on the prairie. I love the show and would like a barn dance to go with the picnic. .

5. At the moment I feel like a wolf with the full moon. But I think I would like to be an eagle and fly free.

Now the rules of the interview are simple.

1. To be interviewed just have them leave "interview me" in the comments
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
6. Link back to the interviewer

I have your questions in the comments you can answer there our do a post.



Have a wonderful day and remember to play

How do you know you are a redneck ?

Oh No you caught me!

When you share your tooth brush.

When you wonder what the is a red arrow is for.

When you fix the roof with cinder blocks.

When you paint the propane tank to look like a Porpoises.When you use a paint bucket for a weather head..

When you turn the John Deere into a bike mower.

When your dogs need a braces..

Oh when you plan to have a place like this on the lake some day.

Have a wonderful day and remember to have fun.

Road trip views

What wonderful weather we have had.Yesterday
I had to open a window it was 80f in the house.

We may have spotted another eagle in the distance on the way home Tuesday
in the Osage beach area of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Sorry the photo below is a blur.

When we saw this truck.

My thought was his and hers tee pees. lol

Hubby said it would be great to have a
Electric line in the middle of the tee pees.
So I put one in. Which one do you like best?

This is more progress I love the new view but it will be replace with some sort of development.

I am going to miss this rock wallThe water level if finally down

Osage rive from Hwy 54 bridge

This is the rock Quarry right beside the river.

I really like the rock wall in the back of the quarry.

Camera critters #6

I have never seen a female yellow cardinal before.
They are normally not this color.

Every one is standing there ground. I mean bush. lol

Who comes to the rescue .
To stop the war
My cat bird Crash.
Is here to save the day.

To see more critters visit the Camera-Critters meme.
Have a wonderful day and remember to play!

Sky Watch Friday # 6

I am so addicted to sky watching there is no bringing me back.

This adds passion and love of life to your soul.
There were so many good views this week it was hard to choose a few.

Between 1 and 2 I could not choose. I love the sky more in #2 and #1 how can I pass up a photo of both the lake of the Ozarks. And the Osage rive in 1 shot at sun set. This is the Bagnel dam area. And where our electricity comes from. A place to boat, fish or watch the water flow. See the bald eagle or humongous cat fish feed.

This view is over the Lake to the north. river is on the south in photo above.

Happy sky watch to all from the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. USA
I am off to see the new Granddaughter now.

The new baby is here

There is no blessing greater than family

We are off to see our new Lady of the Lake

She was born under the water tower.

You can tell they are in a hurry.

WE are here

Look a baby girl!

Daddy's baby Mommy's maybe!

She looks like Daddy

Dylan and his new sis

Jeremy and his new sis.

Our new Lady of the Lake was born
Jan 7, 2009
at 2:20 pm
6 lb 10 oz 20 inches+

2.76691 kg
508 millimeter

Jozlyn Rose

I am so thankful that my daughter and new granddaughter made it through.
Amy received another rogam shot because Jozlyn is a B+ blood type.
Amy is a B- and it was very hard to keep this little one in for 9 month.

The Doctor has now given Jozlyn a clean bill of health.

Thank you for our healthy Lady of the
(lake of the Ozarks. Mo)

Hay Carla this was fun

Carla did a search for her name . and I thought I will try it.
So I google me:


I thought I would just find me if I searched my name. What a surprise
I was no where to be found. Humm could it be I do not like my name and go by Ernie?

#1
I found first Lily Tomlin's
As the telephone operator. from the tv show LAUGH-IN/NBC/1968-73
I love tv in those days. I did not even realize She had my name.
*2
was lily again with her phone ringie dingy.
#3
Ernestine Louise Rose (January 13, 1810 – August 4, 1892) was an Individualist Feminist, abolitionist, freethinker, She was one of the major intellectual forces behind the women's rights movement in nineteenth-century America.

I am a free thinker but this is not me. I have fought city hall and won! Changed the law in Breckenridge hills So the inspector can not enter your property at will with out a warrant. Had major influence on the Mayor loosing re election. And helped the new mayor win.
#4
was video to watch Lily
#5
Ernestine Ruben is internationally known through extensive exhibitions, books, and workshops
Most of her life has been focused on art.
I do love art. Wish I would have been an artist. love graphics. Did enough family research to write several books. But this is not me.
#5
Ernestine Anderson."A voice to make more heralded singers weep with envy.
Oh you do not want to here me sing!
#6
Ernestine L. Susmond Potowski Rose (1810-1892) Human rights include the rights of all, not only man, but woman, not only white but black; where ever there is a being called human, There rights are as full and expressive as there existence, and ought to be without limits or distinction of sex, country, or color..." - Hartford Bible Convention, Hartford, CT, 1853.
I to believe in human rights. And will stand up for some one. But alas this is not me.
#7
Ernestine Wiedenbach was an early nursing leader who is probably best known for her work in theory development and maternal infant nursing. She wrote with Dickoff and James, a classic article on theory in a practice discipline that is still used today when studying the evolution of nursing theory. Ms. Wiedenbach was born into an affluent family in 1900 and was brought up in a refined and gentile manor. Her family immigrated from Germany
Some of my ancestors are from Germany. nursing is not something I would do. I could be a veterinarian though.
#8
Ernestine Whitman Professor of Music Lawrence Conservatory faculty since 1978. She has distinguished herself as teacher, solo recitalist, professional orchestral player, and chamber musician.
I love music! would love to learn to play. but I can not even read music. :(
I made sure my girl's could. Amy was a base player and was asked to join a symphony with her high school teacher. Tessa was a viola player. And both can play a guitar.
As a kid I wanted to play a flute.
# 9
Musice tracks to here Noir Désir » Tracks Ernestine (4:58)
I listened to the track top right of page, Wow bold moving music. Sang by a man
#10
was again Lilly so I moved on to
Grouch v. Ernestine could this be me?
No they are comparing grouchy operators to lilly.
on page 11 #6
No I am not a grouchy phone operator. But I could be a bit grouchy at times..

Ernestine Ulmer quote “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”

Oh this could be me. Or my twin. I will eat desert first !


I found a link to names. you have to click on this link. 1960 was when the name had it's lowest and last rating. Go figure. That was the year I was born. I was the last to receive the name.

The girl's name Ernestine \e-rnesti-ne, er-nes-tine\ is pronounced er-ness-TEEN. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "serious; battle to the death". Feminine form of Ernest.

Ernestine has 7 variant forms: Earnestine, Erna, Ernaline, Ernesha, Ernesta, Ernestina and Ernestyna.

Conclusion:
All these people are smart, funny, talented, They stand up for there beliefs. Help others.
So Maybe the name dose fit me.
But I would rather be called Erna I could live with that.
As it is when I say Ernie is my name. People look real hard to see if I am a guy in transition.

This was fun maybe you should search your name and see if it fits you.

Problems solved

This is the outfit chosen to bring Jozlyn Rose home from the hospital. I know it should be a cute little dress. But none to be found. It is cold here and all new born dresses are for spring or Christmas.
Amy will go in at 5:00 am tomorrow Wednesday Jan 7, 2008
to be induced into labor.

Love of native art

Ok Gail,
you have my thoughts running about again. I can not go window shopping we are in a small town with a small w-mart store. I can not wake up my wanting side. But I can make my creative side wake up. I started thinking about all my passions things I love. My old home was full of native American art and South west flair. I am eclectic. I do not need things to match. I just need to love them. I went looking for some thing to hang up. As I am not going to unpack till we move. All my treasures and art is packed in the shed. or closet or sold or maybe even thrown away. Who knows what I did at the time 3 years ago I packed and moved 2 times. 1 time to sell the house I loved 2 to move here to this house that is a payed off rehab. still needing to be finished. I went looking to find one thing . Yes it is a sand painting. My Uncle in Arizona made frames for other ones he and my Aunt Betty gave me. They are done by a famous Indian painter, Name I do not remember. I will have to ask. But this is what I found. A clock to hang in the kitchen. I now am motivated to get out the paint and paint that wall. I will let you know when that happens. lol

I love native American and south west Items.

This one was found in St. Louis at a yard sale.

If the sky is blue

If the sky is blue
I know what to do.

If the sky is Grey
I know I can not go play

If the sky is gold
Treasures will unfold.

If the sky is red
I am not going to bed

if the sky is full of color
it fulfills like no another.

Rain bows
keep you on your toes

And the wind really blows.
Can you believe I wrote a poem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
These photos contains the only eagle I saw yesterday. I need more than a 300 mm lens . For this one.

Something to do

I have been doing puzzles the last few weeks. This started out hard for me as some were impossible to do. Now I can do the hard ones they take 20 +/- minuets. The best time yet is around 11 min. But this is helping me a bit with regaining some scene of I can do this. As I try to not give up on things that once were easy. Also I can neglect the fact the house need to be cleaned. LOL
This helps with winter blues a bit too.

Camera critters #5

This is Crash my Lynx point Siamese/manx He has to check out this cabinet every day. He is not a small cat he weighs over 12 pounds and has Saint Bernard feet for a cat they are big.



The gray cat is a friend of Crashes. She has been guarding my yard and shed way before we even moved in.
The strip cat is some one passing through.


To answer some questions
Yes, Crash can open the cabinet doors him self. I named him Crash Lighting because. As a kitty he would run like lighting and could not put on his breaks fast enough so he would crash into every thing.

Views on Hwy 50

These are views from High way 50 near Lynn and Rose bud Missouri. USA

The Osage river

Church steeple in the woods

This is an example of our ground we have a high rock table which allows flooding in areas, and the reason dirt is so expensive as it is hard to come by.
Some how roads are put through hillsides and not made to go up and over. Lots of dynamite and equipment is used to do this.

You can see why I love Missouri. Lots of trees and beautiful blue sky's

I took this video to show you a more panoramic view because a photo can not do justice to the awesome views you can find in Missouri.


These photos and video were taken with my Nikon cool pix so the quality is not quite there.