Friday, September 24, 2010
I am upstairs at Nickerson, Kansas, Elementary School.
When you left me last I was in the fourth grade and Mrs. Howe was by teacher, but time has passed and I am now in the fifth grade. That was a big promotion cause now I got the extreme pleasure of going upstairs to class. That was very scary that first day as I had never been upstairs before. Miss Swenson was my teacher and she was so sweet. She is the one who discovered I had a penchant for writing, especially poetry. She even met with momma to get permission to submit one of my poems to Jack and Jill magazine. I was so proud. Well, yeah, I still remember to this day, so it must have made an impression! I do not know what went on with that, but it was none the less an honor. My greatest joy my whole life was always a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. Still is. The kids sometimes just give me note books, college ruled and they are all over the house!
Fifth grade was where reality set in. A classmate lost her father in a farm accident. Miss Swenson met a man and married him. A new girl came to our school named Mavis. Course the kids had to tease her and it was then I realized I had compassion in my soul for my fellow humans! Mavis became my friend and I protected her from the slings and arrows of fellow classmates. Then she moved away.
On to sixth grade and Miss Lauver. Miss Lauver was a spinster. While I knew what that was from the dictionary I was never really sure of all the implications. She was very strict as I recall, but not mean. It was in sixth grade I found out what happens when you take the internal workings out of a crank telephone, grab the wire and have someone spin the crank! Hard lesson to learn especially for a little girl! Miss Lauver lived with her older sister who was also named Miss Lauver. They came to the house one time to see momma. Don't know why.
Seventh grade brought Mr. Schriber. That may not be spelled right, but he was a wiry little fellow and cute as a button with his curly hair. He also was the coach. Back then teachers could do that. All of us girls worked very hard. In seventh grade I learned the difference between and the commonalities of Nature and Nurture or Hereditary vs. Environment. I am still in a quandary over that one. Lot to be said for both sides.
Eighth grade and Mr. Bollinger. He also owned the movie theatre. Never let us in free though. My best friends that year were Jay Moore and Owen Lentz. We used to stay in over recess and draw dream cars on the blackboard. They did not know I was a girl but I knew they were boys, but that was about as far as that went.
No account of grade school in Nickerson would be complete without me telling you about the music teacher. Her name was Miss Barkiss. Since she went to our church I am not sure exactly when she married the Principal's son and became Mrs. Houston. But while she was Miss Barkiss the woman tried tirelessly to coax a "c" note out of my tiny throat. I could no way in hell carry a tune in a bucket. But I must send accolades out to the dear woman who is no doubt singing with the angels in heaven, for trying. I now do the country songs around the yard and house at the top of my lungs, and am happy as can be with my never change tones method of what is known loosely as "caterwauling!"
And so I bid adieu to my childhood days at Nickerson Grade School. The halls are froth with memories, some good; some bad, but all mine. They helped shape me into who I am and I guess that is the environment part that comes into play. I guess it was inevitable that I then went to high school and I am going to tell you about that and grandma and my career as an actress hopefully tomorrow.
For now I will put my little ghosts back to bed and get on with the business of living while there is still breathe in the old body. I have a lot of blank pages to fill before I fly away!
Fifth grade was where reality set in. A classmate lost her father in a farm accident. Miss Swenson met a man and married him. A new girl came to our school named Mavis. Course the kids had to tease her and it was then I realized I had compassion in my soul for my fellow humans! Mavis became my friend and I protected her from the slings and arrows of fellow classmates. Then she moved away.
On to sixth grade and Miss Lauver. Miss Lauver was a spinster. While I knew what that was from the dictionary I was never really sure of all the implications. She was very strict as I recall, but not mean. It was in sixth grade I found out what happens when you take the internal workings out of a crank telephone, grab the wire and have someone spin the crank! Hard lesson to learn especially for a little girl! Miss Lauver lived with her older sister who was also named Miss Lauver. They came to the house one time to see momma. Don't know why.
Seventh grade brought Mr. Schriber. That may not be spelled right, but he was a wiry little fellow and cute as a button with his curly hair. He also was the coach. Back then teachers could do that. All of us girls worked very hard. In seventh grade I learned the difference between and the commonalities of Nature and Nurture or Hereditary vs. Environment. I am still in a quandary over that one. Lot to be said for both sides.
Eighth grade and Mr. Bollinger. He also owned the movie theatre. Never let us in free though. My best friends that year were Jay Moore and Owen Lentz. We used to stay in over recess and draw dream cars on the blackboard. They did not know I was a girl but I knew they were boys, but that was about as far as that went.
No account of grade school in Nickerson would be complete without me telling you about the music teacher. Her name was Miss Barkiss. Since she went to our church I am not sure exactly when she married the Principal's son and became Mrs. Houston. But while she was Miss Barkiss the woman tried tirelessly to coax a "c" note out of my tiny throat. I could no way in hell carry a tune in a bucket. But I must send accolades out to the dear woman who is no doubt singing with the angels in heaven, for trying. I now do the country songs around the yard and house at the top of my lungs, and am happy as can be with my never change tones method of what is known loosely as "caterwauling!"
And so I bid adieu to my childhood days at Nickerson Grade School. The halls are froth with memories, some good; some bad, but all mine. They helped shape me into who I am and I guess that is the environment part that comes into play. I guess it was inevitable that I then went to high school and I am going to tell you about that and grandma and my career as an actress hopefully tomorrow.
For now I will put my little ghosts back to bed and get on with the business of living while there is still breathe in the old body. I have a lot of blank pages to fill before I fly away!
All the seeds of yesterday are the trees of tomorrow. Lou Mercer
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
And now to Mrs. Howe, fourth grade teacher, Nickerson, Kansas.
Oh, I promised you yesterday I would get to Mrs. Howe. Maybe it was a promise more to myself than to you, but nonetheless it shall be fulfilled today. I think I dreamed about that woman last night. Woke up in a cold sweat for some odd reason. Usually only do that if there is a vampire in the room.
Anyway, just picture me as a tender little child of 8 years old. We had no Kindergarten in our small town of Nickerson, Kansas, so we started right off in first grade at age 5. The first grade classroom was the largest and we surmised that a lot of kids went in there and never came out. That teacher was Miss Doughno (however you spell it). So sweet and pushed us in the swing and was just the loveliest lady,
Then we went to second grade and there was Mrs. Breece. A very nice lady, but demanded we learn to spell and we must now start cursive and all kinds of stuff. She was so proud of her little charges.
Third grade and on to Mrs. Holmes. Ah, the woman had the smile of an angel! Skin as soft as rose petals. She was big on hygiene. Every morning we had to swear, under penalty of death, that we had washed our face, combed our hair, brushed our teeth and she made us hold out our hands for inspection and they had better be clean! I loved that woman with every fiber of my being.
And then fourth grade and I swear I break out in a cold sweat when I remember Mrs. Howe! Mrs. Howe was the smallest of all my teachers. Also the most wrinkled, had the hardest eyes, the biggest ruler and walked on cat feet up and down the aisles between the desks. Being the shortest kid in class I always had my desk right in the front. Right under her hawk like stare. I did not mind that. What kept me in mortal terror was when she started prowling the aisles when we were doing our work. I never knew exactly where she was and was terrified to look.
Her favorite thing was to creep softly up behind me (us) and if my pencil was not moving, she turned that ruler on edge and fwacked me right on top of the head. Ah, Sweet Jesus! That still brings stars to my eyes today. That is the sharpest, piercing est pain in the whole world. Try it some time on yourself. Be sure you are wearing a Depends. I am pretty sure that qualifies today as child abuse.
Of course there was the "hold out your hand" one that was given for minor infractions, like breathing. I could handle that as long as I held my hand palm up and the ruler was flat. Did not like it when the ruler was on edge and my tiny little knuckles were the object of her attention.
Not everyone suffered her wrath. She had her little pets. These kids were luckily the prodigy of the wealthier farmers in town. I learned very early in life that rich people could do no wrong, but if your mother was a cleaning lady you were doomed from the "git go". Now to the highlight of the fourth grade!
Bathroom break at recess. Enter Beth and her popcorn ball swinging loosely in a scarf. Exit little me. Run for the playground. Enter Mrs. Howe with Beth and a soggy popcorn ball. Seems while I was already on the playground that popcorn ball fell in the stool. Beth explained to Mrs. Howe that I had in a jealous rage over her having one and me not, I had grabbed it and thrown it in there. It was down hill from there.
First came the call to my mother. Then the ruler on top of the head. Then the principal and there were rumors he kept a rubber hose to beat you with. I must apologize profusely to Beth, which I did and I looked her right in the eye and she flinched. She knew the truth and so did I.
Back in those days report cards had a place on the back for "Teachers Comments" and then a place for the parent to sign. I still remember what she wrote, "Louella does her work, but she does not play well with others." I told momma I did not do that, but Mrs. Howe was a respected teacher. Beth had a rich daddy.
Now, here is the best part, Karma. Over Christmas vacation Mrs. Howe got a thorn in her large intestine. For almost a week we did not know if she would even live. We prayed incessantly for her both at the church and me at home. I did not want her to die. Just wanted her to like me. To make a long story short, neither of the two things happened.
If there are any of Mrs. Howe's relatives still out there I would like to say to you, she was a very good teacher and I learned a lot from her tutelage. That was a time when it was alright to know which side of the bread the butter was on. I have long ago forgiven her, but never forgotten.
To Beth; If I ever run across you I will give you a popcorn ball. Probably neither of us will have teeth enough to eat it, but it will be symbolic. You probably don't even remember the incident and that is good. I remember for both of us.
Every thing that happened inside those walls and since had made me the woman I am today. It was a time of poverty, greed and survival. It was a time when child abuse went on behind closed doors and when the adult in the situation was always right and the kids always suffered. Lots of kids did without back then and I just thank God that this has all changed.
And to all the little kids at Nickerson, Kansas Elementary school, I got a lot more memories and today was fun! I may write on some more of these memories. If you went to Nickerson back then drop me a line and we can compare notes. Tell me some of your experiences and we can light up this blog! Jerry, if you are still out there I lost all your emails you sent me way back then. Lost your address and all.
I sometimes have random insomnia so what I do is in my mind I walk the walk home from school to our little house. I remember the names of the people who lived in the houses. Then I remember the classmates. They say you can never go home and they are right, but sometimes in the middle of the night I like to make a quick visit and it makes me realize that little Louella Bartholomew did indeed become a vital member of society and now can "play well with others!"
Anyway, just picture me as a tender little child of 8 years old. We had no Kindergarten in our small town of Nickerson, Kansas, so we started right off in first grade at age 5. The first grade classroom was the largest and we surmised that a lot of kids went in there and never came out. That teacher was Miss Doughno (however you spell it). So sweet and pushed us in the swing and was just the loveliest lady,
Then we went to second grade and there was Mrs. Breece. A very nice lady, but demanded we learn to spell and we must now start cursive and all kinds of stuff. She was so proud of her little charges.
Third grade and on to Mrs. Holmes. Ah, the woman had the smile of an angel! Skin as soft as rose petals. She was big on hygiene. Every morning we had to swear, under penalty of death, that we had washed our face, combed our hair, brushed our teeth and she made us hold out our hands for inspection and they had better be clean! I loved that woman with every fiber of my being.
And then fourth grade and I swear I break out in a cold sweat when I remember Mrs. Howe! Mrs. Howe was the smallest of all my teachers. Also the most wrinkled, had the hardest eyes, the biggest ruler and walked on cat feet up and down the aisles between the desks. Being the shortest kid in class I always had my desk right in the front. Right under her hawk like stare. I did not mind that. What kept me in mortal terror was when she started prowling the aisles when we were doing our work. I never knew exactly where she was and was terrified to look.
Her favorite thing was to creep softly up behind me (us) and if my pencil was not moving, she turned that ruler on edge and fwacked me right on top of the head. Ah, Sweet Jesus! That still brings stars to my eyes today. That is the sharpest, piercing est pain in the whole world. Try it some time on yourself. Be sure you are wearing a Depends. I am pretty sure that qualifies today as child abuse.
Of course there was the "hold out your hand" one that was given for minor infractions, like breathing. I could handle that as long as I held my hand palm up and the ruler was flat. Did not like it when the ruler was on edge and my tiny little knuckles were the object of her attention.
Not everyone suffered her wrath. She had her little pets. These kids were luckily the prodigy of the wealthier farmers in town. I learned very early in life that rich people could do no wrong, but if your mother was a cleaning lady you were doomed from the "git go". Now to the highlight of the fourth grade!
Bathroom break at recess. Enter Beth and her popcorn ball swinging loosely in a scarf. Exit little me. Run for the playground. Enter Mrs. Howe with Beth and a soggy popcorn ball. Seems while I was already on the playground that popcorn ball fell in the stool. Beth explained to Mrs. Howe that I had in a jealous rage over her having one and me not, I had grabbed it and thrown it in there. It was down hill from there.
First came the call to my mother. Then the ruler on top of the head. Then the principal and there were rumors he kept a rubber hose to beat you with. I must apologize profusely to Beth, which I did and I looked her right in the eye and she flinched. She knew the truth and so did I.
Back in those days report cards had a place on the back for "Teachers Comments" and then a place for the parent to sign. I still remember what she wrote, "Louella does her work, but she does not play well with others." I told momma I did not do that, but Mrs. Howe was a respected teacher. Beth had a rich daddy.
Now, here is the best part, Karma. Over Christmas vacation Mrs. Howe got a thorn in her large intestine. For almost a week we did not know if she would even live. We prayed incessantly for her both at the church and me at home. I did not want her to die. Just wanted her to like me. To make a long story short, neither of the two things happened.
If there are any of Mrs. Howe's relatives still out there I would like to say to you, she was a very good teacher and I learned a lot from her tutelage. That was a time when it was alright to know which side of the bread the butter was on. I have long ago forgiven her, but never forgotten.
To Beth; If I ever run across you I will give you a popcorn ball. Probably neither of us will have teeth enough to eat it, but it will be symbolic. You probably don't even remember the incident and that is good. I remember for both of us.
Every thing that happened inside those walls and since had made me the woman I am today. It was a time of poverty, greed and survival. It was a time when child abuse went on behind closed doors and when the adult in the situation was always right and the kids always suffered. Lots of kids did without back then and I just thank God that this has all changed.
And to all the little kids at Nickerson, Kansas Elementary school, I got a lot more memories and today was fun! I may write on some more of these memories. If you went to Nickerson back then drop me a line and we can compare notes. Tell me some of your experiences and we can light up this blog! Jerry, if you are still out there I lost all your emails you sent me way back then. Lost your address and all.
I sometimes have random insomnia so what I do is in my mind I walk the walk home from school to our little house. I remember the names of the people who lived in the houses. Then I remember the classmates. They say you can never go home and they are right, but sometimes in the middle of the night I like to make a quick visit and it makes me realize that little Louella Bartholomew did indeed become a vital member of society and now can "play well with others!"
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hey look I got that widget!
Now I realize this widget is not where it belongs, but it is here. By the time I get to the AIDS Walk on October 9, I may actually have it where it is supposed to go. Or not. For the moment I can bask in the glory of success! Which brings me to another point, but you could see this one coming couldn't you?
I can remember way back when one of my teachers, Mrs. Howe to be exact, told us about computers. I am torn at this moment because I so want to tell you about Mrs. Howe and our mutual disrespect for each other and how I learned about computers. So here is what I will do, I will mark it down in my little black book to write about Mrs. Howe and I will now tell you of the computer learning experience.
At that time I was but a wee little girl in the 4th grade and Mrs. Howe was our teacher. Also at that time an adding machine was about as good as you could get for use in your mathematical equations which consisted of plus and minus. They were very heavy and awkward and had a handle on the side which you pulled down each time you made an entry. So Mrs. Howe started telling us about new things that were being made and they would add, subtract, multiply and divide. She said they were very big and could fill a whole room and put off a lot of heat. Little did I realize that this was the precursor to this thing I now type on.
I had a nephew, not the stoned one, who told me how often knowledge doubles and it amazed me to see that he was correct in his figures. Just think back to 50 years ago, which a lot of you can remember very well. 1960 probably the 10 key was in everyday usage. Typewriter was a big awkward thing that set on top of the desk or electric ones were probably coming into being. When Sam brought home his first Word Processor, about 1984, I was dumb founded.. That was way to complicated for me. Fast forward to today.
I can set here on this thing in the comfort of my home and type this blog, hit a button and in 3 seconds or less some guy in Germany has it translated and on his screen reading every word in German and you know I did not do that! Knowledge is indeed doubling, but rather than every five years now it is about the speed of sound..
I remember when I was getting my accounting degree 30-35 years ago we still did the columns with a pencil and added them in our head. Ok, I had a calculator I used to double check, but we are talking 30 years ago, people. Now we enter it all on the computer which puts it in the proper accounts, issues a profit and loss and figures how much tax you owe.
I was very near the top of my class and the Dean knew me on a first name basis, but when I got tangled up with these computers I figured I was done for. Almost was, but I figured this is how it is, so I better figure it out. Now I have 2 kids that look at me with glazed eyes when I start talking html, bytes, and things like that. My oldest son works with them as a vocation. Bret uses them to download music and Debbie is knowledgeable. Other daughter plays games on hers.
So the world moves on and I shudder to think what new things I am going to have to learn before I can poke the toes skyward and fly away.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Love, lust, or indigestion?
http://www.firstgiving.com/loumercer
As some of my loyal readers know, earlier this year I took my first tremulous steps back in the dating world. Seven years of widowhood and I thought perhaps it might be nice to have someone to actually talk to, go out to eat with, and do some of the things that "couples" do.
So in typical Lou fashion, I ventured forth into the world of the older single woman. Now I am here to tell you, that is nowhere a human should go! It is very scary. At first it appears very harmless; a coffee date. Coffee is good. Then conversation. Conversation is good. From there it is all down hill. Got to do it all over again, and again, and again. Then you got to go on picnics and set there eating cold food thinking of all the things you should be home doing.
Then that whole conversation thing becomes a real bore. How many times can you smile through the tale of "back when I had my own company and I was so successful..."? Finally you graduate to the hand holding, gazing- in- the- eyes thing and that is when you are close enough to see the nose and ear hair and believe me, that is a real turn off! As if our taste in music, Classical vs. Country; movies, Musicals vs. Cheech and Chong; food, French vs. Red hot scorch your ass Mexican; weren't enough to doom any chance at a relationship!
So guess what? I am not looking for love, I had that. The idea of love is wonderful and there are movies full of it and it can move mountains and I think that is just great. I love the idea of love, and I think it is probably great for a lot of people, but not for me.
Now the lust thing. That is a whole 'nother kettle of worms by itself. I hear it is great, just not my thing. I am too old, too wrinkled and way to arthritic to think I want to try and appear sexy to some old guy who is too old, too wrinkled and too arthritic to appear sexy to me. So let that one just lay there and simmer!
Now to the Indigestion part of this equation! I can do that and I can do it very well. I love the Green Chile, Jalapeno and the Habanero. Now if you think I can not get a good dose of indigestion out of that, you are sadly mistaken! And you all know when indigestion strikes, love and lust are both left laying alongside the road! Things of the past, so to speak.
So yesterday I bopped up Union looking for the antique spinning wheel that matches mine. Got invited to have coffee with some young guy (Which did wonders for the ego!), thanks but no thanks, and then came home.
This warning to all men out there:
Still got it; ain't gonna' use it! Eat your heart out!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Off to church in my new tee shirt.
Got to put that in first thing everyday so you be sure and get the message. I am almost ready to go to church and I am going to wear this new tee shirt the kiddies brought me from Washington. It is black and it says "I am right 98% of the time. Who gives a crap about the other 3%!"
Isn't it amazing how quickly our children adjust to our personalities? I think this boy spent a few years thinking I was a bit flaky, but even at that , he snapped out of it a lot sooner than his sisters did. My oldest daughter was 24 years old before she came to me and said, " You know I used to think you were not very bright and not at all wise to the ways of the world. I am truly amazed how smart you have gotten in just the last few months!" Way to go Debbie. She now has a son who is figuring out that she is a little smarter then he thought.
Motherhood is an amazing journey and I fear it is one I shall never fully understand nor completely appreciate. Don't get me wrong, I would in no way ever hope that I had not undertaken this journey, but if I had even one inkling of what lay ahead I think I would have paid more attention to my own dear mother. Hell, I would have fallen at her knee and never taken my ears off of her! But now the best part of all. I have learned to accept my failings as a mother because of something a therapist told me "You did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time."
There! Now you know I have been to therapy or have I? Got some high class friends you know and I might have just gotten a bit of free advice. You do know I was not the perfect mother, but I tried. At least this tee shirt shows this particular kid figured momma out way early in the game!
Have a good one and try to remember "You can not sprinkle showers of happiness on other people without getting a few drops on yourself".
Saturday, September 18, 2010
AIDS Walk in the Garden is coming up and I need money!!
Ok, here is the deal! I done signed up for the Walk in the Garden which is sponsored by a whole bunch of businesses, but here is what you need to know, the link will get you where you need to go to add to my fund. I have my very own team, well if 2 people are a team. Eric and I are going to go for it. Our team is named Loosey Goosey and I am depending on you people to help me out here!
We are going to walk in the beautiful Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado on October 9, 2010. Oh, I sure hope the weather is nice and the snakes are all asleep. I do not know how far we have to go, but however far it is you know I am going to finish. Never left a job half done yet!
I have been trying to get a widget on here for 2 days and as you see I did fail miserably at that little task, but here is a link. Click on it and you will hopefully go to my page that raises money. All our team donations goes to Pueblo Clients.
Ok, gotta dash, but I will be back begging again! Might as well donate and get it over with so we can talk about something else!
I am waiting!
http://www.firstgiving.com/loumercer
We are going to walk in the beautiful Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado on October 9, 2010. Oh, I sure hope the weather is nice and the snakes are all asleep. I do not know how far we have to go, but however far it is you know I am going to finish. Never left a job half done yet!
I have been trying to get a widget on here for 2 days and as you see I did fail miserably at that little task, but here is a link. Click on it and you will hopefully go to my page that raises money. All our team donations goes to Pueblo Clients.
Ok, gotta dash, but I will be back begging again! Might as well donate and get it over with so we can talk about something else!
I am waiting!
http://www.firstgiving.com/loumercer
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Llama's will trick you if you do not watch out for them.
Do you see that! The Llama is eating my flowers! Caught in the act, no less. Caught by me as I stand gazing in admiration. This is the same Llama that ate my asparagus last Spring. The same one who has topped out my Lilacs and Red bud tree. Seems he snacked on a Clematis Vine also. So much for serenity in the country!
Now the fun part I have to tell you. If you click on any of my pictures they will get big and you can actually see the detail, like Llama Lips curling around the sunflower! I just love this Google Blog of mine!
Words of wisdom for this day
Good fences make good neighbors!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
So just what is this thing called retirement and how is it different than working myself to death?
As I was digging in the little area behind the house, with sweat pouring off the little pointed head and my back in spasms, it dawned on me that I am now officially retired and am enjoying my leisure time? Question mark is the proper mark there, because, I am not sure this is how it is supposed to be.
Seems like retirement should involve some sort of sitting around and having naps and things like that. As I recall, I worked very hard the first 50 years to raise kids, pay into my Social Security, establish myself as a respected member of society and gloried in planning all the things I would do when I retired.
Ok, so here I am all retired and while it is mostly pretty good, there are a few drawbacks I did not forsee. The homestead is paid for, but there are the taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep and things like that which amount to as much as I would pay for a place in town. So, while the Social Security and small pension do cover the necessities, there is always the expensive of wanting to have an actual life!
This entails having a small income on the side which is derived by doing something to make a few extra bucks. Earning of the few extra bucks means missing the nap. Then there is the matter of the grunt work around the place. So I can either do it myself or earn more extra bucks to pay someone else to do it for me. There went that other nap!
Assisted Living Facility has already told me that if I check in there, they have a no duck or goose policy. Imagine that! So guess I am going to remain here on the farm and enjoy this thing called retirement until I work myself into an early grave, but guess what! I am not alone on this and the only ones who seem to be doing the nap things are the ones who planned way better than I did!
But, you know what? I would not have it any other way. While the sitting on the decks waving off the bees and the taking of the nap looks really good sometimes, mostly I like the active life and earning and spending of the almighty dollar! So while I may not see you on the golf course, I will see you when I am jogging down the lane and you pass by in your big fine car. I am the one who smiles and waves! I am the nutty one!
Seems like retirement should involve some sort of sitting around and having naps and things like that. As I recall, I worked very hard the first 50 years to raise kids, pay into my Social Security, establish myself as a respected member of society and gloried in planning all the things I would do when I retired.
Ok, so here I am all retired and while it is mostly pretty good, there are a few drawbacks I did not forsee. The homestead is paid for, but there are the taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep and things like that which amount to as much as I would pay for a place in town. So, while the Social Security and small pension do cover the necessities, there is always the expensive of wanting to have an actual life!
This entails having a small income on the side which is derived by doing something to make a few extra bucks. Earning of the few extra bucks means missing the nap. Then there is the matter of the grunt work around the place. So I can either do it myself or earn more extra bucks to pay someone else to do it for me. There went that other nap!
Assisted Living Facility has already told me that if I check in there, they have a no duck or goose policy. Imagine that! So guess I am going to remain here on the farm and enjoy this thing called retirement until I work myself into an early grave, but guess what! I am not alone on this and the only ones who seem to be doing the nap things are the ones who planned way better than I did!
But, you know what? I would not have it any other way. While the sitting on the decks waving off the bees and the taking of the nap looks really good sometimes, mostly I like the active life and earning and spending of the almighty dollar! So while I may not see you on the golf course, I will see you when I am jogging down the lane and you pass by in your big fine car. I am the one who smiles and waves! I am the nutty one!
Monday, September 13, 2010
It is a beautiful day today, but I may get frost bit this morning.
Well, I see this thing is not going to work with me today! Don't you just hate it when you belly up to the computer and it just looks at you with it's blank screen? I started typing and nothing was there. Finally I did the html thing and told it I wanted black as my color. It told me my html was incorrect, but here I am! It is not good dealing with anything smarter than I am that thinks it wants whatever I do not. So now to the subject at hand.
Here we are in the middle of September. The fair is over, the peaches are canned, the pickles are made and I am on strike. I have not made saurkraut, canned tomatoes, nor made hot salsa that is so popular around this neck of the woods. I have priced Pueblo Chiles, but I have not gotten any further in the process, nor do I think I will.
I live alone except for the boy and the girl who are never home and when they are they do not eat the same fare that I consume. They are carnivores and while I do on occasion partake of the flesh, it is mostly the vegetable and fruit stuff that finds it's way through my system. At some point in time I decided I would like to live forever. I have since rethought that also.
Back to the subject at hand for I do most definitely digress. I love Spring. Hope springs eternal at that time of year. I dearly love summer and I don't mind sweating. Do not like it running in my eyes, but other than that, I am good to go. But Fall! I know when fall is here and it is here. I go out early in the morning and the air smells different. The air feels different. There is a feeling in a fall morning that only experiencing it can discribe. It is crisp. I do not have words in my small vocabulary to properly convey to you a fall morning.
So you need to do this; Arise early tomorrow morning. It is 6:22 here now and the sky is just beginning to lighten. It is not quite time for the sun to start streaking the horizon, but I am sure it is close. There is a breeze stirring the cottonwood outside my window and fall is in the air! Very soon Jack Frost will start sprinkling my car window with his little white covering and it will be official. I am predicting the first official frost about the time of my birthday, so watch for it.
But in the meantime I am going to leave the air conditioner uncovered, leave the plants outside, and think about maybe doing some more canning. Who knows. This is Colorado and it is nothing to see a 50 degree fluctuation on any given day. It is a wonder we have not all cracked!
And what is it like where you are hanging your hat today? Amy, in Florida is probably working up a sweat already,huh? Slow down, girl, it will be there tomorrow! Get my bed ready cause I am thinking on doing some traveling south this Winter!
Here we are in the middle of September. The fair is over, the peaches are canned, the pickles are made and I am on strike. I have not made saurkraut, canned tomatoes, nor made hot salsa that is so popular around this neck of the woods. I have priced Pueblo Chiles, but I have not gotten any further in the process, nor do I think I will.
I live alone except for the boy and the girl who are never home and when they are they do not eat the same fare that I consume. They are carnivores and while I do on occasion partake of the flesh, it is mostly the vegetable and fruit stuff that finds it's way through my system. At some point in time I decided I would like to live forever. I have since rethought that also.
Back to the subject at hand for I do most definitely digress. I love Spring. Hope springs eternal at that time of year. I dearly love summer and I don't mind sweating. Do not like it running in my eyes, but other than that, I am good to go. But Fall! I know when fall is here and it is here. I go out early in the morning and the air smells different. The air feels different. There is a feeling in a fall morning that only experiencing it can discribe. It is crisp. I do not have words in my small vocabulary to properly convey to you a fall morning.
So you need to do this; Arise early tomorrow morning. It is 6:22 here now and the sky is just beginning to lighten. It is not quite time for the sun to start streaking the horizon, but I am sure it is close. There is a breeze stirring the cottonwood outside my window and fall is in the air! Very soon Jack Frost will start sprinkling my car window with his little white covering and it will be official. I am predicting the first official frost about the time of my birthday, so watch for it.
But in the meantime I am going to leave the air conditioner uncovered, leave the plants outside, and think about maybe doing some more canning. Who knows. This is Colorado and it is nothing to see a 50 degree fluctuation on any given day. It is a wonder we have not all cracked!
And what is it like where you are hanging your hat today? Amy, in Florida is probably working up a sweat already,huh? Slow down, girl, it will be there tomorrow! Get my bed ready cause I am thinking on doing some traveling south this Winter!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
It is always darkest before the dawn, or Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!
Ever been really sad? Ever felt like some one had just jerked the rug out from under you and kicked you in the gut? Not a very good feeling and it usually takes a couple days to get back on your feet and remember the lessons your momma taught you. But first you have those few days to get through.
When faced with one of these situations, the first instinct is to flee. But when you see the storm clouds gathering and you know it is about to dump on you there is one place to go and that is to bed. Always safe there. Sure it is safe, but it is very lonely. It is very lonely and the night is very long. It is the fear of the unknown that brings on this phenomena known as "What is going to happen?" How many different scenarios are there? What if...what if...what if? And then it is morning.
Morning and we now have to get up and face the day and the "what if" of last night. But the best part is that today you find out just what it is that you will be facing. If it is a medical issue, you get an answer and then make plans to deal with the ramifications. Water bill not paid? Take care of it during business hours. A test at school? Should have studied, but now you will know just how much you did remember. Death of some one or relationship ending (which I equate as being one and the same and should be handled in the same way)? So we venture off and make our "final arrangements" either at the funeral home or the coffee shop. During the former we set a final time to bury our beloved and during the latter we just grab the shovel and throw a little more dirt at each other, establish that the blame is definitely not ours and walk away.
In any case, the second night is easier to deal with because we have done something constructive. We know that tomorrow we will see the fruits of our labor coming to fruition. Going to start our chemo tomorrow. Water is on so you can wash that pile of dishes. Failed cooking class so now maybe you can choose a new career, like you could be a lawyer! Put one body in the ground and kick the other to the curb!
And so the third night comes and you are exhausted. Dishes are done, new career on the horizon, and you got a lot of time now to do the things you have been putting off!
I been writing in second person, but I shall now change to first person because this is a true story. Stay with me here and learn from the master!
It is his loss, cause he lost the best thing that ever was in hislife and I know it! He will no doubt realize it in time and that is when I can set back and reap the fruits of my labor! The Good Lord does know what he is doing at all times, just takes me a little time to figure it out. But Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition, there is a new day dawning and I am going to grab that sucker with both hands, look back on my latest learning experience in life's little journey and be a better woman for having lived through that one! I am a very unique individual and I have a lot to offer this world. I am better than just another pretty face I am the essence of woman and I will survive! I learned all this from someone I shall lovingly call "Jade"!
When faced with one of these situations, the first instinct is to flee. But when you see the storm clouds gathering and you know it is about to dump on you there is one place to go and that is to bed. Always safe there. Sure it is safe, but it is very lonely. It is very lonely and the night is very long. It is the fear of the unknown that brings on this phenomena known as "What is going to happen?" How many different scenarios are there? What if...what if...what if? And then it is morning.
Morning and we now have to get up and face the day and the "what if" of last night. But the best part is that today you find out just what it is that you will be facing. If it is a medical issue, you get an answer and then make plans to deal with the ramifications. Water bill not paid? Take care of it during business hours. A test at school? Should have studied, but now you will know just how much you did remember. Death of some one or relationship ending (which I equate as being one and the same and should be handled in the same way)? So we venture off and make our "final arrangements" either at the funeral home or the coffee shop. During the former we set a final time to bury our beloved and during the latter we just grab the shovel and throw a little more dirt at each other, establish that the blame is definitely not ours and walk away.
In any case, the second night is easier to deal with because we have done something constructive. We know that tomorrow we will see the fruits of our labor coming to fruition. Going to start our chemo tomorrow. Water is on so you can wash that pile of dishes. Failed cooking class so now maybe you can choose a new career, like you could be a lawyer! Put one body in the ground and kick the other to the curb!
And so the third night comes and you are exhausted. Dishes are done, new career on the horizon, and you got a lot of time now to do the things you have been putting off!
I been writing in second person, but I shall now change to first person because this is a true story. Stay with me here and learn from the master!
It is his loss, cause he lost the best thing that ever was in hislife and I know it! He will no doubt realize it in time and that is when I can set back and reap the fruits of my labor! The Good Lord does know what he is doing at all times, just takes me a little time to figure it out. But Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition, there is a new day dawning and I am going to grab that sucker with both hands, look back on my latest learning experience in life's little journey and be a better woman for having lived through that one! I am a very unique individual and I have a lot to offer this world. I am better than just another pretty face I am the essence of woman and I will survive! I learned all this from someone I shall lovingly call "Jade"!
Friday, September 10, 2010
The ugly head of my political beliefs has once more reared it's head!
I remember way back when I was a kid, my mother told me something I did not understand, but through the years has became the backbone of my beliefs. Mama told me, "Do not ever discuss religion or politics with your friends." I have always carried this in the back of my mind.
I do not discuss religion. Everyone who knows me knows what my thoughts are on the subject and they know where to find me every Sunday morning. Very few venture to find fault with the fiber that keeps my world in balance and for that I am grateful!
But now the politics is an entirely different matter. Under no conditions am I allowed to keep those thoughts to myself, so let me tell you how it is. I apparently am a "Bleeding Heart Liberal and would like to see the country turned into socialistic society and my children and grand children saddled with a debt they can never pay, ..." and I do not remember the rest of the conversation because it was like a Gatling gun going off in my brain. You may think those statements are a tad bit radical, but since I could not get a word in edgewise I fully intend to set here in the solitude of my office and tell anyone who is interested just what I do believe in and why. no interruptions and if you get tired of reading there is a little x up in the right hand corner that will silence me!
1. I believe in truth, justice and the American Way, just like Superman!
2. I believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as long as I do not infringe on someone else's happiness.
3. I believe we should all have a chance at the golden ring.
4. I believe I should be able to walk down the street without being intimidated by someone bigger than me.
5. I believe I should be safe in my home and be able to protect myself and my family by whatever means.
6. I do not want my son to choke and gasp for breathe because he is not covered by insurance because he has a pre-existing condition of asthma.
7. I believe my tax dollars should go for something besides bullets to kill some one in another country when my own country is in turmoil and people are dying in the streets here from hunger, stray bullets, drugs and the endless litany of ills and woes.
8. I believe children should be safe to grow up in their own homes and that child abusers should be stoned.
9. Drugs should be illegal, oh wait, they are! I believe laws should be enforced.
10. I don't think animals should be mistreated.
11. I believe you and I were created equal, regardless of the color or our skin, male or female, short or tall, gay or straight, rich or poor.
12. I believe the government will do what the government does and if this administration screws it up, another one will screw it up worse. That is how it has always been and that is how it will always be and I am not personally responsible for what Bush, or Obama or anyone did or will do. You may holler all you want it will not change a damn thing!
So you can call me a "Bleeding Heart Liberal", but here you have what I think and and now I have said it myself. You go to your church and I'll go to mine, but we'll both walk along together........or not.
Disclaimer: If I have offended anyone with this missive, I apologize. Try to remember that I did have that rule about not discussing politics or religion and I made the rule for a reason. So, leave me a comment, call...or not.
I do not discuss religion. Everyone who knows me knows what my thoughts are on the subject and they know where to find me every Sunday morning. Very few venture to find fault with the fiber that keeps my world in balance and for that I am grateful!
But now the politics is an entirely different matter. Under no conditions am I allowed to keep those thoughts to myself, so let me tell you how it is. I apparently am a "Bleeding Heart Liberal and would like to see the country turned into socialistic society and my children and grand children saddled with a debt they can never pay, ..." and I do not remember the rest of the conversation because it was like a Gatling gun going off in my brain. You may think those statements are a tad bit radical, but since I could not get a word in edgewise I fully intend to set here in the solitude of my office and tell anyone who is interested just what I do believe in and why. no interruptions and if you get tired of reading there is a little x up in the right hand corner that will silence me!
1. I believe in truth, justice and the American Way, just like Superman!
2. I believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as long as I do not infringe on someone else's happiness.
3. I believe we should all have a chance at the golden ring.
4. I believe I should be able to walk down the street without being intimidated by someone bigger than me.
5. I believe I should be safe in my home and be able to protect myself and my family by whatever means.
6. I do not want my son to choke and gasp for breathe because he is not covered by insurance because he has a pre-existing condition of asthma.
7. I believe my tax dollars should go for something besides bullets to kill some one in another country when my own country is in turmoil and people are dying in the streets here from hunger, stray bullets, drugs and the endless litany of ills and woes.
8. I believe children should be safe to grow up in their own homes and that child abusers should be stoned.
9. Drugs should be illegal, oh wait, they are! I believe laws should be enforced.
10. I don't think animals should be mistreated.
11. I believe you and I were created equal, regardless of the color or our skin, male or female, short or tall, gay or straight, rich or poor.
12. I believe the government will do what the government does and if this administration screws it up, another one will screw it up worse. That is how it has always been and that is how it will always be and I am not personally responsible for what Bush, or Obama or anyone did or will do. You may holler all you want it will not change a damn thing!
So you can call me a "Bleeding Heart Liberal", but here you have what I think and and now I have said it myself. You go to your church and I'll go to mine, but we'll both walk along together........or not.
Disclaimer: If I have offended anyone with this missive, I apologize. Try to remember that I did have that rule about not discussing politics or religion and I made the rule for a reason. So, leave me a comment, call...or not.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
How Beulah, Colorado was saved by the dairy farmers.
This is a totem right in front of the volunteer fire station in beautiful Beulah, Colorado. The sign on it reads "This tale might have been very short had it not been about a cow." This is located across the street from the Beulah Post Office. It is also located in front of the fire station and the man who carved this is in a small room behind the fire station. These people make really good use of space, I'm here to tell you.
This is a full shot of the totem as it stands. It is hard to see the little cottage on the top and the intricate work that went into that! You are actually going to need to jump in the car and drive on out there and take a look. Call me if you need directions!
The next picture shows a close up of the cow. You can also see a few peas in the pod there, although I do not know what they symbolize. I can also see a goose that seems to have laid some rather golden eggs.
Now, I lost my notes on this, but I am going to try to relate the story to you briefly as it was told to me. It seems several years back the beautiful mountain community of Beulah found itself in the throes of a drought. There was no rain and no signs of rain. The snow melt had already found it's way down the mountain and as you all know, water does not run uphill.People were hauling water for drinking as best they could but how would you like to try to haul all your water you use everyday up the hill and try to store it? Ah, to the rescue came the dairy farmers! They had the means to haul milk to market and the return trip could be carrying water! Of course, they had to make a few extra trips, but that is how the dairy farmers saved the town of Beulah from extinction. Seems like I recall reading about this after I had relocated to Colorado, so I know it was in the last 30 years.
So this work was commissioned by folks in Beulah in honor of the dairy farmers. This totem was created by John Clay who has made several of these totems around the Beulah area. John gave me a map of the locations of some of his art work in the area and if you are interested just leave me a note.
I am sort of keeping my eyes open around his shop cause he has a big tree root back behind that he is starting to whittle away on and when it is finished it will be "The Dragon's Nest." That is all I am going to tell you about that. I plan on doing an update on John in the very near future and showing you pictures of his shop and the band aid box on the wall!
In the meantime, if you want to get a hold of John and have him carve up one of your dead trees, his number is 719-485-9605, and as always, just tell him Lou sent you!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Skaets Steak Shop, Hutchinson, Kansas and Tom devouring the Moon Burger!
No trip back east is ever complete without a stop at Skaet's Steak Shop. It is a family tradition for many people and especially for me! When I was 17 years old, I decided to strike out on my own since I was almost an adult. This entailed a job and I lucked into a very good job. Now I look back and think perhaps it was not the brilliant future I first thought it to be, but at that time, washing dishes at Skaet's Steak Shop was my pinnacle to success! I will not go into all the history of this place at this time only tell you that at that time it was owned by Norman Duschene and his wife.
Skaet's Steak Shop is located on the front entrance to the Kansas State Fair grounds in Hutchinson, Kansas at 23rd and Main. This is not the original store front. When I worked there the windows were from ceiling to floor and you could literally freeze to death waiting for your food. That is a lie! But you could really feel the cold. Over the years it has been remodeled by various owners until it stands as you see it today. It is currently owned by Karen Leshure and Donna Bartholomew, and therein lies my story. You see, Donna is my sister! Yes, I was originally Louella Bartholomew. Ah, now there is also another story. But I digress. This is about Skaet's Steak Shop and the conception of The Moon Burger!
Enter in the front door of Skaet's Steak Shop and you are greeted by the sight of the counter and the grill. All the food is cooked right in front of the customers, which has always been a draw. No wondering what goes on here that you don't see because you see it all. Karen is a stickler for cleanliness and the crew does their best to please her.
Now see that guy right there in the shirt that says "Tan Naked"? In all fairness I did not notice him until just this moment. He does have a very good idea there, although I am a pansy little white girl and was taught early in life to keep my clothes on unless in the act of procreating, which I have done very prolifically and there I digress again! What I am trying to tell you is to look at the back splash on that grill! Man could shave in that!
Now here is what we came to see! Many years ago, when man first walked on the moon, it was decided that it should be commemorated some how by Skaet's. Thus was born the mighty Moon Burger! The Moon Burger is now a tradition in Hutchinson, Kansas at the Steak Shop. They are known for good lean meat in their hamburgers and this is no exception. First comes the lightly toasted bun, then the lean hamburger patty, a slice of premium cheese, then not one, but 2 slices of crisp bacon, followed by lettuce, onion, tomato and pickles, and the final generous dollop of mayonnaise. Perfection in a bun! The plate is then garnished with an overly generous serving of french fries or hash browns, your choice.
The Moon Burger is such a tradition that when my brother in law, Tommy Shea passed (God only remembers how many years ago.) the entourage to the cemetery had to stop in front of Skaet's Steak Shop for a moment of silence. And you know what? I think I actually heard Tommy sigh!
Now, see that guy eating that Moon Burger or rather, wanting to eat that Moon Burger? Notice the strong jaw line as he poses with the burger right there, ready to be devoured. Notice the glint in his eye as he is determined not to bite until Aunt Lou says it is alright. What a fine picture or restraint!
That is my nephew, Tom Bartholomew. He is Donna Bartholomew's only son. His wife, Alina, is over on my left holding the new 3 day old baby who is Donna's only grand daughter. Again, I digress. What I want to tell you is I took many pictures of this Moon Burger on it's way to Tommy's mouth so I could show it to my son, who was heart broken that I did not bring him back a Moon Burger! See, you can get Bacon Cheeseburgers all over the country, but only at Skaet's Steak Shop can you partake of the Moon Burger.
If you ever get down in the vicinity of Hutchinson, Kansas, be sure to stop in and see Karen and Donna. Tell them Lou sent you and I am sure someone will actually acknowledge that they know me or at least heard of me at some time or another. I make it down a couple times a year. Maybe I could meet up with you there!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Southern Colorado AIDS Project at Publo Pride Day!
Here I am on August 22, 2010 down on the HARP River Walk at Pueblo Gay Pride Day. These are a few of my friends from Southern Colorado AIDS Project. On the left is the Reverend John Mark Hild of the Metropolitan Community Church here in Pueblo. Directly behind me is Eric, a volunteer. The tall good looking guy there is Bill Sharpton. He works for SCAP in the Colorado Springs office. If you recall the white panel on the AIDS Quilt with all the AA coins is his sister, Marty.Gay Pride was quite a little event this year. Makes me remember back to the beginning of my venture into the Gay Community in Pueblo. I think it must have been about 1990 or 91 when I found PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). There were 3 of us mothers and we met in the basement of the Red Cross Building on Pueblo Boulevard and prayed no one would know we were there. We've come a long way, baby!
We now have a presence all over Pueblo in the form of youth groups, activist groups, clinics, support groups, World AIDS Day services, Southern Colordao Equality Alliance, and a scholarship program at the Community College. I am sure there is much more, but this is good for now. I am very proud to say the torch has been passed to a new generation and us old ladies that were there in the beginning can now set back and let the young'uns handle the load. They have boundless energy and are all gung ho' on this and I am very glad. This is one time we can truly enjoy the fruits of our labors. Was not sure I would see this day 20 years ago.
Hey, have a good one today and every day, bearing in mind that Neil Armstrong made is own statement years ago when he said, "That is one step for man, and one giant step for mankind!" Keep putting one foot in front of the other whether you are on the moon or in Pueblo, Colorado, or Podunk, Georgia. Any step forward is something to be proud of and 2 other mothers and myself are proud of Pueblo, Colorado!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pueblo AIDS Memorial Quilt #6; Final entry.
It is a shame that my camera has decided to give me only blurry pictures. When I get my new camera I will replace this blurry little thing! But for now, I just want to get this finished and be done with it, and move on to other things.
This panel will start in the upper right hand corner with
Mike Darrell
7/22/57-6/26/2006
Mike was a very good friend to both myself and my husband. He came here from Houston, Texas with a friend. He was a handyman of sorts and a mechanic extraordinare. He loved his motorcycle and rode it wherever he went if there was not a hurricane gale blowing. He could fix the car or the diesel truck. What ever needed done. He was also an artist and a musician. I do not know how many flutes ( and I call them that for want of a better word ) he had. I think they were Irish pipes and that boy loved Irish music. His head was full of music! He and his friend started going to my church, but soon found it was not the proper match and went across town to the Christ Chapel. He was very active over there and fit like a glove.
I miss Mike very much.
James Smith
1957-3/29/2005
James was a good friend to my friend, Robert. Robert helped make this panel and he knew James loved Christmas.
The one on the right belongs to
Gilbert Finn
4/18/59-1/6/07
This was Robert's very best friend. They were together constantly and Robert is pretty much lost without Gilbert. He also loved Christmas. Robert put a lot of thought and love into both of these panels.
Now last, but definitely not least, we come to my friend
Mark Belarde
3/28/67-12/29/06
This picture shows Mark and me on Santa Claus's lap at the AIDS Christmas party in 2002. I am not sure that this was the real Santa. I first met Mark in 1992 (I think). He was riding a bike, walking and very active. He was the proud possessor of 75 T Cells. Shortly there after his mother passed from a massive heart attack. I told Mark that I would do what I could to take her place in his life. I made that my mission.
I registered as his Personal Care Provider through Argus Home Health. Thus began my career in the AIDS Health care Services, but that is a whole 'nuther story!
I started out working with him 6 hours a week, just doing laundry and household chores that he needed help with. Mark had a very strong constitution, but unfortunately the meds never worked for him. As years passed slowly by his immune system weakened and his T cells fell. the last 3 years of his life they hovered around the 2 mark. At one time they were zilch. I graduated to more hours and was finally doing 48 hours a week and a family member spent nights with him.
I will not bore you with details of our 15 year's together, suffice it to say, I became very attached to Mark and his family. I became the mother he had lost and he became the son who needed me. Through trips to the emergency room and picnics in the mountains, long walks and dirty laundry, physical therapy and shopping trips, eating out and eating in, we formed a bond that can never be broken.
I finally came to the realization that I could no longer take care of Mark. I knew I could not do it and he could not do it. It was time to let go. The hardest part of life always seems to be the letting go part. We can do until we are at the point where no more can be done and we realize it must be done.
So it is fitting that
Mark Belarde
be my final entry in this journey to completion of the Pueblo AIDS Memorial Quilt.
With a heavy heart I bid a fond farewell to all my friends who have gone before and will keep the flicker of hope alive that some where, some how I can live long enough to see a cure and a vaccine for this dreadful disease. Until that day, I will continue to work with AIDS clients. I will add panels to my quilt and display it when called upon to do so. I will pray ceaselessly and support the cause in whatever way I can. Will you join me?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Pueblo AIDS Memorial Quilt #5
Well, this picture is pretty blurry, but it will just have to do until I can get another camera. We only have this installment and then one more and we will be done with the Pueblo AIDS Memorial Quilt.
In the upper left corner we have
Robert Coghill
8/21/1954-7/19/2003
As I recall Robert served in the USMC.
Martha "Marty"Rayble
8/22/1953-4/9/2005
Marty was a very good friend of mine and spent a lot of time at my house. The coins you see on the panel are AA tokens representing 13 years of sobriety. Each one says "To thine own self be true." Marty was good at that! She came one day to my house and we were in the front yard. The neighbors had an old red turkey that ranged free. This old tom turkey decided he wanted to set on Marty's lap! We laughed so hard that day! But that was Marty! Rather then being afraid or offended she could find humor in most situations!
Her biggest mistake in her life was being a good wife. Like so many women I meet, and men too for that matter, love is a killer.
At the bottom on the red panel we have
Dennis Klovstad.
3/10/1956-7/17/2003
I do not know how tall Dennis was but I am sure it was about 6'5". When I would turn around and find myself eye level with a belt buckle I knew Dennis had arrived! He was a pretty solitary soul and kept to himself, but if I worked it just right, I could get a smile out of him. This part is very sad; one year he came in and handed me a small envelope right before Christmas. I opened it and inside found a note card with a teddy bear. Dennis had written; "Thank you for being my friend" and enclosed a $1.00 bill! He did not have much, but he would share what he had. That card made my Christmas that year! I still have that card and someday when I am no longer alive, someone will find that card and I sincerely hope it brings a tear to their eye also.
Here, among the dancing Indians, we find my friend Shirley .
Shirley Rezendes
7/9/1983-3/?/2002
Shirley loved Indians and may actually have been part Indian. Another case of a woman loving a man.
Brent Hanna
7/31/1968-8/7/2003
Brent was a southern gentleman in the truest sense of the words. Very genteel and very easy to talk to. Miss that boy a lot!
John
2004
Sometimes this is all I allowed to put on a pane, but when I see it, I remember and so does his mother.
P M
2004
Another one. This belongs to a teacher and the first thing he had to teach me was how to pronounce his first name. First we had to spell it so I could visualize how to pronounce it. Whole process took almost 15 minutes and I will say this, I remember to this day and will probably never forget! A wonderful man who loved a wonderful woman.
There you have this one! This has stirred up a lot of memories, but they are mostly good. Of course part of all memories is sad, but the good is there also. So I bid this batch of my friends a good night and a fond farewell. It was a very trying year.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
John Clay's Proud Indian Chief who lives at the Beulah Inn.
. 
This majestic wooden Indian stands proud and tall in the Beulah Inn, which is located in the quaint little town of Beulah, Colorado. Now, this Indian is the work of the local Artisan, John Clay. You will remember he is the man who carved the Dragon Tree on Pine Drive for Catherine Halcomb. I had been meaning to get back up to Beulah and meet with him again, but procrastination reigns supreme in my life and I had not gotten around to it. I did make it up there to take this picture and have a little supper while I was
there, sort of the killing of two birds with one stone sort of thing.
John Clay goes to a lot of work to make his creations look real and this Indian is no exception. I do not remember what the hours are at the Beulah Inn, but I will look them up and post them on her. Hey ! I could like call the place.
See when I took this picture I was in hopes that I could read the hours and days and would not have to actually take note. To make a long story short, in these hot old days, a little spin up to Beulah is just the ticket for getting in a power vacation and killing a couple hour. We need to kind of support our neighbors West of here so they will remain there so we can go see the. i know some singer bought a house up them . Michael Martin Murphy or John Michael Murphy. Something like that. Hey, I just report the parts I remember and you are probably figuring out that there is not a whole lot of facts in any of my reporting. If I wanted to actually work at this and do it right, I would be working for the New York Time or somebody like that for a big wage and not setting up nights for nothing but the glory!
This majestic wooden Indian stands proud and tall in the Beulah Inn, which is located in the quaint little town of Beulah, Colorado. Now, this Indian is the work of the local Artisan, John Clay. You will remember he is the man who carved the Dragon Tree on Pine Drive for Catherine Halcomb. I had been meaning to get back up to Beulah and meet with him again, but procrastination reigns supreme in my life and I had not gotten around to it. I did make it up there to take this picture and have a little supper while I was
there, sort of the killing of two birds with one stone sort of thing.
I d
o not remember exactly what I ate, but I do seem to remember that it was pretty good fare and there was a really lot of it. Course Bret and Amanda were with me and Bret especially liked the "lot of it" part. He is 18 and eating is a very big part of his life. I would say eating is to him what breathing is to you and I. So back to the Indian fellow here. We measured him and he stands 5'5" tall. I'm a thinking that the black mask he wears tends to make him look a little mean, but course if he is only 5'5" tall he needs to look mean!
o not remember exactly what I ate, but I do seem to remember that it was pretty good fare and there was a really lot of it. Course Bret and Amanda were with me and Bret especially liked the "lot of it" part. He is 18 and eating is a very big part of his life. I would say eating is to him what breathing is to you and I. So back to the Indian fellow here. We measured him and he stands 5'5" tall. I'm a thinking that the black mask he wears tends to make him look a little mean, but course if he is only 5'5" tall he needs to look mean! 
John Clay goes to a lot of work to make his creations look real and this Indian is no exception. I do not remember what the hours are at the Beulah Inn, but I will look them up and post them on her. Hey ! I could like call the place.See when I took this picture I was in hopes that I could read the hours and days and would not have to actually take note. To make a long story short, in these hot old days, a little spin up to Beulah is just the ticket for getting in a power vacation and killing a couple hour. We need to kind of support our neighbors West of here so they will remain there so we can go see the. i know some singer bought a house up them . Michael Martin Murphy or John Michael Murphy. Something like that. Hey, I just report the parts I remember and you are probably figuring out that there is not a whole lot of facts in any of my reporting. If I wanted to actually work at this and do it right, I would be working for the New York Time or somebody like that for a big wage and not setting up nights for nothing but the glory!Ah, Once more I have digressed, but I have got something to hit the publish button for, and after all, that is the name of the game!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Final update for the Cuban Caravan
Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2010 02:02:03 +0000
To: friends@ifconews.org
Subject: 21st Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Successfully Returns from Cuba
From: info@ifconews.org
IFCO / Pastors for Peace
MEDIA ADVISORY
August 3, 2010 -- for immediate release
CONTACT: IFCO/Pastors for Peace:
On the road: Ellen Bernstein 646/319-5902, Alison Bodine 303/638-9799
in New York: Lucia Bruno 212/926-5757; 347/423-4330
21st PASTORS FOR PEACE FRIENDSHIPMENT
SUCCESSFULLY RETURNS FROM CUBA
REV. LUCIUS WALKER CHALLENGING BLOCKADE ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY
This afternoon the 21st US/Cuba Friendshipment Caravan organized by
IFCO/Pastors for Peace successfully crossed back into the US, after a nine-day
educational visit to Cuba. "This was a perfect way to celebrate the birthday of
our founder and leader, Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr.," said Rev. Luis Barrios, member
of the board of directors of IFCO/Pastors for Peace. "Really he is not just a
leader; he is also a prophet in this struggle for peace with justice."
The caravan, made up of 85 caravanistas from the US, Canada, Europe and Mexico,
traveled to Cuba without a US Treasury Department license, in a direct challenge
of the US trade and travel blockade against Cuba.
In visits to 120 communities across the US and Canada, the caravan collected
more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid for delivery to Cuba, including 9 school
buses that will be used by Cuban churches, hospitals, and schools.
"With this caravan, we broke the blockade one more time. But the blockade still
persists in full force -- and as long as it exists, we must continue to
challenge it," stated Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr., executive director of
IFCO/Pastors for Peace. “This cruel and immoral blockade still prevents
lifesaving medicines from reaching Cuban children. It blocks US citizens from
being able to be good neighbors to our Cuban brothers and sisters. We call on
President Obama and the Congress to do everything possible to end this cruelty
against our neighbors."
Members of the caravan celebrate today's news that Gerardo Hernandez, one of
the Cuban Five who have been unjustly imprisoned in the US for more than 12
years, has been released from solitary confinement as of this morning.
Caravanistas are returning to their home communities committed to share what
they learned in their time in Cuba, and to continue building support for an end
to the blockade. The caravanistas leave this year's caravan with the resolve to
continue organizing and committing civil disobedience until:
◍ the blockade is lifted
◍ the Cuban Five are freed
◍ the ban on travel to Cuba is lifted
◍ Cuba is taken off the US State Department's ‘terrorist list'
◍ US/Cuba relations are normalized.
Pastors for Peace is a project of the Interreligious Foundation for Community
Organization (IFCO), a national ecumenical agency which has been working for
racial, social, and economic justice since 1967. Photos, video, blog, and more
information are available at www.pastorsforpeace.org [1].
#30#
If this message has been forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe to
the IFCO / Pastors for Peace mailing list, please visit www.ifconews.org and
follow the instructions provided, or send a blank message to
friends-subscribe@ifconews.org
http://www.pastorsforpeace.org/
To: friends@ifconews.org
Subject: 21st Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Successfully Returns from Cuba
From: info@ifconews.org
IFCO / Pastors for Peace
MEDIA ADVISORY
August 3, 2010 -- for immediate release
CONTACT: IFCO/Pastors for Peace:
On the road: Ellen Bernstein 646/319-5902, Alison Bodine 303/638-9799
in New York: Lucia Bruno 212/926-5757; 347/423-4330
21st PASTORS FOR PEACE FRIENDSHIPMENT
SUCCESSFULLY RETURNS FROM CUBA
REV. LUCIUS WALKER CHALLENGING BLOCKADE ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY
This afternoon the 21st US/Cuba Friendshipment Caravan organized by
IFCO/Pastors for Peace successfully crossed back into the US, after a nine-day
educational visit to Cuba. "This was a perfect way to celebrate the birthday of
our founder and leader, Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr.," said Rev. Luis Barrios, member
of the board of directors of IFCO/Pastors for Peace. "Really he is not just a
leader; he is also a prophet in this struggle for peace with justice."
The caravan, made up of 85 caravanistas from the US, Canada, Europe and Mexico,
traveled to Cuba without a US Treasury Department license, in a direct challenge
of the US trade and travel blockade against Cuba.
In visits to 120 communities across the US and Canada, the caravan collected
more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid for delivery to Cuba, including 9 school
buses that will be used by Cuban churches, hospitals, and schools.
"With this caravan, we broke the blockade one more time. But the blockade still
persists in full force -- and as long as it exists, we must continue to
challenge it," stated Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr., executive director of
IFCO/Pastors for Peace. “This cruel and immoral blockade still prevents
lifesaving medicines from reaching Cuban children. It blocks US citizens from
being able to be good neighbors to our Cuban brothers and sisters. We call on
President Obama and the Congress to do everything possible to end this cruelty
against our neighbors."
Members of the caravan celebrate today's news that Gerardo Hernandez, one of
the Cuban Five who have been unjustly imprisoned in the US for more than 12
years, has been released from solitary confinement as of this morning.
Caravanistas are returning to their home communities committed to share what
they learned in their time in Cuba, and to continue building support for an end
to the blockade. The caravanistas leave this year's caravan with the resolve to
continue organizing and committing civil disobedience until:
◍ the blockade is lifted
◍ the Cuban Five are freed
◍ the ban on travel to Cuba is lifted
◍ Cuba is taken off the US State Department's ‘terrorist list'
◍ US/Cuba relations are normalized.
Pastors for Peace is a project of the Interreligious Foundation for Community
Organization (IFCO), a national ecumenical agency which has been working for
racial, social, and economic justice since 1967. Photos, video, blog, and more
information are available at www.pastorsforpeace.org [1].
#30#
If this message has been forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe to
the IFCO / Pastors for Peace mailing list, please visit www.ifconews.org and
follow the instructions provided, or send a blank message to
friends-subscribe@ifconews.org
http://www.pastorsforpeace.org/
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Elymay, Table Rock Lake,Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and a really good time.
Well, hopefully I have got these pictures where they go and they will stay there, or not. Seems to have a mind of it's own, but that shall not change my story. This is day 5 of our vacation and we have arrived in a little town just up out of Arkansas. "Up out" sounds so very cool. This is yours truly with a very wonderful lady I had the good fortune of meeting through the Internet. I shall call her Elymay. She lives about 7 inches from Table Rock Lake, and that is getting close to Arkansas as you can get and not fall in the place. My hair was doing it's usual thing which is poke out in 40 directions, hence the camera bag over the head.
And here we have Lyn and Ely! Ely has more critters hanging around her house then you can shake a stick at. There are a couple dogs, I forget how many cats, birds flitting by, a fox that pops in on occasion and I am willing to bet other creatures come out at night.
 |
| Lyn and Ely |
    |
 Ok, I guess these pictures are just going to stay where ever they want to and be what ever size they would like to be, so I am just going to tell you what they are. These were taken out of the front window of Ely's car and as you can see her windshield is a whole lot cleaner than mine! They are all just street shots except the big hotel there, but you will learn more about that later. This town is reminiscent of Manitou Springs, Colorado, just up the road from here. The front door of the house may be on one street and the back door is around the corner and down about 40 feet. I could see a lot of walking in one of these places. If you ever think you would like to just get away and kill some time, hop in the car and head that way. If you check with me first, I will alert Ely and she can give you the grand tour. Great lady! Now, see that Cresent Hotel there? I am going to do a blog on that because it is fascinating, but I got to do that darn research part before I write. So give me some time. I am pretty busy right now. That and it is canning season! I love canning season. Well, of course I do, I love to eat!! And I forgot to tell you I am now a vegetarian, but I am the kind that can eat fish, so I guess I am a like semi-vegetarian. We shall see how that plays out! |
Monday, August 2, 2010
Cuba Caravan Update and Prayers are needed on this date!
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2010 22:03:28 +0000
To: nycandemergency@ifconews.org
Subject: Alert - Cuba Caravan Challenges Travel Ban Tues. Aug 3rd
From: info@ifconews.org
IFCO / Pastors for Peace
August 2, 2010
Dear Friends and Supporters,
The IFCO/Pastors for Peace Caravan will challenge the US ban on travel to Cuba
tomorrow, August 3rd when we return from Cuba after delivering more than 100
tons of medicine, medical and school supplies.
We are asking you to be on alert just in case we encounter difficulties when we
re-enter the US from Mexico. As you know, the caravan met with opposition from
US border officials during the border crossing on July 21st, when US customs
agents seized five computers donated by residents of Vancouver, Canada.
We will be updating our website throughout the day.
As always, we thank you for your continued love and support.
To: nycandemergency@ifconews.org
Subject: Alert - Cuba Caravan Challenges Travel Ban Tues. Aug 3rd
From: info@ifconews.org
IFCO / Pastors for Peace
August 2, 2010
Dear Friends and Supporters,
The IFCO/Pastors for Peace Caravan will challenge the US ban on travel to Cuba
tomorrow, August 3rd when we return from Cuba after delivering more than 100
tons of medicine, medical and school supplies.
We are asking you to be on alert just in case we encounter difficulties when we
re-enter the US from Mexico. As you know, the caravan met with opposition from
US border officials during the border crossing on July 21st, when US customs
agents seized five computers donated by residents of Vancouver, Canada.
We will be updating our website throughout the day.
As always, we thank you for your continued love and support.
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