Hi Folks,
Sorry for the later issue this month I was a tad busy. Well I managed to survive the "Thelma and Louise" Trip with Marie Ange without getting into too much trouble. Of course the holiday started on a good note when my soeur Francais landed at the wrong airport. She had told me she was arriving at the International airport, which was very convenient as Junior Sprog was leaving from the same airport the same morning. So, I arrived with one very excited Junior sprog looking forward to his return to the states. I got his baggage sorted and left him with Senior Sprog whilst I nipped down to arrivals to pick up Marie Ange. However on scanning the flight arrivals screen there appeared to be no mention of the flight she told me she would be on. Never daunted by trivia I checked with information, to be told, yes, there was a flight from Heathrow at that time which was landing at the City Airport!!! Knowing how well Marie Ange copes with an Irish accent I thought I'd better get there and pronto. Luckily enough the airport staff were very understanding and agreed to take care of Junior Sprog and see him on his flight. (I knew better than to kiss him farewell in public though....he would have died!)
So Senior Sprog and I jumped aboard my own personal 4-wheeled jet and bombed across the city to the other airport. (Thank goodness there were no Traffic Police around). Five minutes from the *correct* airport we received a frantic call on my cell phone LOL. It seems Marie Ange was a tad surprised to find herself in the wrong airport!
So, the fun started, we celebrated her arrival that night in a traditional French/Canadian manner. We cracked open a bottle of champagne! I presented her with a present on her arrival when she adored so much she carried everywhere with her!.....an umbrella!! (proved very useful too) <S>
On the Saturday we attended my niece's wedding which was a fantastic day, except the hotel had the audacity to try booking us into a non-smoking room. We soon got that changed! We danced for Ireland, drank for Ireland, ate for Ireland and finally slept for Ireland <S>. Marie Ange had her first introduction to bagpipes, which she found have a life of their own in the hands of the untrained. A traditional full Irish breakfast didn't fare too well in the hands of the untrained either!
On the Monday morning we headed across the sheugh (Irish Sea) on the Ferry and landed in Troon. We set off from there to meet up with Woolyback. We were a tad delayed, but thankfully he waited on us. btw Maureen, I did hug him twice, once for you, as promised. <S> We spent that night in the historic city of York. It was fantasic, York Minster is stupendous. Then it was off to the big smoke (London) we travelled over the Yorkshire Dales and the scenery was beautiful. I wasn't stupid enough to attempt driving in London so we booked into a place just on the edge of the tube line (Subway). The next morning we braved the tube and ended up in the city centre. You'll never guess what? the very first person we spoke to in central London was from Quebec! Marie Ange was soon babbling away in French and of course it gave me the opportunity to use my extensive French too <S>. We saw all the sights we could fit into in one day and even had a cruise on the Thames. The next day we headed up the east coast and had lunch with Stumpy, me old mucker! I believe we were the first onliners he had ever met! (I wonder if he will ever be brave enough to meet anymore?) <S>
We drove on to Berwick-on-Tweed, another historical town. (We waved at Owlie as we drove through Newcastle-upon-Tyne.) We could almost hear him telling us "Take care lasses". We nearly spent a night there too except I missed the turn off ..ooopsss
After Berwick we landed in Edinburgh. It was also my birthday so we booked into the Caladonian Hotel to see how the other half live! We had a wonderful day, our bedroom window overlooked the castle and Princess Gardens and Princess Street, the bathroom alone was bigger than some of the other hotel rooms we had stayed in. <S> We spent the day seeing Edinburgh Castle where Marie Ange bought the pet a Skein Dhu (traditional Scottish dagger that they were tucked down a sock when they're wearing a kilt). I bet airport security would have had a fit had they had found that! Then the Royal Mile and Princess Street. It was a glorious day, the first real sunny day of the whole holiday. We stopped at a wee pub on the Royal Mile and had a haggis lunch which my french sister really enjoyed! (knew she would).
We arrived back at the hotel knackered and decided the room was too nice to move out of again and we would stay and enjoy it. So I called room service and ordered a bottle of red and a bottle of white. They seemed a tad surprised when they asked how many glasses I wanted and I replied, "Two!" Not as surprised though as the young waiter who set the wine down and asked Marie Ange which bottle he should open, she naturally replied "BOTH!"
Heres a peek ofthe view from our room
We got a little hungry after a while and decided to order some snacks. Honestly the room service menu there was fantastic. Finally we decided to order some paté and cheese and crackers which we shared. It was delicious and complimented the wine very well <VBG> We had a brilliant night, yakking and popping online and drinking and eating. I phoned my twin sister to wish her a Happy Birthday as well and Maggs phoned me to wish me the same. (I had a little boast about our luxury surroundings) <S>. I finally collapsed on my bed (I think it was heat exhaustion, nothing to do with the bottle of wine of course) Marie Ange nipped online and had great delight in telling everyone that she was talking courtesy of my credit card! That hotel sure knew how to charge for telephone calls! After a breakfast fit for a Queen the next morning we headed back to Troon and home.
Marie Ange was so delighted to be back in Ireland she blew up my computer! (Honestly!) I think those across-the-ponders are not used to our powerful electricity. We spent a few days touring around Ireland (ask MA about Magg's driving over Torr Head <S>) and finally I took her back to the (correct) airport for her journey home. I only wish she could have stayed longer. The remaining sprogs were even on their best behaviour. (Though that soon changed as soon as she left).
Sorry for the long editorial this month, I had a lot to tell you..... and believe me.... this was the abbreviated version!
Any comments. articles, tips etc, please mail to LyndaAtCasual@Compuserve.com
Lynda [Editor]
Editorial.........................................................................Lynda
Timbo's (WK's) New Life...............................................Timbo
Front Porch Philosophy..................................................Lizzie
To my Sons....................................................................Raca
Wrenched Thoughts.......................................................Wrench
Rocking Out on the Porch...............................................Taffy
Pet's Corner....................................................................Lillyrose
"Lil bits" from Ma'am......................................................Maureen
A Window on the World..................................................Lizzie
G'day from "Down Under" (see I'm even
getting into the local terminology!!)
Well time flys here and courses come and go along with exam after
exam. No rest for the wicked
(and I've always thought of myself as a "good boy" too)
It's now 4th July as I write this (happy independace day to all
you Yanks!) and I am now a certified Assistant Instructor,, not
far to go now before I achieve my goal of becomming a fully
fledged Open Water Scuba Instructor!!. All that stands in myway
is 2 weeks of written,oral and practical exams!!.
EEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok lets get back to the fun side of the trip,,, After passing my
Dive Master exams, a few weeks ago now, I hopped on a plane to
Bali for a ten day break (all part of the course!!). It was
actually called "Work experience" (ROFLMAO!) but
hell,,can you imagine having to do 10 days "work experience"
in Bali that involves getting on a nice big sail boat and then
accompanying 15 paying guests to a dive site?. The boat journey
was usually about 2.5 hours under sail, with temps in the high 20's
and water temp of 25oc. (Life's a bitch isn't it!! VBWEG).We
would then do a nice gentle dive for 40 minutes before getting
back on the boat where the crew had lunch all laid out.
Sit around on the deck for an hour or so before going for another
dive and then headiing back to the hotel,,(in time to watch the
footy). Well I had to put up with that for the first 5 days
before I was taken up the coast to another resort for 2 days of
recreational diving, where I was treated like one of the guests
and so could do whatever I wanted.
Then it was back to reality in Sydney,,straight into more exams (yuk).
One more guy has dropped out now,,he decided that he'd had enough
of all the homework,,(was getting in the way of his "night
time" activities!!).
As for me,,, well as there is only 16 days to go now I've been
looking at planning a little "trip" around before
heading back to take up my new career. I'll not say too much
about that now and then I'll have something to write about next
time (with lots of pics too with luck!).
Best wishes to you all
Tim (aka WK)
Ed's note:.... Just got word from Timbo tonight that he passed his exams with flying colours!!!
We humans are such strange beings, we depend on each
other for the most part for our day to day companionship and to
support each other at times of need and just hold on for the sake
of having someone to talk to and disagree with us. I had just
such a companion for 7 yrs until last month, and even now can
hardly stand to think about her without a big old lump coming up
in my throat. She was the most steadfast friend I have ever had
and the most loyal, no matter what the circumstances she still
loved me and was right there all the time.
Now a lot of you will never be able to comprehend this kind of
love and caring and will think it is really sad that I put so
much caring and emotion into her and her well being. But that is
what you do for a true friend, you care for them and love them
unconditionally.Some of you who know me, will now realize I am
talking about my friend and companion Katie, a 7 year old
rottweiller whom we had to put down last month. Rotties have been
given a bad name by a few. Any dog can be trained to be mean,
from a tea cup poodle to a great dane. But rotties are by far the
most affectionate dogs we have ever had and the most gentle. She
scared the sox off of more than one salesman and those folks who
come to your door on Sunday afternoon wanting to convert you and
collect a little donation at the same time. If someone comes to
our front door, we immediately know it is someone not acquainted
with us. I would always walk to the door, with Katie at my side
and greet the person while holding on to her collar. As soon as
they saw her they lost interest in my soul and started worrying
about their backside. Little did they know that I held onto her
to keep her from knocking them down and licking them to death in
friendship. She never saw a stranger, if they came in our drive
they had to be a friend didn’t they?
The moment you raise your hand to your bride in anger
you will lose your right to be a husband or leader. The moment
you raise your voice in anger you will lose some of her respect. Raca WRENCHED THOUGHTS Well another month has gone by. I don’t
think I’m alone in believing this past Independence Day was
extra special. All the politicians are bickering again, people
are whining about inconsequential stuff again, and the economy is
making a solid come back. Just goes to show, nobody will ever be
able to bring down America. I went to bed early Friday night with
intentions of getting up early, I set my alarm for 5am and went
dutifully to bed at 9pm. The next day, the alarm went off at the
chosen time and I immediately jumped out of bed, hit the snooze
and jumped back into bed. After hitting the snooze about three
more times, I said," Screw It", and shut off the alarm.
This past month has been one of hot, hot
weather, but stalwart Porchers beat the heat by stopping by The
Porch, and basking in the coolness of the shade of our big trees
while sipping iced tea and lemonade. The fragrance from the roses
and honeysuckle delight the senses, and allows one to pause and
reflect on the old adage, "Take time to smell the roses."
SUE hasn't brought cookies for a while, but it's really too hot
now to bake. (She'll probably snort and refute that statement.) Flea's..... Flea's....Flea's .... ((((( YIKE"S
)))))..... Don't let them get You or Your Cat or Dog ... This is The Flea Season ... What to do
and what not to do ? The first thing that all Pet Owner's should
know is that Flea's can come into the house where Little Cats or
Dogs no matter if they are inside or outside cat's and dogs...
this has happen to me (( Yikes )) but ...don't panic !! It's all
a matter of getting rid of them in a safe and friendly way...<S>
I did panic !! <S> I told the Vet that My Cat's don't get
Fleas !! well...guess what I was wrong, they can come into the
house on you or from other animals around the house, and that is
what happen to are cat's, I have a cat the comes into the garage
and eat's and sleeps and this cat is a wild cat, she just let's
us feed her, give her some place to sleep, and she is happy, but
when it comes to cleaning the garage there is how they got the
way into the house, I have a carpet in the garage, I vacuum it
when I clean out the garage, there is where they got there way in
or at least that's what I think happen , could have been a really
big Flea that jumps like a Olympic Track star <S> but that
is not the only thing that they bring into the house, they bring
with them... here is a list of what these little critters can do.... Gosh, the end of July, where has the
summer gone??? Hoping everyone is enjoying their summer and
having a safe summer. I had a week vacation, although I always take the
lappy with me to check in, it was a great relaxing week. We
returned to Yosemite National Park in California. What an awesome
park this is. Becca has done a theme on this park and other
vacation locations and this particular park is one to see if any
of you are in California. Hubby and I did a few tours then
decided to venture out on bicycles The first day was great, I had
a nice running bike and did quite well. The second day, well the
bike was awful and you just do not realize the parts of the body
that are effected by this particular form of transportation!!!
OUCH!!! I whined of course!!! Please check the events and drop in
when Becca has the vacation themes, they are so informative and
you all may get some great idea's to vacation.. (as seen from the outhouse) Sometimes we Americans get ourselves in a
whole passel of nerves over not much at all. We want everyone to
have rights, freedom and justice, but don’t bother us to see
that it happens. Then othertimes, we say, earn your freedom and
rights just like our forefathers did and leave us alone. Thats it for another month Folks! I
hope you enjoyed this packed full issue! Come on Everyone! Get those pens busy
for next month. We are all looking forward already to next months!
Mail any contributions to me at LyndaAtCasual@Compuserve.com We want all your contributions, don't be shy!
This is a paper by the members for the members......that means
YOU! Please remember, this is a fun/interesting/informative
addition to the many features on offer at Casual Chat, critique
is welcome but nothing that attacks members, personalities or
other fora will be. Lynda [Editor]
TO MY SONS
I expect that you will be taking wives into your life in the next
few years. It took me many years and failures to learn how to be
a husband and I want you to learn what I have found the best way
to be a good spouse.
To begin I would say for you to seek someone of the same
Religious and core values you have. This would make life easier.
However, the heart is a strange hunter and I will stick to more
universal advice.
You should be a leader in your family. You wife and children
should look to you for advice and example. Be careful with this
"power." It is not a given, but an earned position. I
once read "Do not lead, I may not follow, Do not follow, I
may not be leading at the time. Walk hand in hand with me as an
equal." Lead with a soft hand. Lovingly guide.
Your young bride was raised by parents who love her. She is who
she is because of the way her parents raised her. Be respectful
of these parents. See she sees them often and never speak ill of
them.
Her in-laws, however realize she is never good enough for their
son. Be sure to also protect her from us when needed.
Never speak poorly of her in front of others. If you feel she is
wrong, discuss lovingly when alone. If you talk poorly of her the
ones you are speaking with lose respect for you.
Share all decisions. Especially financial situations. Spend
together and you will grow together.
You and her will become a "we" before children arrive.
Be mindful of this as you will be a "we" after kids
leave home. Let your children know when they are rude to their
mother they are rude to your wife and that will not be
tolerated.
Keep your bedroom private and never talk about what goes on there.
This is a place for quiet talks, private talks. This is where you
will grow to be strong together. This is where that special
closeness happens.
When you make love act as if it will be for the last time. For
someday it will be.
Good luck sons. It can be a wonderful life.
Well I’ve been doing some serious hiking as of late. I went
up to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and did a serious day
hike from Bear Lake to Flattop. If I had started at 9am instead
of at 12 noon, I could have went on up to another mountain and
stood on the divide. On my way up I saw this tiny little stream,
no more than about 18 inches across. It was the headwater to the
mighty Colorado River. Thought that was neat.\
I’ve always tried to stay away from hiking. When I was in
the Marines we often had forced marches which are actually hikes
with some guy yelling at you. I took this jaunt mostly out of
curiosity, and the fact there’s no mountain biking allowed
up in RMNP. 
I finally got my carcass out of bed at 9:30am, got cleaned up and
went on up to RMNP, taking my hydration pack and assorted
munchies with me. I drove up to the gate where I had to buy a
pass. I bought the year round pass as I do intend to go back.
Then I went to Bear Lake. As I pulled into the parking lot, the
wagon died, seems it vapor locked on me in spite of my leaving
the fuel cap loose. Luckily there were a couple of guys more than
willing to help me push my 2 ton chariot up a slight incline and
into a parking spot. I was ready to go home then, but since the
wagon would have to sit for a while before it would start again,
I loaded up my pack and strapped it on, and a hikin’ I went.
The trail I took started off relatively flat for about 2 feet,
then I spent 3 hours going up and one hour coming down. Kind of
like bad sex. However I did get some awesome pictures which you’ll
see next month, as well as a pic of your humble correspondent. I
intend to go back up there and finish out the hike to the Divide,
then there will be some more pictures.
As much as I enjoyed the view, I know there is a reason I prefer
my bicycle, as walking sucks. Walking up a steep grade for miles
on end sucks even more. I expect to finish out that hike before
Labor Day, and then that’s it, I’m sticking to my
bicycle.
As far as cycling goes, I keep making mileage goals and then once
I get going, I often go past, though I doubt I’ll work up to
a century as planned. You see, I get going and after about 10
miles I’m just way too happy. Add the giggles and a buzz and
it’d be a good joint. I’ll ride around from 30 to 50
miles and go home all happy and satisfied that I really don’t
care what tomorrow holds. If only Osama rode a bicycle, he wouldn’t
be making women wear burkha’s, and world peace would break
out. As it is, he’s probably with his 70 virgins and
wondering where he could find a professional.
Now for the monthly hopes:
I hope the we get more rain, as too many fires are starting up.
I hope the east gets less rain, as they have too many floods.
I hope Saddam just suddenly disappears and democracy breaks out,
We don’t need any more wars..
I hope everyone gets one more step to their goals.
Take Care Everyone
Wrench
ROCKING OUT ON THE PORCH
OnTymeAgain continues to be on time most evenings, and is busy
now helping his daughter and four grandchildren move into new
digs. TYME lives in S. California. JOANIE, another member from
our most populous U.S. state, has been enjoying a visit from her
daughter, KELLI, and the grandchildren. Good medicine, indeed!
And speaking of travelers, TAFFY drove from Denver to Michigan
and stopped in Lincoln, Nebraska, and met BUTTERFLY, hubby
RUPERT, her DIL, LIL POPPIE, and the adorable baby BENNY. Taffs
and Butter enjoyed a fabulous and giggle-filled dinner at
VINCENZO'S in the historic HAYMARKET DISTRICT. It was "top
drawer," and so was our dear Butter and family! JEANNE is
still working at regaining her strength since the strenuous three-week
trip to China. Her photos are stunning.
STRANGELILBEBE has established herself as a first-rate artist,
not only by her gallery success, but by sharing photos of her
work in the forum. Go to FILES to see Bebe's diverse and talented
work. Another right-brained member, KEYS, continues to visit and
share bits and pieces about music and his career at the keyboard.
And as usual, JERRY "UNCLE BUCK" LEE talks music at
every opportunity. MELODY usually chimes in with lines from old
songs, too, as well as quick-witted retorts and LOLs! <s>
BIBI created pandemonium one evening when she decided to turn The
Porch into a spa. Screen name changes were flying faster than the
running water, offering such handles as SCRUBYOUR BACK4YOU,
SOAPONAROPE, SOSPAD, and CREMEMOISTURIZER--to name but a few.
Porchers suffered from temporary insanity, and claims of tears in
the eyes were from laughter and not from the soap!
It would be remiss to not mention the beautiful job that BECCA
did in the last issue of CASUAL NEWS as she unfurled the history
of the American flag. It was researched and presented in an
interesting, informative manner, and with Flag Day, July 4th, and
the first anniversary of 9/11 coming up soon, it was a timely
subject. She's one bright lady! (As MICHAEL has noticed.) With so
many Canadians in our forum, and possibly prior to a Canadian
holiday, perhaps we can persuade Becca to present some history of
the dramatic Canadian flag with its red maple leaf! <s>
The Welcome Mat is always out at The Porch for newcomers and
visitors. If you have news to share, please inform me so I can
spread the word about what's going on in your life--especially
the joys and successes.
Hugs to all,
Taffy
PET'S CORNER
1. Severe anemia: Kittens can die from being bitten by too many
fleas, which drain their bodies of needed red blood cells.
2. Tapeworms: Caused by a cat ingesting an infected flea while
grooming.
3. Allergic reactions: Some cats are allergic to flea saliva.
4. Plague: In rare cases, it can occur. A cat can get the
bacteria that causes the plague from a rat flea or by ingesting a
dead infected animal. Symptoms include high fever and enlarged
lymph nodes. Plague, more common in Western states, is highly
treatable if caught early.
5. Lyme disease: Ticks can pass on the bacterium that causes Lyme
disease to cats, but studies have yet to prove that they develop
the disease. The tick, however, can hop off the cat and infect a
person.
6. Tularemia: This rare disease, spread by the American dog tick
in the East and by the wood tick in the West, causes high fevers,
lethargy and enlarged lymph nodes. Cats and people can catch the
disease from the bite of an infected tick.
7. Paralysis: Ticks can paralyze cats, but the condition can be
reversed. Tick paralysis is chemically induced and can only
continue while the tick is embedded, according to the Somers, N.Y.-based
American Lyme Disease Foundation Inc.
9. Feline ehrlichiosis: An infected tick can cause fever,
lethargy, weight loss and possibly an enlarged spleen in cats.
Now what to do to get rid of them <S> don't panic !! first
step <S> that's what I keep telling myself <S>
I didn't see them so I didn't have them .. Right <S> but
there is hope to keep them out and gone, so that your pet can be
healthy, and safe from them the best way to prevent fleas and
ticks from infesting your cat and your home? Keep your cats
indoors to limit their exposure to these disease-carriers,
veterinarians urge.
Unless they share a house with a dog, which might bring the pests
inside, an indoor cat is safe from many parasites and other
perils of the great outdoors.
"It's just healthier for a cat to be inside, not to mention
yourself and family <S>
Conquering Fleas: A multi-pronged attack is best.
Flea Traps: Light-based flea traps keep chemicals out of your
home.
Flea Shampoos, Sprays and Mousses: Get a head start on long-term
flea control with one of these products.
Stop Fleas Before They Bite: New topical flea controllers are
quick, safe and effective.
Birth Control for Fleas: Insect growth regulators prevent new
fleas from becoming adults.
there are many topical flea controllers that you can get from
your Veterinarians they can be costly but there is also some that
are sold at the Pet's store's these work just as good as other's
and with the other treatments that you give your pet they work
really well, also if your pet get's worms get them to the vet as
soon as you can they can give them a shot or a pill that will
kill them but you need to take the other steps to make sure they
are all gone !!... Remember to read all the lables and make sure
what you use is for you Cat or Dog, remember what is good for you
Dog is not good for your Cat ...
Flea Facts
Fleas can jump 150 times their own length, vertically or
horizontally.
A flea's armored shell can withstand a cat's scratching and
biting.
Bristles and spines point backward on a flea's exterior, making
it difficult to pull the flea from your cat's fur.
Fleas, as carriers of plague and disease, have killed more people
than all wars combined.
Approximately 25 percent of cats tested have a flea allergy,
which can result in scabs, scratching, ripping out of fur, plaque
on the backs of legs or abdomen and ulcers on the lips. However,
flea allergies are less common among cats than inhalant (pollen,
for example) or food allergies. The best solution to flea
allergies is to get rid of the fleas.
The common cat flea lives three to four weeks. Its eggs are laid
on your cat, but they fall into the environment and hatch in two
to five days. The larvae feed on organic debris. In seven to 14
days, the larvae spin silk cocoons to prepare for metamorphosis,
when they transform into adult fleas. The length of this stage is
usually five to six weeks. It takes approximately eight weeks of
consistent 80 degree temperatures and 70 to 75 percent humidity
to stimulate egg-laying and hatching. The adult flea emerges from
the cocoon and immediately searches for a host on which to feed.
Mating begins immediately. Female fleas lay eggs within 36 hours.
Flea eggs and larvae can survive year-round in your home.
Hope this helps any one that is having this problem <S> I
know I did all of this and they are gone <S> thank goodness
<S> Lillyrose
PS: make sure your Cat and Dog are Spayed and Neutered
LIL'BITS FROM MA'AM
News from Casual Staff, Woolyback is now an official Host of
Casual Chat. I think Lynda did a fine job getting Wooly trained
and ready to pitch in before she and MA did the Thelma and Louise
trip!!! Can't wait to hear about that!!! <gg>
Congratulations and welcome to Staff , Woolyback!!!
Management will be working on updating message boards.. We have
some sections that do not have a lot of traffic and we hope to
add some message boards that interest all of you. Rascal [Host]
has started some interesting debates and glad to see those
messages.. <s>
The bride and groom aka Trisha and Tom are back home and settling
into married life. I <ahem> wonder if the happy couple have
opened and been able to experience all the great wedding gifts
they received.. <RE> We had quite a crowd in the forum
watching the event via web cam. It was great to be a part of the
festivities from afar. The bride was gorgeous and the groom was
beaming!!! Congratulations and Best Wishes for a Happy Life.
I just got home from the Hancock Champions on Ice show!!!!
Fantastic to see especially after the Olympics this year.. Among
the performers, Michelle Kwan, Irina Slutskaya, Alexia Yagudin
<wow what a cutie> Timothy Goebel, Sasha Cohen, Evgini
Plushenko, Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat. Elvis Stojko,
Michael Weiss, Surya Bonaly, just to name a few Sarah Hughes was
to perform but due to other commitments is not able to make all
the cities on the tour!!! I was disappointed however watching
Michelle Kwan was totally awesome and those Russian Male
Medallist , was interesting as well <S>
http://www.championsonice.com./
Signing off for now and wish everyone a wonderful month until
next time.
Hugggggs from Ma'am
A WINDOW ON THE WORLD
Well, I sometimes do my contemplatin in the outhouse. It’s
that little wooden building down yonder at the corner of the
chicken yard with a little half moon cut in the door. That is
strictly for looks, for it shur don’t provide any air
circulation once you are in there and close the door. When the
corn gets high enough so nobody can see I sometimes leave the
door open and I can observe nature both inside and outside. We
save the daily paper and place it in the outhouse for further use.
Yesterday, I was just sittin there contemplatin, when my eye fell
on the column about the Pledge of Allegiance. Now some dadblame
judge says the kids can’t say it in school no more. Where do
they git these idjits they put on the courts? I sometimes think
they must be law school flunk outs, who can’t earn a livin
any other way than to sit there and think up darn fool ways to
cause trouble for the common folk. My man calls them educated
idiots, and danged if I don’t think maybe he hit it right on
the head. They don’t think about the pledge as one whole
thing, they got to go through and protect us from every word in
it.
I for one, can do my own thinkin, and don’t need no circuit
judge to even out the words. I been all the way through 8 winters
of schoolin and I can read and cipher with the best. I can parse
them numbers clear through ten times ten and my egg money ain’t
never off by even one penny. I cain’t use one of them there
calculator things, but I don’t have to go around the barn
twicet to add and subtract. Poor school kids of today, they have
to carry them dang things with them to do their homework. Then
the poor youngun gets a job at the McDonalds and cain’t
figur change,Idon’t know what they are ateachin them at
school now a days and now they can’t say the pledge. Of
course, we got some of them kids of them there baby boomers and
the poor thangs cain’t stand a word of criticism. It is
important that they feel real good about themselves. So, ifn in
their wisdom, they Mommas’and Daddies’ tell them you
got to keep church and state separated no matter what, then those
younguns will not want to say them words “under God”
and if some of the other younguns notices and decides to find out
why, those poor kiddies just won’t know how to react as they
been pro-tected from thinkin so they can feel good about their
selves. Never you mind that their grandaddies said that pledge
all their lives and went to all them foreign places and fought so
they could be free and not have a government to do all their
thinkin. For shame, it is not now politically keerect.
Somebody said “it is just words”, but words is how we
communicate and words is what we use to tell what we believe in
and what we stand for in the first place. When you stop usin
words is when the trouble begins. Lawsy me, I can remember hearin
Kate Smith sing “God Bless America” on the radio and it
just sets your heart to hummin. We mericans are a sentimental
group anyway. We can still imagine the rockets red glare, we can
still see mountains and prairies, the endless fields of grain and
the rows of corn too many to count. We still send that grain
across the sea to feed hungry people and we still take in the
tired and poor and huddled masses. Ain;t God good to us mericans.
We best not forget him or let anyone take him from us.
Well, it is gettin on to dinner time, and danged if I don’t
see the preacher apullin in the lane. Trouble is I have sit for
so long my legs have gone numb and my backside has a perfect
circle on it. Anyway, I am pushin this article on the pledge onto
a nail so I can save it and think on it some more. Or anybody
else usin the facilities can see it.
Here it is the 4th of July and the corn is more than knee high
and the wheat is comin in good. Nothin purtier than an 80 acre
field of wheat wavin in the sun. Sure hope them dang rustlers don’t
get my corn this year, and I still ain’t got back my lights.
Lizzie
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