Chatty Crone

Full Circle

2012-02-16T10:18:00.007-05:00

A funny story. I was born in Chicago 1953 - my dad was transferred to Georgia in 1959 - transferred back to Chicago in 1969 - and we chose to move back to Georgia in 1986. So I am a half and halfer - although Georgia is my home.

It was 1968, I was 15, and had fallen in love - it was my first love. It was a time of great turmoil for me. When my dad was transferred back to Chicago I was devastated. My first love gave me a piece of paper when I left Georgia. It was 'Courage'. I thought it was his, not that he ever said it was his, I just assumed it.

I loved that poem or writing and tried to learn to live by it. Here it is.

Courage

Courage begins when we can admit that there is no life without some pain, some frustration: that there is no tragic accident to which we are immune; and that beyond the normal exercise of prudence we can do very little, or nothing, about it.

But real courage goes beyond and sees that the triumph of life is not in pain avoided, but in joys lived completely in the moment of their happening.

Courage lies in never taking so much as a good meal, or a day of health and fair weather for granted. It lies in learning to be aware of our moments of happiness as sharply as our moments of pain. We need not be be afraid to weep when we have cause to weep, so long as we can rejoice at every cause for rejoicing.

Here's the ending I didn't know about:

But how can I do this? I feel so inadequate and frustrated at times...
I believe the answer is to allow God to be in control.

Now back in April of 2008 I blogged about that poem - I had always loved and remembered it.

Sometime later a wonderful gal named Marjorie Meachum Fedor wrote me personally. She sent me a note saying that she was the author of that poem. It was in a book called Joy Comes In The Morning.

She was a dear and mailed me a copy of the book. It was great - something uplifting was written for every mood you could ever be in - good times and bad. A book for people who are waiting for the sun to rise. And sure enough the poem was there. I told her I loved her book and was going to share it with my daughter. We have been writing back and forth a little and I had actually forgotten how me met as she is not a blogger. And this was her reply.

"Dear Sandie

I'm so glad you enjoyed my book …thank you for your kind words about it. I hope your daughter enjoys it too.

Joy Comes in the Morning was my first experience with publishing. Everything and everyone just came together at the right time and place, for which I am thankful to God. He seemed to open the doors and move me through them. I have been writing for over 50 years and have, on many occasions shared with family and friends, who have freely shared it with others. Page 3 in my book speaks of this process.

I continue to write but I am not sure if I will ever publish again. I would like to but time and circumstances may make it difficult. However, if God wants it done He will lead the way.

You asked "How did we meet?" One day just out of curiosity I looked up Joy Comes in the Morning on the Internet and as I scanned through it I found that Chatty Crone was looking for the author of "Courage". I found your blog, got your email address and introduced myself ,and I am so glad I did. No, I do not have a blog. I am “acquainted” with my computer, but my pad and pen are my comfortable best friends and that, along with verbal conversation, are my "stock in trade".

I sense that God intended for us to meet. Perhaps it will simply be a delightful rest stop along life's way, or maybe He has bigger plans. I hope we will soon have an opportunity to get better acquainted.

Love

Marj"

Now that poem has gone full circle for me. Isn't life interesting and full of God Winks? What is odd is she mentions Full Circle and I've mentioned full circle. Why did God have us find each other. She seems like a very sweet lady.

Has anything like this ever happened to you? Meet someone in an unusual circumstance?
Do you remember your first love?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

California - sharing more information with you.

2012-02-15T10:00:00.010-05:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

My sister lives in LA. I am trying to talk her into moving here, but California is where her friends and family are. But it is almost getting to the point where people are going to leave California because they can't afford it. These are some new laws going into affect on the beaches in southern California.

Ball-Throwing, Sand-Digging at L.A. Beaches Could Cost You $1,000, Jail Time

"Guess what? If you've ever thrown any object over 10 inches in diameter at an L.A. beach -- Frisbees and footballs included -- you were breaking the law.

But a few amendments to L.A. County's beach ordinance at the end of December have drawn fresh anger to the county's draconian policies, created "in order to protect and preserve the peace on public beaches." The maximum fine for misdemeanor ball-throwing has been upped from $500 to $1,000 -- and could land you six months in jail.

The updated ordinance does make one improvement on the ball-throwing policy:

Whereas before, it was against the law to "cast, toss, throw, kick or roll" any "ball, tube or light object" over 10 inches anywhere at any time, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors have inserted some exceptions.

Going forward, the ball ban will only apply during summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And it will exclude beach balls, volleyballs or in-ocean waterpolo balls.

Also, the Department of Beaches and Harbors will be able to designate special ball-throwing areas, or grant permits for ball games. (All very ridiculous and bureaucratic, but better than an all-out ban.)

This applies to every beach along the L.A. County coast:

At the meeting to update the ordinance, City News Service reported that even Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky was surprised to learn that people "cannot play football on the beach in the summer."

It gets more depressing every time we hear it. Here are some more shady practices that could cost you $1,000 and a stint in the slammer:

Digging a hole deeper than 18 inches into the sand, or digging into any vertical sand embankment.

"Disturb[ing] any rock" on a beach.

Driving on the beach, or even parking outside a parking space.

Using any "canopy, tent, lodge, shelter or structure" larger then 10 feet by 10 feet.

Producing any "boisterous or unusual noise."

Cussing.

Holding a wedding, "field trip," "youth group event," yoga class or any "gathering of 50 persons or more" without obtaining a permit beforehand.

Getting naked or "disrobing." ("Theatrical performances" used to be the exception, but no more!)

Operating a model airplane.

The rules will be normally be enforced by lifeguards (under supervision of the L.A. County Fire Department) or the Department of Beaches and Harbors' own "peace or code enforcement officers," who we're not sure we've ever really seen, but they sound menacing enough.

Technically, though, the fine can be imposed by any "person authorized" to do so by either department. (For some very sketchy reason, the "pursuant to law" phrase after "person authorized" is crossed out in the ordinance update. So department heads can apparently sik any random rent-a-cop on your frisbee game?)

Good news for last: The section prohibiting drunk people (no, not drinking alcohol, just at all intoxicated) from going to the beach has been crossed out. PHEW."

Well I find it interesting - the state is broke - so they keep imposing all these fines on people - to make money. My sister loses half her check in taxes!!!

Okay - I have some followers from California - I am NOT making fun of your state - really. I'm just showing how funny and micromanaged life can be at times and this was a good example. Life is so complicated at times - don't you wish you could just live free . . . what are your thoughts?

PS It is my daughter Kelly's 34th birthday today - Happy Birthday Sweetie.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:48:00.009-05:00

Happy Valentine’s Day

Being the nice person I am - a couple gals sent this to me - and I'm going to share him with you! Ooh la la . . .

Valentine Facts:

If a woman wants a man to spend a lot of money on her on a date, all she needs to do is this. What?
Answer: Wear Red

9% of honeymooning couples last year had this in common. What?
Answer: They brought their kids along!

15% of married people say this happened on their first date. What?
Answer: They fell in love!

11% of couples will do this for Valentine's Day dinner. What?
Answer: Split the bill!

It's estimated that approximately 3,500 5th Graders will do this today. What?
Answer: Fall in love!

24% of people will look at buying one of these for Valentine's Day, what is it?
Answer: A Singing Card

59% of women like this gift for Valentines Day, but say it shows a lack of thought by their man, what is it?
Answer: A Gift Card

In general, women find them romantic while men do not. What?
Answer: Love Notes!

According to a Men's Health Magazine survey, 73% of women say this is their biggest complaint about their man's cologne...what is it?
Answer: He wears too much! We know why. 55% of men keep cologne in their CAR.

Thank you Calamity Jane!

Thanks Jerry and Ann

Some calorie free candy for you -

Happy Valentine's Day

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - thanks Kelly

Monday - A recipe for Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T09:37:00.006-05:00

This is perfect for those of us with just one or two in the house these days, hate to make a huge cake. This way you can make 1,2,3,or as many as you need.

3, 2, 1 CAKE

These individual little cakes are amazing and ready to eat in one minute! They are perfect for whenever you feel like a treat without all the fat and calories that cake can have. Genius idea!

INGREDIENTS:
1 box Angel Food Cake Mix
1 box Cake Mix - Any Flavor
2 Tbsp Water
Makes 1 serving.

DIRECTIONS:

In a ziploc bag, combine the two cake mixes together and mix well. For each individual cake serving, take out 3 Tablespoons of the cake mix combination and mix it with 2 Tablespoons of water in a small microwave-safe container. Microwave on high for 1 minute, and you have
your own instant individual little cake!

KEEP remaining cake mixture stored in the Ziploc bag and use whenever you feel like a treat!

You can top each cake with a dollop of fat free whipped topping and/or some fresh fruit.

Helpful Tips:

This recipe is called 3, 2, 1 Cake because all you need to remember is "3 tablespoons mix, 2 tablespoons water, 1 minute in the microwave!"

TRY various flavors of cake mix like carrot, red velvet, pineapple, lemon, orange, etc. Just remember that one of the mixes has to be the angel food mix; the other is your choice.
The flavor possibilities are endless!

The best thing is, you open both cake mixes into a gallon storage bag, one that 'zip locks' or 'self-seals', or a container that seals tightly, shake the two cake mixes to blend and then make the recipe. Storage of mix is simple, put it on a shelf. No need to refrigerate, since the mix is dry.

Always remember, that one of the cake mixes MUST be Angel Food. The other can be any flavor.

The Angel Food is the cake mix that has the eggs whites in it. So, if, anyone is allergic to egg whites, you can NOT serve this recipe.

Now someone sent me this recipe - and I have forgotten who. If you did - let me know and I will give you credit. I'm sorry.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - kind of goes with the new quote for the week. You have to be honest and committed.

Sunday

2012-02-12T09:36:00.002-05:00

LOVE, GOD!

Saturday - Some Public Service Information

2012-02-11T09:36:00.008-05:00

I an just passing this information on to you. The way I view things - information is a good thing, but I don't go nuts about it. As you know I go nuts about other things - teehee. sandie

http://realitybloger.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/that-isn-wax-on-your-apple/

Thanks Trish.

In case you were not aware - it is a couple years old now, but when it first came out I wasn't aware of it. So I'm passing this one to you again:

"Dr. Oz had a show on the fastest growing cancer in women, thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned that the increase could possibly be related to the use of dental x-rays and mammograms. He demonstrated that on the apron the dentist puts on you for your dental x-rays there is a little flap that can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Many dentists don't bother to use it. Also, there is something called a "thyroid guard" for use during mammograms. By coincidence, I had my yearly mammogram yesterday. I felt a little silly, but I asked about the guard and sure enough, the technician had one in a drawer. I asked why it wasn't routinely used. Answer: "I don't know. You have to ask for it." Well, if I hadn't seen the show, how would I have known to ask? We need to pass this on to our daughters, nieces, mothers and all our female friends and husbands tell your wives !! "

Now last year when I had my mammogram - I had to ask for it. The gal got a little ticked and went out to get it - they had only one in a huge practice for just mammograms! A doctor used it. She said did you hear that on Dr. Oz - I said yes and showed her my paper - she asked if she could keep it and of course I gave it too her. She said they would have to order more!

SO ASK! At the dentist and for mammograms.

Thanks Linda

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: Get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. Thanks Jeannie

Thought of the Day:

"Here is a test to see if your mission on earth is finished. If you are alive, it isn't." ~ Francis Bacon

Friday - with a little help from my friends....

2012-02-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Where are my keys - I must have left them in the car.
Frantically, I headed for the parking lot.

My wife has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition.
My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them.
Her theory is that the car will be stolen.
As I burst through the doors of the church, I came to a terrifying conclusion.....her theory was right.
The parking lot was empty. I immediately called the police.
I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keysin the car, and that it had been stolen.
Then I made the most difficult call of all, “Honey,”I stammered.
I always call her “honey” in times likethese. “I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.”
There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard her voice. “Ken” she barked,“I dropped you off!”
Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said,“Well, come and get me.”
Diane retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car."

What are these?

Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember . Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?''Sure.''Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it..'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so as not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.'
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks.
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.. She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast ?'
(This is so funny to me because it is the truth in our house - chatty)
Thanks Ann from The Boston Lady

PECANS IN THE CEMETERY......

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.

'One for you, one for me, one for you, one for me,' said one boy. Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.

Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, 'One for you, one for me, one for you, one for me...'

He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.

'Come here quick,' said the boy, 'you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls!'

The man said, 'Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk.' When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery.

Standing by the fence they heard, 'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.'

The old man whispered, 'Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord...?

Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.

At last they heard, 'One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done...

They say the old man had the lead for a good half-mile before the kid on the bike passed him.

Thanks cousin Marlyn

10 Things PMS Stands For:

1. Pass My Shotgun

2. Psychotic Mood Shift

3. Perpetual Munching Spree

4. Puffy Mid-Section

5. People Make me Sick

6. Provide Me Sweets

7. Pardon My Sobbing

8. Pimples May Surface

9. Pass My Sweatpants

and my favorite one:

10. Potential Murder Suspect

Thank you Sharon N.

How do they do this?

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

"It takes a revolution to make a solution." ~ Bob Marley

Now an update on the bullying situation. GS came home from school today and said the boy was gone from his school and had moved to another school.
I am kind of shocked to say the least.
I didn't want to hurt or change his life.
I just wanted him to leave the GS alone.
I guess I won't ever know the whole story now.
I wish him luck.
But the school counselor did tell me this. Because the GS did not tell them they were playing a game at the time - she felt that he was a liar - and that being called gay in a game was not the same thing as being called a gay directly. This is from the public school system. My GS was brought into her room and admonished so much he was crying. So he is now the problem.
And people wonder why people don't go in and talk with the administration.
Frankly, they don't believe you. Well as far as I am concerned it is over and I am releasing this to God and continuing to pray for school number 3.

Thursday - Spring

2012-02-09T09:35:00.004-05:00

This was made and given to me by a dear friend.

Well it is going to be sunny today and mid 50's - which is cold for us - we have been in the 60's! I wonder if a cold spell is coming.

My mom used to tell me that in Atlanta - spring time was a blessing and not a season. I miss her.

All down the road they plant trees and the pink ones (how do you like that technical term?) are blooming already.

Still have not heard from school number three - it will probably be in March - and I am still praying. And the bully situation - the boy has been gone for 2 days - and he has been moved out of the GS's room to another 5th grade class. I don't know if he has been suspended or what.

Want to know some facts about the human body?

It takes your food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.

One human hair can support 6.6 pounds.

The average man's penis is two times the length of his thumb.

Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.

A woman's heart beats faster than a man's.

There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.

Women blink twice as often as men.

The average person's skin weighs twice as much as the brain.

Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.

If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.

Women will be finished reading this by now.

Men are still busy checking their thumbs. (Sorry guys.)

Now I ask you - don't you learn something important here every day?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Hump day or is it HUG Day?

2012-02-08T09:35:00.006-05:00

Did you know that January 21st was hug day? I read that somewhere and I think somehow I missed it! So in honor of hump day - ah hug day - here are some hugs.

Isabel at Blue Shell

Now when the GS was little we played songs all the time and sang and yes for your information he used to love my singing (don't ask him anymore though). One of the songs was about getting at least four hugs a day - that's the minimum not the maximum... so he is a huger. Not as much, but still gives you a hug every day.

I found it - you'll love it - in fact you'll be dancing and singing it.

Thought for the day:

From Belle

So today we can give someone a hug and be a good friend at the same time.

Tuesdays Tails

2012-02-07T10:18:00.000-05:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

Okay and I am going to have to say cats do the same thing for people!

"" I WANT THIS DOG ""

Click on the word DOG

Thanks Susan - this was my very first follower - this blog is all her fault!

NOTICE THE MEAT ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE

IMAGINE THE RUSH YOU GET SITTING IN THAT SEAT!

Would you love to go here?
I would love to go here.
And bring the grandson too.

This is the Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria , Australia and only the hood of the car is outside the glass cage with lions. The rest of the car is on the inside. Very interesting way of interacting with the lions.

The seats are cleaned every trip...................... Got cha!
(Thank you Sharon N.

Okay so for some fun today - tell me your pets funniest trait.
Disco - Well I think I have told mine before he has a PINK PIG pacifier!

He treasures this and takes it everywhere.

He thinks your going to take it away from him.

PS There is a gal named Jane who leaves a comment and I can't find your blog or your email and I do like to respond back if I can.

PSS I am late in reading your posts, but I will!

Mondays recipe and positive start to the week . . .

2012-02-06T10:18:00.000-05:00

Did you watch the super bowl last night? What do you think about the commercials?

What did you have to eat?

Well on to Valentine's Day.

My friend Jenn from Jenn's Three Graces sent this to me. I think it is a great recipe to make with the kidlets or for Valentines. And she got the recipe from Northern Cottage. So thank you and thank you.

All you need are mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crescent rolls. Bake and your done. How easy is that?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Not even ourselves - teehee.

Sunday - My gift to you.

2012-02-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

Give me ten minutes of your time and you'll see the best thing you'll ever see.

God is using his chisel on me!

Love,

chatty

Saturday -CHATTY VENTING PLAIN AND SIMPLE

2012-02-04T22:54:00.001-05:00

More rantings and ravings today about my grandson.

My grandson is dyslexic with ADHD. Now the only thing he can't do is spell and his writing suffers. However in middle school there are no more spelling tests and writing is done on a computer. His other grades and test scores are in the high 70% ranking.

These are the facts as I know them.

Christian schools are not equipped for this. They also give scholarships to help pay for the kids that do get accepted.

The dyslexic schools are equipped, but offer no scholarships. They cost 10K-20K.

Now my GS is in regular classes - he has made a couple C's all the rest A's and B's in all 6 years. So how equipped do they have to be? He has had no discipline issues either.

We are still waiting for school number 3 in March.

Now - why do I really want a Christian school?

Thursday night the GS came home and told us that he was called gay by the same boy he has been bullied by all year long. The bully then told another boy not to get close to the GS because he was a gayster - whatever that is - and it might rub off on him.

We went in to the school Friday morning and basically we come to find out that apparently that word isn't so bad anymore. It is just something that he has to go through - like a rite of passage to teenage hood. I heard that about ten times. I guess they were saying the GS needed to grow up.

Now I have friends who are gay, but calling someone that and telling others not to play with them is mean at age 10. Apparently if he was called but some other names - starting with J, n, or use the word that starts with an f - that would constituent abuse.

The school officials checked out the stories from the other kids. And yes the boys did call him that, but because it was a 'game' they were playing and the GS didn't tell that part of the story - my grandson got yelled at and in big trouble. Although GS called no one a name.

Now yes GS should have told us the whole story - but it is sexual harassment to call someone a name like that or not - because it was a game does it make it okay? Oh yeah I forgot to tell you - the bully - his mom is a teacher there.

I was talking to my sister yesterday and I was riled and when I was walking down the stairs phone in one hand and glass dishes in another - I missed the 3rd step from the bottom and I fell - hook line and sinker. My left shoulder hurts and my right leg. Oh me oh my. My fault as I wasn't paying attention.

So I am VENTING tonight. Sorry. I just needed too. You don't have to even comment if you don't want. Not sure what to do. Yes, I do. I am going to bed praying. To have God help sort this all out! I answered my emails today, but I am late reading your posts, but I will. What in the world would I do without y'all?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Tomorrow is a new day.
Joy Cometh in the Morning.

Fun Friday with a little help from my friends . . .

2012-02-03T08:17:00.009-05:00

GOOD MORNING CHATTY FRIEND'S
Let's do the Wooly Bully!

From Beansiebabies.

Can you find the cat?

This is a story which is perfectly logical to all males:

A wife asks her husband, "Could you please go shopping for me and buy one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6."

A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk. The wife asks him, "Why did you buy 6 cartons of milk?"

He replied, "They had eggs."

(I'm sure you're going back to read this again!)
Thank you Linda B.
Should a child witness childbirth?

Here's your answer.

Due to a power outage, only one paramedic responded to the call. The house was very dark so the paramedic asked Matthew, a 5-yr old boy to hold a flashlight high over his mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby.

Very diligently, Matthew did as he was asked. Heidi pushed and pushed and after a little while, Connor was born. The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom. Connor began to cry.

The paramedic then thanked Matthew for his help and asked the wide-eyed 5-yr old what he thought about what he had just witnessed.

Matthew quickly responded, "He shouldn't have crawled in there in the first place. ........spank him again!

Thank you daughter

Gerry was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.

One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away.

"I may look like just an ordinary man," he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit $200 million."

Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.

Women are so much better at financial planning than men.

Thank you Diane

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

It is always in the midst, in the epicenter, of your troubles that you find serenity. ”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

PARAPROSDOKIAN Anyone?

2012-02-02T08:16:00.006-05:00

Okay, okay I am a drama queen. When I put things in perspective - some one losing a mate or someone getting breast cancer - not getting into two schools is not that big of a deal. Right?

So I am going grow up and . . .

So let's learn something today - do you know what a PARAPROSDOKIAN is?

Winston Churchill loved them - does that help? I didn't know what one was either:

Here is the definition:

"Figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used in a humorous situation."
"Where there's a will, I want to be in it," is a type of paraprosdokian.

1. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.

3. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

6. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

7. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.

8. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

9. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.

10. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

11. Where there's a will, there's relatives.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"I will not take but for an answer. " ~ Langston Hughes
"What happens to a dream deferred?" he asked with classic poignancy.
"Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die/Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly," observed the man."

It's Hump Day - let's have some fun - let's define stupid.

2012-02-01T09:09:00.003-05:00

You know that saying; YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID!!

ENJOY!!!!

1. When his 38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach , California would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.

2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and after a little shopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger.. The chef's claim was approved.

3. A teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.

4. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer... $15. [If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?]

5. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."
Thanks Marydon.

Do you have anything 'silly or stupid to report'?

Okay girls and boys - my grandson did not get into school number two - so I imagine school number 3 being similar. It seems (to me) that these days Christian schools take kids without any issues - even if the issues are miner, because there is so much competition to get in and away from the public school. He does have trouble only in writing. However, if that is God's answer - then I'll have to keep praying for another answer. Thanks again for your prays.

Thought for the day:

"Growth, in some curious way, I suspect, depends on being always in motion just a little bit, one way or another." ~ Norman Mailer

And if you read down this far - and comment - a lot of people mentioned they were surprised I like Mediterranean Food - tell me what YOUR favorite food type is. I would love to know.

Tuesdays Tail - Being Spiled and Static Tails!

2012-01-31T08:59:00.000-05:00

Good morning friends -

Is your dog spoiled?
Mine is.
His name is Disco.
He is supposedly half Chihuahua and half Jack Russell. Everyone think with that mix he's wild. Nope. In fact most of the day he sleeps until the kids come home. Then he plays a little with the grandson and then lays with the daughter. He is a lap dog for sure. Now the Chihuahua is bred to like one person. However since he is mixed he loves the rest of us too - but definitely daughters dog.

Now, not only does he sleep during the day - he has a pillow to lay on. He's a cold nature dog and needs a cover - my daughters sweater. Who has who trained?

He comes upstairs with me when I use the computer and the light is too bright for him. This is a peak of the baby sleeping. See the heart on his forehead.

I'm bad right? And the funny thing is I am last on his list. I am because I try not to pet him too much and he never comes in to my room because of allergies. We have tried 3 pugs over the years and each time I've had to give them to a friend. So we went to a different breed this time.

This is a miracle.

This is kind of cute. . .

My thank you today goes to Melanie!

Thought for the day:

Love, Chatty

Mondays recipe and positive start to the week . . .

2012-01-30T09:35:00.008-05:00

Good Monday morning to you - hope you all had a great weekend. Why do they always go so fast?

THIS IS A WEIGHT WATCHERS RECIPE:

Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken

16PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serves: 4

We added a twist to these baked, not fried;chicken breasts by coating them with honey mustard before dipping them into cereal crumbs. So crisp, so tasty, so good.

Ingredients:

1 spray(s) cooking spray
2/3 cup(s) lite honey mustard dressing
1/8 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dill, freshly chopped
1 medium uncooked scallion(s), finely sliced
1 cup(s) cornflake crumbs
1 pound(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), four 4 oz pieces

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a shallow pan with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, combine honey mustard dressing, salt, pepper, dill and scallions; remove 1/3 cup and set aside.

Place cornflake crumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken into dressing mixture and then cornflake crumbs; place in prepared pan.

Bake until chicken is golden and no longer pink in center, about 15 minutes.

Drizzle remaining dressing mixture (the 1/3 cup that was set aside) over chicken breasts and serve. Yields 1 piece of chicken and about 1 1/3 tablespoons of dressing per serving.

Doesn't this look delicious - kind of a different spin on chicken.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

This is what I need to do. * Thank the person that nominated their blog for the award with a backlink to them:

Thank you Grandma Bonnie

* List 7 things about my self.

1. I am nutty about my grandchildren. Like nutty nutty.
2. I love old classic movies. I know a lot about them and the actors.
3. My favorite movie ever is It's A Wonderful Life.
4. My second favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz.
5. My favorite food is Mediterranean - hummus - gyro - olives - etc.
6. I'm more of a listener then a talker - can you believe that?
7. The way to my heart is chocolate - like Bonnie's!

Award 15 newly discovered blogs with the award and tell them of the award.
Thank you.

Sunday - My gift to you! A story.

2012-01-29T09:35:00.005-05:00

THIS IS A GREAT STORY.

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.

Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, 'Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?'

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, 'Take this old wicker coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.'

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, 'You will have to move a little faster next time,' and
sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the old wicker basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was 'impossible to carry water in a basket,' and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, 'See Papa, it's useless!'

So you think it is useless?' the old man said. 'Look at the basket.'

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old wicker coal basket, it was clean.

'Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.'

Moral of the wicker basket story:
Take time to read a portion of God's word each day; it will affect you for good even if you don't retain a word.

Thought for Today:
God's Love is like the ocean, you can see its beginnings but not its end.

Thank you Stella.

And one more thing - you guys are my GRACE - thanks for all your support praying for the grandson to get into a private Christian School for next year - middle school. We will know by mid-February. You all know I'm crazy about this little guy - well maybe crazy in general - but THANK YOU anyway!

Saturday - Some Public Service Information:

2012-01-28T11:05:00.001-05:00

WHITE PAGES FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD--

It takes a minute to load

BEWARE--THIS IS SCARY.

Big Brother is alive and well. This is not a joke. Try it.

This is truly amazing ... and could be useful. Or is it Too Much Information?

Go to website: http://neighbors.whitepages.com/

Enter your address, and up comes a map of your area...and a list of all neighbors and their land line phone numbers! No matter which state you live in.

Thank you Jerry.

Thought for the day:

Don't you think that is a great quote to repeat to yourself over and over and over. To teach our children this too. (Okay, Okay - I needed this for myself today too - but it is a good one - right? lol)

Fun Friday with a little help from my friends . . .

2012-01-27T09:04:00.001-05:00

Jerry As the Cracker Crumbles.

1. Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R.
Grace Co. will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.

2. Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.

3. 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood.

4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa.

5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP.

6. Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.

7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PouponPants.

8. Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become: Knott NOW!

And finally....

9. Victoria 's Secret and Smith & Wesson will merge under the new name: TittyTittyBangBang

Angela at West Virginia Treasures.

Look at the spinning woman and if she is turning right your right side of your brain is working. If she is turning left your left side of your brain is working ....

If she turns both ways for you then you have a 160 or better IQ (And I do not know if this is true - the reason I believe it is true - she turns both ways for me - lol - seriously!)

Now something I am grateful for - I won a blog giveaway - over at Anne at Annesphamily - she and I have been friends for a long time. Any way the box was filled with goodies.

A coffee mug

A silver tray - she put five lovely women having fun on it.

Pot Holder - oven mitt - Kitchen towel - all matching. Desert sticks with chocolate and hazelnuts.

And kitchen magnets.
THANK YOU ANNE - loved everything!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"Focus on remedies, not faults." ~ Jack Nicklaus

If I could ask some prayers for my grandson and us - I pray he gets into this next Christian school called Fellowship - if you said a quick little prayer I'd appreciate it - of course - if God says no - prayers for understanding. Thanks.

Thursdays Feelings

2012-01-26T13:14:00.001-05:00

I wasn't going to post today. I admit it - I'm kind of sad. We are trying to get my grandson into a Christian school for next year - middle school. We have been filling out forms, writing checks, and visiting the whole month of January. The school he really wanted - it was our first choice - just called and said no, they could not accommodate him. So I am sad and I have a feeling the other one might be the same way. I thought for sure it was what God wanted. I would appreciate a quick prayer. Thanks.

So I am forcing myself to think of five things I am grateful for.

1. Flowers - aren't they gorgeous? God's gift of colors and beauty to me.

2. I took these pictures.

3. My sister called this morning and we talked (I cried - she listened).

4. Pugs show me God has a sense of humor.

5. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - I love thoughts for the day.
That's pretty good for me today! I hope you are having a blessed day.

Wednesday -Cullowhee . . .

2012-01-25T09:33:00.006-05:00

I never knew this group when I was young. They were a southern group from NC that played a lot in Atlanta. A friend introduced me to them a few years back. Now some people will like their music and some won't - it's kind of a folk band. I think they were good in their time - a little older now - but quite a following.

My daughter and I went up to NC to see them and they have such loyal fans.

Saw them in a pub in north Georgia and the same crowd were there. I've never experienced anything like that. They loved the fans and the fans loved them. It was a great experience to be part of that.

Do you have any music from your past that brings up old memories? Photographs. Mementos? What did you do with them?

Thought of the day . . .

Tuesday "Tails"

2012-01-24T09:26:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

I've been going thru some pictures and clearing some out and saving others in different files.

Since it is Tail days - I thought I'd show you our dog sweet Disco at Christmas time. He is looking at the GS opening gifts - wondering what in the world is going on.

Now when Disco gets toys he always bites the heck out of them right away - I guess to get the squeaker out and then I sew them back up and he seems to not be as aggressive with them. But we bought him a pink pig long ago - and he doesn't ruin that one. It is the oddest thing. It is his pacifier. Seriously - he gets it every night to go to bed with. Squeaks it for awhile and then falls asleep. So for Christmas we got him 3 of the same new, but new pigs. That old one stunk! He wouldn't play with the new one - until the GS rubbed them together and got some old stink on the new one.

Now we went to this lake around Christmas - I bet you don't know where this is. But it is a gorgeous park and in the spring (Spring in Atlanta is a blessing not a season) it has flowers and lazes and crate mertals (?) everywhere. And ducks so we always bring bread. This is what we call the poor ugly duckling - he is different then everyone else. He's always there too.

Mom and GS feeding the ducks. They were way over on the other side of the lake, but they come fast to the duck feeding station.

Grandson loves this place - (he was cold and had my coat on).

Such a happy, beautiful place and a sunny day.

Once they flew in on us - it was scary to have about fifty birds flying at you, but it all worked out.

They also have this area - called the Grotto. It is supposed to be Jesus's tomb, the angels, and the stone was rolled away - he had risen. Now in the spring - it is surrounded by pink azaleas and is gorgeous.

Guess you could almost have a gathering here. That is looking in from the parking lot and at the front there is a podium of sorts.

Looking the other direction - the podium top is a stone Bible. Do you know where all this beauty is at?

I hope I don't seem morbid - because I am not! It is a cemetery. A gorgeous cemetery in Sandy Springs, Ga. Where my mom and brother are buried. I'll go there too. It is so lovely and sunny. Filled with such beautiful areas. We always bring flowers, fix up the graves, feed the ducks, and then go to the grotto. Of course I miss them, but I know where their souls are and we do this for respect and honoring their memory. Also I'm trying to show my daughter and grandson that's it's not a sad place at all.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

Okay let's go clobber someone with love today!

Monday - You are beautiful -

2012-01-23T10:22:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!

This is something we all need to tell ourselves every day. We are beautiful - because God doesn't make any junk!

ITALIAN SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP -(from my dear friend Jean)

1 pound sweet Italian ground sausage (I used about 3/4 pound, but you can add more....am saving 1/4 # for egg casserole:)
1 c. chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic or 2 tsp. chopped fresh garlic that you can buy in the jar
5 small cans of chicken broth (low fat)
1 c. water with dissolved chicken boullion cube
1/2 c. red wine ( optional...I didn't have any)
1/2 - 3/4 bag torn in half fresh spinach (but can use 1/2 pkg. defrosted spinach)
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 c. thinly sliced carrots (I like to do them on the diagonal)
8 oz. cheese tortellini (comes frozen)
1/2 green bell pepper (you can use the whole one if you'd like...John isn't a big fan of green peppers, but he loved this soup with just 1/2 of one)
Grated fresh parmesan for topping (optional, but nice touch:)

1. Place sausage in large pot over med heat and saute til well browned Drain and pat off grease really well. Keep a little grease in pan. Saute onions, green pepper and garlic for about 5 minutes in a little grease left in pan.

2. Add beef stock, chicken boullion dissolved in water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 min, skimming any fat that my surface.

3. Add tortellini and simmer for 10 min. or til tortellini is fully cooked. Pour into indiv. bowls and garnish with the cheese or serve cheese on side.

Nice accompaniments are garlic bread and salad....Enjoy! :)

P.S. In case you don't like spinach you can substitute chopped zucchini. I love spinach and liked the nice deep green color, as well. Personal choice there.:)

I am going to go buy the ingredients this week - her recipes never fail me.

THOUGH FOR THE DAY!

Now for me - I truly believe this with all my heart. And I am going to do one random act of kindness today - want to join me?

Sunday - My gift to you!

2012-01-22T09:48:00.002-05:00

Thought for the day:

I would imagine a lot of people have seen this by now - I am a little late with it - but if you haven't this girl sounds like a pro - a miracle in my book! Hope you enjoy.

Saturday - Some Public Service Information:

2012-01-21T11:21:00.000-05:00

Good morning - It's a rainy day here in Georgia and I mean rainy!

I read this in a magazine and this was a quote from Dr. Oz - "Get more sleep. An extra 30 minutes if rest a night can help you drop pounds."

I think I can try to do that. That would be easy!

And this is from Angela at West Virginia's Treasures - she received this from her Rite Aid Store.

"Dear Rite Aid Customer,

We are writing to inform you that Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier, as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States.

We are taking this action as a precautionary measure, because the products may contain stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other products, or contain broken or chipped tablets. We are not aware of any adverse events reported with the issues leading to the recall. However, we believe that a comprehensive recall as a precautionary measure is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or heathcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 888-477-2403 (available Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time).

If you have any questions about the voluntary recall or how to obtain a refund from Novartis Consumer Health, Please visit www.novartisotc.com or contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center.

Recalled Novartis Consumer Health products can also be returned to any Rite Aid store for a full refund.

These actions have been communicated to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We are working closely with the FDA and will continue to do so throughout this process.

Additional information may also be found on the FDA website at www.fda.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you. Please be assured that we are working as quickly as possible to get the products that you rely on back on store shelves.

Thank you for your continued support of NCH products. "

"Can You Guess What McDonald’s Food Item This Is?

Say hello to mechanically separated chicken. It’s what all fast-food chicken is made – things like chicken nuggets and patties. Also, the processed frozen chicken in the stores is made from it.

Basically, the entire chicken is smashed and pressed through a sieve — bones, eyes, guts, and all. it comes out looking like this.

There’s more: because it’s crawling with bacteria, it will be washed with ammonia, soaked in it, actually. Then, because it tastes gross, it will be reflavored artificially. Then, because it is weirdly pink, it will be dyed with artificial color.

But, hey, at least it tastes good, right?"

I did go to Snopes and checked this out - it is both true and false. Yes - there is such a thing as mechanically made meat. But no - since 2003 McDonald's has not been serving it. It is serving all white meat chicken. I put it on here because I thought it was interesting and to remind or tell you to check out how your meat is made - some places still use it.

Okay I'm feeling like a dooms dayer here - but I have one more question - I see the new blog application where you can write a reply. But why does it take you to the bottom of the page to comment before you even read the post? Then you have to go all the way back up? Grumble grumble. And a question - when the blog owner writes a reply does it stay there or is it sent back to the commenter?

Now tell me - do you go back and read the reply? Honestly?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -

Fun Friday with a little help from my friends . . .

2012-01-20T09:32:00.001-05:00

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS - TGIF - TIME TO DANCE AND LAUGH!

Senior Love.

I was in my back yard trying to launch a kite.
I threw the kite up in the air, the wind would catch it for a few seconds, then it would come crashing back down to earth.
I tried this a few more times with no success.
All the while, my wife Karen is watching from the kitchen window,muttering to herself how men need to be told how to do everything.
She opens the window and yelled to me,'You need a piece of tail.
I turned with a confused look on my face and yelled back, 'Make up your mind. Last night, you told me to go fly a kite'

(sorry about the word - if I knew how to change it I would - but I thought this was an excellent lesson to learn!) Some times you have to be quiet and just blend in.

Senior wedding

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Miami , are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore.. Jacob suggests they go in.

Jacob addresses the man behind the counter:

"Are you the owner?"

The pharmacist answers, "Yes."

Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"

Pharmacist: "Of course, we do."

Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"

Pharmacist: "All kinds."

Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism?"

Pharmacist: "Definitely."

Jacob: "How about suppositories?"

Pharmacist: "You bet!"

Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis and Alzheimer's?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."

Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"

Pharmacist: "Absolutely."

Jacob: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?"

Pharmacist: "We sure do."

Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"

Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."

Jacob: "Adult diapers?"

Pharmacist: "Sure."

Jacob: "We'd like to use this store as our Bridal Registry."

ENJOY! This is just plain funny.

Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, ROVER, the Wonder Dog and was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog,

I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a Perfect Diet and that the way that it works is, to load your pants pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care, because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff a poodle and a car hit me.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.

Costco won't let me shop there anymore.
Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

Thursday

2012-01-19T09:01:00.005-05:00

Gosh, 'TIME' - that is a huge issue for all of us. At least me. The funniest thing is when someone asks me what I've been doing - I stammer out an answer that I feel is kind of silly - yet I know I'm always busy! My time is precious to me and I want to spend it well. I want to be as happy as I can be. I try to see God in everything I look at and I really do try to love people.
Do I always succeed - are you kidding?
NO WAY!
But I do try.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

You may think you have challenges, but you have so many blessings. Sometimes it takes only a moment of conscious effort to recognize those blessings. Once you focus on the gifts instead of the problems, your whole perspective will change and you will see blessings everywhere.

Wedneday

2012-01-18T10:19:00.001-05:00

As I read the comments from yesterday - asking for the name of the picture - everyone had such great names! Thank you. It made me think of that it could be called Blog Friends Love or Love Knows No Bounds - for as different as we all are - in ages - sizes - interests - opinions - one thing is for sure - we sure do love each other. We are there for one another. We pray for one another. Some of us have made friends with each other - we've met some blog friends personally.

This blogging experience for me - has been put in my grateful journal many times for various reasons.

I mean the truth is - I think - our basic need is to be loved. To be appreciated. To be wanted. I think God loves us - always - although I know sometimes we question it when times get rough - those are the times he loves of most. But I have found lots of love here and I appreciate you all.

"This is a story I received, but I could have written it myself:

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'

'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women...your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her mother. She kept contact with her sisters and made more women friends each year.. As the years tumbled by, one after another,she gradually came to understand that her mother really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman,
sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you....Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family: all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other."

THE END

Now I am adding this - I do have some male blogger friends - and I know you all do too - and I certainly consider them important and my friends. I think the article needs to just say friends these days.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love; the more they give, the more they possess." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Tuesday - Want to feel good today - then . . .

2012-01-17T09:01:00.005-05:00

My daughter sent this to me. My awe moment of the day. Isn't that sweet. No, no words are needed, but if they were - what would you title this?

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - Let's feel good today!

When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel.

Rabbi Harold Kushner

Monday - Martin Luther's Birthday - School's Out!

2012-01-16T09:06:00.007-05:00

Want to make something with the grandkids since they are home today? It's from Rhonda.

Rhonda Rhodes at the Joy of Denim and Lace.

Christmas Trash

2 cups of Cheerios Cereal
2 cups Kix Cereal
2 cups of Corn Chex Cereal
2 cups of Rice Chex Cereal
2 cups of mini pretzels
1 < 12 oz > bag of red and green M&Ms
1 < 24 oz > bag of red and green peanut M&Ms
2 < 24oz > package of white almond bark

Mix cereals, pretezels, and candies in an extra large mixing bowl. Melt the white almond bark over low heat over stove or microwave.... Stir often
Spoon melted almond bark coating into the trash-mix, and stir until evenly coated. spoon out the wet mixture onto a flat surface such as cookie sheet or pieces of parchment paper and allow to harden.
Once the trash-mix has dried break up into small pieces.

Now this is something they can make - it is easy - and it is delicious.

Okay - it's not Christmas technically - but then again - isn't every day Christmas?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Sunday - My gift to you!

2012-01-15T07:07:00.002-05:00

Saturday - Some Public Service Information:

2012-01-14T13:05:00.000-05:00

Maybe I can go from this to (see below) -
WALKING AND SITTING.

I have seen this in two places so I believe it is true. People who sit five to six hours a day have a higher increase in cancer. Colon and I forgot the other one - by 40 % or so.

I am guilty of that sometimes myself! The answer is to get up every hour for five minutes - walk around do something. Easy and healthy.

I read in AARPS a short article called The Only Exercise You''ll Ever Need: WALKING

"Walking may be the single best-and easiest-exercise you can do to improve your health in 2012.

Helps cut heart disease-dementia-brain loss- diabetes. And not marathon walking - peak benefits from 30 minutes of exercise several times a week.

Keep it up and you will lose weight. There was a man - Rick Genter - who lose 186 pounds.

Get a pedometer and if you walk 5000 steps or less you are sedentary. Work you way up to 10,000 steps, which is considered active.

No gym, no equipment just walk.

Little goals ate first. Start slow just never give up.

Start with five minutes and work up."

Okay I am going to start this. I do ride my stationary bike every morning for 30 minutes but I must not be doing it as fast as I should be - lol. I am going to add walking. Five minutes every hour either around my house or somewhere.

TO THIS? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Then I'd kill two birds with one stone!

Thought for the day -

"Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more."
– Louis L'Amour

Fun Friday with a little help from my friends....

2012-01-13T08:42:00.012-05:00

One Day Employment (Thanks Jerry)

So, after landing my new job as a Wal-Mart greeter, a good find for many retirees, I lasted less than a day....

About two hours into my first day on the job a very loud, unattractive, mean-acting woman walked into the store with her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance.

I said pleasantly, 'Good morning and welcome to Wal-Mart. Nice children you have there. Are they twins?'

The ugly woman stopped yelling long enough to say, 'Heck no, they ain't twins. The oldest one's 9, and the other one's 7. Why the heck would you think they're twins? Are you blind, or stupid?'

So I replied, 'I'm neither blind nor stupid, Ma'am, I just couldn't believe someone slept with you twice. Have a good day and thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart.'

My supervisor said I probably wasn't cut out for this line of work.

Thanks Daughter.

Wait for a minute for test to come up after you click on think test link at bottom.........

id="yiv1728893518ecxyiv149038069ecxecxecxecxecxecxecxecxyiv1752256563">

Think Test. (I got a 17).

CLICK ON THE LINK AND TAKE THE TEST. THE NORMAL RATE IS 7 OUT OF 25.

GOOD LUCK! BE SURE TO FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS AND CHANGE THE SUBJECT BOX TO YOUR SCORE.

Link below.......

A Think T e st

Okay Marie at Women Talk About Life she gave me an award - thank you Marie!

RULES
1. Follow this blog - reason: to keep updated with WONDERFUL finds to share.
2. Pass the award to 3 other blogs, then please leave a comment here of the names of the blogs you picked to share.
3. And last but not least... link the award back to this blog

I'm going to pass this award to the last three followers I hate picking out certain people. I really want to give this award to all my friends!!!

A Lap In Life
Jeannie
Blue Shell

Bitter or better . . . it's up to you.

2012-01-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But, broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.

I've even earned the right to be wrong.

I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

♥ ♥ ♥

At church last Sunday guess what the sermon was about? Gratitude. More about that another day, but one thing he said was we spend so much time worrying about tomorrow! We are wasting what life we have left!!!

Well I think a lot of us mature wonderful people have realized that and we have decided to have fun and not worry. What do you think?

Thought for the day:

You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.

- Chinese Proverb

Love, Chatty...

wednesday- Hump Day

2012-01-11T10:30:00.000-05:00

Hump Day - a day that marks the middle of the work week - once you reach it your halfway to the weekend. You go up - level off - then go down - to chillaxing time on the weekend. Thought we could have some fun with Murphy's Law. Can you think of any others?

Corollaries to Murphy's Law

1. Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.

2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

3. Law of Probability - The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

4. Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

6. Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time). (Grocery stores too.)

7. Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

8. Law of Close Encounters - The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with. (Or you don't dress up or have your make up on!)

9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

10. Law of Biomechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

11. Law of the Theater & Hockey Arena - At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk.

12. The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

13. Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only 2 people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

14. Law of Physical Surfaces - The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

15. Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

16. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.

17. Oliver's Law of Public Speaking - A closed mouth gathers no feet.

18. Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

19. Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better.. But don't make an appointment, and you'll stay sick.

20. ? ________________________

Gosh some of those are so true - are they for you too? Can you think of another?

Thought for the day:

"It is not the cards you are dealt but what you do with them that counts."

-Anonymous

Love, chatty

Tuesday - how to lick an icing bowl . . .

2012-01-10T08:34:00.009-05:00

How a bowl of icing should be licked.... first of all give it a little lick to get your senses going. Make sure you taste the depth of the flavor and it's one you like. You mouth starts to yearn for more and more.

Now move a little closer - touch it with your hand. Does it make you feel good? Is it smooth and creamy - thick or lumpy? Is anyone looking and even so should you just go for it?

Yes, this is the time - go for it -feel it. Get all the way in there is no turning back now! You have to do it. The passion is there!

You own the bowl - it's yours - hook, line, and sinker. You smell it, you feel it, you taste it, and you see how beautiful it is - all your senses are aroused!

Okay that was just for fun - but sometimes don't you just wish you could let go and do something like this - well, I do. It would be so much fun to let go and do something frivolous.

(How sweet, the owner grabbed a camera instead of chasing the puppy away.)
No puppies were hurt in the shooting of the pictures! lol
Thanks Jerry.

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."

Okay has anyone had this experience???

FYI:
I didn't mean to worry any one yesterday about blogger - I just wanted to know if y'all heard anything. Sorry if I scared you.

I would love your email addresses because I do like to respond personally as much as possible.

I'm on Google+ - are you? Sandie Czosek

Now Marydon from Blushing Rose sent me this:

http://heartifb.com/2011/11/28/google-cancels-google-friend-connect-what-that-means-for-you/

Barns and buttons and blogger . . .

2012-01-09T09:03:00.009-05:00

Hey y'all I'm back........... Ask and you shall receive...
DIRECTIONS FOR BLOG BUTTONS! Now there are no excuses - I want y'alls button on my blog here!

OKAY FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE - Remember I asked yesterday is any one could share how to do a blog button because there were about ten of you who were interested and wanted one but didn't know how.

Well thanks to - Betty from Day Dream World send this to me. you can do a blog button!

http://mommybits.net/2009/05/17/tutorial-creating-your-own-blog-button-w-code-box/

And Sush at First Do No Harm sent me a site with a blog tutorial on it. Thank you too!

http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com/

And these directions are from Rhonda at The Joy of Denim and Lace:

I created a button with my PSP and saved it to Photobucket and then followed these instructions…good luck

< img border="0" alt="your blog name" src="HTML Code from your button on photobucket"/>

THANK YOU DEAR BETTY, SUSH, RHONDA! Check out their blogs too!

Please let me know if you make one so I can add it to my buttons!

BLOGGER QUESTION:

Now I have been reading on some gals blogs that come March there are big changes coming on blogger - that there might be no more blogger - that there will not be the Google Friend Share - has anyone heart that? Did I miss a notice of that somewhere?

See these two weeks Chatty's been thinkin' !

Barn Charms:

I have not joined barn charms - because in my area I really don't see many. I did see one recently I am going to go back and get a picture of. But being in the Monday Barn Charm Spirit I found something interesting about barns.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/iframe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

I hope you enjoy.

Now here is a good thought one - what do you think?

"As is our confidence, so is our capacity. ”
William Hazlitt

Sunday - My gift to you! - You can't take it with you . . .

2012-01-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

My gift to you today is a story - a song - and a thought! (What else - right?)

Oh and I have a question. Does anyone know how to make a blog button that would be will to teach me or make about ten for some friends here? If not no worries I know that is a lot to ask - I'm going to Google them next week and see if I can figure out how to make one. I have one but someone made it for me a long time ago. Thanks.

Now here is my story:

There once was a rich man who was near death. He was very grieved because he had worked so hard for his money and he wanted to be able to take it with him to heaven. So he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him.

An angel hears his plea and appears to him, "Sorry, but you can't take your wealth with you."

The man implores the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules.

The man continues to pray that his wealth could follow him. The angel reappears and informs the man that God has decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathers his largest suitcase and fills it with pure gold bars and places it beside his bed.

Soon afterward the man dies and shows up at the Gates of Heaven to greet St. Peter. Seeing the suitcase Peter says, "Hold on, you can't bring that in here!"

But the man explains to him that he has permission and asks him to verify his story with the Lord. Sure enough,. Peter checks and comes back saying, "You're right. You are allowed one carry-on bag, but I'm supposed to check its contents before letting it through."

Peter opens the suitcase to inspect the worldly items that the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaims, "You brought pavement?!?!"

Revelation 21:21

²¹ The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.

And here is my favorite song sung by the Four Tenors Beautifully. In a city I would love to go to!

Amazing Grace

Here is a thought for today:

If you find in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.

-Maya Angelou

Public Service Announcement . . . Remember that:

2012-01-07T08:41:00.003-05:00

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

I'm thankful today for Mother Teresa!

Fun Friday with a little help from my friends . . .

2012-01-06T08:51:00.011-05:00

Thanks Sharon

IMPORTANT - HEALTH MESSAGE

As I was lying in bed pondering the problems of the world, I rapidly realized that I don't really give a darn. It's the tortoise life for me!
1. If walking/cycling is good for your health, the postman would be immortal. 2. A whale swims all day, only eats fish, drinks water, and is fat.
3. A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years.< 4. A tortoise doesn't run and does nothing, yet it lives for 450 years.
And you tell me to exercise??
I don't think so. I'm retired. Go around me.

A lady says to her doctor "My husband has a bad habit of talking in his sleep, what should I do?"

The doctor replies "Give him a chance to speak when he's awake."

Thanks Kelly

Thanks Joe

Thanks Sharon. These are short and funny - that's all.

Thanks Monica - very funny.
Thought for the day:

I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.

- William Allen White

And yes - I am late in answering emails and commenting - sorry - hang in there with me. sandie

You have to love a little - live a little . . .

2012-01-05T09:01:00.004-05:00

"This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love; the more they give, the more they possess." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Hey do me a favor - it you have a blog button and I follow you - please let me know so I can put it on my blog - I'm trying to update my blog. Thanks . . .
Love,

How to start changing...

2012-01-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

My New Year's Resolution

This year I am going to bring out the rose colored glasses of mine and clean them off and see if there are any cracks in them. I'm going to repair them and make sure they are in tip top shape. I don't want to miss anything. My motto is GOD IS EVERYWHERE in EVERYTHING. I'm going to continue to write what I'm grateful for in my grateful journal. If you look for God you will find him in everything - I believe that. Whether it be something as simple as bread or complex as human body. He is there. And you know what - seeing God - having a relationship with him - makes me joyful. I am going to try to be a joyful Christian this year. And I hope to inspire me and I hope to inspire you.

This video doesn't have to do with anything Christianity - but it is about inspiration. I think sometimes we might get down at Christmas or once it's over. They say that Christmas for some is the most depressing holiday of all.

The reason I want to share this video with you is that it shows you what you can do - for yourself - no matter what has happened in your life. You never have to give up. Not everyone can or will do this - BUT you can figure out your own something. For me it was starting my grateful journal - written TO GOD - everyday - five things - for some 20 years now. And while I still do get down and while my life is NOT perfect - I feel joy. I am happy inside. I still have a close relationship to HIM - because I see HIM in everything!

Okay enough - I haven't done enough thinking the last two weeks and I's over dosing in it today.

"Give exceeding thanks for the mystery which remains a mystery still -- the veil that hides you from the infinite, which makes it possible for you to believe in what you cannot see."
~ Robert Nathan
(His Enchanted Voyage was adapted for the screen as Wake Up and Dream; The Bishop's Wife (1948, w/Cary Grant), was remade into 1996's The Preacher's Wife (w/ Denzel Washington).)

New Year's Wishes and Tails

2012-01-03T08:42:00.004-05:00

Here are my 2012 wishes for YOU.

May your cup runneth over with love.

MAY YOU ALWAYS FIND SHELTER FROM ANY STORM.

May you always make the right move.

May you find the perfect diet for your body and your soul.

May you have as much fun as you can before someone makes you stop. (One of my favorites).

May you remain good looking and looking good.

May you manage to MAKE time for Time Out!

May you always know when to walk away ... and when to run!

May all you family and friends bring you joy.

May the worst thing that happens to you come in slobbery pink and furry TAN.

May the first bit of 2012 be your BEST month EVER!!!

May this time only hold good health, success, growth, wealth and happiness for you and your loved ones!

May God bless you and your loved ones every day!!

And may you have a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thanks (Linda).

Good Morning 2012

2012-01-02T09:49:00.006-05:00

(And who else but Jerry would send this to me) I think he thinks it looked like me!!!!!!!!!!

Thought for the day:
Scatter confetti over the floor, sweep an old year out the door!

~ Myra Conn Livingston

DAY TWO OF A BRAND NEW YEAR! What are we going to do with it today?
Okay one of things I'm going to do is throw this snowball at you! Pass it along...

Sunday - My gift to you! Changing your outlook!

2012-01-01T09:59:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year! May you have a wonderful and blessed New Year! My God be with us all - all year long!

Now below only takes a second. It'll show you what I'm talking about when I say we have choices at how we look at things. That is one of my beliefs I talk a lot about on my blog. God has given us choices people and it is up to us to try to use them. It might take just a little work on our part - but we can do it!

In just a few CHOICE (your choice) moves - you can change your entire perspective!

Click here: Elion

So neat!!

Thought for the day:

"Life is not the way it is supposed to be. It is the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference. ” (Virginia Satir)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
AND A HAPPY 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-12-31T23:59:00.001-05:00

The Joy of Bird Watching and Living a Simple Life

Thank you Jean.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!javascript:void(0)

Love, sandie

Saturday - Some Public Service Information. . .

2011-12-31T08:43:00.004-05:00

Thanks daughter and madsnapper!

And now for a 'little' useful information...

Cancel your credit card before you die.
Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die! This is so priceless, and so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.

A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.

Here is the exchange:
Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'
Citibank : ' The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member: 'Maybe you should turn it over to collections.'
Citibank : 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'
Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'
Citibank : 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'
Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

Citibank : 'Excuse me?'
Family Member: 'Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'
Citibank : 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'
Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'
Citibank : ' The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'
Citibank : (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'
Family Member: 'No, I'm her great-nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)

Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'
Family Member: 'Sure..' (Fax number was given)

After they get the fax :

Citibank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'
Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'
Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges will still apply.'
(What is wrong with these people?!?)
Family Member: 'Would you like her new billing address?'
Citibank : 'That might help....'
Family Member: ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'
Citibank : 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'
Family Member: 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???'
(Priceless!!)

Well, I did say a little help...

Thought for the day:

You are unique. Just like everyone else.

Fun Friday with a little help from my friends . . .

2011-12-30T09:48:00.011-05:00

Oh thank you George, thank you so much! Love, chatty

Something to decide for the upcoming year!
My answer is NO! lol

Okay - I don't get it - where's the mouse? Okay I went back and looked again - now I know where the mouse is! Dah!

Okay - now listen the chatty theory - I don't say to you - go shopping every day and buy the shoes. But I do say to you - that every once in awhile - treat yourself - buy the shoes! Every once it awhile it will help the attitude.

Look at the picture before you read the caption at the bottom.

It's that awkward moment ..............
when you realize that your friend's fat arm makes you look naked in the office party photo.
(Wouldn't that be horrible???)

Jerry as the crackerhead crumbles

Dear God,
My prayer for 2012 is for A FAT bank account & a THIN body.
Please, don't mix these up like you did last year.
AMEN!
Thank you Linda B.

Technology is amazing........OUR HOMES ARE ALREADY LOCATED EXACTLY BY LATITUDES AND LONGITUDES, NOW THIS....

I thought Google Earth was good, but this is even more precise. Check it out, pretty scary to know they can find you anywhere!

I'm not surprised to learn that such technology exists. It uses your IP address and finds the exact location of any Internet user in seconds. It uses a sophisticated time based algorithm to do so. Try it and find your PRECISE location on the earth, then watch your screen as the system briefly analyzes your data...then displays your PRECISE location...Your location will pop up in a new window in about 10 seconds or so.

Click on the link below....

http://www.darnay.com/iec/features/locator/index.html

Thank you Sharon.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can. ~ john Wesley

Thursday

2011-12-29T08:59:00.004-05:00

You know my kids are home so I'm spending time with them and I'm reading you posts and answering them. So hang in with me another week or so - I'm just having fun with mine here....and playing with you!

This past year, have I done any of the following??

Disturbed You,
Troubled You,

Pestered You,

Irritated You,

Bugged You,

Or got on your Nerves.

Well today, I just wanted to tell you:

Suck it up, Cupcake!!
Cause there AIN'T NO CHANGES Planned for 2012

Wedneday - Hump Day

2011-12-28T08:34:00.003-05:00

What did your state or town look like back in the days of penny picture postcards?

Click on the state and then on the county name to see actual postcards from that area...pretty neat. A penny went a long way, then!

Click here: Penny Postcard

Tuesday

2011-12-27T08:43:00.004-05:00

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO USE WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO GET OUR MESSAGE ACROSS . . .

Monday

2011-12-26T08:34:00.004-05:00

Hello - Good Morning and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas yesterday and had a good time with family and friends. I did and frankly I am pooped! lol

I think for a few days this week I'm going to take off of posting and do more in-depth reading of my blog friends posts. So I'll be here if you need me. So I may or may not post this week, but I will be visiting your blog!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:21:00.007-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my blog family - I hope you have a wonderful day - celebrating the birth of Jesus with your family or friends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! Thank you for coming into our lives. We our so grateful for you and for the joy you bring to us, for the forgiveness you give to us, and for the love you give to us. Truly we don't really always deserve it - so thank you for your grace. And may we go out and love one another as you taught us.

Daughter, hubs, chatty, gs, FIL of DIL, DIL, GS, son.

He became a man that we might become children of God.

In infancy he troubled a king.

In boyhood he puzzled the teachers.

In manhood he ruled the course of nature.

He walked upon the billows, hushed the sea to sleep, and healed the multitudes without medicine.

He never wrote a book, yet the libraries of the world are filled with volumes that have been written about him.

He never penned a musical note, yet he is the theme of more songs than any other subject.

Great men have come and gone, yet he lives on.

Herod could not kill him.

Satan could not seduce him.

All others have failed in some way, but not Jesus!

This perfect one is altogether lovely.

He is matchless in his person and work.

He is our Savior.

____Anonymous

Love, sandie

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T06:25:00.013-05:00

Is waiting for it's KING to arrive.

Thanks Madsnapper

Thought for the day:

“Peace is always beautiful.”

Walt Whitman (1819-1892);

poet, humanist

I wish you peace.

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Theodor Seuss Geisel

Fun Friday with a little help from my friends . . .

2011-12-23T08:43:00.023-05:00

Angela, Monica, and I started blogging about the same time - and Monica doesn't really post too much any more as she went to work - but we do stay in touch. Now my dear friend Angela (ahem) saw these two girls and thought they looked liked Monica (left) and me (right). I look like a sour cranky big nosed well ah woman.

Okay this is what she picks for herself A very pretty well endowed lady - now I ask you - is that fair? Really?

It is? Oh well . . .

Merry Merry Christmas ... tis the Season to B Jolly!
Click on ...
Pole Dancing with Santa

Thank you Sharon.

THIS IS REALLY CUTE IF YOU HAVE THE TIME. It will show you that solving a problem is a lot easier then you think!

From the Joy of denim and lace by Rhonda

This is my family dancing for Christmas:

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/4yuGvYNNY1Nk0zTu8NXq

Thought for the day:

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything.

They just make the best of everything.

I have learned the secret of being

content in any and every situation.

Philippians 4:12

Thank you Carol.

Thursday - Choi Kwang Do

2011-12-22T08:59:00.012-05:00

(Just kidding - well I did tell you I was naughty!) lol

Okay Jill from Chillin with Jill passed this award to me. THANK YOU! I am grateful. It is always hard for me to pick others - but the only thing you had to do was accept it and pick 7 others. So I picked seven rather new or different blogs that I think you should check out.

Katie She is a young girl - 15 - but she is such a smart gal for her age - she is Melanie's daughter.

Eve - From Ireland - an artist and loyal friend.

Cheri an Atlanta blogger and good friend.

Changes In The Wind - From the Wild West

Jerry - an unusual fellow follower.

Kerrie a new follower.

Charlene a funny knitter

Okay now you know grandson is in Choi Kwang Do. He is a first degree black belt.
He's starting on his path to second degree. He has his yellow stripe for second and he just took his test for gold stripe second degree and has 7 more colors to go though - a couple more years.

This man is the same ranking as GS and he has been there for him a real friend. Thanks Mr. S!

Going to begin his speed drill section.

This is the sparring part. On the right with glasses.

This is the all out shield attack.

Sparring with a partner near his size and rank.

Sparring again.

This is the pattern. Look how high the kick is!

This is his pattern again.

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9iUoXkVJ1VQ/TvE4vtz2q-I/AAAAAAAAOHU/pdILh2MJ0ps/s1600/DSC05051.JPG">This was a couple weeks ago - he passed - and now he's working on his orange stripe! Congrats. It'll take another 2 years - slow but sure.

Thought for the day:

"We must be courageous but also reasonable. The world admires us for walking a tightrope without falling off. It asks us to keep our balance." ~ Lech Walesa

Trying to keep balance at Christmas time!

Wedneday - Hump Day -My grateful list for 2011

2011-12-21T07:07:00.022-05:00

Well I have so many friends to thank this Christmas. I am so grateful for so many things. You know when times get bad and they do - I rely on God and my friends. While I don't share some of my troubles - there are some. And I am just so thankful for my life and my friends here.

Now some things I am thankful and grateful for:

I won all these sweets from Tricia at Saving Desserts. IT IS/WAS DELICIOUS.

Toffee.
Fudge and Minnie is over dosed.
The box - backwards - lol.

My dear angel friend gave me an angel instead! Thank you Jean. We have been friends since 1978!

And the home made knitted cap you made the GS - doesn't it look like his hair?

He loves it.
And Lisa at Two Bears Farm - I won her fabulous gift. (My GS liked it too)

Christmas cookie cutters.
Ribbons and ornaments.

Even Pierce made these and sent them to me! They smell so good.
And Ann from The Boston Lady.
The green jar is from her son's wedding!
A look into Chatty's bedroom.

And this from Jill from Chillin with Jill and I need to send it to seven others and I will.

My friend Debbie for GS's pj's and candy. They are in the wash or I'd take a picture of them. Friends from 1990 - you have gone thru so much too!

My friend Richard for my angel. We became friends when the kids went to preschool - he is a Mr. Mom.

Becky Povich Andrea Bocelli and David Foster My Christmas - we write back and forth all the time about this guy - do you all love his voice as much as we do?

Angela one of my longest follower/friend sends me all the great deals.

Susan sang Happy Birthday to my grandson!

Marydon for helping GS with his school project and candle.

Sharon thank you for helping GS too. My friend from church and she sends me many forwards.

Thanks to Jerry and Ann for helping me by sending me funnies. Sharon my friend at church and many others and forgive me for not naming everyone. Actually there are a lot of friends who send me things I use. Thank you.

The many Christmas cards and I was naughty - I didn't send any this year.

Meeting Sue, Joyce, Cheri, and Linda - bloggers in Atlanta who I've become friends with. We do lunch - well Sue cooks and we eat, cookie exchanges, visiting the Governor's Mansion, tea parties, and much more. I have gotten to meet a lot of other GA bloggers too. I must say we are a fun bunch.

Linda has gotten me so many things, I've them spread all over the house! We have met for lunch many times. She's been a special friend to me.

I think of all the gals who have scared their story with me and ones I've shared my story back with. Nikki and all the others.

And Betty my dear Betty I forgot for her friendship and ornament.

And how could I forget Eva - my good friend from Ireland. She sent me the prettiest Christmas card that she took from one of her awesome paintings. But I did - forgive me.

My thought for the day in pictures. From Sandra at Madsnapper -- thank you!

Now to end with humor - Is this person smart or what?

I hope and pray two things - I hope you don't think I'm bragging - I'm not - I'm really thankful for all of this.

And if I've forgotten anyone I'm sorry. Everyone is really wonderful!!!

And the best gift of all I received - last but not least -
ALL YOUR FRIENDSHIP'S - you all have been blessings in my life. I thank God for you.

Okay I reread this and feel like I've won an academy award and I'm taking too long thanking everyone! I'm sorry!

Tuesday's Tails . . .

2011-12-20T08:59:00.009-05:00

Well my two little elves are sick. My big one has a cold and a cough and is home from school. My little one - I'm not sure if he has sympathy pains or what is going on. So this is a sad tail/tale.

And this is a happy tail/tale:

"A Nativity Scene was erected in a church yard.
During the night the folks came across this scene.
An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep.
He chose baby Jesus as his comfort.
No one had the heart to send him away so he was there all night.

We should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time.
The dog breed is a "shepherd!"

I don't know if this is true or not in the literal sense. But it is definitely true in the most important sense.
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We must put our trust in Jesus.

From TexWisGirl

Thought for the day:

The worst prison would be a closed heart.

-Pope John Paul II

Monday - cherry chocolate cobbler

2011-12-19T08:43:00.007-05:00

I am running late on reading posts and answering emails - but I WILL get to them - I've had a busy weekend.

We went to see Chipwrecked and it was sooooooooooooooooo cute!
Cherry Chocolate Cobbler
This is THE easier thing I've ever made.

And it was soooooooooooooo good.

RECIPE:

can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

1/2

cup Original Bisquick® mix

1/2

cup packed brown sugar

1/2

cup quick-cooking oats

1/4

cup firm butter or margarine

1/2

cup semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350ºF. In ungreased 8-inch square pan, spread pie filling.
In medium bowl, mix Bisquick mix, brown sugar and oats. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until crumbly. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon evenly over pie filling.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until very bubbly around edges. Serve warm.

From Betty Crocker

This is great, you'll love it!! Merry Christmas!!

From Betsy From Tennessee:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“Patience is a kind of love. A love that is its own explanation in bewildered circumstance. It is an old, old woman placing a wrinkled-parchment hand against the cheek of a reckless child. Because her heart is too wise to make room for reproach. Too full to find place for offense. ”

Sunday - My gift to you!

2011-12-18T08:34:00.008-05:00

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Technically this is my grandson's second Christmas - but his first time to see Santa! Takes right after his dad! He did the same thing!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“May the spirit of the season be with you today and throughout the new year! ”

Edith Lovejoy Pierce -

English poet

Saturday - Some Public Service Information. . .

2011-12-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

1. Public Service Number 1 - don't stand under birds with your mouth wide open!

2. When you leave you car - lock it manually rather then by the remote. Especially now at Christmas Time.

Thank you Cheri.
Check it out on SNOPES.

"How to Lock Your Car and Why !!!!!!!!

I locked my car. As I walked away I heard my car door unlock. I went back and locked my car again three times. Each time, as soon as I started to walk away, I would hear it unlock again!! Naturally alarmed, I looked around and there were two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next to the store. They were obviously watching me intently, and there was no doubt they were somehow involved in this very weird situation . I quickly chucked the errand I was on, jumped in my car and sped away. I went straight t o the police station, told them what had happened, and found out I was part of a new, and very successful, scheme being used to gain entry into cars. Two weeks later, my friend's son had a similar happening....

While traveling, my friend's son stopped at a roadside rest to use the bathroom. When he came out to his car less than 4-5 minutes later, someone had gotten into his car and stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator, briefcase.....you name it. He called the police and since there were no signs of his car being broken into, the police told him he had been a victim of the latest robbery tactic -- there is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your key-chain locking device..

They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the store, restaurant, or bathroom and that they now have a few minutes to steal and run. The police officer said to manually lock your car door-by hitting the lock button inside the car -- that way if there is someone sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim, it will not be you.

When you hit the lock button on your car upon exiting, it does not send the security code, but if you walk away and use the door lock on your key chain, it sends the code through the airwaves where it can be instantly stolen.

So be careful out there.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.
Corrie Ten Boom - Have you ever read her book THE HIDING PLACE - her story, her faith, and her forgiveness is a miracle.