*The NEWEST Halloween Treat is now on my side bar--------


As for any given Monday...this is my usual way of blogging for now. No memes, just thoughts, happenings, life...and today it's POLITICS that come across strongly [I really enjoyed reading all the comments left for me this past Friday regarding his winning the Nobel Peace Prize too!!!] . I've worked on my blog entry for a few days. I've typed, edited, condensed and worked long hours on how to come across without being derogatory; at least after condensing it. I'm appalled by our country's citizens mainly, and this is my RANT! [my post is long!]---------


Regarding the Political Scene. First and foremost, I'm sorely wrung out and tired with our own citizens. Years ago, I predicted that our lives would become a huge upheaval because of our capitalistic lifestyle --for too many years we Americans have lived a distinctive, yet degrading way of living. We've carried ourselves to this point, and I knew it would come to this eventually. Yet, I still don't like what I see, what I know, what I have witnessed recently.

Now, everyone that frequents my blog knows I voted the Democratic ticket this past November [2008]. Thing is, I have to remember that during the eight years past, our newly elected president has inherited a huge MESS. We shouldn't allow ourselves to deface him for the fact this is not good, diplomatically. I ask of myself, just how does this look to the world as a whole? Our hatred towards our own kind? HE IS our LEADER. We should be respectful. Even in Congress we aren't seeing that. The news these days that is televised world wide seems to be on the verge of a tabloid bearing. It's downright shameful!! "He shouted this", "That is a lie", "The Republican Seats want all of the sick to die!" I mean, really....this is showing the world just how candy-ass, infantile a country we have become! I don't like it one bit. Then, there are the 'hate mongers' on Fox News....again, this is broadcast world wide people. We should NOT side with this kind of inexcusable behavior!!! And even the sponsors on FOX News have stopped being on their station...several!! And that's telling us something, isn't it? That a company would drop sponsorship [they'd rather 'lose' money than to be part of such a 'team'] because of the station's hate campaigns? Our President was elected, we should work WITH him, not AGAINST him. If Obama hadn't won the election, I WOULD be behind the decisions and actions of McCain...why? because he was elected by the people, plain and simple. The promises of our president's 'CHANGE' slogan was all to get elected of course, to raise hopes...but the reality of ANY campaign promise has to go through Congress first, for approval. And this is where the bickering is the thickest!! Which in turn makes the conservatives leery and hateful. Not to mention the cynical conservative Democrats. Again, tho, with the hope of a new leader ---no matter WHO is sworn into office, we, as a people, need to back our own country with support of our leader. I would like to see us as a 'whole' country...not so sided! Right now, I see it as a weakened power. The spark is leaving because of the distrust and hate among our own kind. And the real...the number ONE reason I'm posting all this is because of a certain political cartoon that really took my breath away; made me shudder. Bile in the pit of my stomach formed as I read it [can be enlarged for reading it yourself - opening in a new window]----------

Normally, I get a chuckle out of the political editorial cartoons in our newspaper, but when I saw this one, I was quite disturbed by it, and realized my personal view of the cartoon itself was most disturbing because it was very true today; what I see, hear and read recently. The two most popular cable stations [one considered right while the other left] that cover world news tend to over saturate their 'staged' views of the political world, both enhancing hatred on camera. It 'bloggles' my mind. Now, obviously, I've been flabbergasted with with all the innuendos that our leader is not American, that he is black and distrusting, comparing him to Hitler...talking of the health care plan and the Holocaust. I get truly rattled at all the negatives when we should all, as one, concentrate on making our home country a better place to live for generations to come, in a peaceful manner. It's NOT about 'who has all the toys is the winner in the end' type game. Even Senator McCain realizes the Republican Party [which I've voted a time or two] is hurting...they've become such a bickering [even among themselves], malevolent group. The Senator knows it needs to get revamped or a lot of them will lose out, and lose out soon. And I'm talking on both parties this way- hear me out....some of the Democrats are just as woeful...they call names, they think they're a perfect union....yet, nobody's perfect. But we DO NEED to take trust in the man elected, and give him a chance. We have struggled with many-a-presidents in the past, we've also grown stronger with others, by gracefully showing our support and backing.

With this commentary political cartoon so negative [hateful] in its thinking... If everyone believes all the B.S. in the TV Tabloids...then, I feel sorry for them AND I think that it puts us ALL on the same level as those who have fought amongst themselves for centuries in the Old World Countries!!! We've now stooped to their ranks. I see it this way...the person [be they man OR woman] elected top office of our country is putting the lives of themselves and their family 'on the line'------all for us!

Another happenstance was that "Chicago lost out for the Olympic bid". Or "Obama lost out". What does that mean? To me...it was AMERICA lost out!!! Why blame Obama at all? Truthfully, my gut feeling on us losing the bid was because South America has NEVER hosted before in history...it was THEIR turn. But my point is...it's not the world's dislike for Obama alone...it's America and our alter-egos!!

Blogging about politics is a good venue. I've read a lot. I've read the dislikes and the distrusts and also the respect and trust....we're all about ranting sometimes as we blog. But again, even if I slip and fall sometimes on the political bandwagon in disagreement or may it be so, disheartened, still.....I am American! And I will stand proud with ANY President!!


One more thought that comes to mind also. The economy? We can't blame anyone but ourselves!!!! We have put ourselves in the situation ---by buying on credit, or on paper...paying the exorbitant prices for homes, cars, clothes, fun and games that continue to be 'upgraded' each year, luxury vacations with VISA/Mastercard. Parents these days have long lived through their children by buying them everything under the sun. Not to mention college education....where is there in the laws that state we parents have to buy them cars and a college education? I ask, can these 18-25 year old youngsters WORK for their education? We've over extended ourselves in such a way, we are now NOT pleased with what we've done and we tend to blame everyone but ourselves!!! My son, Erik, sent me a clipping of an article that he was sent by email, and it clearly states what I'm trying to convey...here is an excerpt from the email:

Among the many national and global challenges today's 20-somethings face, "we are the first generation likely to be less better off than our parents." As a member of this generation myself, I can't help but feel ashamed that this is what we've come to. You know what? Tough noogies, kid. Our parents may have wanted us to be better off than they were, but it was never a foregone conclusion. And in the end, we may actually be better off for wanting less than our parents did and being happier with what we have."

See? Kids don't need the material things given to them...they should learn to WORK for it. The article goes on about there are jobs for them, but most kids are too lazy to apply themselves, a job like - crab trapping. I so vividly remember when we lived in Tucson years ago, we had on our local news a segment of a young man on the street median panhandling...with a cardboard sign stating on it "I'll work for food or money". The local news station stopped and offered him a job at minimum wage and also offered him a place to live until he got back on his feet....the man refused!!! It would've 'bloggled' my mind had I been blogging back then...oh how I remember that news segment!! Tho...If the 20 somethings want a better education - work for it! Don't expect a scholarship will get you through, if the government comes through with their promises, the kids will get a better education IF THEY DO COMMUNITY SERVICE..too strenuous? Sure.




On Friday evening - October 9th, I received this email [I'm a member of the Democratic Committee for Texans & receive emails from the Oval Office and DNC since October of 2008]

A call to action
...
Friday, October 9, 2009 5:19:41 PM
From:
President Barack Obama <* * * * *@barackobama.com>
...
To: Anni <** ** **@yahoo.com>



Anni --


This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

I ask: How can you not respect the man? I'm not saying you have to LIKE him...it's an American right, but showing the cartoon shows the violent nature to some Americans, and it's stooping at a lowest of low levels. This email may be quite political, but it can also show a bit of humbleness...a concern for our country! [the copied and pasted email here has been edited for privacy]








I step down from my soap box...
On to a lighter side of Hootin' Anni....


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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Mary!!! She finally caught up with me. rofl [and Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Friends!!]



BASEBALL:
Yankees win the play off series? YAY!
Red Sox lose the play off series? Yay!
Colorado Rockies? What's with this team...they get so far advanced in the season, AND LOSE Again? I swear, they could lose against a nursing home team [<--kidding!]. Come ON Rockies...you gotta win the NEXT game...today!!!! Let's BEEF it up.

FOOTBALL:
The Denver Broncos won again. What a game [we got to see the last 15 minute overtime]...wow, wow, WOW!!!









POSTED: Monday, October 12th, 2009
4:20 A.M.

Just a Monday blog of...stuff...

I worked yesterday some, on making graphics design and the html for my new Halloween blog layout which I will be ready to set 'into motion' on the first of October! It's strange this year. No not the blog design [I'm sure some will think it is, but hey...what the heck, it's my blog!], but the 'strange' is...it's almost October already!!! Seems only yesterday it was the first of Summer!! Anywho, I'm sitting at the computer, trying to think of two women's names. I went through the alphabet from A to Z....mostly going with names that begin with the same letter...like, Hilda and Haley, or Gertie and Gwen, or even Martha and Maude. But being that as I said, from A to Z...I came up with why not just go with an "A" name and then come up with something that is "Z"? Of course, me being an avid viewer of CBS's crime drama, NCIS...it hit me!!! Abby and Ziva [pronounced ZEEvah]. Sure 'nough, it's only coincidence that both names are of Hebrew Origin. Wait! Halloween is Celtic origins isn't it? Yep, it's all dealing with Halloween; my post. In fact to be more specific....Halloween witches. I have this uncontrollable idea in my head that my little ladies of the season should all have names. Go figure. As far as each Autumn goes, my forever collecting of witches of all shapes, sizes and textures still goes on. So far, I have purchased four new witches this year. I love it when the stores come out with them early in the season, way before anyone else gets 'in the mood'. That way, I get a good chance of getting some really neat stuff....early!!! By the time Halloween nears, at the stores, most of the good stuff is gone and picked over to where either they're broken or the not so cute remain on the shelves!! And I don't shop much online unless it's something I want that can't be found in stores...I want to support my community....not some online store where the tax doesn't go back into the city I live!! Yes, you might say, I'm early....but Halloween is a favorite day for me. One of 'em in the year any way. I like ALL holidays equally, but I collect for Halloween AND Christmas....santas. And witches. What a combination, huh? LOL

Now then....going back to Abigail [Abby is the Forensics expert on the program NCIS] and Ziva...she's a special agent. Lethal I might add. [And speaking of the program....wow, that premiere opener was a doozie!!!]

From Girl Names I found this: ABIGAIL meaning 'head of monastery - father's joy' - Hebrew. And ZIVA: meaning 'bright and radiant' - Hebrew.

Meet my newest. Soft Scuplture dolls....for my collection!! Bright, radiant and a father's joy!!!

Abby and Ziva---------




Oh and by the way....guess I'm not the only one who likes to buy early for the occasion ....and a couple of the ladies that were surrounding the trick or treat goodies and choosing witches themselves, said to me "You're right...get 'em while it's early before they're picked over". At the time I was at Marshall's there were at least a dozen of us picking out our favorites and getting in line to purchase them. Phewwww, that makes me feel like I'm not the ONLY idiot.


Another new to my collection so far this year is this adorable flickering night light I found at Kirklands in the mall. The witch is sitting on her chair, lounging and reading as her brew bubbles and boils---



...and the 4th witch that is new to my collection [a cute little booger that has a bat covered glass cauldron candle holder!!] is sweet-looking. I haven't resized the photographs yet...when I get them ready to post on a blog post, I will...I'm sure it will be part of my Friday's Show N Tell. Come back on Friday!! LOL


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Also, yesterday, I added one photo to my Colors of the Wind Photo Blog [a mockingbird - zoom lens photo]. And while Bud was watching the Houston Texans football game, I was sitting in the living room with him and continuing my work on my crocheted camera bag. I'm nearly done. I've finished the bag [this is the 2nd one I did...the 1st one was axed...didn't turn out like I had planned; didn't like it at all!], and started working on the drawstring. The other day I finished making the shoulder strap [flowers!] and trimmed this bag in purple. Since I nearly ran out of my purple yarn scraps with the first one. When all the pieces are put together, I'll line it with hopefully something PURPLE. LOL It's gonna be much lighter in weight for my shoulders in case I end up carrying it around with me all day. When done, I'll post photos of the project.

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I received this sweet award, "The Attitude of Gratitude", from beansieleigh Friday....she writes in her blog:

"For showing their mutual appreciation of Jim Henson, and my tribute to him in my previous post, I pass The Attitude Of Gratitude on to the first ten friends who left me their kind words and fond memories for that post!"

Y'know, after reading your blog entry on Jim Henson, it inspired a couple hours' conversation between Bud and me!! How fond we were of Sesame Street and his wonderful creations. I might add, that we did like Oscar the Grouch too! LOLOLOL

Thanks again for the sweet award and your kindness in passing it on to me!!!!

POSTED: Monday, September 28th, 2009
12:01 A.M.

Over the last few days I've added more to my PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG!! [the link I provided here should open in a new page.] And I've integrated the Followers from Blogger's Gadgets AND a new for me feature...for commenting. On the sidebar. If you visit, and wish to comment, don't forget to leave your name so I know who left the particular comment. LOL I'm new to this feature and am not sure if there is a way to link the commentors or not....I'll keep looking for an answer. So in the meantime-----



Today, it's just a bit of an eclectic post. No real theme goes with it. I've had thoughts on certain subjects recently and I haven't had a chance to blog about it. Today I'll just ramble on if you don't mind...

IT'S A JIM CARREY THING...I've been searching off and on for a movie trailer for this, still nothing. I don't understand why Disney is being so very secretive about this. It's beyond me...but I'm not one who works for the P R system of the company, so I can't say why or why not. There has been a special Christmas Carol Train that has traveled across the U S of A for the last few months, promoting the film. The last time I looked at the train's itinerary, I missed it both in the cities closest to me...San Antonio and Houston. :::shrug::: Oh Well! It's really the MOVIE I want to see anyway. As I said, I've searched and searched over and over again, when I think about it, in Google...to no avail. Or only to find that the trailers on You Tube have a notice that they're been taken off "by request". Hmmmmm. All I can say about this dilemma is "BAH HUMBUG!" Disney only has the 20 second sneak peek into the upcoming attraction! At least that's the only one I find. In ENGLISH that is. I found this one on You Tube that is dubbed over in what I believe Hungarian...at least it gave me more incite as to what expect. And, being one of my most favorite classical writings...I still enjoyed it and count the days to November 6th!





If, for some reason, it's taken down upon request as others, here is the non-embedded link



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CRAFTS...I have several craft projects in the irons! One is a camera bag. And I'm crocheting it...making a pattern up as I go. I did searching for crocheted bags online also, and came up with nothing that would work for me. I thought of purchasing a camera bag at the stores...either they're too costly, or they're way too heavy! When I go walking I don't want the excess weight on my shoulders with those klutzy stiffened nylon bags that they have on the shelves. In fact the cost comparison with what they sell and all the materials I need to complete my 'more lightweight' camera bag is similar, so I guess now that I think of it...the cost really doesn't factor into this. So far, it's coming along nicely. At least it's as original and unique as I am. [okay, with that remark, you can all *gag* now!] And it won't be so burdensome on my shoulders with the cutting weight. I hope not, anyway. Besides, it's gonna be a bit more feminine AND purple! Can't go wrong with purple if you want my opinion.

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Another project I'm working on is for Halloween. Well, now, what'dya expect from me? LOL And yes, it's another witch. [Speaking of witches, have you ever looked and drooled over Jim Shore's expensive pieces of Halloween-ery? I have...yep, drool city!] The newest one I've seen is fabulous. A witch of course. And the one last year, entitled Sweet and Sour is so charming in a wictchy way! But not so charming for nearly $50! I can still sit and view them, and wish. I love seeing his art work on those figurines of ANY season!! Anyway, getting back to my project. She'll be one of the cone witches...you know, like a treetop figurine? Ya, that kind. I have her body done, and part of her outfit cut out and partially worked. The witch 'head' is one I bought at a craft store long ago. Love the face of course. They're just too enchanting to not giggle at their features. I'm going to try and do this one in particular a bit of Victorian dress....we'll see how it turns out, I again have no pattern. I'm just cutting and working on it as I go....it may just all get filed under drawer 13...the trash bin. Time will tell.


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Oh, NUTS!!...Another thought I've been spinning around in my mind, and this is more of a reminder to me to try and remember....Texas Coastal area is loaded with Live Oak Trees. We even find them in strip mall parking lots. And last year, I meant to pick up and collect their acorns for craft projects. Forgot all about it...did find ONE small, tiny one [Live Oak produces smaller acorns] near a Wal Mart last year and kept it....but, I want more. I love "freebies" like this. Now, it's September, and they usually are hanging on the branches as I type this...falling mid September through the beginning of October. I must get going somewhere to search for them. I'd like to have more. Perhaps make another wreath or just maybe lay 'em around with my other Autumn decorations.



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Lastly today [hope I haven't bored you too much], the rains came.........

RAIN, RAIN stay awhile....We're still, according to the expert trackers, behind in rainfall by about 14-15 inches total. But the past week or more, there has been a tropical stationary front all around the Texas Gulf Coast. And it's been a blessing. Why, I haven't had to get up in the morning and make sure the sprinkler system was still working [what with power outages], and I haven't had to go out in the early morning hours to water around the places there isn't a sprinkler system...I haven't had to go out and make sure the soaker hose is saturating the ground around the foundation. Oh the joys of having a break in the dreadful dry, dry summer. But, yesterday, while Bud was watching the opening day of the regular season of football games [Yucky Dallas Cowboys which I don't like], I went out and mowed and edged both the lawns, front and back. I rather enjoyed the day...so Autumn-like with a cool breeze [cool for us]. Now, trust me...I'm not complaining on this, but just stating fact...this rain accumulation has brought the elusive mosquitoes out. And...where we had the tree in our front yard cut out, there were new tree shoots [saplings] popping up all over entire front lawn. I spent a good deal of time between rainfall the other day, pulling them out of the soil before they got a chance to get the root system stabilized. By the way, the grass was high, mowing....but, again....I could care less. Let 'er rain some more!! It was sunny on Sunday most of the day, the next huge system moving in from the Southwest is supposed to arrive in our area by Thursday.



acorn image courtesy of Photobucket
Photos of storms from local newspaper




POSTED: Monday, September 14th, 2009
12:23 A.M.

For Fun Monday, Janis has taken the reins, hosting!! She asks of us to tell a little about favorite TV shows [what we watch, what we plan to watch with the new season coming up in the Fall 2009]. Excellent idea!!!!!! I'm going to enjoy reading what others will tell me!!

I'm not much of a TV viewer unless it's professional sports. I have only access to the teams in Texas mostly, I faithfully watch the two baseball teams, Houston Astros and when Astros aren't playing, I try to find the Texas Rangers' games. Tho, personally I'm a National Leaguer...which means the Astros. I also watch, when I can, the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks [those two, I was privileged to see in person during the seasons AND follow them during Spring Training in Tucson ---Rockies at Reid Park ballpark, and the D'Backs at TEP ballpark when we lived there...and traveling to Tucson during the school's Spring Vacation for the Rockies before retiring and leaving Colorado. Not to mention witnessing both of the teams in their inaugural seasons!!!!]. I also never miss the playoff games. I'm there with my popcorn, snacks like nachos and soda...watching and rooting for the best team to win to go on to the World Series. Of course, I follow the World Series also...It's an American Pastime...and I love the game. When we lived in Colorado and both of us worked with two incomes we went to all the home games for the Denver Broncos also. Even before John Elway - he was something to watch...the Broncos, sadly, are just not the same without the star quarterback. But, when they are pitted against the Dallas Cowboys....I'm all for the Broncos stomping some cowboy butts!! Revenge from [Super Bowl XII]. Denver still holds a sacred place in my heart!!!!


Now what do I watch other than sports? I'm an avid fan of National Geographic and a Discovery Channel viewer. Tho, it's long past, if it's repeated, the Discovery's Planet Earth was amazing! And thrilling and oh so educational. Not to mention the wonderful, outstanding award-winning photography!! I never tire of it....I never tire of the continual learning. Nat Geo and Discovery always have pretty good learning programs...the last few weeks it's been on the Egyptian royalty like Cleopatra and finding a mummy of her sister...the only possible DNA of the Queen! Very interesting indeed.

There is also one particular drama program that I really like. I've been watching during the hot summer months USA's marathons of the last six seasons. It's very good. Never a dull moment usually. The cast of characters is good. The writing and scripts are close to excellent----And there is COMEDY thrown in if you've got quick wit and can catch it. The actors are a bit above the rest, comparing actors on TV [I don't think it's ever been nominated for an EMMY, I could be mistaken]. The team works, fictionally, in the Washington D.C. area ---but it's filmed in California. Over the years there have been special agents dying in the line of duty and new ones are in to replace the loss of others. ['probies' as they're called. Meaning they're still on probation tho they've worked for some time ---it's a term of endearment, really.] It's a fascinating story most every week. I've learned to really like four of the main characters...tho the other two are quite tolerable also. Abigail [goes by "Abby"], she's the best forensic expert to come across the tube! Not to mention her 'out of sync style'--i.e., dog collars for necklaces, etc. etc. etc., and her tattoos - she's a doll!....she's my kinda gal!!! Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo is not only 'hot!', but he's very funny! Tony is the comedy relief in the show!!! Then, there is the medical examiner...Ducky...played by the veteran actor, David McCallum from 'old' TV - like, 1960's Man from U.N.C.L.E. And not to forget another....Ziva David. SHE is the one that is making me count the days until this coming September 22nd 7PM!!! Last season they stopped with the season finale; a cliffhanger. I think, in fact we have a wager on who is going to save her...I think it will be Tony [DiNozzo...he has a love interest in Ziva that I don't think he realizes yet. Same with Ziva's feelings for Tony. ----------okay, so call me a romantic on this area of the program, it's fun to fantasize how it will turn out!!] Oh and I am trying to outguess who is behind the cliffhanger, and I think it's Ziva's father!! Only time will tell. The other two...not to leave them out, is Mark Harmon as the leader....Special Agent Gibbs, and McGee played by Sean Murray. McGee can have some funny moments also. This to me is what makes the program well done...there is crime yes, but there is also comedy...like life. Oh and the program I'll be glued to? Can you guess by now? LOL It's none other than....look up to the graphic.... N C I S!! Naval Criminal Investigative Service[s].


Oh, and I'm an avid, AVID movie fan. So the channels AMC, TCM, and TNT/TBS is on when there is a good movie. I especially like TCM ---that one has NO commercials. One kind of genre that I DON'T and WILL NOT watch is the so called 'reality' shows, like Amazing Race, American Idol, The Bachelor, Big Brother....and more and more and more....the television is saturated, OVER saturated with this category. They're all so crazy, insane, and NON-reality, which makes me just wonder how they can call them 'reality' when they are just as much fiction as NCIS?!!! They're fixed. And I may add, the TV is over saturated with crime drama also. So, I'm not browbeating.


[NCIS image courtesy of Photobucket]




POSTED: Monday, August 31st, 2009
4:00 A.M.

I forgot all about playing along with Fun Monday last week. I apologize to our previous hostess...L'il Mouse. Today tho, Faye, at Summit Musings is our friend who came up with our prompt this week, for Fun Monday. I really wasn't sure this would suffice, but I thought I'd give it a go. Today, her subject suggested about learning...since school around our nation is beginning in a lot of areas. I loved school...well, most of it. From the learning [except for history back then, now I love it], to having a new relationship with friends that I lost contact with over the summer...applying myself to the extra curriculum sports and all. After I graduated, that's when I really started striving to learn all I can in a lifetime...I learned to take control more. I consider myself a self-learner. I taught myself to read music, and then moved on and taught myself to play the guitar and piano. I have always loved to draw....even when I was working outside the home in various offices, when it was a quiet day, I'd have my sketch pad in a drawer and take it out to pass the quiet hours....I even worked with a woman who had a professional artist for a husband ....he saw my work and thought it was fabulous...I even kept through the years a little note he had on my desk the next morning...when I got there to the office to open up....his note said "Anni, great work". "Keep it up." and...."Remember your light source." I've used those words in the back of my mind when I paint and sketch even to this day." Ten years ago, I bought my first computer knowing nothing about them...I learned quickly....I am a 'hands-on' learner....within weeks I was designing web pages, and never stopped. I've taught myself CSS [cascading style sheet] and html and xthml [extensible hypertext markup language]. I have an art program and learned to make my own graphics for my pages. When I was a stay at home mom full time, I taught myself how to crochet!! I also love to learn about the area I live....especially what will grow well in the soil....And I continue to love to learn. I want to learn about the flora and fauna of our South Texas surroundings....

I learned all this last week. And perhaps you'll enjoy learning about the flora of our area!! Along with me.

As I posted a couple of days ago, Bud and I took a self guided tour throughout the Corpus Christi - South Texas Botanical Gardens. And I took photos...boy howdy did I ever. I got my memory reader out and set up the camera to import the photos from the camera chip to get them over to my computer........I took over 100 photos!!! There was so much to see this time around. [We had gone to the Gardens when we moved here a few years back...but when we did go on the tour it was in November. Not much happenin' then.] I recall the roses were still in full bloom and the ponds and lakes were full of water [this summer all the ponds and the Gator Lake is dry as a bone...nothing there but dirt and dried up cat tails...the water fowl wasn't to be seen either. Anywhere!]

Since I took such a numerous amount of photos, I thought I'd break them up into categories. This 3 minute video is of the flowers and plant life...okay, ALL flowers!! I added music to keep the flow. And, someone in blogland had posted a photo of a flower/plant on THEIR blog...stating they didn't know what it was...well, that very plant-flower was at the botanical gardens! And there was a name for it. At the gardens, the plaque with the name: "Firecracker Plant". Which I read, it is native to Old Mexico. I was pleased to know the name also, since I consider myself a bit of a gardener. LOL. I didn't know the name either 'til I went to the Gardens!!! I'm still learning!!! The area this time was great. They had so many blossoms...the garden facility is under a controlled reconstruction, and they're adding a lot more. One I would've loved to go in and view was the Butterfly Garden...it wasn't finished tho, but there were many many beautiful flowers in bloom. There is also a birding/wetland area that has board walks and built-up paths...it's a nice area. I've also learned to make videos and then upload them to youtube to share with others. In order, I'll stop yapping and allow anyone to view my slide show video, 'saying' no more....





MY YOU TUBE VIDEO OF PLANTS/FLOWERS
FROM THE C C BOTANICAL GARDENS
CLICK HERE



In all essence LIFE is LEARNING!!! I'll be working on the Botanical Gardens Flamingo Contest...with several I liked. And, of course, took a few photos I did. Hopefully tomorrow I can have it ready for viewing. Stay tuned....




POSTED: Monday, August 24th, 2009
12:15 A.M.

Karmyn is hosting our Fun Monday this week. She asks of us to show our prize winning gardens...or what's growing on our patio in a pot....

I have shown so many things that are growing in our yard. [Here, here, here, here, and here for example - to mention a few]. Tho I don't have a veggie garden at all...I do love to have flowers in bloom. Right now, being in such a deep drought in our area of the world, nothing much is blooming profusely. Everything looks pretty sickly...the flowers still bloom of course, but the size of the blossoms are stuttering [Like, oops! I'm supposed to bloom, but can't!] and wilt before the day's over. NOTHING compared to when Spring was here just months ago. Instead, I thought I'd show you what is 'growing' out of our flower bed stone wall!!! I've had these little creatures hiding in pots and sections of the garden for decades [I've blogged about a few of them before]....but one day, I began to move 'em around so I could pull weeds. When I did, I sat one on the stone wall and it blended so wonderfully with the 'color' of the stone that I liked it too much to have 'em put back in the garden area...the soil. I went around the yard, and collected them...and then, broke off the stakes that are used to stick into the ground.....Bud sanded the chipped pedestals off to make them flush with the figurine's body....I then, went around the wall and perched them at random spots....

First, let me show you a small section...fuller view of the stone-walled flower bed [the white at the lower edge of the photo]....




So now, I bet you're curious.
Here is what I have 'growing' out of the cracks in the wall.....







They [miniature fairies and gnomes] are so perfectly matched in color, you can see them only when up close...so whimsical, it gives a magical aura to the back yard wall. Oh, and I think over the years, I've purchased these in the different Wal Mart garden shops for 'cheap'.




Posted Monday, August 10th, 2009
12:20 A.M.

Ask me: "Just how dry is it, Anni"? I'd say: "The height of our drought is now upon us...why, even the cows are birthing beef jerky instead of live calves!" That's how dry it is.




I didn't even turn the computer ON yesterday. That's a lazy day, right? Bud and I spent a very lifeless-type day yesterday morning around home, mostly. We didn't venture out 'til about 10 a.m. and that was just to drive around. The drought is really getting the best of me these days. It's a constant struggle to keep the lawn and flowers from drying up to a crispy, crunchy, barren land. Daily, water, water, water. And then, we are continually [not continually per sé, but a lot of times during the week's span] having to soak the foundation around the house, to keep it from sinking...yes, Texas land is like that. When the soil dries up and cracks...it is shrinking! And the heavy, heavy foundation then is getting pulled away from the land. If not soaked at least weekly, more-so during dry times, it can do a lot of structural damage indoors & out! [As the top photo of the brick siding & garage door wood frame shows how the settling of the foundation can create havoc! It's pulling away even with continual 30 minute soaking. every other day --there is a chance you can do too much soaking of the ground also---we have the foundation checked twice a year by an expert...yes, it's that dry] It's an unending battle this year. I know, deep in my heart, I really have not much to complain about when all the farmers are losing crops and the ranchers are having to sell their cattle way too early because of the fact there is no feed!! And not to mention thoughts of how those struggled in past history when they tried to survive the dust bowl years. My struggle to keep lawn and flowers alive is nothing compared to what a lot more are suffering.

We ended up going out to lunch. Then, we went to Bl*ckbuster video to see what movies they had that we could purchase [the ones they sell, after they're pre-viewed]. We bought three of them...Taken, starring Liam Neeson - Burn After Reading with a huge cast - and, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. All of which we never saw at the theater....we watched only one yesterday...Taken. It was pretty good. Considering, the character played by Liam Neeson was so "out of character" for the man. At least I thought so. It's about a father, mysterious in his own way because of his past history. He's retired, divorced, and has a teen-aged daughter who goes off to Paris with a girlfriend to follow U2's concert tour all over Europe. When in Paris, she and her friend are abducted by a bunch of thugs....and the story begins.

On Saturday afternoon, tho, a package arrived from Amazon dot Com...two special edition DVDs I had ordered. The Commemorative Edition of the Broadway musical, CATS and the Special digitally remastered edition of a favorite of mine [which I've never purchased until now]....Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. We watched both of those Saturday evening. I think we watched so many movies because neither of us wanted to go out in the inferno!

Other than the dry, dry landscape these days, I'm fed up with our favorite professional baseball teams in the National League this year also. Astros [4 1/2 games behind --but a very laggard playing game], D'Backs [19 games behind the lead[ and Rockies...all near the bottom of the standings in each of their divisions - the Rockies are 7 games behind the lead but still...I doubt whether they'll come from behind. Astros may have a chance of a wild card team in the playoff games in a little over a month...but I really doubt it. They need to get the 'ball rolling' if they wish to please their fans. What a boring season for me. Now-a-days I find myself checking scores and standings of the two most infamous rival teams...in the AMERICAN League [-and I am a National League follower most seasons]!!! I'm watching faithfully the Yankees and the Sox standings. Of course I will always be for the Yankees [tho, as I say I'm really not one at all for the American League teams at all] when it pits 'em against the Sox. Yankees are an American Icon! LOL As of this morning when I post this it's almost neck and neck with the two rivals....only 1/2 game between the two. How fun! I gotta have something to root for on this dreary season for the National League...and if need be, it'll be for the Yankees! More to watch Derek Jeter than the team. rofl [shhhhh, don't tell anyone]

Well now, I'll end this post as I began. The drought. As I stated above, it is becoming a very monotonous chore of trying to keep plants and lawn alive and maybe not thriving, but surviving the heat at least. While outside yesterday morning I was wiping the perspiration off my face to keep it falling into my eyes, when a little bit of nature's beauty came into view. I watched and followed and grabbed the cellphone outta my pocket and clicked away------










Posted: August 3rd, 2009
6:30 A.M.

Our hostess, dear Gattina, for FUN MONDAY asks to see a mess....oh trust me, I got those!! For instance, the closet in our library/computer room....here it is:

But I take pride in having organized messes....may look sloppy....but I know just where everything is. [believe that and I'll sell you some land in the Mariana trench for half the going price!] I'm sure if we tore out the kitchen sink...it'd be stuffed in a closet, or attic, too. LOL I have everything from old photo albums that truly need some attention ---loose pages, loose photos [you name it], plaster santas and other misc. santas that don't fit in my storage boxes, fiber optic witches, wrapping paper....why even our huge telescope is in this closet [tied to support it and not let it warp the lenses]. That is WHY THE DOORS REMAIN SHUT!!! Except for an occasional hostess who wants to see messy stuff.........










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SPEAKING OF MESSES:




In the news: Can you believe this? ---

~ on TWITTER

Moronic or visionary tweets aside, what about national security? In February, CQ Politics reported that Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., broke a national security embargo when he tweeted the details of a secret congressional trip to Iraq: "Just landed in Baghdad." From CQ Politics:

Not only did Hoekstra reveal the existence of the lawmakers’ trip, but included details about their itinerary in updates posted every few hours on his Twitter page.

Did we mention that Hoesktra is a ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee? Hoekstra's breach also happened to occur just months after the U.S. Army issued a report warning that Twitter was a "potential terrorist tool."

- - -

.....and what do you think of the Racial Slur from our Dear President...calling the Massachusetts' Police Department stupid when a Black man was arrested in his own home? Was he there? To see just what went down? Did he have a right to even 'butt in'...? I don't know, but for me it wasn't something that a president should have even acknowledged at the questioning during a press conference...the question asked: ---he should have gracefully bowed out and replied "No comment"....For me, he was being quite a bit a radical racist in his reply. Then to top it off...he tried to calm the media down and the uproar across the nation by saying that this is out of hand....trust me, it was, and he just put more coals on the fire with HIS statement!! As a leader of the nation, he should be unbiased in any situation like this and keep quiet...it [pardon the pun/idiom...not really intentional, but the line comes to mind]...showed his true colors! I didn't like the story one bit. There are all the questions going through my mind of "if it were a white guy and a black cop"...or what if it were actually someone intruding...or perhaps...just where the heck was the 2nd person that the passerby reported when they called the break in? Yes, I wasn't there either....I know that, but to have this media coverage---once again, glorified, I don't know what to think these days. What's happening to this country's population? And yes, I voted for our current leader...but, that doesn't mean I have to agree with his actions. And from the Mass. police report, there was a WHITE officer and a BLACK officer at the scene, and the Black officer backs up the actions of the arresting officer. Hmmmmmmmm. The story was messy to begin with if you ask me!!!! See Gattina?----------I even got a little bit of MESSY news coverage here today.

Posted Monday, July 27th, 2009
4:55 A.M.



[in part: pasted from Yah** News]

Mariposa is hosting Fun Monday this week. I missed all the week's memes last week with my break in blogging. This week's theme tho, is gonna be fun.

Have you ever had tears of laughter and tears of joy? When was the last time you had tears of joy? Tears of laughter? Tell us about it!

Thing is, with my story, you really had to be there to get the whole gist of things. Hopefully, I can describe it so you can really get 'the picture'....

You see, it all started like this:

We were finished with our evening dinner. Bud had done the dishes from my cooking. We settled down to watch a ball game. Naturally, when we're home, just the two of us, we tend to really relax and get comfy. I was stretched out flat with my huge over-sized pillow bought just for that purpose...lounging on the floor in front of the tube. I was in my shorts and t-shirt. Barefooted. The remote was laying beside me on the floor. Bud came in from the kitchen and stretched out on the chair to have a night of a ballgame on the TV set. He too was in shorts, a t-shirt and, believe it or not, he was barefooted [Bud rarely goes without socks on his feet]. But, tonight --barefoot and all, we were set!

Now, at this point...the National Anthem was being played and the players were making their way onto the outfield, ready for the 1st pitch. Lo and behold.....a commercial. By this time, Tahoe had joined us. She was sitting by Bud's bare feet, turned toward Bud, looking at him. While the commercials played on and on, Bud started talking with Tahoe. I say "with" because she'll talk back to him. Sometimes they have quite a conversation with his jabber and her meowing backat'im. Okay...so this particular night, the two talked...and Bud finally said to Tahoe "LICK MY FEET, WINSTON LICKS MY FEET AND HIS ROUGH TONGUE FEELS GOOD ON MY TIRED FEET....." as he stretched his feet and toes toward Tahoe's face; closer. Well, no sooner than his last word was spoken, Tahoe rolled over to a elongated pose!!! You should have seen the graceful fall....she passed out from the stench, I know she did!! Like she was trying to tell Bud his feet stink! Like I said, you HAD to be there to appreciate it all. It was so darned funny, I laughed 'til I cried. Bud too. Tahoe didn't get it - we were literally rolling on the floor, with her, laughing...or perhaps she did!! Was she trying to tell him something? I honestly think she was just wanting her belly rubbed...but it was so like her passing out from the stench.







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BOOK REVIEW

Saturday evening, I finished the long anticipated new novel, "Etta" by Gerald Kolpan. It was quite disappointing to say the least. As is quoted by the author's notes in the back of the book when I finished it..."It was true. Etta Place was the very definition of a mystery woman.----I read tales of her being a schoolmarm or a prostitute or both....Some theorized that she later lived under other names." "To give Etta a past, I went with what little was known......" Well, to me he was quite a lot in the line of writing a fiction that was way too far fetched!! Just plain and simply...not believable most times. Yes, history does keep the love of the Sundance Kid elusive. But I tell you, I never even thought of what this author concocted. After reading the book I couldn't agree with his nonsensical style of depicting the woman. As history tells us, she disappeared after her love; her man...was allegedly killed in South America. In my mind through the decades after seeing the movie and reading little bits and pieces about her here and there, I think she lived a life perhaps as a recluse. And maybe in a godforsaken small town in the desert of Arizona or possibly in a mining town in Colorado...who knows. But I certainly don't [and haven't] pictured her as Mr. Kolpan has; even after this novel of the 'old west tales' as he has written in the book as his characterization of Etta. For me, it didn't get me into living her life; actually feeling as I was experiencing the history as I read it. Even tho it was fiction....I oftentimes thought as I read his composition, that he really took the wrong turn somewhere. In fact, very often!! Out of a 5 being an excellent and possibly, a believable epic novel...it was quite obviously a fabrication...this book just has to be a 1, if not less.



To read a bit of what is known in history about Etta Place, here's a link.






Posted, July 20th, 2009
4:42 A.M.

[comic has copyright shown & Etta Place photo of Google Search result]



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40 years ago today, man set foot on our moon! Do you remember what you were doing at the time those infamous words were spoken by Neil Armstrong? I do. I was at a savings and loan opening an account for our then, 3 month old daughter Irene. The bank had tv sets set up all over the place...and the volume was up on all of them....as I filled out forms and took care of Irene in her baby carrier...I listened and watched history being made.

Today, some say this was all a hoax...Y'all think what you want to think. No matter - to me it was a thrilling, exciting happening and I believe we DID set foot on the moon.






Posted: Monday, July 20th, 2009
6:15 A.M.

Monday, July 6th, 2009
5:05 A.M.



Grace is hosting this week for Fun Monday. She asks:

July 4^th is US Independence day, for Fun Monday, please tell how you spend your Independence Day either this year or in the past. Do you have a July 4^th funny story you would like to share? Do you have a family tradition for this day? For those who are not US residents, please tell us when your country’s independence day is and share with us how you celebrate/spend it. We would love some pictures too, you can share your stories in pictures too.

As I told her in my comment this week, that with us old farts, July 4th is really just another day. I decorate for the holiday. As I do all holidays. You can view my July 4th decor HERE [the link should open in a new window] This year, with the extreme drought conditions all neighborhood fireworks were banned. Hefty fines were issued [$300 to $1000] for ones reported setting them off near homes or in farming land]. We have several times since retiring...gone to the night light shows here ---they are super, but this year it was just way, WAY too hot to go anywhere outdoors. In the 100 degree range and that's without the heat index ratio...for our age, way too hot to enjoy.

Our city hosts a spectacular fireworks display off the permanently docked aircraft carrier. This year it was hosted by H * E * B. The show runs for about 40 to 50 minutes. It's near the ships' channel...and with the reflection off the gentle waving motion of the sea...it's more spectacular that words can describe.


[photos of the 2008 light show]

- - -

One year we were all up on the deck at my parents' house [about 20 feet off the ground], with the traditional icy cold watermelon after a huge beef rib, corn on the cob, potato salad BBQ...it was around 9:30 PM...and from the deck, you could look down into the valley, where the city is...and we saw all kinds of wonderful fireworks displays throughout the city. My two kids ooooooooooooo'ed and awwwwwwwww'ed. Eventually, it got to be a contest with the entire area of homes in the subdivision. In other words, the oooo's and awwwww's were heard throughout the entire area. It became a contest...who could do it the longest, and the loudest. It was funny. You had to be there.

Oh....I still have to have a watermelon for the 4th!!! Afterall, it's tradition.