Our Sunday School lesson today had a great message. Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasurer is, there your heart will be also.
A new member of a Bible study group asked the leader, "How can anybody keep from worrying these days?" Good question. In a society full of poverty, disease, and starvation, Jesus' listeners asked the same question. Then, as now, we cannot stop feelings of worry and panic. However, we can decide to trust God and act according to His will so that the panic does not overwhelm us.
Jesus told us four things to do to feel secure and free from worry. First, don't trust the material world for security; earthly wealth will fail. It's like hanging heavy weights on thin string--the whole structure will come crashing down. Jesus tells us to store up the heavenly treasures of faith through a life of prayer, Bible study, and a close relationship with Him.
Second, avoid the worry habit. Money problems, a job loss, or a medical diagnosis of cancer can cause even the strongest person to panic. Usually, however, we worry about things that might happen, but then don't. Constant worry shows a pattern of distrust in God's ability to meet our needs.
Third, look at nature. As Jesus said, the God who takes care of the birds and the wildflowers will meet our every need. when worry and panic set in, we must remember God met our needs before. The God who cared for us then has not changed or gone away.
Finally, live one day at a time. Jesus said the Father would provide daily bread--resources to deal with each day's problems. When you drive at night, the car headlights illuminate only the portion of the road directly ahead of you. Likewise, for each day's troubles, God will provide the light you need.
Jesus does not mean that we are never to plan ahead. Just as you service your car regularly, some long-term preparations for the future are necessary--insurance and retirement savings, for example. But we must not let the future control the present. The life God gives us is one day at a time.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Weekend Full of Blessings!
Working all year, leads up to the delivery of the FFA Toy and Food Drive to the needy families in Vernon Township. Saturday, December 20, was no different. Well, it was different than in past years, as to me, each year is different. This year we had less time to get everything together for the delivery. School was in session till Friday at 3 p.m., there was a basketball game on Friday night that took our high school cheerleaders and boys basketball team to Madison Shawe. Fortunately, there were many that stepped in and helped do a 2-day job in less than 6 hours! Again, I stressed over this, for nothing! A couple more grey hairs were added to my head, when I didn't need to worry at all! ;-)
All the fruit baskets were completed on Friday
The large, medium, small, and pee-wee boxes were packed and waiting for delivery
At 8:45 a.m., FFA President Cody Brasher delivered his instructions to his fellow members, fire department members, and other volunteers who showed up to help.
Once Cody was finished, everyone stepped up and started loading the fire trucks
The fire trucks were loaded with all the food and toys!
Once loaded, the trucks pull out, lights flashing, sirens blaring, and smiles on all the faces
After a few hours, you could again see the floor of the FFA Adviser's, Linda Maxie, room
One of the highlights of the day is when all the food, toys, coats, and cheer baskets have been delivered, everyone comes back to enjoy some chocolate milk, orange juice, hot chocolate, grape juice, and to share their stories, and always a few tears!
At the end of the day, you are exhausted from all the work that goes into making this day a success. But, just hearing and seeing the joy on the recipient's face makes all the aches and pains worth it!
Already, I'm looking forward to the 2009 delivery!
All the fruit baskets were completed on Friday
The large, medium, small, and pee-wee boxes were packed and waiting for delivery
At 8:45 a.m., FFA President Cody Brasher delivered his instructions to his fellow members, fire department members, and other volunteers who showed up to help.
Once Cody was finished, everyone stepped up and started loading the fire trucks
The fire trucks were loaded with all the food and toys!
Once loaded, the trucks pull out, lights flashing, sirens blaring, and smiles on all the faces
After a few hours, you could again see the floor of the FFA Adviser's, Linda Maxie, room
One of the highlights of the day is when all the food, toys, coats, and cheer baskets have been delivered, everyone comes back to enjoy some chocolate milk, orange juice, hot chocolate, grape juice, and to share their stories, and always a few tears!
At the end of the day, you are exhausted from all the work that goes into making this day a success. But, just hearing and seeing the joy on the recipient's face makes all the aches and pains worth it!
Already, I'm looking forward to the 2009 delivery!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A Christmas Tree?
I'm beginning to think my husband and son have spent too much time at the Clarksville, Indiana Bass Pro Shop. Why do you ask? Well, this is a close up picture of my 2008 Christmas tree:
Yup, those are fishing bobbers, a fish stringer, and if you look close, you can seen some spent shotgun shells as the Christmas lights.
We're a pretty happy family!
Yup, those are fishing bobbers, a fish stringer, and if you look close, you can seen some spent shotgun shells as the Christmas lights.
We're a pretty happy family!
Monday, December 01, 2008
It's Official
The National Bureau of Economic Research let us know today that America is in a recession! The NBER also said on Monday that the U.S. has been in a recession since December 2007!
Wow! Like we didn't already know that!
There might have been some that didn't realize this as there was over 14 billion dollars spent on Black Friday. This is up almost 1.5% from last year!
Since the NBER waited until the Monday after Black Friday to announce the recession, I'm wondering if any of the 14 billion purchases will be returned for a cash refund?
The last two recessions (1990-1991 and 2001) lasted eight months each, and only two of the 10 previous post-Depression downturns lasted as long as a full year, according to the NBER.
Maybe with someone actually saying the U.S. is in a recession, this will be the start of a new tomorrow. Hopefully, it will happen that quickly.
Wow! Like we didn't already know that!
There might have been some that didn't realize this as there was over 14 billion dollars spent on Black Friday. This is up almost 1.5% from last year!
Since the NBER waited until the Monday after Black Friday to announce the recession, I'm wondering if any of the 14 billion purchases will be returned for a cash refund?
The last two recessions (1990-1991 and 2001) lasted eight months each, and only two of the 10 previous post-Depression downturns lasted as long as a full year, according to the NBER.
Maybe with someone actually saying the U.S. is in a recession, this will be the start of a new tomorrow. Hopefully, it will happen that quickly.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thankful
It’s that time of year again where we are suppose to count our blessings and be thankful for what we have. One of my favorite hymns is Count Your Blessings. It seems like most church’s sing that around Thanksgiving. Ours was no different Sunday, as we sung it too.
I like to be thankful every day for what I have, not just on Thanksgiving. God, family, friends, a home, food, money, and the list could go on for eternity. No matter who we are, all of us should be able to find at least one thing in our lives to be thankful for.
To all my family and friends, I wish you, not only a happy Thanksgiving, but happiness to infinity and beyond!
I like to be thankful every day for what I have, not just on Thanksgiving. God, family, friends, a home, food, money, and the list could go on for eternity. No matter who we are, all of us should be able to find at least one thing in our lives to be thankful for.
To all my family and friends, I wish you, not only a happy Thanksgiving, but happiness to infinity and beyond!
Monday, November 24, 2008
How To Be A Good Friend
When I received the mail today at work, and was filing through all the junk items, I ran across something I thought was interesting. It is a flyer from RIPEA. (Retired Indiana Public Employees Association)
In the Editor's Corner there is a list of fun facts, trivia, and other information. One that caught my eye this morning was 'Ways to be a good friend':
*Spend time together
*Be there in good and bad times
*Don't keep score
*Pay attention to the little things that you do together
*Be positive
*Bake some cookies and share them
I could add to this list, but for now, these are good ones to reflect on!
In the Editor's Corner there is a list of fun facts, trivia, and other information. One that caught my eye this morning was 'Ways to be a good friend':
*Spend time together
*Be there in good and bad times
*Don't keep score
*Pay attention to the little things that you do together
*Be positive
*Bake some cookies and share them
I could add to this list, but for now, these are good ones to reflect on!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Chosen
All of us have been in a situation where we have been the last one chosen, or maybe we were not even considered for the position at all.
Both situations hurt the person who realizes they were not good enough.
Overcoming the rejection is a long, slow process. Life’s short. People need to realize after the game, the King and the pawn go in the same box.
Both situations hurt the person who realizes they were not good enough.
Overcoming the rejection is a long, slow process. Life’s short. People need to realize after the game, the King and the pawn go in the same box.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Some People Just Don't Like Me
That's right! Can you believe it?
Just as I get to work this morning, at about 8:00 a.m. the phone rings. I answer it, in my always pleasant voice. The female on the other end of the line asks if Norman is working. I say, "Who's calling please?"
Screaming at the top of her lungs, she responds, "IT DON'T MATTER WHO THIS IS IF HE'S THERE!"
Well, hmmmm, I guess it does matter who you are, to me it does, and probably to Norman too. What if there is someone in front of you wishing to speak to him? What if he already has someone in his office? Should I interrupt him? What if he's in the restroom and your wait time is going to be longer than you expect?
How I really wanted to respond and what I really wanted to say, I didn't.
After a short pause, I asked the caller if she would be able to hold. I placed the phone on hold, went to Norman's office and told him he had a phone call on line 1.
After I found out who it was, I wasn't surprised. Guess there is hatred in the world!
Oh, well, it's their problem, not mine! :-)
Just as I get to work this morning, at about 8:00 a.m. the phone rings. I answer it, in my always pleasant voice. The female on the other end of the line asks if Norman is working. I say, "Who's calling please?"
Screaming at the top of her lungs, she responds, "IT DON'T MATTER WHO THIS IS IF HE'S THERE!"
Well, hmmmm, I guess it does matter who you are, to me it does, and probably to Norman too. What if there is someone in front of you wishing to speak to him? What if he already has someone in his office? Should I interrupt him? What if he's in the restroom and your wait time is going to be longer than you expect?
How I really wanted to respond and what I really wanted to say, I didn't.
After a short pause, I asked the caller if she would be able to hold. I placed the phone on hold, went to Norman's office and told him he had a phone call on line 1.
After I found out who it was, I wasn't surprised. Guess there is hatred in the world!
Oh, well, it's their problem, not mine! :-)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
JJ Rocks
Today on Judge Judy's show she used one of my favorite sayings:
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to have a good memory"
How true that is! If more people followed this rule, wouldn't life in this world be perfect?
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to have a good memory"
How true that is! If more people followed this rule, wouldn't life in this world be perfect?
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Prejudice
From Wikipedia:
The word prejudice refers to prejudgment: making a decision before becoming aware of the relevant facts of a case or event. The word has commonly been used in certain restricted contexts, in the expression 'racial prejudice'. Initially this is referred to making a judgment about a person based on their race, religion, class, etc., before receiving information relevant to the particular issue on which a judgment was being made; it came, however, to be widely used to refer to any hostile attitude towards people based on their race or even by just judging someone without even knowing them. Subsequently the word has come to be widely so interpreted in this way in contexts other than those relating to race. The meaning now is frequently "any unreasonable attitude that is unusually resistant to rational influence".[1] Race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and religion have a history of inciting prejudicial behaviour.
I did not make any hasty decisions.
I did not say anything about any one's race, religion, or class.
I do not have any hostile attitude towards anyone.
I do, however, understand history.
The United States Constitution Bill of Rights, 1st amendment reads:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
This is America and I live in this country which is free! People, including you and me, are free to express their opinions under our 1st amendment rights.
The word prejudice refers to prejudgment: making a decision before becoming aware of the relevant facts of a case or event. The word has commonly been used in certain restricted contexts, in the expression 'racial prejudice'. Initially this is referred to making a judgment about a person based on their race, religion, class, etc., before receiving information relevant to the particular issue on which a judgment was being made; it came, however, to be widely used to refer to any hostile attitude towards people based on their race or even by just judging someone without even knowing them. Subsequently the word has come to be widely so interpreted in this way in contexts other than those relating to race. The meaning now is frequently "any unreasonable attitude that is unusually resistant to rational influence".[1] Race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and religion have a history of inciting prejudicial behaviour.
I did not make any hasty decisions.
I did not say anything about any one's race, religion, or class.
I do not have any hostile attitude towards anyone.
I do, however, understand history.
The United States Constitution Bill of Rights, 1st amendment reads:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
This is America and I live in this country which is free! People, including you and me, are free to express their opinions under our 1st amendment rights.
Friday, November 07, 2008
O
What has America come to? Last night on Fox News the anchors were discussing Oprah and the mystery man. You know, the man she was leaning on, and crying on his shoulder during president-elect Obama's speech Wednesday morning. Come to find out, he will be on Oprah's show today. Some of the anchors were joking if O would have a place in the White House. Can you imagine that! After reading Shelley's blog post:
http://whatifitdid.com/?p=741
I see the Obama family is looking for a dog...hmmmm??
I did hear they are working on replacing the Statue of Liberty on January 20, 2009. The framing is now being built to remove Lady Liberty and construct the new statue. Here is what they are replacing her with:
Aunt Jemima
Just found this today:
http://whatifitdid.com/?p=741
I see the Obama family is looking for a dog...hmmmm??
I did hear they are working on replacing the Statue of Liberty on January 20, 2009. The framing is now being built to remove Lady Liberty and construct the new statue. Here is what they are replacing her with:
Aunt JemimaJust found this today:
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
As all the others...
I'm sure there are millions and millions of bloggers in the USA, and I'm sure most of them have or will have a blog about our historic presidential election last night. It's my turn to blog about my disappointment. President-elect Barack Obama, democrat, won the election on Tuesday night. He gave his winning speech beginning at midnight on Wednesday. I missed the speech, but I'm sure the news will have it playing throughout the next few days. I'm sure we'll hear about the 'hope' and 'change' he based his campaign on. He said John McCain and himself made red states and blue states during the election, but we are actually the United States of America. Barack said he need my help. Since I didn't vote for him, he hears my voice and he wants to be my president.
That's what we hear now. Four years from now I'm sure we'll hear the excuse from the democrats blaming the Republicans for the democrats inability to dig our nation out of the recession we are in, the war in Iraq, the economy, Wall Street, etc...
The democrats have won the majority in the House and Senate. 435 House seats were contested with the democrats winning 254 of them compared to 173 for the republicans. 35 seats were contested in the Senate and the democrats snatched 17 to 14 for the republicans. Should be an interesting four years.
Normally, won by the republicans, Indiana voted for Obama 1,367,264 to 1,341,101 for McCain. Mitch Daniels won another term as our Governor by 18 percent, but in the 9th district congressional race, Baron Hill defeated Mike Sodrel by 20%.
John McCain said he always believes in the promise and greatness of America. Americans never quit or surrender. That's right, Mr. McCain! America is great and I, as an American, will not quit or surrender!
I have seen Oprah at Obama's speech last night so I couldn't wait till her show came on today. The title of her show is, "Oprah's Post-Election Special" I was thinking before it came on, I shouldn't watch it, but I couldn't help myself. And just as I thought, it made me sick! Oprah comes out to the song 'America' Oprah has her American flag, waving it, yelling, whoopie, whoopie, has a t-shirt on that reads, 'Hope Won' She said she had two words for America...she then holds up a newspaper with Obama's picture and says, "Mr. President" "Thank God! Thank God! Thank God" she kept saying, over and over. She then said if anyone watching her show wasn't in the 53% that voted for Obama, she wanted us to know she couldn't believe the sorrow we were going through. IF the election had a different outcome, her show would have been from the hospital while she was on life support. She was happy the election was over because she would not use her show as a platform for either candidate prior to the election, but thank God the election was over so she could talk about how she felt and who she supported. Duh! Like we didn't already know that! I changed the channel and now I'm watching The Young and the Restless. Kay Chancellor is still living, Ashley is still looking for Victor, Phyllis is in bed with Nick...
On January 20, 2009 president-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th president...A CNN poll asked some Americans if they were glad the election was over. 94 percent said they were glad it is over...
Count me into the 94 percent!
Patrick was up till after 10 p.m. last night. We changed channels between FOX News, CNN, CBS and NBC to keep up with the results. Patrick made me promise before I went to bed to wake him up and let him know what the results were. I went to sleep in the chair, finally went to bed after 1 a.m. this morning, but told Patrick as he came into our bedroom at 3 a.m. Obama had won. He must have not heard what I said, as my alarm went off this morning, he jumped up, when into the family room and was watching the local news. Ric came in and told him Obama was the winner. He leaned up against the stove and said, "WHAT are we going to do now?"
That's what we hear now. Four years from now I'm sure we'll hear the excuse from the democrats blaming the Republicans for the democrats inability to dig our nation out of the recession we are in, the war in Iraq, the economy, Wall Street, etc...
The democrats have won the majority in the House and Senate. 435 House seats were contested with the democrats winning 254 of them compared to 173 for the republicans. 35 seats were contested in the Senate and the democrats snatched 17 to 14 for the republicans. Should be an interesting four years.
Normally, won by the republicans, Indiana voted for Obama 1,367,264 to 1,341,101 for McCain. Mitch Daniels won another term as our Governor by 18 percent, but in the 9th district congressional race, Baron Hill defeated Mike Sodrel by 20%.
John McCain said he always believes in the promise and greatness of America. Americans never quit or surrender. That's right, Mr. McCain! America is great and I, as an American, will not quit or surrender!
I have seen Oprah at Obama's speech last night so I couldn't wait till her show came on today. The title of her show is, "Oprah's Post-Election Special" I was thinking before it came on, I shouldn't watch it, but I couldn't help myself. And just as I thought, it made me sick! Oprah comes out to the song 'America' Oprah has her American flag, waving it, yelling, whoopie, whoopie, has a t-shirt on that reads, 'Hope Won' She said she had two words for America...she then holds up a newspaper with Obama's picture and says, "Mr. President" "Thank God! Thank God! Thank God" she kept saying, over and over. She then said if anyone watching her show wasn't in the 53% that voted for Obama, she wanted us to know she couldn't believe the sorrow we were going through. IF the election had a different outcome, her show would have been from the hospital while she was on life support. She was happy the election was over because she would not use her show as a platform for either candidate prior to the election, but thank God the election was over so she could talk about how she felt and who she supported. Duh! Like we didn't already know that! I changed the channel and now I'm watching The Young and the Restless. Kay Chancellor is still living, Ashley is still looking for Victor, Phyllis is in bed with Nick...
On January 20, 2009 president-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th president...A CNN poll asked some Americans if they were glad the election was over. 94 percent said they were glad it is over...
Count me into the 94 percent!
Patrick was up till after 10 p.m. last night. We changed channels between FOX News, CNN, CBS and NBC to keep up with the results. Patrick made me promise before I went to bed to wake him up and let him know what the results were. I went to sleep in the chair, finally went to bed after 1 a.m. this morning, but told Patrick as he came into our bedroom at 3 a.m. Obama had won. He must have not heard what I said, as my alarm went off this morning, he jumped up, when into the family room and was watching the local news. Ric came in and told him Obama was the winner. He leaned up against the stove and said, "WHAT are we going to do now?"
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Did you get any candy?
Friday night was Halloween. Our church had their annual Trunk 'n Treat and everything went extremely well. I was the one in charge of getting everything set up for the Trunk 'n Treat. I think this is probably the 5th year I have done it, but for some reason this year was the smoothest ever.
I made an announcement at church for people to bring in candy if they could or if they preferred not to shop, if they wanted to donate any money, I'd be glad to purchase the candy for them.
I received $120.00 in cash and picked up the candy that was donated on Wednesday at church. The people had donated a huge box of Snickers (my fav) Kit Kats, Reese Cups, bubble gum, Butter Fingers, chocolate bars, Whoopers, Baby Ruth, suckers, etc. My living room floor was covered with candy!
I sorted the candy I had on Wednesday, made a list of what I had, then on Thursday headed to WalMart to spend my cash. I could not believe the people in the candy isle! The people were crazy! I had my trusty iPhone calculator and as Patrick would throw a bag of candy into the cart, I'd add it up! I donated $20 to the cause and when I was checked out it came to $143.00! I had another truck load of candy to sort!
The people who seen me with my cart full of candy said, "I'm coming to your house! Where do you live?" I laughed and said it was for my church, and they were welcome to come on Friday night.
Again, my living room floor was covered with chocolate! I sorted the candy putting the suckers together, candy bars, gum, etc all in a bag. By the time I finished I had around 25 bags of candy!
Friday night I loaded my truck up with the bags and headed to church. As people came to the Harvest Party, I lined the vehicles up to participate in the Trunk 'n Treat. I ended up with 10-12 cars to hand out the candy. I went inside to check out the party and ended up finding 8 more bags of candy to sort! As I was outside doing that and as people came to the party, they were still bring in candy! :-) I ended up with around 35 bags of candy to had out! What a blessing!
Some must have took my advice to come to the church, because we had over 300 goblins on Friday night! Another blessing. I estimate having over 7,500 pieces of candy, suckers, candy bars, etc which we gave to the Trunk 'n Treaters!
The entire night was truly a blessing. Sorry I don't have any pictures to share, I was too busy sorting and handing out candy! If you didn't make it, remember us the next Halloween. Bring your Trunk 'n Treat bag and we'll fill it up!
I wonder if 4-6 months from now if the dentist offices see a rise in patients?
I made an announcement at church for people to bring in candy if they could or if they preferred not to shop, if they wanted to donate any money, I'd be glad to purchase the candy for them.
I received $120.00 in cash and picked up the candy that was donated on Wednesday at church. The people had donated a huge box of Snickers (my fav) Kit Kats, Reese Cups, bubble gum, Butter Fingers, chocolate bars, Whoopers, Baby Ruth, suckers, etc. My living room floor was covered with candy!
I sorted the candy I had on Wednesday, made a list of what I had, then on Thursday headed to WalMart to spend my cash. I could not believe the people in the candy isle! The people were crazy! I had my trusty iPhone calculator and as Patrick would throw a bag of candy into the cart, I'd add it up! I donated $20 to the cause and when I was checked out it came to $143.00! I had another truck load of candy to sort!
The people who seen me with my cart full of candy said, "I'm coming to your house! Where do you live?" I laughed and said it was for my church, and they were welcome to come on Friday night.
Again, my living room floor was covered with chocolate! I sorted the candy putting the suckers together, candy bars, gum, etc all in a bag. By the time I finished I had around 25 bags of candy!
Friday night I loaded my truck up with the bags and headed to church. As people came to the Harvest Party, I lined the vehicles up to participate in the Trunk 'n Treat. I ended up with 10-12 cars to hand out the candy. I went inside to check out the party and ended up finding 8 more bags of candy to sort! As I was outside doing that and as people came to the party, they were still bring in candy! :-) I ended up with around 35 bags of candy to had out! What a blessing!
Some must have took my advice to come to the church, because we had over 300 goblins on Friday night! Another blessing. I estimate having over 7,500 pieces of candy, suckers, candy bars, etc which we gave to the Trunk 'n Treaters!
The entire night was truly a blessing. Sorry I don't have any pictures to share, I was too busy sorting and handing out candy! If you didn't make it, remember us the next Halloween. Bring your Trunk 'n Treat bag and we'll fill it up!
I wonder if 4-6 months from now if the dentist offices see a rise in patients?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Another week (weak) end is approaching
This past weekend sucked! I had plans to eat a the Pines with my BFF Shelley. Harold, or Mike as he prefers, was having his last barbecue of the year and I had been looking forward to it for 2 weeks. Patrick was out of school for fall break, and I was getting cabin fever from not doing anything. I took my last vacation, sick and personal days off from work thinking I would spend the days with Patrick.
Well, Ric was 'on call' for the entire week, which meant he was off on Monday, but had to work on Saturday. It turned out he worked all day and all night! Ugh. Nothing worked out as planned.
I got up Sunday to go to church. Woke Patrick and by the time I was done in the bathroom, he was laying on the couch with a rag on his head, moaning, saying he was sick. I told him if he was sick, he was heading back to bed. I actually thought he was faking it, trying to get out of going to church.
I told Ric I'd be home at 10:45, I'd call Shelley, and we'd head to the Pines. About 10:30 Ric calls me and says Patrick is still in bed, he had a slight fever and wasn't feeling good.
Well, I didn't make it to the last barbecue and I know I missed the best meal I've eaten since the last time I ate there.
You can read about how good the food was by checking out Mike's blog at:
http://thepinesonline.com/whatiscookin/?p=616
and Shelley's blog at:
http://whatifitdid.com/?p=693
and of course they included pictures!
I'm not planning anything for this weekend since Patrick still isn't up to par. I couldn't handle two weekends of disappointments.
Friday night is Halloween, the weather is suppose to be in the 70's during the day, our church has their annual Trunk 'n Treat at 8 p.m. I've purchased over $140 worth of candy to hand out, plus all the other packages of treats that have been given to me. Probaby after Friday and eating all the chocolate, we will all be sick!
Happy Halloween everyone!
Well, Ric was 'on call' for the entire week, which meant he was off on Monday, but had to work on Saturday. It turned out he worked all day and all night! Ugh. Nothing worked out as planned.
I got up Sunday to go to church. Woke Patrick and by the time I was done in the bathroom, he was laying on the couch with a rag on his head, moaning, saying he was sick. I told him if he was sick, he was heading back to bed. I actually thought he was faking it, trying to get out of going to church.
I told Ric I'd be home at 10:45, I'd call Shelley, and we'd head to the Pines. About 10:30 Ric calls me and says Patrick is still in bed, he had a slight fever and wasn't feeling good.
Well, I didn't make it to the last barbecue and I know I missed the best meal I've eaten since the last time I ate there.
You can read about how good the food was by checking out Mike's blog at:
http://thepinesonline.com/whatiscookin/?p=616
and Shelley's blog at:
http://whatifitdid.com/?p=693
and of course they included pictures!
I'm not planning anything for this weekend since Patrick still isn't up to par. I couldn't handle two weekends of disappointments.
Friday night is Halloween, the weather is suppose to be in the 70's during the day, our church has their annual Trunk 'n Treat at 8 p.m. I've purchased over $140 worth of candy to hand out, plus all the other packages of treats that have been given to me. Probaby after Friday and eating all the chocolate, we will all be sick!
Happy Halloween everyone!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Pop (less)
At the end of September I thought I would try an experiment to see if I could go for one whole month without drinking any soda pop. The first 10-12 days went pretty smoothly, then I guess I started having withdrawls or something.
I did manage to keep it out of my mind for the next 15 days, and so far, as of the 27th of October I have managed to remain without a diet pepsi, pepsi, big red, sprite, orange, or root beer for almost the entire month.
I think I've got this thing whipped now. Only 4 days left.
I'm now trying to figure out what I can add to my list to do differently for the month of November.
Maybe I will try to walk for 30 minutes, ever day, on the treadmill!
I did manage to keep it out of my mind for the next 15 days, and so far, as of the 27th of October I have managed to remain without a diet pepsi, pepsi, big red, sprite, orange, or root beer for almost the entire month.
I think I've got this thing whipped now. Only 4 days left.
I'm now trying to figure out what I can add to my list to do differently for the month of November.
Maybe I will try to walk for 30 minutes, ever day, on the treadmill!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Still standing
I got this picture today as Patrick and I were heading back from a shopping trip:
I'm sure several have seen this old school building. The date carved in the stone at the top of the entrance was 1909 and District 10. We are sure there are several who have entered this old school house and wrote their names on the walls and probably done some other things that I shouldn't mention here ;-)
I haven't been inside this school house, but probably would have today, had it not been raining. Guess I have a reason to go back!
It was just a fun day to go out and snap some pictures. It would have been better if the sun had been shining a little too!
I'm sure several have seen this old school building. The date carved in the stone at the top of the entrance was 1909 and District 10. We are sure there are several who have entered this old school house and wrote their names on the walls and probably done some other things that I shouldn't mention here ;-)
I haven't been inside this school house, but probably would have today, had it not been raining. Guess I have a reason to go back!
It was just a fun day to go out and snap some pictures. It would have been better if the sun had been shining a little too!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Beginning...Middle...
The 'Ville is buzzing about the property south on US Highway 31. James Puckett owns the property just south of Mastersbilt and has been creating quite a stir. Before he started clearing the land, it looked something like this:
Within a day you could tell a difference:
The above picture was taking from Frontage Road looking northwest. If you look closely, in the background you can see Crothersville's water tower. The next picture was taken a little farther east on Frontage Road:
Mr. Puckett tells he is just preparing the land to make it attractive for a potential buyer. Once before, when the property was cleared and put on the market, I had heard the 'Ville would be getting a Taco Bell, McDonalds, a truck stop, a hotel or a shopping mall. Of course, none of this happen, and once again the trees are being cleared, starting a frenzy of talk at local coffee shops.
Today, the rumor mills have been active again and I'm hearing talk of a Tanger Mall, a fast food chain, doctor's offices, etc. I have also heard Mr. Puckett owns the property south of I65 and has also cleared that property and will be tearing down the (former) motel that is on County Road 700.
I guess, time will tell us for sure what is happening. No matter how much talk there is, sooner or later the truth will be known.
Traveling farther on Frontage Road, there is a pile of belongs that had been uncovered during the clearing of the property. Looks like some people have lost their landfill drop off point:
Within a day you could tell a difference:
The above picture was taking from Frontage Road looking northwest. If you look closely, in the background you can see Crothersville's water tower. The next picture was taken a little farther east on Frontage Road:
Mr. Puckett tells he is just preparing the land to make it attractive for a potential buyer. Once before, when the property was cleared and put on the market, I had heard the 'Ville would be getting a Taco Bell, McDonalds, a truck stop, a hotel or a shopping mall. Of course, none of this happen, and once again the trees are being cleared, starting a frenzy of talk at local coffee shops.
Today, the rumor mills have been active again and I'm hearing talk of a Tanger Mall, a fast food chain, doctor's offices, etc. I have also heard Mr. Puckett owns the property south of I65 and has also cleared that property and will be tearing down the (former) motel that is on County Road 700.
I guess, time will tell us for sure what is happening. No matter how much talk there is, sooner or later the truth will be known.
Traveling farther on Frontage Road, there is a pile of belongs that had been uncovered during the clearing of the property. Looks like some people have lost their landfill drop off point:
Sunday, October 19, 2008
7 - 10 days ahead of the peak
Sunday afternoon my family headed up to Skyline Drive. At the top of the mountain I snapped this picture:
The leaves haven't quite made it to their full color, but it is just relaxing to go up there, sit down for awhile on the bench and look out over the tree tops.
We made our way up to where they have the shelterhouse built and got this photo:
Patrick knew there was a fire place located there, so he loaded an arm full of wood in the back of the truck, got his marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars and prepared each of us some smores. Yum! Yum!
I think we will go back next week and see the color change. Make sure to check back to see the results!
The leaves haven't quite made it to their full color, but it is just relaxing to go up there, sit down for awhile on the bench and look out over the tree tops.
We made our way up to where they have the shelterhouse built and got this photo:
Patrick knew there was a fire place located there, so he loaded an arm full of wood in the back of the truck, got his marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars and prepared each of us some smores. Yum! Yum!
I think we will go back next week and see the color change. Make sure to check back to see the results!
Sunday's Outing
With the sunny and warmer afternoons getting few and far between, my family had planned to go to the forestry today to have a fall cook out.
We had heard they were dredging the lake at the forestry, but had no idea it was to the extent it is:
Patrick can be seen in the square:
The entire lake as been drained. They have dug a channel through the lake with some huge holes for even deeper spots. Note to self: this will be where the big, lazy channel cats will stay. The arrow is pointing to Patrick:
At the bottom of the lake they have put tree stumps, tied them down so they won't be moving, laid out some large trees, and have put in a new spill way and raised the dam a few feet.
Now, we need to just wait on the rain and hopefully they will have it stocked by the spring of 2009.
It was fun walking on the bottom of the lake. I remember some 30 years ago when Hardy Lake in Scott County was being built. I still enjoy listening to my Dad tell me how he walked on the bottom of that lake as it was being built.
Today, I told Patrick, 30 years from now, he'll be able to share this memory with his children. And he will have the pictures to prove it!
We had heard they were dredging the lake at the forestry, but had no idea it was to the extent it is:
Patrick can be seen in the square:
The entire lake as been drained. They have dug a channel through the lake with some huge holes for even deeper spots. Note to self: this will be where the big, lazy channel cats will stay. The arrow is pointing to Patrick:
At the bottom of the lake they have put tree stumps, tied them down so they won't be moving, laid out some large trees, and have put in a new spill way and raised the dam a few feet.
Now, we need to just wait on the rain and hopefully they will have it stocked by the spring of 2009.
It was fun walking on the bottom of the lake. I remember some 30 years ago when Hardy Lake in Scott County was being built. I still enjoy listening to my Dad tell me how he walked on the bottom of that lake as it was being built.
Today, I told Patrick, 30 years from now, he'll be able to share this memory with his children. And he will have the pictures to prove it!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
You're working for the weekend to do what?
While at work on Friday, October 17, 2008, I get a call from a lady, I'm assuming a mother, asking me when the Town of Crothersville was going to have our trick-or-treat night.
I told her it would be on Halloween night, October 31st, from 6-8 p.m. If she wished to have the little goblins at her door to treat them, she needed to turn her porch light on to welcome them, or if she was going to be taking little ones out, she need to only visit the homes with the porch lights on.
She was shocked, so she said. She could not understand why the Town decided to do it on a Friday night. I mentioned to her that was Halloween, and what better night to trick-or-treat, than on Halloween night??
She said 'most people', including herself, work all week for Friday night to go out and drink and party and couldn't believe the Town would make trick-or-treat on a Friday night.
For a moment I was silent, (I know that is hard to believe) I guess I was in shock for a second, then said, well, maybe 'most people' need to re-think their long work week and decide on something better to do with their Friday nights than drink and drive, since it is illegal anyhow.
Maybe I'm missing something here?? I wasn't ever one to work all week to go spend my hard earned paycheck at some bar, drinking my problems away.
I guess I'm in a different generation.
If you go trick-or-treating, make sure to watch out for the little goblins, but more importantly, I guess, watch the other vehicle. It could be the lady on the other end of my conservation...driving drunk!
I told her it would be on Halloween night, October 31st, from 6-8 p.m. If she wished to have the little goblins at her door to treat them, she needed to turn her porch light on to welcome them, or if she was going to be taking little ones out, she need to only visit the homes with the porch lights on.
She was shocked, so she said. She could not understand why the Town decided to do it on a Friday night. I mentioned to her that was Halloween, and what better night to trick-or-treat, than on Halloween night??
She said 'most people', including herself, work all week for Friday night to go out and drink and party and couldn't believe the Town would make trick-or-treat on a Friday night.
For a moment I was silent, (I know that is hard to believe) I guess I was in shock for a second, then said, well, maybe 'most people' need to re-think their long work week and decide on something better to do with their Friday nights than drink and drive, since it is illegal anyhow.
Maybe I'm missing something here?? I wasn't ever one to work all week to go spend my hard earned paycheck at some bar, drinking my problems away.
I guess I'm in a different generation.
If you go trick-or-treating, make sure to watch out for the little goblins, but more importantly, I guess, watch the other vehicle. It could be the lady on the other end of my conservation...driving drunk!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wind - The sound of the future?
Check out this link:
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/wind-the-sound-of-the-future/3972854899/?icid=VIDLRVNWS03
Charles Gibson is standing in the middle of a soybean field in Bowling Green, Ohio. Above him is a wind turbine.
You might have seen these on the road and not really known what you were seeing. I wondered just how tall these were when the blades were attached and Mr. Gibson gave me the dimensions. I've seen the blades along US 31 recently:
These blades are huge.
I enjoyed Charles Gibson's news video and just wonder if something like this will be in our future?
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/wind-the-sound-of-the-future/3972854899/?icid=VIDLRVNWS03
Charles Gibson is standing in the middle of a soybean field in Bowling Green, Ohio. Above him is a wind turbine.
You might have seen these on the road and not really known what you were seeing. I wondered just how tall these were when the blades were attached and Mr. Gibson gave me the dimensions. I've seen the blades along US 31 recently:
These blades are huge.
I enjoyed Charles Gibson's news video and just wonder if something like this will be in our future?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Leaf Cam
Every year I watch this sight, usually every day or at least every other day. You can see the leaves changing at Spring Mill, French Lick, The Fort Golf Course, and Brown County. Check it out yourself and let me know what you think!
http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/leafcam/
Looks like it's time to be heading towards Brown County! :-)
http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/leafcam/
Looks like it's time to be heading towards Brown County! :-)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What did I tell you?
A couple blogs ago I made a reference to my name and not liking it. Let me give you an example. This is a quote from Harold Michael's blog at http://thepinesonline.com/whatiscookin/
"In response to a Shelley’s blog entry that was responding to Alisha’s blog entry…I am responding with this blog entry. (whew, that was confusing)"
Notice the 'H' in my name??? Ugh!
I love reading Harold Michael's blog and trying out his new recipes. Tonight, when I clicked on my desktop link to his blog sight, thinking I'd find out what he did this weekend...maybe another 72 hour long catering ordeal, or another family vacation, or something exciting to read about...what do I see?
The dreaded 'H' in my name...
Oh, well...
Don't worry Harold, I'll continue to read What's Cookin'
"In response to a Shelley’s blog entry that was responding to Alisha’s blog entry…I am responding with this blog entry. (whew, that was confusing)"
Notice the 'H' in my name??? Ugh!
I love reading Harold Michael's blog and trying out his new recipes. Tonight, when I clicked on my desktop link to his blog sight, thinking I'd find out what he did this weekend...maybe another 72 hour long catering ordeal, or another family vacation, or something exciting to read about...what do I see?
The dreaded 'H' in my name...
Oh, well...
Don't worry Harold, I'll continue to read What's Cookin'
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thanks Chris!
The first Columbus Day celebration was held in 1792, when New York City celebrated the 300th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World.
Today I'm celebrating the 516 year of his great accomplishment!
Since 1971, the holiday has been commemorated in the U.S. on the second Monday in October. It is generally observed today by banks, the bond market, the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies, most state government offices, and many school districts; however, most businesses and stock exchanges remain open.
Maybe with the stock market being open, extra people having a longer weekend, the numbers of the market will go up. I'm not holding my breath.
I think I'll go take a nap and then see what happens!
Today I'm celebrating the 516 year of his great accomplishment!
Since 1971, the holiday has been commemorated in the U.S. on the second Monday in October. It is generally observed today by banks, the bond market, the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies, most state government offices, and many school districts; however, most businesses and stock exchanges remain open.
Maybe with the stock market being open, extra people having a longer weekend, the numbers of the market will go up. I'm not holding my breath.
I think I'll go take a nap and then see what happens!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
What's in a name?
I wonder sometimes if people like their name given to them at birth. I remember when I was pregnant with Patrick. His name was going to be either Patrick or Eric. Both names have Ric in them, so Ric and I knew from day one, one of these names would be what our baby's name would be. Early on we decided on Patrick and I still think this was the best choice! Now, had Patrick been a girl...I have no idea what his name would be.
We hadn't talked about any girl names, so we had nothing picked out. Two years earlier we had chosen the name Michel'lee if we had a girl. It was something different, something no one else had ever heard of. Well, things didn't work out as we had planned and at a spur of the moment decision, we named our son, Rick K. Rick is Ric's first name and K is the initial of my middle name, Kay.
When my mom was pregnant with me, my aunt was also pregnant. They had planned whoever had their baby first would get the name Alisa and second would be Theresa. Well, you guessed it, I was the first one born. I do not like my name and wouldn't have liked my name had I been born second!
I can remember in my younger days wishing my name was Bobbie. Now, I don't like that name either. Not sure now what I would like my name to be, I just know I don't like Alisa. Too any people cannot pronounce my name properly. People usually call me Alisha, or Alissa, or some other butchered up pronunciation.
One little girl at church has always called me Alisia. It's so cute, I can't be upset with the wrong pronunciation when she comes running towards me yelling my name ;-)
I guess I should have grown up and been a rock star or a movie star and changed my name to something I liked. It amazes me some of the names the celbraties come up with for their babies. Apple, Zowie, Moon Unit...
Oh, well, guess I'll just continue to live with Alisa.
We hadn't talked about any girl names, so we had nothing picked out. Two years earlier we had chosen the name Michel'lee if we had a girl. It was something different, something no one else had ever heard of. Well, things didn't work out as we had planned and at a spur of the moment decision, we named our son, Rick K. Rick is Ric's first name and K is the initial of my middle name, Kay.
When my mom was pregnant with me, my aunt was also pregnant. They had planned whoever had their baby first would get the name Alisa and second would be Theresa. Well, you guessed it, I was the first one born. I do not like my name and wouldn't have liked my name had I been born second!
I can remember in my younger days wishing my name was Bobbie. Now, I don't like that name either. Not sure now what I would like my name to be, I just know I don't like Alisa. Too any people cannot pronounce my name properly. People usually call me Alisha, or Alissa, or some other butchered up pronunciation.
One little girl at church has always called me Alisia. It's so cute, I can't be upset with the wrong pronunciation when she comes running towards me yelling my name ;-)
I guess I should have grown up and been a rock star or a movie star and changed my name to something I liked. It amazes me some of the names the celbraties come up with for their babies. Apple, Zowie, Moon Unit...
Oh, well, guess I'll just continue to live with Alisa.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The simple life...
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a dog? Just laying there waiting for someone to rub your back, play fetch, or just to lay there watching everyone else do the work...
What a great life...
What a great life...
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Lie Detectors? Are you kidding?
I just read an article about the 9th District congressional debate which is coming up in Jasper. The debate organizer won't include lie detectors.
Are you kidding me?
Incumbent Democrat Baron Hill and his challengers, Republican Mike Sodrel and Libertarian Eric Schansberg are the candidates for the office.
It seems the 9th district republican party chairman, Larry Shickles, had asked the democrat party chairman, Mike Jones, for the candidates be connected to a polygraph machine during the debate!
Mr. Shickles says the voters need to know the truth so we will be informed on election day.
What has America come to? To have to even suggest such a thing is sad. I've often heard people wonder if politicians are telling the truth. Most have said if their mouth is moving, it probably a lie.
The committee planning the rules for the debate said the lie detectors would not be used, as Mr. Jones said it would seem "pretty bizarre."
IF the lie detectors were used, I wonder how much of the answer we'd hear from the candidate? Probably all that would be heard is, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, etc...
Are you kidding me?
Incumbent Democrat Baron Hill and his challengers, Republican Mike Sodrel and Libertarian Eric Schansberg are the candidates for the office.
It seems the 9th district republican party chairman, Larry Shickles, had asked the democrat party chairman, Mike Jones, for the candidates be connected to a polygraph machine during the debate!
Mr. Shickles says the voters need to know the truth so we will be informed on election day.
What has America come to? To have to even suggest such a thing is sad. I've often heard people wonder if politicians are telling the truth. Most have said if their mouth is moving, it probably a lie.
The committee planning the rules for the debate said the lie detectors would not be used, as Mr. Jones said it would seem "pretty bizarre."
IF the lie detectors were used, I wonder how much of the answer we'd hear from the candidate? Probably all that would be heard is, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, etc...
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
700
What a busy week! For the last couple weeks I've met my self coming and going quite often...between hair appointments, a nail appointment, a park board meeting, church meeting, volleyball games, work, grocery shopping, a sorority meeting, softball games, etc. it's been something every single night. I thought I was slowing down, but sometimes it seems I don't know how too!
I've had time to squeeze in a few glimises of the late news on the television, seen the president's speach on the 'bail out' and heard all sorts of responses to the plan. I have several different opinions and wonder where all the concern was when I needed help, or bailed out of a few of my close calls!
I'm not going to waste time blogging about the plan, or give my opinions to the mess our country is in, or who's fault I think it is, or who's to blame. My mind goes back to a recent email I received from a good friend of mine a few days ago...it was one of those 'get to know you better' emails with 10 - 30 questions. The question that caught my eye was, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"
I bet your answer today isn't the same answer you had 365 days ago! It will be interesting to see where we are all at ONE year from now...let alone 10!
I've had time to squeeze in a few glimises of the late news on the television, seen the president's speach on the 'bail out' and heard all sorts of responses to the plan. I have several different opinions and wonder where all the concern was when I needed help, or bailed out of a few of my close calls!
I'm not going to waste time blogging about the plan, or give my opinions to the mess our country is in, or who's fault I think it is, or who's to blame. My mind goes back to a recent email I received from a good friend of mine a few days ago...it was one of those 'get to know you better' emails with 10 - 30 questions. The question that caught my eye was, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"
I bet your answer today isn't the same answer you had 365 days ago! It will be interesting to see where we are all at ONE year from now...let alone 10!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Feed the children!
Crothersville students have been doing the ISTEP this week. At our house, not much has changed as far as any habits we do. As always, Patrick has his supper, nightly shower and in bed between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m. In the mornings, it's up by 7:00 a.m. sometimes another shower and breakfast then off to school by 7:45 a.m.
Sadly, some kids are so lucky. They don't receive a hot meal, hot shower or bath, 8-10 hours of sleep at night, or breakfast each morning. A group that was recently formed, called Academic Improvement, thought it would be a great idea to feed the ISTEP students breakfast on a morning before their test.
Approximately 250 kids and teachers are doing the testing each day. With the strong winds from hurricane Ike, school was cancelled last week, so the ISTEP had to be put off for a few days. Luckily with the power outages, we hadn't purchased the food yet. We decided once school got back in session this week, Tuesday would be the day we'd cook breakfast for the students testing.
Thanks to Chrystal who went shopping on Monday night and purchased the food from donations we received from our local VFW Post #1083, Scottsburg Jay-C and Mark Combs from Jay-C in Seymour.
At 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Zabrina, Chrystal, Shanna, Drew and myself were in the Home Economics room at school, boiling water for the gravy, scrambling eggs in the electric skillets, warming the sausage and biscuits in the ovens, then placing the cooked food in the warmers, waiting on the kids to show up. When it was all done, we had 3 warmers full of biscuits, 1 1/2 warmers full of peppered gravy, 2 warmers full of sausage, 2 1/2 warmers of scrambled eggs, and 16 gallons of white milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice.
After the morning announcements or first group of kids made their way to the Home Ec. room and were served by the Freshman National Honor Society volunteers who had came to the room to help me serve the food. There was about 12 different groups that made their way to the breakfast over the next two hours. It sure makes you feel good to hear the kids thank you for the breakfast and hear all the other comments about how good the food tasted, or how happy they were for the amount of food they received. Denise helped serve the scrambled eggs, her favorite job, and made sure to tell all her fellow students, "Good luck with your ISTEP test today!"
I'm not sure when the results come back to the school from the fall ISTEP testing, or if we'll just read about the scores in the newspaper. But, I'm excited about the results, and hope what we did will help the scores increase from previous years.
Guess we'll find out later...
Sadly, some kids are so lucky. They don't receive a hot meal, hot shower or bath, 8-10 hours of sleep at night, or breakfast each morning. A group that was recently formed, called Academic Improvement, thought it would be a great idea to feed the ISTEP students breakfast on a morning before their test.
Approximately 250 kids and teachers are doing the testing each day. With the strong winds from hurricane Ike, school was cancelled last week, so the ISTEP had to be put off for a few days. Luckily with the power outages, we hadn't purchased the food yet. We decided once school got back in session this week, Tuesday would be the day we'd cook breakfast for the students testing.
Thanks to Chrystal who went shopping on Monday night and purchased the food from donations we received from our local VFW Post #1083, Scottsburg Jay-C and Mark Combs from Jay-C in Seymour.
At 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Zabrina, Chrystal, Shanna, Drew and myself were in the Home Economics room at school, boiling water for the gravy, scrambling eggs in the electric skillets, warming the sausage and biscuits in the ovens, then placing the cooked food in the warmers, waiting on the kids to show up. When it was all done, we had 3 warmers full of biscuits, 1 1/2 warmers full of peppered gravy, 2 warmers full of sausage, 2 1/2 warmers of scrambled eggs, and 16 gallons of white milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice.
After the morning announcements or first group of kids made their way to the Home Ec. room and were served by the Freshman National Honor Society volunteers who had came to the room to help me serve the food. There was about 12 different groups that made their way to the breakfast over the next two hours. It sure makes you feel good to hear the kids thank you for the breakfast and hear all the other comments about how good the food tasted, or how happy they were for the amount of food they received. Denise helped serve the scrambled eggs, her favorite job, and made sure to tell all her fellow students, "Good luck with your ISTEP test today!"
I'm not sure when the results come back to the school from the fall ISTEP testing, or if we'll just read about the scores in the newspaper. But, I'm excited about the results, and hope what we did will help the scores increase from previous years.
Guess we'll find out later...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Wine or Whine
This is Tuesday evening. Just 2 days from when the electicity in our burg went off. By the reaction of a few, you would think they have been without electric for weeks! At the Town Hall we have had numerous calls of residents asking if we knew when their electric would be on again.
In a humorous call, some lady asked as I answered the phone, "Is my electricity on yet? I'm at work and wonder if my electricity is on at my house!" Now how do you respond to that? How the heck would I know if her power had been restored? I didn't have a front door key, so I had no idea. (Yes, this woman is a blonde!)
Below is a picture of the tree that fell across South Preston Street:
The resident is waiting for Duke Energy to show up and remove the down power lines from the tree before they can begin cutting and removing the tree.
After talking with a very nice lady from Duke Energy on Monday evening she told me she had no idea when the power would be restored. She said it could be as early as Wednesday or as late as Saturday. By now, the ones that are still without power have lost their freezer items, unless they have made other arrangements. Some residents are on oxygen and need the power for their pumps or they are without water due to their pump not working. The Duke lady suggested those residents make other arrangements to spend time with family members or other relatives or go to a hotel.
I think some residents just like find ways to complain no matter what and won't be happy with anything that happens.
Today, during lunch, I seen 2 Duke Energy workers in a local restaurant talking with the owner about her electric being out at her home. The workers informed her there were 2 other teams of workers on their way to our burg and would be in Town the rest of the afternoon. By the time I got back to work and shared the information with the customers who were still calling in asking questions about the power being turned back on, it started being repeated the Duke workers were sitting down at the local eatery, taking a break, while the community was without power! Grrr...isn't it funny how a good deed can quickly change with someone not repeating the truth? Guess some people just like to keep this stirred up.
In a humorous call, some lady asked as I answered the phone, "Is my electricity on yet? I'm at work and wonder if my electricity is on at my house!" Now how do you respond to that? How the heck would I know if her power had been restored? I didn't have a front door key, so I had no idea. (Yes, this woman is a blonde!)
Below is a picture of the tree that fell across South Preston Street:
The resident is waiting for Duke Energy to show up and remove the down power lines from the tree before they can begin cutting and removing the tree.
After talking with a very nice lady from Duke Energy on Monday evening she told me she had no idea when the power would be restored. She said it could be as early as Wednesday or as late as Saturday. By now, the ones that are still without power have lost their freezer items, unless they have made other arrangements. Some residents are on oxygen and need the power for their pumps or they are without water due to their pump not working. The Duke lady suggested those residents make other arrangements to spend time with family members or other relatives or go to a hotel.
I think some residents just like find ways to complain no matter what and won't be happy with anything that happens.
Today, during lunch, I seen 2 Duke Energy workers in a local restaurant talking with the owner about her electric being out at her home. The workers informed her there were 2 other teams of workers on their way to our burg and would be in Town the rest of the afternoon. By the time I got back to work and shared the information with the customers who were still calling in asking questions about the power being turned back on, it started being repeated the Duke workers were sitting down at the local eatery, taking a break, while the community was without power! Grrr...isn't it funny how a good deed can quickly change with someone not repeating the truth? Guess some people just like to keep this stirred up.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Escaping the weather ... again
Lately, when it has came to the weather, it seems we have been pushing our luck. Some of my neighbors in our small community were a little unlucky after the winds from hurricane Ike made it's way through southern Indiana.
Marvin and DeEtta Chasteen:
Our electricity was out for several hours on Sunday. I seen several lines down throughout Town and several taken down from the fallen tree branches. The only stoplight in Town was out. It's sad people don't know how to drive when the stoplight isn't working. There were several looking at Jollie Gibson Jr's place as they passed on 31:
Brian and Holly Sweany, who are good friends of mine, who live on County Road 1000 East, also had some damage to their fence around their pool:
It seems almost everyone substained some sort of broken limbs, no electric, or some sort of damage during this recent storm that passed through our small burg.
Others close to us haven't been so lucky. We should, as always, count our blessings.
Marvin and DeEtta Chasteen:
Our electricity was out for several hours on Sunday. I seen several lines down throughout Town and several taken down from the fallen tree branches. The only stoplight in Town was out. It's sad people don't know how to drive when the stoplight isn't working. There were several looking at Jollie Gibson Jr's place as they passed on 31:
Brian and Holly Sweany, who are good friends of mine, who live on County Road 1000 East, also had some damage to their fence around their pool:
It seems almost everyone substained some sort of broken limbs, no electric, or some sort of damage during this recent storm that passed through our small burg.
Others close to us haven't been so lucky. We should, as always, count our blessings.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
High Banks at Salem
A few weeks ago we traveled to Salem for the evening race sponsored by Jay-C Foods.
The Jay-C Company gave the employees free tickets and then fed us all the chicken, mashed potatoes, slaw, rolls, and drinks we could consume. After each race throughout the evening, Mr. Bowen would post winning numbers in the air conditioned suite. We were lucky enough to win a $20 gift card along with several coupons for free items at our local Jay-C store.
To me, the race wasn't all that great as I knew none of the drivers who were racing. The view we had was pretty, but that was about it:
Each of us would pick a car number at the beginning of the race of the car we thought would cross the finish line first. I never won, but it didn't matter.
I found this picture in the suite. It's a very young Tony, back in the day when he was at Salem.
I was never lucky enough to see him race then, but I wondered if any of the drivers driving the day we were at Salem would someday be a famous NASCAR driver. Guess time will tell...
As we were leaving after a long night of racing, the pace car was setting just outside of the grandstand. Of course I had to take another picture:
The Jay-C Company gave the employees free tickets and then fed us all the chicken, mashed potatoes, slaw, rolls, and drinks we could consume. After each race throughout the evening, Mr. Bowen would post winning numbers in the air conditioned suite. We were lucky enough to win a $20 gift card along with several coupons for free items at our local Jay-C store.
To me, the race wasn't all that great as I knew none of the drivers who were racing. The view we had was pretty, but that was about it:
Each of us would pick a car number at the beginning of the race of the car we thought would cross the finish line first. I never won, but it didn't matter.
I found this picture in the suite. It's a very young Tony, back in the day when he was at Salem.
I was never lucky enough to see him race then, but I wondered if any of the drivers driving the day we were at Salem would someday be a famous NASCAR driver. Guess time will tell...
As we were leaving after a long night of racing, the pace car was setting just outside of the grandstand. Of course I had to take another picture:
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A great evening of meetings
If anyone knows my daily schedule knows it's pretty full of extra curricular activities. Tonight was no different. It's Wednesday, so that means I have 1/2 day off of my daily job. For that reason, I always plan most of my extra curricular errands on Wednesday. I've recently volunteered to head up some new activities. (Don't ask me why I said yes, because I thought I'd learned to say no, guess I didn't!)
Anyhow, this afternoon I headed north to Seymour to place an order from the Engraver for a baby contest I am in charge of, only to step out of my truck and hear my reminder alarm going off! It was reminding me of a meeting I had at school beginning at 3 p.m. It was 2:45 p.m.! Gasp! I have 15 minutes to make it back to the 'Ville! I wasn't going to make it. I got my trophies ordered and started back, made a few phone calls and was in the meeting by 3:10 p.m. Whew!
I was recently asked to join an academic improvement committee at the Junior Senior High School. One of our many goals is to get more parents involved in with the happenings at the school. The elementary has their PTO group but we have no goal at this time to start this at the high school level, but some of their ideas could work for the high school. Right now, our main objective is to promote parent participation, which in turn, will benefit the students.
At a recent Athletic Booster meeting, a comment was made of the students that they needed to realize the school belonged to them and they need to take (and show) ownership. I'm not sure when it changed from when I was in school, but I know sometime between 1978 and 1992, it changed, drastically. Progress can be made, but it will take time for the change to come about. Hopefully, our newly established committee with make progress and the community will be behind us and see the changes.
My second meeting of the night was our first meeting for the newly organized Park Board. I came away from the meeting really pumped and ready for more change. Vice President Sam Kuhen, Secretary Terry Richey, Board Member Jimmy Shirley and Steve Prather, along with myself, President. What a great, great group of people. Together we have lots of ideas and together we will make a difference.
Make sure to watch Countryside Park AND Bard Street Park for changes. It will happen!
Whew, what a night!
Anyhow, this afternoon I headed north to Seymour to place an order from the Engraver for a baby contest I am in charge of, only to step out of my truck and hear my reminder alarm going off! It was reminding me of a meeting I had at school beginning at 3 p.m. It was 2:45 p.m.! Gasp! I have 15 minutes to make it back to the 'Ville! I wasn't going to make it. I got my trophies ordered and started back, made a few phone calls and was in the meeting by 3:10 p.m. Whew!
I was recently asked to join an academic improvement committee at the Junior Senior High School. One of our many goals is to get more parents involved in with the happenings at the school. The elementary has their PTO group but we have no goal at this time to start this at the high school level, but some of their ideas could work for the high school. Right now, our main objective is to promote parent participation, which in turn, will benefit the students.
At a recent Athletic Booster meeting, a comment was made of the students that they needed to realize the school belonged to them and they need to take (and show) ownership. I'm not sure when it changed from when I was in school, but I know sometime between 1978 and 1992, it changed, drastically. Progress can be made, but it will take time for the change to come about. Hopefully, our newly established committee with make progress and the community will be behind us and see the changes.
My second meeting of the night was our first meeting for the newly organized Park Board. I came away from the meeting really pumped and ready for more change. Vice President Sam Kuhen, Secretary Terry Richey, Board Member Jimmy Shirley and Steve Prather, along with myself, President. What a great, great group of people. Together we have lots of ideas and together we will make a difference.
Make sure to watch Countryside Park AND Bard Street Park for changes. It will happen!
Whew, what a night!
Positive vs Negative
Does a postive plus a negative equal a postive? Does a negative times a postive equal a negative?
Have you ever just sat and noticed how people react to their surroundings? If three people are in a room, 2 postive and 1 negative, chances are the negative person will leave the room with a postive attitude...usually.
During the course of a day, we can choose to be with the postive or we can choose to be with the negative. Sometimes, like during work shifts, not everyone has their chance to move away from a negative contact. It's always nicer to be around someone who has a postive outlook on life, rather than someone who is constantly complaining about something.
Me, I choose to surround myself with postive people. It's easy for me to ignore a negative person. Not feel sorry for them, but just ignore them, but notice the way they are missing out on lots of happiness. It's their choice, not mine.
Now, for the answer to the question above. If you have 2 bad apples and you times it by 2, then you have 4 bad apples! So in your life, if you are surrounded by bad apples, always remember you will be negative.
Good luck!
Have you ever just sat and noticed how people react to their surroundings? If three people are in a room, 2 postive and 1 negative, chances are the negative person will leave the room with a postive attitude...usually.
During the course of a day, we can choose to be with the postive or we can choose to be with the negative. Sometimes, like during work shifts, not everyone has their chance to move away from a negative contact. It's always nicer to be around someone who has a postive outlook on life, rather than someone who is constantly complaining about something.
Me, I choose to surround myself with postive people. It's easy for me to ignore a negative person. Not feel sorry for them, but just ignore them, but notice the way they are missing out on lots of happiness. It's their choice, not mine.
Now, for the answer to the question above. If you have 2 bad apples and you times it by 2, then you have 4 bad apples! So in your life, if you are surrounded by bad apples, always remember you will be negative.
Good luck!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
More yearbook memories
Do I have photograph of you? If I do, you might want to get a little worried...
Wonder if he'll look like this in ten years?
...or 20?
Recongize this one?
Wonder if he'll look like this in ten years?
...or 20?
Recongize this one?
Relaxing returns
Sitting in my favorite chair, with a good book, looking out the window in between pages....Ahhh, peaceful.
Butt...
Everyone's heard the saying, "Don't expect me to stick my head up your butt and read your mind!" Well, you'll never see me going there, on anyone. However, if for some reason I don't know the answer, you can bet I will do everything in my power to find the correct answer. It won't be some sort of hog wash, made up answer, but the truth, always the truth.
In return, I expect the same. To me, there is nothing more annoying than a liar. Lie to me once, then I'm done, adios, good-by, farewell.
The best quote ever is, "If you speak the truth, you don't have to have a good memory!" How true!
In return, I expect the same. To me, there is nothing more annoying than a liar. Lie to me once, then I'm done, adios, good-by, farewell.
The best quote ever is, "If you speak the truth, you don't have to have a good memory!" How true!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
My 1950 - 2000 year book photos...
Fun and funny stuff. Reading Shelley and Perry's blog today and seeing the fun they were having with their yearbook pictures, I thought I'd try my hand at it. This is a 1950's photo. The scary view of this one is when the picture appeared -- I had to gasp! It was like looking at my mother!
This one is funny too. Sometimes after my hairdresser has given me a new perm...I actually look like this!
Me as a blonde!
And last but not least...the year I graduated... 1978! If you are wondering, my Senior picture DID NOT look anything like this!
This one is funny too. Sometimes after my hairdresser has given me a new perm...I actually look like this!
Me as a blonde!
And last but not least...the year I graduated... 1978! If you are wondering, my Senior picture DID NOT look anything like this!
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