Numbers

Everyone strives to be number one, but to achieve the status of the best, doesn't always mean you are the winner with the highest number.

The winner of a basketball or football game or soccer match has the highest score. The winner of a golf match is the lowest score.

In school, you want to achieve 100 rather than 75.

With your health the highest number isn't always the best, and sometimes the lowest number is just as bad.

Can't we all just be normal? How easy would that be to achieve?

Small Town

I was born in a small town
and I live in a small town
probably die in a small town
oh, those small communities

Those are some of the lyrics to one of my favorite John Mellencamp songs!

Sometimes small town communities can be a good thing, sometimes it is more drama than one can bare. Yesterday, in Crothersville, it was a good thing. Two gentlemen from a utility came to our small town Town Hall to inquire about an address and gentleman who they had an appointment with.

They had been to Mr. X's address, but he was not home. The utility workers had been to our Town Hall in the past and obtained information on addresses and individuals and wanted to try us again to see if we could help them.

The homeowner in question is usually in one of two places. If he's not home, he's at a local establishment visiting with his friends. When the utility workers told us they needed inside Mr. X's home to make repairs and he wasn't answering the door, they asked if we knew where he might be. "Sure do" I said. I called the local VFW Post and asked the manager if Mr. X was there (like he always is!) To my surprise, he wasn't! I couldn't believe it!

A friend of his was going out of town to a flea market and he decided to tag along. Mr. X had a brother who was at the VFW and he was going to call another brother who would meet the utility workers at Mr. X's residence.

Problem solved...only in a small town...almost...

Twenty minutes later the utility workers show back up telling us the brother never showed and wondered if we could make another phone call to him to see what was happening. Calling the VFW manager again and asking the brother to call the other brother and have the utility worker go back to Mr. X's residence and wait again.

I guess something wasn't working correctly because a few minutes later the utility worker comes back telling us no one ever showed up and he was wondering if I could reschedule Mr. X's appointment!

I called the manager again and ask what time Mr. X usually shows up at the VFW.
We determined sometime between noon and 2:00 pm would be a good time to reschedule Mr. X's appointment.

After this was all over I wondered if we were in Indianapolis, Louisville, Chicago, or any other larger city, these utility workers and Mr. X wouldn't have been so lucky to have their appointment rescheduled.

Sometimes small town's can be a good thing...

Well, I was born in a small town
and I can breathe in a small town
gonna die in a small town
ah, that's probably where they'll bury me.

Always On My Mind

Today, August 16, 1977, 34 years ago...What were you doing? I was 17 and babysitting my younger brother, Larry, as both my parents were working. During the afternoon I was washing the dishes for the day when my friend pulled in the driveway. As she was getting out of the car to tell me the sad news, I heard it on the radio...Elvis Presley was dead!

WHAT? How could that be? Of course back then we didn't have cable TV in Uniontown, Indiana, HLN, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Vinnie Politan, or Jane Velez Mitchell. We just had local news and the radio.

Elvis was and will always be the King and we will continue play is music and smile when we hear his voice.

I had the chance to go see in in the summer of '77, but declined the free ticket and thought I'd see him the next time he was in Indianapolis or Louisville. Little did I realize that concert was his last one he'd ever do!

Pictures and Adventures!

Our family home away from home for the week while we were on vacation...



This year our family grew by four people. My BFF's Shelley and Perry, along with Perry's nephews, Coty and Alex, joined us for a week of fun and relaxation. And that's exactly what we did!

Here's a couple pictures of inside our cabin in the Smokies at Hidden Mountain Resorts...





I never got my camera out of the bag until the day we left, so I didn't capture all of our good times, I was too busy relaxing in our private pool...and cooking!!! :D We had everything, including the kitchen sink! From grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and sausage, mini meatloaf (A1 is the best!), tater tot casserole, goulash, cheesy and twice baked potatoes, chicken wraps, and that was just the supper meals!

I was in my element for the week...setting up menus, and creating delicious meals and desserts for my 'guests' and watching them enjoy eating and coming back for seconds!

Sadly, the week came to an end, but not before we solved all the problems of the world and made some memories that will last a lifetime!





Until we meet again...Good bye Tennessee...

Another Year Older

This morning at 7:09 a.m. Patrick was another year older. Seventeen years! Where has the time gone? I thought it was just a few months ago I brought this bundle of joy home...



This next picture is of Patrick at about 5 months old. He is wearing the same outfit his dad wore and had his picture taken about 35 years earlier...



His smile still melts my heart...





Lighting the candles, all 17 of 'em, making a wish and blowing them out...



No matter how many birthdays Patrick has, he'll always be my baby...

Uh Maze Ing

Isn't it strange how just a few hours down the road can make a huge difference in your life? Old friends, new friends, family...sometimes I think I will never go back too reality. Maybe I won't!

Read this:

Ear Swan Forth Erode

It says, "Here's one for the road"

Another...

I'm Issues Home Hutch

It says, "I miss you so much"

And lastly...

Tanks Ford Deem Emmma Reese

"Thanks for the memories"

...and I say, "In just a few days we've created memories that will last a life time!"

I Know She's Smiling Saying, "Don't Worry About Me"

Some days are harder than others. Some days I laugh, some days I smile, then some days I cry. Every time I hear this song I shed a tear, but then I see her million dollar smile, feel her touch, and hear her say, "Don't worry 'bout me."



Why did she have to go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, wife and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
Then asking for His love
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
Will always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
Don't worry 'bout me
Don`t worry 'bout me

PepsiCo Funding Crap!

Today when I get home and open my mailbox I find a brochure from Seymour High School. They are informing me and many others in Jackson County that they are accepting out of district enrollment applications for grades 9-12!!!! If your goal is to be the BEST, join the Best! (insert laughter here!) In small, bold print at the bottom it says funding for the preparation and mailing of this brochure is generously provided by PepsiCo.

To keep you updated, YOU wasted alot of money on this crap PepsiCo!

Opening the brochure I find courses students can choose at SHS, C4 classes, pictures of a classroom, soccer, football, baseball, golf, basketball, tennis, a swimming pool and the weight room. On another page I see cheerleaders pictures, drama, track, volleyball wrestling, choir, band, softball, FFA and more blah, blah, blah about the technology, labs, clubs, organizations and arts clubs offered at SHS.

What is Seymour scared of?

Why send out these brochures to Jackson County residents?

Who came up with this idea?

Again, what is Seymour scared of?

I believe Crothersville is moving forward and moving quickly. Has someone in the Seymour school systems been taking notes of our progression? New technology is coming to CHS.

Crothersville Community Schools 1:1 initiative has made the national spotlight in the Scholastic School Administrator Magazine. The school will also be featured in the Back to School print addition. This is a HUGE recognition for CHS. Crothersville is one of only 10 schools in the nation to receive the best in tech recognition. Everyone should be proud of Crothersville!

Here's a couple links I'd like to share:

http://blogs.scholastic.com/bestintechtoday/2011/07/kuno-11-android-drew-markel.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMpDN7-oBaA&feature=related

Also, new CISCO phone install is almost completed. All staff and teachers will have access to their own personal voicemail. Also with the addition of a PRI data line the corporation has unlimited long distance calling. This technology compliments the technology that is already in place at CHS.

Yup, Crothersville is moving up in the world!

To answer my own question from early..."Yes, Seymour I guess you are scared!"

Signed: Proud parent of a Crothersville Junior Senior High School Student!

Final Liftoff

Today NASA launched the Atlantis space shuttle for the final time.



After 33 years and 135 missions this will mark the end of the space shuttle adventures when Atlantis lands on July 20, 2011. Someone has decided it is too expensive to continue with the shuttle program.

After a few delays this morning, I watched as the shuttle blasted off from the launch pad in Florida. As the shuttle turned in the sky and made its way into the clouds, I heard the ground crew instruct the astronauts to "go with throttle up"

I cringe when I hear those words.

In January 1986, as teacher Christa McAuliffe and six others made their way into space, the crew at Kennedy Space Center instructed the Challenger space shuttle to "go with throttle up" then the shuttle exploded.

Then there was silence.

What a terrible feeling I still remember 25 years later. Today's mission however, seemed to go off without any problems. They will docking at the space station, unloading supplies, then headed back to earth at the end of the week.

Going to outer space and back has fulfilled many dreams. Maybe Mars isn't out of the question!

Justice?

My favorite picture of a little girl I never knew,
but yet I knew everything about her.

Caylee Marie Anthony.



Today, July 5, 2011, Caylee's mother, Casey Marie Anthony was found not guilty on all counts of murdering her 2-year old daughter in Florida.

Sadly, I think the devil was victorious today.

365 Days Have Passed

At this time last year, Patrick and I were trying to figure out what to take to a Fourth of July cookout at my bestest friends home. We ended up taking 7-layer dip and chips to share with everyone.

Later in the evening, as the sun had set, we enjoyed some fireworks Kendra had purchased in Tennessee a few weeks earlier. We had a great time, ate some great food, and shared some memoriable laughs.

We were actually planning on traveling together on our next vacation in July 2011. Little did I know at the time that would never take place.

There's not been a day that has went by where I've not thought of Kendra. Whether it be a tear that's fell, or a smile, and even laughter at times, I've thought of her every single day and miss the awesome times we shared together.

I want to share a couple photos I have of Kendra. She was beautiful inside and out and an amazing friend, who I miss dearly.



Rest in Peace Kendra!

To Tell The Truth

There are so many players involved in the Casey Anthony murder trial. If you have watched any of the coverage at all you'll recognize the following names.

Casey's deceased daughter Caylee, Casey's parents, George and Cynthia, and her brother Lee.

Today was day 41 on Casey's murder trial. A day where over 92,000 bloggers at WFTV.com watched the court proceedings. Roy Kronk, a meter reader for the Orlando area and the man who found Caylee's remains in a wooded area, was scheduled to be on the stand today. He was. Chaney Mason, part of the defense team, tried to discredit Mr. Kronk. The defense claims Mr. Kronk received little Caylee's body from George and stored her body from June through December, 2008, then disposed of her remains in the wooded area.

After the defense questioning, the prosecution asked Roy if he knew George, Cindy, Lee, Casey, or Caylee. Each time he answered 'no'. He's telling the truth and I believe him!

Later in the day George was asked to take the stand for the fifth time. This time he was asked about an alleged affair he had with River Cruz. He denied the affair and I believe him.

After George was Cindy. This was the seventh time Cindy had been in the witness seat. She was asked if she had sent anyone to the area where Caylee was eventually found to video tape someone looking for Caylee's remains. She said no when asked three different times. Each time she lied, in my opinion.

Next was brother Lee taking the witness stand. He was asked if he knew anything about his mother sending someone to video tape the search of Caylee's remains. He stated his mother and he had gotten into a argument about the search and video tapping of the area. Lee was upset because Cindy had someone looking for Caylee's remains, rather than a live Caylee. He stated all of the video tapping was done at her request. In my opinion, Lee is telling the truth.

On the cable channel you can watch Jane Velez Mitchell, Nancy Grace, Dr Drew, Vinnie Politan, In Session and several other shows totally devoted to the Casey Anthony murder trial. I find it odd when you watch the hosts of the shows and their guests, they are describing the latest happenings in the court room and what had taken place for the day, it's a little different than what I had actually seen happened for the day.

Here is a link to a video showing a mad Casey Anthony:

http://www.wftv.com/video/28380321/index.html

This was after the prosecution and defense team had been at a sidebar with Judge Belvin Perry. To me, it looks as if Casey is mad at her lead attorney, Jose Baez and is telling Chaney Mason what she thinks of what just happened at the sidebar. As Baez turns around to look at Casey, she acts like a child who's been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She doesn't want Baez seeing her giving him hell and is trying to conceal her anger. Once he turns around, she is talking in Mason's ear about what happened. To hear the media tell it, she realizes the cameras are on her and she is changing her tune. Again, I think they are wrong.

Nancy Grace stated it was Casey who demanded from her attorneys they test her to see if she is competent to stand trial, when actually it was the defense team who asked the court to have her tested. Again the media was wrong.

I'm only one of over 90,000 bloggers and 2.5 million hits on a website, waiting to see if the truth will ever be told.

When you raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God, I'd hate to be the one not telling the truth!

Sadly, no one, other than Casey, will know what truly happened to her little 2-year old Caylee Marie Anthony on a hot summer day in June 2008.

Will Casey take the stand and swear to tell the truth, or won't she?

Priceless

Fish sandwich $3.50

Chips $0.50

Pepsi $1.25

A front row seat for the weekend at the Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department's 45th annual truck and tractor pulls in Tampico...



...with 10,000+ other friends...




...PRICELESS!

Anticipation/Disappointment

More of the Casey Anthony trial...

Today was the 31st day of the trial, including jury selection.

Caylee Marie Anthony was missing for 31 days before her grandmother called 911 to report her missing.

Today, June 16, (2008) is the last day anyone seen Caylee alive.

Today, June 16, (2011) is the first day the attorneys have started presenting their case to the jury in defense of Casey.

Mounds of evidence have been compiled and presented to the jury by the State. Over 300 items have been entered into evidence. Over 50 individuals, friends, family, police, FBI agents, crime scene investigators, etc., have testified for the State.

Wednesday was a day of anticipation. The opening day for the defense. What a day of disappointment! Jose Baez, lead attorney for the defense, was windy and boring. One journalist made a comment that Judge Belvin Perry was going to have to ask the jurors what type of eggnog they liked, because at the pace the defense was going, they'd be there till Christmas!!

Today at 3PM, balloons were released in memory of Caylee Marie. As the balloons floated up into the sky, people outside the courthouse in Orlando, Florida cried.

I seriously wonder how some of these people involved with this case sleep at night?

Day 32 tomorrow!

Day 30 About To Start!

What have you been doing for the past 30 days? I've been keeping up-to-date with the Casey Anthony trial in Orlando, Florida. For those of you out of the loop, Casey is the mother accused of killing her 2-year old daughter, Caylee Marie in 2008. For 31 days Casey told no one about her missing daughter. It wasn't until Casey's mother Cindy finally found Casey and started asking questions that Casey admitted she had not seen her daughter Caylee for a month!

www.cayleedaily.com

The above link will give you a complete update on the case from day one.

Day 30, which is today, finds the State of Florida about to wrap up the case against Ms. Anthony. I feel it's too soon. There is so much information they have not shared with the jury, but hopefully what they have shared will be enough to convict Casey of this horrible crime.

I took a break from watching the case this past Saturday. (day 27) The previous night I had a dream during the night I was out searching for Caylee's body. I was going through the woods, looking for any signs of the little 2-year old. About the time I spotted what appeared to be Caylee, my dream shifted to the courtroom. I was seated in the witness seat answering questions from Jeff Ashton! My dream sifted again as Jose Baez, lead attorney for the defense, started to question me. Along with the other jurors, I was seated in the jury listening to the testimony of a expert witness!

I never got to complete my dream because I was startled by the alarm going off. I thought after my restless night of dreaming about this case, I'd better take a day away from it, but little did I know, I was going to get a break on Monday also. Yesterday the State needed to quit early since their next witness would not be coming to Florida till this afternoon.

I wish it was 1:00PM and Judge Belvin Perry was bringing in the jury! I've had my 'break' and I'm ready to get back to hearing this case against Ms. Anthony! I'll be sure to post when the trial is over and let you know the outcome...unless I dream it first!

What Is It?

This morning started out early then quickly got interesting. Patrick's class hosted a co-ed volleyball tournament today. We had a great group of athletes to compete throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

As normal, I was up early and finishing up on some last minute paper work. Once I got that done, I was off to the volleyball court. Of course, Patrick had to drive separate from me, since he would be staying longer or leaving early than I planned.

As I was getting set up for the day, I hear a loud knock at the door and my phone rings. Patrick is on the other end all excited telling me he had found an albino creature. I laughed and told him I would be right there...

This is what I found when I opened the door:



I'm not sure it's an albino, but it was quite interesting!

All I Can Do Is Smile

Yes, I know. This has the same title as my previous blog post. There is reason behind it.

My favorite brother...yes, I know...I have TWO brothers. I can call ONE of them my favorite...cause my other brother doesn't have the internet! haha!

Anyway, I had to laugh this week when my brother Guy called me and told me I almost had the lyrics to one of his favorite songs as my blog title. I never thought of it at the time, and probably would have never realized it, unless he would have pointed it out to me.

Here we go...

All I Can Do Is Smile

I absolutely love spring sports. Baseball, softball, track, and golf. Don't get me wrong...I like volleyball and basketball too, but it's just something about the outdoors in the spring that makes the sports more enjoyable.

Sadly, the spring sports for my family ended Friday. The golf team traveled to Otis Park to play in their sectional. This was my second time there and it was still as beautiful as the first time.



The team started out on hole 10 at 8a.m. and played through hole 18, then tee'd off on hole 1 a little after 10a.m. to complete their 18 holes for the day. The weather was beautiful with almost perfect temperature.

What was really working good was Patrick's shots. He finished the back 9 holes and set a new school record with a score of 40, breaking the old school record of 42. The news spread like wildfire and everyone was congratulating Patrick as he made his way to the next 9 holes. I quickly found out if he could tally a 56 on the second 9, he'd break the record for 18 holes.

He had just scored a 40, surely he could do 9 more holes in less than 56 hits. Well, YES he did! Patrick ended up hitting 47 on the front 9, for a total of 87...a school record for 18 holes!






Patrick had a nice young man from Eastern Greene who was his with him all morning and most of the afternoon. His name was Landon. Hopefully we will get to see him and his mother again next spring!



It seems just like yesterday our spring sports consisted of coaching Patrick in pee-wee league baseball. My, my, where has the time gone??

Congratulations son, I'm extremely proud of the young man you have become.

Believe It!

A couple weeks ago Jay the weatherman said we were already 8 inches above the rainfall total for the year and it was only April! After the last couple weeks of rain, we are probably flirting with 10 to 12 inches above normal. By the time August gets here our overall rain total will probably be in the minus column. Seems like there can never be a happy medium.

The kids have been trying to play baseball, softball, and have track meets, but most have been cancelled due to the wet weather conditions. I'll share some pictures with everyone so we can look back at these in a few months and say remember when...

Hopefully a home baseball game is in our near future, but right now it don't look to promising...



A golf match at Westwood, in Scottsburg, would be nice...



Heading east on Crothersville Road, 600 South, is a little difficult. If you had a boat, you could easily make it to Hardy Lake!



The railroad bridge, south of Town, is still standing in the swollen river.



I hear my dad tell of when he was a kid and had to walk to school, in the snow, up hill, both ways! Of course there isn't any pictures to prove this theory. Well, years from know when I'm telling my grand kids how expensive everything was, I'll have pictures to prove it!



This picture was taken on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Since then, 4 days ago, the price has increased to $4.28, but as of May 3rd it's $4.09. Memorial weekend, $5.00, probably :(

Sadness

Around 2 o'clock today I got a call from a former co-worker telling me about our friend Don had just passed away. I have so many good and funny memories of Don and the things he used to do to try to get the 'girls in the office' railed. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn't. The best of times is when Nancy, Marlene, and I would get one over on Don. At first he wouldn't laugh, but later, sometimes years later, he'd finally see the humor we were trying to create!



Above is a picture of the Town Council president, Bill, with Don after his retirement, receiving his plaque from the Town.

I know Don's in a much better place, finally pain free, and full of joy. I'm sure Danny is happy to see him again and they have probably already pulled a few pranks! I'm sure going to miss him.

Happy Birthday To My Dad

April 21st, my favorite dad turned 79 years old.



Happy birthday!

More Tennessee

I don't think I could ever get tired of Tennessee. I keep looking through pictures of when Patrick and I were there over Spring Break and laugh at the fun times we had.

The penguins at the aquarium were funny. Every time you put your had up to the glass, the little penguins thought you were going to feed them. The workers had a set time they would come to the penguin area and feed them sardines. They were use to the workers and weren't a bit afraid of the humans. I'm sure they would make awesome pets!



The colors of the fish were beautiful. This is one of my favorites.



Of course a trip to Tennessee isn't complete until you stop at the Outdoor World Bass Pro shop!



I'm ready to go back already!

Fun Spring Times!

While in Tennessee the end of March, Patrick and I went the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg. If you haven't been there, you should drop what you are doing and go! Each time we have been to Tennessee, we've said we would go to the aquarium, but for some reason or another, we didn't. Sure glad we went this time and seen what we have been missing! I didn't have my Cannon camera, but had my trusty iPhone instead. The quality of the pictures aren't as good as they could have been, but you can still enjoy their beauty.

These are the dreaded jelly fish. I was stung by some just like these when I was in Florida as a little girl. Needless to say, it ruined my entire vacation, and I've not cared for the monsters since!



As we were making our way around the exhibits, we came across one of the largest shark skulls ever assembled.



When we were done at the aquarium, Patrick had a coupon for a FREE shark tooth necklace. He was so excited to get something for FREE! I was trying to explain to him if it's free, sometimes it's not worth a whole lot.



I think he had figured it out in less than three minutes...that's about as long as the necklace lasted, before it broke! ;-)

As mentioned in an earlier post, the weather and spring season in Tennessee had been a little ahead of the weather here in the 'Ville. Lots of trees in full bloom...



Even the evenings were gorgeous!



Early in the morning as the sun made it's way through the Smokies made for a memoriable picture too...

The Birthday Girl

I heard on the radio this morning a person starts feeling old at the age of 58! Wow! that's young to me! I've still got a few years from that age, so I am going to continue to feel good!



I had a fun celebration with family and friends along with more birthday wishes in one day than I've ever had before! Thanks everyone! I appreciate all of you!

Spring Break

Spring Break -- Tennessee Style

We had several options for spring break this year, but decided on our favorite summer and fall home away from home, Tennessee. Our cabin for the week, Angel Mountain Retreat.



As we left Indiana and traveled south through Kentucky, and made our way into Tennessee, you could tell right away the weather had been warmer to the south than it was for us in Indiana.





The trees were budding, the flowers were blooming, the birds were chirpping, and the smell of the air was, well...just spring!