Dreamin' On

Got to thinking tonight (watch it! I saw that smirk!). What if you could have your dream vacation with whoever and wherever and whatever you want with you.

What would it be?

Islands?
Mountains?
Desert?
Home?

Not positive sure where I'd want to go, but here's some things I'd like there:

rocks
trees
plants
flowers

Cool breezes
Mostly sun, occasional rain with rainbow--gotta have some rainbows. Not too much lightning or thunder.

My pets
Family (well, most of the time!!)
friends (a few at a time, please. Can't handle all of you at once!)

Sometimes just hubby and me.

Nights out, riding, eating out, sitting and watching the stars and moon, talking, laughter, silence

Good books, including my Bible

Good food
Good water

My computer. Couldn't leave without that. Why, what if I got some good plots and thoughts to type?

Oh, yeah. (Blush here) I guess I'll have to have my cell phone.
No arguments now, I've got a good reason . . . what if my agent calls with "the call?"

You wouldn't want me to miss that on the dream vacation of my life, would you?

Happy dreams, folks.



Quote:
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. --Theodore Roosevelt


Blessings!

Fun! Fun! Fun!


Gotta say, I had tons of fun Saturday. Met with some of my writing buddies and had a very enjoyable afternoon.

We listened to some interesting and valuable information coming from a published peer who challenged us to "get out there to promote our books." Linore Burkard is her name.

We relaxed in a pleasant and lovely home of writing buddy Kathy who fed us until we were stuffed with tons of delicious food, including grilled hamburgers and brats, fruit, salads, deviled eggs, chips and dips, candy, cookies, brownies, cheesecake, and drinks. She made us feel right at home.

We re-introduced ourselves (for the new ones) and talked about our writing genres and interests and what we had already accomplished and also what we wanted to do. We socialized in a good atmosphere and talked about our upcoming conference and other closer writing opportunities.

It was nice hearing about everyone's current projects, and some of the lesser known authors were able to do a little promoting so that we could have an idea of what books from our friends are available.

THEN: I won the door prize of a writing book. Yeah! Of course, I'm always up for a laugh, so decorated my name's paper, with the words, "Pick me." Mean ole Sharon (our chapter president--just kidding, she's a sweetheart and such a wonderful leader!) made sure the person who drew a name didn't get a chance to see my note!

I couldn't believe it when she called my name. I'm so excitable, you would have thought I'd got the call from a publisher! LOL.

Have a great evening, friends. We've already had one storm and sounds like another one's making it's way across our gray sky.

Stay safe!



Quote:
Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it. --Anne Shirley


Blessings!

Gorgeous!

Got two new flower beds this spring/summer started that we'd wanted for several years. Still one more to go--maybe this summer, maybe next.

I do a lot of transplanting. By trial and error, I've found certain plants do well in certain parts of my gardens. Along one wall of railroad ties, I've tried roses and other plants that just refuse to grow or do well. But last year I went with more "settled," "less moody" plants like Hostas and Indian paint brush and other hardier stuff. Perfect for that location!

In another bed, I had Impatiens and were they wonderful! The next year they drooped and withered all summer. I think I found the source of the problem, but decided to forgo planting them this year and did something entirely different. With a few stepping stones, an iron table and love seat the spot is a great relaxing area.

The two new beds are filled with transplants and only a few "new, bought" plants. We'll see how it goes with them. I'm pretty sure I've got the right balance on them, but a couple years will tell the tale.

I'm trying a few new and beautiful cannas this year and a couple of other plants I haven't had. We'll see how they do.

I've still got the big one to form at the end of our driveway, some around our back deck and up in the woods from there, and a few places here and there. But it'll come . . . with time, patience, and some work.

How's your's doing?


Quote:
Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute. --Josh Billings


Blessings!

Crazy, Crazy Laws

Promised you more. Here they are:

• In Missouri, a man must have a permit to shave. Don't they love beards down that way?
• The law states that more than 3000 sheep cannot be herded down Hollywood Blvd. at any one time.
• In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel. What?
• California law prohibits a woman from driving a car while dressed in a housecoat. Better that than some outfits!
• In Memphis, Tennessee, a woman is not to drive a car unless a man warns approaching motorists or pedestrians by walking in front of the car that is being driven. They really take women driving serious!

• In Tennessee it's against the law to drive a car while sleeping. A real no-brainer!
• In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile. Surely, they wouldn't do that, now do you think?
• In Georgia, it's against the law to slap a man in the front of the back. Well, where else?
• In Kentucky, it's the law that a person must take a bath once a year. Unfair, I says, unfair!
• In Utah, birds have the right of way on any public highway. That's why I saw so many cars stopped!

Enjoy!

Quote:
Dream as if you'll live forever.
Live as if you'll die today.

Blessings

Strange Laws

What makes our minds work like they do? My son read some of these to me today. Thought you'd enjoy them.

• It against the law in Connecticut for a man to write love letters to a girl whose mother or father has forbidden the relationship. (What? it's 1820?)
• In Michigan married couples must live together -- or be imprisioned. (That makes sense. LOL)
• In the state of Colorado, a pet cat, if loose, must have a tail light. (Oh, ho, how does that work?)
• In Phoenix, Arizona, you can't through a hotel lobby with spurs on. (Must be afraid someone's going to get hurt)
  
• In California, a law created in 1925 makes it illegal to wiggle while dancing. (snicker)

• In Utah, daylight must be visible between dancing couples. (I guess nighttime doesn't matter!)
  
• In Michigan, it is against the law for a lady to lift her skirt more than 6 inches while walking through a mud puddle. (They'd better check these oldies, but goodies. A little out of date, wouldn't you say?)

• In North Carolina, it is against the law for a rabbit to race down the street. (Try telling that to the bunny)
• In Georgia, it's against the law to spread a false rumor. (Maybe more states ought to make that a law!)
• In West Virginia, one can't cook sauerkraut or cabbage due to the odors. The offense is subject to imprisonment. (Yikes!)
  

More later . . .

Quote:
Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is? --Frank Scully


Blessings

Favorite Memories

I remember:

• all the wild flower bouquets hubby picks for me in the summer
• apple blossom bouquets--some of my favorites
• fishing and cooking out trips to the local lake in one town we lived in when our sons were little
• the way Son #1 said "am i nal" for animal, when just a toddler
• the way Son #2 wanted to have any ailments his dad had: hurt shoulder, ingrown toenail, etc.

• all the fun times in the evening when we'd read books, have quizzes and talk
• our boys piano teacher
• traveling together
• one of the first cars we had where the front seats "rocked" every time we had to hit the brakes hard!
• snoopy

• staring up at the waving tree branches
• being scared of summer storms
• the "accomplished" feeling of writing "the end" to my first finished manuscript
• my first car
• my ford mustang! A real hot rod

• my beautiful wedding dress
• the first time I fell in love with flute music
• the big "snow wheels" one winter
• my beige coat with the fur trim
• Saxophone music from someone who knows how to play one

• beautiful fireworks on July 4th and the way Lassie was so afraid of them
• The way hubby flirts with me--still
• computer college
• the day I got my agent
• laughing with friends

What do you remember with fondness?


Quote:
A friend is someone who knows the song of your heart and can sing it back to you when you've forgotten the words. --unknown

Early Week Blessings!

Name Fun


One of my writing groups brought the thought of names and how they are mis-spelled and mis-pronounced. I have had the best fun laughing my way through the many responses. Of course, I didn't offer my name; if any can't pronounce or write my name, then . . . ????

I offer here some names. See how you do(and those in parentheses are what they've been called):

Helmuth (Helmooth: like a moose with a lisp) one of my favorites!
McDonough (McDonut, McDougel, McDonnahu, McDough) What?
Ruckman (Rutland, Buckman, Ragman, Rugmun)
Bates (huh? Baits or Bats?)
Roland (Rahland, Rolling ???)
Yauger (Yeager, Jeager, Yogurt) Yogurt? LOL
Ramona (Romono, Romano, Romona, Remona, Roamonia: prounounced like pneumonia
Rachelle (NOT Raychel, Rahkell, Rohshell)

Rachel (Rachael, Rachaeal, Rachelle, Racheale, Raquel
Blann (Blahn, Blair, Blain, Bloom???) LOL
Phifer Here's some good ones: (Piffer, Piffle, Fiffer)
Reitz (said she was called Ritz crackers in school. LOL)
Woodside (Woodcid, Whitset, Woodsigh)
Brandt (Brandit, obviously from a telemarker! LOL)
Nilwona (Winona, Willamena: from a HS teacher!!)

• Here's a funny one from one of my critique partners:
• Her maiden name: Ulinski
• Some of her relatives names: Lijek, Milewica, Grzchowiak, Kuechenmeister. She'd get the phone book after she was first married and have her husband try to prounounce some of those names, then roll on the floor laughing hysterically while he annihilated them.

• DeMuth (Deemewth: like a kitten mews)
• Eudaly (her husband was asked what the U in his name stood for; they thought it was a middle initial. LOL)
• Gribbin (Gibbons, Griffin)
• Unger (Ungerwear) LOL
• Lopes (Lopez)
• Leigh (Leeah, Leh, Lay, Luh)
• Delozier (Dozer, Dozhur, Delzer, Duh . . ., Dee . . . fading into nothingness! LOL)
• Ruchti (Rooshti?)

• Rubart (Rupert, Rowbart, Robert, Rupart, Rubbert)
• McLeod (Mc Leed, Mc Lee, or Mc What'sher name. I kid you not!)
• Hough (Hoe, Hue, Huge, Huff)
• Vihel (Veehill, Veehell)
• Grubaugh (Gumball Really! Grubar)

Another funny story:
A writer had a common name. When asked by a store clerk how to spell it she gave her name then added, "common spelling." The clerk asked how to spell "Commonspelling."

• Eileen (was kidded in school: "I lean over.")
• Camille (Camel!!!, Carmen, Carmella, CaMile, CaMell
• Irby (Kirby)
• Alice (prounounced A lice by her brother)

Another funny one:
Last name of Wine. Mother wanted to name daughter "Sherry" but father put his foot down. How would Sherry Wine sound?


Quote:
Don't compromise yourself; you're all you've got. --Betty Ford

Blessings

More on Suncrest (Sacajawea) Motel

. . . and the neighboring area.
I suppose you all have heard of the Indian girl, Sacajawea, who worked with the Lewis and Clark expedition? Here's some fun facts:

• Lewis & Clark were seeking the Shoshoni Indians in order to obtain horses
• The Shoshoni Indians had taken horses from the Spaniards in earlier years
• At Fort Mandan (1804) the explorers "discovered" Sacajawea
• She'd been captured at 11 years old and sold as a slave to an enemy tribe
• Became the wife of a French trapper named Charbonneau
• Lewis & Clark wanted to secure her interpretation skills & convinced Charbonneau to join their expedition team

• When the explorers finally found the Shoshoni tribe, Sacajawea recognized her own people and the Shoshoni chief, who was her own brother
• The local two rivers were called by the Shoshonis "Ag-gi-pah" which means "fishwater"
• These rivers contained salmon, so the white men called the river "Salmon River"
• The river has awesome, dangerous rapids
  
• When Lewis & Clark explored it for about 70 miles, they could not return on it because of these rapids

There's a touch of your history lesson today. Don't want to overburden your minds! Enjoy and learn! Laugh. I love history!




Quote:
The trouble with the rat race; even if you win, you're still a rat! --Lily Tomlin


Blessings

Makin' Friends

Home again from a long trip, I'm looking back at the many people we met. Some of them we'll never see again. Some, I hope will become close friends.

Let me tell you about two of them.

Headed up to Montana, we knew we didn't have a lot of time to sightsee there, so we were trying to make some time late one evening. Finally, we reached our travel goal, and looked for the first decent motel we could find that wasn't too expensive.

We found it. Suncrest Motel in Salmon, Idaho, soon to be renamed to "Sacajawea Motel." And our room was a wonderful surprise. Redone in "lodge" style, half the walls were covered with attractive pine paneling. All along two walls, the new owners had hired (I found out the next morning) a local artist to paint wildlife scenes. (And after I got to view all the other scenes, I still chose mine as the best!)

Early the next morning, I elected to return the key, more so, so I could grab a cup of free coffee. I was pleasantly surprised by the continental breakfast offering. Boiled eggs, fruit, breads, juices, coffee. A nice selection and I took advantage of it.

In the meantime, the sweet couple struck up a conversation with me, feeling me in with tidbits of information about the area and their goal in remodeling the motel. I was even given a tour of
of different rooms and the murals being painted on the walls.

Of course, I offered to mention the motel on my blog and they were delighted and filled my hands with brochures and papers and a card so that I'd have lots of info to use.

If any of you ever find yourself in the northern part of Idaho, make sure you stop at this quaint small and delightful motel. Here's a number in case you want to reserve your rooms: 208 756-2294.

Make sure you mention it was the crazy writer they hosted one spring in May when you do! Laugh.

Maybe more later.

Quote:
Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend. --Albert Camus

Blessings

I Need Something Fun Today!


How about some more word fun?

Some of my favorite things are:

Trees:

• Oak
• Dogwood
• Sassafras
• weeping willow

Cowboys:

• big hats
• rough
• hard-working

Cars:

• My 69 Mustang
• Antique cars
• Jeeps
• fast cars

States:

• Ohio
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Idaho
• Montana
• Virginia
• Tennessee
• West Virginia

Dogs:
Ha, most of them. Here's a few:

• Collie
• Jack Russell
• German Shepherd
• King Charles Spaniard
• Taffy, Noah, Molly, Mackie

Flowers:

• roses
• lilacs
• sage
• geraniums
• pansies
• lily of the valleys
• iris
• lilies
• daisies
• carnations
• petunias
• holly hocks
• gladiolas
• honey suckle
• peonies
• sweet peas
• morning glories
• phlox
• primroses
• asters
• four 0 clocks
• red buds
• yellow bushes
• sweet williams

I could go on and on. I wanted to see how long you'd read. . .

Have a great evening!

Quote:
If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you. --Winnie the Pooh

Blessings