I'm Getting Older Too

Sunny - Hi 62 Lo 40 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 37 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Windy - Hi 43 Lo 29 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Landslide, Fleetwood Mac

I was never a big fan of Fleetwood Mac when Fleetwood Mac was all one heard on the radio. Keep in mind-- I was exploring the world of punk music, so Fleetwood Mac did not exactly fit into my limited repertoire of audio delights back in the late 1970's. Radio was different back then. A song would stay in the Top 40 for weeks... same with albums. Rumours... oh my gosh... was on the charts for months and months... imagine hearing a Britney Spears song for months and months... it's bad enough if it is played for a few weeks... Landslide wasn't on Rumours-- it was actually on their white album or self titled album, Fleetwood Mac.

I've never been a huge Stevie Nicks fan--- or at least her vocals. It has only been within this past decade that I have grown to enjoy the music of Fleetwood Mac-- the 70's version of Fleetwood Mac...(still exploring the older blues influenced Peter Green days) and what I have grown to like and understand are Stevie's abilities as an incredible songwriter. The words to Landslide are quite powerful... as a twenty something she was looking out over the years to come... choices she was making in the moment-- the apprehension of making the right choices-- the insecurities of the unknown. Now, as you hear the words sung in recent years, some 30 years later... with age comes wisdom at least I hope that is the case. The song takes on a more melancholy meaning... reflection and recollection of choices made, maybe some regret-- those bittersweet moments in life that cause that lump in the back of your throat...

Ramble:

After three and half years, I am moving. This will be my last Sunday post here at this location. Starting next year I will be posting here. Please make a note of it and bookmark the new address. It's time. So, 2009 marks the beginning of "change", so I thought I would just go with it. The photo is mine-- it is a covered bridge up in Holmes County, Ohio-- I took the shot this past fall. I still don't have everything moved over that I want-- mainly my blogroll... what a pain in the toosh that is... really what happened to Blogroll? Dude just disappeared??

I hope you had a nice Christmas--- I can't believe it is over already... and we are just days away from another year... time is flying by... My oldest niece will not be with us on New Year's Eve... how strange that will be... It is a new chapter in her life and she is off spreading her wings... her mom and pop and Michael and I are saddened... We told her not to grow up, but she ignored us. I feel I should be with Peter Pan in Neverland and I'm going to take the rest of my nieces and nephews there to reside... Tuesday we are having my brother's oldest daughter over for a sleepover-- I'm going to do my best to convince her to not get any older--- Michael and I are really going to work hard to convince her boys have cooties and to always be ten years old... I'm just not ready for another one of my loves to grow up...

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around

And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down

Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?

Mmm Mmm...

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too

Yes, I'm getting older too

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too

Yes, I'm getting older too

So, take this love, take it down
If you climb a mountain and you turn around

If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
The landslide will bring you me down

If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well maybe the landslide will bring it down


Sunday Morning Coffee Too

Happy New Year everyone!

Saturdays with Yoshiko

Partly Cloudy - Hi 77 Lo 57 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 80 Lo for 46 Qandahar, Afghanistan
Cloudy - Hi 46 Lo 28 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Trouble Me, 10,000 Maniacs

Whenever I am a little blue, Natalie Merchant's soothing voice always brings me comfort.

Ramble:

The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself. - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

For the past couple of months, I have spent my Saturday afternoons with my mom. Initially, I thought it was going to be a nightmare… you see she purchased her very first computer… my role was to teach her how to use it. Try explaining how to use a mouse to a person who has never used a mouse… "Why do you right click sometimes and left click other times?" "I dunno… you just do…" How do you teach home keys? "Why are the letters not in order?" "I dunno…that’s just the way it is…" I found some great online tutorials and my mom has been steadfast in her eagerness and determination to master this contraption. I have to be honest… I was dreading this… my mom is stubborn and impatient and does not listen… but I must tell you, it has been surprisingly quite wonderful. We have spent more time together these past couple of months than we have in the past ten years. She has had a chance to get to know me… I have gotten to know her. The best part… we actually enjoy each other’s company. I have shared in this forum in the past my mom’s trials and tribulations. She is a woman that is inspiring… just in her being. She is self taught, self disciplined, self determined, self made. She had nothing as a child, she had nothing when she came to this country…She had even less when my father was around. She put my brother and me ahead of everything… she has endured more pain and suffering and yet sacrificed more than anyone I have ever known in my life. She is a savvy businesswoman and has been quite successful. She lives modestly, however, she can afford much more than what she has. Her story is the American Dream personified and one that should be held up for others to see and be inspired.

The election upset my mother. Having her beloved adopted country much less her home Ohio --- Hamilton County--- Cincinnati go Democrat was more than she could take. She has never depended on anyone but herself to make things happen. She never depended on government or the welfare system to provide for her. My father was absent and never paid child support. She did it on her own… I can tell you that she is pissed… She is hurt… the people in the country she loves so much have become so dependent and so willing to hold out their collective hands to take something never earned is just beyond her comprehension. Her heart is broken, but not her spirit and definitely not her intestinal fortitude.

I share my mother’s sentiments.

Barack Obama is to be congratulated on running an excellent campaign. His election is historical and should be noted and commended. He will join a small fraternity of Americans -43 soon to be 44. President-elect Obama has my respect – he will be the President of the United States and I will always have respect for the office.

I must confess--- I was so depressed Tuesday night. Although President-elect Obama ran a centrist campaign, all roads for him lead to a very left leaning, dare I say it, Socialist mindset. All one has to do is listen to the NPR interview, look at those he associates with and see what his philosophy is. He is all about bigger government… he wants government to be the answer to all our woes.

Wednesday I woke up still depressed. I heard John McCain’s concession speech… I turned off the radio and listened to my iPod the rest of the day. As Wednesday rolled along, I became angry. I realized that had Senator McCain won, I would have been extremely disheartened and disgusted by his presidency. Senator McCain is a gentleman. He is exactly what he has always been. His life story is one we should all revere. It can be argued, he has sacrificed and put himself on the line for our country more than anyone in modern American history. There is no doubt Senator McCain as president would have been strong on the war against terror. However, he would have reached across party lines and compromised on things I as a conservative would never stand for. I still am not clear on how he was going to secure our borders... or not. He would have presented good candidates for the Supreme Court. However, Senator McCain as president would not have been about smaller government. I was not keen on voting for him until he brought Sarah on board. As a conservative, I was left without a candidate. Voting for Barr was not an option and as far as I was concerned a wasted vote. I voted for McCain, but more so and more importantly… I voted for Sarah Palin.

The latest trashing of Sarah has me infuriated. The fact that Senator McCain even after his campaign chose not to come to her defense adds to my reasons for why he is not our next president. McCain's staff trashing this woman makes me believe even more that he would have been left of center on many many issues. The election was not a landslide… we are very much a divided country. It is a cultural battle. Senator McCain was not the conservative we on the right crave and believe is needed for this great land. We wanted to believe... we needed to believe. We want smaller government. We want to live our lives and stay out of the way. We want the government to defend our borders. We want the opportunity to strive towards our American Dream-- whatever it might be. That’s it.

My grandmother, a staunch conservative, active politically throughout her adult life, a member of the greatest generation asked the rhetorical question… How did we get here? I guess it started just a little bit at a time… no one notices that way… little things… it starts in the schools… subtle changes to how kids are taught... what they are taught… kids playing sports… everyone gets trophies… there are no losers…everyone wins… we are politically correct... we have changed the culture by changing how we speak... smoking is bad for you… became the big tobacco devil… now the 2 smokers left in the country are lepers and considered subhuman…traffic cameras to catch speeders under the guise of keeping us safe but we know it is more about the ability for our local communities to collect extra money... motorcycle helmet and seat belt and child seat laws... of course all good ideas... but mandated by the government? Law abiding gun owners are required to register their guns. Certain guns are banned. Guns kill... Trans fats are now banned… There are mandates on fast food in some cities. Before too long the obese person or maybe the slightly overweight person in line at MacDonald's will be sent off to be with the smoking lepers. Fat people are too ignorant to make a decision on what to put in their body. Kids are not being taught American history--- . Celebrity worship...panems and circuses... We in this country have lost our moral compass and have muddied the waters on what is right and what is wrong. It is more important for men and women to be equal, subsequently, we have a bunch of girl like men while women call each other dude... and we are more promiscuous all because once upon a time we had to figure out what the definition of the word "is" is... Along the way we forgot that we are very different creatures. Women now instead of raising and nurturing children are substituting dogs to obtain that love. With Obama as president no one (except those making over $250,000--- $200,000--- $150,000) will have the burden of paying for everything… I guess I should be happy—Michael and I can sit back and let someone else pay our mortgage… pay for our gas… no more worries. I must ask though, what else is on that slippery slope? The slope has become much more steep... What is next? I suppose it is just a matter of time before we are required to purchase carbon offsets, experience rolling black outs on a regular basis, in some areas of our country water rationing, and taxation on the amount of garbage we generate.

We have entered the age of self entitlement and subsequently developed an insatiable dependency on the government tit to think for us and provide for us.

Senator Mitch McConnell will receive lots and lots of notes from me—more now than ever before. He isn’t the conservative I would like him to be… however, I’m watching him. I will make sure he knows what I think… He is the Republican Minority Leader in the Senate and has a lot of work ahead of him. Those of us in Kentucky, those of us across the country need to pay attention and make him understand.

So, I look to the horizon. I think of Ronald Reagan and his shining city on the hill and the beacon we are supposed to be… I think of morning in America… I will pray for President-elect Obama, as I have prayed for President Bush. I INTEND TO BE THE LOYAL OPPOSITION. Meaning, I will be loyal to the country, I will be loyal to the office of the President. However, I am here… I am watching… I will not be nice for the sake of being nice. I love this country and that will not change. I will stand by my conservative values and will do everything I can to keep her the land of the free and home of the brave.

The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself. - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

God Bless America

Have a great week everyone!

Update 11/10/2008 7:30 PM: It's a rare day when my Scootertrash Hubby writes a blog post-- Despite the date of 11/5--- he finished it today so go check it out. It's worth the read--- Go check him out here.

Remembering Mr. Kraus

Rain - Hi 71 Lo 63 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 85 Lo 50 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 65 Lo 36 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: I Need a Lover, Johnny Cougar
Before John Mellencamp was John Mellencamp, he was Johnny Cougar and then later John Cougar. This name was a record company decision and not his... Eventually he was able to be John Mellencamp. I like John Cougar and even some of the John Cougar Mellencamp stuff. . His breakout album of course was 1982's American Fool album-- the one that had Jack and Diane, Hurt So Good and my favorite from that album Have a Hand to Hold On To. The year I graduated was the year of "little pink houses"... Oh Gawd... yuck. But it also had the song Play Guitar which is simply fun. I like his older stuff... the Sunday Song is funny... there is a sense of humor to the lyrics and the composition of the song pulls you in and builds to a crescendo- an exclamation of needing someone that won't make him crazy! Along the way and over the years John became angry. He takes himself way too seriously. He also picked up the paint brush and has done some interesting art work. Like his present day persona, it is dark, thick, unattractive and angry. I'm not sure why the small town boy became so angry... maybe he has forgotten... something... I hope he can find his happiness. Life is too short.

Ramble:
As a kid, I was incredibly fortunate to have a great deal of stand out teachers. My Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Reed held my hand and introduced me to other kids in the class... being painfully shy... she took a great deal of time to make sure I was OK.

Mrs. Sleichter was about 102 years old when I had her as my 2nd grade teacher... Gawd she was mean. But for whatever reason, I really liked her. I remember there was this kid that was always throwing up in class, so the janitor would always have to come in and throw that kitty litter stuff down... I remember she was forever sending him to the corner because the kid got sick all the time. She insisted we were all old enough to realize when we weren't feeling well and should ask to be excused. She was a strict disciplinarian... and did not tolerate fidgety 7 and 8 year olds. Mrs. Sleichter was the only teacher to impose corporal punishment upon my behind...why? Because she had issued a dictate... "The next person to drop their pencil will go out in the hallway for a swat." Ya... you guessed it... I dropped my pencil...

My 4th grade teacher was Mrs. Carroll and I loved her... all the kids did... She was beautiful and smart and kind and generous and young. She read Ramona to us... This particular grade school was in a town that was supported by GM and the plant had closed... it was predominantly blue collar, unemployed, and single parent homes. My neighborhood was gross... I digress. Anyway the two 4th grade teachers took a great deal of time with the kids... We were pushed in reading and math and history. We were studying Japan and Mrs. Carroll asked if I would teach the rest of the students how to use chop sticks... That was disastrous... buttons and chopsticks everywhere... Because so many kids came from broken homes, Mrs. Carroll took time with each of her students. She was engaged and an active participant in our formative years. She called home and spoke to my mom on a regular basis. She knew our situation and how late my mom worked. Mrs. Carroll would often stay late at school with me to help ease some of the monetary woes my mom had and this helped a great deal with the cost of a sitter. Anyway, toward the end of the school year Mrs. Carroll indicated to the class that she was moving away and wouldn't be back. She was 24 and was moving with her husband to support him while he finished obtaining his Master's degree. We all cried. It was horrible. She promised to write all of us, but in turn we would have to write her. I kept in contact with Mrs. Carroll up through high school. She was a source of advice and friendship. She was a wonderful and kind person and I wish I had stayed in touch. I had heard that after she put her husband through several years of school and a number of affairs, he divorced her. Terrible.

Then in 8th grade I had Mr. Benton... my uncles and father had this man as a teacher... This man walked to the beat of his own drum and did not apologize for it. He was a large robust man with a large booming voice with a Kentucky accent. He had the same buzz haircut in the 70's as he did in the 50's. He wore black horn rimmed glasses, navy blue work pants and suspenders every day. He was the first history teacher I had that expected us to pay attention and to pay attention to what was happening in the world today. He loved our country and what it stood for. It was the first time I remember recognizing that sort of pride in someone outside my own family. He would make proclamations about organized religion and that if he wanted to go out in the front of the school yard and worship under the tree, he could do that. Why? Because this was America! A staunch conservative and a little crazy? Perhaps.

Mrs. Zando was our English Lit teacher and she introduced me to Shakespeare and the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses and all the wonderful mythological stories. She loved Shakespeare and it is because of her, that I have such an appreciation. At that time, my grandmother had given me a charm bracelet and each birthday and holiday she would add to it. Mrs. Zando asked if she could contribute to my bracelet. She gave me a delightful little silver Dutch shoe from when she had visited Holland... It is still on my charm bracelet. To this day, I love reading mythology.

High school brought a handful of teachers that made a difference in my life... Mrs. Brough, Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Enders--- he loved Dolly Parton, and Mr. Kraus.

Mr. Kraus is the reason for this week's post. Jimi, an old friend brought to my attention that Mr. Kraus had tragically died this past May. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. NO. This was not possible. Mr. Kraus was the only teacher I had all four years of high school. So, he literally watched me grow up.

He was one of my art teachers- being art class-- there was considerably less structure, the radio was usually playing in the background, kids talked and joked during class-- creativity was not inspired by a module of time but by life, so if one wasn't creative during the class... well, one had to be creative at home or before or after school. I never do well without structure. It is my nature to become lazy. Mr. Kraus was a good teacher. He encouraged me in my first couple of years of high school. He obviously realized my shy nature and worked to help me express through art. He pushed me to enter a couple of competitions and I did OK receiving recognition for my work. As a junior I was coming into my own, but at the same time I was more interested in being social and was not disciplined in maintaining my school work and it was easy to keep things from my mom. Besides, my creativity was in my head... actually putting brush to canvas or pencil to paper did not come naturally for me. I had to really focus... and practice... There were so many other kids that had this incredible gift... Jimi and Rodney. In any event the classroom was always loose and free spirited. I remember always laughing and having fun in his class. Mr. Kraus loved music. He was a huge fan of John Cougar. Jimi reminded me that Mr. Kraus had seen the Stray Cats and Jimi, Gary and I were so jealous. He also saw Men at Work and brought back a pin for me... I still have it. We talked about music and art and stuff...

The other thing... Mr. Kraus could not spell... he was horrible... another friend, Scott would mercilessly make fun of him. It was always in good spirit and fun.

Mr. Kraus was around for every single boy I dated during high school. He teased me about some of my selections...from a competing school. One day late in my junior year Mr. Kraus pulled me aside and asked me what I was going to do- what my plans were- he was disappointed because I had not really worked on pulling together a portfolio to get into art school. In fact, I had not even applied. He expressed his concern that although I had an eye for composition and perspective and story, I had not applied myself to learn fundamentals. He expressed his concern for my lack of discipline and he did not want to see me waste any of my talent. At the time I had picked up photography and was into that, but it was more of a means of documenting my teenage life and not an artistic outlet. His message was loud and clear and a pill I chose not to swallow. My senior year was filled with more of the same- fun and frolicking. Mr. Kraus was part of our lives and we enjoyed our time in his class. He pulled me aside one more time and asked me what I was going to do about college.

I told him I needed to work for at least a year before heading off to college. Grants and scholarships were not going to cover it and I wasn't about to ask my mom for assistance. He made me promise that I would never give up on art and asked that I keep in touch. I graduated and my life went on... it took a different direction than I expected, but one that I am quite happy with.

Over the years I have often thought of Mr. Kraus. I had promised Mr. Kraus I would come by and visit him but never did. He was good to me- he wasn't just a teacher, he was a friend and he wanted the best for us. He was honest with me and thought I was wasting my talent. When Jimi's sister died, I wanted to contact him. When Rodney committed suicide, I wanted to contact him. I never did. I wanted to invite him to my wedding but for whatever goofy reason, I changed my mind. So, this past week, Jimi told me about Mr. Kraus. He had Parkinson's Disease, was confined to a wheelchair, living in a nursing home... divorced with 2 kids... 20 and 16 years old. He had gone to see a band--- still passionate about live music. On his way home, he was hit by a car. Those on the scene performed CPR in an attempt to save his life, but it was too late. He was only 56 years old.

How cruel life can be... a man who used his hands and fingers to create- stricken with a disease that steals that gift from him.
I never had the chance to thank him. He was the first person in my life to offer me real constructive criticism... he was right... I did lack self discipline. I need structure, I know that about myself now... and I move through life accordingly.
Upon reading the news about Mr. Kraus, I wrote Jimi, "...despite his life situation, I hope and pray he was happy--proud of his kids-- still listening to music, appreciating art and finding that talented young soul-- that diamond in the rough. There were so many talented kids that went through his class. I pray even though he was alone that night, he wasn't alone in spirit and that he was loved. "

Teachers are amazing and wonderful creatures. You don't realize the lives you touch and to what extent. Mr. Kraus was only in my life for four short years, but the mark he left will remain with me always.

Although I never went back to visit Mr. Kraus, I did keep my other promise. I never gave up on art. It is still just as important to me today as it was 25 years ago. It is a rare day that I pick up my sketch pad, but I always stop and see the art. Thank you, Mr. Kraus.

Mothra Lives!!

So yesterday I was out in Scooter Trash Hubby's veggie garden picking cherry tomatoes to take to my mom... We had a horrible storm a few weeks ago and all of Michael's plants have been knocked over, so navigating the garden is a little bit of a challenge... Anyway, there I was picking and smiling and thinking how much my mother will appreciate these delightful bits of yum when all of a sudden I saw what I thought was some sort of lizard... OK, after I screamed (surprisingly none of our neighbors came to my rescue- ok.. maybe not so surprising-- consider the fact I have an antisocial tendency). Upon closer inspection, it was a moth... As my oldest niece would text.. OMG!! Ya ain't kiddin' Oh My Gawd! Good grief-- I have never ever seen a moth that huge ever. I took a couple of pictures with my cell phone so the pics aren't that great, but it should give you an idea... This sucker was as as long as my hand from the tip of my pinky finger to my wrist.... icky... ewww... gross.

Sunday Song, In Your Eyes

Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 84 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 107 Lo 70 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Sunny - Hi 82 Lo 62 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: In Your Eyes, Peter Gabriel




Seventeen years ago today, we promised each other "for better for worse, for richer for poorer, and in sickness and in health for long as both of us shall live..." We have experienced it all... and I can't imagine sharing my life with anyone else.

Happy Anniversary, Michael.




Have a great week everyone!

To Everything There Is A Season

Partly Cloudy - Hi 100 Lo 79 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 95 Lo 63 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Mostly
Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 45 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Turn! Turn! Turn!, The Byrds

Was this the last song of an innocent time? I'm serious... I was only a few months old at the time of it's release... Let me know... President Kennedy had been assassinated 2 years prior... we were in Vietnam-- however soldier morale was still high because the American people were supporting the effort and the troops... Seriously, was this the last song of innocence for our country?

Ramble:

This month has been on God's time. And once again I am reminded about how fleeting time can be. One moment has brought sheer joy and pride--- the next absolute sorrow and inconsolable grief. In the joy, I have seen struggle and hard work. In the sorrow, I have witnessed strength through courage and the support of family and community.

** My grandfather's best friend was finally given his medals for his service to our great nation during World War II thanks to a Vietnam Veteran. Vern was a medic... he saved lives and brought aid and comfort to soldiers in 3 major campaigns... including the Battle of the Bulge. He was NEVER issued a winter coat. After the war, he came home like the rest of his generation and got on with his life. I'm so pleased my grandparents invited me to attend. I'm so proud of my grandfather... I'm so proud of Vern. Thank these men... sadly, we are losing them every day...

I have moved the video to a separate entry- above. My apologies for the end of the video... first time using my camera--- and I haven't figured out how to edit yet... That is Ohio Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt presenting Vern with his medals... I've seen her a lot in the past 3 weeks...

** About two weeks ago, a coworker of mine unexpectedly lost her 15 year old son to a brain aneurysm... How does a mother recover from the loss of her oldest child? I don't know... I don't imagine a parent ever recovers from the loss of a child.. it's not the natural order... a parent is supposed to outlive the child...

** Friday morning, I witnessed a friend, 1 of 69 people from 34 countries become naturalized citizens of the United States. If you have never seen this ceremony or been witness to the oath... This is powerful stuff. By choice, they come here...they decide that this is a better place. Federal Court Judge Bunning (yes... son of Senator Bunning) asked that each person stand and give their name, the country of origin and where they reside currently... Safe to tell you... I started crying immediately... First person was from Canada (3 total), the next Russia--- many many Bosnians, 1 Iraqi, 1 Iranian, Filipinos, 3 Mexicans, 1 from Holland, 1 from France, a handful from the UK, China, India.... now... proudly are all Americans... Becoming a legal United States citizen by design is not an easy process and it takes a long time... years... I forget who it was, but one of the women stood and stated her name, where she was from and loudly and enthusiastically proclaimed in her glorious accent that she lived in INDEPENDENCE, Kentucky.
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

** That same Friday afternoon, I learned from my sis in law that Susan lost her long hard fought battle with cancer. She was only 47. My prayers are with Susan's family-- her husband... her mother... her brother and sisters... her son.... only 47....

** This weekend Matt Maupin finally came home. He was escorted by his younger brother Micah. Carolyn Maupin and Keith Maupin continue to be beacons of strength and dignity and compassion and hope during a time of inconceivable grief and sorrow. On April 9 at a scholarship fundraiser in his brother's name, Micah reenlisted in the Marine Corp in front of a packed house-- including his father and mother. Although Carolyn stood by her son's decision.... You could see the pain and fear in her eyes. Matt is home and the community is welcoming this young man home. Yesterday morning I stood along the highway with my grandfather and a bunch of crusty old Marines waiting for Matt. Kyle--- as usual did something extraordinary to welcome him home and to offer comfort and support to the family... He had a sign(s) made... pictures below... Michael rode in the escort as a member of Patriot Guard Riders from Lunken Airport to the Civic Center. I was very proud of him... he was the only sportie among the Harleys... We all met at the visitation. My grandfather is 85 and in failing health... He wanted to go pay his respect, but the weather was not cooperative. The police officers on duty especially Officer Combs and volunteers saw to it that we would get my grandfather through. He told us to come back in 45 minutes, he would get us a wheelchair and would get us to the front of the long line. Kindness... respect... appreciation...

** Kyle spoke to a very distinguished looking man-- Kyle what was his last name? ... As this man with an umbrella, a stylish suit and an English accent spoke about his time in the service and the artillery he used and the brotherhood he shared with Kyle, the conversation turned to his appreciation of the outpouring of support he was witness to. Shortly after, he shared with Kyle as I eavesdropped that he was asked by President Bush to paint a portrait of Matt Maupin. He described the painting... it will be Matt and his brother Micah... the portrait will be called Brothers.

** Today--- will be Matt's funeral... again the Maupin's are concerned about the entire community... they want us to be able to mourn his loss and celebrate this young man's life. Michael again will participate with Patriot Guard... I will wander down to the ball park... and pay my respect.

Kyle the dreamer, Ray the installer, Tom the guy who made the sign a reality... Michael

Read the oath above again... really... read it out loud. Say the words... Hear the words. Understand the words.

Everything is done in HIS time-- now read the following words...

Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3: A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5: A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6: A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9: What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10: I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12: I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13: And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14: I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15: That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16: And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17: I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18: I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19: For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20: All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21: Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22: Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Yes... I have learned a great deal this month...

Have a great week everyone!

Millersburg, Ohio

Michael and I went up to Holmes County, Ohio last weekend to spend some time in the clean crisp air of Amish country. Like all previous trips we had a lovely time.

Here are a few not very good photos... (click on them to enlarge)

We stop by a farm/store run by Mennonites and they also have a bunch of farmyard animals running around... Michael and I named this "furry" creature Kitten Chicken.Is it a horse, mule or zebra? Whatever... very sweet animal... This made us chuckle... we knew people could be "on the wagon", just had no idea that pumpkins were afflicted with the same sort of problems... I actually took some good shots of this... (this one- not included) but in my attempt to be "artistic" and capture the basic labors of the Amish... I neglected to see the beer bottle... Amish drink beer?


The courthouse

No One Won---

Well--- that's not quite true... no one won the bet. I should have won, but the doctor knowing what's best said that she needed to stay in the oven a little longer...

Well... she is awfully cute...

Proud Mama and Papa seem to be doing well...

Welcome to the world River Emalene... We've been waiting for you.

-- Love this song and found this video done by the young girl for her father...

Father and Daughter - Paul Simon

If you leap awake
In the mirror of a bad dream
And for a fraction of a second
You can't remember where you are
Just open your window
And follow your memory upstream
To the meadow in the mountain
Where we counted every falling star

I believe the light that shines on you
Will shine on you forever
And though I can't guarantee
There's nothing scary hiding under your bed
I’m gonna stand guard
Like a postcard of a Golden Retriever
And never leave till I leave you
With a sweet dream in your head

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition
It's just like going fishing
You cast your line
And hope you'll get a bite
But you don't need to waste your time
Worrying about the market place
Try to help the human race
Struggling to survive its harshest night

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

Put a Fork in Me...

Partly Cloudy - Hi 99 Lo 73 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 83 Lo 44 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 75 Lo 54 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Fire and Rain, James Taylor

I have always loved this song. The melody sings to my heart, the lyrics always take me to places and people I thought I had forgotten...

Ramble:

Put a fork in me... because I think I'm done. When I started this blog, I made a commitment about 2 1/2 years ago to post every Sunday... I have stayed true to that commitment, but since the beginning of this past summer I have looked at this endeavor as a chore... something this should never become. The posts have been lazy at best.... a waste of time at worst... So, I have made the decision to keep this blog open... I intend to still post, but only when it suits me and I actually have something to write.

Thank you to those of you that continue to visit. I will still be checking in on my favorite places. Sunday mornings you will still find me having a cup of coffee and perusing my favorite blogs. That won't change.

Keep our troops in your hearts and support them whenever possible. We owe them so much. Keep an eye on our political leaders... stay active and let them know what you think. Keep your eyes on the horizon and the upcoming elections... Vote for the most conservative candidate possible during the primaries... Vote for the Republican during the presidential election... Watch Heroes and The Office... Take care of your families and loved ones... Remember to laugh and not take things so seriously...

Have a great week everyone!

O.J. is a Forewarning...

Sunny - Hi 106 Lo 77 for Baghdad, Iraq
Isolated Thunderstorms - Hi 92 Lo 59 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 90 Lo 66 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Joy to the World, Three Dog Night

Three Dog Night will always have a special place in my heart. This song particularly is one of just a couple of fond memories I have of my father. He loved this song. I remember he used to sing it loudly and badly...

Ramble:

Back in the fall of 1995, the day the jury found O.J. Simpson not guilty... I received a call from my grandfather. "Cass, are you sitting down? Guess who is sitting with me? Your Daddy." Twenty four years. Twenty four years. That's how long it takes a father to show up. I'd like to say it was because his overwhelming guilt got the best of him and he after so many years was trying to make amends... but that was not the case.... He was looking for a handout. Checking to see if my grandparents were still among the living. He even had the audacity to ask about my mother. I made it clear to him... under no uncertain terms was he to go anywhere near her.

This past Friday evening my grandfather called me.... "Cass, guess who just called?" It was such a deja vu. I knew before he even said anything- it only makes sense, the murderer, O.J. Simpson is back in the news... my father resurfaces... perfectly logical to me... My grandfather told me about his conversation and I completely chastised him for speaking to him for such a long time. My grandfather has such a tender heart and I can only imagine the guilt he must carry. He feels responsible for the kind of man my father became. My grandfather is an incredible man. He is kind and responsible and loving. I guess according to my grandfather- the sperm donor had called my Uncle Steve and also my brother. He asked my grandfather for my phone number but thankfully did not provide it. According to my Uncle, he was drunk... debating on whether to go to Hawaii or Alaska... Back in 1995 he was working on fishing boats... I guess he had been doing that the entire time he had been gone and it is no different now.

I'm 42 years old. The emotions when allowed to surface are just as raw today as they were when I was 12 years old. The hurt cuts deeper than I would ever like to admit and I surely do my best to keep it to myself.

He did some shitty things...some unforgettable things. Have a forgiven him? On a good day. Yes. Right now? Not so much. He beat my mother, he threw my brother across the room, he would blow entire paychecks on gambling, he would steal money from my brother and me, he stole money from my mom, she would beg him for money to feed Terry and me and he would give her $5.00, he would disappear for weeks on end, he would use me as a decoy to go visit his multiple girlfriends leaving me in a strange house in a living room in front of a television, after he left, he made no attempt to contact us except once, possibly twice, he never sent my mother money. He was a selfish childish little man.

I'm angry at some of the men in my extended family- it turns out that my father had stayed in contact, all be it sporadic. No one told us. I don't have the courage to ask any of them if they ever asked my father to be a man and take responsibility for his family... send some money once in a while...

We were better off without him in our lives... my constant need of approval from father figures is fall out to this day... My behavior as a teenager also a direct result of looking for approval, acceptance and love from the opposite gender...


I'm still pissed. Angry and hurt and I don't know if this anger will ever go away. So, OJ Simpson pisses me off... Every time that son of a bitch shows up in the news.... my father, the sperm donor resurfaces... both of you... just go away.....................

Read more here:

2006 reflections of my father

2005 reflections of my mother

Have a great week everyone!

Past My Bedtime....

Sunny - Hi 106 Lo 81 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 101 Lo 65 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 74 Lo 52 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

There are some songs that just make you smile and cause you to sing along at full voice regardless of one's ability (in my case- definite inability). This song will pull me out of the worst of moods... it will elevate an already good mood right into the stratosphere. And the song, once heard will stay with me the entire day. This song causes people to smile when they hear it on the radio. It is a song of hope and love and caring and feeling secure and safe and having the knowledge that someone loves you so much they will do whatever it takes to protect you and keep you safe. This song sets a tone and is often used in movie soundtracks. I think my favorite has to be Remember The Titans-- I even like the scene in Stepmom... I'm so tired right now, I'm blanking on other movies... In any event, this song emotes my feelings for everyone I love and care for... especially Michael.

Ramble:

No ramble, it's 2:30 A.M. and I am winding down from a long day of cleaning and prepping for JoAnna's baby shower this afternoon. I still have a couple of things to do, but will have to wait until morning. In the meantime, as I type this, Michael is doing all the food prep for the shower (Note: I don't know how to cook). Anyway, go here if you would like to guess her due date. I swiped another pic from Rob's blog... This is the most recent picture of JoAnna-- August 30th.

Place your bets here.


Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

I haven't checked out any new blogs in a very long time. In looking up information on Tammi Terrell, I stumbled across this little gem of a blog: Plain or Pan? Outdated Music for Outdated People -- Fun and quirky. I like how he will compare different versions of the same song...

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Listen, baby
Ain't no mountain high
Ain't no valley low
Ain't no river wide enough, baby

If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry

'Cause baby,
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

Remember the day
I set you free
I told you
You could always count on me
From that day on I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me
Some way, some how

'Cause baby,
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

No wind, no rain

My love is alive
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I'll be there on the double
As fast as I can

Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough

Have a great week everyone!

Walk On

Update: Early this morning, Adriaan passed away. Despite the seriousness of his situation, we all expected him to recover because... well that is just Adriaan. I mean Jesus. He survived the unsurvivable.

From Glen his oldest son:

They have removed the tubes and equipment, and we just gave him our final kisses amid our tears. He is at peace. It was always his wish that he die on a mountain, and in many ways his wish was fulfilled. He lived just long enough to see all of his children and stepchildren and speak to them, to spend time with Patricia, and even see a picture of his beloved dog, which Michael brought with him yesterday. He heard all of your good wishes and knew how loved by everyone in his family.

Music Video:
Walk On by (U2)

Music Video Code by Video Code Zone

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring...
And love is not the easy thing...
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight...

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home...hard to know what it is if you never had one
Home...I can't say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the heart is

I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress up
All that you scheme...

Just Too Much...

Sunny - Hi 119 Lo 93 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 106 Lo 77 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 87 Lo 68 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Too Much Information, The Police

The Police only recorded 5 albums. I have them all... on LP, on cassette, on CD, and now on my iPod... The recordings after Synchronicity were to just rehash what had already been done. I actually saw them in a little venue called Bogart's in Cincinnati before they made it "big" in the states. I saw them after Regatta de Blanc but before Zenyatta Mondatta. I instantly fell in love with the pissed off drummer. I was 16 years old and snuck down to Clifton (University of Cincinnati) with friends to see them. We had a blast!!

When I saw that they were going to have a reunion tour, I was ecstatic.... until I saw ticket prices... I love this threesome and they will always have a special place in my heart. Many a night were spent down in Monkey Man's basement listening to Ghost In the Machine and watching Gary imitate Andy Summers while Jimi sang. It was great... great memories... but there is no way in hell I am paying that kind of money....

Also, don't you agree with me that these three have gotten better looking with age? Yah... and most definitely they've all had nose jobs...

Ramble:

Adriaan update: Michael flew out to Denver Saturday morning to be with his mother and Adriaan. Unfortunately, Adriaan has had a bit of a setback. His blood pressure dropped considerably on Saturday. He isn't able to swallow, so a feeding tube has been inserted and because he can't swallow, there seems to be some fluid developing in his lungs- pretty sure it's pneumonia. They have put him on antibiotics and if his breathing does not improve they will have to put him back on a ventilator. I'm not going to speculate, but this is going to be a long road for Adriaan. Any other person his age would not have survived past the surgery. He is a miracle. Please, please keep him in your prayers as well as my mother in law. Having this happen to your husband is unthinkable... having this happen so far away makes it feel impossible.

Thank you to those who have been checking in and dropping me notes and comments. Your prayers are appreciated more than I can express.

My grandparent's home sold this past week. That was pretty emotional. My grandfather built that house with his own two hands back during WWII. He has told me many times over the years that he planned on dying there.................. I love that place. I'll miss it too. Unfortunately, they just couldn't "keep up with keeping it up". So, for the past 2 years they have lived close to me in an independent living community for seniors and I am relieved.

I've said it here before... it sucks getting old, especially when your mind is still sharp as a tack. Their bodies are not cooperating and it is simply frustrating for them. Days dealing with depression and medications out the wazoo...

I'm pissed off about a lot of things in the news right now... there is just so much.

Project 2996 has kicked off. I'll get a separate post up at some point for that too. I just don't have it in me to even add links to this post. Pathetic.

Lastly, I have not been visiting my favorite blogs on a regular basis for the past couple few weeks. This is just a funk and quite simply life keeps getting in the way. Things will be getting back to normal soon... Good Gawd... it must.... In the meantime, I'm sorry I haven't been by your place on the internet.

Thanks for coming by and I'll be around shortly.... give me some time.

Housekeeping:

I need to do something mindless, so I'll be doing a round up of my sidebar (but then again, maybe not) and removing inactive links. I'll be adding to the MySpace stuff... found some more music.

Have a great week everyone!

Adriaan

Blowing Dust, Sunny - Hi 115 Lo 88 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 102 Lo 79 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 83 Lo 61 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: I Say a Little Prayer for You, Dionne Warwick. I don't care who you are... if you hear one of these pop gems that was written by Burt Bacharach and sung by Whitney "crack is whack" Houston's aunt... you simply can not be in a bad mood...

Ramble:

I was going to do Diane's Meme today, but not up to it. I'll eventually get around to it. Just a quick hello for those of you that come by on Sunday and Monday mornings.

One more thing, I ask you to say a little prayer for my father in law, Adriaan. I have to wonder if he wasn't a cat in a previous life and somehow managed to bank a couple of those nine lives. A couple of years ago he fell and broke his femur- made a full recovery in record time.

Then just this past Thursday morning I received a call from my sis in law with news of Adriaan. He was on his annual hiking trip in Denver when he collapsed while at breakfast. He was air cared not once but twice. We are still unsure whether or not he had a heart attack but we do know he suffered a torn aorta (common with trauma from a severe high impact car accident- Princess Diana being the most famous and others that have just collapsed from it due to a genetic defect - John Ritter); for most, a promise of a quick death sentence. One of the valves affected goes directly to the brain, so we don't know if there is any neurological damage at this point. He spoke to my mother in law on the phone and also spoke with the anesthesiologist- so, if I were a betting man, I'd say no.

We got my mother in law and sis in law out to Denver by Thursday evening, perfect timing as the surgeon had just completed the 10 hour surgery on Adriaan- he will have quite the scar to brag about as well as a new synthetic device to show for this hiking trip.

Adriaan isn't out of the woods yet, but he survived the surgery and he is resting. The main objective right now is to keep his blood pressure level. Today they intend to take him off the ventilator. He is nearly eighty years old and he is a miracle as far as I am concerned. After reading everything I could find on torn aortas... I am convinced of it.

Please keep Adriaan in your prayers.

Have a great week everyone!