Boy, am I glad I got the mulch distributed yesterday!
It looks as though we have manna from heaven falling today.
Of course, now that I think of it, the manna "appeared as hoarfrost", so maybe this isn't manna after all.
I'm not sure there's a specific season for manna, but I'm pretty sure that snow should be finished by April 15.
Of course, we have had snow on my cousin's birthday, and that is May 7.
---------------------
Well, I went out and tasted it.
It's not honey-flavored.
Guess it's just a spring snow shower.
Hope it doesn't hurt the apple blossoms!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Punkies
They are little tiny flies that hover around your head when you go outdoors in the Spring in NNY. They are also in Canadian woods and probably other areas.
A very hot day will kill them off, but until then, the populace suffers their onslaught. You see, they don't just "hover"; they bite. When the breeze is blowing, they don't seem to find lunch as easily. But, when the day is sunny, and springtime beckons, with all its beauty and freshness, a person can really get some bites. These bites bleed and itch. Outdoor little children of parents who are unprepared have blotches all over them, and when the blotches are itched, they can become infected and raise bigger problems. I don't think anyone ever died from punky bites, but they have been severely irritated.
I am hoping for a windy or a very hot day, so I can spread the mulch I purchased this morning!
A very hot day will kill them off, but until then, the populace suffers their onslaught. You see, they don't just "hover"; they bite. When the breeze is blowing, they don't seem to find lunch as easily. But, when the day is sunny, and springtime beckons, with all its beauty and freshness, a person can really get some bites. These bites bleed and itch. Outdoor little children of parents who are unprepared have blotches all over them, and when the blotches are itched, they can become infected and raise bigger problems. I don't think anyone ever died from punky bites, but they have been severely irritated.
I am hoping for a windy or a very hot day, so I can spread the mulch I purchased this morning!
Friday, April 23, 2010
april 23
In 1564, it is rumored that William Shakespeare was born on this day of the calendar. We do know he was baptized on the 26th. He died on this day in 1616. On the 400th anniversary of his supposed birth, another earth-shaking event occurred. You see, I was a first-year English teacher, and the local jr. college was sponsoring a lecture about Mr. Shakespeare to co-incide with his birth/death. Although I felt I knew all I needed to know about the bard, I suggested to my students that they might benefit from attending said (free) lecture. That sealed my personal fate, since then I had to attend to see if any of them did.
Well, none of them attended. But it was at this lecture, sponsored by the English department of the college, that stars were crossed and eventual love was first planted. Yes, it was here, in the homely confines of the local jr. high, I met my future husband.
So, April 23 is a Very Good Day!
Well, none of them attended. But it was at this lecture, sponsored by the English department of the college, that stars were crossed and eventual love was first planted. Yes, it was here, in the homely confines of the local jr. high, I met my future husband.
So, April 23 is a Very Good Day!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 21
Do you believe myths? Well, then, you're gonna love this one.
Rome was founded on this day by Romulus and Remus.
They were sons of the god Mars and a vestal virgin.
They had been set adrift in a little boat which shipwrecked (or thrown into the Tiber by their uncle), so they were raised by an enterprising lady wolf. Later they were introduced to humanity by a royal herdsman, who adopted them. All the stories seem to agree that Rome was founded on an April 21. After the twins founded Rome, they had a spat of some kind and Remus was killed.
I can't verify any of this, since the dates suggested were all Before the Christian Era.
They didn't keep as good records then, and it sounds like the records got a little muddled.
Anyway, Happy Birthday, Rome!
Rome was founded on this day by Romulus and Remus.
They were sons of the god Mars and a vestal virgin.
They had been set adrift in a little boat which shipwrecked (or thrown into the Tiber by their uncle), so they were raised by an enterprising lady wolf. Later they were introduced to humanity by a royal herdsman, who adopted them. All the stories seem to agree that Rome was founded on an April 21. After the twins founded Rome, they had a spat of some kind and Remus was killed.
I can't verify any of this, since the dates suggested were all Before the Christian Era.
They didn't keep as good records then, and it sounds like the records got a little muddled.
Anyway, Happy Birthday, Rome!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20
Did they know? These events seem to be the tip of the iceberg as far as what happened after. Part of the reason "history" is "history" is because we can see more clearly how some events affected other events. At any rate---
On April 20 in 1657, Jews were granted freedom of religion in New Amsterdam (later known as New York City). What would have happened to NYC, to the state, to the world, if Jews had not been given that freedom at that time and place?
The other April 20 event happened in 1861. Robert E. Lee resigned his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia. Apparently he believed in doing all things "decently and in order". I never thought about his having to resign from the U.S. in order to fight against it. Must have been a really stressful decision for him. And how would things have come out if he hadn't done that?
Another in the list of "Things We'll Never Know"
On April 20 in 1657, Jews were granted freedom of religion in New Amsterdam (later known as New York City). What would have happened to NYC, to the state, to the world, if Jews had not been given that freedom at that time and place?
The other April 20 event happened in 1861. Robert E. Lee resigned his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia. Apparently he believed in doing all things "decently and in order". I never thought about his having to resign from the U.S. in order to fight against it. Must have been a really stressful decision for him. And how would things have come out if he hadn't done that?
Another in the list of "Things We'll Never Know"
Monday, April 19, 2010
April 19
,which is the third Monday in April this year, is the running of the 114th Boston Marathon. It extends through 8 towns or cities. finishing in Boston. As with all marathons, the length is 26.2 miles. I'm telling you all of this to tell you that my daughter ran a half-marathon yesterday. She went 13.1 miles in under two hours. Out of a field of 500, she was 200th. She is a youthful and very fit (she also participates in karate) 31 years old. I can't imagine doing that! (I did a 5k walkathon once. That's my claim to fame in this regard.)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
"On the 18th of April...
in '75 Hardly a man is now alive who remembers that famous day and year." Ahhh....that was 1775, not 1975. So, of course, the event was ..... Paul Revere's Ride. "One if by land, two if by sea..." relating to the hostilities between English troops and upstart Revolutionaries. April 18 is also Independence Day for Zimbabwe. That country earned its independence from Great Britain . It used to be called Southern Rhodesia. Glad I learned that; it happened after I left school, so I have been woefully ignorant of African states.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
April 17
Today is National Auctioneers Day. It's actually the third Saturday in April every year, rather than a date. But you get the idea. Did you ever think of honoring the auctioneers and their contribution to our economy? Neither did I. My husband goes to an auction every Saturday if he can find one the least bit interesting. Of course, he's looking for old, rusty, heavy things. My idea of an auction is one that has recliner chairs and bread machines. So we don't generally go to auctions together. Still, he brings all his "goodies" home. He and Henry usually stay till the very end, just so they can bid a dollar on the miscellaneous boxes. Hey, anything you can get for a dollar nowadays is probably good, right? And, I have to agree, some of the miscellaneous stuff is quite interesting. Maybe I'll enumerate some items from a typical box in another blog. Anyway, Happy Auctioneers' Day to you!
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16
Historically-speaking, this was not a good day for Texas City. In 1947, a ship exploded and burned, taking out the Monsanto Chemical Company and another ship and killing at least 526 people, including the entire fire department.
Of course, much earlier in American history, Charlie Chaplin was born, thus ensuring the pleasure of countless multitudes.
And in 1942 my dearest childhood friend came into the world. I wasn't present, since I was born a month later, but her presence has enriched my life for many years. We first met in third grade, when I was transferred to another school by the event of my local school district centralizing with one 9 miles away. While it was somewhat traumatic for me, coming from a two-room school to a combined 1-12 school, I made many life-long friends there. Of course, the whole process of riding on a big school bus--as opposed to Benny's station wagon--was also stressful.
But this is about Judy, not about me. We were in the same grade; we attended similar churches; we both were close to the top of the class in grades. I'm sure she was the one who made the first outreach. She's a very friendly person.
She also is very crafty, learning early to cook and sew and do grown-up things. I remember her coming to school with a new blouse or skirt that she had made and thinking how clever she was. Only years later did she tell me that she had made these things from feed bags used on her father's farm. Apparently they were even
more dirt-poor than the rest of us, but she made it into something to be proud of.
She was married at the end of our high school career and went off with her Army husband. I felt bereft, but I went off to college and did all the collegiate things.
She had a couple babies and finally settled back near our childhood homes. If she hadn't reached out to me again, we probably would have been living within 100 miles of each other and not communicating. But she did. She showed up at my wedding with another school friend and served at the reception. She's done so many other selfless things.
The blue in this post represents the color of her eyes. Thank you, Judy!
Of course, much earlier in American history, Charlie Chaplin was born, thus ensuring the pleasure of countless multitudes.
And in 1942 my dearest childhood friend came into the world. I wasn't present, since I was born a month later, but her presence has enriched my life for many years. We first met in third grade, when I was transferred to another school by the event of my local school district centralizing with one 9 miles away. While it was somewhat traumatic for me, coming from a two-room school to a combined 1-12 school, I made many life-long friends there. Of course, the whole process of riding on a big school bus--as opposed to Benny's station wagon--was also stressful.
But this is about Judy, not about me. We were in the same grade; we attended similar churches; we both were close to the top of the class in grades. I'm sure she was the one who made the first outreach. She's a very friendly person.
She also is very crafty, learning early to cook and sew and do grown-up things. I remember her coming to school with a new blouse or skirt that she had made and thinking how clever she was. Only years later did she tell me that she had made these things from feed bags used on her father's farm. Apparently they were even
more dirt-poor than the rest of us, but she made it into something to be proud of.
She was married at the end of our high school career and went off with her Army husband. I felt bereft, but I went off to college and did all the collegiate things.
She had a couple babies and finally settled back near our childhood homes. If she hadn't reached out to me again, we probably would have been living within 100 miles of each other and not communicating. But she did. She showed up at my wedding with another school friend and served at the reception. She's done so many other selfless things.
The blue in this post represents the color of her eyes. Thank you, Judy!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
April 15, 1947
What happened on this date?
Clue: It's a sports event.
Clue: It's a civil rights event.
Clue: It relates to the number 42.
Give up?
April 15, 1947, is the first day Jackie Robinson put on #42 as he suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
With that one act, he changed major league baseball...and all other major league sports events.
He was chosen to break the color barrier because of his obvious talent and also because he had the strength of character to endure all the hostility he would meet along the way.
Hats off to Jackie Robinson!
and to Dodgers' manager, Branch Rickey!!
Clue: It's a sports event.
Clue: It's a civil rights event.
Clue: It relates to the number 42.
Give up?
April 15, 1947, is the first day Jackie Robinson put on #42 as he suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
With that one act, he changed major league baseball...and all other major league sports events.
He was chosen to break the color barrier because of his obvious talent and also because he had the strength of character to endure all the hostility he would meet along the way.
Hats off to Jackie Robinson!
and to Dodgers' manager, Branch Rickey!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14th
Today is the anniversary of the adoption of the New York State Constitution, way back in 1777. It's changed some since then. Gotten longer, I'm sure.
But there is provision for a state militia. I'm not sure there is a state militia at present, and I'm quite sure the current NYS powers-that-be are not interested in activating one. But I've read that more and more states are considering their options in this regard.
2010 Elections should be interesting to follow. And to participate in. Please, all my US readers, make sure you are registered to vote. And then please exercise your privilege and duty. If you are a member of a political party, remember to vote in the primary in September, as well as the general election in November.
(Well, I didn't say I was leaving "politics as a blog subject" forever!)
And tomorrow I'm taking my signs to the local Tea Party event.
But there is provision for a state militia. I'm not sure there is a state militia at present, and I'm quite sure the current NYS powers-that-be are not interested in activating one. But I've read that more and more states are considering their options in this regard.
2010 Elections should be interesting to follow. And to participate in. Please, all my US readers, make sure you are registered to vote. And then please exercise your privilege and duty. If you are a member of a political party, remember to vote in the primary in September, as well as the general election in November.
(Well, I didn't say I was leaving "politics as a blog subject" forever!)
And tomorrow I'm taking my signs to the local Tea Party event.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Special Day
Did you know that today is the official "National Be Kind to Lawyers" Day?
Neither did I. But, having discovered the fact, I feel duty-bound to spread the news far and wide. There is a web site and a page of suggestions for celebrating. One of them, avoid telling any lawyer jokes on this day, may be impossible to accomplish, but we can always try. It is suggested if you can't do the above, when you find yourself telling such a joke, you just substitute your profession for the "lawyer" part and the joke will probably be just as funny anyway. I challenge you to try it and let me know!
PS/ It's also Thomas Jefferson's birthday, and I'm sure you're up to eating cake and ice cream.
Neither did I. But, having discovered the fact, I feel duty-bound to spread the news far and wide. There is a web site and a page of suggestions for celebrating. One of them, avoid telling any lawyer jokes on this day, may be impossible to accomplish, but we can always try. It is suggested if you can't do the above, when you find yourself telling such a joke, you just substitute your profession for the "lawyer" part and the joke will probably be just as funny anyway. I challenge you to try it and let me know!
PS/ It's also Thomas Jefferson's birthday, and I'm sure you're up to eating cake and ice cream.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
OK
I'll get off the politics and get back to the real world.
Where do house flies come from?
And why do they just come into my upstairs to die?
If they wanted to die, why didn't they just stay where they were?
Oh, they wre not just upstairs. But that's where I'm now finding them.
Hurray for vacuum cleaners and glass cleaners.
Bye bye flies.
(Yes, it's Spring!!)
Where do house flies come from?
And why do they just come into my upstairs to die?
If they wanted to die, why didn't they just stay where they were?
Oh, they wre not just upstairs. But that's where I'm now finding them.
Hurray for vacuum cleaners and glass cleaners.
Bye bye flies.
(Yes, it's Spring!!)
Activist?
It's been suggested that I am becoming a political activist. I'm not sure of the definition of that term, but I am being awakened to the fact that a lot of people in our country are not cognizant of the truths of its founding. And so I am reviewing what I was taught (and, yes, I was taught this stuff....most of it....thank goodness for public education in the 1950's) reading up on the events of the last 500 years, more or less.
The latest book I have begun to peruse is "A Patriot's History of the United States: from Columbus's great discovery to the war on terror". Needless to say, this is a substantial a tome, so I don't expect to be finished with it soon. Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen not only tell the truth of history, but also spend time researching and dispelling many of the myths which are being taught today. Rewriting history is sacrilege. But, of course, we do need to know what actually happened. They give plenty of references for their patriotic take on the events in our past, as well as interpretations that encourage us as citizens to continue to believe in it. Feel free to take a peek!
The latest book I have begun to peruse is "A Patriot's History of the United States: from Columbus's great discovery to the war on terror". Needless to say, this is a substantial a tome, so I don't expect to be finished with it soon. Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen not only tell the truth of history, but also spend time researching and dispelling many of the myths which are being taught today. Rewriting history is sacrilege. But, of course, we do need to know what actually happened. They give plenty of references for their patriotic take on the events in our past, as well as interpretations that encourage us as citizens to continue to believe in it. Feel free to take a peek!
Friday, April 9, 2010
"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you and may posterity forget that ye ...were our countrymen." ~Samuel Adams, 1776~I like this quote!
I'm contemplating what to put on my signs for the Tea Party on the 15th.
Don't want them to be confrontational, but I do want to say something with substance. I'm excited about this opportunity to join with other like-minded citizens and let people know we want way more from OUR government than we're getting.
I've been reading books by (dare I name these names?) Glenn Beck, Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris. It was fun to see how the last two dove-tailed. I guess Chuck participated in Huckabee's campaign. They both have good ideas about being good citizens and about encouraging good government. And getting back to the thoughts and inspirations of our founding fathers. I think as citizens of the United States of America, we need to be aware of our roots.
I'm contemplating what to put on my signs for the Tea Party on the 15th.
Don't want them to be confrontational, but I do want to say something with substance. I'm excited about this opportunity to join with other like-minded citizens and let people know we want way more from OUR government than we're getting.
I've been reading books by (dare I name these names?) Glenn Beck, Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris. It was fun to see how the last two dove-tailed. I guess Chuck participated in Huckabee's campaign. They both have good ideas about being good citizens and about encouraging good government. And getting back to the thoughts and inspirations of our founding fathers. I think as citizens of the United States of America, we need to be aware of our roots.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
First
I went to my first candidate-announcing-for-office event this morning. Can't say as I was particularly impressed, but I did know one person there. He, of course, is a politician...and I'm not in his district, so he didn't recognize me. I talked with a couple others, who were cordial enough until friends appeared. At least, I guess they were friends. They greeted each other effusively. I met one man who said he was there to see what was going on. He also hastened to assure me, at least twice, that he was there by invitation. He knows someone who knew his father who was in politics at the local level. He has a real estate business, and would consider running for office in the future, if his family were taken care of. I'm not sure how long that will be, but I'll be sure to remember him if I see his name on a ballot. Hey, I got a free sign for the announcing candidate. Maybe it will be good for stopping up a mouse hole or something.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Good
Yes, He is. All the time. Was feeling a bit down because of no "family" around for the holiday. Invited elderly friend to come to church, if she felt up to it. Then planned dinner, also in case she felt "up to it". Then invited another friend. And then a couple more. Then got to church and found that another widow didn't have special plans...and a couple couples didn't either. So, our dinner for three turned into Easter meal for ten. And the original guest didn't make it. Hurray for pantries! And for "church family".
Saturday, April 3, 2010
No Tomfoolery
You've no doubt noticed that I didn't post on April First.
It's a holiday around here.
I didn't pull any pranks and neither did my husband.
My son and his wife, however, carried on the family tradition.
They printed up some brochures about a camp for their 3 children.
So far, so good.
Nice parents.
However, this was billed as a "Chore Camp", where the youngsters could learn how to do things like make their beds, carry out the garbage, etc.
One child is even quoted on the colorful leaflet as saying he enjoyed cleaning up after the other campers had made s'mores.
Pretend that you're a seven- or eight-year-0ld.
Guess how happy you would be to have Mom and Dad enroll you in this camp.
:-)
You got it.
They weren't.
The seven-year-old was the first to figure out that this might be a joke.
I'm sure the other two weren't far behind.
Parents! Whatever would we do without them?!
It's a holiday around here.
I didn't pull any pranks and neither did my husband.
My son and his wife, however, carried on the family tradition.
They printed up some brochures about a camp for their 3 children.
So far, so good.
Nice parents.
However, this was billed as a "Chore Camp", where the youngsters could learn how to do things like make their beds, carry out the garbage, etc.
One child is even quoted on the colorful leaflet as saying he enjoyed cleaning up after the other campers had made s'mores.
Pretend that you're a seven- or eight-year-0ld.
Guess how happy you would be to have Mom and Dad enroll you in this camp.
:-)
You got it.
They weren't.
The seven-year-old was the first to figure out that this might be a joke.
I'm sure the other two weren't far behind.
Parents! Whatever would we do without them?!
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