The Road Less Traveled

Friday 55

2012-01-26T22:01:00.001-05:00

Write a story in 55 words, then share with the g-man. Oh come on..give it a try! Sure is a lot more fun that listening to political debates!

“What’s wrong?” he asked softly.

Lost in thought, the stranger’s voice startled her.

His compassionate smile coaxed a reply.

"Tired of doing the right thing, then being labeled a doormat.”

“Good examples change the world,” he replied.

Lowering her gaze,

she reflected on his words,

eyes widening as the shadow of a wing embraced her.

Illustration from the talented Christopher Stokes

This Is Why I'm Keeping Him...Forever and a Day

2012-01-18T15:09:00.000-05:00

I met Hubby (when he was Hubby-to-be) when I was 16 and he was 17. Over the years I've run into high school acquaintances who believe the term "high school sweethearts" only applied to 1950s movies. Over half of them will say incredulously, "You mean you're STILL married? To each other?"

My immediate reply is a smile and calm, "Yes". My second thought is, "And I can see why YOU'RE not married any more." The only time my polite, southern lady skills were challenged was when a girl from school exclaimed, almost in horror, "You're still on your FIRST husband?"

Uh, yeah. I kinda like him. Plan on keeping him for a long time.

The reason we still like each other after all these years may be because we virtually grew up together. We may not agree on everything, but that doesn't lead to (a) violent arguments (b) constant sniping (c) divorce or (d) a suggestion that someone needs to see a psychiatrist. Life is full of ups and downs. It's how you handle them together, as a team, that counts in the long run.

Which brings me to my birthday.

I've known this man for 38 years now. That's a lot of Christmases and Birthdays. Plus my birthday is only a few weeks after Christmas. As some of you know, the more of those holidays that go by, the harder it is to come up with creative gifts or personal surprises. If you've been reading here long, you know Hubby gave me a digital piano for Christmas. For my birthday, he found an antique piano stool, complete with those cool claw foot legs. I was thrilled and yet he said there was still one more surprise coming...and he wasn't happy when the original 4 day delivery was revised... to 12 days after my birthday. But it arrived yesterday, somewhere in the middle of that schedule.

Now this gift won't mean much to you. But it meant the world to me. Some of you may recall that we lost our oldest dog, Smokey, last year just before Christmas. He was closing in on 13 years old and I swear, he was smarter than some people I know. Smokey might've been Hubby's hunting buddy, but he was my "snuggle buddy" in the winter. He'd crawl up onto my love seat perch, curl up behind my legs, careful to keep my feet warm, then lay his chin on my knee. He'd sleep like that for hours and when the weather would warm, he'd start staying on the couch less and less, but it looked as if he hated that as much as I did. I still think the hardest thing for me after he died was facing a winter of having to use a mere quilted throw to keep my feet warm. I'd find myself sometimes staring at "his" spot, as if any minute Smokey would appear and I'd be warm again. Inside and out.

Unlike Smokey, his son, Bou, didn't like to share the love seat. In fact, if he beat you to it and you dared to sit, he would glare at you as if to say, "Excuse me! I was here first". After Smokey died, we ended up getting leather furniture and Bou was no longer allowed to sit on the "people" stuff.

So when I came home yesterday, Hubby asked me to wait a moment, then told me to come into the living room. There, spread across my love seat was a cotton throw...with Smokey and Bou's photo on it. This one:

It's a photo I took for the annual Shop calendar, which I jokingly referred to as "The Family Photo". I always liked how Smokey appeared wise and all knowing while Bou looked like, "Well, can we go on a car ride NOW?"

As I walked around the couch to admire my gift, Hubby said the one thing that sealed his fate forever.

"Now when you sit on the love seat and your feet get cold, Smokey can still warm them up."

That's it. There's no way I'm ever letting that guy go.

Off today on an expedition for...

2012-01-15T13:17:00.000-05:00

...birthday cake!

Yes, there are more candles involved than here,

but at least they haven't started using the "number" candles.

Yet.

Gonna co-celebrate with Hubby's baby sister,

who's birthday was Friday.

Years of candles and years of wishes....

but sadly

my hair remains baby fine.

Guess that's better than bald, huh?

Friday 55

2012-01-12T22:00:00.003-05:00

Make the g-man's weekend by letting him know if you write one of these 55 word stories.   Who, me?  Nostalgic?  Upcoming birthdays will do that to you.

What you doing?

Reviewing the year I was born.

Average income: $4,650

Bread: 19¢

Gas: 24¢ a gallon

1^st time in 26 years postage raised... to 4¢

NASA was born

Army inducted Elvis

VISA introduced

Pizza Hut opened

Grammy: Volaré

Oscar: Gigi

So. Biggest surprise?

Discovering Mick Jagger is ONLY 15 years older than me!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Back to Work I Go

2012-01-08T15:19:00.001-05:00

After 2 weeks of doing things my way (common sense + sense of humor= more fun than work), Monday means going back to Month #4 of the "Broom Closet Office". But I'm taking some words of wisdom with me, culled from a speech given by writer Brad Meltzer. (Yes Thom, of "Decoded" fame). I added a little color and a frame which will stick to my filing cabinet and stare back at me.

I decided to use a sky and rainbow theme to remind me that, no matter what co-workers or the public throw at me, I have a goal in life. To be useful. To make a difference. To care.

Friday 55

2012-01-05T22:00:00.001-05:00

It's not just a New Year, it's the first FRIDAY of the year!  So if you resolved to write a 55, please make sure to let the g-man know.   And yes, today is a look inside my head, while I argue with myself.    :)

Make New Year’s Resolutions?

Never!

Set goals?

More like it.

Set bar to “high”?

Nope.

Too short for that.

Set bar at reasonable height?

Define reasonable.

Set at challenging?

Um…have you looked at life lately?

Right. Already challenging. Suggestions?

Be kind.

Do the right thing.

Vote.

Write 55s more than 24 hours ahead of time.

My Motto for 2012

2012-01-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

This says it all. Thanks to my Google+ pal Craig Luecke for giving me something to smile about while I try to put the theory into good use.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

2011-12-31T10:48:00.000-05:00

From Grandma's 1920s postcard collection.

The sentiment still fits.

Battling Keyboards

2011-12-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

So, did everyone get all they wished for...and maybe more...this holiday season? I know I did and the most fun was surprising Hubby with a gift he'd thought about but didn't think was realistic. As some of you may recall, he once traded a customer some archery work for an old golf cart that had a BMW emblem on it. We're not the types to drive a real Beemer, but living on 5 acres with a mailbox a fair distance away and a Hubby with a bum knee, it comes in handy. Recently, however, the old Beemer was crawling so slow short little me could travel farther, faster.

So for Christmas I got Hubby a new one. Well, "newer" one as in 2008 vs. the 1980 model of the Beemer. Which meant we had to go pick it up 2 days before Christmas because they don't deliver and were leaving town at 5 p.m. that day. I guess when you have to pick up something you want, it's okay to mess with tradition a little.

Now about this title. Santa brought me a new toy too: a digital piano with a full size keyboard. This is where I learned that sometimes when I least expect it, Hubby is paying attention to every word I say.

I inherited the piano I learned to play on....the same, second hand piano that my Dad had learned on. I ended up with it, not because I was first born but because out of the 3 of us, I'm the only kid who learned the old fashion way: by reading music. Dad, Sis and Bro all played by ear, which, during childhood, I found annoying at best and frustrating when trying to learn a tough piece. She's a beautiful old upright, "honky tonk" style piano and once I stopped taking lessons, I played her even more. Over the years she moved in with Hubby and me and for a while, I played her on a consistent basis.

Yeah, you guessed it. Life threw more and more into my schedule until she began to become neglected. To tell you the truth, she'd become a little too out of tune and made hitting the correct notes sound like stumbling into a piano in the dark. To spare her feelings, I dusted her more than I played.

And yet after owning the latest Hugh Laurie CD, I felt that itch to play resurface. Oh sure, I knew I'd be out of practice but I could do it again. Just like before...practice. I'd mentioned having the old gal tuned in the past but Hubby gave me one of those parental looks that meant, "And you'll play with your new toy for a month, then find a new toy."

This year, however, unbeknownst to me (until Christmas morning, when all the good, spy worthy tales of shopping for each other get told) I found out he'd actually had a piano tuner come check her out. Granted, she's probably close to 100 years old but I loved her, in spite of the fact my 4 year old brother once took a wooden hammer to her ivory keys one day and chipped away more than a couple. He thought the sound was "pretty". I considered them battle scars that never kept her from singing.

After checking her over, evidently the piano tuner offered Hubby $25 for her...to use as parts!

I married a smart man. Our house is filled with antiques lovingly collected over the years. He told the piano tuner, "Thanks, but no thanks". Which is why on Christmas morning I unwrapped a digital piano with a full keyboard. I'd already thanked Hubby when he told me about the piano tuner and I threw my arms back around him when he'd turned down the "big money" offer. Because he knew the sentimental value of that piano was, to me, priceless.

And so while I practice on the new keyboard (and boy am I rusty!) in the shadow of the old gal who trained me to love the sound, we are both comforted in knowing she's not going anywhere. She's a part of my childhood, of memories forged from playing while Mom cooked Sunday dinners, to singing "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey" at her side while Dad played...by ear.

She might be a glorified display shelf for my collection of kerosene lamps which rest on top of her, but she's still keeping me company, just out of the corner of my eye.

So although my computer keyboard may get a little jealous during my 2 week vacation (yeah...no work!), the new one will make a piano player out of me again. Soon or later.

Don't worry...I won't totally desert you. After all, you can only practice so much before it becomes work.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-25T10:01:00.002-05:00

To all my invisible friends here in Cyberland, I wish you and yours the best and merriest day ever!

2 Days before Christmas and...

2011-12-23T15:52:00.000-05:00

...instead of the normal 40-50 degree temps (4-10 C) common this time of year, today it's sunny and currently 73. (23 C)

No, I'm not complaining. But it does seem a little odd to walk out the front door and discover that the one little azalea branch leaning it's head on the warm brick steps thought it was time to put on it's finery BEFORE spring.

Merry Christmas y'all!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2011-12-22T18:04:00.002-05:00

And with NORAD & Google Earth's help, you can track him. Here's his journey from last year. Click on the "snowflake" on the video bar and make it snow!

Yeah, I DO still believe. Don't you? Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Friday 55

2011-12-15T22:00:00.001-05:00

Ho,Ho,Ho, time for a new 55 word story. Personally, I find staying home to write one easier than facing panicked, last minute shoppers. Make sure you share with the g-man.

“IPYPIASM?" John repeated skeptically.

"Never heard of that condition before."

“Seasonal thing,” Luke answered.

“Like an allergy?” John inquired as Luke shook his head.

“Sounds like a spasm.

Is it painful?”

“No. Makes you laugh.”

“You have a laughing disease?” John mused while Luke smiled.

“Contagious?”

“If it’s done right.

It’s Christmas spirit for shoppers.”

IPYPIASM is the brainchild of Niamh B. and stands for “International Put Your Poem In A Shop Month”.   Short poems are left for shoppers to find, in hopes of  brightening their day.  The challenge is not so much creating the poem as leaving it without getting caught.  Plus you have to take a photo of where you leave it and post on your blog as proof. Mine's a couple of posts back.  

 So far, “the score being tracked purely for 'fun' stands at;”  

 England    5

 Scotland   10

 Ireland   11

 North America  4

60 Second Break

2011-12-09T15:32:00.000-05:00

Tired of work? Shopping? Crowds? Take a moment to be a kid again.

Thanks Mom. :)

For Titus:

2011-12-06T17:19:00.000-05:00

Visit Titus here for an explanation of how this stealth poetry left in a shop during December works.

This was my attempt for 2011. Unfortunately the cell phone shot isn't that great, so I've listed the words beneath it. And for the record, I DO NOT condone violent shoppers. I'm just saying being a short woman in holiday crowds has left me a little less than jolly on occasion. :)

Hunt for Bargains.

Pushed and shoved.

Women may be gatherers.

But now I understand

why Cavemen shopped

with club in hand.

Utterly Amazing!

2011-12-04T18:56:00.000-05:00

Brain child of Ben Canales, this time elapsed video taken in Oregon will never let you take Mother Nature for granted again!

This is worth going full screen for...have a good week!

Finding Oregon from Uncage the Soul Productions on Vimeo.
Produced 2011 by Uncage the Soul Productions
Ben Canales, John Waller, Steve Engman, Blake Johnson
http://www.uncagethesoul.com

To plan your adventure to Oregon, visit Travel Oregon at
http://www.traveloregon.com/outdoors

Finding Oregon is the compilation of six months of timelapse photography across the state of Oregon, punctuated by a 1600 mile road trip in September. We've filmed the Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson, the Southwestern Coast, the Alvord Desert, Leslie Gulch, Blue Mountains, Crater Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness, Deschutes River, and more. We're proud to have touched all four corners of the state; however Oregon is the kind of place that the more you see, the more places there are to still discover.

Friday 55

2011-12-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

Before the Christmas rush saps all your strength, it's time to write a 55 word story.  Make sure you share with the g-man.  Good luck...and happy shopping.  I'm staying home.  :)

“You’re full as a tick.

Keep airing your lungs and you’ll end up a cottonwood blossom,”

Jim growled at someone in the distance.

“You understand that?” Sam asked in a puzzled whisper as Dean nodded.

“What does it mean?”

“Means we never should’ve gotten him that Cowboy Dictionary for Christmas.”

“Igit!” Jim huffed in disgust.

I admit it: I love cowboy slang.  I once read a cowboy dictionary and some of these terms never left my head.  Translation:

Full as a tick: very drunk.

Airing your lungs: cursing

Cottonwood blossom: a man who’s been hung

Igit: Idiot

For Ponita...with Thanks to Canada

2011-12-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

I use to hate the Christmas song, "Santa Baby" because that Betty Boop voice quality drove me nuts!

This version, however does not.

I'm sharing with you the Christmas gift I bought for ME a month ago...and made myself WAIT to listen to today, on Dec. 1st. So thank you Canada for sharing the gift of Michael Buble. And be sure you listen extra careful to what he'd like Santa to bring him.

Need a Christmas Idea?

2011-11-29T17:51:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been 2 months of sitting in my "broom closet" temporary office, as my British senior calls it. They haven't even started working on our Center. My request yesterday for a tentative start date was met with, "I don't know."

This morning I realized that on days I'm not feeling real cheerful as I head to work, I keep hitting "Play" on my Hugh Laurie blues CD, "Let Them Talk".

Yes, THAT Hugh Laurie. Actor. Comedy partner of Stephen Fry. Dr. House.

Forget the "Song and Dance Man" label once attached to actors like Laurie who weren't just content to repeat the words in a script. Inside that very British gent beats the heart of an old black man from New Orleans...one who understands the heartbeat of the Blues.

I LOVE this CD! (And yes, I almost said album, but most of you would've merely nodded). I realized why this morning.

I was singing along with a song which has a repeating lyric of, "Baby you don't know, you don't know my mind. When you see me laughing, I'm laughing just to keep from crying."

Sounds sad?  Well, it IS the Blues.  But then I found myself gleefully singing along, "Sometimes I think my baby's too good to die. Sometimes I think she should be buried alive."

I laughed so hard I forgot to be cranky.

Below is a musical clip of my favorite song, "St. James Infirmary." There were some live versions of this, but the audience can get so rowdy you lose the reason I find this selection so wonderful. The first 3 minutes are basically a piano solo by Laurie...then he swings into singing. His style is a little unique, but that's part of the charm. Truthfully, I've just about worn the first 3 minutes out! Enjoy!

Update: if you'd like to see more, try here, which was a PBS documentary on the making of the album (there, I said it!) with performances....and one of the guest stars is Tom Jones!

Are You Safe?

2011-11-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

With today being "Cyber Monday", I hope your home shopping experience doesn't involve pushing, shoving or pepper spray.

And no, I don't DO Black Friday...I didn't get my Mom's gene for that. Or the one for shoe shopping.

Have a good week y'all!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

2011-11-24T07:58:00.000-05:00

Don't stuff yourselves and remember....

Dear Congressman: Buy a Dictionary

2011-11-21T14:39:00.002-05:00

According to the polls, 91% of Americans are ticked off with Congress and their "Super Committee"'s failure thus far to do more than agree to disagree. Okay, so it's Monday and I know better but I sent one of my Congressman a little e-mail this morning. Why? Because HE is on the Super-Duper-Need-a-Pooper-Scooper Committee. I tried to catch his Aides attention with the subject title: "I still believe you CAN fix our economy!"

I know. Subtle as a hammer. Then I added:

"I appreciate and understand how difficult the task given to the "Super Committee". What I don't understand is why COMPROMISE never appears to be part of the vocabulary during these discussions. For once, will all of you kindly forget which "team" you're on and and pull for ALL of us...the American people? That's what Americans are truly angry about at this stage: the needs of individual parties being put above doing the right thing, for the right reason, for the American people. It's simple: you don't spend money you don't have. No, really. It's just that simple. Attempting to reach into taxpayer pockets for more in light of a perceived unwillingness to cut what's not necessary from the Budget will only raise the ire of the public. As you work toward a conclusion, I think you need to know that most of us are rooting for you. All you need to do is focus outside Washington, D.C., to see that we're here. Good luck and Godspeed."

I know. Waste of time probably. Hey, I figure it's better than an ulcer. And yes, I expect a "party line" reply in a couple of days, when this has grown into a new crisis.

In the meantime, I read a CNN column today that made me laugh. If you want to read it in its entirety, go here. Written by comedian Dean Obeidaliah the short version was this snippet:

"If the congressional "super committee" does not reach a deficit reduction deal by Wednesday's legally mandated deadline,

I propose we take a page from the NBA owners and lock Congress out.

I'm serious.

We, the taxpayers, are the owners of Congress

and if Congress won't make a deal that helps our nation,

then let's put a big padlock on the doors of the House and Senate --

or at least change the locks and not give them the keys."

I second that motion? Anyone care to vote?

UPDATE: As predicted, the Super Committee gave up. Hmmm, my Momma told me that Winners never quit and Quitters never win. Guess we know which camp those folks are in.

Sigh.

Friday 55

2011-11-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

Survived both the Senior Citizens trip, as well as an overly friendly Pirate who MADE me have my picture taken...with him!  But since I didn't have to walk the plank, I managed a 55 word story.  Be sure to share yours with the g-man.  

“Had he been depressed?” Eli asked, staring at the body in the road.

“No.

Cousin Rocky told Joe it was a religious experience.”

“Crossing the road?”

“No.

Rocky told Joe to go toward the light.

He was joking.

But that’s what Joe did.

Walked toward…headlights.”

“So THAT’S how raccoons get possums to cross first!”

Didn't Have to Walk the Plank

2011-11-17T11:58:00.001-05:00

Survived the trip with the senior citizens to the beach and everyone had a great time. Well, except the 2 ladies we left at the hotel because they'd misread when they were suppose to be downstairs to leave. Oh, they were mad but soon realized that (a) the mistake was theirs (b) we'd waited as long as possible (c) we left their tickets with their own Personal Pirate at the front door to usher them in...just as the show started. Although they missed being in the group photo, they didn't miss being strong armed by the Photography Pirate. These folks take their characters VERY seriously and I wonder if pirate garb comes with attitude. For as I tried to slip past Photography Pirate, who was about six foot four and looked like half an American football team's defensive line, he caught me. Literally.

"And where do ye think you're going?" he bellowed at me in fluent pirate speak.

"Um, out of the way," I offered, pointing at one of my couples being photographed for personal pictures. "I'm the Director. My job is to stay out of the way and avoid the camera," I smiled.

"No," he corrected, gazing down at me. WAY down. "We shoot everyone who comes in."

At this point, I'm wondering if he means with a camera or a blunderbuss. Before I could ask, he threw a meaty arm around my shoulders and d-r-u-g me into place before the camera, with a hearty, "You'll have your picture with me!"

You ever try to argue with a human mountain who has you in a shoulder lock?

So I did that fake smile we all use when gritting our teeth.

Flash!

"Just one more for good measure," the lady pirate at the camera said.

No flash!

"Oops! Let's try that again!" she called cheerfully.

Flash!

"Okay, you can let go now," lady pirate advised her co-worker.

To which Photography Pirate, still cradling me in a steel grip, replied, "Ah, I kinda like holding onto the soft ones." And there we stood, in grip lock.

I had two simultaneous thoughts. I am not THAT much overweight (and you could lose a couple of pounds yourself, Dude) and was that sexual harassment or entertainment? He winked and let me go. I smiled a genuine smile (of relief) and walked to join the seniors... who wanted to know who my friend was.

Arrgh!

While the 3 day trip was fun, we did have a scary moment on the way home. They didn't want a bus, so we carpooled. Since they ARE adults, some elected to go visit local relatives while others did sight seeing. Four carloads returned home together, with me bringing up the rear to ensure no one made an incorrect turn. Hairy moment came when I saw the blur of gray to my right and I realized a small speeding car was going to either cut in front of the senior driving in front of me, or hit me.

Fortunately, the senior also saw the car and began slowing down: I'd already taken my foot off the gas pedal and was prepared to swing the opposite direction of him in order to avert a 3 car pile up. This fool, and I'm being kind, overshot BOTH lanes of traffic he was trying to enter and proceeded to fishtail for longer than I thought possible. How he didn't flip that car is a miracle. Finally straightening out as we crept past, he went north in the SOUTH bound lane, gained control, then shot BACK across in front of us. He wove in and out of traffic, then shot back off in the direction he'd originally come from.

We stopped a couple of miles down the road as the group wanted a snack and I asked if everyone's pulse rate was back to normal. One senior asked me what I had done when I saw him and I replied, "I was looking in my rear view mirror for blue lights. I can't believe a cop wasn't behind him!" We joked that we would go home and watch the news to see if any area banks had been robbed. Either he had a death wish or was higher than a kite.

So everyone had a good time and they're already talking about going somewhere again in the spring.

In the meantime, my Guardian Angel has requested a vacation...from me.

SALUTE!

2011-11-11T09:01:00.000-05:00

To those who have served,

to those who serve still and

especially for those who paid the ultimate price...

a heartfelt

THANK YOU!

Argh! It's been a Weird Week!

2011-11-06T10:33:00.001-05:00

Five weeks of life in my closet of an office with no windows and STILL no work has begun on my Center. But bottom of the barrel this week was going to the dentist for my 6 month cleaning, only to have him say, "Um, you've got trouble!" Seems my lovely asthma medication (which I've been weaning off of anyway) is doing bad things to my teeth. After they were all shiny clean, he filled one and I left with his words ringing in my ears, "You'll need a root canal and crown on the one beneath it."

Merry Christmas? Happy New Year? Nope...not getting that done until 2012..when I'm suppose to be on vacation?!

For those of you who don't care for hunting, please stick with me long enough to view Mother Nature at her weirdest moment of creativity. I'll preface this with Hubby doesn't hunt for sport, we consume what he harvests. Deer don't get huge around here, but the mature ones usually have antlers with 8 "points". Hubby got one last week that had TWENTY! Take a look...I swear it looks like tree limbs. You should be able to click on the photo to enlarge it...middle photo is from a back angle.

If you tried counting and didn't reach 20, blame it on my photography. Sorry. The little "devil horns" in the front kinda creeped me out.

Come Monday, I'll be outta here until Thursday. Hoping for smooth sailing this week, I'm taking 16 senior citizens on a 3 day jaunt to the beach. Ah the fun of carpooling in a caravan when a bus isn't available! In case you're wondering, this is a group I'll have to keep up WITH, not push around. You know the world has changed when you're giving seniors your cell phone number to put in their cell phones in case of emergency. My Grandmothers would never have been farther than yelling distance on a trip.

However, our first night has us dining here. Can't wait to see how that turns out. They don't give you silverware with dinner, you know. You eat with your fingers and drink out of a glass jar. Argh, me hearties!

So till we meet again, Mateys. Just hope no one asks me to walk the plank. It would break my Dentist's heart.

Friday 55

2011-11-03T22:00:00.003-04:00

Before I venture out to take 16 Sr. Citizens on a 3 day beach trip this Monday, here's my 55 words of the week.  Make sure you share yours with the g-man. 

HEADLINES:

4 Georgia senior citizens charged with planned biotoxin attack

Mormons fight lily-white image

Amish beard cutting attacks: cult suspected

Hillary Clinton declares, “Castro needs to go”

Justin Beiber denies fathering child

Sam’s plan to save America was simple.

Reduce stupidity.

His first step involved shipping

Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian and Ann Coulter

to Castro.

Did You Know....

2011-10-29T14:39:00.002-04:00

...because I didn't until today.

For the first time since what most of us grew up with as the "Emergency Broadcast System" (This is a test. This is only a test...) a nation wide test of this system will be held on the above date. I'm accustom to this test cropping up on a monthly basis on my weather radio, statewide. To this day, that danged "tone" drives me insane...I have hearing like a dog, evidently.

For approximately 3 minutes the airwaves across America, from t.v. and radio, to satellite, etc. will conduct this test simultaneously. Try here for more information on this test.

Although not overly publicized at the moment, I'm glad to have discovered this now, rather than worry terrorists had taken over the airways. I only hope the EBS gets an A+.

Not so sure picking the date 11/9/11 was such a reassuring influence.

Friday 55

2011-10-27T22:00:00.000-04:00

Whatever treat you've cooked up, make sure to share it with the g-man; especially if it contains 55 words.

“What’s wrong Jack?”

“I just don’t have it in me to celebrate Halloween.”

“Why? You’re perfect,” his friend offered.

“I know today’s kids aren’t quite as creative.

And they don’t believe in the Great Pumpkin.”

“I’ve looked inside myself,

only to discover my destiny isn’t Halloween.

It’s pie,” Pumpkin Jack sighed.

“No guts, no glory.”

Who are YOUR Heroes?

2011-10-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

Brad Meltzer has written a new book entitled, "Heroes For My Son". The basic idea was the simple musing of a new parent, "What kind of man do I want my son to be?" I'm sure it's a question all parents wonder at some point. But the "simple idea" took on a life of it's own when Meltzer realized that just naming people like Abraham Lincoln was easy. What about the stories behind what makes a great man? Or woman. Did you know the Wright Brothers brought along extra materials when they tested their airplane...for when it crashed? Not because they believed they were always doomed to fail, but because they were prepared to keep trying in spite of failure.

I like that attitude.

Melzter had a convincing argument for heroes, "History doesn’t just pick people. History picks everyone. Every day. The only question is, do you pay attention…do you put in the hard work…do you hear that calling?"

Although the book is composed of 52 heroic subjects, I wondered if I could name ten...not including friends or family. After all, I was raised by great parents, I have a wonderful Hubby and a friend from college who STILL understands me and yet she loves me in spite of it. Those are my "personal" heroes but because you don't know them, that doesn't seem to count.

So here's a simple challenge: name 5 of your heroes and if you feel like sharing, tell us why. Here's my stab at it:

Mark Twain: despite the "political correctness" now being forced onto his stories, the fact is, the man was a great storyteller. Besides, through him I learned you can tell stories using a pseudonym and not go to jail. (What? Did you really think my name is 'hope'?)

Capt. Kangaroo: So this is a nod to my childhood. For those not familiar, before the days of "Sesame Street" there was this children's show with an emphasis on enjoying the silliness of childhood, combined with reading. To this day, my favorite childhood book is "Stone Soup", followed by "Caps for Sale", both of which the Capt. read to us often. As an adult, I added a copy of both to my bookshelf.

The Mercury Seven: no, not to be confused with some political activist group of the 1960s, these were the first 7 NASA astronauts. I have no idea why I liked Gus Grisham best, but he was one of the astronauts who died in a fire on the launchpad during a test. With these men is a nod to Gene Kranz, Flight Director during that time. These men made me believe we could go anywhere....you just had to work hard and keep trying.

Tom Hanks: yes, the actor. Why? Because he has been able to portray so many faces of America (and one completely made up foreign country if you saw "The Terminal") in a way which illustrates the one trait we all share: we're human..and more alike than we realize. He's my modern day Jimmy Stewart: the "all American Every Man" before movies came from Hollyweird.

Elizabeth Kitchen: okay, you don't know her personally, but if you write, chances are you had an English teacher like her. She was my 7th grade teacher and inspired me to learn as many words as possible. I still remember how she pronounced "Cacophony" with such enthusiasm. With her white hair and plump cheeks, she reminded me of Santa's missus. And I love the fact that her "punishment" once got the best of her. Chewing gum in her class was forbidden; get caught and you had to memorize a poem to recite in front of the class. At that age, reciting, poetry, punishment and public was not a good combination for the ego. My friend Pete got caught and as he rose to face the punishment, there was a twinkle in that 13 year old boy's eye. Rather than select a quick poem to get it over with, he'd memorized a sappy love poem. His delivery was so moving, half the girls in the class swooned. Mrs. Kitchen kept her composure as Boy Romeo finished his recitation, nodded that his punishment was complete and indicated he should return to his seat. As he did, her cheeks flushed the pink of a young girl, totally smitten.

That's the start of my list. What about yours?

And now a word from the Kid

2011-10-21T18:48:00.000-04:00

Just wanted you to know there's no need for anyone

to gather a search party.

hope was under the weather earlier this week,

so she asked me to look in and see if y'all are okay.

You look fine to me.

Carry on. And have a great weekend!

No, she can't speak with you right now,

it's time for my dinner.

And to make my point,

I just shoved the keyboard away with my nose.

You ARE a Hero!

2011-10-15T10:02:00.000-04:00

If you've had one of those weeks (raises hand), then run over here and type in your name. Guaranteed to make you smile.

Courtesy of author Brad Meltzer...who made my day!

Friday 55

2011-10-13T22:00:00.001-04:00

I've got my act together...well, 55 words of it any way. If you write one of these challenging gems, make sure you share with the g-man.

The sudden appearance was so startling,

she hit the brakes.

Was she seeing things?

No.

That really was the symbol of freedom taking flight.

Once it’d been quite…

common.

In today’s world…

rare.

As the Bald Eagle soared

she was glad Benjamin Franklin had lost his battle.

She couldn’t imagine feeling patriotic about

a Turkey.

True story. We live near a large lake system and our temperate climate makes it a good spot for Bald Eagles to nest. Although I’ve seen them on the lake, and occasionally flying overhead where I live in the country, the sight isn’t an everyday occurrence. Plus, they’re a lot bigger than they look on television. And every time I see one, the little kid in me jumps up and down thinking, “Would you look at that?!”

For those unfamiliar with U.S. history, when America was deciding on a national symbol, Benjamin Franklin’s suggestion was the Wild Turkey, because it was so plentiful. His suggestion lost by one vote.

Hey Canada!

2011-10-09T09:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

"We're All Clark Kent"

2011-10-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

Last week I was lamenting that the adults of the world I'd grown up admiring are gone. Disappeared like an extinct species. Then I ran across this video, posted by author Brad Meltzer. Don't let the title scare you away...it's worth the time.

And so are you.

Friday 55

2011-10-06T22:00:00.001-04:00

It's story time so perhaps when the g-man returns, he'll give us a comment or two. Don't forget to tell him you shared.

It’d been a week of changes.
The end result would be great.
Surviving the renovation was another story.

Fact: Senior citizens hate change.
Update: they express that loudly.

Grasping for some control,
she changed her cell phone photo.
Ah, beautiful Ireland.

It was only later that she realized

the photo was dominated by...
a cliff.

Day Two: Oh Boy

2011-10-04T18:21:00.000-04:00

There is one universally acknowledged concept and it doesn't matter where you live: senior citizens do not like change.

And they have no problem sharing that fact with you.

It's understandable. My group has been displaced from their little home away from home. No temporary site will even come close. Add the fact that everything I'd told them about the building to comfort them and make it feel familiar backfired....all because the Boss decided to help by setting up a different parking space for them. One in the opposite direction of where I'd insisted they'd be closer. It was kind of her, and to be honest it is closer. But the seniors felt betrayed because it wasn't what they EXPECTED. Hard to sell change when the very first "Trust me, we can do this," looks like a lie. With no phone (still), I couldn't let them know ahead of time of the change. No way to e-mail either. Seems right now my computer only likes to e-mail people it knows...in the County system. It mistrusts anything ending in yahoo, hotmail or gmail.

Old computers don't like change either, it seems.

I've cooked lunch for these folks once a week for 18 years. Today, it felt like I was going into the kitchen for the first time because I had to use a gas stove. It, of course, cooked totally different than my old electric restaurant style stove at the Center. Timing is everything. And I've always had the food out on the buffet table at noon. High noon.

Turns out the stove was the least of my problems.

No, it was the heating/cooling system which did me in. I'd been back and forth through the building so many times, not counting extra trips to the kitchen to ensure I wasn't setting anything on fire, that I didn't realize how cool it was in the room. The seniors did. They began to complain. Loudly. I know how easily they get chilled and I have a couple who are 91 and 95...and refuse to take Flu Shots. I would've gladly adjusted the temperature but ah...County buildings which are rented have actual LOCKS on the thermostat to keep temperatures from being changed. Smart in theory. Not so good today.

I tried four different people for keys to that lock. Either the ones who might have a key had left or the ones still there didn't have one. Nope, none in my new group of keys either. So I wrapped one lady in my sweater and fixed everyone who was cold a cup of hot chocolate.

I knew their joy about the presence of an ice machine had evaporated.

During the final two games of Bingo, after the room had finally warmed up to a comfortable temperature, our new Office Manager came in and announced proudly,"I have the key! How hot do you want it?" Everyone giggled and I had to explain that the group would be leaving in 10 minutes. However we thanked her for the effort.

I see a new key in my future.

During the last game of Bingo, I felt a cool breeze. I glanced around, knowing I'd shut every door which created a draft. Puzzled, I looked at the group and said quietly,"Is it just me or did it suddenly get rather breezy?" As they nodded in agreement, looking around the room, a loud rumble belched overhead.

It was the Air Conditioner turning on to cool off the room.

Ah, the sunny South. Last week you needed the AC every day. This week, you don't need it at all and the mornings are cool enough for a little heat. Especially if you've had more than 70 birthdays.

In spite of the grumbling, we had a nice lunch, meaning I didn't burn anything. Although the crowd wasn't as large as normal, they did promise to come back next week for lunch. Especially now that they have their own parking lot.

As two who had done the most complaining hit the exit I heard this exchange.

"Personally I don't care for the place. Lunch was good though."

"Oh, it wasn't all that bad. Just needs a little heat."

I went back to my little office feeling vindicated. For about two minutes, until one of my British ladies came by with her friend. As they stepped into my new sanctuary, she very primly offered, "Oh my! They've stuck you in a closet!"

Keep tapping friends. Keep tapping. Map, you can hum. Maybe tomorrow I might even be able to hear you. Did I mention my computer doesn't have speakers?

Ah, but I have an extra set at home. Perhaps tomorrow they can join their new friend, the Telephone, on my desktop.

Day One: It Begins

2011-10-03T19:14:00.000-04:00

Let's just say everyone in my new "temporary" office was so nice to me today, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Thankfully I'm in the office suite with "The Guys" of the Athletic Dept., which means it will NOT be 99 degrees by the end of the week. We have agreed if they keep it too cool, I have sweaters.

I love my sweaters.

I also now have lots of shiny new keys, the alarm code, a computer updated after 2 years of sitting alone and a file cabinet which smells oddly like stored floor cleaner, but I can fix that. The missing ceiling tile "hole" was covered within hours of me mentioning it. I guess other people just don't have to look up as much as short little me does.

Half the co-workers seem to be in a scavenger hunt to find me a phone that works, I now have a pantry only I can access by key...which means all the stuff stored on my back porch at home can go there to roost. And the Boss knows where there are a pair of matching chairs and a small table to make my closet...um, office...prettier.

The real test is tomorrow, when the Tuesday Lunch group arrives. That will make me or break me. The card players were fine this afternoon...they're in love because they've discovered the ice machine. But it's the Tuesday Regulars that will tell the tale.

So as I sit in my windowless office (I brought a 'window' from home; a multi-section frame filled with photos of OUTSIDE) and wait for the computer to get past "Loading #8 of 88 updates", don't forget to tap on the screen.

No, not to wake me up. To ensure they don't get so attached to me, they won't let me back out.

Friday 55

2011-09-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

Time to provide the g-man with a little 55 word entertainment. Make sure to share with him if you do the same.

“How are you?” was the question.

A million replies came flooding forward.  

 Sadly, none were jolly.  

 Petty complaints rushed to elbow my non-committal, “I’m here” 

out of the way.

Then it hit me. 

Being “here”, 

even on a bad day, 

is better than the alternative.

A dirt nap.

The eye opening revelation, 

made me smile.

Say A Prayer...or something

2011-09-28T17:49:00.000-04:00

Ran by the Main Office today and jokingly asked if they'd shoveled out the office space I'm suppose to use temporarily. The Secretary smiled and said, "They cleaned it up for you! Go look...I haven't had the chance."

I knew the room was the size of a large closet and had no windows, but I hoped it would suffice until what will probably be January 2012.

I found a small table (not a desk), a reading chair which won't make me tall enough to utilize said table, a telephone without a receiver and a computer which appears to be a small t.v. with a keyboard. Everything was unplugged and my question as to whether I have DSL to do my job was met with a shrug. Why do I feel like I'm going to discover my Internet service is a tin can with a string attached?

Sigh.

Ah yes, welcome to working in the big time: land of local government.

So pardon me while I go improvise a desk drawer to hold the paperwork necessary to do my job. In the meantime kindly say a prayer, or whistle or do something that will make me laugh, thus saving my sanity.

What? I still have a FEW braincells left! At least until Monday.

Just Another Lazy Sunday

2011-09-25T13:08:00.000-04:00

Well, depending on your idea of lazy, I suppose.

Hubby is manning the boat as two of his buddies go Gator hunting. Don't worry, this isn't a story about hunting, just setting the scene.

Now, before everyone starts yelling "Evil!" or PETA, you should know the alligator population around here is out of control. Years ago, gators were protected...to the point they overpopulated. And when that happens, literally anything is game as far as their dinner is concerned. Since we live near a lake, we hear more about "nuisance" gators than most folks....those would be the ones no longer afraid of people, who think that poodle running around a lake front home's yard is a mobile hors d'oeuvre.

However, with responsibility comes a price: only 1,200 hunters are selected statewide for the 30 day season and they pay $110 for a gator tag...whether they get a gator or not. I don't worry about Hubby, I worry about the guys he sometimes takes with him. I fear they may maim HIM when they suddenly realize that gators, especially up close and personal, resemble prehistoric monsters.

So while the guys are on the lake/river, Bou and I took this opportunity to work on the Annual Shop Calendar. Hubby and I've debated about my even doing this annual surprise that isn't a surprise any more for Christmas. Until Smokey died, I've done 11 calendars, mostly featuring Smoke, then with Bou added. With Smokey gone, it was a tough call.

Until I decided to go a different way with it...and truly make it Bou's calendar. Which is why this year, rather than the business name as calendar title, it's called "Bou's Backyard"....where the business just happens to be located.

Over the years, poor Smoke went through trying times as I came up with new concepts. Why he never bit me is beyond me. Heaven knows I deserved it at times, begging him to be still for just one more minute.

Bou, on the other hand, is a ham. Rather than make him work around the calendar, I made myself work around him. Oh sure, there were some shots where he gave me that, "There had BETTER be a ride in this after we're done!" expression. Secretly, I think he liked being the center of attention.

One of Bou's favorite things to do is howl. Or "sing" as Hubby and Bou consider it. Hubby will howl once...and Bou takes over, head high in the air. Because I merely sit and giggle, Bou thinks girls can't howl. He's even come over and nudged me, as if I only need encouragement to get started. I've resisted.

Until now.

SO here's the result of what happened when....

(a) No Hubby was home to witness my stupidity

(b) No neighbors were close enough to call the cops

Here's the wind up...

with a suspicious, "Um, why are YOU howling?"

The startled,

"By jove, I think she's got it!"

moment.

And then......

Rock stars, eat your heart out!

Map, I think Bou may soon be available for international duets.

As for me, I'm much more comfortable

BEHIND

the camera.

Just remember,

this is OUR little secret.

Amid the Fluff....a Hero!

2011-09-22T14:21:00.000-04:00

During my lunch hour I usually do a lot of reading. Sometimes it’s a book, sometimes it’s the CNN website and occasionally it’s the “News” on Yahoo. I don’t consider Yahoo’s blurbs a Pulitzer winning news site, but it does have a way of illustrating what they believe interests the general public. It’s usually heavy on entertainment, sports, politics, career strategies and weird fluff. Today I did a casual survey of the forty (40) stories listed, with a couple of um… “highlights”.

Food/Health issues (3) Bacon (and its smoked cousins) is still bad for you, but if it helps, there’s a “perfect” Mac ‘n Cheese recipe available.

Sports (8) A QB admits lying to the media (What?! Stop the presses!) while a so-so Basketball player is crowned Mr. Olympia.

Politics (6) The usual grumbling among Republican Presidential candidates plus a rivalry at the White House amongst the President’s economic advisers.

Military (1) An expensive plane the US won't sell to Taiwan.

TV/Entertainment: (7) Brad Pitt apologizes (again) for foot-in-mouth disease concerning his ex, Scott Baio had lots of blonde girlfriends before marrying and Beyonce feels empowered by pregnancy. (I think my Mom only felt nauseous).

Just plain weird (5) Custom made cat house (for the 4 legged kind) and Starbucks’ 40^th birthday celebration with a designer t-shirt featuring coffee stains…for $85.

Misc. (10) Cities where homes sell fast, dialing for better deals, career and dating advice. LOTS of career/dating advice.

Lately, I’ve noticed a pattern. What use to be a “balanced” group of stories has become heavy on politics and entertainment. Pretty soon, the Presidential candidates can just appear on the “X Factor” and save us the cost of an election. Just about the time I was ready to push away from the computer, I found a story that made me smile and feel proud to be a normal human….meaning not a politician or movie star.

Meet my newest hero: high school junior Josh Ripley.

No, I’m not sliding into “cougar” territory here. But I felt like sliding out of my chair to give this kid a standing ovation. While participating in a 2 mile, cross country race, he heard a scream during the first mile. No one else paid much attention to the runner writhing on the ground in pain. But Josh did. Rather than simply call for help, he stopped and CARRIED this kid a half mile back to the starting line. Assured that everything was under control, he turned around and FINISHED HIS RACE!

And that my friends, is a hero in my book.

I'm Still Here But...

2011-09-21T17:58:00.000-04:00

..my mind is in survival mode.

The good news is the Seniors' center is getting renovated.

The bad news is I have to move out in October until the work is completed. Hopefully in my life time.

Did I mention it's the Main Office I'm moving too? Where they find me oh-so-helpful. I fear if I'm seen sitting still for 10 minutes I'll inherit a new project to complete for them. Then again, the spare office is located in the suite with the Athletic Department guys.

Did I mention it smells like a locker room? Literally.

The survival part is trying to figure out how much of 18 years of work stuff I need to put in a box to bring to an office I don't wish to sit in.

So when I get tired of thinking, I come here to visit you. Which reminds me of a sign which use to hang in the office of one of my Dad's co-workers.

When I works, I works hard.

When I plays, I plays loose.

But when I thinks, I falls asleep.

So kindly make sure you tap on the screen every now and then to make sure I'm awake.

Or haven't somehow packed myself in a box.

Tonight, Hubby's going to the swamp....

2011-09-17T15:23:00.000-04:00

....wonder if any gators will be home?

"Swamp" photo I took last summer.

Below is the grist mill, now sadly neglected,

that the water use to feed.

Silent Tribute

2011-09-11T15:55:00.000-04:00

A year after the 9/11 attacks, I attended my hometown Fire Department's Memorial Ceremony. I don't think I'll EVER get the sound of that siren out of my ears. No, not the usual blasts heard for clearing traffic. This was long and continuous, like an agonized wail, as it was sounded for those who were lost. It was the longest, most painful 30 seconds I've ever experienced.

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I was once again at the Fire Dept. bright and early for a different kind of tribute.

Using donations and Firefighter labor, a memorial for 9/11 was created to stand outside the main station. The only thing I knew about it was it would contain a piece of steel from one of the World Trade Centers. When I took a couple of seniors for a tour of the Fire Station last week, it was covered. There was a small crowd present today, mostly Firefighters, their families, other emergency responders and a few folks like me who'd been there before.

When the ceremonial cover was removed, a collective gasp was heard.

No applause. No murmurs in appreciation of the creative process. Just...silence. Silence reserved for being present in a grand cathedral, not while standing on the sidewalk in front of the Fire Station.

Silence in appreciation of how quickly life can change.

I think we believed we'd witness a short chunk of steel stuck in granite. It would be symbolic and we would nod in reverence. No one had anticipated the steel shape flanked by black granite replicas of the World Trade Center towers. There is nothing so eerily quiet as an awestruck crowd.

Twisted and bowed between the two black towers, I found myself thinking that piece of steel was the perfect symbol. It wasn't just a memorial to those who gave all, it stood as a symbol of American strength at a time we'd had to dig down deep inside to keep standing rather that cower in fear.

Perhaps most unexpectedly touching was that in the reflective surfaces of the memorial, you could literally see the faces of our community. Americans. Void of political or religious strife. Standing shoulder to shoulder.

A woman old enough to be my grandmother slowed and softly grabbed the arm of the Firefighter in front of me, bringing both of us to a grinding halt.

"Thank you for your service," she offered with a sweet smile.

The Fireman nodded to acknowledge her, slightly embarrassed. From behind him I whispered, "Not just today, but every day."

It didn't matter that my words were lost in the crowd. It mattered to me that I voiced them.

We have our ridiculous moments of petty stupidity, we Americans, but in the grand scheme of things, "they" didn't win. Because we're still here. Standing shoulder to shoulder. Today we stepped out of the shadows to acknowledge those strangers willing to run into a burning building to save us.

Today we took the time to tell them thank you. In person.

The Only American Not Around on 9/11

2011-09-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

We'll hear lots of stories this weekend connected to 9/11, each distinctly personal, yet we relate to them because we're all human. And yet I read a story Friday which stood out from the rest because of one fact: Frank Culbertson was the only American not on the planet when 9/11 occurred.

You read that right. NOT ON THE PLANET.

Why? Because he was Astronaut Frank Culbertson, stationed aboard the International Space station.

Calling in for a routine medical check, Culbertson's inquiry of how things were going in Mission Control was met with a reply of, "We're not having a very good day on Earth."

Click here to see the rest of the story, including video footage Culbertson took from Space of New York.

Friday 55

2011-09-09T05:36:00.000-04:00

It's Friday...so that means it must be time to entertain the g-man with a 55 word story. Make sure to share with him.

When things get too hot to handle

you run out the door.

And I run in.

Carelessness.

Accident.

Act of God.

Doesn’t matter.

You don’t even know my name.

But I’d die for you.

If we’re lucky

My training will save us both.

The bell tolls.

I respond.

Your voiced gratitude

makes it all worthwhile.

Special thanks to my my hometown Fire Dept.

who made one of my senior citizens' wish come true

with the best tour ever!

As the world reflects on "9/11" week, I will remember this face

2011-09-05T17:47:00.000-04:00

There will be

This is why I get emergencye.com updates

2011-09-04T18:55:00.001-04:00

Returned home to find this e-mail:

Major Websites Shutdown on Sept 4

Worldwide Hacker Day Pronouncement

Major Internet Web Sites shutdown with commercial impact...
United Parcel Service(UPS) www.UPS.com 16:00 EDT 9-4-2011

National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ 16:04 EDT 9-4-2011

UK Register http://www.theregister.co.uk/ 15:58 EDT 9-4-2011

A hacker group calling itself TurkGuvenligi has declared September 4th, 2011 World Hacker Day.

The extent of the cyber attack has not been determined as reports of other downed sites continue.

Attacks appear to be DNS redirections.

I have not yet seen this on a news network. Check out the details here.

Oops!

2011-09-03T12:17:00.001-04:00

No, if you came here to read about a doormat, your sidebar didn't lie to you.

I went to delete my spam folder contents, got distracted and deleted my last post instead.

Have a good Labor Day weekend!

Windows of the Soul?

2011-08-31T18:34:00.000-04:00

Ask people who know me for a character description and you’d probably hear, “dependable”, “organized” or “diplomatic.” My answer? “Boringly normal.” Yet normalcy feeds my curiosity, allowing me to see the world from a point of view other than mine. Living vicariously on the curb as the world parades by isn’t a bad thing as long as you’re learning. My curiosity is like an odd curse, pushing me to truly understand why people make their choices. I’ve always been a “rest of the story” person. I like closure, even if it isn’t, “And they lived happily ever after”. At least I’ll understand why.

I’m still baffled by war. Although nations have tried to “perfect it” for eons, war still solves nothing. Lots of people die unnecessarily, including innocents who have no say about the argument in progress. What “World leaders” continue to view as a viable option, I see as incredibly stupid. Which is why I was so surprised last week when I stopped to watch a 2006 National Geographic documentary about Green Berets in Afghanistan.

I know. Weird.

All it takes for my curiosity to kick in is the simplest flicker of intrigue. I landed mid-story as a small group of Green Berets rotated between helping local villages and picking off the Taliban. Shaking my head in dismay, I was about to move on when a pair of dark eyes captured my attention. There were so many conflicting emotions parading across them that my curiosity demanded we find out why.

Somewhere between chocolate and black, those eyes were intense. Focused. Bottomless. Conflicted.

If Hollywood needed a “War Hero”, this guy was a Casting Agent’s dream. Ruggedly handsome, with a boy-next-door likeability, his darkly bearded face and shock of unruly hair lent an air of mystery. Expecting a gung-ho, stereotypical bravado, I had to lean forward as this Captain softly spoke. Calmly relating his job as group leader, his face wore a polite, forced smile. Diplomacy on the edge. His by-the-book military explanation was issued confidently, yet his tone bore a hint of weariness much more than physical fatigue. The men walked a thin line in the sand: try to help, but shoot back if necessary. If that wasn’t enough, there were always IEDs waiting to blow you to kingdom come if you stepped wrong.

The story moved on to include others in the group, but the Captain’s gaze stayed behind, nagging at me. Dark. Bottomless. Troubled. Someone’s son. A husband. A father. A total stranger. Oddly, I felt an instant connection, an immense concern for him on a level difficult to explain.

Maybe it’s that being human stuff.

During the documentary, we meet two soldiers who are “Americans by choice.” Naturalized citizens, both were eager to defend their new homeland. One a father of two, the other a newlywed. A single IED killed them both. Worse yet, I had a ringside seat. In my darkened living room, the green glow of night vision cameras suddenly blazed wildly, leaping off the screen to encompass everything in its path. Including me. Then everything went dark.

Like those eyes.

As my heart lodged in my throat, a cacophony of calls sounded in the darkness as the men checked on each other. I almost expected someone to grab my shoulder and question if I was okay. I wasn’t. As my nerves jangled we learn the blast injured several men, including the National Geographic crew. The Director later added, “We never imagined we’d become part of the story.”

I knew exactly how he felt.

Green Berets lived at Firebase Cobra. It sounded so macho. Tough. But watching a soldier kneel, place a hand on the coffin of his buddy and silently cry brought home the true horror of war in a way never before possible.

The lump in my throat reappeared.

“Leaders” want us to believe soldiers are coldly professional, clinically terminating the enemy without losing sleep. The enemy wants us to believe the same men are heartless murderers. The irony was disturbing: a soldier trained as a sniper had become the Medic making house calls in the village. I saw men who are only human being expected to handle on a daily basis what no one should ever be asked.

After the IED incident, the Captain confessed he felt responsible, even though 14 other IEDs had been previously destroyed the same day. He softly admitted although they had to move forward, it wasn’t possible to put it all behind him. “However I can tell you that I’m probably just storing it somewhere for later, so that when we get back, I can just finally let go.”

Intellectually, I understand. Girl Me, however, wondered how you take the worse-day-ever and shove it aside, knowing that one day in the future, when you’re safely home, it might tear you apart? As a film of pain and despair floated across the Captain’s eyes, that lump in my throat returned. The narrator intones there’s no time for grief when the mission must go on. Inside, in a most ungirl-like fashion, I scream, “That sucks!”

Being human ain’t easy.

After the shock and awe, came anger. Mine. What the hell are we still doing in a place where the only tangible goal is kill or be killed? I don’t recall America being sent an invitation to invade and rearrange the sandbox. Two hours later, I was still unsettled by the documentary. As long as there are disagreements, some idiot will suggest war as a solution. The answer to “why?” is not “because”. There are only more whys. And why does it feel as if I care more for these strangers in uniform than the government which employs them?

Closing my eyes to sleep that night, I saw the dark, bottomless eyes of the Captain. Staring into them, I wonder if he made it home okay. I wonder if, after he got home, he was finally able to just let go. I wonder if those eyes that haunted me for days will ever let go of me.

Thanks to G-man and the Bearded One!

2011-08-27T06:01:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you just have to do something for yourself....maybe just to prove you can. And although it's not as exciting as having a publisher declare your words the "Next Great Thing!" it is a book. And the words are mine.

But it wouldn't have happened without the help of two bloggers: the g-man and photographer Kim Ayres. To g-man, for making me...I mean, encouraging me to write 55 word stories every Friday (well, almost every Friday). And to Kim, for helping me find a way to publish those words without having to sell a major body part.

Yes, I did block out my last name...giving you the first one is bad enough perhaps. (Although I use the photographer's version, not the formal one). And g-man, I hope you won't sue me for the "55" graphic...I only made one copy. For me. This is what I'm sharing with y'all.

What? You don't need a book...you've been reading this stuff for free since 2009. ;)

1.  Yes, I did take the cover photo..in my back yard...before a storm finally got the tree.  Or was that Hubby with a chainsaw?  I forget.

2.  Yes, that kid is me.  What?  Doesn't everyone put on their shoes like that?  "Munchkim" is a play on the nickname a group of very tall co-workers once gave me: Munchkin.  Hey, they were state police and had guns, who was I to argue?

3.  Yes, I did take the time to explain what the book was all about...and to give the g-man credit  (and Irish Susan too!) for making me start down this path.

4. No, it does not put me in the same class as my famous poet friends, but it made me feel good when I opened the package. Besides, where else can you combine a love of writing with silly stories and the occasional baby photo.

Friday 55

2011-08-26T09:49:00.000-04:00

Okay, so it's already Friday morning but now that Hurricane Irene is passing me by, I had time for a 55. Make sure you share yours with the g-man. And if you're in Irene's path, I'm thinking good thoughts for you!

Good enough to cook the meals.

Good enough to clean the house.

Good enough to raise the kids.

Good enough to sew or read.

Sorry ladies, that’s all you’re good for.

Until 91 years ago today, when you earned the right to vote.

So ladies, kindly be good enough to use that power in 2012.

Our local League of Women Voters is today celebrating the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Bet those good ol' boys didn't think we'd use it, much less run for office and win.

Personal Report Card

2011-08-24T14:51:00.000-04:00

I met my soon-to-be best friend Claudie (Claudette) in college, when I signed up for the newspaper staff. When she called to announce our first staff meeting, Claudie came off as a very cool, calm, together sounding woman. Hanging up, my 18 year old brain proceeded to conjure up a mental composite based on sound alone. I envisioned a tall, leggy blonde with Hollywood good looks. A southern Daddy's Little Princess use to getting her own way. With a sigh, I headed toward our first meet.

As I walked in the door, a short (hey, I'm 5'1" and I can say that!) woman with dark hair and a huge smiled stuck out her hand and said enthusiastically, "Hi! I'm Claudette. It's nice to meet you!"

She came off as sincere and genuine. I felt very bad for mentally prejudging. We became friends instantly. Sure, people claimed it was because we were the only two on campus short enough to look each other in the eye. Oh, and for the record, her Dad wasn't the Sugar Daddy type I'd envisioned. He was a native son and stationed in my hometown thanks to the Air Force. I really must write the Air Force a thank you note one day: they provided both my best friend and Hubby, whose Dad was an AF pilot.

Claudie and I did LOTS of talking. We still do, even it's mostly e-mail. We live in the same state, but on opposite ends. Plus we both seem to be the "go to" person in our families, which keeps us busy. Too busy at times. When she reminded me today that her son is 28 and single, I realized that by the time we were his age, we'd both been married for 6 years....and that son was 4 years old.

It was one of those "where in the world is time going?!" moments. But instead of deep reflections or Bucket Lists (which I refuse to make), I often wonder how we decided at 18 what we wanted to be when we grew up. Because, obviously, we didn't become that. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, with a teaching certificate I never used because they were no teaching jobs. And now? I'm Director of a senior citizens center. Some of you will see the irony in that. Unfortunately, if a senior misbehaves, I can't send him/her home to their mother. Claudie got a degree in Journalism and runs the Billing Department of her local hospital. Our friend Chuck, who sang at my wedding, stayed an extra year to get a degree in Music. Guess he came close: he and his wife own an award winning Video Production Company in our state. Bobby, our former Student Body President who I'd known since 1st grade, was "the smart one". Recipient of a Harry Truman scholarship, he received a degree in Political Science. Upon graduation he worked for his hero, one of our state's Senators. That lasted a year, as he soon discovered a backbiting side to politics of which he'd been naively unaware. Now he teaches history to high school students. I'm guessing he came closest to utilizing his degree.

This all made me wonder: if you went to college, what did you major in and how did that work out? If you went straight from school into the Big Bad World, what did you envision at age 18 vs. what did you ended up doing?

You know me. Always curious. :)

A Girl Can Wish..right?

2011-08-22T19:12:00.001-04:00

It's been hot for long enough. The humidity is like walking underwater. For someone with mild asthma, that's like trying to walk outdoors with an elephant standing on your chest. And now Hurricane Irene is eyeing our coastline. Rain....good. Wind...BAD!

Is it any wonder that this is the photo I chose for my current screen saver at home? Good ol' Baby Bou.

Why yes, that IS snow. You saw the title of this post,
didn't ya?

2011-08-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

Time to share those 55 word stories with the g-man.  Have a good weekend!

Tall and stately,

she stood with outstretched arms, welcoming them.

Beckoning them to join her,

they sat in the shade,

enjoying the peaceful quiet of the country.

The younger woman looked up and smiled.

“That’s it. We’re home.”

Only in America could you buy a tree

and have an old farm house come with it.

 For the record, that's a PECAN tree, not an oak!  

She must be over 150 years old.

And The Weird Continues

2011-08-18T13:59:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was mentioning to friends about the website emergencye.org, which is a great site covering emergency weather as well as national (U.S.) situations. You may not live in America, but it often has international information as well. The site is free and I get a daily e-mail, but you can sign up for phone alerts, etc. The great thing about them is you often read the results of a press briefing, say on Terrorism, before it makes it to main stream media...sometimes days before!

I'd found a new page on the site which was quite eye opening: Threat News. This is broken down into different weather situations (hurricane, earthquake, etc) as well as topics like Hostage, Lockdown, Power Outages/Blackouts, Hazmat, Gangs, Nuclear, Borders, etc.. Clicking on a topic sends you to a list of news stories. One of the most eye opening was on "Cell Phone Outage", which included a story about a local government agency blocking cell phones in a BART (San Francisco) subway system in fear of a possible riot over a local incident. It struck me how there's a fine line between public safety and having the ability to let your family know you're okay.

Evidently, I wasn't the only one to have that thought. However, my reaction wasn't as mean spirited.

Last week I shared about the group of hackers known as "Anonymous" here. Well, THEY didn't like what BART did either, so they hacked the site and shared all the employees personal information on line!

Makes you wonder: who hacks the hackers? Will someone target them before their next attack?

Tomorrow, I promise only a lighthearted 55, which makes for a better beginning to a weekend than mischief and mayhem.

Just Curious

2011-08-14T18:54:00.001-04:00

Anyone tried Google+ yet? (Besides Thom) ;) Seems like a good place to link everything in one spot. Except when you don't want some folks in the "real world" to know who you are in the Blogging community. ;0

It appears to be more friendly than Facebook...why yes, I did say that out loud. If it wasn't for those of you here still commenting, I might've given up on Blog World and switched to Google + totally.

You ARE still out there, right? Ponita, you just nod. Let that shoulder heal.

Have a good week!

Friday 55

2011-08-11T22:00:00.001-04:00

It's time to write a 55 word story and share it with the g-man. Here we go. Can you help solve my mystery?

“Pat H.” is scratched in pencil above your head.

Or is that “Nat”?

Discarded in a box of photos, I rescued you.

My thanks?

Mental torture.

Experts agree you’re not a Civil War soldier, Train Conductor,
Mailman, Riverboat Captain, Policeman or Fireman.

So, who ARE you?

Besides a snappy dresser.

Currently, you remain a mystery.

O...kay

2011-08-10T10:18:00.000-04:00

Although I'm not a big Facebook fan (yes, I know..blasphemy), I think launching a plan to hack it to death, literally, is an odd hobby. However, a group of hackers calling themselves "Anonymous" plan to do just that. They've even given you the date: Nov. 5th.

Not all of the group is in agreement, but they have done their share of cyber damage in the past: they failed to take down Amazon recently, but Monday they hacked the Syrian Defense Ministry and posted their own anti-government logo. They've issued one of the creepiest sounding YouTube videos I've ever listened to. Yes, "listened". In order to give you that "Big Brother is Watching" feel, there's no picture, just an electronically disguised voice. I suppose that mix of horrified mystery is suppose to heighten the message.

Why share this if I don't even want to stink up my playground with their video? Because sometimes you need to know exactly who is out there in cyberspace. You can find the whole story, and link to the video, on the CNN website.

Thank heaven I have YOU people to converse with!

Friday 55

2011-08-05T06:04:00.001-04:00

Did you write your 55 word story this week? Then don't forget to tell the g-man.

Something old: Mom’s dress

Something new: Shoes (NEVER wear 4” heels again!)

Something borrowed: Veil

Something blue: garter that sis-in-law’s controlling husband wouldn’t let her wear.

Lucky sixpence in her shoe: Hard enough walking in heels!

And the key to 31 years of happily ever after?

Respect.

Compromise.

Humor.

And no one shoved wedding cake.

Photo taken 8/8/80

Date picked only because another bride beat me to the church.

Still have groom.

Sadly, I have no idea where that tiny little waist went!

Subliminal Fashion Statement?

2011-08-01T11:10:00.001-04:00

One thing stood out as I watched Pres. Obama make his statement about the two political party leaders finally coming to a compromise: his purple tie.

Red + Blue = Purple.

Think Obama was trying to tell the parties NOW is the time to get it together and act as one nation?

I Guess A Form Letter Is A Reply.....sort of

2011-07-28T18:13:00.000-04:00

Remember recently when I was very mean and made all of you read the letter I sent to those men posing as Congressmen and Senators? And then I had the nerve to threaten you with an update.

Run.

Two of my three "representatives" utilized the "immediate" e-mail response that says "thanks for stopping by, I'm busy but if you're really one of my constituents, I'll try to fit in a response."

Well, one of them did launch into a lecture on looking forward to, "supporting our troops in the War on Terror, repairing our economy and creating jobs, strengthening Social Security, lowering the tax burden on American families, and making the federal government more accountable and efficient."

Really? Looking forward to doing his job? He's been there for a while now. Does he even read this stuff or do his aides just hit the "Reply/Send" button?

Rhetorical question.

But gentlemen...really? You guys really need to practice on focusing past your own point of view.

Yesterday I received a more "formal" e-mail reply from one. I give him points only because in the past, if you (a) don't agree with him or (b) are not of a color that is darker than I was born, he just ignores you. The automated response was a miracle. A second notice was scary.

The second one is suppose to look official because it uses my name and mailing address...as if it were a letter. (Just no letterhead...wastes money you know). There's a "Dear" and a beginning paragraph with "Thank You for your concerns and thoughts on government spending."

I'll give him this, the aides have taught him well. Nice start makes you read the whole letter.

The middle of the letter was as expected, using all the right phrases: reduce deficit, fiscally responsible, bi-partisan, work together, sensible solutions, job creation and long term growth. Okay, so I choked on "sensible solutions", which seems like an oxymoron when a politician employs it.

We conclude with the polite send off. "Again, thank you for contacting me about this very important issue. If I can ever be of any assistance to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact me."

Um, you did read my letter, right? Or at least have an aide adding a tally to the For/Against column?

Trust me, right now, you don't WANT me to contact you again. In fact, you probably don't even want someone to hand me a ballot with your names on it. Next election, I'll try my best to be of assistance to you. I'm guessing you'll be surprised to see how you tally up.

Yep Mom, You're Right!

2011-07-23T11:12:00.002-04:00

Friday 55

2011-07-21T22:00:00.004-04:00

Although I'm ready for a snow storm...hey, the heat index for the past couple of days put us at 110+ (that's 43C+ for some of you) I put my melting brain to good use and wrote a 55 word story. If you write one, kindly send it to the possibly recovered from whatever bug grabbed him g-man. And you can click on the last 2 words to read all about it. :)

“A day named after you!” Peter marveled.

“You’re a talented musician AND

you cleaned out the town’s vermin.

A real hero.

Well, until the Mayor refused to pay,

you got mad and kept the kids.”

The Pied Piper shrugged. “I thought he meant rugrats too.

Is that why they’re calling July 22^nd “Ratcatcher’s Day?”

The Muffed Target

2011-07-19T18:37:00.000-04:00

Get the real rules over at Thom's. The short version: don't get rid of those less than award winning photos...share them with others for fun.

Here's mine:

Mama Mockingbird feeding her 4 kids.

A dark bird in a dark corner against a camouflaged boat

with a nest in a tire does not make for a clear image.

But all 4 grew up and have flown the coop.

And Then Time Comes to Put Pen to Paper

2011-07-18T16:44:00.000-04:00

I admit it. I'm sick and tired of what's currently passing for grown-ups in Washington, D.C.. I don't usually get involved with politics other than to vote; you don't vote, you have no right to complain. Besides, verbally complaining to your neighbor about what's wrong doesn't accomplish anything.

Unfortunately, voting no longer seems to equal representation for all. So today, I reached the "enough is enough" point and put pen to paper. Well, words to e-mail utilizing the websites of my Congressman and Senators. It may be an exercise in futility. But hey, if nothing else, it brought my blood pressure back down to normal. If I actually receive a reply, I'll share.

But don't hold your breath. I don't consider political lectures a reply.

Dear Gentlemen:

I am unique in today’s world: I’m a S.C. native whose choice was to stay a lifelong resident because we have a state filled with wonderful people. It’s with that in mind that I’m contacting you. Although I understand how overwhelming certain aspects of your job can be, I believe it’s time to bring a little bit of S.C. to the Beltway. Sadly, it appears the din of partisan politics is drowning out the voices of the “common folk” of our great state who chose you to speak for us. We’re talking, but I fear we’re not being heard.

For the past 24 years, I’ve worked in local government. No, my system isn’t as large as yours, but I’m familiar with how it works…just with less funding. I’m Director of a recreational Center for Senior Citizens. I’m also the entire staff. Local government has had its hands tied by unfunded mandates for so long we haven’t had a cost of living raise in four years and have dealt with furloughs as well. I’ve had to cut so many costs and corners that I practically work in a round room.

With that in mind, I truly appreciate that your job can be difficult and often trying. However, you stepped forward and offered to represent our State, which encompasses whatever tasks arise. Unfortunately, I fear the din of political partisanship has deafened you to what the people are actually saying. We have grown weary of lecturing and posturing. We don’t need 60 second sound bites for an argument that goes in circles. We need you to be an adult and get the job done for ALL Americans, not just those who embrace your party.

Americans aren’t just angry and frustrated. Many of us are disheartened by the current approach to the country’s problems. We understand if our households write checks for more money than we have, we go to jail. You just keep spending. Most neighbors seem to still be willing to lend each other a helping hand. You can only help us if we belong to your party. I see Americans who need help NOW. You appear to only see Red or Blue Americans.

Kindly take a step back from the microphones and reporters and ask yourself this, “Why did I take this job? What did I hope to accomplish?”

Are you accomplishing it?

Sadly, for all the good you do achieve, people are currently viewing our representatives as a group of individuals with private perks who spend money like there’s no tomorrow and won’t accept a good idea if it means agreeing with someone wearing a different Team Shirt than yours. If you only take one thing away from my correspondence, I hope it’s this: “With Liberty and Justice for All”….no matter their color or party affiliation.

Thank you for your time. Good luck to you.

Scottish Surprise

2011-07-17T10:51:00.002-04:00

I belong to a local group which recycles things rather than merely toss them away. Not only can you "Offer" an item, you can also make a "Request". I've been able to donate the ancient piano at the Center to a military family who wanted something for their kid to learn on, as well as get lots of yarn and jigsaw puzzles for the seniors.

With a new computer, I decided I'd put my old monitor, speakers and keyboard into the "Recycle" bin for someone else to pick up. There was never anything wrong with the monitor, I just wanted a flat screen. So hopefully this group of items will help out someone as they save up to buy what they really want.

I didn't realize how "well" I'd stored the monitor in the closet to protect it until I had to pull everything OUT of the bottom of that closet to get to it. It was then I rediscovered two books someone had given us years ago. Everyone in the family knows I like antiques and books...why else would I be able to pull out of the closet the first two volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica....from 1854. Granted, the original owner noted it was 1881 when he purchased them, but they're still fun.

When I opened the first one up yesterday, I found 2 pages which had been included which evidently were advertising for other volumes. Thought some of you might get a kick out of this so I scanned them. (After carefully encasing them in plastic sheets first!)

What I found so interesting was that all pertained to Scotland!

So Jimmy, did you ever go trout fishing?

Look Shug! There's "my" Isle of Skye again!

Titus: a little religion for you.

Or perhaps you'd rather work in the Garden.

I have a question, I'm hoping one of you can answer. When I opened the book, the majority of the pages have not been cut on the top of the page! In some areas the tops have been slit, as if someone use a knife to separate them. Anyone know if this was the way these books were sold; perhaps to keep the pages in tact?

Any ideas, Professor Shug?

Friday 55

2011-07-14T22:05:00.000-04:00

It's story time Kids, so gather round the campfire...what? All that heat is the SUN?! Okay, once you get your 55 word story posted, share it with the g-man. And kindly be patient...he's not been feeling well this week. Hope he's feeling better by the time he gets to this one.

It’s so predictable.
"THEY" are responsible 

for impending financial  disaster.
Finger pointing politicians being exempt.

The President  lectures like an irate parent.    
Send D.C.  to it’s room. 
Without  supper.

“Newsflash!  Obama camp raises $68 million for campaign.  Will  open 60 offices.”

Yet no plan for August.
Get a loan from Obama… 

or  quit paying Congress?

Is Your Blog Hungry?

2011-07-11T18:28:00.000-04:00

Is Blogger going haywire where you are or is the hot weather here causing mine to malfunction?

Last night as I shut down the computer, I noticed a new Follower. Before I could say "Hi & Welcome!" this morning, she'd disappeared. Okay, maybe she'd added herself to the wrong site. It happens.

At lunch today, ALL my Followers had disappeared. Big open white space with "Howdy y'all" at the top. Empty. Devoid of those smiling faces. I thought maybe the new gal had left the door open and everyone filed out to a cooler, undisclosed location.

I'm now home...and so are all the Followers. Except the new one. Huh?

I don't like to think it's something I said. But just in case, someone please feed Blogger.

But not my peeps. I kinda like having them around.

Smart Friends Make You More Interesting

2011-07-09T19:38:00.000-04:00

It's true. When people ask me why I "waste" my time blogging, I tell them about YOU people. That's right, you there, reading right this minute.

You're intelligent, witty, socially aware and lots of fun. You make me think. Occasionally you shock me. Other times you make me cry...but not because you're mean. Sometimes it's just feeling the injustice that comes with the consequence of choice. We may walk different paths but we celebrate our differences by embracing each other as humans.

Yes, that does sound rather lofty for typing to people you've never met.

But in my case, it's true. You build up my confidence when it flags, help me smile on bad days, make me grateful for what I have and challenge me to be better. Oh, and you make me laugh. I wouldn't trade THAT for all the money in the world. Some of you even sing. So I hear. Theoretically.

During one recent conversation of literary classics I had to admit I'd never even considered attempting it. Unfortunately, that came out more like, "Gee, I really should get around to reading that before I'm 75."

So thanks to my insatiable curiosity and the gentle encouragement of Titus, plus the wonderful world of technology, here's what I'm now "reading" on my commute home every day.

Kindly notice I chose the UNABRIDGED version.

(That's my penance for slacking).

Rather than the usual 6-8 CDs of most books,

this one has EIGHTEEN!

And no, my dear Titus, I am not whining. In fact, I've actually chuckled a time or two. I had no idea Melville had a sense of humor. I'm up to Chapter 14 so far...and now I look forward to going home for more than the obvious reason.

Thank you, my friend.

One Last Time "10...9...8"

2011-07-08T15:35:00.001-04:00

I was two years old when NASA was born. Growing up in the era of serious “We Interrupt This Program” news bulletins, a space launch was a major event. Sitting in front of the television with fingers crossed as the famous “10-9-8” countdown began, my stomach churned in three stages, just like NASA: liftoff, “throttle up” and kicking that last fuel tank goodbye. All you could see on camera was a huge, puffy white contrail with the occasional bright flash signaling the next stage. I had to rely on Gene Kranz, the NASA Flight Director, and his crew to tell me what happened after the first 30 seconds as the ship passed out of camera range. I probably held my breath just like those NASA employees when astronauts reached that point of inability to communicate. That radio silence seemed to stretch on forever until the crackly voice of an astronaut called out to see if anyone was home at NASA. I breathed out when Kranz did. I trusted him and his team to keep us apprised of every step. And to advise each step was successful.

No matter what happened in the world after a launch for the next few days, what was happening out-of-this-world commanded the headlines. The only thing more nerve wracking than launch was re-entry. Fingers crossed, I’d wait for the sight of that parachute floating down with the tiny capsule beneath it. I wondered if astronauts got seasick bobbing in the water until a Navy diver helped put their feet back on solid ground. Well, at least on a sturdy naval ship. I can still see those brave men staring into a camera and waving, grinning like kids just back from an adventure.

Maybe that’s why I have such a sentimental attachment to the space program. We were kids at the same time.

At age 11, courtesy of a grainy, black and white t.v. picture, I watched Apollo 11 and man’s first walk on the moon. Although I didn’t see John Glenn’s first orbit of the moon, years later I witnessed his second stint in space…as a senior citizen. Ironically no one at my senior citizens center was interested in watching the launch. No, the folks his age were in the next room busy playing Bingo. So the kid in me watched, spellbound, as Glenn continued to boldly go where none of us had gone before. Bet he didn’t even own a rocking chair for his front porch.

I’ve been reading Gene Kranz’s autobiography, “Failure Is Not An Option”. The more I read, the more I realize that Kranz’s personal motto was one he helped NASA embrace in it’s infancy. After all, they literally wrote the How To book. From scratch. Today I sat at my work computer and watched the last Space Shuttle of that 30 year program take off. In living color….complete with a camera viewpoint which had me seated on the last fuel tank to be jettisoned. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that what I couldn't see from the ground looking up, I would one day be able to see at the moment it occurred. The kid in me jumped up and down at the sight of watching that first booster fall DOWN instead of just away.

Yet with as far as technology has come, it didn't silence the butterflies in my stomach which came out of childhood hibernation at the sound of “10-9-8”. The only thing missing was Kranz’s voice. The one wonderfully new thing was hearing the traditional, “Godspeed!” greeted with a reply of, “Thank you Roberta.”

Today as I watched the Earth grow smaller, ringed with electric blue atmosphere as the sky grew black, I was flooded with emotions. Awe. Wonder. Pride. Inspiration. A touch of stomach flipping fear as “we” rolled over into position to separate the Shuttle from our fuel tank perch. I shook my head in child like amazement as the Shuttle lifted up and away. As the last of it’s kind went into space successfully for one final journey, I breathed a sigh of relief.

I don’t know who would’ve been prouder of this vision: me or John F. Kennedy.

As today’s NASA team walked around Mission Control shaking each other’s hands as the successful launch concluded, I glanced down to turn off the show.

Only then did I realize the last two fingers on my right hand were crossed.

"Houston, Apollo 13. We may have a problem."

Kranz listens to advice from the troops as they work to fix problems. Astronaut Jim Lovell's face appears on the large screen in the background.

For all you movie buffs, Ed Harris played Kranz in "Apollo 13".