Micke's Musings

Welcome to 2007

2007-01-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

beginning the new year with poetry...

New Beginnings…an acrostic monorhyme.

Now the New Year is to be
Exiting the old we thus did see
What lies ahead for you and me?
Breathe deeply and we will see.
Energy forms as our destiny
Gouging out our history
Inclined to find some irony
Now that we search for harmony
Now when life may be pleasing to thee
It is with hope that we find some glee
Noting the past was a catastrophe
Gaining peace, therein holds the key
Such, we celebrate in symphony

© Jackie (Micke) Jinks, January 2007

OF Maddening Times

2006-10-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

…thoughts, heartache, disillusionment…but also a lesson.

What torments the mind
of those who would kill
innocent children
while attending school?

What tortures the soul
what increases their grief
to cause a child’s life
to be ever so brief?

Children killing children
perverts killing children
fathers killing children
the unexpected killing…
of children.

Retribution? Drugs? Alcohol?
Are these factors to kill?
Some call it a game,
a fantasy to fulfill.

Sanity seems to have vanished
from the tormented mind
leaving them to wander
with their souls so blind.

The Amish have a tenet
one they do conceive
Forgiveness is their answer to
giving grief a reprieve.

Heeding their practice
we should follow their dictums
pray once for the killers
but more often for the victims.

© Jackie (Micke) Jinks, October 2006

Micke's thoughts: There are many loving prayers I would have for the victims...but for the killers...first thought "May you rot in hell"; but following the way of the Amish "God, help me to be forgiving, for I know You are the true Arbiter." Think about it...

Shedding of Tears

2006-09-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Don't we all shed tears? Women maybe moreso that men...and that's a shame...for it is in the shedding of our tears that we recognize our emotions.

Shedding of Tears

Many tears are shed in sadness,
for lost loved ones or bad times.
But the tears I shed are mostly
for the Joy I feel
and pride of family and friends.

My tears are shed
when I see my Flag passing in parade;
when I hear my nation’s Anthem;
when I see Lady Liberty in the harbor;
when I hear a babe’s first cry.

I’m not ashamed to shed tears
when I hear the names called out
of those who give their lives for our freedom;
when I hear the songbird welcoming my morn;
when I see the grandeur of a mountain.

Tears I readily shed
for kindness given one to another;
for wonder in the soulful, loving eyes of my cats,
for delight in seeing an elderly pair walk hand-in-hand;
for the understanding of those who are “different”.

My tears are special to me,
for they are
my heartfelt thanks to my Creator.

© Jackie (Micke) Jinks, Sept. 21, 2006

BUSH TO OVERRULE THE GENEVA CONVENTION?

2006-09-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Save us from Hell!!

There is a reason the Geneva Conventions adopted rules of Treatment of Prisoners of War. These rules were adopted August 1949, and put into force October, 1950.

The United States of America backed and signed the agreement of adoption, as well it should have.

I am a proud and patriotic American; I whole-heartedly believe in our Constitution, written by courageous, honest men of knowledge and humanity; a Constitution that no man, or administration should put asunder.

The President tells us that we are in a War Against Terrorism. How do we differentiate between “detainees” and prisoners of this war?

If you’ve studied any military history, you will realize that any soldier NOT following orders can be 1) dishonorably discharged from service, 2) found guilty of insubordination, 3) found guilty of treason during National Security.

Orders are given from the TOP, down to the lowest ranks, for the latter to do the “grunt” work.

Does anyone believe that such blatant actions – “egregious acts and grave breaches of international law” - at Abu Ghraib were committed by our soldiers without any knowledge by their superiors? Couldn’t have been much of a secret. I could even question that there were orders from superiors to commit such action.

If so, how far up the ladder would this reach? And could these “uppers” subsequently be breaching the Geneva Convention and thus be convicted as War Criminals?

Why is Bush so adamant about needing a Bill to supercede the Geneva Convention?

Our government now openly admits the CIA treats prisoners/detainees in such a manner (I’ve been reading hints of such actions for years). No matter the reasons, how can we not but abhor such treatments? Are we reverting to barbarity, of which we have often accused other countries?
I wouldn’t like myself, or be proud of myself, if I agreed to such abuse.

A bar fight might permit “no-holds-barred”, but NOT in a Democracy; NOT my United States of America!

I would also ask: If Bush is the Christian soul as he presents himself to be, why has he overlooked one of the most cherished Christian tenets…”Do unto others as ye would have them do unto you”?

Seems I remember another George that went egotistically into battle…Custer, I think his name was.

Aging Ain't for Sissies!*

2006-02-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

*That's a quote credited to Bette Davis with which I totally agree!

I've been lacking time to spend on my 'puter due to my latest tell-tale aging experience: can't "sit" for any length of time because of deteriorating back discs - both at the top and bottom of spine.

Problems and pain started escalating just before Thanksgiving, and proceeded to get worse by degrees. It also effects my abitility to comfortably lay in bed. Walking does give me relief, but standing in one position for any length of time tends to increase the problem. Of course I discovered this aspect while in the middle of making Christmas Fudge - 6 double batches; but I HAD to finish this project.

(pause to walk)

One test I was given was a bone-density scan; result: the onset of osteoporosis. My luck that the best diet to reverse this problem would also cause an increase of kidney stones and raising my cholesteral level. LOL - I'm trying to find a happy medium! I know I'll find it :o)

The one thing I've missed doing is writing...writing anything! I've gotten pretty good at passing on some interesting, inspirational, and funny e-mails; this takes just a few minutes on the 'puter. I've decided to get a small tape recorder and verbalize my thoughts, then write in on Word, save then copy/paste to wherever.

This is getting a bit long, so I'll stop for now...but I will return...soon

Attempting to Get My Groove Going

2005-10-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

My Stab at Writing a Pregunta*…betcha ya’ want to know what THAT is!

Ok…I’ve been inspired by reading other’s works of the Pregunta.
I really do get the feeling the name has something to do with Post-Nasal problems! :o)

My Pregunta

Oh, where…oh, where has this gal been?
Certainly not living a life of sin!

And why has she been gone so long?
That’s a subject for her next Country Western song.

Did she really build a house of stones?
No, she was much too busy with her moans and groans.

Do you think she’s forgoten how to write?
‘Twas something she thought of both day and night.

Well! What’s she been doing down in the trenches?
Busy making “stones” and working out ‘puter glitches!

Do you think she’s got all now under control?
If not, stand back and watch her eyes roll!

And how will we know if it is so?
Hah! You’ll know…grrrrr…you’ll know!

*Pregunta – a form of poetry using multiple couplets. First line is a question, second is the reply. “Pregunta” is a Spanish name meaning question. But, honestly, to me is sounds like a post-nasal disorder :o)

Note: Good to be working on my Musings, again! Been much too long a drought :o)

Hope to be back with more poetry - or sompin' - soon...

I'm Delivering by Natural Birth...

2005-07-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's not what you think, 'tho.

Monday night I was experiencing really bad back pains (ongoing for about a week), but this time accompanied by spasms in my left kidney. After going to bed at 10 p.m., I took a couple Xtra Strength Tylenol...not much help. Then at 11 p.m. I took an Ambien to help enduce sleep, which, under normal circumstances, takes about 30 to 45 mins. to become effective. I didn't get to sleep until 1:30.

During early morning, little before 4 a.m., I was awakened to excruciating pain: I didn't feel the back pains much, but the kidney spasms were worse, and the heavy pains were now in the ureter (the tube that runs from kidney to bladder). There were no doubts in my mind I was giving birth to kidney stones - I've had lots of experience with these!

From 1973 until 1996 I made and passed kidney stones frequently, some on their own, once by "rotor-rooter" (basket procedure seldom used now), once by abdominal surgery into the ureter, and twice by lithotripsy. The latter was a procedure newly approved, at the time, used to zap the stone by sound-wave; then you are enabled to pass the smaller stones.

During those years, I passed around 1000 stones, so you see my experiences with these boogers.

In 1996 my urologist put me on Allopuronol, a med originally used for gout patients, but after testing for years, found this med helped in prevention of kidney stones. It works fairly good for me, as I've not made many stones since then...well, with the exception of one month after my by-pass in 1997, when I passed approx 200 small stones in a urine-sample cup at the emergency room in hospital. The doc on call was astounded; said she had never seen so many stones in one "passing". And now this episode!

The best way to detect stones is by injecting the patient with IVP dye, and Xray the area. This procedure was used on my very first stone experience in 1973. Guess what? Found out quickly I am allergic to the IVP dye, and I literally thought I would die from that until they shot me up with Benedryl.
Now, only in dire occassions, the IVP dye is not used on me.

From 4 a.m. yesterday morning, until 7:30 I walked the floors, attempting to ease the pain, and fend off nausea that was coming. At 7:30 I called my neighbor - neighbor's son...yes, Josh, my ever helpful young friend - to take me to the emergency room.

There I was given a shot for pain (something new that starts with a "T" for pain while decreasing inflamation - I didn't care what they gave me at this point), and another shot for nausea. These two together "knocked me out" for a couple hours. Then I was taken to have a cat-scan. Results were I had a fairly large stone in the ureter, and told I should be able to pass that within a few days. I was given scripts for pain and nausea meds, a "hat" and strainer. When Josh picked me up (thank goodness, he was off work yesterday), he drove to get the scripts filled and we came home...not too soon, I'll add, as the shots were wearing off.

Remember the "results" of one fairly large stone? Well, so far since coming home I've passed 12 small stones, but not the larger one that was detected. Yeah, it's letting me know it hasn't moved into the bladder, yet.

It's time to take another pain pill - 'tho the directions state 2 every 4-6 hours, I take one every 3 hours, with approval of my I.M. doc. If I took two at one time, I wouldn't be at all functional, and my cats need some attention.

BTW, this is my fourth attempt to complete this blog, having started yesterday evening; I can only accomplish things in spurts.

I'm now off to have my fifth glass of water with a pill, trying to flush that darn big-one-that-won't-move!

...'til later

Well-Earned Congratulations to...

2005-07-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

...Lance Armstrong, for winning his 7th Tour de France competition.

I couldn't be more proud of him if he were my own son. But, I keep thinking, he IS a Texan :o)

What an inspiration this young man is, hopefully to all the world. He had overcome one of our most dreaded diseases, cancer, to go on to participate in a grueling sport, again and again.

He has proven that heart, spirit, and determination can help us all be winners in our endeavers...we just need to keep "testing" ourselves, as he did. WOW, did he ever test himself!

I overheard someone say last week: "He shouldn't even be in this race; he should be giving someone else a chance to win." Unh...the stupidity and narrow-mindedness of some people still astounds me. Lance wasn't "given" any better chance than the others to win, but he won.

I DO admire every one that entered the Tour, one of the, if not the most, hardest sporting accomplishments to complete.

But, to have won SEVEN of these Tours...that is an almost incomprehensible feat to imagine. Lance did it with style!

I doubt if his accomplishment will ever be repeated.

I'll give him my "thumbs-up" for being the greatest athlete of the year...or decade...or Century! Sheesh...maybe EVER!

Extra Special Congratulations to you, Lance, you've earned this!

If anyone questions this accomplishment, try cycling 100 miles, up mountainsides, in the rain, in some heat with other obstacles; the Tour is over 2000 miles!

...'til later

Reaping a Few Rewards...

2005-07-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today I am reaping a few rewards of my yesterday's venture to Whole Foods Market. Note that I shopped there just after 10 a.m., before the heat-of-the day began ;o)

I usually shop for my groceries at Kroger, but for special foods I shop at Whole Foods. At WF I can get very fresh and extremely good fruits, vegetables, and meats. They offer many organic fruits and vegetables, a variety of great world-cheeses, and a wonderful deli section which offers exoticly cooked vegetables and some meats (no, not deli-sandwich meats).

I usually begin my shopping in the fruit/vegetable section.

My purchases existed of:

Two wonderful portobello mushrooms, quite large, I might add. I grill these, one at a time (coating with a butter/olive oil mixture), and substitute for a meat; very heathly and filling. So I get two main course meals from these.

A fresh bunch of cilantro. It's a toss-up whether cilantro or Asian sweet-basil (which I grow in a container outdoors) is my favorite herb. So many cooking uses for both, or just to be added fresh to dishes.

A really nice, sweet and ripe canteloupe: I peel this and cut up for storing in fridge - ready to eat for breakfast or a refreshing afternoon snack. Can last me for nearly a week.

Lastly in the fruit area, I got some organic, deep-red, juicy and sweet whole strawberries. I leave them whole until ready to add to breakfast canteloupe, or for a late-night snack. These are Driscoll's brand strawberries, and so delicious! Ofttimes I dip the freshly washed strawberry into granulated sugar...delightful :o)

A bag of about 20 organic red-skinned potatoes; these are the small sized potatoes - about the size of a silver dollar - and have such a creamy flavor. I can make a meal of these cooked with fresh green beans! They are also great for making potato salad, with a canola-oil mayo/sour-cream dressing. Yum!

Next purchase was a skinless/boneless chicken breast. I can make two good meals from this one breast, plus a hardy chicken broth (with small pieces of chicken and chopped cilantro) that yields three cups of broth.

In the meat department, I also purchased four skinless/boneless chicken thighs. I bake these in the oven with oil (bottom of baking dish), chopped garlic clove, adding the salted and peppered thighs, then cover the whole with an undiluted can of Campbell's Mushroom Soup. Cover with foil, and bake in oven, and you have a great dish to go with cooked Basmati Rice! I get two filling meals from this dish.

I've already had a canteloupe/strawberry breakfast, a bowl of chicken broth for lunch, and will have a chicken salad sandwich with potato salad for evening meal.

What better meals can one find for the hot summer days?

If you were close-by, I'd invite you over for a meal with me...maybe. LOL

So, until my steak-substituted, grilled portobello meal...ta ta...

Oh, BTW, you can fill the "veined" side of mushroom with feta cheese, top with a garlic/herb/butter bread crumb, and broil in the oven for a super-duper portobello; serve with a green salad! Another YUM!

My Big "Behind"!

2005-07-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Behind in my bloggin, that is! Wadja think I meant, for goodness sake?

By the time I read my emails, reply to them, or pass on some of the goodies, it begins to get warm in my office area. Originally, this room was a solarium with screens to the back yard, and cut off from the house (master bedroom, and den) with sliding glass doors - thus there is no venting (air or heat) to this room. Now the sliding glass doors are gone, replacing the screen with large glass window and sliding door to the back yard, and counting on the coolness of A/C to enter from the rest of the house. Gets kinda warm in the afternoons, 'tho. Years back, my husband did put in a ceiling fan, but it seems to have only one speed...hurrican-force, causing my many loose papers on desk to fly about. Now, I do have a good air-purifyer machine that also somewhat helps in the cooling, while purifying the air of cigarette smoke.

Anyway, I've been making some notes these past days for blogging.

Did you hear on the news about a week ago that some group [of morrons] will be filing a lawsuit against soft-drink companies that offer the liquid in cans?
Seems they want a warning put on the cans that soft drinks can cause obesity. Well, DUH! It just happens to be a sugar-based liquid, and sugar, especially too much, does, in fact, cause obesity...doesn't everyone know this by the time they are 10 years old?

This same group [of morrons] further state that another warning should be made that these sodas are not at all good for young children's teeth. DOUBLE DUH!

I've yet to see a toddler walk into a store, pick up a six-pak of canned sodas, and pay through the checkout counter. How would they get to the stores to begin with? Where'd they get the money to purchace this soda six-pack?
And just HOW do they have the knowledge or strength to pop the opener?

Somewhere, somehow, we adults have to take the responsibility of our own stupidity: not to drink so much soda (even the "diet" type can effect a person if they drink more than one!) ; not to allow the children to have ANY of these sodas until they reach an age of some responsibility.

It wouldn't surprise me that this same group [of morrons] will next file a lawsuit against toilet-makers - requesting a label that reads "If you don't flush this toilet, it could cause health problems - not to speak of the odor it creates!"

C'mon, people...get a brain.

'til next time

My Annual Stress-Test

2005-07-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

Today, I had my annual Stress-Test at my Cardiologist's.

This is an ongoing procedure I've had done since my quad-by-pass procedure 7.25 years ago. Bottom-line is I'm still alive and heart pumping pretty good!

I had written elsewhere earlier this morn. "Today I go for my annual Cardiology Stress Test. Thank goodness we're having a misting rain (and clouds), so the temp hasn't yet risen tomid-90s...I might have cancelled to avoid the heat :o)"

Just after I posted that message, we had a really good, cooling rain. In fact the temps have been around 91° high so far today.

AND...the Stress Test went very well. I think I surprise my cardiologist...I'm honest with him about my continued smoking. He said continue whatever I'm doing right, as it seems to overcome what I do wrong :o)

Had blood-work done, too...but that takes a while to get results. 'Tho doc did say there was no 'fluttering' in heart blood-flow which would indicate my vessels are in good shape.

Sheesh, was I so hungry by the time all these tests were done, so I treated myself to a good lunch! 16 hours without food makes Micke headed to the grrrrrowling area :o)

Since part of the stress test includes about a half-hour of sonogram-ing of the heart, I'm kept busy with watching this truly fascinating procedure by peeking at the technician's machine screen. I literally could see my heart at work: watch the blood flow, see how the heart pumps and valve works. Then you go to the treadmill (still hooked to a bunch of wires) which gradually increases the incline and speed. Surprisingly, I passed my time of last year's test by a couple seconds, but not without a bit o' sweating. Then you have to quickly jump back on the table for more sonogram-ing. This is where the "stress" part comes about - if your heart can withstand the stress and better its functions. Which it did.

Doc said I must have a heart of gold! Aww, golly gee, Doc - you make me blush :o)

So that's my stress-testing for another year. If you, or a loved one, are ever told that you have a bit of a flutter in your heart, please go to a cardiologist as quickly as you can. And be sure to have your blood tested for cholesterol and triglycerides count. This could just save your life...believe me!! I'm living proof!

...'til another day...

When Termites Come Out of the Wood...

2005-06-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Two days ago I wrote of Pres. Duh-bya in hiding. Then, lo-and-behold, out of the wood he comes, just as termites do, ever so often.

Yesterday he held a News Conference (also know as p.r.B.S. to some of us) with the Iraqi P.M. Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

Bush began by stating all the great accomplishments made in Iraq, notably the first elections in over 50 years - yes, I'll agree this is an accomplishment. He noted the election of the President and others, and the appointment of al-Jaafari as P.M. Then more Bush blather...

When he eventually came to introduce the P.M., he stated "...this is a great man that came from the people, a well respected doctor, a man worthy of his being elected." Errrr...Duh-bya...I know your first run for President confused you a bit, but being appointed [sic. court ruling, in your case] is NOT the same as being elected.

P.M. al-Jaafari then expressed his deep commitment for democracy in Iraq, expressed his gratitude to the people of the U.S. - not only for the giving of money, but "...you have given us your sons, your children that were killed beside our own children of Iraq. Of course, this is more precious than any other kind of support."

I've little doubt the man was being honest in these words; he did appear very appreciative. His words couldn't have been better had he written them himself; Bush-p.r. speaking, that is.

The timing of this news conference, and the words giving us by the P.M., is no surprise to the increasing amount of U.S. citizens that have taken off their blinders, and disapproving more each day of the President's "approval-rating". It certainly was a needed show by Duh-bya; but did it really work?

The latter part of the news conference, Bush spoke again, this time on the matter of pulling out our troops from Iraq and from harms-way. His explanation contained too many "if"s in my way of thinking. "We will remove our troups if the time is right." Whooooa, hawse! Not a "when the time...", or "as the time...", but "IF"? Then later, "We'll be able to leave if the reconstruction is completed."; "We will lose this war if..."

Wellll, "there he goes, again!"

Bush spoke throughout as though reconstruction was a thing of the future, not what we have been told has been on-going for nearly two years. Yet, he did not once speak about this! Why? He said that "...funds are available to begin these reconstructions."

His messages confirm for me his debilitating desease of "Mcet-nkwis" - Mouth Covering eye teeth - not knowing what is said.

I'm interested in what he tries to say in his next TV production, set for Tues. 6-28 at 7 p.m. CDT from Fort Bragg, to build support for the war.

Blddle-lddle-lddle-lddle...

Take Out the Earplugs! - a commentary

2005-06-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

When is this administration going to hear what the people are saying?

Today at the Senate hearings, Senator Lindsey Graham (R. - South Carolina) spoke to a top General over our soldiers in Iraq about the declining approval by the U. S. Citizens of the war, and why we can't work harder on getting out of Iraq.

The General's reply (all too'pat' with the administration's continued blather) was, in effect, "Sirs, when my soldiers in Iraq ask me how the people of our country is backing them in this war, I don't want to have to tell them about this conversation." (not a direct quote, but the total gist of his statement)

SAY WHAT? This Senate hearing has nothing to do with our soldiers and their part of this war! This Senate hearing has nothing to do with our soldiers valiant heroism in Iraq! This Senate hearing has nothing to do with the approval of our beloved soldiers in Iraq! THEY are our HEROES!

It's the Bush Administration's actions, choices, and decisions that are being questioned by the Senate, and the citizens, you dumb [censored]!

I have not heard, or heard of, one person questioning the valor of our fighting soldiers. How DARE anyone - general, Secty. of War, Secty. of State, V. P., President, or whoever - imply that the approval-decline of this war has anything to do with our soldiers. IT'S THE ADMINISTRATION, STUPID!

And if the General's statement is repeated to our fighting men and women in Iraq...it's a lie! A LIE!

Regarding another point in the Senate hearing was about the insurgency in Iraq. Just to jog your memory, there we NO insurgents in Iraq when we invaded.

Last month V.P. Cheney said in an interview with CNN: "The level of activity that we see today from a military standpoint, I think, will clearly decline. I think they're in the last throes, if you will, of the insurgency."

That was last month. Yet, in today's hearings the General who is
commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, told Congress the strength of the Iraqi insurgency was basically undiminished from six months ago... "I believe there are more foreign fighters coming into Iraq than there were six months ago."

Well, I'll be darned...guess that's why there are still so many bombings and killings going on over there; why our soldiers are still dying, along with the Iraqi soldiers and civilians.

So what have you got to say about THAT, Mr. Cheney? And, where's President Bush hiding in all of these matters?

Yeah, I've always been against this War to do away with WMD - or is it to rid Iraq of a tyrant - or is it Operation for Independent Liberty (as in O.I.L.) hmmmm...

Tune into tomorrow's news to see who's backside is bared..."hang on to your seats...it's gonna be a bumpy...[night]." *

God Bless all our soldiers!

...later
*quoting Bette Davis in All About Eve
(oh, it's ok Jo, I've already taken my b.p. meds)
(btw, temp here at 8:40 (CDT) is 88 degrees - just the facts, folks; just the facts:o)

Life Has Its Relevancy...

2005-06-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

I was watching the national news yesterday evening about the continued chaos in Iraq, when I heard the reporter tell that the temperature in and around Baghdad - and I suppose all of the country - was reaching 120 degrees. 120 degrees?? Noted also was the summer months looming ahead with temps predicted in the 130 degrees of heat!

I sit here, now, in my air-conditioned home with a glass of iced-water nearby, shaking my head wondering how I would ever survive in that heat. Thinking more, how do our servicemen/women exist in that heat in their fighting gear? Ok, also thinking why the heck does our government insist they still be there? That's my rhetorical question, no reply necessary, thanks.

There HAS to be many health factors that effect the body with such heat, just as there was in the humid jungles of Vietnam - not to speak of the "agent orange" - and just as with the tainted sands of Desert Storm. I can only pray that our armed forces are well taken care of, even when/if they return home.

Ice and clean water must also be a high priority to the people living in such lands of extreme heat.

I sit in my A/C home, with fliltered-clean water, and an ice-maker ever working, and maybe all too expentant of these great perks I have. No, I don't take them for granted; my husband and I worked too hard to obtain and keep these "extras" for my retired years - and I think I deserve them.

That does not lessen the fact that I'm so grateful to be where I am, and for what I have.

Was it just a few days ago I was fretting over the hot weather in my area? Will I continue to do so for the remaining of the summer?

Yes, heat - as well as hunger and peace and security and tolerance- is certainly relevant.

Until next time...

Company Coming

2005-06-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

A few nights back I received a phone call from cousins Mike and Winnie, who live just out of Kansas City, MO. Mike is the second son of my Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Shorty (both deceased).

These are such neat people who I love and enjoy a lot. I've not seen them in person since a family wedding in St. Louis in October of 2000 (we do keep in touch via the net, and a phone call now-and-then.) Time spent with them back then didn't seem long enough. Oh, Mike also had a 40th highschool reunion at that time, too.

We were planning on them visiting me a couple years ago, but grandchildren took a priority at that time...can't fault 'em for that :o).

Anyway...the phone call: Winnie caught me up on much of the family's events - they had just returned from another cousin's son's wedding, and a nephew's wedding/reception. We talked about politics, which we are totally on-the-same-page with our thinking. Then talked about their coming for a visit. This is exciting for me, as I would enjoy so much spending time with them and taking them out-and-about the areas here.

I suggested them coming in early November, when the weather is cooler. But after thinking more about them, I wanted them to come sooner; maybe early or mid-October, when the Texas State Fair was in progress, the weather still being cooler than July/Aug/Sept. (now I have another reason to hope the summer passes quickly :o)

I'm already planning where to take them, which I'd like to include a visit to my Dad and niece Deni and family.

Yes, I'm excited about them coming to visit!

more later...

Traveling Abroad...

2005-06-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, just before lunch, I took a quick trip to the Middle East.

Well, not literally; but I did the next best thing: I went to eat Middle Eastern food, which also entails a visit with the namesake of the restaurant.

I had to make a trip to PetSmart for some cat food, and just a few doors down from there is the restaurant. I planned the timing, so I would be there for an early lunch.

Karam's, the restaurant, has the most tasty and healthy Middle Eastern food, and is named for Karam, the four-year-old son of the owners, and a great 'companion' when I go there to eat.

Today he requested my re-telling of the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears - one of the stories I've told him on previous visits. I think this is his favorite. We had a six-year-old girl (another patron's daughter) join us in our booth to listen to the tale, too. Of course I become very dramatic and emotive when telling these children's tales, and the bright eyes of the children listening make it all worth my time and efforts.

Tale completed, I then began to enjoy my Greek salad, tabouli, and baba-ganouch - with pita bread - for starters. Next course would be rice, baked paprika-chicken, fried eggplant in garlicky tomato sauce, and potatoes-califlower in a special sauce. I am so full, yet, writing this makes my mouth begin to salivate again.

As I've written, this food is so very good, palatable, and healthy. At lunchtime you can order specialties or eat from the buffet; the latter is my choice. The hospitality of the owners are so warm and friendly; I enjoy myself each time I go there. The remarkable young "man" is a joy, too! Whenever my friend Anna comes for a visit, this is one place that is a must for us to find a filling and delicious meal :o)

Well, I'm back home now and must finish a writer's-workshop assignment, so I best get busy.

Oh, one more thing, I came home with a rather large piece of baklava for eating later...

'Til next time...

Guess I've Been Having FUN!

2005-06-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Of course, of course I've been having fun! Why else would I be behind in my bloggin'?

For one thing, I've had some company come a-visitin'; two sets, and enjoyed both.

Then there is the Heat! I don't have much ambition when it gets so hot. (Woncha all be glad when Fall comes and I quit commenting on this dag-burned heat? :o)

My grand-nephew was home from London last week. I met with my niece Deni, her husband Joel, my Dad Ted, grand-nephews Noah and Alex, and grand-niece Hannah, to have a late lunch - and at the same time late-celebration of birthdays of both Noah and Alex, and early celebration of Father's Day. Tripple-dippin', it would seem, huh? What an especially joyful time to all be together like this. We took our time (three hours) to visit and eat at Joe's Crab Shack. Mmmmmm, I DO enjoy their light-battered and oil-fried calamari...that's tender pieces of squid...and very good! (don't turn up your noses until you've tried this!) The young ones are so busy with their lives, working and going on missionary trips to Central America, and Noah going back to London to work. He's also setting up his free-lance graphic arts company, and doing good for a new-start.

We've been having a dry-spell, lately, and I had to water my front lawn for the first time this year, over a period of two nights. I water between 6:30 and 10 pm, when the wind begins to settle and the sun has gone behind the trees to the west. I like to do some real good soaking when I water, thus the two-night project. If temps stay below 95 degrees, watering should suffice for about 6 days. When my St. Augustine grass begins to fold up their blades, I know it's past-due for another watering, so I keep an eye on the blades. There's no chance of lawn mildew by watering at night here; our 10 pm temp is usually still around 80-85 degrees.

I bought a few more gerbera daisy plants to put in the back yard - on the "posts" of the fence that partially surrounds my pool-yard. The posts are actually cement blocks that I stand on end, then place two tiers of long landscaping lumber in the block openings to make the horizontal "rails". Looks pretty neat, if I say so myself :o), and doesn' block any view of the pool-yard. So far I've placed 5 plants on top of the "posts", with smaller ones along the top of the railings. And other potted plants and herbs around the fence. My large hibiscus is in bloom: a beautiful bright red, double bloom so thick that gives the feel of the tropics!

Time to get busy with some housework...

'Til later...

Who Are We to Deny Choice

2005-06-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have recently been reading on the internet and in newspapers, and seeing on TV, all the atrocities brought upon children...babies, by their mothers or family or "friends". There is such a lack of caring for the children, that I find abhorable. Better that these little ones had not been born, I often think.

There is such a responsibility owed to our children, that should not be taken lightly by anyone. Who will pick up on these responsibilities? Who will...?

Last night I began a poem that came from deep within my heart and mind. Let me first inform you I am NOT FOR, or promoting, abortions with this poem; but I certainly am promoting the "CHOICE" for all.

Because I Am Righteous…I am righteous...
…and I shall pass judgment of your rights.

(Too many deaths of living babies, toddlers, young children – by mothers, fathers, boyfriends…righteousness.)

You were foolish, a moment of weakness,
now you must pay; pay with your sanity
You are a baby yourself, yet you will have
this baby because I am righteous.

You were raped, ‘tho you say it was…
not your fault, you were raped.
You will not bring shame with an abortion,
you will have this baby because I am righteous.

You think you have choices with your body?
You think others can not control your destiny?
We will show you how much we can control;
you will have this baby because we are righteous.

(Unfinished poem, to be completed...soon)

I may be spewing my frustrations and sadness about this problem...yeah, probably am, but it helps to write about it. Giving birth is not an event to take lightly; it's not a game...a female does not give birth to a "toy", to be dismissed at a whim or when the newness wears off. Babies should definitely not be having babies! When did we start giving approval that having a baby out of marriage is a fun thing to do? I don't mean to toss shame to unwed mothers, but it is now becoming a "fad" that is shameful.

I put abstinance first for young people, and it DOES take place in many young people's lives; self-restraint and self-respect can be a part of their lives.

For those who do not practice this way of thinking, which should have been the responsibility of their parents to teach and be learned, then contraceptives would be a must. But this would be responsible thinking, and in these cases forgotten or not known in their heat of unknowledgeable passion. Most often resulting in unwanted pregnancies. Therein lies the sadness: babies having babies.

Possibly an occurance since the beginning of time. Yet we, over the centuries, were supposed to have become civilized and responsible in our way of thinking and actions. How did it come to such a screeching halt?

I think I'll get my grocery shopping done and get off this subject...for now, at least. And, yes...I do have my grocery list made to keep me within my budget :o) :o)

P.S. I promise to myself, I will write on a happier note in next blog!

Completed the Second Reading of The DaVinci Code

2005-06-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a month and a half since I first blogged about this, so I'll finally complete my reporting.

As I wrote, with the first reading of The...Code, about two years ago, I was enthralled with the novel as a mystery, needing to see what developed next. With this second reading, I am able to absorb the beautiful, descriptve writing Dan Brown gives of the many areas this adventure takes the main character, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon.

I found this novel a very well written piece, however controversial to some. I did not read this book with a forethought of finding offensive points of the author's originality, and I found none.

I did not find it offensive to the suggestion that Jesus may have married Mary Magdalene. When I was about the age of 16, I could no longer belive that Mary Magdalene was a young woman of ill-repute; from other historical readings, I read she came from a most admired family, and one of wealth. I also remembered reading, in the bible, that Peter had some tendency of jealousy towards Jesus' admiration and love (however innocent) for this woman. I've also questioned some of my Jewish friends about their culture and religion - both now and 2000 years ago - as to the factor of young men and women NOT marrying being a sin. It's true.

If this be a fact, that Jesus and Mary Magdalene married, does my faith waver in its belief that Jesus is the Son of God? Never, ever! My faith is not that shallow.

I just suggest that you read this book with an open mind, not just about the above points, but also on the cruelty of religions over the many centuries - ALL religions.

I'm completing my 5th book after reading The...Code, which I'll highlight:

Richard North Patterson's Conviction - a fascinating, and in-depth novel about our court systems and their functions and complexities - from local to the Supreme Court.

Two by James Patterson: Maximum Ride - an unusual concept in his young-adult series; and Honeymoon (collaborating with Howard Roughan) - their "2005 International Thriller of the Year."

Two by Michael Connelly: Blood Work - a great mystery thriller..."Sometimes it takes fresh blood to solve old killings"; A Darkness More Than Night - another great thriller. Both of these novels feature Terry McCaleb, a former FBI top-profiler, and LAPD detective Harry Bosch. Michael Connelly writes his thrillers with authority, being a former crime reporter for the L.A. Times. I've not yet completed reading the latter of these two book.

You just might want to check one of these from the library, or buy at Half-Price Books :o)

More reading and reviewing at a later day...

Summer is A'proaching

2005-06-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

I think I'm acclimating to the hotter days; at least to the hi 80s. Maybe - just maybe - by the time July approaches I will not feel the heat so much until we reach the mid 90s.

I've written a poem I'll share that may help you to transend into those hot, dog-days:

Midsummer Days

Days come into their full glory,
the longest of the days of year.
Summer’s mid-point tells a story,
scorching souls with faint endeavor.
Yet, there’s beauty as we gather,
midsummer time for childish play
on the beach of sandy matter,
laugh in delight of ocean’s spray.

© Jackie (Micke) Jinks, June 2004

Note - this is a huitain form poetry: 8 lines; 8 syllables each line; end-line rhyme scheme a, b, a, b, b, c, b, c. This rhyme scheme is the Spanish style of huitain; there is also the French style (with variations), but we'll not get into that just now...

Please realize the importance of drinking plenty of water as the days get hotter; you owe THAT much to your body, and especially your kidneys!

I'm off to refill my glass, so 'til another day -

How Addicted Can You Get?

2005-06-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Very early Wed. morn (June 1, about 1 a.m.) we had a really good, cooling rain (1.5"). Along with that came thunderstorms that knocked out the electrical transformer that provides electricity to my side of street.

I had slept soundly thru the night - because of back problems (higher maturing aka older age) and sternum pains (I've had quad-by-pass surgery) I experience, I often take Ambien to help induce sleep, so I slept soundly through all the "boomers".

I utilize my TV as an alarm-clock: i.e. I set timer to 7:30 a.m. for a wake-up to the news. Of course, yesterday morning it wasn't working. BUT sometime around 5:30 I awaked to total darkness. For years I've kept a nightlight on in the hallway and at my bedroom dressing area, which allows me sparse light to make my way to the bathroom (when need be) without bumping into anything in my path. This also allows me to check the wall-clock to see the time. Yesterday morn I awoke to the darkness, and my first thought was My Gawd, I've gone blind! Then rationalization set in, and I realized there was no electricity. NO ELECTRICITY! NO A/C! However, my night auto-set is at 68 degrees, so it was quite cool, and remained so for most of the following day until the transformer was 'fixed'.

Oops...getting back to the "addiction"...no electricity also meant no 'puter access. Unh, oh! No 'puter? Oh, dear! After my usual morning chores, I am on my 'puter...on-and-off all the day! What am I going to do with myself?

I walked to the kitchen, but couldn't heat water for tea (all my appliances are electric); couldn't pass time vacuuming; couldn't do any laundry; couldn't watch the TV news; couldn't cook breakfast or make toast; couldn't use the microwave; couldn't play the stereo. Aha, I could use the phone! But you can only call your friends so many times 'til they begin to get annoyed - know what I mean?

My office can be accessed from my den and bedroom, so I make many pass-throughs daily, usually with a stop at the 'puter. I have a secretarial chair I use that allows for good posture when sitting; I often sit at my 'puter playing Freecell just to ease my back pains...besides a walking routine, sitting in this chair really does help ease the pain. How many times I did this yesterday, it's an auto-response for me. One sure thing, it kept me laughing each time I would sit before realizing there was nothing there :o) NOTHING!

I DID get a few outdoor chores done: transplant some begonias into a larger pot; also my Myers Lemon tree...it's growing just nicely.

Lucky for me the temperature, turned cool by storm, didn't get above 72 outdoors or 70 indoors before the electricity was restored.

I suppose that's TWO addictions I have: electricity/Air Conditioner, and my ever-companion 'puter. What DID we do before we had them? LOL

Until later....
(I've got to get back to reviewing my book-reads soon!)

Enjoying the "Cold" Spell

2005-05-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

Have been enjoying the "cold spell" we've had here in North Texas...well, that's what the news meteorologists call our low-to-mid 80s we've been having for nearly a week. Remember, just a week ago we were having 99.4 degrees for too many days!

Sunday, I had the opportunity to drive some friends, Anita and Don, to our D/FW National Cemetery. He is a Nam Vet, and they had never been to the Cemetery, yet.

It really is a beautiful area for this special site for our Vets. The Cemetery was dedicated and opened in early May, 2000; it is located on nearly 640 acres that overlooks Mountain Creek Lake, on the south-west edge of Dallas. The rains we've recently had made the shrubbery, trees, and grass wonderfully green, and native flora to bloom.There are beautiful rolling hills in the cemetery , and to the back and over a rise is a small pond; this is where they had special Memorial Day Services on Sunday.

There are a little over 12 thousand veterans buried here, in gravesites and vaults for ashes; there are veterans from WW1 thru the current war in Iraq. This is such a peaceful and solemn and Holy site to visit - while also being so very sad. You realize the cost of Freedom many have paid for us.

Before going to the National Cemetary, I stopped to put flags on my husband's gravesite, and also one on the young soldier that is buried just next to him. I don't think the young soldier has any living relative, so I usually remember to place decorations for him, too.

With the humidity a bit high, I stayed mostly indoors, yesterday; and also because my back was giving me problems and I was experiencing dizzy spells most of the day. Good excuse to sit and watch two DVDs I had recently purchased off Amazon.com: Anatomy of a Murder (1959) starring James Stewart, (a young)Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, George C. Scott, Eve Arden; then Witness for the Prosecution (1957) starring Tyron Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton. Both are excellent movies; both are black-and-white classics.

If you have never seen these movies before, I recommend you find them and watch.

It's past lunchtime, and I want to warm up the BBQ ribs I made yesterday, and get some of the macaroni salad from the fridge...I seldom feel so bad as not to cook :o)

'Til later....

Surviving Couple - Amazing Wedding

2005-05-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm speaking of Amber and Rob.

Did you watch their preperations and wedding tonight? I wouldn't have missed it. I really like these two young people - both individually and as a couple.

They "survived" together on one island, and were married at another.

They "raced" around the world together, and raced deeper into one another's hearts.

What more can young people ask for...except to have consideration and respect for one another, which these two exhibited impressively. How can anyone forget when, during the "race", and Amber was totally exhaused, then Rob said, "C'mon honey, climb on my back," and he piggy-backed her up the hill. And how often Amber has exhibited courage during the escapades on both Survivor and Amazing Race! Both felt and exhibited so much respect and courage, and especially love and understanding for and of one another.

Their wedding vows, each writing their own for the other, were just perfect; there was such honoring of the other with what they vowed. I fell in love with them both as they fell more in love with one another.

You were right, Rob...your wedding truly outdid the Trump's .

Thank you Amber and Rob, for inviting me to join in with your happiness. Happy Future for you.

But I did miss not being there in person to eat some of that delicious-looking food...:o)

Maybe later...

Hibernating - And It's Still Spring!

2005-05-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

You can easily tell that bears and I don't have much in common. Whereas they hibernate in Wintertime, I hibernate in "Heat-time"; and Heat-time has already arrived.

Here it is, still one month before Summer begins, and we had 99.4 degrees already! They didn't round that off to 100 degrees F., but two-tenths of a degree would have made it happen. I mean, what's the difference 'tween 99 and 100 degrees? Maybe it's a psychological ploy. Same temp is expected for today...let us just wait and see if we get a .5 or .6 today :o)

Oh, but to spin a bit of joy on the matter, we are looking forward to a cool spell coming in from the North: by tomorrow our high should be around 95 degrees, and by Tuesday we should be all the way down to 91 degrees. WOW!

In Texas it is not unusual to have heat-waves, but this usually occurs in July and August.
All too often we have had days of over 110 degrees.

Something I've learned to do: when the temp. gets over 100 degrees I water my rooftops. Don't laugh, it really does work, and I've watched as my neighbors have followed my lead to do this. I've got good insulation in the attic, and good shade over the rooftop, but....there are those days that I definately need to water-down; usually around 4 p.m., just before the temperature gets to its high!

One other disadvantage about our heat: our ozone level rises to the "orange" and "red" stage - that translates to "not good at all" and "dangerous", respectively. Another reason to hibernate.

This reminds me, I need to buy some fans to donate to those elderly people who have no A/C. I can't imagine how they survive, and, sadly, many do not. I donate the fans each year to Meals-On-Wheels org; who better to know which elderly are in need?

Enuff on this "stuffy" matter, I have a few pet chores to perform...gotta keep the bird bath clean and refilled on days like this, too!

Later...

Don't Plant In the Heat of Day

2005-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

I know better than to do this - wait until the afternoon to do transplanting; then I did just that, anyway.

Since it was late in the afternoon Thursday when I bought my herbs (and more), I waited until yesterday (Friday) to do my transplanting. By the time I got around to that chore it was already 1:30 p.m. NOT a good time to be outdoors working; especially when we had a near-record-breaking temp (95 degrees). So I did the work in shifts: 15 minutes outdoors, 15 minutes indoors with A/C. Of course this took me longer than I had anticipated, so I spent the last 30 minutes finishing up - and regreted doing so. But I did get all the plants into larger containers, watered sufficiently, and moved them all into the shade of my large oak tree - at least for the afternoon.

Excess heat and I don't go well together, so I started early this morning moving those plants that tolerate sun...back into the sun at the edge of my pool-yard, and
then watered the yard; which also mists the plants.

That done, I'm ready to go out and do some necessary shopping chores before the heat of the day approaches.

So, 'til later....

Digging Self Out of Hole

2005-05-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

That is literally speaking, by the way. Have been doing bunches of yard work, and gardening; container gardening is my forte.

Had some beautiful top-soil spread over my back pool-yard. Yes, it's a "yard" that was made when I filled in our 16'X30' swimming pool 7 years back. FILLED IN A SWIMMING POOL? you may ask. It was time I had done that: because of meds I take that doesn't allow me to be in the sun very much of the time; because of the upkeep - continuous cleaning and use of chemicals, which I didn't need to be breathing. At any rate, the pool served its purpose for over 25 years, and is now serving me best as the "pool-yard".

Besides digging a few holes, I'm up and about now filling in the holes with grass, and herbs...my favorite being lemon-grass and ciliantro. The l-g I purchase at an Asian market, then plant in the ground. It grows quickly, and will soon become a beautiful ornamental grass about 4' tall. I use the stalks in Asian food preparation (fave is a Thai coconut-milk soup - Thom Kha Gai), and the leaves (long, upright, and slender), boiled in water as tea, make for a wonderful relief from tummy ailments.

Also have planted - in containers - a variety of begonias, three hibiscus, vari-colored portulaca, calla lilies, caladium. Today I need to get some sweet basil to plant. Of course, not to be forgotten is the lovely gerbera daisies that are so dramatically colorful and quite hardy. Best part of this plant is that it has continuous blooms until late fall; then if moved into my make-shift green-house, will bloom through the winter, too.

Sheesh, I didn't realize it has been over two weeks since my last blog...how time does slip away when your having fun. And time is a priority now, to get the plants settled before the hot~hot weather begins here (we're expecting 90+ degrees for the next week. The pool-yard gets lots of sun during the spring/summer/fall months, and fortunately there is lots of good shade around the edges for the more delicate plants.

Well, I've got to get off my duff and buy those sweet basil plants, but I'll be back...

Might I add, that if you have not tried a container garden, you should. As the plants and blooms grow, you have the ability to move them into other areas. A few things to remember about container gardening: use ONLY potting soil in container for your plants; clay pots need more watering than the plastic ones; always have holes in the bottom of pots for drainage; if using the "saucer" under container, turn them upside-down so there is no standing water to attract the viral west-nile mesquito; double-check the tag that comes with the plants to verify if to be planted in full-sun, partial-sun/partial-shade, or shade - you can save money and time (and heartache) by following instructions on the tags.

Now I'm gone...

It's Great to Have Help...

2005-04-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

I've spent the past couple afternoons helping my young neighbor work on my car. Well, that's stretching my part a bit, but I DID hand him wrenches, bring him ice-water and paper towels :o)

I needed struts and strut-mounts replaced on my car, and Josh willingly offered to do the work for me; not the first time he has come to my aid.I really am blessed with having the neighbors that I have, and especially Josh. Not a week goes by that he doesn't help me in some way...not many young people take the time to help as he does, or check on me if my car isn't moved for a day.

Yesterday afternoon we also gathered "unwantables" from my back yard; today his dad will haul them away to the "Clean up your city" location for disposing. Kindly people such as this are to be applauded...and I do just that.

And count my blessings.

Reading The DaVinci Code - second time around

2005-04-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night I began reading The DaVinci Code for the second time...and enjoying it more.

My reading time begins just after the 10 o'clock weather report, and continues until I fall asleep; most often at 1:00 am.

With the first reading of The...Code, about two years ago, I was enthralled with the novel as a mystery, needing to see what developed next. With this second reading, I am able to absorb the beautiful, descriptve writing Dan Brown gives of the marvelous areas of the Louvre Museum:

Ch. 6 - "Although the Grand Gallery housed the Louvre's most famous Italian art, many visitors felt the wing's most stunning offering was actually its famous parquet floor. Laid out in a dazzling geometric design of diagonal oak slats, the floor produced an ephemeral optical illusion - a multi-dimensional network that gave visitors the sense they were floating through the gallery on a surface that changed with every step."

'Tho I have never been to the Louvre, I was able to view this parquet floor with clarity, and do my own "floating". I look forward to reading more of the descriptive writing Dan Brown does so well.

Whatever the critics may say re: fact or fiction (the cover does state "A Novel"), Mr. Brown's writing ability cannot be faulted; he has that special knack to bring you along into his adventures.

You may be hearing more on this book, soon...

An Update to Monday

2005-04-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

There was a let-up in the rain while on trip to Sam's. But, just as we arrived into my driveway, harder rains came. Then some hail, about dime- to nickle-size. So I pulled my car up under a front tree in the circle drive for protection.

Back into the house I heard sirens, and opened the back door; sure enough, our city's tornado sirens were going off.

I then turned on the TV; all four national stations were broadcasting weather alerts. Well, they didn't have to tell me there was strange things going on with the weather; the dark, funny clouds outdoors being a givaway. Yet, I felt at ease - as the funny clouds were to the south and moving in a ENE direction, a good, safe distance from my neighborhood.

This really is typical Texas weather in the springtime. You learn early-on where the safest part of your home is located - quick-like!

Minor damage to the south, where a funnel touched down on a farm: couple trees uprooted, fence and some barn damage.

Before the night was over, the fast-moving storm had crossed Louisiana, Miss., Ala., and into GA, before dissipating.

Just part of what happens when cool air from the North collides with warm air from the South.

Oooohhhh - It's Monday

2005-04-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

We are finally getting a much needed rain this morning.

I don't want the rain to stop, but it is not convenient just now, inasmuch as I need to make a trip to Sam's Club later - I'm much too low on birdseed. Feeding the nearly 100 birds and pigeons that come to my back yard each day has it's rewards: I am greeted each morning by beautiful songs and coos and chirps. There is one bird that even sings "prrrrettty girrrl"; I swear, that's what it sounds like and I'll always believe that's what is sung to me :o)

And I musn't forget the shelled pecans for the squirrels. At an earlier time I gave them the whole pecan - shells and all - but stopped that when, walking barefoot in the back yard, I often stepped on the broken shells. Not a good experience; once needing to get stitches in the foot, and a booster tetanus shot. Thus, the pre-shelled pecans, now, so I can still walk barefoot (am I clinging to my youthful days?)

I am fortunate to have good neighbors, and that the college-age son is always willing to help me when I need him. He will go with me to Sam's (after his classes) and lug around (in a cart) the four 30-lb boxes I need, load them in my car, then, when we get home, take them into my house to the storage area.

I think he deserves a whopping-big What-A-Burger on the way home! Drink and fries, if he wants. My treat, of course.

Must go now to fill up the gas tank; used up more that I had planned on the trip Saturday. One good thing, I heard on the news this morning that gas has gone down $0.049 per gallon. FILLERUP!

Busy Day - Sat. the 23rd

2005-04-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a busy, but delightful, day.

Completing my daily morning chores of cleaning cat litter-boxes, feeding and watering them (the cats, not litter-boxes), setting out nuts in the Squirrel Feeder (shelled; my squirrels are spoiled), and filling two "troughs" and a standing-feeder with birdseed for the birds and cleaning the bird-bath, I was then ready to feed myself, and prepare for the day ahead.

The day was spent driving to see my Dad for his birthday. He lives just south of Denton, TX.

As planned, we would be liesurely driving thru Denton and the surrounding countryside to see what we could see for a couple hours before meeting my niece, her husband, and grandnephew for early dinner.

As not planned, I got a bit "lost" in the countryside on small roads I had never driven before. Not to fear, I just followed the old saying "if lost, keep turning right and you will wind up where you started." Ha! That doesn't always work, especially on small, winding country roads. We eventually drove over a hill and spotted the towers of university (NTU and TWU) in Denton, so I headed for those.

We arrived before the scheduled time to meet family at the restaurant, had a very delicious meal and hours of visiting and celebrating my Dad's Birthday.

After I drove him home, his last words to me were "Thanks for the wonderful ride through the country!" He has great wit.

I had another hour's drive home, and knew I would be greeted by some hungry cats!
(I don't plan on countryside driving for a while :o)

Getting to Know Me

2005-04-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

GOOD MORNING (AFTERNOON, or NIGHT - depending where your time-zone is located - or whenever you venture in).

A bit-o'-the basics, for now:

Micke (that's me - and it's pronounced like the Mouse) is retired from a North Texas university. She found the net early in 2000, and has become addicted; mostly to writing.
Off-net, she thoroughly enjoys her cats, container gardening, eating good foods (B-B-Q, Indian, Middle-Eastern, Soul, Thai...etc.), and is an avid reader - novels, mostly...preferably mystery/intrigue.

She (me, that is) has been published on various websites - poetry, articles, short stories - and recently had five stories published in an anthology.

It is Micke's hope that you will enjoy her "musing", and find time to comment on what you read (she absorbs nice, constructive criticism fairly well, too :o)

Thanks for coming by, and come back soon, ya'hear!