This has been a full week for us. We were privileged to go to the Martina McBride concert in Wichita on Sunday. Jim and I took in all of the work that went on to get the show ready for the performance, and all of the trucks and busses and personnel that it takes to put on a show. The promotional people- caters - roadies - custodial and of course, the security is very tight and no one can get in without the correct paper work. It does not matter who you are or your connection with the performers. Rodney Atkins was the first to perform. He sang “Lil’ Buckaroo” and “If you’re going thru Hell“ along with a few other songs on his album. Little Big Town was there to open for Martina, as well. They were all wonderful.
The newlyweds came home Friday after five fun filled days in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. They were happy to be home and anxious to get their lives started as a couple. They returned home to find the house they were to begin married life in, not in the condition that Jeff had left it. Neil Baker, Jim and I had mowed their yard and I got his laundry caught up and just tidied up a bit. But when the kids got home something very odd had occurred. Someone had moved the cement horse to the front door and put balloons around his neck. They had also moved their trucks, back bumper to back bumper and chained them together. There were empty cans strung on the trucks from side mirror to side mirror. The trucks were also plastic wrapped together and also over the cabs so you could not get in without tearing the plastic wrap off. The perpetrators also switched the ignition keys. Since Jeff had no canned goods the ‘vandals’ purchased some and removed the labels. Inside there were a few other things done, all in good humor. Jeff and Chelsea were shocked that some of the people that they know would take the time to tantalize them. Well, maybe not shocked- as Jeff would probably have done the same thing to any of his friends.
Wedding pranks are not always funny I have heard of some really awful shenanigans. It seems that it is traditional to decorate the vehicle that the couple drive away. Some have had their vehicles hidden, while others had theirs filled with packing peanuts, newspaper and assorted other things. This was one the worst that I have heard of- the newlywed couple got in their car and someone had lined the vents of the air conditioner with pepper and the fan was on high so it would blow the pepper right at them. The only problem was it blew directly into their eyes. That put a damper on their honeymoon. When you take off in a limo that does not arrive until the happy couple are ready to leave then the pranksters must do something else. So they feel the urge to go to the couples home or apartment to short-sheet the beds, put Vaseline on the doorknobs- put clear plastic wrap over the toilet seat- switch all labels on canned goods- unscrew all of the light bulbs in the house- and just move everything around. So it is important that the bride and groom keep their sense of humor. You know the saying ‘do not get mad get even‘.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell May 23, 2007
This has been a good week- Jim and I have gained a new daughter in-law. We had a great time helping with the wedding- The Hucks were gracious enough to allow us to be a part of the arrangements. Chelsea is going to be good for our family as she is incredibly organized, and we are in great need of some structure. She has been planning this wedding for quite some time. She had told me that she would like to have lights on the ceiling at the Veterans Building, which is where the reception was to be held. I told her no problem. I had several strands of lights - but at Christmas I had to throw most of them away. But I was shopping the after Christmas sales and found net lights. Net lights are used on bushes and trees so you do not have to string lights in and among the limbs. The lights come in 4x 6 pieces. I thought that would work just perfect for the ceiling. I thought and figured - made a call to city hall and asked for the dimensions of the large room in the Veterans Building. Then I figured and thought some more. Since the nets lights were 90% off I bought all they had. The way I figured I had enough to cover the entire ceiling. Since math is not my strong suit I had made an error and I did not have near enough- but Chelsea being easy to work with said that she wanted just a portion of the room lit up and what I had purchased would be just the right amount of light.
Wednesday I thought that while Chelsea was out of town I would start on the ceiling with Jennifer’s help. Now I had planned this all out and the way I figured it would not take too long- after all- we had to do was to unroll the net lights and hook them together and attach them to the ceiling straps. It even looked good on paper- how hard could it be? Well, let me tell you- I did not know that the plugs were all on the same side and only three sets could be connected together. Now that does not sound so bad until you are there and trying to get everything to come out right. Jim was in Dodge with Jeff getting the Tux’s and they called late in the evening to see if we needed anything. I realized that we need a huge amount of extension cords. So they brought home as many as they could. By this time I had nearly destroyed my relationship with Jennifer. We gave up and decided we would have to do the lights another way and I was racking my brain trying to find enough lights for the ceiling-When Jim got home late that night I was telling him how hard it was and he said that he could do it- So the next morning he and Jennifer with the able assistance of our nephew, Jason Blundell, and about 8 hours later had it done- but not without several unkind glares and many unkind remarks. So here is a little hint if you ever want to hang the net lights. Plug them in and make sure that they work- not all of them do even if they are brand new and do not pull them to stretch them in the 4 x 6 rectangle that they are suppose to be and hang them with the lights on, even though they get very warm, they have a tendency to go out for no apparent reason. This may help save your marriage or maybe you will decide not to go with this brilliant idea. I was not sure that my marriage was net lighting proof. But we made it- barely.
Jeff had made plans early this past fall as regards to the rehearsal dinner and he was delighted to tell me that he it all figured out and I would not have to lift a finger- He had talked to the BBQ man and he was going to cater the meal. I was thrilled. Well, the BBQ man is from Greensburg and, well, you know the rest. The BBQ wagon had blown away and even if it had not, the man and his family lost their home- They had more important issues to worry about. We had burgers, hot dogs and chickens breasts on the grill. They were not nearly as tasty as the BBBQ mans food but it filled the bill.
When it was all said and done we were pleased with the results and all we had to do was to enjoy the wedding.
Being the Grooms mother is not as easy as it looks. I have been told that the job of the groom’s mother is to wear beige and keep her mouth shut- I do not wear beige often and I have never been able to keep my thoughts to myself. So what is a mom to do?
Wednesday I thought that while Chelsea was out of town I would start on the ceiling with Jennifer’s help. Now I had planned this all out and the way I figured it would not take too long- after all- we had to do was to unroll the net lights and hook them together and attach them to the ceiling straps. It even looked good on paper- how hard could it be? Well, let me tell you- I did not know that the plugs were all on the same side and only three sets could be connected together. Now that does not sound so bad until you are there and trying to get everything to come out right. Jim was in Dodge with Jeff getting the Tux’s and they called late in the evening to see if we needed anything. I realized that we need a huge amount of extension cords. So they brought home as many as they could. By this time I had nearly destroyed my relationship with Jennifer. We gave up and decided we would have to do the lights another way and I was racking my brain trying to find enough lights for the ceiling-When Jim got home late that night I was telling him how hard it was and he said that he could do it- So the next morning he and Jennifer with the able assistance of our nephew, Jason Blundell, and about 8 hours later had it done- but not without several unkind glares and many unkind remarks. So here is a little hint if you ever want to hang the net lights. Plug them in and make sure that they work- not all of them do even if they are brand new and do not pull them to stretch them in the 4 x 6 rectangle that they are suppose to be and hang them with the lights on, even though they get very warm, they have a tendency to go out for no apparent reason. This may help save your marriage or maybe you will decide not to go with this brilliant idea. I was not sure that my marriage was net lighting proof. But we made it- barely.
Jeff had made plans early this past fall as regards to the rehearsal dinner and he was delighted to tell me that he it all figured out and I would not have to lift a finger- He had talked to the BBQ man and he was going to cater the meal. I was thrilled. Well, the BBQ man is from Greensburg and, well, you know the rest. The BBQ wagon had blown away and even if it had not, the man and his family lost their home- They had more important issues to worry about. We had burgers, hot dogs and chickens breasts on the grill. They were not nearly as tasty as the BBBQ mans food but it filled the bill.
When it was all said and done we were pleased with the results and all we had to do was to enjoy the wedding.
Being the Grooms mother is not as easy as it looks. I have been told that the job of the groom’s mother is to wear beige and keep her mouth shut- I do not wear beige often and I have never been able to keep my thoughts to myself. So what is a mom to do?
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell May 15, 2007
Another Mothers Day has come and gone. This one was uneventful- but it was the last one that we will have with Jeff as a single, foot-loose, fancy-free man. He is certainly ready for the big day- Jeff and Chelsea will get married this coming Saturday. We have been anxiously waiting for this day. The next time I write this article I will have a new daughter in-law. I have never had a daughter in-law and I hope that I can be a good one. I really do not want to be the kind of mother in-law that the jokes are about. I do hope that she does not hold me totally accountable for Jeff. His father and I tried and tried to do the best we could- but I make no promises- and there are no warranties, either. Jeff is just who he is and there is no changing that. I always thought that if a boy did or did not do things like I thought they should be done then the mother did not do her job correctly. I was unaware that sometimes they come out of the womb being difficult. So I want Chelsea to know that we tried and we tried hard!
Actually, Jeff has been a delightful son and he is a good son. The first few years of his little - loud- defiant life was just a tiny bit annoying- but I have a remedy for that. I did the Mothers curse - I wished that he would have many children just like him- So you see, I already must apologize to Chelsea for that- I had no idea that he would find such a nice girl. But I can wait a few years for my revenge.
Chelsea wanted baby pictures of Jeff for the wedding. I told her she would have to ask Jeff why there were so few. I should add that I think that photographers that work with children have a very special place in heaven. Jeff hated to have his picture taken even as a baby. He was the little kid who stirred up the other kids while waiting in line to get their pictures taken. There would be a sweet family of 4 in their Sunday best and not a hair out of place and there I was with Jeff. He would start out behaving then he would decide that he would like to have something that belonged to photographer. After I told him no - that’s when he got his tail feathers ruffled - he would yell and tell me that it was not fair and that the photographer was being selfish. Then, this would get all of the other kids to cry, yell and worst of all- whine. Then I would get the look- all of you mothers know that look- It is the look no woman ever wants to see. It is the look of total and pure disgust. The other mothers had worked so hard to get their children ready for a photo and here in just a few short seconds my son has single-handedly destroyed all of their efforts. Kids would be howling and then I would have to take little Jeffey out of the line and try another day, but usually that day never came. I know how my dad would have handled the situation. It would not have been pretty- at all -and the photo would have been something to remember. But if I would have followed all of his advice and parenting skills- I might be out of my 10 to 20 year prison term by now - if I had implemented most of his suggestions. So that is why there are not many photos of Jeff.
But Jeff has grown into a fine, hard working, young man and I know that he loves Chelsea dearly. I know this because she got him to take engagement photos and he did it without causing a scene.
His father and I wish the newlyweds all the luck in the world. And I know that the family of Jeff and Chelsea Blundell will never be boring or quite- And who would want it any other way?
Actually, Jeff has been a delightful son and he is a good son. The first few years of his little - loud- defiant life was just a tiny bit annoying- but I have a remedy for that. I did the Mothers curse - I wished that he would have many children just like him- So you see, I already must apologize to Chelsea for that- I had no idea that he would find such a nice girl. But I can wait a few years for my revenge.
Chelsea wanted baby pictures of Jeff for the wedding. I told her she would have to ask Jeff why there were so few. I should add that I think that photographers that work with children have a very special place in heaven. Jeff hated to have his picture taken even as a baby. He was the little kid who stirred up the other kids while waiting in line to get their pictures taken. There would be a sweet family of 4 in their Sunday best and not a hair out of place and there I was with Jeff. He would start out behaving then he would decide that he would like to have something that belonged to photographer. After I told him no - that’s when he got his tail feathers ruffled - he would yell and tell me that it was not fair and that the photographer was being selfish. Then, this would get all of the other kids to cry, yell and worst of all- whine. Then I would get the look- all of you mothers know that look- It is the look no woman ever wants to see. It is the look of total and pure disgust. The other mothers had worked so hard to get their children ready for a photo and here in just a few short seconds my son has single-handedly destroyed all of their efforts. Kids would be howling and then I would have to take little Jeffey out of the line and try another day, but usually that day never came. I know how my dad would have handled the situation. It would not have been pretty- at all -and the photo would have been something to remember. But if I would have followed all of his advice and parenting skills- I might be out of my 10 to 20 year prison term by now - if I had implemented most of his suggestions. So that is why there are not many photos of Jeff.
But Jeff has grown into a fine, hard working, young man and I know that he loves Chelsea dearly. I know this because she got him to take engagement photos and he did it without causing a scene.
His father and I wish the newlyweds all the luck in the world. And I know that the family of Jeff and Chelsea Blundell will never be boring or quite- And who would want it any other way?
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell May 8, 2007
This has been a frightening week. Our hearts go out to the people in Greensburg. I would like to let our emergency teams know that how proud we are of them- whether it be the storm spotters or the ones who at a moments notice was ready to drop everything and use their own equipment to help out. We are so fortunate to have so many selfless people who give the use of their equipment, talents and time. Never once thinking that they might profit from it or receive recognition for being heroic. Every one of you are HEROS in anyone’s book. I am pleased to say that I know you.
Every generation has a storm story to tell our kids about. Dad was jittery when the storm clouds rolled in as he remembered the tornado that hit the Platt Ranch in 1927. He had many stories about all the strange things that happened. The same kind of stories that we are hearing from the residents of Greensburg. In 1949, there was the tornado that hit Wilmore, but of course, I was just a mere twinkle in my daddy’s eye. When Vickie and Virgil were little they went to the cellar many times. I only remember going to the cellar once, if I went that many times. I do not know if it was because that the storms were not as severe or if the cellar was so icky or if life had lost its luster and Dad was just too tired to care.
I recall the blizzard of 1971 and now this one. The blizzard was devastating, but not as horrible as Greensburg storm. Mother Nature has all kinds of ways to show us her power.
A few years ago we had just finished working calves at my house. Dad had just left to go home and the air felt funny. There was an odd cloud in the southwest. I told the kids to get in the house and shut the doors. The cloud was coming fast and it was red in color. It was the most eerie feeling when the wind hit- the red in the cloud was dirt and it was a peculiar and scary sensation watching the storm coming closer and closer until it has consumed everything around us. When it hit I could not see 10 feet in front of me. When these kinds of storms strike you feel so helpless and powerless. There is nothing you can do but ride it out. Obviously, it was nothing like what happened Friday night, but at the time I did not know what was going to materialize next.
One time Virgil had decided to take a hike- I was annoyed as I wanted to go with him. He was a boy scout and was going it alone. The last thing he wanted was a little sister holding him back and more than likely whining all the way. He was prepared - he had his compass - his flashlight- and other very important items. He was in his uniform and hat. It was a little cloudy out and Mom had said that she did not think that this was a good idea for him to go out and face the world alone. But never fear the Boy Scout was ready for anything. Well, Mother Nature saw this proud little scout and thought she might play with him. She threw down the some of the biggest hail stones she could find. We watched out of the picture window looking for the brave lad. We looked down the lane and saw the scout who was ready for anything- running like the wind, with lightening striking, thunder booming and the wind blowing as he was being beat to a pulp. He should have had a hard hat on and he might have been able to stay out in the elements. However- there was no shelter for him to get under or beside. I am not sure if he ever finished his hike.
Every generation has a storm story to tell our kids about. Dad was jittery when the storm clouds rolled in as he remembered the tornado that hit the Platt Ranch in 1927. He had many stories about all the strange things that happened. The same kind of stories that we are hearing from the residents of Greensburg. In 1949, there was the tornado that hit Wilmore, but of course, I was just a mere twinkle in my daddy’s eye. When Vickie and Virgil were little they went to the cellar many times. I only remember going to the cellar once, if I went that many times. I do not know if it was because that the storms were not as severe or if the cellar was so icky or if life had lost its luster and Dad was just too tired to care.
I recall the blizzard of 1971 and now this one. The blizzard was devastating, but not as horrible as Greensburg storm. Mother Nature has all kinds of ways to show us her power.
A few years ago we had just finished working calves at my house. Dad had just left to go home and the air felt funny. There was an odd cloud in the southwest. I told the kids to get in the house and shut the doors. The cloud was coming fast and it was red in color. It was the most eerie feeling when the wind hit- the red in the cloud was dirt and it was a peculiar and scary sensation watching the storm coming closer and closer until it has consumed everything around us. When it hit I could not see 10 feet in front of me. When these kinds of storms strike you feel so helpless and powerless. There is nothing you can do but ride it out. Obviously, it was nothing like what happened Friday night, but at the time I did not know what was going to materialize next.
One time Virgil had decided to take a hike- I was annoyed as I wanted to go with him. He was a boy scout and was going it alone. The last thing he wanted was a little sister holding him back and more than likely whining all the way. He was prepared - he had his compass - his flashlight- and other very important items. He was in his uniform and hat. It was a little cloudy out and Mom had said that she did not think that this was a good idea for him to go out and face the world alone. But never fear the Boy Scout was ready for anything. Well, Mother Nature saw this proud little scout and thought she might play with him. She threw down the some of the biggest hail stones she could find. We watched out of the picture window looking for the brave lad. We looked down the lane and saw the scout who was ready for anything- running like the wind, with lightening striking, thunder booming and the wind blowing as he was being beat to a pulp. He should have had a hard hat on and he might have been able to stay out in the elements. However- there was no shelter for him to get under or beside. I am not sure if he ever finished his hike.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell May 1, 2007
It seems that spring is leaving us so quickly that I am not getting a chance to enjoy it. Life is too short not to notice the beautiful sunsets and I have heard that there have been some wonderful sunrises.
This past weekend I was able to attend Jeff and Chelsea’s wedding shower. Things are so different than they were when I was little. I think one of the first showers I remember going to was a cousin who was a registered nurse. I was asked to be a table attendant. There was another little girl who helped also, but I can not remember who she was. Mom made us little nurses’ caps. It was when nurses wore the white, starched uniforms and white hose with white caps with black lines going across the top. One line was a LPN and two lines meant that she was an RN. I was so nervous to help or maybe it was Mom who was nervous about me dispensing the gifts to the head table. Yes - it was definitely Mom. At that time everyone always received sheets, lots and lots of sheets. Now who knows what size of bed people have. Sometimes they received fancy P.J.s - I thought that was really neat with all that lace and frilly stuff. At that time the couple did not go to the stores and register for what they wanted or needed and what color they needed to go with the décor of their home. But they did pick out a china pattern. Some brides might still do that. Do you remember going into the Drug Store to see the pretty patterns of the china that the new bride hoped to acquire? Sometimes you can tell a lot about the bride by the pattern she chose. If it was plain the bride would be a quiet, but elegant woman- If she chose something elaborate she might be a vibrant and animated person. This was not always true- but sometimes.
From time to time the department stores would give the couple a really cool gift from their store.
It was uncommon that the groom attended the shower unless the location of the shower was in his home town and no one knew the bride-to-be. But I like having the groom in attendance they add a lot to the festivities.
I still have a towel or two and I received from my shower almost 30 years ago. They are a little ragged and worn, but I hate to get rid of them. The ladies at the People State Bank gave me a little hand mixer and it just quit about two years ago I think that I got their moneys worth. I used it often.
Showers are always plenty of fun and a great deal of hard work for the Hostess and her helpers, but when the time comes everything works out fine and the punch and cake is so good with lots of excitement and entertainment.
The one thing that has not changed is the generosity of the Comanche County people. It is certainly appreciated.
This past weekend I was able to attend Jeff and Chelsea’s wedding shower. Things are so different than they were when I was little. I think one of the first showers I remember going to was a cousin who was a registered nurse. I was asked to be a table attendant. There was another little girl who helped also, but I can not remember who she was. Mom made us little nurses’ caps. It was when nurses wore the white, starched uniforms and white hose with white caps with black lines going across the top. One line was a LPN and two lines meant that she was an RN. I was so nervous to help or maybe it was Mom who was nervous about me dispensing the gifts to the head table. Yes - it was definitely Mom. At that time everyone always received sheets, lots and lots of sheets. Now who knows what size of bed people have. Sometimes they received fancy P.J.s - I thought that was really neat with all that lace and frilly stuff. At that time the couple did not go to the stores and register for what they wanted or needed and what color they needed to go with the décor of their home. But they did pick out a china pattern. Some brides might still do that. Do you remember going into the Drug Store to see the pretty patterns of the china that the new bride hoped to acquire? Sometimes you can tell a lot about the bride by the pattern she chose. If it was plain the bride would be a quiet, but elegant woman- If she chose something elaborate she might be a vibrant and animated person. This was not always true- but sometimes.
From time to time the department stores would give the couple a really cool gift from their store.
It was uncommon that the groom attended the shower unless the location of the shower was in his home town and no one knew the bride-to-be. But I like having the groom in attendance they add a lot to the festivities.
I still have a towel or two and I received from my shower almost 30 years ago. They are a little ragged and worn, but I hate to get rid of them. The ladies at the People State Bank gave me a little hand mixer and it just quit about two years ago I think that I got their moneys worth. I used it often.
Showers are always plenty of fun and a great deal of hard work for the Hostess and her helpers, but when the time comes everything works out fine and the punch and cake is so good with lots of excitement and entertainment.
The one thing that has not changed is the generosity of the Comanche County people. It is certainly appreciated.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell April 17, 2007
You have always heard the saying, “that if you do not like the weather in Kansas just wait a few minutes and it will change”. Nothing could be closer to the truth this past week. We have had all kinds of different weather wind, rain, snow, ice all this week. I am not complaining about the moisture, if you remember last year we could not buy a drop of liquid. When Jim and I went out to feed the cattle on Saturday - everything was going fine- slow and muddy- but we were making the rounds, in the last pasture I got stuck. I could not believe it. I do not know why I was surprised, I have been stuck almost anywhere a person could - I have been stuck on a gopher hole, in the bottom of a terrace, but just in the middle of the flat pasture - who would have thought that would happened? We were even in the 4-wheel drive truck.
When I get that familiar stinking feeling I can remember Dad yelling at me because I buried the tractor. I farmed for Dad when I was in high school. I was plowing east of the house. It had rained a few days before and I was turning up the moist soil and I knew that I was getting close to the mud hole - but I thought that I could make just one more round - I was sadly mistaken. I tried to raise the plow but in my panic I lowered it instead and that sealed my fate. I tried to get out by rocking it back and forth like I had seen Dad do but nothing would budge. I had to walk to the house to get Dad to pull me out. He was not overjoyed but when he saw the tractor was sitting on an angle out in the middle of a flat field- he got that look. I knew that he was not happy at all. He told me that I did not need to go to axles to know that I was indeed stuck. I explained to him that I tried to get out and he said that he could tell and that was not one of my better ideas. Then he told me that it was alright to just get a little stuck and I did not have to completely bury the bottom half of the tires. Then he mumbled something about me pulling the heart out of ole’ Casey (that was the tractor).
Mom never liked to pull or be pulled out of a sticky situation. She was happy when one of us was around to help Dad out. Dad gave us to warning about a chain breaking and coming back through the windshield and cutting our heads off. This little bit of information was disturbing. So while he would be hooking up the chain I would be practicing ducking so I could hit the passenger seat at a moments notice. I thought too, that being really short at the time was to my advantage. I cannot imagine what he would have thought if he saw me working on dodging the invisible flying chain. Sometimes he would pull me backwards I thought that I would prefer that but Dad said it was worse as you could not see it coming.
Then Dad found out about the large pull ropes. He could not wait to get one of those. We used ropes after that and he thought that they were a little safer. However, being the one that was being pulled was still a frightening experience. While being pulled by a chain Dad would ease up and tighten the chain slowly- well, somewhat slowly- But with the pull rope he would rev up the truck or tractor - and I was sitting in drivers seat of the stuck vehicle, palms sweating, stomach in knots, praying- trying to get my life right with God, thinking about if I could duck a rope if it would snap back. He would back up as close to the stuck object as he could and then with the rpms in the red- get a run at the wide open spaces. He would hit the end of the rope and it would stretch and on a good day my vehicle would start to move forward and life was good.
As horrifying as I thought that was at the time- it really is a fond memory- especially since we both lived through it.
When I get that familiar stinking feeling I can remember Dad yelling at me because I buried the tractor. I farmed for Dad when I was in high school. I was plowing east of the house. It had rained a few days before and I was turning up the moist soil and I knew that I was getting close to the mud hole - but I thought that I could make just one more round - I was sadly mistaken. I tried to raise the plow but in my panic I lowered it instead and that sealed my fate. I tried to get out by rocking it back and forth like I had seen Dad do but nothing would budge. I had to walk to the house to get Dad to pull me out. He was not overjoyed but when he saw the tractor was sitting on an angle out in the middle of a flat field- he got that look. I knew that he was not happy at all. He told me that I did not need to go to axles to know that I was indeed stuck. I explained to him that I tried to get out and he said that he could tell and that was not one of my better ideas. Then he told me that it was alright to just get a little stuck and I did not have to completely bury the bottom half of the tires. Then he mumbled something about me pulling the heart out of ole’ Casey (that was the tractor).
Mom never liked to pull or be pulled out of a sticky situation. She was happy when one of us was around to help Dad out. Dad gave us to warning about a chain breaking and coming back through the windshield and cutting our heads off. This little bit of information was disturbing. So while he would be hooking up the chain I would be practicing ducking so I could hit the passenger seat at a moments notice. I thought too, that being really short at the time was to my advantage. I cannot imagine what he would have thought if he saw me working on dodging the invisible flying chain. Sometimes he would pull me backwards I thought that I would prefer that but Dad said it was worse as you could not see it coming.
Then Dad found out about the large pull ropes. He could not wait to get one of those. We used ropes after that and he thought that they were a little safer. However, being the one that was being pulled was still a frightening experience. While being pulled by a chain Dad would ease up and tighten the chain slowly- well, somewhat slowly- But with the pull rope he would rev up the truck or tractor - and I was sitting in drivers seat of the stuck vehicle, palms sweating, stomach in knots, praying- trying to get my life right with God, thinking about if I could duck a rope if it would snap back. He would back up as close to the stuck object as he could and then with the rpms in the red- get a run at the wide open spaces. He would hit the end of the rope and it would stretch and on a good day my vehicle would start to move forward and life was good.
As horrifying as I thought that was at the time- it really is a fond memory- especially since we both lived through it.
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell April 10, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell April 10, 2007
A good friend of mine told me of a minister that has a new concept to help the attitude of his congregation. He has started the purple bracelet campaign. He has given each member of his congregation a purple bracelet for them to wear. They were to wear it on either wrist then when they complained - gossiped - or criticized they were to switch the bracelet to the other wrist. Saying naughty words count, too. There are couple of rules- One is that if you choose to wear the bracelet and you see someone complain, criticize, etc… who is also wearing a bracelet you must first remove your bracelet and put it on your other wrist before you point out their mistake. The object is to go 21 continuous days without complaining. Why 21 days you ask- Some studies have shown that if you do or not do something for 21 continuous days it becomes a habit. This has really gotten me to think. What would I talk about if I did not complain, gossip, criticize or use sarcasm? What does that leave me? Does that mean that I must try to have happy thoughts? Is that possible? Mom read the story of “Pollyanna” to me when I was little. Pollyanna was an orphaned girl that had a bad life but she always found the good in everything. I found her quite annoying, but not without merit.
This idea has been catching on all over the world. You can order as many bracelets as you want from this Kansas City church. They will send you the bracelets at no cost to you. They do accept a free-will donation to help offset the cost if you want too. The minister who started this madness said it took him 3 months before he made his 21-day mission. So he understands that this is a difficult request..
I was telling Jim about this concept. Since Jim is not talkative, he said that he would just not talk for 21 days. He could do it, too. Anybody who drank a 24-pack of Pepsi a day and could decide one day that he was not going to drink any type carbonated drinks for a year and do it, could easily not talk for 21 days, except for things that pertain to work. I can tell you that talking is not one of Jim’s favorite things to do. We can drive for hours and he will not say a word, he is not mad, just has nothing to talk about. Some of you may think that it is because he cannot get a word in edge-wise- but believe it or not I do run out of things to say after a couple of hours.
Can you imagine any work place where there is no complaining or gossiping? Having coffee at your favorite place and not talking about the newest news or complaining about the weather? Is this possible? Some of us might wear the blisters on our wrists by changing the bracelet back and forth or maybe complain twice and the bracelet could stay in place. Maybe instead of talking about the things that we cannot change maybe we should think of the people who have done nice things for us. I know that I have an endless list of kindnesses people have shown me. Sometimes I lose sight of that. They are so many people who work behind the scenes and we fail to give them a simple 'thank-you'. Instead we, sometimes not meaning too, let them feel that they have not done enough. We forget to appreciate and somehow we are quick to find fault. Why is that? It is just one of the devils best tools.
It would be great to have any work environment where there is no negativity all. I do not care where you work some kind of negative vibe exists. When Jim’s mom went to have her cancer treated the hospital doctors told her that negative thoughts will only hindered her recovery. All of the staff was always positive and worked at keeping the patients in a cheerful humor.
I have been doing some serious soul searching and found that I find humor in the negative thinking. So if this catches on everywhere- will the humor be gone as well? Am I too old to change? You know “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks”.
Even though this may seem like a new idea, it goes back to the old saying, “If you cannot say anything good do not say it at all”.
A good friend of mine told me of a minister that has a new concept to help the attitude of his congregation. He has started the purple bracelet campaign. He has given each member of his congregation a purple bracelet for them to wear. They were to wear it on either wrist then when they complained - gossiped - or criticized they were to switch the bracelet to the other wrist. Saying naughty words count, too. There are couple of rules- One is that if you choose to wear the bracelet and you see someone complain, criticize, etc… who is also wearing a bracelet you must first remove your bracelet and put it on your other wrist before you point out their mistake. The object is to go 21 continuous days without complaining. Why 21 days you ask- Some studies have shown that if you do or not do something for 21 continuous days it becomes a habit. This has really gotten me to think. What would I talk about if I did not complain, gossip, criticize or use sarcasm? What does that leave me? Does that mean that I must try to have happy thoughts? Is that possible? Mom read the story of “Pollyanna” to me when I was little. Pollyanna was an orphaned girl that had a bad life but she always found the good in everything. I found her quite annoying, but not without merit.
This idea has been catching on all over the world. You can order as many bracelets as you want from this Kansas City church. They will send you the bracelets at no cost to you. They do accept a free-will donation to help offset the cost if you want too. The minister who started this madness said it took him 3 months before he made his 21-day mission. So he understands that this is a difficult request..
I was telling Jim about this concept. Since Jim is not talkative, he said that he would just not talk for 21 days. He could do it, too. Anybody who drank a 24-pack of Pepsi a day and could decide one day that he was not going to drink any type carbonated drinks for a year and do it, could easily not talk for 21 days, except for things that pertain to work. I can tell you that talking is not one of Jim’s favorite things to do. We can drive for hours and he will not say a word, he is not mad, just has nothing to talk about. Some of you may think that it is because he cannot get a word in edge-wise- but believe it or not I do run out of things to say after a couple of hours.
Can you imagine any work place where there is no complaining or gossiping? Having coffee at your favorite place and not talking about the newest news or complaining about the weather? Is this possible? Some of us might wear the blisters on our wrists by changing the bracelet back and forth or maybe complain twice and the bracelet could stay in place. Maybe instead of talking about the things that we cannot change maybe we should think of the people who have done nice things for us. I know that I have an endless list of kindnesses people have shown me. Sometimes I lose sight of that. They are so many people who work behind the scenes and we fail to give them a simple 'thank-you'. Instead we, sometimes not meaning too, let them feel that they have not done enough. We forget to appreciate and somehow we are quick to find fault. Why is that? It is just one of the devils best tools.
It would be great to have any work environment where there is no negativity all. I do not care where you work some kind of negative vibe exists. When Jim’s mom went to have her cancer treated the hospital doctors told her that negative thoughts will only hindered her recovery. All of the staff was always positive and worked at keeping the patients in a cheerful humor.
I have been doing some serious soul searching and found that I find humor in the negative thinking. So if this catches on everywhere- will the humor be gone as well? Am I too old to change? You know “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks”.
Even though this may seem like a new idea, it goes back to the old saying, “If you cannot say anything good do not say it at all”.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell April 3, 2007
Spring has sprung the grass is rize; I wonder where the flowers is? However, I do know that the buzzards are back and have begun cleaning up what winter and the coyotes have left for them.
It is spring and what a beautiful spring we have in progress. Along with spring several things happen- In the movie ‘Bambi’ spring is the beginning of ‘twitterpaitting’ - That is when all of the animals fall in love. The tom turkeys are strutting and fanning those tail feathers. Mom went with me to feed the other day, there was a tom just strutting for all he was worth, and the hen was picking at the newly found green grass. She was not concerned at all by bothersome tom. But on the way, back he had called up another hen and she decided that she would rather eat grass as well. Mom and I felt kind of sorry for the poor ole’ boy. However, he did not look discouraged he knew that he would have his day.
Of course, the Junior and Senior Prom is going to be here soon. I just love Prom - I love to see the girls all dressed up in their beautiful dresses and the guys are so awesome in their tuxedos. What the kids choose to wear shows off their personality. Sometimes I think that we do not get all ‘gussied’ up often enough. Do you remember your Prom themes? Our junior year theme was ‘In the Land of Cotton’. But I am sad to say that I do not remember our senior year. I think when you are a junior you work so hard to try to make everything perfect and that makes lots of memories. And your senior year, you enjoy it, but you did not plan it and work on it for very nearly a year. I remember Jim and I was the band committee. Jim picked out the band and they charged $350.00 for the night. We did not have Project Prom in those days. I doubt that my Dad would have let me go if we did, as I was to be in by the hour of decency (midnight). Actually, I was to be home by 11:00- but under no circumstance any later than midnight. In our house, we had a large picture window that faced the driveway. From that window, you could see the car lights from the ‘high gate’. The high gate was five or six miles from the house. You could bet that Dad was watching for our car lights and those lights had better not stop. One time my date really did run out of gas and it was not five minutes before we saw his lights coming, and at a fairly rapid pace. The man that got out of the car was not the same man you all remember. But when he realized that, we really were out of gas he calmed down a little. It was a good thing that we had started to walk to the house on opposite sides of the road. This was not something that he found much humor in. You knew that he was not kidding when he left the shotgun by the front door when your date came to pick you up. In addition, the date had to come in the house, otherwise how would he know about the ‘decoration’ by the door. None of this honking when he got there and you go out. Dad said that he did not raise a daughter who would run out of the house at the sound of a car horn like a cow that comes to the feed wagon.
There is a new song out it is entitled “Ticks”. The chorus says that the boy would like to check this girl for ticks. I am think that if a guy would told Dad that he was just checking for ticks----- Actually- I am not sure what he would have done but I know that it would not have been pretty.
Back to Prom, I would like to caution all Prom goers everywhere. My Junior Prom was my first date with Jim. I was 16 and I thought that it was a magical night; it was everything that a girl dreams of. The reason that we went together was sort of an accident. Neither one of us had a date nor did we not want to go alone so we decided to go together. We dated from then on. Never broke up once. And so, here we are thirty-one years later. Because of our experience you had better be careful who your Prom date is, you just might end up marrying your date. I have always said that I married very well, but Jim, poor Jim, did not do so good.
It is spring and what a beautiful spring we have in progress. Along with spring several things happen- In the movie ‘Bambi’ spring is the beginning of ‘twitterpaitting’ - That is when all of the animals fall in love. The tom turkeys are strutting and fanning those tail feathers. Mom went with me to feed the other day, there was a tom just strutting for all he was worth, and the hen was picking at the newly found green grass. She was not concerned at all by bothersome tom. But on the way, back he had called up another hen and she decided that she would rather eat grass as well. Mom and I felt kind of sorry for the poor ole’ boy. However, he did not look discouraged he knew that he would have his day.
Of course, the Junior and Senior Prom is going to be here soon. I just love Prom - I love to see the girls all dressed up in their beautiful dresses and the guys are so awesome in their tuxedos. What the kids choose to wear shows off their personality. Sometimes I think that we do not get all ‘gussied’ up often enough. Do you remember your Prom themes? Our junior year theme was ‘In the Land of Cotton’. But I am sad to say that I do not remember our senior year. I think when you are a junior you work so hard to try to make everything perfect and that makes lots of memories. And your senior year, you enjoy it, but you did not plan it and work on it for very nearly a year. I remember Jim and I was the band committee. Jim picked out the band and they charged $350.00 for the night. We did not have Project Prom in those days. I doubt that my Dad would have let me go if we did, as I was to be in by the hour of decency (midnight). Actually, I was to be home by 11:00- but under no circumstance any later than midnight. In our house, we had a large picture window that faced the driveway. From that window, you could see the car lights from the ‘high gate’. The high gate was five or six miles from the house. You could bet that Dad was watching for our car lights and those lights had better not stop. One time my date really did run out of gas and it was not five minutes before we saw his lights coming, and at a fairly rapid pace. The man that got out of the car was not the same man you all remember. But when he realized that, we really were out of gas he calmed down a little. It was a good thing that we had started to walk to the house on opposite sides of the road. This was not something that he found much humor in. You knew that he was not kidding when he left the shotgun by the front door when your date came to pick you up. In addition, the date had to come in the house, otherwise how would he know about the ‘decoration’ by the door. None of this honking when he got there and you go out. Dad said that he did not raise a daughter who would run out of the house at the sound of a car horn like a cow that comes to the feed wagon.
There is a new song out it is entitled “Ticks”. The chorus says that the boy would like to check this girl for ticks. I am think that if a guy would told Dad that he was just checking for ticks----- Actually- I am not sure what he would have done but I know that it would not have been pretty.
Back to Prom, I would like to caution all Prom goers everywhere. My Junior Prom was my first date with Jim. I was 16 and I thought that it was a magical night; it was everything that a girl dreams of. The reason that we went together was sort of an accident. Neither one of us had a date nor did we not want to go alone so we decided to go together. We dated from then on. Never broke up once. And so, here we are thirty-one years later. Because of our experience you had better be careful who your Prom date is, you just might end up marrying your date. I have always said that I married very well, but Jim, poor Jim, did not do so good.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell March 27, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell March 27, 2007
We have survived another Spring Break. I am afraid that I might have broken Jim. I think that when he gets time off from work he must just shudder at the thought of what I have thought up for him to do.
We knew that we need to get our cattle work started and do all sorts of things around the house- but as usual we found other things that need our attention more.
It is amazing how vehicles break down at the same time. It is like a virus. I had two trucks with problems and I need the trucks, so Jim had to work on them.
We were sad to see our renter move to Kansas City. She had rented our house in town for 16 years. She was a wonderful renter and a great lady- she never-ever complained even when she needed too. I hope that she will be happy at her new home. But since she has been in the house I have not done much to the inside and it was in need of some updating. I am peeling off the old wall paper on the walls. The ceiling had to come down as it was sagging. But the great thing is that Jennifer and Giz had just purchased a sheet rock jack. They let us try it out. For those of who are unaware of what this is - it is a piece of equipment that lifts and holds sheetrock on the ceiling while you secure the sheetrock in place. I do not who invented the sheetrock jack but I truly hope that he is a very rich and happy man. It is a wonderful invention. Jim hardly needed me there to help him. I guess that you would appreciate it more if you ever help hold sheet rock up while someone else puts in the screws or nails. When we built our house it never failed just as we got the sheetrock in place one of us would have to go to the bathroom or the phone would ring. I can let a phone ring and return the call later. Jim cannot do that, he informed me that would be rude not to answer.
We made carpet covered T’s to help hold the sheetrock in place, that worked alright, but Jim seemed to like for us (Jennifer and I) to hold the heavy - awkward hunk of gyp with our arms ‘til they cramped, or heads ‘til our necks were nearly squished to our fannies. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it really hurts after awhile. If you just had a couple of pieces that would not be so bad - but a whole house is extremely painful. If I would have known that we could have purchased a jack, I would have gladly paid the price.
Now that Jim has the ceiling up,in the rental house, I need to get the ceiling taped, mudded, and sprayed. Jim is a wonderful fixer and can do almost anything - but mudding sheetrock is not he what he does best. Again, when we built our house, Jim would put on the mud and then asked me to sand it off. I told him if he wanted it off he should not have put it there in the first place. He told me that was very funny, and to get busy. If you have ever you sanded plaster, it is dry, of course, but when you breathe it in - your nose is moist - you know where I am going - a person can seal up their whole nasal passages not to mention ears and every pore in their skin. I very nearly plugged up my entire sinus system up with plaster- I blew out plaster balls for days. I know that you can get masks- but you look - you know strange- and I certainly would not want to look strange- and you breathe in your own hot air and that just does not sound healthy to me. And you know me I am all about style and health. So long story long- my marriage is not strong enough to go through that again.
But I have some painting, and various things to do. While we are doing all this, my next renter is being very patient and understanding. I hope that it will be ready for her soon.
We have survived another Spring Break. I am afraid that I might have broken Jim. I think that when he gets time off from work he must just shudder at the thought of what I have thought up for him to do.
We knew that we need to get our cattle work started and do all sorts of things around the house- but as usual we found other things that need our attention more.
It is amazing how vehicles break down at the same time. It is like a virus. I had two trucks with problems and I need the trucks, so Jim had to work on them.
We were sad to see our renter move to Kansas City. She had rented our house in town for 16 years. She was a wonderful renter and a great lady- she never-ever complained even when she needed too. I hope that she will be happy at her new home. But since she has been in the house I have not done much to the inside and it was in need of some updating. I am peeling off the old wall paper on the walls. The ceiling had to come down as it was sagging. But the great thing is that Jennifer and Giz had just purchased a sheet rock jack. They let us try it out. For those of who are unaware of what this is - it is a piece of equipment that lifts and holds sheetrock on the ceiling while you secure the sheetrock in place. I do not who invented the sheetrock jack but I truly hope that he is a very rich and happy man. It is a wonderful invention. Jim hardly needed me there to help him. I guess that you would appreciate it more if you ever help hold sheet rock up while someone else puts in the screws or nails. When we built our house it never failed just as we got the sheetrock in place one of us would have to go to the bathroom or the phone would ring. I can let a phone ring and return the call later. Jim cannot do that, he informed me that would be rude not to answer.
We made carpet covered T’s to help hold the sheetrock in place, that worked alright, but Jim seemed to like for us (Jennifer and I) to hold the heavy - awkward hunk of gyp with our arms ‘til they cramped, or heads ‘til our necks were nearly squished to our fannies. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it really hurts after awhile. If you just had a couple of pieces that would not be so bad - but a whole house is extremely painful. If I would have known that we could have purchased a jack, I would have gladly paid the price.
Now that Jim has the ceiling up,in the rental house, I need to get the ceiling taped, mudded, and sprayed. Jim is a wonderful fixer and can do almost anything - but mudding sheetrock is not he what he does best. Again, when we built our house, Jim would put on the mud and then asked me to sand it off. I told him if he wanted it off he should not have put it there in the first place. He told me that was very funny, and to get busy. If you have ever you sanded plaster, it is dry, of course, but when you breathe it in - your nose is moist - you know where I am going - a person can seal up their whole nasal passages not to mention ears and every pore in their skin. I very nearly plugged up my entire sinus system up with plaster- I blew out plaster balls for days. I know that you can get masks- but you look - you know strange- and I certainly would not want to look strange- and you breathe in your own hot air and that just does not sound healthy to me. And you know me I am all about style and health. So long story long- my marriage is not strong enough to go through that again.
But I have some painting, and various things to do. While we are doing all this, my next renter is being very patient and understanding. I hope that it will be ready for her soon.
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell March 20. 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell March 20. 2007
I have gotten a bee in my bonnet, so to speak. As I was out feeding the cows the other day, I listening to the radio. The DJ was talking about tough women. And what made a woman strong and resilient. He was telling about a woman coach that had a baby then five hours later, she was on the court coaching her team. When asked if she had an assistant who could have taken over- she said that she did. I think that he was wrong. I do not think that she was tough- just more interested in her job. But that is just my opinion.
To me a tough woman is like the woman whose husband called in and said that his wife was tough. As he was in the military- he could be and has been, called away at any given time. She did not know where he would be going or when he would be back and while he is gone she takes over raising their family and never complains- Now that is tough.
I have always thought that women who choose to accept harsh realities that she cannot change and make the best of the situation- Whether it is the poor health of a mate or herself- Or if life has just dealt her an unfair hand. Those are strong women.
I have always said that I would have died 3 days out of Boston in the pioneer days. I have always thought women back then had such a hard life. They had nothing easy. Everything worked hard. Mom would get on to me if I ever complained about the laundry. I know that it is silly to whine about it - especially when Mom had seen her mother carry buckets of water into the washhouse, heat the water, and scrub the family clothes on the board. They heated the water on wood stoves, which had to be cut and not by a chain saw. We will not even talk about the starching and the ironing. I have my washer and dryer close to my bedroom upstairs and I can fold my clothes as I watch TV in a temperature controlled environment. Most of our clothes do not require ironing. I have a dishwasher- a vacuum sweeper- I have a good life. And most of us do - I just wonder if we really appreciate what we have.
I have gotten a bee in my bonnet, so to speak. As I was out feeding the cows the other day, I listening to the radio. The DJ was talking about tough women. And what made a woman strong and resilient. He was telling about a woman coach that had a baby then five hours later, she was on the court coaching her team. When asked if she had an assistant who could have taken over- she said that she did. I think that he was wrong. I do not think that she was tough- just more interested in her job. But that is just my opinion.
To me a tough woman is like the woman whose husband called in and said that his wife was tough. As he was in the military- he could be and has been, called away at any given time. She did not know where he would be going or when he would be back and while he is gone she takes over raising their family and never complains- Now that is tough.
I have always thought that women who choose to accept harsh realities that she cannot change and make the best of the situation- Whether it is the poor health of a mate or herself- Or if life has just dealt her an unfair hand. Those are strong women.
I have always said that I would have died 3 days out of Boston in the pioneer days. I have always thought women back then had such a hard life. They had nothing easy. Everything worked hard. Mom would get on to me if I ever complained about the laundry. I know that it is silly to whine about it - especially when Mom had seen her mother carry buckets of water into the washhouse, heat the water, and scrub the family clothes on the board. They heated the water on wood stoves, which had to be cut and not by a chain saw. We will not even talk about the starching and the ironing. I have my washer and dryer close to my bedroom upstairs and I can fold my clothes as I watch TV in a temperature controlled environment. Most of our clothes do not require ironing. I have a dishwasher- a vacuum sweeper- I have a good life. And most of us do - I just wonder if we really appreciate what we have.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell March 13, 2007
Winter is winding down, but I can not help but remember going to Grandma Cary’s house to do the laundry. We lived on the Perry Wall place and our water was not good to do the wash. All of the whites turned a rusty - red color. We somehow had no trouble in drinking the water. I always thought that was why none of us ever broke any arms or legs as we had plenty of minerals in our system. Grandma and Granddad had good water, so we took one day a week to do the laundry at their house.
I can remember very vividly going down the hill by the Frank Todd place, there were two double bridges. The bridges were low and more like culverts, but they were wooden had metal runners going across them. Sometimes when there was snow all you could see was the metal and you knew you were where you needed to be. Sometimes when it rained the water would wash the bridges out and Granddad would call us and we would have to go around the other way to get to their house. That was, of course, if the Mark Brown bridges had not washed out north of their home. If Dad was with us, he would wade out to see if the floor of the bridge was still there. If it was he would guide us across the water. I found all of this quite exciting. I could tell what happened if the bridge was out- but that is an entirely different story.
Even if it had snowed we braved the elements to get the laundry washed and dried, after all it was wash day. The Cary lane was usually snowed shut. If that was the case then we would go thru the pasture. I thought that Mom was really adventurous and brave to take the car in the pasture. Or maybe it was the frightened look Mom had on her face and the death grip she had on the steering wheel that truly intrigued me.
Grandma needed help with Granddad as his health was failing so Mom and I moved in with them the winter of 1970. In view of the fact that Grandma did not drive - she was in need of assistance. This was during the school year and given that the mail carrier and the school bus used the lane, the county raised the lane, which helped a great deal with the snow tribulations.
Now with all the improvements, the much needed elevated, cement bridges at the Todd Place and extra gravel on the roads, the elevation of the lane. All of which are really enjoyed and immensely appreciated - there is something that I miss. Something that I cannot put my finger on- Maybe just maybe - could it be a youthful eye?
I can remember very vividly going down the hill by the Frank Todd place, there were two double bridges. The bridges were low and more like culverts, but they were wooden had metal runners going across them. Sometimes when there was snow all you could see was the metal and you knew you were where you needed to be. Sometimes when it rained the water would wash the bridges out and Granddad would call us and we would have to go around the other way to get to their house. That was, of course, if the Mark Brown bridges had not washed out north of their home. If Dad was with us, he would wade out to see if the floor of the bridge was still there. If it was he would guide us across the water. I found all of this quite exciting. I could tell what happened if the bridge was out- but that is an entirely different story.
Even if it had snowed we braved the elements to get the laundry washed and dried, after all it was wash day. The Cary lane was usually snowed shut. If that was the case then we would go thru the pasture. I thought that Mom was really adventurous and brave to take the car in the pasture. Or maybe it was the frightened look Mom had on her face and the death grip she had on the steering wheel that truly intrigued me.
Grandma needed help with Granddad as his health was failing so Mom and I moved in with them the winter of 1970. In view of the fact that Grandma did not drive - she was in need of assistance. This was during the school year and given that the mail carrier and the school bus used the lane, the county raised the lane, which helped a great deal with the snow tribulations.
Now with all the improvements, the much needed elevated, cement bridges at the Todd Place and extra gravel on the roads, the elevation of the lane. All of which are really enjoyed and immensely appreciated - there is something that I miss. Something that I cannot put my finger on- Maybe just maybe - could it be a youthful eye?
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell March 06, 2007
We were saddened by the loss of Lewis Reed. He will be missed by many. Dad teased Lewis something awful, and he took it all in stride. He was one of a very few people who always referred to my mom as Mrs. White. He always had a good heart towards his fellow man.
Joan Hickman called Myrna Bumgarner to let us know that my Aunt Hazel Renard had passed away. Joan, is Hazels oldest daughter. Hazel was 93 years old and was living in Mesa, Arizona. She had moved in with Joan and Bud as she was having some difficulty living by herself. Hazel was an older sister by two years to Dad. Bob White and Alma Haas are the only 2 of the 6 kids still living. Dad’s family has been very fortunate for the times they lived in. All 6 kids lived to see their children grown and many grandchildren. They survived World War I and II- the depression- Korean War- the Vietnam Conflict- the man on the moon - and all but Uncle Vic got the see the Millennium change. They have been truly blessed by a long and productive life.
Sometimes I think the world is trying to drive me crazy. I know that some might say that it would be a very short trip. But I was told in church Sunday that Daylight Saving time was this weekend. I was sure that it is too early to change our clocks up. As I was certain that it is the first Sunday in April. I am not sure who decides to deprive me of an hour of my much loved sleep, but I wish they would make up their mind.
I have heard many things for the time change and the arguments against it. I do like to have that extra time in the evenings - One lady was telling me that she really likes to have that extra daylight so she can run after a hard days work. That is not I want to do with my extra hour. Jim likes that extra time to get things done on the farm in the evenings.
When the kids were small it was difficult to get them in bed at night when the sun is still shining brightly in their bedrooms. For those who have to travel east in the mornings to work it I would think that it would be exasperating since you have fought with the sun in your eyes and just when it is about right somebody decides that we need to start all over again and put that pesky sun right back in your vision.
For the farmer, however the time change means very little. He gets up with the sun and if he is lucky he gets to hit the sack when the sun goes down. He just knows that in the beginning of spring as the days grow longer he has more daylight to get ready for the spring crops.
I can remember that when I was still in school I sure did like to have that extra sunlight as that gave me more time to ride horses and spend some really good time with Dad. It also meant that school year was coming to a close and that always made me smile.
Joan Hickman called Myrna Bumgarner to let us know that my Aunt Hazel Renard had passed away. Joan, is Hazels oldest daughter. Hazel was 93 years old and was living in Mesa, Arizona. She had moved in with Joan and Bud as she was having some difficulty living by herself. Hazel was an older sister by two years to Dad. Bob White and Alma Haas are the only 2 of the 6 kids still living. Dad’s family has been very fortunate for the times they lived in. All 6 kids lived to see their children grown and many grandchildren. They survived World War I and II- the depression- Korean War- the Vietnam Conflict- the man on the moon - and all but Uncle Vic got the see the Millennium change. They have been truly blessed by a long and productive life.
Sometimes I think the world is trying to drive me crazy. I know that some might say that it would be a very short trip. But I was told in church Sunday that Daylight Saving time was this weekend. I was sure that it is too early to change our clocks up. As I was certain that it is the first Sunday in April. I am not sure who decides to deprive me of an hour of my much loved sleep, but I wish they would make up their mind.
I have heard many things for the time change and the arguments against it. I do like to have that extra time in the evenings - One lady was telling me that she really likes to have that extra daylight so she can run after a hard days work. That is not I want to do with my extra hour. Jim likes that extra time to get things done on the farm in the evenings.
When the kids were small it was difficult to get them in bed at night when the sun is still shining brightly in their bedrooms. For those who have to travel east in the mornings to work it I would think that it would be exasperating since you have fought with the sun in your eyes and just when it is about right somebody decides that we need to start all over again and put that pesky sun right back in your vision.
For the farmer, however the time change means very little. He gets up with the sun and if he is lucky he gets to hit the sack when the sun goes down. He just knows that in the beginning of spring as the days grow longer he has more daylight to get ready for the spring crops.
I can remember that when I was still in school I sure did like to have that extra sunlight as that gave me more time to ride horses and spend some really good time with Dad. It also meant that school year was coming to a close and that always made me smile.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Feb.26, 2007
When I last left you I thought this article would be about how we pulled off the surprise party for Vickie. Instead it is bittersweet- Yes; we did have a nice party for Vickie and had some good family time. Then we got the call about Chad Marsh being killed in action in Iraq. Chad was our cousin and about 3 weeks older than Jeff. I got home as quick as I could when I found out that the service would be on Monday.
Bittersweet- Yes, it was a terrible thing to lose Chad and there will be a hole in all of our hearts- but when we saw and experienced the love and patriotism that our country, state, county, and city has shown our families we were in awe. The sound of the Patriot Guard coming was eerie and a seeing them ride into the cemetery in formation and almost every bike had a flag attached to it. It was welcomed sight and we knew that our family had made the trip safely. All of the flags and the people holding the red, white and blue waving in the breeze at the cemetery was a beautiful scene. And when the family gathered around the open grave and the flags came in from all sides it made me feel safe and protected, a feeling that some people in this world have never felt.
Vickie and Randy went to the service in Wichita. Vickie said she cried from Harper to Coldwater. Randy had the honor of riding his Harley in the Patriot Guard so she was by herself in the truck. Not only was her heart breaking for Janet and family, but when she saw the streets lined with the young and old alike waving their flags or their ball caps placed respectfully over their hearts in every town between Wichita and Coldwater touched her. Little old men that could hardly stand - stood as straight as they could with the look of reverence. Little old ladies, humped over in their wheelchairs waving their little flags. Small children looking somber and waving their small flags was just a little more than she could take. Farmers stopping along the road holding their ball caps, or cowboy hats, over their hearts while the funeral procession went by - brought back memories of Dad and his love for his country. And when she arrived in Coldwater and saw what her home town had done and all of the work everyone had done she was astonished.
Bittersweet- Yes, the protesters did show up at the service in Wichita. But because of the Patriot Guard and owners of adjoining property would not allow them to spread their poison. For this again, it makes me proud to be an American.
When Randy was being briefed on what to do when riding with the Patriot Guard they asked him, “When someone asks you how many missions have you been on, what will you say?”. Randy replied, ‘this is my first one, so it would be one”. They said, “No, - you say too many”. And that is true, one is too many- too many indeed.
Bittersweet- Yes, it was a terrible thing to lose Chad and there will be a hole in all of our hearts- but when we saw and experienced the love and patriotism that our country, state, county, and city has shown our families we were in awe. The sound of the Patriot Guard coming was eerie and a seeing them ride into the cemetery in formation and almost every bike had a flag attached to it. It was welcomed sight and we knew that our family had made the trip safely. All of the flags and the people holding the red, white and blue waving in the breeze at the cemetery was a beautiful scene. And when the family gathered around the open grave and the flags came in from all sides it made me feel safe and protected, a feeling that some people in this world have never felt.
Vickie and Randy went to the service in Wichita. Vickie said she cried from Harper to Coldwater. Randy had the honor of riding his Harley in the Patriot Guard so she was by herself in the truck. Not only was her heart breaking for Janet and family, but when she saw the streets lined with the young and old alike waving their flags or their ball caps placed respectfully over their hearts in every town between Wichita and Coldwater touched her. Little old men that could hardly stand - stood as straight as they could with the look of reverence. Little old ladies, humped over in their wheelchairs waving their little flags. Small children looking somber and waving their small flags was just a little more than she could take. Farmers stopping along the road holding their ball caps, or cowboy hats, over their hearts while the funeral procession went by - brought back memories of Dad and his love for his country. And when she arrived in Coldwater and saw what her home town had done and all of the work everyone had done she was astonished.
Bittersweet- Yes, the protesters did show up at the service in Wichita. But because of the Patriot Guard and owners of adjoining property would not allow them to spread their poison. For this again, it makes me proud to be an American.
When Randy was being briefed on what to do when riding with the Patriot Guard they asked him, “When someone asks you how many missions have you been on, what will you say?”. Randy replied, ‘this is my first one, so it would be one”. They said, “No, - you say too many”. And that is true, one is too many- too many indeed.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Feb. 13, 2007
It is official the Killdeers are here! Last week I saw our little feathered friends running around the stock tank. I bet they wished that they had waited a little while longer.
It is so cold out today that I am thinking about taking the dogs with me to feed the cows. I hate the thought of them outside in the cold wind. Taking Jake in the pickup is an experience since he would like to drive. And Josie does not travel well, she gets a little sick.
When I was little I went with my Granddad Cary to feed his cows. He had quite an array of animals that went with him. He had 2 or 3 cats and a dog- all of which thought that they were to ride next to him. One cat would sit on the top edge of the seat around Granddads neck, while the others would try to get as close as they could to Granddad. Granddad fed square bales and he would get in the back of the pick-up while it was in ‘granny’ gear and throw out the feed. He had a piece of rubber that was bolted to the floor of the pick up and a hook on the other end. He would turn the wheel so the truck would go in a large circle and he would pull the choke out just enough so the truck would not chug. When he had finished throwing out the feed he would jump off the back and catch up with the pick up and go to the next pasture.
Dad usually had a couple of dogs that went with him. Dad would do the same as Granddad except he did not have the rubber on the floor - we had baling wire. Dad would wire his steering wheel to the gear shift. Sometimes he would sit the dog in drivers’ seat and the dog would put her feet on the steering wheel and it looked like the dog was driving. Dad was such a clever man.
It is so cold out today that I am thinking about taking the dogs with me to feed the cows. I hate the thought of them outside in the cold wind. Taking Jake in the pickup is an experience since he would like to drive. And Josie does not travel well, she gets a little sick.
When I was little I went with my Granddad Cary to feed his cows. He had quite an array of animals that went with him. He had 2 or 3 cats and a dog- all of which thought that they were to ride next to him. One cat would sit on the top edge of the seat around Granddads neck, while the others would try to get as close as they could to Granddad. Granddad fed square bales and he would get in the back of the pick-up while it was in ‘granny’ gear and throw out the feed. He had a piece of rubber that was bolted to the floor of the pick up and a hook on the other end. He would turn the wheel so the truck would go in a large circle and he would pull the choke out just enough so the truck would not chug. When he had finished throwing out the feed he would jump off the back and catch up with the pick up and go to the next pasture.
Dad usually had a couple of dogs that went with him. Dad would do the same as Granddad except he did not have the rubber on the floor - we had baling wire. Dad would wire his steering wheel to the gear shift. Sometimes he would sit the dog in drivers’ seat and the dog would put her feet on the steering wheel and it looked like the dog was driving. Dad was such a clever man.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Feb. 6, 2007
I am sure some of you are wondering how the hypnotism turned out. Some of you maybe are unaware that I, along with 12 other people, consented to let ourselves be hypnotized as a fund raiser. It was an interesting experience. It would have been easier to “go under” if I was not in front of 150 people. And tuning out the audience was, for me was extremely difficult. Just as I was feeling really relaxed my mind went to “what on earth are you thinking?”. I think that if I wanted to use hypnosis as a tool to lose weight or some other vice it would be effective. Only if I was in an office alone with the hypnotherapist. I found out a little more about myself- I have a stronger will than I thought I did. I guess what I am saying is that if I do something silly in public I would like for it to be my idea and not someone else’s.
We watched the Super Bowl Sunday. The main reason I watch is the commercials. They were alright - but I was a little disappointed that there were fewer advertisers than usual. We were frustrated with the half time show. Of course, everyone has a solution- ours is that we would like to see the High School and College and Professional - National Champion Cheerleaders do a routine and the High School and College National Champion Marching Band do a routine. We think that would a lot more entertaining than what they have had in the past few years.
I have had a report that they have heard the Killdeers. As most of you remember my dad always looked for the little bird around the twentieth of February. This means they are early this year and maybe just maybe spring really is around the corner.
We watched the Super Bowl Sunday. The main reason I watch is the commercials. They were alright - but I was a little disappointed that there were fewer advertisers than usual. We were frustrated with the half time show. Of course, everyone has a solution- ours is that we would like to see the High School and College and Professional - National Champion Cheerleaders do a routine and the High School and College National Champion Marching Band do a routine. We think that would a lot more entertaining than what they have had in the past few years.
I have had a report that they have heard the Killdeers. As most of you remember my dad always looked for the little bird around the twentieth of February. This means they are early this year and maybe just maybe spring really is around the corner.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Jan 30, 2007
Years ago when a woman reached a certain age or was in the ‘motherly way’ they were to be out of the public eye.
So I would like to have a word with all of you, who have a woman living in their household who is over the age of 35. Would you please stop telling us that we are emotional. My daughter tells me the other day that I should look in to getting some medication. I think that it is a shame that a woman over the age of 35, all of a sudden can no longer express her feelings whether they are happy, sad, angry or whatever, without someone thinking or saying that we are being unreasonable and that there is a pill that can fix us right up. I news for all of you pill pushers, maybe I am happy being an ‘emotional wreck’. When I tried to calmly explain this to Jennifer she would say in a quiet condescending voice, ‘that’s ok Mom’ or ‘now there you go again getting all defensive’. Of course, I am defensive; I have just been told that I am longer suitable to be in public without being medicated. I think for the most part I am a fairly logical person or as logical as I ever have been.
Then Jennifer informs me that I would feel better if I would medicate. She thought that she could show me another way that I could benefit from her pill pushing. Does she really think that she can tell me how I feel physically? I think that I feel pretty good. I have a few aches and pains- but who doesn’t.
I thought that maybe it was just me. But I was telling my sister, Vickie, about my dilemma and she was quick to tell me that she had made a terrible mistake by telling her husband, Randy, that if she ever was getting unreasonable, to tell her. She did not want to be one of those cranky old women who no one wants to be around. Well, that is a serious mistake that no woman should ever make. Since evidently that is just what your family is waiting to hear. We can not even express ourselves without one of our loved ones to instantly point out that we need to settle down and relax. There are times when we need to get excited. I thought that it is good to vent our thoughts and emotions. Then when we do- the kids roll their eyes, like we can not see that they are just patronizing us.
Perhaps we should ask our family how we are to react to situations, so that they are more contented with us- And maybe we should never go to bat for them- and maybe we should not care about anyone or anything since it seems to make others uneasy.
I will admit that I do have little temper tantrums- especially when it comes to working with the cattle- but they are no worst than when I man gets angry and proceeds to do whatever he does. But when I chase a cow around the pasture in the pickup, yelling at her, maybe even trying to do physical harm to her- I need a pill. I can tell you that when Dad was ranting and raving no one even dared mention that perhaps he was over reacting and to relax and everything will work out just fine.
Now that I have aired my thoughts- I should also say -I know that there are some good medications that have helped millions of women. And I know that there will come a time when I will probably be begging for a happy pill but until that time comes ---- I know- I know --- calm down everything will be ok.
So I would like to have a word with all of you, who have a woman living in their household who is over the age of 35. Would you please stop telling us that we are emotional. My daughter tells me the other day that I should look in to getting some medication. I think that it is a shame that a woman over the age of 35, all of a sudden can no longer express her feelings whether they are happy, sad, angry or whatever, without someone thinking or saying that we are being unreasonable and that there is a pill that can fix us right up. I news for all of you pill pushers, maybe I am happy being an ‘emotional wreck’. When I tried to calmly explain this to Jennifer she would say in a quiet condescending voice, ‘that’s ok Mom’ or ‘now there you go again getting all defensive’. Of course, I am defensive; I have just been told that I am longer suitable to be in public without being medicated. I think for the most part I am a fairly logical person or as logical as I ever have been.
Then Jennifer informs me that I would feel better if I would medicate. She thought that she could show me another way that I could benefit from her pill pushing. Does she really think that she can tell me how I feel physically? I think that I feel pretty good. I have a few aches and pains- but who doesn’t.
I thought that maybe it was just me. But I was telling my sister, Vickie, about my dilemma and she was quick to tell me that she had made a terrible mistake by telling her husband, Randy, that if she ever was getting unreasonable, to tell her. She did not want to be one of those cranky old women who no one wants to be around. Well, that is a serious mistake that no woman should ever make. Since evidently that is just what your family is waiting to hear. We can not even express ourselves without one of our loved ones to instantly point out that we need to settle down and relax. There are times when we need to get excited. I thought that it is good to vent our thoughts and emotions. Then when we do- the kids roll their eyes, like we can not see that they are just patronizing us.
Perhaps we should ask our family how we are to react to situations, so that they are more contented with us- And maybe we should never go to bat for them- and maybe we should not care about anyone or anything since it seems to make others uneasy.
I will admit that I do have little temper tantrums- especially when it comes to working with the cattle- but they are no worst than when I man gets angry and proceeds to do whatever he does. But when I chase a cow around the pasture in the pickup, yelling at her, maybe even trying to do physical harm to her- I need a pill. I can tell you that when Dad was ranting and raving no one even dared mention that perhaps he was over reacting and to relax and everything will work out just fine.
Now that I have aired my thoughts- I should also say -I know that there are some good medications that have helped millions of women. And I know that there will come a time when I will probably be begging for a happy pill but until that time comes ---- I know- I know --- calm down everything will be ok.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Jan. 16, 07
When you travel what do you do? Do you sing- read- listen to music or do you just sit back and enjoy the scenery? When I was growing up we had a 30 minute ride home so we did different things. We would sing, tell jokes, tell the about our day. The last week in December Giz, Jennifer Jim and I went to Tulsa to see Jim’s mom. She was at the Cancer Treatment Center for a chemo treatment. On our way home Jennifer had purchased a personality test book. It has several tests about different areas in your character. After taking 200 miles worth of various tests I think that I am a nut. But that should not surprise any of you. We had so much fun discussing the questions and how our minds work. It asked questions about hypnosis - whether you vote for someone who has ever gone to a psychiatrist - do you ever see shapes in the clouds- do you ever look at something long enough that it takes on another form (of course it does, I was the only one who would admit it)- etc.. The one good thing is that I was not the only crazy person in the car or not. It is fun to see how different people interpret and answer the same question. I am afraid that if Giz would have known what kind of family he was marrying into he would have ran to the hills never to be seen or heard of again.
Lately I have been having a problem of hearing Jim. Or maybe I just am not paying any attention when he talks. I have been told by various men that their wives suffer from the same thing. Well, men, let me tell you something- If you tell your wife (or the lady in your life) something and she do not answer you, perhaps she did not hear you. It is a simple thing- I know that Jim says he has told me things, sometimes really important things, and I have no recollection that he even mentioned it. When he says that he told me - my response is ‘did I answer you back’- his response is always, ‘no’. Well then, I did not hear you. So men if want your wife to hear and understand you just talk to her and make sure she answers you back. Now I am not saying that women are not bright or we intentionally tune out the men in our lives. I am saying that while the TV or radio is on and the water is running along with the dishwasher and your husband mumbles something in the bathroom as he flushes the toilet you just might not hear him. I know that men hear and pay attention to each and every word we speak and could repeat verbatim what we say each and every day. And they do everything just the way we want it done. Sometimes women fall short and we do not do things the way, the men want them done.
So men just do not yell from the door that the house is on fire then run off expecting her to take care of the situation, please, make sure she heard what you said. That is all we ask.
Lately I have been having a problem of hearing Jim. Or maybe I just am not paying any attention when he talks. I have been told by various men that their wives suffer from the same thing. Well, men, let me tell you something- If you tell your wife (or the lady in your life) something and she do not answer you, perhaps she did not hear you. It is a simple thing- I know that Jim says he has told me things, sometimes really important things, and I have no recollection that he even mentioned it. When he says that he told me - my response is ‘did I answer you back’- his response is always, ‘no’. Well then, I did not hear you. So men if want your wife to hear and understand you just talk to her and make sure she answers you back. Now I am not saying that women are not bright or we intentionally tune out the men in our lives. I am saying that while the TV or radio is on and the water is running along with the dishwasher and your husband mumbles something in the bathroom as he flushes the toilet you just might not hear him. I know that men hear and pay attention to each and every word we speak and could repeat verbatim what we say each and every day. And they do everything just the way we want it done. Sometimes women fall short and we do not do things the way, the men want them done.
So men just do not yell from the door that the house is on fire then run off expecting her to take care of the situation, please, make sure she heard what you said. That is all we ask.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell 12-27-06
We have survived another Christmas. It is amazing how each Christmas is different. It is never how it was when you were a kid. It seems that maybe a little magic is gone. Maybe I just may feel that way since our kids are grown up and we do not have any little ones anxiously awaiting Santa. Or the look on the little ones face when you finally get the last ornament and the last string of lights on tree and it lights up.
I have received e-mails from families with their family photos. Those are so nice to look at and see how the children have grown and sometimes with kids of their own. I also received several e-mails from people that I have done business with in the dog world. Several had asked if I could send them an email with photos of my Great Danes. I thought I could do that fairly easy. That is my trouble, I think that most things are easy to accomplish. Well, they are not. Jennifer and I thought that we would like to get a photo of the dogs by the Christmas tree. Not a good idea. First of all their tails are a lethal weapon and getting them to stand by the tree without them wagging their tails and nearly knocking the tree over or at the very least taking out the lower half of all the ornaments and icicles is an impossible task. We finally got the dogs safely away from the tree but close enough to make a nice background, we thought we were very nearly finished - wrong again. Have you ever tried to get two not-so-bright dogs to sit or stand together and look the same direction at the same time for just an instant? It is almost impossible to do. When you get the right look, then the camera has shut its self off or the battery has run down. By the time I had worked with them, for what seemed like hours-it was not hours it just felt like that- I could care less if I ever took another picture again as long as I live. I had considered throwing the camera as far as I could and beating the dogs to death. But I did not do either of those things. I really thought taking pictures of Jake and Josie (the dogs) would be easier to do than when Jennifer and Jeff (our kids) were little. By the time you get them cleaned up and dressed up and kept in a good humor, which rarely happened all at the same time. That was difficult to accomplish. It does not hold a candle to getting my dogs to pose for a snap shot. I now have a new appreciation for those people who take pet photos for a living. The worst thing is after we went through all of that, I found a decent picture that I had taken this fall that was better than any of the ones we took by the tree. Life is funny, right?
I have received e-mails from families with their family photos. Those are so nice to look at and see how the children have grown and sometimes with kids of their own. I also received several e-mails from people that I have done business with in the dog world. Several had asked if I could send them an email with photos of my Great Danes. I thought I could do that fairly easy. That is my trouble, I think that most things are easy to accomplish. Well, they are not. Jennifer and I thought that we would like to get a photo of the dogs by the Christmas tree. Not a good idea. First of all their tails are a lethal weapon and getting them to stand by the tree without them wagging their tails and nearly knocking the tree over or at the very least taking out the lower half of all the ornaments and icicles is an impossible task. We finally got the dogs safely away from the tree but close enough to make a nice background, we thought we were very nearly finished - wrong again. Have you ever tried to get two not-so-bright dogs to sit or stand together and look the same direction at the same time for just an instant? It is almost impossible to do. When you get the right look, then the camera has shut its self off or the battery has run down. By the time I had worked with them, for what seemed like hours-it was not hours it just felt like that- I could care less if I ever took another picture again as long as I live. I had considered throwing the camera as far as I could and beating the dogs to death. But I did not do either of those things. I really thought taking pictures of Jake and Josie (the dogs) would be easier to do than when Jennifer and Jeff (our kids) were little. By the time you get them cleaned up and dressed up and kept in a good humor, which rarely happened all at the same time. That was difficult to accomplish. It does not hold a candle to getting my dogs to pose for a snap shot. I now have a new appreciation for those people who take pet photos for a living. The worst thing is after we went through all of that, I found a decent picture that I had taken this fall that was better than any of the ones we took by the tree. Life is funny, right?
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Jan. 2, 07
I hope that you started the New Year out better than I did. I ended the year with an auction, as you probably know that I love to go to sales. It was a lot of fun but somewhere in the process I ended up with the flu. I can not believe that you can feel so horrible and still survive. I think that I would have had to get better before I could die. But it did not last long - thank goodness.
This is the time of year for new beginnings and start overs. From the television commercials diets and work out routines are the thing. I have found what I think might be a great diet. When I was in New Mexico the guides were telling the clients about not drinking the water. The two guides were out scouting for wildlife as usual they went farther and they ran out of water. They were so dry that they found some water and they filled their canteens. They felt fine, finished their scouting and went home. After they had been home for a while they started to loose weight. They were not feeling up to par so they went to the doctor and found out that they had a parasite living in their innards. The parasite is one that is found in tainted water.
So I figure that if I would bottle up some of that water and sell it. So you have a small little bug living in you for a while- but when you get to your desired weight I can sell you the antidote to kill the parasite. As everything else there could be side affects - such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps. This sounds really awful but it makes almost as much sense as some of the commercials I have seen and some of the diet pills I have tried with some of the same side affects.
Maybe the best New Years Resolution is found in the Bible “temperance in ALL things”.
This is the time of year for new beginnings and start overs. From the television commercials diets and work out routines are the thing. I have found what I think might be a great diet. When I was in New Mexico the guides were telling the clients about not drinking the water. The two guides were out scouting for wildlife as usual they went farther and they ran out of water. They were so dry that they found some water and they filled their canteens. They felt fine, finished their scouting and went home. After they had been home for a while they started to loose weight. They were not feeling up to par so they went to the doctor and found out that they had a parasite living in their innards. The parasite is one that is found in tainted water.
So I figure that if I would bottle up some of that water and sell it. So you have a small little bug living in you for a while- but when you get to your desired weight I can sell you the antidote to kill the parasite. As everything else there could be side affects - such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps. This sounds really awful but it makes almost as much sense as some of the commercials I have seen and some of the diet pills I have tried with some of the same side affects.
Maybe the best New Years Resolution is found in the Bible “temperance in ALL things”.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Dec.19, 2006
Country Gal by Vanita Blundell Dec. 19, 2006
There are two kinds of people in this world -those who send Christmas cards and those who do not. I am one who does not. It is not that I do not like cards it is just that I can never get them in the mail. I can get them purchased, written on, signed, addressed and, yes, even stamped. But, to get them to the mailbox seems to be an impossible task to accomplish. I could lie and tell you it is just Christmas cards that I do not get in the mail; it is all mail in general. I still have Jennifer’s birth announcements to get off. I think that after 25 years that maybe I should take the stamps off and throw them away. Besides most of the people who I was going to send them to, either have moved away or have died. It is somewhat depressing when you think about it.
But Christmas cards are fun to receive. Christmas cards show your personality. Dad always agonized on picking out the right cards. He ordered from the Leaning Tree Company and he chose different cards for different people. Then he and Mom always wrote a little note inside. If he received a card from someone he had not sent one to, he made sure that one would be in the mail to them within a few days. He just loved getting pictures of families and school pictures of kids.
I just love the cards that people send that can make anything-sound good. Such as: a jailed son, has been away for awhile; if a family member is a wanted felon it could read like this- my sister and her family are enjoying living on an exotic island, not mentioning that there is no extradition there. Or when your daughter has gotten the father of her children to marry her it could read like this, our daughter has married the love of her life.
We have received the cards that do the opposite- Everything is doom and gloom. They report every ache, pain, and bad thing that ever happened to them. Instead of telling about a recent marriage of one of their children- they tell that they are having financial problems they had as a result of an over priced wedding that their daughter just had to have when a trip to the judge’s office would accomplish the same result and not drained their finances for the next ten years and they will never get their credit cards paid off. Not mentioning that she was lucky to find a man who loved and adored her. Or they would write about the child who would not leave home and was a parasite who was sucking the life out of them instead of telling about how nice it was to have someone who lived in the house who could help them out and drive them to their numerous doctor appointments. They might tell about their vehicle problems, instead telling about the nice neighbor that helped them out while stranded along the road- they tell about how the car factories cannot produce a good product and the repair cost more than the lousy car was ever worth. They may write about their near death experience, instead of telling about the great care that they received from the hospital staff and the EMT who arrived in just minutes of the call, they tell about how no one ever stays home anymore and they just spread germs and plagues everywhere they go. Instead of telling about having the grandchildren over and playing with them-they tell how tiring the kids were and they are not taught to mind. They are getting just a little bit tired of being a free babysitter.
I get a real kick out of those who love to tell about all of their misfortunes. However, when you think about it- Life is too short to dwell on the bad so I guess I prefer the optimistic to the pessimistic.
There are two kinds of people in this world -those who send Christmas cards and those who do not. I am one who does not. It is not that I do not like cards it is just that I can never get them in the mail. I can get them purchased, written on, signed, addressed and, yes, even stamped. But, to get them to the mailbox seems to be an impossible task to accomplish. I could lie and tell you it is just Christmas cards that I do not get in the mail; it is all mail in general. I still have Jennifer’s birth announcements to get off. I think that after 25 years that maybe I should take the stamps off and throw them away. Besides most of the people who I was going to send them to, either have moved away or have died. It is somewhat depressing when you think about it.
But Christmas cards are fun to receive. Christmas cards show your personality. Dad always agonized on picking out the right cards. He ordered from the Leaning Tree Company and he chose different cards for different people. Then he and Mom always wrote a little note inside. If he received a card from someone he had not sent one to, he made sure that one would be in the mail to them within a few days. He just loved getting pictures of families and school pictures of kids.
I just love the cards that people send that can make anything-sound good. Such as: a jailed son, has been away for awhile; if a family member is a wanted felon it could read like this- my sister and her family are enjoying living on an exotic island, not mentioning that there is no extradition there. Or when your daughter has gotten the father of her children to marry her it could read like this, our daughter has married the love of her life.
We have received the cards that do the opposite- Everything is doom and gloom. They report every ache, pain, and bad thing that ever happened to them. Instead of telling about a recent marriage of one of their children- they tell that they are having financial problems they had as a result of an over priced wedding that their daughter just had to have when a trip to the judge’s office would accomplish the same result and not drained their finances for the next ten years and they will never get their credit cards paid off. Not mentioning that she was lucky to find a man who loved and adored her. Or they would write about the child who would not leave home and was a parasite who was sucking the life out of them instead of telling about how nice it was to have someone who lived in the house who could help them out and drive them to their numerous doctor appointments. They might tell about their vehicle problems, instead telling about the nice neighbor that helped them out while stranded along the road- they tell about how the car factories cannot produce a good product and the repair cost more than the lousy car was ever worth. They may write about their near death experience, instead of telling about the great care that they received from the hospital staff and the EMT who arrived in just minutes of the call, they tell about how no one ever stays home anymore and they just spread germs and plagues everywhere they go. Instead of telling about having the grandchildren over and playing with them-they tell how tiring the kids were and they are not taught to mind. They are getting just a little bit tired of being a free babysitter.
I get a real kick out of those who love to tell about all of their misfortunes. However, when you think about it- Life is too short to dwell on the bad so I guess I prefer the optimistic to the pessimistic.
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