#130-WE'RE NOT STOPPING, PERIOD!

When I read "OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 1 and  2 (Jan 22 ans 23) by Deseree, I remembered that I have always had a thing for ruins.  (And by the way if you want a fantastic virtual tour of everything beautiful and wonderful in South Africa then visit her site driftwoodramblings.blogspot.com.)

From my 5th grade year on my parents (with me in tow) would make a trip from California to Missouri (to visit family) every August. On the way we would always pass a road to ancient Indian cliff dwellings. Every year I would beg my father to stop and look at the ruins. At that time people could actually enter the ruins. He would always say NO to ALL nonessential stops.

Kinda looks like us, but Mom was definitely NOT smiling!

You see, my father looked upon this trip as a personal challenge.  Each year he tried to get there in less time (usually driving straight though).  That meant getting up at an awful hour so we could get through the worst part of the desert at night.  He also did not believe in speeding (it was against the law and he is a rule follower as well as a rule maker).  So he made the rule...We will only stop to get gas!  And while we are getting gas everyone  WILL eat and use the restroom.

Unfortunately I was like a little kitten (...garbage in...garbage out).  If I ate or drank anything I would have to go in the near future.  Only by the time the near future got there we were miles beyond the gas station!

Years later, when I was relocating myself and my children to from Ca. to Mo. I was determined to stop and finally get to see those ruins.  I turned onto the road.  Drove for about 20 miles and came to a large chain link fence WITH AN EVEN LARGER LOCK.  Boy was I mad at my dad.  A tremendous opportunity lost forever.  So you can see the magnitude of my loss I looked the place up on the internet.

 http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/%7Edvess/ids/amtours/anawciv.htm

“The Anasazi (Hisatsinom) were likely the descendants of an Archaic Desert culture in the southwest from 6,000 B.C.E. known as the Basketmaker I culture, or from the Mogollon. They first appeared in the Four Corners region (the intersection of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado) around the time of the historic Christ. The ruins of the Anasazi (Hisatsinom) culture are the best-preserved ruins in North America. The word "Anasazi" is a later Navajo word which means "ancient people who are not us" or "ancient enemies." The Hopi consider themselves to be descendants of the Anasazi (Hisatsinom), and prefer that their ancestors be called the Hisatsinom, which means "people of long ago." The Anasazi (Hisatsinom) did not build cliff dwellings for the first 1,000 years of their history, but rather lived in open communities or in caves. They lived near fields where they grew corn, squash, and beans. They also gathered nuts and other wild foods and hunted game. Given the very open nature of their lifestyle, archaeologists argue that the Anasazi (Hisatsinom) had few enemies in their early history.”

 

“Mesa Verde contains some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the southwest. This is Cliff Palace, which is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. It has 217 rooms and twenty-three kivas, and probably had a population of 200-250 people. The kivas here were sunk into the ground, and one entered them by climbing down a ladder.”

 “Other large dwellings include Spruce Tree House which has 144 rooms and eight kivas. There are over 600 cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde and, although there are other large villages such as this in Mesa Verde, 75 percent contain only one to five rooms. Balcony House is another famous dwelling in Mesa Verde, and is located high on the cliffs 600 feet above the canyon floor. Through tree-ring dating, its first timbers have been dated to 1190 C.E., and its latest timbers to 1290. The Anasazi (Hisatsinom) abandoned most cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde around 1270 C.E., and Balcony House was among the last places to be abandoned. “

All of the above came from the website (I certainly didn’t get to take these lovely pictures myself. THANKS DAD!)

kt 2/02/2011

#129- SUNDAY'S SONG (Held)

THIS ONE IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE:  I HEARD ON THE RADIO DURING A SAD PERIOD OF MY LIFE.  I HAD JUST LOST MY MOTHER AND SHORTY THEREAFTER,  I LOST MY BEST FRIEND, LUKE (my German Shepherd).   I PLAYED THIS SONG OVER AND OVER UNTIL THE PAIN WAS HEALED SOFTENED.  kt 2/12/2011

#128-THE REVEALING TRUTH

THE REVEALING TRUTH

I promised to reveal the truth today to the 4 lies and a truth meme.

1. Yes, there was a worm laboratory just west of south/east of Stockton.  No, we didn't even go in! 
2. Yes, I have been in several car accidents but only (if I dare use that word) seven.  I did total five different cars, and on that fateful August day I did almost die.
3. Yes, my father did meet Harry, and my grandmother did cook for Pendergst, and the guard did call Harry Ass Truman.  SO THIS IS THE 100% TRUE ONE.
4. Yes, I save my toenail clippings IN THE TRASH CAN.  This one almost grossed me out writing it.
5. Yes, I had a pot-bellied pig for about 3 days.  I rescued her from the middle of the road and then put an add in the paper.  Her owner came to pick her up and you should have seen the two rushing to greet each other (like two lovers running into each others arms(?).  Any way the pig's name was Ariel (and that ungrateful porker bit me on the ankle three times.  One more bite and she would have been renamed Bacon). 

#126-THURSDAY'S PICKS (All from Clenna)

FOR ALL OF YOU CONFUSED OUT THERE...WELCOME TO MY WORLD.  I OFTEN HAVE DAYS WHEN SOMETHING WIERD HAPPENS.  (And it gets worse if I happen to be working on a project).  But this one takes the cake!

.

The entry below showed up on my post Tuesday, January 11th in error.  I was working on it ( for February 10th and apparently C.R.A.P. (Computer Related Attack by Polterguists) struck again and posted it in error.  (See blogs #48 and# 58 for C.R.A.P.)

[By the way.  Thanks, jhitomi, for alerting me to the mix up] .

So, I removed it because it was put in the wrong place.  Now, I have a delima and I am confusing myself. (and you thought to yourself, not hard for HER to do) because did everyone get to read the one that was pushed down a spot (#96 A Short(s) Story)?  Should I re-post it?

Did everyone get to read this one?  Should I re-post this it also???   Should I go to bed and forget it?  Awhhh, heck!  I think the dog is cute so I am re-posting, but following up with more of Clenna's that I have on deck (particularly since I am getting so far behind).

(1/16/11) OK...SO, YOU DON'T BELIEVE THAT I HAVE C.R.A.P. IN MY COMPUTER.  WELL THEY STRUCK AGAIN!  NO SHIT!  SORRY, MEANT TO SAY "YES, THEY DID!"  AS USUAL I GOT UP, HAD BREAKFAST, DRESSED, AND THEN CHECKED MY BLOG.  AND HERE WAS THIS POST AGAIN.  THE POSTING DATE EVEN READ 2/10/11 WHAT THE #%!! (h e doubletouthpicks).  AT LEAST I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT WAS ON TOO LONG.  CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW MANY TIMES IT POSTS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED POST DATE OF 2/10/11!

And for those of you just joining this program already in progress stay tuned and it will soon become appearant (if it hasn't already) that I live up to the name of my blog!

TODAY'S PICK:  To #65 Clenna said...Wow - no wonder she was called Crazy Daisy. We have a Golden called Mazie but we often call her Crazy Mazie. She's a funny dog but nothing like yours. I will ask her what's 1 + 2 (of course I have a treat) and she'll bark 3 times, then I tell her if she makes a mistake I'll have to get rid of her. (The grandkids and some of their friends are watching this play out) I then ask her 2 + 2, she might or might not bark the correct number of times. If she's wrong, I point my finger at her and say BANG! She promptly falls over onto her side. I then say BANG a second time and she rolls onto her back with paws in the air.

I'll bet the grandkids get a real kick out of the show.  The dog probably has fun too; most dogs enjoy showing off for their owners. You need to take a picture of her in both poses.  

Ok, so it isn't a Golden Retriever!  At least it's a female!

HERE ARE SOME OF CLENN'S OTHER COMMENTS: Read them all and then respond to the request at the bottom!

By clenna on #97-RUNAWAY RUG aka CAVORTING CARPET at 7:59 AM

Or ...... you are really in the land of Lilliput. And those little people don't like change!! Smarten up girl!

Awh, mannnnn, TMI...I walk on that carpet every day and the thought of all of those little crushed Lillipution bodies made me shutter.  So, I ran the vaccum and shoved the darned rug under my bed.

By clenna on #96-A SHORT(S) STORY on 1/11/11

Since I'm color blind I often mix up my colors, shoes, sox etc. Sometimes I forget to put on the second earring - oh my, I am a mess. (of course the earring part has nothing to do with colors but I thought I'd throw that in for ha has) But I'm happy and I laugh at myself. (imagine if I didn't - I'd be miserable!!) I just keep telling myself it's a sign of a creative mind.

I think you're lookin good, girl!

By clenna on #95-THE DAY AFTER "FLU?" on 1/10/11

Been there, done that! But not as bad. I only felt exhausted the next day. I also vowed not to have so much punch ever again. How can a mother actually take care of her kids when she feels so rotten? So I didn't. I switched to one or two (at most) then to either water or coke. Guilt can do wonders.

A little birdie told me this is Clenna on 2 rum and cokes!

By clenna on #92-FRIDAY FLASHBACKS (I've Got Ants) on 1/7/11

I hate ants in my house. Step on 'em, whack 'em, poison 'em - anyway I can get rid of them.

Woah, stop right there!  I have an oral contract with the author of this blog.  Re-read this post and see!

By clenna on #92-FRIDAY FLASHBACKS (I've Got Ants) on 1/7/11

Try planting spearmint near your doors and along the edge of your house - outside your kitchen.

Ok, follow me.  I swear I found some stuff that tastes just like the gum we found yesterday.

By clenna on #90-FROM THE FRING PAN INTO THE FIRE on 1/5/11

Too funny. I hope you now have fire alarms and CO 2 detectors.

By clenna on #88-HEY ELMER, WHO'S THE NUT WITH THE LIGHT? on 1/3/11

Maybe they were as fascinated with you as you were with them! I always loved the lightning bugs when I lived in Indiana. Don't see too much around these parts, though.

Ok, Winkey!  Is this what you had i mind when you told us to humor the nut with the light?

By clenna on #83-OH CHRISTMAS TREE; OH, Noooooo, THE CHRISTMAS ... on 12/31/10

My mother was so proud when she bought a silver tree. We all thought she'd lost her mind. And those rotating color lights - ugh! My first year married we got a real tree - scrawny tree. (all that we could afford). The water stand broke the first day, so we just leaned it against the wall. Do you know that a year later we were still finding pine needles in the carpet (last year that I had a real one!)

Thanks, Clenna, for sharing a picture of your poor tree.

By clenna on #74-THE LAST SANTA on 12/20/10

When I was about 7 or 8 I found out about the 'real' Santa. We lived in an old two story home. My brother (5 years older) and I had bedrooms on either side of the bathroom. The heater was in the middle of the house on the first floor directly under the upstairs bathroom. In the bathroom was a grate/vent in the floor to let the hot air in. Christmas Eve comes around, I'm in bed, asleep, when my brother wakes me up. He tells me to follow him so I can see Santa. Well, I wasn't going to miss that! So we go into the bathroom and watch through the grate. I waited and waited - all I could see were my parents going back and forth with packages. Then it dawned on me! My brother said I couldn't tell or my parents wouldn't bring me anymore gifts. So Mom and Dad never knew how I found out the real secret of Santa. I wasn't crushed, it was one of those ah-ha moments.

Let me guess, while you were peeking you also learned about the birds and the bees?

By clenna on #68-WHAT'S WHOOPEE ANYWAY? on 12/14/10

You're right about choosing who would do the pat downs but I think if I picked him (he wouldn't have picked me!) So it might be enjoyable for me but the poor guy - I'm sure he'd go home and say OMG I had to pat down this old broad and she certainly didn't look or feel like any 30 yr old chick!

By clenna on #61-PARANIOA (The "Tighty Whities" Story) on 12/7/10

jhitomi My mother always called it "sunning" - if you could see through a skirt - you were sunning. ( So Karen has the moon story and I have a sun story!!!) Remember the early pix of Princess Diana before she was married? She was standing so the sun could shine through her skirt. My Mother was shocked. I thought it was a riot.

It only took me a minute to find the picture on the web.

By clenna on #61-PARANIOA (The "Tighty Whities" Story) on 12/7/10

When I was young (in the 60's) my mother drilled into me to always wear a slip and it should never hang lower than my skirt. A lady never let her slip show. OMG did I worry about that. Now I don't ever wear slips (sorry, Mom!)

By clenna on #55-THE NOT SO SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS (part 2) on 12/1/10

You are killing me! The trouble you get into!!!

Ok, I don't want to take any unnecessary risks, so here are three medical professionals stnding by to help.  Apparently the thought this post was funny, too!

By clenna on #43 - PAPER or PLASTIC? on 11/16/10

And she looks so angelic! My daughter used to eat about a half pound of mud because she was making 'mud pies' I guess, no one ever told her that you don't 'really eat' them! Jeez.

I hear mud pies were a happening business.  The problem is, now they are FROZEN  assets!

AND THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO ALL OF HER COMMENTS.  SHE IS A REAL PROLIFIC COMMENTER.   I THINK SHE SHOULD START HER OWN BLOG, DON'T YOU?  

THEN, HELP ME CONVINENCE HER!  DIRECT YOUR COMMENTS TO HER!

LOVE YA CLENNA.

Clenna is!

kt2011

#125-GETTING OLDER, WE ALL DO IT

I found this a couple of months ago and I immediately knew I had to use it!

Ok, I turned 70 on February 4th and I am "supposed" to be old by a lot of peoples standards.  In fact, I found out that most "old folks" like me don't even have a computer.  And if they do, they mostly use it to send and receive Emails.  When trying to find bloggers 6o and over I came up with very few.  So, you can see why I was a little bit reluctant to divulge my age.  Readers, might be turned off by this OLD GEEZER'S writings.

Nobody said getting old would be easy.  But it is easy.  It is too easy, and happens too fast.  In fact I do not consider myself old, even when I look in the mirror.  What's not easy is trying to grow old gracefully.  There are daily reminders that pop up when you least expect them (like the mirror).  The other day I passed the bathroom mirror and was startled to see my mother's reflection.  Mannn, when did I start to look like her?

Then, there are friends who remind me what a joke life can be.  And, there are a lot of funny things that happen at each stage of life, even old age.  A friend sent me these cartoons.

Yes, I have already gone through three of the four stages of aging!

And, this IS an accurate diagram of my day!

I was almost this bad before my cataract surgery!

Finally,  I do consider this one as too close to the truth.

(the caption reads, "I'm getting so old that all my friends in heaven will think I didn't make it!")

The thing is the older I get the closer to God I get and that's something to look forward to.  So, here is some advice from this OLD GEEZER... ... ... easy to give, but hard to follow... ... ... 

• turn your troubles over to God  (talk to him) 
• follow God's commandments (read His word)
• laugh as often as possible, and carry a smile on your face (even when you don't feel like it)
• don't hold grudges (forgive easily) 
• tell loved ones (and friends) daily, how much you care for them
• respect yourself (but put others first)
• do your best at everything you do  (but don't try to please everyone)
• reward yourself when you have done well (because others often forget to)
• be honest with yourself (and others)
• make sure your words are nurturing (not hurtful)
• hug a lot (the person standing next to you may not show it, but probably needs one too)
• do something positive to help the environment (every little bit helps)
• eat your prunes (just threw that in there to make sure you were paying attention, I can't stand those things and don't eat them).
• remember that movie "Pay It Forward?" (Well, we all need to do a lot of small pay it forwards!)

Nothing new or mind blowing here.  Just plan ole common sense.  The more you follow these simple suggestions the happier you are with yourself.  The happier you are with yourself the better you treat others.  The better you treat others, the better they treat you and... ... ... 

However, there is one I forgot to put down: 

• There are jerks in this world (the trick is to learn to ignore them,  forgive them and try not to be like them).

I DID SAY IT WOULDN'T BE EASY.  Lord knows I haven't mastered them.  But I try!  I really try! 

kt2/2011

#124-THE CENTURION (Totally Tubular Toby on hold 1 more week)

Dad had just put a
french fry in his mouth.

A terrific man, a wonderful father, and he's MY 100 year old dad!


This is a picture taken at our Local McDonalds where my father INSISTS on having lunch EVERY DAY! (for the past 10 years).  This was taken Feb. 8th 2010 on his 99th birthday.  He has many fans there and when he enters they greet him like he just walked into "Cheers."

Dad retired to the midwest in 1978 (with my mom, who passed away about 5 years ago).  He was not the type to retire and do nothing so, he put in for substituting.  When they found out that he was the only teacher in the state of Missouri certified in both Physics and Chemistry they hired him to replace a teacher that was leaving.  Dad had no interest in a permanent teaching job but, he agreed to the position until they found someone else.  He taught for a year.

Then he was asked to work for a local company as a Chemist.  He agreed only on his terms.  Again he had no desire to work full time.  It ended up being full time for a while.
Just to let you know the kind of man he is, when they came to him and asked him to retire (a down turn in sales) he told them that HE was the one who would decide when to quit and they left him alone.  About 6 months later he retired, AGAIN.

Although involved before, he then threw himself into the activities of the church he was attending.  He served in several positions and became well known as the guy who played the innkeeper in the annual living Nativity scene.  No one signed up for that position because everyone knew it was Bill's part (that's what they call him here).

At the age of 89 I had to call his grandson, "Gene, over to the house AND GET YOUR GRANDFATHER OFF THE ROOF! " Dad was up there washing the gutters out with a water hose.  When scolded about the dangers of him being up there he simply laughed and said,  "Karen, it's not the roof that's dangerous, it's the damned ladder!"

At the age of 90 he started substituting again only to quit because my mother became ill.  Her Altzheimers became severe and he had to lock himself in the house with her for three years.  He refused to put her in a nursing home and took care of her 24/7/365.  (THIS IS THE KIND OF MAN MY FATHER IS!) I moved home and helped out as often as I could but I had a full time teaching job 1 hour away.

This sacrifice cost him his health.  Up until this time he was like a healthy 50 year old.  He developed diabetes and high blood pressure.  Shortly after mother died he took a tumble in his kitchen and shattered his right shoulder.  Completely broke the ball off and crushed the cup.  Did that keep him down?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  He was in a nursing home for 3 months (driving us crazy insisting on lunch from McDonalds).  I could see him going down hill so I retired in the middle of the year and took him out AMA.  And he is still here today.

Dad still retains his sense of humor on a day to day basis.  He is loved and admired by all who know him.  All of my memories of Dad have a great deal of laughter echoing around them.

My dad is a man of honor and integrity.  He is a rule follower extraordinaire.  For example when walking to a local football game I started to cut across the grass.  He wouldn't follow.  It was against the rules even though not posted.  If the speed limit was 45 he would go 45 not 46 (which always irritated Mom and I).  But, he never lectured or criticized us, just led by example. 


During WWII my dad tried to sign up.  (Several of his basketball seniors died in the Arizona) He was turned down because he had a cracked vertebrae.  Did that stop him (I am sure you know the answer), ABSOLUTELY NOT.  He quit his education job and relocated his family to a job he took at the Atlas Powder Company.  If he couldn't fight then he could at least use his skills as a chemist to make bombs.  

He is the most honest man I know and never even cheated on his taxes.  I have never know him to lie, cuss, or talk against another human being.  


He never spanked me, never yelled.  All he had to do is look at me and that was it.  He was the same way with his students, players and faculty.  Dad had this way of expecting the best from everyone and always getting it.  Somehow, no one wanted to disappoint Mr. Taylor.(while in secondary school, I did  suffer a little ego problem by being his daughter.  I had guy "friends" and but no boyfriends.  Later I found out that all the "guys" had self imposed this "hands off" policy when it came to me).OK, enough is enough?  But I am just getting started. So I will try to shorten my comments.   

• As a grade school student in he was up before dawn to collect, wrap, and deliver newspapers.  After delivering the papers he would go to the local grocery and sweep out the store for food to bring home to his large family.  Then he would go to school where he received excellent grades.
• He was a home town football hero in High School and continued to be lauded for his feats at Missouri Valley College.  He was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
• Dad still holds records at his high-school and college for various sprints etc.  As a coach he was known for running backwards and taunting team members to try to catch him   (THEY NEVER DID).
• When teaching PE at he would challenge any takers to a foot race.  If they won he promised to give them an automatic A (THEY NEVER DID).
• Dad is still celebrated by his home town for the football team he coached in 1947 which had an undefeated and UN-SCORED upon season.
• The middle school (was a PE teacher, teacher, V.P. and Principal) was his "BABY for 23 years."  He dedicated himself to the facility, the teachers, and especially the students.  He was available to all 24/7 in any capacity needed. Mother often felt like a widow during the school term.
• He never missed a school activity and he retired one year early, with pay, because of all of the stored up sick leave.
• He took classes every summer and finally ran out of classes to take.  He refused to get his Doctorate because he would have to take time off from his beloved school.  He said,  "I don't need a Dr. in front of my name and I don't need the additional money that bad, either!"

I could go on like this for pages and pages.  Suffice it to say...THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE HIM ANYMORE.

#123-THANK YOU!

I had a wonderful birthday partly because of all of the birthday wishes I received from all of my new blogging friends.  THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for being so kind to me.  This may be boring but I wanted to share my BUCKET LIST with you (it is in no particular order):

*Sing a solo in church.

I used to have a fairly decent voice.  However, I have never sung in public.  This is one thing I have always wanted to do, but never had the courage.  I belt them out with the best of them when singing in a group, but solo???  At least in church they can't boo you off the stage (can they?).

Of course, I will probably have to find a new outfit!

*Go to the mission my church supports in Kenya.

Our church has two missions in Africa, one in Albania, and one in Kansas City, MO.  I have wanted to go for a long time.  I was planning on volunteering in 96 however,  my dad had fell and has needed me ever since.

What can I say, there are smiles there that beg for my attention!

*Take a cruse to Cozumel.

I love ruins and would love to see the ones on the Mayan peninsula.  Plus, I have never been out of the USA except for a day excursion to Tijuana (a future blog) and a Girl Scout trip to western Canada.

But, with my budget this is probably the best I can do!

*Visit the British Isles.

In college I was a history major and I long to see some of the things about which I studied.   I am enamored with castles and would love seeing as many as possible.  It would be so cool to be able to stay one night in one.

I am a trusting person, so, I guessing my room will be the one at the top (with the great view, as advertised).
Luckily I will be allowed to walk around the grounds while waiting for the ladder.

*Travel up the East Coast to Main.

I think that lighthouses are sadly romantic and I would like to go on a lighthouse tour along the East Coast.

The ride there would be well worth the trip!

*Sky Dive!

Yes, I want to jump out of an airplane with a good looking guy strapped to my back. Who wouldn’t!  I thought about bunjee jumping, but as I think back over my past INCIDENTS  I decided that this was not a good idea FOR ME.  At least with sky diving there will be an experienced jumper with me.

My new mantra! "Adventure before dementia!"

*White water raft down the Colorado.

What can go wrong?  They take thousands of people down the Colorado every summer (and most of them are still in the boat by the end).  I want to be one of them!  

I'm the one in the front on your left.

*Get a tattoo. 

I have always wanted a tattoo.  I really don’t know why, just have.  I am not exactly the illustrated woman type, so, I have chosen one simple tattoo to put in a common easily seen place (that eliminates my butt) and I will post the event (complete with a picture).  Oh, by the way, this is happening TODAY!  Probably as you are reading this!

When I asked him what I should use to dull the pain he said, "LOTS OF TEQUILA!"
Lord only knows what I will end up with if I have a shot or two of Tequila.
I think I'm opting for a bottle of cheap wine and a couple of Motrin!

kt 2/2011

#122-SUNDAY'S SONG (I Will Lift My Eyes sung by Bebo Norman)

PRAISE AND WORSHIP IS A LARGE PART OF THE CHURCH I ATTEND.   WE ARRIVE AT 10:30 AM AN SING UNTIL ABOUT 11:00 AM.  BY THE TIME THE PASTOR TAKES THE PULPIT WE ARE READY TO LISTEN WITH THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND.  I THINK IT'S GREAT!     kt2011