MONDAY IMAGE

Another Holiday is over and everyone seems to be talking about the next one already. I myself, I don't like to hurry things in my life. Maybe it's my age, maybe I have gained a bit of wisdom after all these years.

I remember as a youth that when I went to school on Monday, Friday seemed like a lifetime away. And I seem to spend a good deal of time trying to wish away my long week, only to feel like my weekend had 'flown by'.
I have discovered that moments in time can be elusive..traveling faster than I ever realized they could. Why is it now, now that I am old enough to appreciate my days, my moments in my life, each beautiful day seems to go by so fast?
I am at this point in life where I am happier than I have ever been in my life. Happier with myself, so happy with my marriage, happy where my relationships are within my family, so happy with the world around me.
So why is time flying by now?
Of course I know why.
It is because I have finally grown the wisdom to appreciate each small moments in my day...a short phone call from a dear Friend, a few moments of handholding as my husband and I walk hand in hand to the mailbox, the smile in his eyes as we sit together eating our dinner. Even the time we spend together cuddled up on the couch watching our favorite TV show. Even the TV programs seem shorter.
Yes, I did find my love late in life and that adds to my frustration that these days go by so quickly. I want a life time of this...20, 30 40 years of this. But I know I can't and that can feel very sad. But I am sure that is what makes our love so strong and special...we have waited a lifetime for this love and we have been fortunate enough to find it in this lifetime. And we both are spending almost every moment of our days living it and appreciating each other.
I wish I could tell the Youth of today..."Slow down"..."Enjoy this moment"..."It will never happen again". But of course I know I can't and I know if someone had tried to tell me the same thing 40 our 50 years ago I too, would not have listen because I had all the time in the world. Yes, didn't we all? But they too have this time of wisdom to look forward to. That's the best part, they too will get their chance. And I know they too will wonder "Where has the time gone?"

FRIDAY FLOWERS

Okay, now I am definitely ready for spring! I love daffodils and had these planted in my garden in Washington state. I haven't planted any here in Montana because the springs are so cool here. But they will be back in my life again, I am sure.
This exquisite Iris is one of my favorites. It is a Siberian Iris and grows very well here in Montana.

This pretty flower grows on a stem about 3 feet tall and it's leaves are spike like and are soft and blow so pretty in the breeze. All the books say this flower needs mild winters but this plant has survived, been divided a few times, and has stood temperature of 20 degree's below zero here in my garden. The colors are clear and vibrant with such interesting designs in the center of each flower. The beautiful tall leaves stay green all summer and die slowly into winter. I have had no problems dividing them any time through out the growing season.

I highly recommend this gem for your garden.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in blog land and thank you all for returning to read my blog. I enjoy reading your comments as much as I enjoy writing about my daily adventures. Stay tuned for another amazing adventure for us coming in the very near future!!
This Turkey had the nerve to walk through our front yard. I don't think he understands that there will not be any Presidential Pardons around here this year!!!
Happy Turkey day to all.

THE GREATEST SUMMER VACATIONS ON EARTH

I have told you that I would post about what I did during my summer vacations from school when I was a bit younger, so now is the time.

My siblings and I had a dream summer job. I am sure you have heard the saying "I want to run away and join a Circus." Well, I did! Actually, my 3 brothers, my younger sister and even my mom and dad did!

It all started when a teacher at school started a tumbling team in the mid 50's. It was so well received that he soon added juggling, unicycles, parallel bars, and spring board. As the kids became more experience the idea of adding circus acts grew. It moved to the local Y.M.C.A. and grew and grew. It wasn't long before there were High Wire acts, low wire, fire eating, even the flying trapeze. Membership grew to more than 75 young people from 3 years old to seniors in high school. Many parents traveled with the circus when they could, and acted as chaperons, helping to cook the many meals, doing laundry and offering a comforting shoulder to those away from home the first time. Many times we were out on the road traveling from town to town performing and didn't return home for several weeks.

This activity provide me the most amazing childhood anyone could ever imagine. We were like one big family and enjoyed all the many adventures and places we saw as we traveled from our home base in Wenatchee, Washington, to Alaska and all the way to California and many small towns between the two. We even performed in the Seattle World's Fair and met many movies stars while performing there.

Yes, running away and joining the Circus really is possible!!

We went by the name 'The Wenatchee Youth Circus' and were billed as "The Greatest Little Show On Earth" and you know, I think we really were!

The above photo is of me and my friend Marsha. It just goes to show that if I can juggle, any one can!

That's me doing my thing on what they call The Swinging Ladders. The ladder is kept in motion by the rope you can see that is tied to the top rung and there is a young man under me that keeps me in motion as I go through a series of tricks. Very fun.

This act is called The Spanish Web. Again someone is below me keep a bit of tension on this thick web as I do various tricks while hanging by my ankle or wrist. I really loved this act...a lot of fast motion as we were spun around during some tricks.

This act was a balancing act as we stood on these large wooden balls and did different tricks. In this photo I have just gone up and over a board that is much like a titter board while walking on one of this large balls. The only time I had trouble with this stunt was when we were performing in the rain. I just couldn't get enough traction on that smooth service.

And then there was my favorite act..THE DOUBLE TRAPEZE!

I loved this act the most out of all the things I did in the Circus. I performed this act for about 8 years and the early years was performed with my oldest brother working above me.

Hanging by your neck isn't difficult....once you get used to it and get your neck and shoulder muscles built up. I would hold my arms close to my body then spin myself as fast as I could. As I ended the spin I would put out my arms and my brother would grasp hold of them when I had slowed almost to a stop. The audience always enjoyed this move and it was always my favorite all those years.

I think back to all the places we saw, and the things we did, and sometimes I still can't believe my own childhood. And to have all of my family there....including my parents, made it the greatest childhood of all!

SATURDAY MORNINGS

Have you ever thought back to Saturday mornings when you still lived at home as a kid? Do you remember what you did on Saturday mornings. I can remember that Friday night was my favorite because it meant I didn't have to go back to school for 2 whole days.

And I think I remember my Saturdays..at least what was important to me...I seem to remember I had some type of chores to do...boy that sounds like an outdated phrase! I think it was ironing or something like that and most likely straightening and cleaning my bedroom. I always had to share the bedroom with my sister so it was a big event.

But the rest of the day I can remember like it was yesterday........

The moment I could get away I ran across the road, down through the neighbors orchard and arrived at the small barn near the river that held the important bridle and a can of grain. But my adventure was just beginning.

Another distance of about a 1/2 mile I would come to a clearing where I could see the 3 magnificent horses as they grazed quietly in the meadow. Now the adventure began.
I am sure they grew accustomed to this Saturday ritual but the routine rarely changed. I approached them with the bridle hung over my shoulder in hopes that just maybe this time they wouldn't see it. I had to make sure the bucket had plenty of grain as they knew how to play this game very well.

They would see me coming and begin to wander just far enough ahead of me to keep themselves out of reach. This game of tag could go on for an hour with neither of us willing to give up.

I suppose they would finally figure that once again I was not giving up as they eventually came to a stop an waited for me to approach. And my horse of choice was usually "Flicka" as he was truly a joy to ride. And in those days I did not bother to put a saddle on him so we both felt free and happy as the wind blew through our 'manes'.

So as you can see I usually spent more than half of the morning convincing the horses I was really going to ride one of them then the rest of Saturday afternoon spending my time in my own version of Heaven.

Those were the days when parents didn't have to worry about their children..our communities were safe and my parents always knew exactly where I was...at the river riding the horses. No, they were not our horses: I had wonderful neighbors who allowed me to ride the horses anytime I wanted. And believe me, if I could have slept in that barn I certainly would have!

My parents always said I was born being crazy about horses. On any of our vacations I was the one with me face pressed close to the car window in hopes of seeing a beautiful horse somewhere off in an field.

It wasn't until I married that I was blessed with my first horse of my very own! This started me down the road of a life with many different horses and I enjoyed many different types of riding skills with each one. I have been trail riding, barrel racing - and many other 'speed events' that go along with that.

But my favorite was my time spent in the Performance Shows with my horse Dusty. He was a beauty and by far my favorite. He was the only horse that I had that strangers would come up to me and tell me what a beautiful horse I had.

Yes, he was a beauty, his coat shined like a brand new penny and hes eyes were so large, soft and brown. He enjoyed the crowds and even the judges when they came close to him. He was a definite show off as he loved performing in front of the crowd. In his very first performance class he took first place out of 27 horses. And he did seem so proud! I was in shock!!

I do believe he thought he was a dog as he would follow me anywhere...including in the house if I didn't close the door behind me.

We were very bonded souls and I believe that was because he was a birthday present to me..because he was born on my birthday.

So my childhood dreams really did come true and I have enjoyed the love of horses every day of my life.

Tomorrow I will tell you what I did during my summer vacations from school...an amazing life in deed!

I JUST LOVE CRAIGS LIST!

AN ACTUAL CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last. Date: 2009-05-27, 1 :43 a.m. E.S.T.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason. My girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].

After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done.

Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 150 gallons and was extremely grateful!

I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that?

Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target. The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life.

Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours, Alex

P.S. Remember this motto ... An armed society makes for a more civil society!

TUESDAY TOONS

I am sorry I have been so absent the last few days. I have fallen into the Facebook adventure. I am enjoying 'seeing' so many people I went to school with...a lot of them from grade school clear through high school. It really is a fun and easy way to keep in touch with so many friends at once.

So below is a very cute email I received today and it is a great TUESDAY TOON.


WHERE TO SEND THE BILL

A man suffered a serious heart attack and had open heart bypass surgery.

He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at the Cabrini Catholic Hospital .

As he was recovering, a nun asked him questions regarding how he was going to pay for his treatment.

She asked if he had health insurance.

He replied, in a raspy voice, 'No health insurance.'

The nun asked if he had any money in the bank.

He replied. 'No money in the bank.'

The nun asked, 'Do you have a relative who could help you?'

He said, 'I only have a spinster sister, who is a nun..'

The nun became agitated and announced loudly, 'Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God.'

The patient replied, 'Send the bill to my Brother-in-Law.'

THURSDAY NATURE

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SUNDAY WILDERNESS

I do not know who took this beautiful photo or where it was taken but I find it amazing. What a wonderful site.

(photo from the Internet)