Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
searching
It's a beautiful day in paradise.
Now just where is paradise located
and how can I get there?
Now just where is paradise located
and how can I get there?
Monday, December 25, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
This Weeks' Job
Welcome to Anamosa, Iowa
About Anamosa:
Anamosa is a city located in Jones County, Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 5,494. It is the county seat of Jones County.
Anamosa Geography:
Anamosa is located at 42°6'32" North, 91°16'53" West (42.108954, -91.281476).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.8 km2 (2.2 mi2). 5.8 km2 (2.2 mi2) of it is land and 0.44% is water.
The Wapsipinicon River runs through the city of Anamosa.
Anamosa is served by U.S. Highway 151 and Iowa State Highway 64.
Anamosa History:
What is now Anamosa was founded as the settlement of Buffalo Forks in 1838 and incorporated as Lexington in 1856. Lexington was a very popular name for towns at that time, so when Lexington chose to become incorporated as a city in 1877, the name was changed to Anamosa to avoid mail delivery confusion. There are many different stories on how Anamosa was chosen as a name, but all of them center around a local Native American girl named Anamosa, which means white fawn.
Anamosa was named as the Pumpkin Capital of Iowa by the Iowa State Legislature in 1993 and hosts Pumpkinfest, a pumpkin festival and weigh-off, every year in October.
Grant Wood
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
American Gothic (1930)
2004 Iowa state quarter
Grant Wood, born Grant DeVolson Wood (February 13, 1891 – February 12, 1942) was an American painter, born in Anamosa, Iowa. He is best known for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest.
About Anamosa:
Anamosa is a city located in Jones County, Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 5,494. It is the county seat of Jones County.
Anamosa Geography:
Anamosa is located at 42°6'32" North, 91°16'53" West (42.108954, -91.281476).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.8 km2 (2.2 mi2). 5.8 km2 (2.2 mi2) of it is land and 0.44% is water.
The Wapsipinicon River runs through the city of Anamosa.
Anamosa is served by U.S. Highway 151 and Iowa State Highway 64.
Anamosa History:
What is now Anamosa was founded as the settlement of Buffalo Forks in 1838 and incorporated as Lexington in 1856. Lexington was a very popular name for towns at that time, so when Lexington chose to become incorporated as a city in 1877, the name was changed to Anamosa to avoid mail delivery confusion. There are many different stories on how Anamosa was chosen as a name, but all of them center around a local Native American girl named Anamosa, which means white fawn.
Anamosa was named as the Pumpkin Capital of Iowa by the Iowa State Legislature in 1993 and hosts Pumpkinfest, a pumpkin festival and weigh-off, every year in October.
Grant Wood
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
American Gothic (1930)
2004 Iowa state quarter
Grant Wood, born Grant DeVolson Wood (February 13, 1891 – February 12, 1942) was an American painter, born in Anamosa, Iowa. He is best known for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
road tripping for work
Last week allowed me 2 trips to Waterloo. Quite the treat visiting with friends while mixing in work.
Our weather has been decent, today at 4pm it was still 40 so I even got in a bike ride.
As always, the season is clicking right along. I'm sure looking forward to having my digital camera!
Our weather has been decent, today at 4pm it was still 40 so I even got in a bike ride.
As always, the season is clicking right along. I'm sure looking forward to having my digital camera!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Saturday, December 02, 2006
dream log
Last night I dreamed I lived & worked in a hardware store. The managers were a bit upset with me because in the mornings I'd cross the store in my jamies and or long jons to go to the bathroom. They thought I should be dressed if I was going to be seen by customers.
mmm
what kind of strange message is this?
mmm
what kind of strange message is this?
Friday, December 01, 2006
cuz I'm not shy
| You Are 12% Shy |
 You aren't shy at all, in fact, you're probably quite outgoing. You are comfortable in almost any social situation, no matter how difficult. |
my color of green
| You Are Grass Green |
 Down to earth and a bit of a hippie, you are very into nature and the outdoors. You accept the world and people as they are. You don't try to change things. You are also very comfortable with yourself, flaws and all. Optimistic about the future, you feel like life is always getting better. |
Monday, November 27, 2006
weather report
We are having a thunderstorm in December. Strangest thing ever, it should be snowing and instead, the sky lights up and then....BOOOMMMM. The thud and crack of thunder. Loud & booming, it even scared the dogs!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Mileage
I think I need a calendar for mileage.
Maybe this week flew by because I drove too much.
Monday-110 miles
Tuesday-120 miles
Wednesday-330 miles
Thursday-120 miles
Friday-120 miles
and tomorrow it's Saturday. I think I'll try & not drive.
Maybe this week flew by because I drove too much.
Monday-110 miles
Tuesday-120 miles
Wednesday-330 miles
Thursday-120 miles
Friday-120 miles
and tomorrow it's Saturday. I think I'll try & not drive.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Artistic Winter Scene
Almost every tree & pole is toasted white, just on the north side. Like a painted stripe, night brings a new shimmer, shiney shadows brighten up otherwise dark edges.
Friday, November 10, 2006
First Snow
yippee hurray!!!
It snowed! Big, fluffy, cover the ground white, gorgeous flakes! ah, it was so pretty! it's a bit chilly, but oh so pretty!
It snowed! Big, fluffy, cover the ground white, gorgeous flakes! ah, it was so pretty! it's a bit chilly, but oh so pretty!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Camry For Sale!!!
1995 white Toyota Camry
Good condition, just no longer fits my needs. I'm being sent cross country & need a minivan. CD player, cloth seats (in great shape), grey interior. After market wheels with decent tire tread.
CALL ME PLEASE!!!
:)
Good condition, just no longer fits my needs. I'm being sent cross country & need a minivan. CD player, cloth seats (in great shape), grey interior. After market wheels with decent tire tread.
CALL ME PLEASE!!!
:)
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy the guilt thing and pout!
run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle
them gently.
I didn't write this, but couldn't help posting it. Now aren't these just fantastic ideas? Who says animals aren't smart...
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy the guilt thing and pout!
run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle
them gently.
I didn't write this, but couldn't help posting it. Now aren't these just fantastic ideas? Who says animals aren't smart...
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Today's Entertainment
Today my mom took me to a musical performance of the kings singers. They were so unique, wow!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
dog walking
So after God created man & woman, he decided they would get fat & lazy so he created dogs.
This is Nikki & in the background is Junior. They are my fat fighters.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
my dream hotel
k o r a k i a
visit palm springs!
if anywhere I'd want to take a lover,,,
this is it!!!
travel channel lists this as one of the
top 10 swimming pools in the country!
visit palm springs!
if anywhere I'd want to take a lover,,,
this is it!!!
travel channel lists this as one of the
top 10 swimming pools in the country!
Monday, October 30, 2006
word of the day - ancillary
an·cil·lar·y (ns-lr) KEY
ADJECTIVE:
Of secondary importance: "For Degas, sculpture was never more than ancillary to his painting" (Herbert Read).
Auxiliary; helping: an ancillary pump.
NOUN: pl. an·cil·lar·ies
Something, such as a workbook, that is subordinate to something else, such as a textbook.
Archaic A servant.
ETYMOLOGY: From Latin ancilla, maidservant, feminine diminutive of anculus, servant; see kwel- 1 in Indo-European roots
ADJECTIVE:
Of secondary importance: "For Degas, sculpture was never more than ancillary to his painting" (Herbert Read).
Auxiliary; helping: an ancillary pump.
NOUN: pl. an·cil·lar·ies
Something, such as a workbook, that is subordinate to something else, such as a textbook.
Archaic A servant.
ETYMOLOGY: From Latin ancilla, maidservant, feminine diminutive of anculus, servant; see kwel- 1 in Indo-European roots
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Colorado sand dunes in September
Barb & Lou didn't want to walk
So I left them
Then I came back.
What a cool place.
Can't wait to climb to the top!
yummy dinner
My mother treated me to a chicken n noodle dinner at a church downtown. Wasn't her church, but many of her friends were there. I probably should have made more of an effort to fix my hair.. or something, anyway, nothing like church lady food! Yum! I think it's better for ya just cuz they made it.
First there was the salad table. Little dishes of 20 different kinds of salad. It was hard to chose, but I picked a sunflower ramen noodle with a vinaigrette type dressing.
Then it was to the pie table. Oh yeah, everything is good in pie crust. Chocolate with a 3" thick meringue, raisin, rhubarb, cherry, oh cherry is one of my favs. Mmm and blueberry or pecan. Well I ate cheesecake. Thick, creamy, rich, satisfying cheesecake topped with a little cherry pie filling and shaves of chocolate. oh yeah...
and the highlight, homemade chicken and homemade noodles. Thick and clumpy, I love old fashioned noodles like that. Always wanted to make them & never have. And I've read it's pretty easy. I remember being young & seeing them drying, draped all over every table, chair and space in mom's dining room...
So the noodle goop was good. Fake taters which I'll tolerate cuz of the topping. Side of green beans (gotta have yer veggie), wheat roll and like, what more do ya need?
maybe some mint tea. just cuz I ate just a little too much. I think I'll settle for ice cream. Vanilla.
First there was the salad table. Little dishes of 20 different kinds of salad. It was hard to chose, but I picked a sunflower ramen noodle with a vinaigrette type dressing.
Then it was to the pie table. Oh yeah, everything is good in pie crust. Chocolate with a 3" thick meringue, raisin, rhubarb, cherry, oh cherry is one of my favs. Mmm and blueberry or pecan. Well I ate cheesecake. Thick, creamy, rich, satisfying cheesecake topped with a little cherry pie filling and shaves of chocolate. oh yeah...
and the highlight, homemade chicken and homemade noodles. Thick and clumpy, I love old fashioned noodles like that. Always wanted to make them & never have. And I've read it's pretty easy. I remember being young & seeing them drying, draped all over every table, chair and space in mom's dining room...
So the noodle goop was good. Fake taters which I'll tolerate cuz of the topping. Side of green beans (gotta have yer veggie), wheat roll and like, what more do ya need?
maybe some mint tea. just cuz I ate just a little too much. I think I'll settle for ice cream. Vanilla.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
slowing down
gotta take time to smell the roses
now they just have to add the scratch & sniff module to this blog....
it's a new day
I made it thru a day of work --yippee skippee!!!
this is Caryol Ann's garden in Encinitas California. Shared by Connie...thanx connie!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
A life & death story
Last month a classmate's sister died.
Sarah was my friend in early grade school years. Our parents were friends. In fact both our mother's were named Mary. She lived out in the country and I remember going with her out her back yard into the forest. Into a land I thought was the most glorious place on earth. There was a creek and maybe a river. I remember it like a fairy tale. An experience so wonderous, it was surreal.
So I guess her sister, Anna, fell and never woke up. Went into a coma, slept for a while without waking and that was about it. I hear she died after a period of time in a hospice. Those hospice joints are starting to be something I hear about a little too often. Bless the souls who work in any hospice type situation.
Her son is 19. Tis a bit young to be losing a mother. Ah, it's always too young. Mother's are so very very loved & needed.
Anyway, ya just never know about life or when it's going to end. Quite a mysterious journey we're all taking. You'd think we'd hold it just a little more precious......
Sarah was my friend in early grade school years. Our parents were friends. In fact both our mother's were named Mary. She lived out in the country and I remember going with her out her back yard into the forest. Into a land I thought was the most glorious place on earth. There was a creek and maybe a river. I remember it like a fairy tale. An experience so wonderous, it was surreal.
So I guess her sister, Anna, fell and never woke up. Went into a coma, slept for a while without waking and that was about it. I hear she died after a period of time in a hospice. Those hospice joints are starting to be something I hear about a little too often. Bless the souls who work in any hospice type situation.
Her son is 19. Tis a bit young to be losing a mother. Ah, it's always too young. Mother's are so very very loved & needed.
Anyway, ya just never know about life or when it's going to end. Quite a mysterious journey we're all taking. You'd think we'd hold it just a little more precious......
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
send me a job
Dear Lord,
I need a new job.
I've got lots of talents (you already know about) and I would like to be useful while in this world.
Thanks so much for some extra consideration.
Sincerely,
me
I need a new job.
I've got lots of talents (you already know about) and I would like to be useful while in this world.
Thanks so much for some extra consideration.
Sincerely,
me
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
Ledges State Park-the story
Nothing like a good hike to put one's thoughts in perspective. A crisp fall day, it was much warmer than it has been, an absolute splendid day for enjoying the out of doors.
I love hiking and especially on old stairways. Here I've got limestone slabs placed in the 1930's when all those programs were going on. Today I found the park to be private & quiet, quite a different scene compared to mid July when the place was packed & every cove contained people, dogs & more people.
Thoughtfully placed man made cement stone blocks stand in a path every junction where the road crosses water. Water levels were rather high in Pea's creek and almost blocked my dry path across. Later when I was skipping down the front hill path, it made me think of crossing a creek. I like jumping from rock to rock and was choosing rocks compared to the smooth path worn next to the old stairway. The last time I'd done tried to cross a creek and stay dry, in Colorado, I slipped in (so did my hiking partner) and a soggy tennis shoe and shared laughter was my reward. Originally more organized, years of earth movement and erosion made this forest path look like a dry creekbed. To me it was like a game of hopscotch played all by myself with no ball, numbered squares or friends.
Rotting oak leaves scented the wind & I loved hearing them crunch underfoot. Golden browns lit my eyes and made me think of white months ahead.
Next time I think I'll try to take my dogs.
I love hiking and especially on old stairways. Here I've got limestone slabs placed in the 1930's when all those programs were going on. Today I found the park to be private & quiet, quite a different scene compared to mid July when the place was packed & every cove contained people, dogs & more people.
Thoughtfully placed man made cement stone blocks stand in a path every junction where the road crosses water. Water levels were rather high in Pea's creek and almost blocked my dry path across. Later when I was skipping down the front hill path, it made me think of crossing a creek. I like jumping from rock to rock and was choosing rocks compared to the smooth path worn next to the old stairway. The last time I'd done tried to cross a creek and stay dry, in Colorado, I slipped in (so did my hiking partner) and a soggy tennis shoe and shared laughter was my reward. Originally more organized, years of earth movement and erosion made this forest path look like a dry creekbed. To me it was like a game of hopscotch played all by myself with no ball, numbered squares or friends.
Rotting oak leaves scented the wind & I loved hearing them crunch underfoot. Golden browns lit my eyes and made me think of white months ahead.
Next time I think I'll try to take my dogs.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Reincarnate of Eden
As close to paradise as I've ever seen
gardens right out of my dreams!
We planted garlic.
The Family Tree- Herbs and Everlastings
gardens right out of my dreams!
We planted garlic.
The Family Tree- Herbs and Everlastings
CAMERA WANTED!
Last year my camera got stolen.
This weekend I lost my daughter's camera I barrowed from her.
I love to take pictures! Can't someone help & send me a camera from heaven?!
Just a thought.
This weekend I lost my daughter's camera I barrowed from her.
I love to take pictures! Can't someone help & send me a camera from heaven?!
Just a thought.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
a new blog
I have decided to remove monarch from my real world & begin to put it in the box it deserves. Feel free to visit my profile & check out all my blogs. And please leave comments! thanx!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
First Frost
Tonight we are expecting our first hard freeze of the season.
Every year I go through this same ritual: pick all vegies close to ripeness, collect green tomatoes large enough to bother with, strip all flower patches of any vase worthy blooms.
My house suddenly becomes alive with season's last bursts of color. If only for a week or two, I can still view bits of warm days soon to be wilted memories of time.
After collecting, I covered my mums and other favorite plants (the lavender) with bed sheets in hopes a little protection will be enough to nurse them through to be enjoyed a couple more weeks. Usually it's 1 or 2 cold days followed by a couple warmer weeks. Seeing all those pretty plants nipped, killed by cold it can't help but tug at sentimental summer zones installed in my heart. Somehow my gathering delays the shock just a little...
My brother had been in the garden earlier in the day. My nose detected a familiar pepper smell; like freshly chopped in a huge bowl for salsa, that's what popped into my mind. I found fresh pulled pepper plants stacked in several piles laid close to where they used to be standing in dirt. No fresh salsa today. All seeds now are ideas for next year's benefit. Farming dreams & plans planted as mental notes only.
Makes me think of frequently neglected human needs. It's always good to take time enough for breathing & recharging personal energy. In my garden, I'm going to dump a large load of manure, barely till it in and give it all winter to mature. I wish it was that easy in my life.
Step 1: cover problem with shit
step 2: mix
step 3: wait a while
step 4: enjoy newly hatched ideas
step 5: watch new problems sprout, repeat with step 1
wait a min....!!!!!
All day a north wind blew it's chill into all available space. I wore insulated coveralls, my bones not yet accustomed to these lower temperatures. Funny, last Monday morning when I got home from Colorado, I was warmed by these lowland winds. How quickly converting takes place as I was able to enjoy those few last days in celebration by adorning my body with my very favorite short sleeve shirts.
Change is always hard. Even watching the weather sparks melancholy flames....
Of all the season choices, I think I like spring & fall the best. Changing is intense, as shown in the immediate color display. Spring green with life, fall oranges with renew. Right now it's time for closing growth spurts to rest & regroup for next year. Older, stronger, matured to be more valuable than before.
Ah, observing life's energy flow.
Every year I go through this same ritual: pick all vegies close to ripeness, collect green tomatoes large enough to bother with, strip all flower patches of any vase worthy blooms.
My house suddenly becomes alive with season's last bursts of color. If only for a week or two, I can still view bits of warm days soon to be wilted memories of time.
After collecting, I covered my mums and other favorite plants (the lavender) with bed sheets in hopes a little protection will be enough to nurse them through to be enjoyed a couple more weeks. Usually it's 1 or 2 cold days followed by a couple warmer weeks. Seeing all those pretty plants nipped, killed by cold it can't help but tug at sentimental summer zones installed in my heart. Somehow my gathering delays the shock just a little...
My brother had been in the garden earlier in the day. My nose detected a familiar pepper smell; like freshly chopped in a huge bowl for salsa, that's what popped into my mind. I found fresh pulled pepper plants stacked in several piles laid close to where they used to be standing in dirt. No fresh salsa today. All seeds now are ideas for next year's benefit. Farming dreams & plans planted as mental notes only.
Makes me think of frequently neglected human needs. It's always good to take time enough for breathing & recharging personal energy. In my garden, I'm going to dump a large load of manure, barely till it in and give it all winter to mature. I wish it was that easy in my life.
Step 1: cover problem with shit
step 2: mix
step 3: wait a while
step 4: enjoy newly hatched ideas
step 5: watch new problems sprout, repeat with step 1
wait a min....!!!!!
All day a north wind blew it's chill into all available space. I wore insulated coveralls, my bones not yet accustomed to these lower temperatures. Funny, last Monday morning when I got home from Colorado, I was warmed by these lowland winds. How quickly converting takes place as I was able to enjoy those few last days in celebration by adorning my body with my very favorite short sleeve shirts.
Change is always hard. Even watching the weather sparks melancholy flames....
Of all the season choices, I think I like spring & fall the best. Changing is intense, as shown in the immediate color display. Spring green with life, fall oranges with renew. Right now it's time for closing growth spurts to rest & regroup for next year. Older, stronger, matured to be more valuable than before.
Ah, observing life's energy flow.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
today
today
I'm happy to be home
I'm happy to be me
I'm happy to not be sad
today
I was the lady
in her front yard
in fluffy slippers and uncombed hair
filling the bird bath
leaves crunching underfoot
Polly, my cat
crunched her own leaves
inspector of flower beds
watch out moving critters
and all innocent bugs
last week
she left a dead mouse on the back step
and a grasshopper on the front
she
is a busy cat
today
I just happened
to notice
Friday, October 06, 2006
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Colorado Scenes
Sunset lit San de Cristo mountain range
285 heading south
on the road to Joyful Journey hot springs
285 heading south
on the road to Joyful Journey hot springs
Changing Aspen
Monday, October 02, 2006
and in the castle unrest grew in their monarchy.
The jealous queen attacked the ambitious princess and had her expelled from the land.
The princess flew in her retreat directly to Indian Springs Hot Spring resort where she soaked in ancient Indian caves and prayed for assistance in cleansing her soul. Her desires climbed high and tried not to get their feet wet in the damp, distasteful stench from yesterday.
Spirits granted her prayers and sailed her back home. Greeted by 2 very grateful dogs, she realized what a blessing this accidental return really was.
The jealous queen attacked the ambitious princess and had her expelled from the land.
The princess flew in her retreat directly to Indian Springs Hot Spring resort where she soaked in ancient Indian caves and prayed for assistance in cleansing her soul. Her desires climbed high and tried not to get their feet wet in the damp, distasteful stench from yesterday.
Spirits granted her prayers and sailed her back home. Greeted by 2 very grateful dogs, she realized what a blessing this accidental return really was.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
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