Memorial Day
Once a year the masses turn out to pay homage to those who have left this earth to go into eternity. This entails putting flowers on the graves of those that have gone beyond what we know on this earth, the unknown to us. Because we cannot know what is beyond we at times pretend what lies ahead. Some feel sure they know what lies ahead for them, others are mute on the subject. That is one of those inalienable rights given to us by the men who formed our Constitution. With that I will use my right to tell you what Memorial Day means to me.
I was about twelve-years-old when first faced with the death of one very close to me. What I remember of that time. There had been happiness and joy just a few months earlier as I, along with my mother, sister, younger brother and my brother's fiancé gathered into our kitchen to bake cookies, fudge and other treats to put into a box filled with popcorn. This was to be a Christmas gift for my oldest brother, Bill who had enlisted into the Army. He had completed basic training and paratrooper training when he was given orders to ship out to Korea. We were so hoping we could get the box to him before he left California. The box arrived before he shipped out. Inside we had inserted pictures of the gathering so he could feel closer to us. He was only nineteen years old. Then to me he was a man. Looking back I realize he was a mere child, going off to fight a war to defend my freedom.
My next image is of a cloudy day, one that I felt had taken all the sunshine from reaching into the heart of our family. That cold, lifeless piece of news call a telegram was sent to my dad informing him his son was Missing In Action. The joy of that Christmas box gave way to tears that would not stop falling. I was young, not familiar with wars and what the do to families. I was beginning to learn.
I watched my mother bake pies in our truck stop (The Star Truck Stop on Route 40 in Lafayette). She rolled out the crusts with tears streaming down her face. Her look was haggard and gaunt as though sleep had eluded her for months. The truckers came, ate the pies and were gone. Still mother cried. For what seems like years, I watched her grieve. Still, she knew her work had to continue. We had a business to run, and it went on. Because of my concern for mother, I learned her way of baking pies which I have kept alive still today. We had many food items but one of the favorites of people near and far were the dozen or so pies she baked fresh each day.
Then came the day my brother's body was returned from the war zone. The gaping wound of sorrow was reopened as the ritual of burial had to be attended. Because my parents were business owners (restaurants with home cooking) they were well-respected in our town. My dad was known as a very honest man who kept his word, did a good day's work for his pay and treated everyone equal. This trauma changed him. In order to make it through each day, he used alcohol. He never missed any time of work, never shirked any duties, but when it was time to sleep, it was brought on with the help of a bottle of liquor. He steeled against the need to grieve. He had no time to do so. I am sure when he went to his basement bedroom he too cried in anguish over the loss of his first-born son. This ordeal widened a gap of lonliness between him and mother. He was too strong to cry. After all, what good would that do? It would not bring his son home alive. He had faced too many losses. This one seemed at the time to be the greatest.
We all gathered at the Lukin's Funeral Home for services to honor my brother for his service and bravery. The smell of some flowers to this day bring back those memories. The room was filled with the fragrance of about three rooms filled in any open space to put a tribute to Bill. I don't remember much about going to the cemetery, but I do remember being there. This was the same place my dad used to dig graves to earn a living. As we went I recalled the time he had dug a grave and sent my other brother to the house to get us so we could see what an open grave looked like. In those days, the graves were dug by hand. When it was clear we were all on our way back, Bill jumped down into the open pit and lay prone. As we peered over the edge of the chasm Bill jumped up with a loud shout. This brought on gasps and shouts of our own as it was unexpected to have something inside that hole. My brother laughed, my dad laughed his normal way. I don't think I ever heard him really laugh out loud, just a chuckle and smile.
There was a tent with chairs sitting in front of the casket, which had never been opened. My brother was sent home in a body bag and due to the elapsed time viewing was not possible. How badly he was mutilated, we do not know. We only know his death was among most of his fellow soldiers that were sent up Porkchop Hill to dig in. They never got to dig in as some Second Lieutenant left behind to set off flares did not wait long enough for the men to get entrenched. I learned this from a soldier years later when my husband was stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma at Fort Sill. The soldier was there, but not with the outfit that was sent up the hill. I can only imagine the anguish in this man's soul from that day forward. I was told he was court marshaled and sent to Levenworth. I cannot state that for sure as I do not know the man's name, only what I was told by a soldier that was there.
I had on a new dress, as did my sister and mother. I don't recall what others had on. I was busy watching my mother. I can still hear the lone bugle playing that haunting tune in the distance. Mother's shoulders were jerking with every breathe as she silently wept into her handkerchief. It was as though if she could hide her face away, this scene would all go away. This scene was destined to run over and over in my mind for years. The sound of Taps brings tears each time I hear them.
About twenty years later with one grave between, my husband, Roger was laid to rest in Soldiers Circle. He served in the military and was therefore afforded the right to be counted a patriot. He was only days from being 35-years-old when killed in a work-related accident. In an instant life changed. Three men knocked on my door on a pleasant Tuesday. They were dressed in suits. Their words did not register. They were there to inform me my husband had been involved in a fatal accident. My response to them; "Oh, I am so sorry, was anyone hurt?" They looked at me puzzled. Suddenly the word fatal came to the forefront. I asked if they would give me a few minutes alone. They refused thinking I might do something stupid. Actually all I wanted was to get on my knees and pray for strength and wisdom. I did this while they waited. I knew as soon as that word registered I was going to have to rely on God to walk with me. On my own, I would not have had the strength.
The flight back to London seemed endless. My children and I were all seated in first class where we were free to have tears rolling down our faces without the intrusion of peering eyes wondering why we were sad. I had been down this road before My heart wanted to leap out of my chest. The choking sobs seemed to cause my throat to ache. So young, so full of life. Why had God allowed this to happen? And then I recall my prayer; "God, don't take him until he is a Christian". God had answered my prayer. I had to smile just a little because I knew someday we would meet again. It was not going to make life easier, but it would make facing it alone more bearable. Again, we gathered at the same funeral home, new owner. Chet Greer was the one who took care of all the needs. Again, I was at Soldier's Circle, with one grave and twenty some years between my brother and my husband' grave. This time I was the one who had to accept that folded flag. This time I saw my dad cry. The heart break he felt was just more than he could stand. Again that melody seemed to sear an indelible mark in my head. I could not stand that sound. I wanted to run and never stop. The words - day is done. Not only the day, but his life was done. My four children were now without their father. My oldest was seventeen, my youngest four. I think this was harder for her than all the others. She no longer could look forward to daddy coming home and taking her for ice cream. It was a habit they liked to do when he came back from one of the road trips.
Later, in the same funeral home, now owned by Bill Eberle, my father lay in state. At the age of 80, he was laid to rest in the same cemetery where we as kids used to play hide and seek amongst the tombstones at night. We were not afraid, we had no reason to be. It was where we lived and how my dad earned a living for a while before we bought our first restaurant. He did not ask for handouts, he found one job or another to earn a living. From a young lad of 11 who had to quit school to support his widowed mother, to soldier to farmer, to grave digger, to Supply Sargent, to entrepreneur owner operator of five different restaurants in the London area. He was a man to look up to, one I would trust with my life.
My mother cries no more. She is resting beside my dad. I will carry flowers to their graves to honor them. To me they are true patriots. My brother gave his life for his country. He knew the dangers. It did not matter. He was proud to be an American. My husband spent two tours in Viet Nam. He too knew the dangers. He was willing to fight for America's freedom. He fought for the American Flag. He would be appalled at our government today. He too, never asked for a handout. He found one job or another to care for his family.
Memorial Day to me is about freedom. It is about the American way of life. The way our founding father's set forth. It takes me back to the morning Frances Scott Key stood in the boat off shore and penned the words that became our National Anthem. I have a copy of that. When cleaning out my garage, I came across this very old, brittle parchment placed in a plastic wrapper. I did not know what it was, but thought whoever wrote this was important to my mother. When I opened it I found the hand-written words of The Star Spangled Banner. The document is at least 100 years old and a treasure to own. It is part of my heritage. My grandmother was Nancy (Nannie) Key, who was a direct descendent to the writer of that document. He was more than just a one-song wonder, but that is all people are taught about him. He was an attorney. He in fact was the District Attorney for the District of Columbia. How sad he would be to see what has happened to our leaders. They seem to have no patriotism for those things to which our country was founded. The men in office today are there because they like the status. Their first priority is for themselves. Well, folks. I tell you, there is a new day coming. There are elections to be held and heads are going to roll. If you don't think that is possible, hang loose. Remember, God is in control and His Word says; James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
We cannot and should not allow those who want to destroy us to have free reign in America. It is time we stand up for what this country was built on. Changing the constitution to fit a liberal take all you can get way of life is not right. I was asked if I discriminate. My answer to that is yes. When it comes to someone from another country desecrating the American Flag I discriminate. When someone sneaks into our borders illegally, I discriminate. I am an American and proud of it. I refuse to give up my rights to be politically correct. I will call an illegal an illegal, not a generic non-resident. I will call a terrorist a terrorist, not a radical. I will call one who abuses our system a law breaker, no matter what abuse. Yes, I discriminate.
How about it, citizens. Are you ready to stand up and fight for what is our LEGAL rights? If we are struck down for doing so, be it known, it will be for the love of our country. It will be for the soldier who is buried in a grave in France, German and England. We have lost enough. Why do we sit back now and say nothing while our freedoms are being stepped on by our own government. Stand up America. Be a Patriot. Show your flag without shame.
Now you have my reason for celebrating Memorial Day. Long may our flag wave. Long may we honor those who know the true meaning of patriotism.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
How To Make a Designer Dress
How to make a designer prom dress
First it is very important to have all materials that will be needed gathered together. Don't forget anything as frustration is about to set in.
Materials needed: material, pattern, client's measurements, wine, zipper, thread, more wine, bling and a clear calendar.
Check the pattern to see how much material will be needed. This will directly affect how much wine will be needed. Burgundy satin calls for a burgundy wine. This will assure if any wine spills it will not be noticed. White wine can be used when putting the lining together.
Talk with the client, this one happens to be a granddaughter. See just what look she wants. Designer means a one-of-a-kind, no one else will have it dress. Let her and her mom pick out all the bling and other needs - all but the wine. This you can do yourself. Sending a minor to the liquor store is not a good thing.
Pour a small glass of wine to sip as you read the directions to this never-before-made pattern. Reading the directions with the first glass of wine is very important as later in the process seeing straight might become a problem.
Sew all the pieces together, call the child and have her try it on. Of course it will need minor adjustments as it is not going to look like it does on the front of the pattern envelope. Assure the granddaughter everything will be adjusted to fit only her. Pour a larger glass of wine. Pin where tucks need to be made being careful not to stick the pins into flesh.
Go back to the sewing machine with the dress and the bottle of wine. You can fill the glass as it empties out. Note: If the wine is running low, you may use the white wine now.
Start attaching the bling. Call the granddaughter and ask her just how this is going to work. When she gets that deer-in-the-headlight look, hide the wine. She is too young to drink. Be sure you remember where you hide it. Put it next to the cooking wine, as at this point you will realize that bottle is next in line.
Keep sewing being careful not to fitch your stinger. That's gonna hurt! But, you can ease the pain with another wass of gline.
Take a break. Sit down and watch Fox News. For this you will need another large beaker of wine. Times are getting bad. Since the wine is all gone, close down shop till morning. It is a good thing grocery stores carry wine, you will need an early start.
Before doing more on the dress, have the client try it on. When she mentions it is not EXACTLY like the picture, tell her everything is going to be fine, she will be a trend settter! If she mentions it does not even look like a dress, you give her that whipped hound dog look and start to cry. Tell her you have worked your fingers to the bone, even stuck one with a needle and she is just a spoiled brat with no feelings for an old grandma. Head for the place you hid the last bit of wine and finish it off.
By now it is bedtime. Come morning things will surely look better. Well there might be a slight headache, but once you get another supply of wine all will be better. Prom is only a week away, soon it will all be over. As she dances the night away with her date, enjoy some wine and cheese. You are now an accomplished seamstress having made a one-of-a-kind designer dress. If anyone questions whether it actually is a dress, remind them you are an artist and therefore sensitive. Let them know one day your designs will be among those on the runway with other creations no one in their right mind would wear.
Now you know how to design a prom dress. Cheers!!
First it is very important to have all materials that will be needed gathered together. Don't forget anything as frustration is about to set in.
Materials needed: material, pattern, client's measurements, wine, zipper, thread, more wine, bling and a clear calendar.
Check the pattern to see how much material will be needed. This will directly affect how much wine will be needed. Burgundy satin calls for a burgundy wine. This will assure if any wine spills it will not be noticed. White wine can be used when putting the lining together.
Talk with the client, this one happens to be a granddaughter. See just what look she wants. Designer means a one-of-a-kind, no one else will have it dress. Let her and her mom pick out all the bling and other needs - all but the wine. This you can do yourself. Sending a minor to the liquor store is not a good thing.
Pour a small glass of wine to sip as you read the directions to this never-before-made pattern. Reading the directions with the first glass of wine is very important as later in the process seeing straight might become a problem.
Sew all the pieces together, call the child and have her try it on. Of course it will need minor adjustments as it is not going to look like it does on the front of the pattern envelope. Assure the granddaughter everything will be adjusted to fit only her. Pour a larger glass of wine. Pin where tucks need to be made being careful not to stick the pins into flesh.
Go back to the sewing machine with the dress and the bottle of wine. You can fill the glass as it empties out. Note: If the wine is running low, you may use the white wine now.
Start attaching the bling. Call the granddaughter and ask her just how this is going to work. When she gets that deer-in-the-headlight look, hide the wine. She is too young to drink. Be sure you remember where you hide it. Put it next to the cooking wine, as at this point you will realize that bottle is next in line.
Keep sewing being careful not to fitch your stinger. That's gonna hurt! But, you can ease the pain with another wass of gline.
Take a break. Sit down and watch Fox News. For this you will need another large beaker of wine. Times are getting bad. Since the wine is all gone, close down shop till morning. It is a good thing grocery stores carry wine, you will need an early start.
Before doing more on the dress, have the client try it on. When she mentions it is not EXACTLY like the picture, tell her everything is going to be fine, she will be a trend settter! If she mentions it does not even look like a dress, you give her that whipped hound dog look and start to cry. Tell her you have worked your fingers to the bone, even stuck one with a needle and she is just a spoiled brat with no feelings for an old grandma. Head for the place you hid the last bit of wine and finish it off.
By now it is bedtime. Come morning things will surely look better. Well there might be a slight headache, but once you get another supply of wine all will be better. Prom is only a week away, soon it will all be over. As she dances the night away with her date, enjoy some wine and cheese. You are now an accomplished seamstress having made a one-of-a-kind designer dress. If anyone questions whether it actually is a dress, remind them you are an artist and therefore sensitive. Let them know one day your designs will be among those on the runway with other creations no one in their right mind would wear.
Now you know how to design a prom dress. Cheers!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wake up America!
If only Americans would wake up and stop looking through rose-colored glassed, get off their duffs and work for a living, our country would have a much needed turn around. But, thanks to the leaders of the past we just keep moving head on into socialism. This trend did not just start. It has been ever so slowly moving toward this since WWI.
People look at me with utter surprise when I say I think Social Security is wrong. They look at me strangely when I say the Welfare system is another attempt at making people dependent of government. But, how would people make it without these things you ask. I say, the same way they made it BEFORE these things.
When the brave people arrived on shore at Plymouth Rock, I do not think any of them were handed a welfare check to help them get started. I don't think any of them were given food stamps to help them with the high cost of food. So, what do you think the people did back then? Do you think they sat around moaning and groaning? Well, maybe they did a lot of moaning and groaning, but it was from aching backs and pulled muscles they received while doing an honest day's labor. Do you think they had houses given to them so they would not be deprived of luxury living? I know of one who lived in the hollow of a sycamore tree for two years and started a family while living there. Yes, I have a picture of the man, his wife and a friend all dressed in their finery standing in front of their 'first home'. The man became a millionaire by WORKING! No one gave him anything. What he gained came by hard work.
I just can't understand why people want to lose their freedom. That is exactly what they do when the let the government take control. I will put it in a way you might understand and see if that opens a few eyes.
Have you ever lived in rented housing? Have you ever worked for someone else? Well you say, of course hasn't everyone! Yes, most likely we all have. When you lived in rented housing were you expected to pay the rent on time, live by the 'rules' of the owner of the house being content with what he chose to do to the house where you lived? It was his property. He had the right to tell you what he would allow you to have for the money you gave him each month.
I have worked for several different employers. My very first paying job - age 11- was cleaning for a neighbor lady. I made $3.00 a week, and that was put in with money the other family members made at their jobs. It was all pooled together so we could purchase our own restaurant. I have been a waitress, I have been a store clerk, I worked in a factory, and while working at the University of Oklahoma my title was staff assistant to the Chief of Orthopedics, Veterans Administration. After moving to Ohio I began working at home as a medical transcriptionist, using skills learned while working for someone else. At each and every one of these places I was told what to do and how to do it. I was told when to show up, what to do when I arrived, when to eat lunch, when to go home. It never changed, the rules varied but the expectations of the employer did not. It was his way or the highway.
I realized there was a better way to earn a living. I bought my first business, a janitorial business. Now I was the one telling thirteen workers when to show up, what they had to do, when to eat lunch and when to go home. Even so, I still had work that I had to do. I made sure the workers had their paychecks on time and that my clientele were happy with the service they were given. The need for me to work did not stop.
I have now changed to a business which is more suited for me. I still own a business, but I have no employees except myself. I work the hours I choose, still having to please the clientele. I have always had a bent toward the Suzie Homemaker attitude. I like staying at home and working at my own pace. That pace is a bit slower now that my age is a bit higher! The point is, I still have to work. I am not sitting around expecting the government to take over. Truth be told, I cringe just thinking that could happen. I sure do not want the government telling me when I can see a doctor, what surgeries are unnecessary because I am too old and useless to be spending their money. O! Wait! THEIR money??? I forgot. They have no money. They take a lot of what we earn and call it their money. Then they tell us how they are going to spend 'their' money.
America, wake up! The alarm clock has gone off several times. We cannot afford to stay in bed with our heads covered. Our lives are being sucked away by the people we blindly elected as our leaders. Wake up and look around. I shudder when I hear 'it doesn't matter, I have no voice anyhow'. Well, you never will have if that attitude remains. When it does, I wonder who will be protesting the loudest? Yes, it will be those who do not take the time now to learn about the people we elect. It will be those who say our leaders' private morals do not matter. It will be those who are willing to sit back and rake in benefits they should not be getting. We as a nation are on a down-hill slide toward the total destruction of our freedom. This freedom was paid for in blood of our ancestors as well as those who now serve our nation in the military.
I have read the whole 'book' I understand America is not mentioned as a force of power in the end times. It just hurts my heart to know how easily we are being lead to the destruction of our freedom. And for what? America, wake up. God bless America.
People look at me with utter surprise when I say I think Social Security is wrong. They look at me strangely when I say the Welfare system is another attempt at making people dependent of government. But, how would people make it without these things you ask. I say, the same way they made it BEFORE these things.
When the brave people arrived on shore at Plymouth Rock, I do not think any of them were handed a welfare check to help them get started. I don't think any of them were given food stamps to help them with the high cost of food. So, what do you think the people did back then? Do you think they sat around moaning and groaning? Well, maybe they did a lot of moaning and groaning, but it was from aching backs and pulled muscles they received while doing an honest day's labor. Do you think they had houses given to them so they would not be deprived of luxury living? I know of one who lived in the hollow of a sycamore tree for two years and started a family while living there. Yes, I have a picture of the man, his wife and a friend all dressed in their finery standing in front of their 'first home'. The man became a millionaire by WORKING! No one gave him anything. What he gained came by hard work.
I just can't understand why people want to lose their freedom. That is exactly what they do when the let the government take control. I will put it in a way you might understand and see if that opens a few eyes.
Have you ever lived in rented housing? Have you ever worked for someone else? Well you say, of course hasn't everyone! Yes, most likely we all have. When you lived in rented housing were you expected to pay the rent on time, live by the 'rules' of the owner of the house being content with what he chose to do to the house where you lived? It was his property. He had the right to tell you what he would allow you to have for the money you gave him each month.
I have worked for several different employers. My very first paying job - age 11- was cleaning for a neighbor lady. I made $3.00 a week, and that was put in with money the other family members made at their jobs. It was all pooled together so we could purchase our own restaurant. I have been a waitress, I have been a store clerk, I worked in a factory, and while working at the University of Oklahoma my title was staff assistant to the Chief of Orthopedics, Veterans Administration. After moving to Ohio I began working at home as a medical transcriptionist, using skills learned while working for someone else. At each and every one of these places I was told what to do and how to do it. I was told when to show up, what to do when I arrived, when to eat lunch, when to go home. It never changed, the rules varied but the expectations of the employer did not. It was his way or the highway.
I realized there was a better way to earn a living. I bought my first business, a janitorial business. Now I was the one telling thirteen workers when to show up, what they had to do, when to eat lunch and when to go home. Even so, I still had work that I had to do. I made sure the workers had their paychecks on time and that my clientele were happy with the service they were given. The need for me to work did not stop.
I have now changed to a business which is more suited for me. I still own a business, but I have no employees except myself. I work the hours I choose, still having to please the clientele. I have always had a bent toward the Suzie Homemaker attitude. I like staying at home and working at my own pace. That pace is a bit slower now that my age is a bit higher! The point is, I still have to work. I am not sitting around expecting the government to take over. Truth be told, I cringe just thinking that could happen. I sure do not want the government telling me when I can see a doctor, what surgeries are unnecessary because I am too old and useless to be spending their money. O! Wait! THEIR money??? I forgot. They have no money. They take a lot of what we earn and call it their money. Then they tell us how they are going to spend 'their' money.
America, wake up! The alarm clock has gone off several times. We cannot afford to stay in bed with our heads covered. Our lives are being sucked away by the people we blindly elected as our leaders. Wake up and look around. I shudder when I hear 'it doesn't matter, I have no voice anyhow'. Well, you never will have if that attitude remains. When it does, I wonder who will be protesting the loudest? Yes, it will be those who do not take the time now to learn about the people we elect. It will be those who say our leaders' private morals do not matter. It will be those who are willing to sit back and rake in benefits they should not be getting. We as a nation are on a down-hill slide toward the total destruction of our freedom. This freedom was paid for in blood of our ancestors as well as those who now serve our nation in the military.
I have read the whole 'book' I understand America is not mentioned as a force of power in the end times. It just hurts my heart to know how easily we are being lead to the destruction of our freedom. And for what? America, wake up. God bless America.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Flu Shots
Several times this past week as I passed the Health Department I noticed a sign regarding the H1N1 flu shots were being given today. Not knowing any details I thought I should investigate further. I discovered the shots are given from 4-6 in the evening only and one has to 'qualify' to get one. You are right. I don't qualify! It seems I am 'over the age limit' for those who can get the shot at this time. A person has to have a chronic illness also to be eligible. Well, that I have, but the age factor overrides the chronic illness. I was also told the regular flu shot is no longer being manufactured. What's with that?
All this seems a bit odd to me. First, the 'government' should have NO say whatsoever in whether or not I want to be protected, but they do. That wonderful health care plan that Obama and Pelosi have to offer is not yet in effect, and they are already choosing who can get the shot. I feel if they ever get that through the only people that will 'qualify' for benefits will either be illegals or terrorists. That seems to be the ones Obama caters to now, so why would he not make sure they are the healthy ones. Then there is this. Did you know that those who are incarcerated got their flu shots even before the health care workers! It is important to keep those who break the law alive so we can support them in fine style behind bars. What is wrong with that picture?
All this seems a bit odd to me. First, the 'government' should have NO say whatsoever in whether or not I want to be protected, but they do. That wonderful health care plan that Obama and Pelosi have to offer is not yet in effect, and they are already choosing who can get the shot. I feel if they ever get that through the only people that will 'qualify' for benefits will either be illegals or terrorists. That seems to be the ones Obama caters to now, so why would he not make sure they are the healthy ones. Then there is this. Did you know that those who are incarcerated got their flu shots even before the health care workers! It is important to keep those who break the law alive so we can support them in fine style behind bars. What is wrong with that picture?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Coffee with Cream
I am enjoying a cup of hot coffee with whipping cream. I remember a taste of coffee when I was a teenager that I have not been able to repeat. I thought something was wrong with the coffee, until I discovered using whipping cream gave me the flavor I had stored in my memory. I recall being at a ball game, in Kentucky, with friends and the chill in the air gave me a need for something warm. I tasted my friend's coffee with cream (at that time I was not a coffee drinker) and that taste lingered over many years. So many things have changed over the years.
First off, these days I would not be tasting things from someone else's cup. The fear of germs does not allow us to be so cavalier in our behavior. Today things are not as simple as back then. When one used cream in their coffee, it was actual cream, the kind that came to the top of the milk when it settled. Watered down was not part of the process then. Today cream is not really cream. It is part cream, part milk - there we get half and half. I don't want watered down; I want the real thing, that taste that has lingered over the ages.
I recall having a cup of hot cocoa. It makes my mouth water just thinking of that pot of hot cocoa simmering on the old wood stove. It was made with real milk, not the watered down, no fat, no taste blue stuff that is supposed to be healthy for you. I query - how EVER did our ancestors live! Why, today it is unthinkable to use what God gave us. We have to doctor it up or tone it down for the sake of our longevity.
One cannot enjoy lard, it is bad for you. One should not eat red meat, it will clog up the veins. One should never use real butter, only margarine will do. It is a wonder I am living. I was watching a TV program about a mother giving birth having had no ultra sound, no prenatal vitamins and without the monthly to weekly visit to the doctor. Well folks. My mother had none of this. I in fact was born in a log cabin, not a hospital, no doctor was present, only a neighbor posing as a midwife.
For just shy of 97 years my mother cooked with pure lard. It was in the beans that were a staple at two meals for as long as I can remember. She actually FRIED potatoes in that same lard, lard that came from frying bacon. O, what a taste! I am beginning to feel hungry. She made biscuits from scratch, using real milk with a bit of cream in it. She greased the pan with pure lard and brushed it over the top of the unbaked biscuits.
Another staple was the twice-a-day cornbread which was generously covered with butter. It too was made with milk - buttermilk which came from churning butter. O, the taste! This too had lard as a lubricant in the bottom of the baking pan. She used a bit extra so the cornbread would yield a crusty brown crust. How dare she feed us all such horrid things. If she was trying to kill us off, it didn't work! Here I am, the younger of the quartet that lived on the farm, age 72, still living as are all but one of my siblings. He died as a result of war, not of bad eating habits.
As for meat, we ate the meat we had available, unaware it might be bad for us. I guess not having a lot of meat is what saved us all from certain premature death. We ate freshly killed chicken that flopped around on the ground without a head as blood came pouring out. Imagine what animal rights people would do with that one! The bunny rabbits that hopped across the fields often lost their life via a gun held by my dad. It was then placed in a pouch on the back of his hutting jacket to be carried home to process it for the skillet. I never watched that as it was a 'man thing' the skinning of wild game. I have eaten squirrel, pheasant, and little birds of some sort. I was never one to dwell on how it came to the table. I was just glad that it did.
On the farm we didn't butcher the cow, we fed it, milked it, and used the milk. Was it pasteurized? I am not sure that word had yet been invented. I spent many evenings carrying a lantern to the barn so mother could see while milking the cow. I wore boots to tromp through whatever gunk was in the area. You can use your imagination there. What we did, was milk the cow, strain the milk to free it from any 'oddities' that may have landed in the bucket when the cow raised her hoof to ward off a fly or something of that nature. When the milk had settled, the cream was skimmed from the top to be used to make butter. What was left from making butter became buttermilk. When the milk was skimmed it became cottage cheese. All of this without government inspectors with lengthy guidelines telling us how things had to be done. How ever did we survive!
I think I should ponder these things while the cornbread bakes, the potatoes brown up in the iron skillet in a sea of real lard and the brown beans simmer on the back burner. I might even say a prayer, thanking Him for the food He has provided. I have more faith in Him than in our elected leaders. Anyone hungry???
First off, these days I would not be tasting things from someone else's cup. The fear of germs does not allow us to be so cavalier in our behavior. Today things are not as simple as back then. When one used cream in their coffee, it was actual cream, the kind that came to the top of the milk when it settled. Watered down was not part of the process then. Today cream is not really cream. It is part cream, part milk - there we get half and half. I don't want watered down; I want the real thing, that taste that has lingered over the ages.
I recall having a cup of hot cocoa. It makes my mouth water just thinking of that pot of hot cocoa simmering on the old wood stove. It was made with real milk, not the watered down, no fat, no taste blue stuff that is supposed to be healthy for you. I query - how EVER did our ancestors live! Why, today it is unthinkable to use what God gave us. We have to doctor it up or tone it down for the sake of our longevity.
One cannot enjoy lard, it is bad for you. One should not eat red meat, it will clog up the veins. One should never use real butter, only margarine will do. It is a wonder I am living. I was watching a TV program about a mother giving birth having had no ultra sound, no prenatal vitamins and without the monthly to weekly visit to the doctor. Well folks. My mother had none of this. I in fact was born in a log cabin, not a hospital, no doctor was present, only a neighbor posing as a midwife.
For just shy of 97 years my mother cooked with pure lard. It was in the beans that were a staple at two meals for as long as I can remember. She actually FRIED potatoes in that same lard, lard that came from frying bacon. O, what a taste! I am beginning to feel hungry. She made biscuits from scratch, using real milk with a bit of cream in it. She greased the pan with pure lard and brushed it over the top of the unbaked biscuits.
Another staple was the twice-a-day cornbread which was generously covered with butter. It too was made with milk - buttermilk which came from churning butter. O, the taste! This too had lard as a lubricant in the bottom of the baking pan. She used a bit extra so the cornbread would yield a crusty brown crust. How dare she feed us all such horrid things. If she was trying to kill us off, it didn't work! Here I am, the younger of the quartet that lived on the farm, age 72, still living as are all but one of my siblings. He died as a result of war, not of bad eating habits.
As for meat, we ate the meat we had available, unaware it might be bad for us. I guess not having a lot of meat is what saved us all from certain premature death. We ate freshly killed chicken that flopped around on the ground without a head as blood came pouring out. Imagine what animal rights people would do with that one! The bunny rabbits that hopped across the fields often lost their life via a gun held by my dad. It was then placed in a pouch on the back of his hutting jacket to be carried home to process it for the skillet. I never watched that as it was a 'man thing' the skinning of wild game. I have eaten squirrel, pheasant, and little birds of some sort. I was never one to dwell on how it came to the table. I was just glad that it did.
On the farm we didn't butcher the cow, we fed it, milked it, and used the milk. Was it pasteurized? I am not sure that word had yet been invented. I spent many evenings carrying a lantern to the barn so mother could see while milking the cow. I wore boots to tromp through whatever gunk was in the area. You can use your imagination there. What we did, was milk the cow, strain the milk to free it from any 'oddities' that may have landed in the bucket when the cow raised her hoof to ward off a fly or something of that nature. When the milk had settled, the cream was skimmed from the top to be used to make butter. What was left from making butter became buttermilk. When the milk was skimmed it became cottage cheese. All of this without government inspectors with lengthy guidelines telling us how things had to be done. How ever did we survive!
I think I should ponder these things while the cornbread bakes, the potatoes brown up in the iron skillet in a sea of real lard and the brown beans simmer on the back burner. I might even say a prayer, thanking Him for the food He has provided. I have more faith in Him than in our elected leaders. Anyone hungry???
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Another speech, but not in my hometown
Another speech, another wasted day. That is what I think about Obama coming to Cincinnati on Labor Day. Tuesday! What is he thinking? Does he really think he can keep the attention of a young child for half an hour? O, if only our teachers had that knack. I am sure they will agree, trying to keep a kindergartner focused on ANYTHING for half an hour is quite impossible. Most of them can't even sit watching a cartoon which is more interesting to them than a man talking with a teleprompter. I can see where high school students might listen. I feel sure even some of them would not be interested other than figuring it is a good way to get out of class. What IS the President thinking?
What is with all the speeches? That is not what people expected when the voted for him. The speeches were appropriate during the campaign. Now he should be putting those 'promises' into actions. Where are the answers people are needing concerning the economy? Where are the jobs he promised were forthcoming? What good has the infamous stimulus created? I see nothing positive in either of those things.
I am a grandmother, just a modicum of education, no great mind, just an ordinary human being with nothing more to offer than common sense. Now that I have. Common sense tells you this constant talking by the President is not fixing any of the problems. Common sense certainly lets one know a young child will get nothing substantial from a half hour speech. Obama says education is important, and that is very true. So, let the teachers use that half hour to TEACH. Yes, I believe in freedom of speech. I am not seeing a two-way freedom here. The teachers are not given the freedom to decline. They are being told this is to be part of their day. How free is that?
I don't have children in school. I do have grandchildren that attend. When I look at each one of them I can only see one that might be interested in listening to this mandatory speech. When I was a child I would have been more in the ' who is Obama' category. My parents did not try to push politics to me as a child. Why should they? Children are not even allowed to vote. In time, when my age was appropriate, they informed me, let me make up my own mind. They did not insist I follow their path. That is the American way. To see America getting into pushing political ideas down to their children just because Obama thinks it is right makes no sense to me. I feel a twinge of concern. Is this how the destructive leaders in other countries behave? How about Kim Jong Il? How did he gain control of the Korean people? Is this what was done by Saddam Huissan when he gained control of the Iraqi people? I see pictures of children being told that killing the infidel will gain them great favor in the hereafter at a very early age. I am sure the indoctrination of these countries didn't happen suddenly. I am sure the common folk felt at ease with these men in the beginning. How does a whole country wind up being controlled by one person with off the wall ideas? I feel sure it began by controlling the minds of the younger children.
I pray America regains her common sense. Stop these ideas before they are entrenched into our country. I already see too many young people who think 'getting things for nothing' is a good thing. It is NOT. What one does not work to attain is wasted. I plead with parents. Insist that your child earns what he has. Instill good work ethics in your child. Don't leave it to a teleprompter to teach them right from wrong. It is the duty of a parent to shape a child, not someone residing in Washington D. C. Stand up for freedom.
There is hope for the weary. You will be pleased to know ... here in London, the 'speech' was not be aired. How blessed we are in this community to have leaders with common sense. I praise you who made this decision.
What is with all the speeches? That is not what people expected when the voted for him. The speeches were appropriate during the campaign. Now he should be putting those 'promises' into actions. Where are the answers people are needing concerning the economy? Where are the jobs he promised were forthcoming? What good has the infamous stimulus created? I see nothing positive in either of those things.
I am a grandmother, just a modicum of education, no great mind, just an ordinary human being with nothing more to offer than common sense. Now that I have. Common sense tells you this constant talking by the President is not fixing any of the problems. Common sense certainly lets one know a young child will get nothing substantial from a half hour speech. Obama says education is important, and that is very true. So, let the teachers use that half hour to TEACH. Yes, I believe in freedom of speech. I am not seeing a two-way freedom here. The teachers are not given the freedom to decline. They are being told this is to be part of their day. How free is that?
I don't have children in school. I do have grandchildren that attend. When I look at each one of them I can only see one that might be interested in listening to this mandatory speech. When I was a child I would have been more in the ' who is Obama' category. My parents did not try to push politics to me as a child. Why should they? Children are not even allowed to vote. In time, when my age was appropriate, they informed me, let me make up my own mind. They did not insist I follow their path. That is the American way. To see America getting into pushing political ideas down to their children just because Obama thinks it is right makes no sense to me. I feel a twinge of concern. Is this how the destructive leaders in other countries behave? How about Kim Jong Il? How did he gain control of the Korean people? Is this what was done by Saddam Huissan when he gained control of the Iraqi people? I see pictures of children being told that killing the infidel will gain them great favor in the hereafter at a very early age. I am sure the indoctrination of these countries didn't happen suddenly. I am sure the common folk felt at ease with these men in the beginning. How does a whole country wind up being controlled by one person with off the wall ideas? I feel sure it began by controlling the minds of the younger children.
I pray America regains her common sense. Stop these ideas before they are entrenched into our country. I already see too many young people who think 'getting things for nothing' is a good thing. It is NOT. What one does not work to attain is wasted. I plead with parents. Insist that your child earns what he has. Instill good work ethics in your child. Don't leave it to a teleprompter to teach them right from wrong. It is the duty of a parent to shape a child, not someone residing in Washington D. C. Stand up for freedom.
There is hope for the weary. You will be pleased to know ... here in London, the 'speech' was not be aired. How blessed we are in this community to have leaders with common sense. I praise you who made this decision.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Meeting of the mindless
I sent this to my sister-in-law. She said; : "Hip! Hip! Hoorah! Glenn Beck could be your brother!" Is that a good thing?
Below is the article I sent to our local paper.
I just returned from a meeting with a representative from Senator Voinovich's office. You can imagine the crowd that attended. Why it was almost impossible to get a parking space close enough to walk -NOT! Once inside the Madison County Courthouse getting close enough to hear what the lady had to say was nearly impossible. NOT! Everyone that attended were very calm and quiet. NOT!
Yes, I was there by chance. There was an article in this morning's paper stating someone would be at the courthouse to hear concerns. I had not read the morning paper, but a friend of mine did. She called to ask if I would like to attend. Of course I wanted to attend since I had not been told of the Town Hall meetings that were held in Columbus a while back. Those things seem to be kept under wrap in the local papers. I wonder why. Are we the people supposed to be interested in what is going on with our national, state and local representatives? I certain hope that is the case. As far as I know the United States, by the grace of God, is STILL governed for the people and by the people? I know from watching the news things are about to change - in some instances already have changed.
I am asking myself why our local paper, which also should be for the people as the people are paying their salary by reading it, did not announce this meeting until hours before it was to happen. Is it that the local paper is well aware of the mind set of the people who vote? I think not.
My friend and I were two of the four who first to arrive. We had to ask where this meeting was to take place. Soon a diminutive, well coifed, well-dressed lady arrived. She sat at a desk placed in the halls of the building. I was thankful we were not standing outside in the hot sun.
The questioning began. The lady said she would like to take those who had 'personal' concerns first. She would take those into another office to talk. I asked what she considered as personal. She informed me it was for a concern interested only to one party. I asked if she could take our concerns first as we each had lives beyond this hour. Others agreed with me on that the concerns of the entire group should be addressed first.
You know how it is when you ask a question and when the answer comes you have no idea what good the asking could have been? Well, we sure got a lot of that. We do know for a fact that the lady 'would take our concerns back to the office". We asked point blank questions. She could, or would not give us a solid answer. The questions ranged from our concerns about our rights being taken away by the present government to how all of this affected the lady. It seems she has a 'government healthcare' program, so of course she was not concerned any of this would affect her. When asked how Voinovich felt about any subject she said she could not speak for him but would take our concerns back to him. How convenient. We even asked why Voinovich himself could not come and was he planning on any town hall meetings. Of course she did not know where he was but did know he was not planning to have town hall meetings. One gentleman felt the reason she was sent in his stead was because he did not want to face his constituents. After all, he will not be running for office next year, already has his health care system in place with the government. He will retire with a tidy sum of money which amounts to more than he makes as our voice.
Folks, we have no voice! We the people are being lead like sheep to the slaughter. Wake up America! Fight for what is your rights. Don't let some intimidate you to accept what is going on because you are only one voice. That is NOT true! There are many others who feel the same as you do regarding the takeover of the banks, the car companies, Cap and Trade, health care and A.C.O.R.N. Rise up! Make your voice heard. I know today the crowd was small only because no one knew it was happening. By chance those in attendance showed up. Our local paper sure did not give us a heads up. So, what do we do about the fact our local paper prints only what they want you to know? Is there an answer? I think there is. If the paper cannot be nonpartisan then let them go out of business. The same should be true with the banks, the car companies and anyone else who has spent more money than they make expecting to be bailed out by the government. It is NOT the job of the government to make your living or mine. The government has absolutely NO right to take over the healthcare in this country. What this administration is trying to do is to turn us into robots that do the will of someone who has no more ability to lead than I do. But, believe it or not, there are those out there that still think this administration is working FOR us. For those who do, I would suggest you get a bit more insight on what is happening in Washington with Pelosi, Reed, Obama and their cronies. They are ALL working for themselves, not you.
Remember an election is coming up. If these same leaches are in office the next time, blame yourself. We can choose who we want to sit in Washington making rules they have no right to make. That is what happened this last election. There were too many people sitting on their hands looking for a handout. There were too many people who chose not to work to make their own way. That is NOT the American way. From the time this country was formed people worked for what they had. Down through time people have had to work for the things they want. Handing free this and that to those who do not have a good work ethic is not the answer. Even the Bible says (paraphrase) you don't work, you don't eat! Just look around. Because of the unrealistic spending by the government and people who spent more than they can afford, America is close to a deep depression. Don't let the powers kid you, it is still possible even if you hear them say we are coming out of the bad times. Hogwash!
I want the government to give me back the inalienable rights given to me by the Constitution that was put into practice many years ago. Don't tell me I can't speak the name of God. Don't tell me I can't pray. Don't tell me it is my job to give folks money I have worked hard to earn. That is NOT what the Constitution says. As well it is not what it intended. I have no intention of disowning the God of Creation. If you want to, hey, fine with me, but don't you DARE tell me I have to. I don't tell you that you have to share my view. I am telling you that you will never take away what our forefathers set forth as how America should be governed. There is nothing in the Constitution that gives government the right to take over ANYTHING! They are there to work in my best interest under the guides of the rules put in place when we were just a young country. Why does America exist? Has anyone ever thought about that? Well, it is in part because the people were tired of being told what they HAD to do according to someone in government. The ACLU says it is for the 'rights of the people'. I beg to differ with that. They are a group of people trying to make us think like they do. It is just NOT going to happen folks. After a while - and I am thinking that time is now here - the people will rise. We the people will shout you down if necessary to get our point across. If loud talk is all you understand, they so be it. We will shout. That does not make us a radical fringe group.
God Bless America!
Hazel Williams-Jann
email: Hwjann@aol.com
Below is the article I sent to our local paper.
I just returned from a meeting with a representative from Senator Voinovich's office. You can imagine the crowd that attended. Why it was almost impossible to get a parking space close enough to walk -NOT! Once inside the Madison County Courthouse getting close enough to hear what the lady had to say was nearly impossible. NOT! Everyone that attended were very calm and quiet. NOT!
Yes, I was there by chance. There was an article in this morning's paper stating someone would be at the courthouse to hear concerns. I had not read the morning paper, but a friend of mine did. She called to ask if I would like to attend. Of course I wanted to attend since I had not been told of the Town Hall meetings that were held in Columbus a while back. Those things seem to be kept under wrap in the local papers. I wonder why. Are we the people supposed to be interested in what is going on with our national, state and local representatives? I certain hope that is the case. As far as I know the United States, by the grace of God, is STILL governed for the people and by the people? I know from watching the news things are about to change - in some instances already have changed.
I am asking myself why our local paper, which also should be for the people as the people are paying their salary by reading it, did not announce this meeting until hours before it was to happen. Is it that the local paper is well aware of the mind set of the people who vote? I think not.
My friend and I were two of the four who first to arrive. We had to ask where this meeting was to take place. Soon a diminutive, well coifed, well-dressed lady arrived. She sat at a desk placed in the halls of the building. I was thankful we were not standing outside in the hot sun.
The questioning began. The lady said she would like to take those who had 'personal' concerns first. She would take those into another office to talk. I asked what she considered as personal. She informed me it was for a concern interested only to one party. I asked if she could take our concerns first as we each had lives beyond this hour. Others agreed with me on that the concerns of the entire group should be addressed first.
You know how it is when you ask a question and when the answer comes you have no idea what good the asking could have been? Well, we sure got a lot of that. We do know for a fact that the lady 'would take our concerns back to the office". We asked point blank questions. She could, or would not give us a solid answer. The questions ranged from our concerns about our rights being taken away by the present government to how all of this affected the lady. It seems she has a 'government healthcare' program, so of course she was not concerned any of this would affect her. When asked how Voinovich felt about any subject she said she could not speak for him but would take our concerns back to him. How convenient. We even asked why Voinovich himself could not come and was he planning on any town hall meetings. Of course she did not know where he was but did know he was not planning to have town hall meetings. One gentleman felt the reason she was sent in his stead was because he did not want to face his constituents. After all, he will not be running for office next year, already has his health care system in place with the government. He will retire with a tidy sum of money which amounts to more than he makes as our voice.
Folks, we have no voice! We the people are being lead like sheep to the slaughter. Wake up America! Fight for what is your rights. Don't let some intimidate you to accept what is going on because you are only one voice. That is NOT true! There are many others who feel the same as you do regarding the takeover of the banks, the car companies, Cap and Trade, health care and A.C.O.R.N. Rise up! Make your voice heard. I know today the crowd was small only because no one knew it was happening. By chance those in attendance showed up. Our local paper sure did not give us a heads up. So, what do we do about the fact our local paper prints only what they want you to know? Is there an answer? I think there is. If the paper cannot be nonpartisan then let them go out of business. The same should be true with the banks, the car companies and anyone else who has spent more money than they make expecting to be bailed out by the government. It is NOT the job of the government to make your living or mine. The government has absolutely NO right to take over the healthcare in this country. What this administration is trying to do is to turn us into robots that do the will of someone who has no more ability to lead than I do. But, believe it or not, there are those out there that still think this administration is working FOR us. For those who do, I would suggest you get a bit more insight on what is happening in Washington with Pelosi, Reed, Obama and their cronies. They are ALL working for themselves, not you.
Remember an election is coming up. If these same leaches are in office the next time, blame yourself. We can choose who we want to sit in Washington making rules they have no right to make. That is what happened this last election. There were too many people sitting on their hands looking for a handout. There were too many people who chose not to work to make their own way. That is NOT the American way. From the time this country was formed people worked for what they had. Down through time people have had to work for the things they want. Handing free this and that to those who do not have a good work ethic is not the answer. Even the Bible says (paraphrase) you don't work, you don't eat! Just look around. Because of the unrealistic spending by the government and people who spent more than they can afford, America is close to a deep depression. Don't let the powers kid you, it is still possible even if you hear them say we are coming out of the bad times. Hogwash!
I want the government to give me back the inalienable rights given to me by the Constitution that was put into practice many years ago. Don't tell me I can't speak the name of God. Don't tell me I can't pray. Don't tell me it is my job to give folks money I have worked hard to earn. That is NOT what the Constitution says. As well it is not what it intended. I have no intention of disowning the God of Creation. If you want to, hey, fine with me, but don't you DARE tell me I have to. I don't tell you that you have to share my view. I am telling you that you will never take away what our forefathers set forth as how America should be governed. There is nothing in the Constitution that gives government the right to take over ANYTHING! They are there to work in my best interest under the guides of the rules put in place when we were just a young country. Why does America exist? Has anyone ever thought about that? Well, it is in part because the people were tired of being told what they HAD to do according to someone in government. The ACLU says it is for the 'rights of the people'. I beg to differ with that. They are a group of people trying to make us think like they do. It is just NOT going to happen folks. After a while - and I am thinking that time is now here - the people will rise. We the people will shout you down if necessary to get our point across. If loud talk is all you understand, they so be it. We will shout. That does not make us a radical fringe group.
God Bless America!
Hazel Williams-Jann
email: Hwjann@aol.com
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