Gooble, gooble . . .

Why are Thanksgiving and Christmas so close together?

sdb

The most important gift anyone can give a girl is a belief in her own power as an individual, her value without reference to gender, her respect as a person with potential. Emilie Buchwald

The Finest

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints in our hearts and we are never the same.

big sis

New Day

Exploring

These are giant puffball mushrooms. They grow in our woods from late summer to early fall. A single puffball can produce nine trillion spores! My granddaughter was thrilled with her find.

ace is the place

"Visit your Aunt, but not every day; and, call at your Brother's, but not every night." ~ Benjamin Franklin ~

Fall is falling . . . .

True Story . . . .

"I just found out I have H1N1. My tibia is fractured. And, we are under a tornado watch. Some fall break."

P E A C E . . . . .

C H A N G E

"I want it to be said that the Bush administration was a results-oriented administration, because I believe the results of focusing our attention and energy on teaching children to read and achieving an education system that's responsive to the child and to the parents, as opposed to mired in a system that refuses to change will make America what we want it to be -- a more literate country and a hopefuller country." George W. Bush January 11, 2001 Washington, D.C

p l e a s e . . . .

The Montana Show

Ted and Martha. My favorite two people. Yes, I know. These are terrible pictures of Ted. It is the best my little camera and I could do. Should I just sit there and not try? What if you looked down seven seats and there was Ted? Anyway, I just watched the Martha Stewart Living show today with Martha visiting Ted in Montana. The best Martha I have ever seen. More info on Martha's blog. ** TT owns approximately two million acres of personal and ranch land. His lands are managed and worked to partner economic viability with ecological sustainability. Turner ranches support many progressive environmental projects including water resource management, reforestation and the reintroduction of native species to the land. They manage over 50,000 head of bison across the various Turner ranches. ** The UN Foundation promotes "a more peaceful, prosperous and just world". The United Nations priority areas include the Environment, Women and Population, Children's Health, Security, Human Rights and Peace. The United Nations Foundation, Inc. (the "UN Foundation") was created in 1998 in response to Ted Turner's historic gift of $1 billion in support of United Nations causes. Wow.

Buddy Turns Free

I can't boil water . . .

We went to the Incredible Food Show Saturday. And, the incredible Bobby Flay was there. He was signing his cookbooks. I don't know what I will do with mine but it's pretty. There were around 100 Kentucky Proud growers and producers including a beautiful representation from the local farmers market. And, lots of vegetables, cheese, bread, sauce, salsa, relish, garlic, honey, wine, tea, jam cake, fondue, yum and yummier. . . . . . . . a couple of local gals in line for a sample of home brew more Bobby . . .

Breathe life for lung cancer

Beauty News: Breathe life with OPI

Your nails will not only look chic, but you will be supporting the fight against the number one killer of women in the U.S., according to the LCFA. see We Live In The Country . . . .

National color of Ireland

Sitting out on the deck today I realize that fall is just around the corner. I have had these hostas in a pot for years and they come back and look great every year. The ferns are in a sheltered part of the ground. But in a few weeks they will be turning brown and going to sleep.

Something I read: Nature of Green - Green is a restful color with some of the same calming attributes of blue. Like blue, time moves faster in a green room.

B F F's

God made us cousins, because he knew our moms couldn’t handle us as sisters. Anonymous

Chihuly

I have always loved the work of Dale Chihuly, an American artist from Washington. A student of interior design and architecture in the early 1960s, by 1965 he had become captivated by the process of glassblowing. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin's hot glass program and now he shows all over the world. I first saw glimpses of him in Arizona and recently shot these sculptures at the Naples Museum of Art in Florida. See the Chihuly exhibit now at Cheekwood in Nashville

Mehmet and Me

The Dr. Oz Show starts today !

What are the two most important things people should do to keep themselves young?

Walk. You should be able to walk a quarter mile in five minutes. Second most important is building a community -- avoiding isolation. Because if your heart doesn't have a reason to keep beating, it won't.

Farmers Market

L.O.V.E.

Mark, who knew?

Daily Photo Tip

By MarkRaymondMason.com Fine Art Photography

Before buying a camera that includes a digital zoom, be sure you know what its optical zoom capabilities are. Since a digital zoom is only a cropping tool, the optical zoom is the only truly useful zoom feature. (Jul 2, 2009)

The Real Thing

Happy Fathers Day

Geminis

Gemini May 21 - June 21Gemini is the third Sign of the Zodiac, and those born under this Sign will be quick to tell you all about it. That's because they love to talk! It's not just idle chatter with these folks, either. The driving force behind a Gemini's conversation is their mind. The Gemini-born are intellectually inclined, forever probing people and places in search of information. The more information a Gemini collects, the better. Sharing that information later on with those they love is also a lot of fun, for Geminis are supremely interested in developing their relationships. Dalliances with these folks are always enjoyable, since Geminis are bright, quick-witted and the proverbial life of the party. Even though their intellectual minds can rationalize forever and a day, Geminis also have a surplus of imagination waiting to be tapped. Can a Gemini be boring? Never!

Baby Puppy

Biggie

Memorial Daze

This Oak was planted around the same time my Great Great Great Grandfather was buried here in 1892. My niece is standing between my Great Great Great Grandfather and his son, my Great Great Grandfather. The little Oak has grown . . . and, is now pushing up on the tent like stone. My Grandfather and Grandmother are also here along with most of their families. My Grandmother's birthday was the 22nd - happy 128th birthday Mammie. . . . . time flies.

Somewhere

Daily Photo Tip

By MarkRaymondMason.com Fine Art Photography

On a very wet day or after a rainstorm, try photographing rainbows. Rainbows appear most strongly directly opposite the sun, when the sun is low to the horizon. (May 11, 2009)

Thanks again, Mark. These were taken last month one evening as my Mother and I left a restaurant around 6 pm after a long and steady rain - the sun just behind us. Can you see that it is a double rainbow? As hard as I tried, there was no way I could get a shot without one million wires and utility poles and lights and whatever . . . . play like they aren't there. It was beautiful.

April 19, 1947

Today would have been Wales and Jo's 62nd wedding anniversary. Cheers!

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, spanning Florida's Tampa Bay, is 29,040 feet or 5.5 miles long. It is part of I-275. My Mother and Sister and I were recently going from Naples to St. Pete to visit my Aunt Jenny. I snapped this Shadow Shot as we crossed. I did not take the other two shots below but thought they would give you a better idea of how it looks. Absolutely beautiful.

Tall order . . . .

Part of our St. Patrick's Day prep.

Thanks Mark

Daily Photo Tip

By MarkRaymondMason.com Fine Art Photography

GIF format files are used for some web-based images, but not usually for photographs. Though you could save a photograph in GIF format, it will tend to look 'dotted' and may distract from the photo's effect. (Mar 14, 2009)

Best Boy

A child's heart is like a Garden. . . Here a beautiful flower grows. . . A Heart that's picked by Angels. . . Grandson is the name they chose.

Daylight Saving Time

The rules for Daylight Saving Time changed in 2007 for the first time in more than 20 years and were enacted by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This extended length of daylight will help reduce energy consumption. The new rules increased the duration of Daylight Saving Time by about one month. Daylight Saving Time will now be in effect for 238 days, or about 65% of the year. Daylight Saving Time in the United States

• begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and
• ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of November

In 2009, DST is from 2:00 a.m. (local time) on March 8th until 2:00 a.m. (local time) on November 1st.

Five O'Clock Shadow

For more Shadow Shot Sunday see Hey Harriet

Exposures

This is the original from yesterday. And, when I switch the exposure from -3.00 all the way over to 3.00 you can actually see who is there . . . . . .

I have switched from a desktop to a MacBookPro. With that you get iPhoto. This photo is looking out onto the Gulf of Mexico, shooting into too much light which made it too dark - not a good shot. Have no idea how anything works yet but I was playing around with the edit button and did some adjustments to the exposure, saturation, temperature, shadows, etc. I like it.

Always Spring Around Here

We had a few guests leaving the other night after a birthday party - the door was open several times and maybe we were lingering a little longer than usual . . . . and in flew a bird.

Panic

I am so excited that I finally figured out how to do a knit stitch that I got three different yarns to work. Still just practicing on scarves. And, did I start the hot pink, orange, fuchsia and lime one? No, I started the hot pink, orange, fuchsia and lime one and the grey heather one. The multi colored one is 75% acrylic and 25% wool which is 100 G (Plymouth Encore Colorspun) and I am using a size 11 needle. I couldn't wait to see how this grey bulky yarn worked - much faster. It is 100% wool with a 2 1/2 stitches per inch gauge (Brown Sheep Company Burly Spun) and I am using a size 19 needle. I promise I won't start the other one until I finish these two . . . . .

Shadow Shot Sunday

My Sis told me about this . . . . . .

Shadow Shot Sunday

Hey Harriet, of Brisbane, Qld, Australia, says she has 'a real fascination' with light/shadow photography. So much she has set up the possibility for anyone to post a shadow and be a part of her Shadow Shot Sunday - check it out. (PS - It's already Sunday in Australia !)

Hey Harriet blogspot

Travel to Isle of Man

Travel to the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is located at the heart of the British Isles, putting it within easy reach of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. So whether you're touching down at Ronaldsway Airport or disembarking at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, welcome to the Isle of Man!

Acknowledgement: DOTL.

Travel Information

Whether you're in Scotland, down on the south coast of England or anywhere inbetween, you'll be able to travel to Mann without having to travel too far. Flights operate to the Island from many of the regional airports in the British Isles, or if you prefer to travel by boat then you can choose from two ports in the Northwest of England (or Ireland).

Isle Of Man - check it out

Manx Museum

Illiam Dhone’s cap

James Stanley, Earl of Derby, ruled as King of Mann from his seat at Castle Rushen. James was a follower of Charles I and like him, ruled in an ever more autocratic manner. William Christian (Illiam Dhone), commander of the island’s militia, grew concerned about the loss of traditional rights, and when the English Parliament sent a fleet to the island he seized his opportunity, and negotiated its surrender in exchange for guarantees of these rights. Upon the restoration of Stanley rule under Charles II, Christian, a hero to the Manx but a traitor to the Stanleys, was executed at Hango Hill, near Castletown. This finely embroidered night cap is believed to be his, and indeed it bears a strong resemblance to one worn in the only known portrait of Christian.

This cap is on display in the Manx Museum, Douglas.

Illiam Dhone - One of my Ancestors

Illiam Dhone ceremony takes place

The service was held on the spot where Dhone was killed

A ceremony to mark the contribution made by Illiam Dhone to the political independence of the Isle of Man has taken place in Castletown.

January 2, 2009

Illiam Dhone - the Manx name for William Christian - surrendered the island to Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War in 1651.

He was later accused of treason and sentenced to death by firing squad on Hango Hill on 2 January 1663.

A service to commemorate his death was held on Hango Hill at 1400 GMT.

The ceremony included speeches made in Manx and English from the spot where Dhone was shot.

The service was followed by a get together at the Viking pub in Castletown.

BBC NEWS

The Story of William Christian/Illiam Dhone from:

MANX WORTHIES OR BIOGRAPHIES OF NOTABLE MANX MEN AND WOMEN

COMPILED

BY A. W. MOORE, M.A.

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN S. K. BROADBENT & COMPANY, LIMITED, VICIORIA STREET. 1901.

Valentine's Day

We just happened to be in the city on Valentine's Day.

Leaving the hotel

Window shopping

My favorite part

Boyz

Bad Girls

What's the deal?

When I was young we had snow in February. Not tornado warnings. This long narrow window faces the North - can you see the American flag thru the whiteness of the storm? This was about 3:30 pm one day last week. At the same time - a South facing window. See another 'rain on glass' photo at a site I like called Photography . There was the most beautiful blue after the storm - around 5:30

I Am On Fire !

I would have never thought I would have made this many posts to this blog so soon! Remember back in 1989 when Seinfeld was a mandatory thing in our lives. We were all hooked. And, just like this dern blog - it was about nothing. Thanks Larry! http://larrydavidfan.com/

Family

Where you come from is gone, where you thought you were going to never was there, and where you are is no good unless you can get away from it. In yourself right now is all the place you've got. (Flannery O'Connor)

Whoooh . . . . . .

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 ! Well, she was just 17, You know what I mean, And the way she looked was way beyond compare. So how could I dance with another (ooh) When I saw her standin' there. Well she looked at me, and I, I could see That before too long I'd fall in love with her. She wouldn't dance with another (whooh) When I saw her standin' there. Well, my heart went "boom," When I crossed that room, And I held her hand in mine... Well, we danced through the night, And we held each other tight, And before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another (whooh) When I saw her standing there Well, my heart went "boom," When I crossed that room, And I held her hand in mine... Oh, we danced through the night, And we held each other tight, And before too long I fell in love with her. Now I'll never dance with another (whooh) Since I saw her standing there. Whoa, since I saw her standing there. Yeah well, since I saw her s t a n d i n g there. I Saw Her Standing There - last night at the Grammys and I Saw Her Standing There (1965) I was just seventeen . . . . . .

Namaste

A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added. ~Chris Montaigne ******* Sisters never quite forgive each other for what happened when they were five. ~Pam Brown******* If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater. ~Pam Brown ****** I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 4-year-old named Lauren ******* We may look old and wise to the outside world. But to each other, we are still in junior school. ~Charlotte Gray ******* You keep your past by having sisters. As you get older, they're the only ones who don't get bored if you talk about your memories. ~Deborah Moggach *******

Wanna Hear Sammy? : I Can't Drive 55

First Impressions

I know I am jumping the season gun here - but, I would love this look for the front entrance. I shot these at the entrance of a business in Savannah - used to be the the old JC Penney location. But, I get that west hot evening sun. Would I have to water them three times a day? I use the little poinsettia topiaries at Christmas. I don't have to water polyester.

Winter Sunset

The back of the house still looks very wintery . . . . .and pretty. It is really hard to see the sunset from our house. There are annoying things, like neighbors, that get in the way. On a very cold day, I leaned way out from the front porch to get this shot. Any slice I can get is appreciated.

Knit or Crochet?

My Mother has tried to teach me to sew for years. I'm trying it again. My granddaughter put the fringe on a scarf I crocheted for her doll. And, I knitted a matching scarf for her. I use these terms loosely . . . . I am pleased that you cannot look too closely.

Happy Meal ?

We took 1/3 of our grandchildren to lunch yesterday. At the light before we get to our restaurant and in one shot you see 5 fast food restaurants - I couldn't get the other 4 into the frame! We opted for the little Italian restaurant around the corner - hoping to have not quite as much cholesterol and trans fat as the neighbors. I don't know if we actually did accomplish that. We certainly could have gone for a little more green - but what you do not see is that we did have a big green salad before these main courses. Which are: Chicken Marsala with mushrooms and proscitto in Lombardo Marsala wine sauce http://www.marsalawine.com/ . And, Rigatoni Martino - rigatoni with grilled chicken with sauteed mushrooms and sundried tomatoes in a tomato cream sauce with ricotta and scallions. And, Spiedino Di Mare - grilled shrimp and scollops with italian breadbrumbs in lemon and butter sauce. And, the one you do not see was a Pepperoni Pizza - it was too blurry and I figure you can picture that one anyway. . . .

Only the pizza guy could handle dessert - not your Moma's Banana Pudding. I love and appreciate the new, much smaller sizes.

50 Years ago Today

Buddy Holly was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll.

Although his success lasted only a year and a half before his death in an airplane crash, Holly is described by critic Bruce Eder as "the single most influential creative force in early rock and roll." His works and innovations were copied by his contemporaries and later musicians, notably The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and exerted a profound influence on popular music. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Holly #13 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time

Contrary to popular belief, teenagers John Lennon and Paul McCartney did not attend a Holly concert, although they watched his TV appearance on "Sunday Night at the London Palladium"; Tony Bramwell, a school friend of McCartney and George Harrison, did. Bramwell met Holly, and freely shared his records with them. Lennon and McCartney later cited Holly as a primary influence. (Their band's name, The Beatles, was chosen partly in homage to Holly's Crickets.) The Beatles did a cover version of "Words of Love" that was a close reproduction of Holly's version. Paul McCartney's band Wings recorded their version of Love is Strange on their first album Wild Life. McCartney owns the publishing rights to Holly's song catalogue.

A young Bob Dylan attended the 31 January 1959 show, two nights before Holly's death. Dylan referred to this in his 1998 Grammy acceptance speech for his 1997 Time out of Mind winning Album of the Year:

And I just want to say that when I was sixteen or seventeen years old, I went to see Buddy Holly play at Duluth National Guard Armory and I was three feet away from him...and he LOOKED at me. And I just have some sort of feeling that he was — I don't know how or why — but I know he was with us all the time we were making this record in some kind of way.

(Wikipedia)

****************************************************************************************

I put every nickle I could get into a giant Wurlitzer ( big as a refrigerator and looked like flames shooting thru the glass top) to hear Party Doll. C7. Well, maybe it wasn't C7. But, anyway . . . . . ***************************************************************************************** Buddy Holly sings Rave On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y9gb3NUGkk or John Lennon sings Rave On

Same view into the woods . . . . .

seems like yesterday

One reason I could call this blog "I Live in the Woods" . . . . .

Snowed this morning. School is out. For the fifth school day in a row. Five grandchildren - four schools closed. What spring break? But, isn't it beautiful?

1/27/2009

Thanks Mark

By MarkRaymondMason.com Fine Art Photography

Think original. Don't worry if your photos don't look the same as everyone else's. By definition, art is the product of human creativity - unusual photos can be the sign of a developing artistic voice.

Zen and Now

Grandchildren at Santa Rosa Beach

Jane

http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/