Fri 6/29 Blog Prompt: What were your high school colors? Team names? Clubs you belong too? Did you graduate? What do you remember most about your graduation day?
I went to two different high schools. John F. Kennedy in Guam and Mascoutah Community High in Illinois.
JFK's colors were green and gold. That was also the name of the teams. Green and Gold. There were no other high schools on the island so we had to play against ourselves. It was there I belonged to the Latin Club. I really wasn't much into clubs anyway. I had too many other things I wanted to do.
Mascoutah touted maroon and white as the school colors. And, you know, I can't recall the name of their team. But then again, I was only there for my senior year. Shoot, now I will have to see if I can locate my yearbook and find out. It's going to drive me nutso.
Graduation day was great. It was a small class and the ceremony was being held outdoors, hurridly as there was a thunderstorm brewing on the horizon. Someone tied a bunch of balloons to my cap and it kept trying to fly away. Finally I took them off and tied them to the car. It wasn't long after the ceremony was over that the storm struck. It was a fun day and a fun time.
NOTE: I'm heading for gallbladder surgery in just under an hour so if I don't fell up to snuff for the next couple of days, the Bug may do some posting for me. If she doesn't, well, you will hear from me when I get back. (Look what happened when she was suppose to be posting for me while I was on vacation in December, LOL.)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tribulations at the Evening Meal
Thu 6/28 Blog Prompt: What typical evening meals did you eat as a teenager? Did your mother or father prepare them or did you? What was your favorite? Least favorite?
Chicken and dumplings were always a hit. Spaghetti, mid-week and steak on the weekends. Then there was always meatloaf, yummmmm. Mom makes the best meatloaf and chicken & dumplings & spaghetti. Dad always cooked the steaks out on the grill.
In fact here is a picture of him grilling way back in 1968
www.ImageShack.us"
I just named all my favorites; but my least favorite food growing up was green peas. Ugh, yuck, nasty. I still don't care to much for them, but can eat them now without gagging :).
Chicken and dumplings were always a hit. Spaghetti, mid-week and steak on the weekends. Then there was always meatloaf, yummmmm. Mom makes the best meatloaf and chicken & dumplings & spaghetti. Dad always cooked the steaks out on the grill.
In fact here is a picture of him grilling way back in 1968
www.ImageShack.us"I just named all my favorites; but my least favorite food growing up was green peas. Ugh, yuck, nasty. I still don't care to much for them, but can eat them now without gagging :).
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Tribulated Music of Teens
Wed 6/27 Blog Prompt: Did you listen to a lot of music as a teenager? Did you have a stereo, radio, cd player or reel to reel? Who was your favorite music artist? Favorite song? Which one still moves you today?
I probably listened to music as much as any teenager in the late 60's/early 70's did. Herman's Hermits, the Beatles, Guess Who, Chicago, Santana, Shawn Phillips, Black Oak Arkansas and so the list goes on. I probably had nearly a hundred albums. But I had to. While in Guam, I used my babysitting money to buy a JVC stereo with am/fm radio, record player and reel-to-reel. And I still have it. Doesn't work now, but I still have it. Maybe one day we will be able to find a needle for it and replace the reel-to-reel with a cd/mpg player. Maybe.
My all time favorite artists were Chicago with "Colour My World;" Bread's hit "If;" and Guess Who with "American Woman."
I probably listened to music as much as any teenager in the late 60's/early 70's did. Herman's Hermits, the Beatles, Guess Who, Chicago, Santana, Shawn Phillips, Black Oak Arkansas and so the list goes on. I probably had nearly a hundred albums. But I had to. While in Guam, I used my babysitting money to buy a JVC stereo with am/fm radio, record player and reel-to-reel. And I still have it. Doesn't work now, but I still have it. Maybe one day we will be able to find a needle for it and replace the reel-to-reel with a cd/mpg player. Maybe.
My all time favorite artists were Chicago with "Colour My World;" Bread's hit "If;" and Guess Who with "American Woman."
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Childhood Television Tribulations
Tue 6/26 Blog Prompt: Television.... Where would we be without television? Seriously though. Did you have a tv set while you were growing up? If not, did your neighbors or friends? If you did, what were some of the shows that were on and what were your favorites?
Yes, yes, yes, we had a television. At least since I was 5 or 6. Prior I couldn't tell you. As a young'un, my sister and I would watch Shirley Temple, Tarzan and Jungle Jim on the weekends. Couldn't wait for them. I do remember that the Flintstones came on Wednesday evenings and Batman on Thursday nights.
By high school, if I was at home, I would sit and watch golf with dad. That is until I discovered Saturday morning cartoons. Then I would have to watch Journey to the Center of the Earth. In all honesty, though, we never watched much television. I still don't though I will turn it on for background noise.
Yes, yes, yes, we had a television. At least since I was 5 or 6. Prior I couldn't tell you. As a young'un, my sister and I would watch Shirley Temple, Tarzan and Jungle Jim on the weekends. Couldn't wait for them. I do remember that the Flintstones came on Wednesday evenings and Batman on Thursday nights.
By high school, if I was at home, I would sit and watch golf with dad. That is until I discovered Saturday morning cartoons. Then I would have to watch Journey to the Center of the Earth. In all honesty, though, we never watched much television. I still don't though I will turn it on for background noise.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tribulations of Teenage Jobs
Mon 6/25 Blog Prompt: Did you have an after school job as a teenager? What kind of job was it? What were you paid? What is your best and worst memory of the job?
Not a leave school and go to work job. I worked as a babysitter and made pretty good money at it. Of course, this was back with you only charged 50 cents and hour, LOL. Boy is that dating it. Still I was pretty good at it and had my regulars that usually paid more than what I was charging.
My best memory was watching two children, who for convenience sake, I'll call Ben and Robin. Robin was the sweetest little 6 year old, an angel with a severe case of mental retardation. She was well loved by her family, especially her 8 year brother, Ben. Ben was also a sweetheart, but whereas Robin had to be handled like a 6 month old, Ben was a genius. A real true genius. I would love to know what happened to them now. I really enjoyed my time with both of them.
They are also my worst memory. It was painful to see little Robin and realizing what her life was going to be like. And how hard it was going to be on little Ben being so smart.
Not a leave school and go to work job. I worked as a babysitter and made pretty good money at it. Of course, this was back with you only charged 50 cents and hour, LOL. Boy is that dating it. Still I was pretty good at it and had my regulars that usually paid more than what I was charging.
My best memory was watching two children, who for convenience sake, I'll call Ben and Robin. Robin was the sweetest little 6 year old, an angel with a severe case of mental retardation. She was well loved by her family, especially her 8 year brother, Ben. Ben was also a sweetheart, but whereas Robin had to be handled like a 6 month old, Ben was a genius. A real true genius. I would love to know what happened to them now. I really enjoyed my time with both of them.
They are also my worst memory. It was painful to see little Robin and realizing what her life was going to be like. And how hard it was going to be on little Ben being so smart.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Word of the Week - WEIR
Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.
weir(n)Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.
1. a low dam bilt in a river to back up or divert water, as for a mill; milldam
2. a fence, as of brushwood or stakes, built in a stream, channel, etc., for catching fish
3. an obstruction placed in a stream, diverting water through a prepared aperature for measuring rate of flow.
Friday, June 22, 2007
More Teenage Driving & Tribulations
Fri 6/22 Blog Prompt: Did you have your own car as a teenager or did you have to use the family car? What kind was it? If a family car, were you responsible to pay for the gas when you used it? How often were you allowed to use it? What restrictions, if any, were on it? If your own, did you purchase it yourself or was it a gift? How much did it cost and who paid the insurance on it?
Didn't own my own car until I had been married a few years, then I bought a Chevette. So back in high school, I used the family car... a Buick Regal. Big is all I can say about it. But maybe that is why I like trucks now.
I don't remember ever having to put gas in it. Dad was probably afraid I would break it, LOL. But then I didn't use it all that much either. Most things were within walking distance or I had friends with cars.
Didn't own my own car until I had been married a few years, then I bought a Chevette. So back in high school, I used the family car... a Buick Regal. Big is all I can say about it. But maybe that is why I like trucks now.
I don't remember ever having to put gas in it. Dad was probably afraid I would break it, LOL. But then I didn't use it all that much either. Most things were within walking distance or I had friends with cars.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Teenage Drivers & Tribulations
Thu 6/21 Blog Prompt: Did you learn to drive when you were a teenager? Who taught you? If at school, what kind of driver's ed was it? If a friend or parent, where did you go to learn? What was the worse part about learning to drive?
I'm with my folks on this one, let someone else teach them and me. I went to driver's ed in high school. I really liked it as we had simulators to practice in. I remember going into the room and having the lights dimmed for the "movie" that we would be using to practice with. Into our boxy car simulators and off to where ever the movie took us that day. After several weeks of simulated driving then we got to try the real thing on real roads. No specified driving courses around at the time I was learning. And 70 miles an hour on the freeway.
I think the thing I had the most problem with was the 3-point turn. I can do them now, if I have to but I still prefer not to have to do it.
I'm with my folks on this one, let someone else teach them and me. I went to driver's ed in high school. I really liked it as we had simulators to practice in. I remember going into the room and having the lights dimmed for the "movie" that we would be using to practice with. Into our boxy car simulators and off to where ever the movie took us that day. After several weeks of simulated driving then we got to try the real thing on real roads. No specified driving courses around at the time I was learning. And 70 miles an hour on the freeway.
I think the thing I had the most problem with was the 3-point turn. I can do them now, if I have to but I still prefer not to have to do it.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tribulations & High School Friends
Wed 6/20 Blog Prompt: Did you have a lot of friends in high school or just one or two very close friends? What did you and your friends do for fun? Are you still in contact with any of them?
Yes and no. I had a lot of friends, but didn't. I know it doesn't make sense. We didn't so much as have a clique as to have a group. A lot of us hung out together, going to movies, shopping, etc., but there were only a few really close friends. Lillian, Keiko, Susan and a few more.
Being an Air Force brat entailed moving every couple of years so I had to learn how to make friends fast. Fortunately I have a very outgoing personality, even if I am an introvert.
In Guam, just about the only thing to do for fun was to go to the beach, the pool or the outdoor walk-in theaters. But I had fun. I loved it. Back stateside, there definitely was more to do, evenings at the park in O'Fallon. Shopping at real malls. Real movie theaters :).
I did keep in touch for many years, but as the time passed so did the letters and phone calls. Susan and I still keep in touch from time to time, even that is far between. Maybe one day, I'll run into them all again.
Yes and no. I had a lot of friends, but didn't. I know it doesn't make sense. We didn't so much as have a clique as to have a group. A lot of us hung out together, going to movies, shopping, etc., but there were only a few really close friends. Lillian, Keiko, Susan and a few more.
Being an Air Force brat entailed moving every couple of years so I had to learn how to make friends fast. Fortunately I have a very outgoing personality, even if I am an introvert.
In Guam, just about the only thing to do for fun was to go to the beach, the pool or the outdoor walk-in theaters. But I had fun. I loved it. Back stateside, there definitely was more to do, evenings at the park in O'Fallon. Shopping at real malls. Real movie theaters :).
I did keep in touch for many years, but as the time passed so did the letters and phone calls. Susan and I still keep in touch from time to time, even that is far between. Maybe one day, I'll run into them all again.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Visitation Tribulations Part 4
Part one
Part two
Part three
This time we are doing the visiting, at NavyNuke's new home in South Carolina. He closed on it the 25th of May and we were there to see it June 1. This, of course, starts with the journey there and the arrival.
The car trip includes: myself, my son (driving), a 4 year and a 3 year old, both of whom had been given digital cameras by the uncle we are on the way to visit. Have you ever noticed that children like to take self portraits? Well they do. The unfortunate thing is that Ballerina figured out how to delete pictures so a lot of hers were lost. Indy on the other hand figured it out but left it to me to delete them, within reason.
We'll start with Ballerina's pictures first. She was after the "guest."
How do you like this pictureof me? I think I'll let her take all of my pictures from now on.
They each had subjects in one another. More on that in a moment.
Had to get a picture of her daddy driving.
She ends with a self- portrait. Okay so it is a picture of her shirt.
Now onto Indy's.
He starts his with aself-portrait.
Then he must have a picture of his yellow crocs to save for prosperity.
Now is the time for more on that matter. Pretty as she is, Ballerina just didn't like to be photographed by Indy. We got to listen to hours of her telling him to stop. Like he would really listen! Not!!!
Finally something else to focus on... Booboos.
YaaaHooo we made it, only what 9-10 hours later. We're here... But where is Nuke. Pull out the cell and start making a call. He's at his apartment just finishing his shower. It's not like we didn't call when we got into town. Oh well, it is just a few minute wait and the kids are having fun.
Playing on the front porch
A picture from the road
The back patio and looksthat need to be watched.
Hey look it comes with its own jail cell for kids.
Maybe I should move there. Nah, we get along, but that might just be pushing it, don't you think?
Part two
Part three
This time we are doing the visiting, at NavyNuke's new home in South Carolina. He closed on it the 25th of May and we were there to see it June 1. This, of course, starts with the journey there and the arrival.
The car trip includes: myself, my son (driving), a 4 year and a 3 year old, both of whom had been given digital cameras by the uncle we are on the way to visit. Have you ever noticed that children like to take self portraits? Well they do. The unfortunate thing is that Ballerina figured out how to delete pictures so a lot of hers were lost. Indy on the other hand figured it out but left it to me to delete them, within reason.
We'll start with Ballerina's pictures first. She was after the "guest."
How do you like this picture
They each had subjects
Had to get a picture of
She ends with a self-
Now onto Indy's.
He starts his with a
Then he must have a
Now is the time for more
Finally something else
YaaaHooo we made it, only what 9-10 hours later. We're here... But where is Nuke. Pull out the cell and start making a call. He's at his apartment just finishing his shower. It's not like we didn't call when we got into town. Oh well, it is just a few minute wait and the kids are having fun.
Playing on the front porch
A picture from the road
The back patio and looks
Hey look it comes with its
Maybe I should move there. Nah, we get along, but that might just be pushing it, don't you think?
Teenage Tribulations
Tue 6/19 Blog Prompt: Moving on in life, as a teenager what do you feel were your greatest achievements and worse mistakes? Have these achievements and/or mistakes helped to make you a better person? Or did they hinder you as you proceeded into adulthood?
Whoa. Greatest achievements as a teenager? What in the world was I thinking about? As with most teenagers I know or have known, it seemed to be a way to stay out of trouble.
All kidding aside though, I don't know if I would consider them achievements, more like strengths, and they would include good grades in school. I loved school, especially science, history, P.E., English and Latin. Oh, that just about covers them all doesn't it? Suffice it to say, I really liked school. I would have been a perpetual student if it didn't mean failing to do so.
As to mistakes, what teen doesn't manage to do that one occasionally. But I think the most embarassing one was when I asked one of my favorite teachers to participate in the Roman slave day we were having. Not thinking and not making the connection when I asked, I was most humilated when I realized why she declined. You see, she was African-American. It was a case of mouth before thought and had I taken the time to think about it, I would have never approached her for this particular event. She definitely was a better person than I that day. No she didn't hold it against me and was most understanding when I figured it out and apologized. Still it was devastating to me.
Did I learn from my achievements and mistakes? I like to think so. I have never stopped loving to learn. And each day brings forth a new discovery. And I now try to think how what I say may affect another before opening my mouth. I still fail on this one, but I try.
Whoa. Greatest achievements as a teenager? What in the world was I thinking about? As with most teenagers I know or have known, it seemed to be a way to stay out of trouble.
All kidding aside though, I don't know if I would consider them achievements, more like strengths, and they would include good grades in school. I loved school, especially science, history, P.E., English and Latin. Oh, that just about covers them all doesn't it? Suffice it to say, I really liked school. I would have been a perpetual student if it didn't mean failing to do so.
As to mistakes, what teen doesn't manage to do that one occasionally. But I think the most embarassing one was when I asked one of my favorite teachers to participate in the Roman slave day we were having. Not thinking and not making the connection when I asked, I was most humilated when I realized why she declined. You see, she was African-American. It was a case of mouth before thought and had I taken the time to think about it, I would have never approached her for this particular event. She definitely was a better person than I that day. No she didn't hold it against me and was most understanding when I figured it out and apologized. Still it was devastating to me.
Did I learn from my achievements and mistakes? I like to think so. I have never stopped loving to learn. And each day brings forth a new discovery. And I now try to think how what I say may affect another before opening my mouth. I still fail on this one, but I try.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Visitation Tribulations Part 3
Part one
Part two
Onto the 3rd installment of Ballerina and Indy's photo journal. After a hard afternoon of playing H2O invading aliens, it was time to decide what to do for dinner. Pan had considered suggesting we go to Bombshell's restaurant but opted out as it was Memorial Day weekend and he was pretty sure the traffic was going to be horrendous.
Scamp and I had to run up to the store (for the guns, of course, and some crocs) when we noticed that there was hardly any traffic at all.
So after playtime was over, we dressed the chitlins in their Dr. Suess shirts and jeans and headed out to Bombshell's. Who, by the way, is now known as Aunt DoDo (like the bird). Ballerina was having a hard time saying her name (funny when we asked her to say it, very clearly it came out "I can't say Aunt Bombshell." She did the same with ddpup too, LOL). Anyway I may have to change Bombshell moniker to DoDo, just because.
Taking a break from work
Aunt DoDo takes Indy and
Ballerina down to the pond
to feed the baby ducks.
Waiting on dinner can
be such a pain. Must
find something to do
to entertain ourselves.
Remember how I told
you that there was a
year's difference in
their ages? Indy is
the younger of the two.
After dinner came the
free face painting, only
the artist, very wisely
chose to put it on their
arms. Indy wanted a spider
(go figure) and his name.
The Ballerina opted for
a unicorn and a cry
baby on her arm.
Look for installment 4 tomorrow
Part two
Onto the 3rd installment of Ballerina and Indy's photo journal. After a hard afternoon of playing H2O invading aliens, it was time to decide what to do for dinner. Pan had considered suggesting we go to Bombshell's restaurant but opted out as it was Memorial Day weekend and he was pretty sure the traffic was going to be horrendous.
Scamp and I had to run up to the store (for the guns, of course, and some crocs) when we noticed that there was hardly any traffic at all.
So after playtime was over, we dressed the chitlins in their Dr. Suess shirts and jeans and headed out to Bombshell's. Who, by the way, is now known as Aunt DoDo (like the bird). Ballerina was having a hard time saying her name (funny when we asked her to say it, very clearly it came out "I can't say Aunt Bombshell." She did the same with ddpup too, LOL). Anyway I may have to change Bombshell moniker to DoDo, just because.
Taking a break from work
Aunt DoDo takes Indy and
Ballerina down to the pond
to feed the baby ducks.
Waiting on dinner can
be such a pain. Must
find something to do
to entertain ourselves.
Remember how I told
you that there was a
year's difference in
their ages? Indy is
the younger of the two.
After dinner came the
free face painting, only
the artist, very wisely
chose to put it on their
arms. Indy wanted a spider
(go figure) and his name.
The Ballerina opted for
a unicorn and a cry
baby on her arm.
Look for installment 4 tomorrow
Childhood Pets = Tribulations
Mon 6/18 Blog Prompt: As a child did you have any exotic (i.e. those not indigenous to your area) or unusual pets? If not, did you have any pets at all? What kind? Did you give them standard pet names or come up with unusual and unique names?
Actually I came up with this prompt after being reminded by someone (I can't recall who) about some of the unusual pets my younger sister and I had throughout our life. Recalling their names at this time is going to be a bit hard as I just don't remember any except the Persian Pan bought me when we first married. Her name was Mini-Mutes and was named after the program he was working on. Very appropriate too, as she never weighed more than 5 lbs., even as an adult. She hardly ever mewed and when she did it was very soft, almost a whisper.
Oh, I've gotten off subject haven't I. Unusual or exotic pets. Actually I have had both.
Back when I was about 6 (maybe 7) mom took ddpup and I shopping just before Easter. There in the store they had the cutest little chicks that were dyed in bright Easter egg colors. Naturally we begged for one and mom, being mom, said no. (I can so relate now). I guess after getting tired of hearing us whine, she said that dad wouldn't let us have one and called him. Dad said yes (I'm surprised she ever talked to him again). So home we go with two little chicks. One a bright blue and one a bright neon pink. I don't recall how long we had them, but it couldn't have been for to very long. We were living on a AF base in AF housing and I am sure that chicks were not deemed appropriate pets. So off to a farm they went.
Later when I was about 10 or 11 and we were staying with my grandmother, my uncle brought home a baby alligator. This was before it was illegal to own them. It was put in a huge wash tin outside and ddpup and I were responsible for feeding it. Being that it was so young this meant hand-feeding. I held its jaws open while ddpup shoved the meat down its throat. At the time, I thought I was in the safe position; but now that I think on it, both jobs were probably not to safe. Even baby alligators have a bit of a bite.
While not unusual or exotic we did have a rabbit while growing up. Cute little thing that would hop up to the fridge to look in when it was opened. It also really liked to help out dad when he was working under the car. I don't think dad appreciated it though.
Most of my other pets growing up were parakeets, cats, dogs, a squirrel here or there, fish, gerbils and so on. You know, typical childhood pets.
Actually I came up with this prompt after being reminded by someone (I can't recall who) about some of the unusual pets my younger sister and I had throughout our life. Recalling their names at this time is going to be a bit hard as I just don't remember any except the Persian Pan bought me when we first married. Her name was Mini-Mutes and was named after the program he was working on. Very appropriate too, as she never weighed more than 5 lbs., even as an adult. She hardly ever mewed and when she did it was very soft, almost a whisper.
Oh, I've gotten off subject haven't I. Unusual or exotic pets. Actually I have had both.
Back when I was about 6 (maybe 7) mom took ddpup and I shopping just before Easter. There in the store they had the cutest little chicks that were dyed in bright Easter egg colors. Naturally we begged for one and mom, being mom, said no. (I can so relate now). I guess after getting tired of hearing us whine, she said that dad wouldn't let us have one and called him. Dad said yes (I'm surprised she ever talked to him again). So home we go with two little chicks. One a bright blue and one a bright neon pink. I don't recall how long we had them, but it couldn't have been for to very long. We were living on a AF base in AF housing and I am sure that chicks were not deemed appropriate pets. So off to a farm they went.
Later when I was about 10 or 11 and we were staying with my grandmother, my uncle brought home a baby alligator. This was before it was illegal to own them. It was put in a huge wash tin outside and ddpup and I were responsible for feeding it. Being that it was so young this meant hand-feeding. I held its jaws open while ddpup shoved the meat down its throat. At the time, I thought I was in the safe position; but now that I think on it, both jobs were probably not to safe. Even baby alligators have a bit of a bite.
While not unusual or exotic we did have a rabbit while growing up. Cute little thing that would hop up to the fridge to look in when it was opened. It also really liked to help out dad when he was working under the car. I don't think dad appreciated it though.
Most of my other pets growing up were parakeets, cats, dogs, a squirrel here or there, fish, gerbils and so on. You know, typical childhood pets.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Visitation Tribulations Part 2
More photo journaling of Ballerina and Scamp's visit. (If you missed Part 1, you can find it here). While it appears that Indy and the Ballerina got along just fine, most of the time they were arguing about one thing or another, LOL. I can laugh now, but it sure wasn't too funny then. They are exactly one year apart in age with Ballerina being the oldest at 4 years. And I am not kidding about the exactly one year. Ballerina's birthday is May 16; Indy's is May 13.
Being a very confident and outgoing little girl, Ballerina expected Indy to obey her every command. She is definitely an "A" personality. Indy on the other hand has an older sister (the Princess) and has perfected the knack of ignoring and brought it to a whole new artform. Needless to say it was an interesting two weeks.
Still there were times they got along perfectly and it was a joy to see them running, playing and laughing together.
Scamp decided that waterguns were needed for the outside play. Indy thought catching the water in his mouth while the Ballerina shot him was most amusing. So did the Ballerina.
But soon the showdown had to commence. Indy shot back.
The Ballerina retaliated and chased Indy into the forest.
Indy gives up; but Ballerina decided it wasn't soon enough and shoots him anyway.
Close-up of Ballerina
Close-up of Indy
Being a very confident and outgoing little girl, Ballerina expected Indy to obey her every command. She is definitely an "A" personality. Indy on the other hand has an older sister (the Princess) and has perfected the knack of ignoring and brought it to a whole new artform. Needless to say it was an interesting two weeks.
Still there were times they got along perfectly and it was a joy to see them running, playing and laughing together.
Scamp decided that water
But soon the showdown
The Ballerina retaliated
Indy gives up; but Ballerina
Close-up of Ballerina
Close-up of Indy
Word of the Week - COMATE
Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.
comate(adj)Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.
hairy or tufted.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Visitation Tribulations Part 1
I've been busy. With guests, with traveling and with doctor's visits. But for now let's focus on the guests and traveling. Part one starts on May 25, when my son, Scamp, and granddaughter, the Ballerina, stepped off the plane and into my open arms. I know we just saw them in December. Still it seemed a lifetime away.
And it is just as well we met them at the airport (he asked us to because he wasn't sure he could find his way to Mawmaw's house), as they didn't have his rental car ready. So over to mom's house we head, with a quick call from the Bombshell to see when we would be back home. When she found out it wouldn't be until later, she decided to drive over with the kids too. A whole houseful. Lucky mom,.
On to the pictures.
The Ballerina
The Princess, Indy and Ballerina
Cousins
Cousins outside
And it is just as well we met them at the airport (he asked us to because he wasn't sure he could find his way to Mawmaw's house), as they didn't have his rental car ready. So over to mom's house we head, with a quick call from the Bombshell to see when we would be back home. When she found out it wouldn't be until later, she decided to drive over with the kids too. A whole houseful. Lucky mom,
On to the pictures.
The Ballerina
The Princess, Indy and Ballerina
Cousins
Cousins outside
Monday, June 11, 2007
Comparative Tribulations and More
Mon 6/11 Blog Prompt: How about we start out this week with a little research by finding the cost of a week's subscription to a newspaper, a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk, a pound of chicken or ground beef, a gallon of gasoline, the average cost of a house, the average cost of an automobile and one item of your choosing when you were born, as well as at ages 3, 5, 10 and now.
1956: bread - 18¢/loaf; milk - 97¢/gallon; gas - 30¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $17,800; avg. cost of car - $2,100; avg. income - $5,341/year.
1959: bread - 20¢/loaf; milk - $1.01/gallon; gas - 30¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $18,400; avg. cost of car - $2.250; avg. income - $5,976/year.
1966: bread - 22¢/loaf; milk - $1.11/gallon; gas - 32¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $23,300; avg. cost of car - $2,410; avg. income - $8,395/year.
2007: bread - $1.97/loaf; milk - $3.06/gallon; gas - $3.10/gallon; avg. cost of home - $221,000; avg. cost of car - $23,000; avg. income - $34,334.96/year.
Tue 6/12 Blog Prompt: Did you collect anything as a child? Why or why not? What was the significance of your collection and where did you procure it? Do you still have any or all of the collection now?
I didn't really have a "collection" per se as a child. There were, of course, the Barbies and Barbie houses. Comic books and books. But most were lost (or thrown away) in moving from place to place. When I got to be a pre-teen, I started collecting lions. I am a Leo and the idea of having lions just appealed. Some of those I still have. Like the stuffed lion and clay lions my dad gave me.
There is a picture at my Improvement Tribulations post where you can see some of the lions on the top shelf.
Wed 6/13 Blog Prompt: Did you have specified chores as a child? If so, what were they? Were you given an allowance for completing them? How much? What chores did you feel were unfair? Which ones did you enjoy the most?
You know, I can't remember ever being assigned "chores." I know we had to make our beds and clean our room, but I don't think I ever considered it a chore, just something I hated to do. As we got older, my sister and I had to clean the dishes after dinner. One would wash the other dry. As for the bathroom, everyone was responsible for cleaning up after themselves. After a bath, we had to clean the tub and pick up the towels and put them in the hamper. And, of course, we were responsible for putting away anything we took out. As for which I detested the most... I think all of them equally.
Thu 6/14 Blog Prompt: Did your mother and father work outside the home when you were a child? If not which one stayed home with you? Or did you have a sitter come in or did you attend a day care center? Whether a parent stayed home, you had a sitter or attended a day care, how do you feel that affected your life, if at all?
My mom was a stay at home mom, for the most part. Although while I was in elementary school I do remember her working for a while.
We had a babysitter, Linda. One of the teenagers in the neighborhood who would watch us. We like Linda and didn't feel the least bit slighted by the fact that mom worked.
But for the most part she was home and available for us at anytime. I remember her making Barbie furniture out of milk cartons and beer cans or sewing intricate Barbie dresses for us.
Dad on the other hand, wasn't home alot. He was in the Air Force and was gone on TDY or some other thing.
I wish I could have been more like my parents; but I divorced my first husband so ended up having to work while my children were little. Fortunately I didn't have to start that though until they were all in school.
Fri 6/15 Blog Prompt: You are 10 years old. What are your thoughts about growing up? Were you anxious to be an adult or did the prospect scare you? Did you give any thought to what you wanted to be when you grew up? What was it and did grow up to your dream job?
First off, let me say I haven't realized my dream career... Yet.
At 6, 10, 20 and beyond my dream career was to be an astronomer. It was what I majored in, in college. That is until I decided to get married.
One day.... my name will be among the stars.
1956: bread - 18¢/loaf; milk - 97¢/gallon; gas - 30¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $17,800; avg. cost of car - $2,100; avg. income - $5,341/year.
1959: bread - 20¢/loaf; milk - $1.01/gallon; gas - 30¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $18,400; avg. cost of car - $2.250; avg. income - $5,976/year.
1966: bread - 22¢/loaf; milk - $1.11/gallon; gas - 32¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $23,300; avg. cost of car - $2,410; avg. income - $8,395/year.
2007: bread - $1.97/loaf; milk - $3.06/gallon; gas - $3.10/gallon; avg. cost of home - $221,000; avg. cost of car - $23,000; avg. income - $34,334.96/year.
Tue 6/12 Blog Prompt: Did you collect anything as a child? Why or why not? What was the significance of your collection and where did you procure it? Do you still have any or all of the collection now?
I didn't really have a "collection" per se as a child. There were, of course, the Barbies and Barbie houses. Comic books and books. But most were lost (or thrown away) in moving from place to place. When I got to be a pre-teen, I started collecting lions. I am a Leo and the idea of having lions just appealed. Some of those I still have. Like the stuffed lion and clay lions my dad gave me.
There is a picture at my Improvement Tribulations post where you can see some of the lions on the top shelf.
Wed 6/13 Blog Prompt: Did you have specified chores as a child? If so, what were they? Were you given an allowance for completing them? How much? What chores did you feel were unfair? Which ones did you enjoy the most?
You know, I can't remember ever being assigned "chores." I know we had to make our beds and clean our room, but I don't think I ever considered it a chore, just something I hated to do. As we got older, my sister and I had to clean the dishes after dinner. One would wash the other dry. As for the bathroom, everyone was responsible for cleaning up after themselves. After a bath, we had to clean the tub and pick up the towels and put them in the hamper. And, of course, we were responsible for putting away anything we took out. As for which I detested the most... I think all of them equally.
Thu 6/14 Blog Prompt: Did your mother and father work outside the home when you were a child? If not which one stayed home with you? Or did you have a sitter come in or did you attend a day care center? Whether a parent stayed home, you had a sitter or attended a day care, how do you feel that affected your life, if at all?
My mom was a stay at home mom, for the most part. Although while I was in elementary school I do remember her working for a while.
We had a babysitter, Linda. One of the teenagers in the neighborhood who would watch us. We like Linda and didn't feel the least bit slighted by the fact that mom worked.
But for the most part she was home and available for us at anytime. I remember her making Barbie furniture out of milk cartons and beer cans or sewing intricate Barbie dresses for us.
Dad on the other hand, wasn't home alot. He was in the Air Force and was gone on TDY or some other thing.
I wish I could have been more like my parents; but I divorced my first husband so ended up having to work while my children were little. Fortunately I didn't have to start that though until they were all in school.
Fri 6/15 Blog Prompt: You are 10 years old. What are your thoughts about growing up? Were you anxious to be an adult or did the prospect scare you? Did you give any thought to what you wanted to be when you grew up? What was it and did grow up to your dream job?
First off, let me say I haven't realized my dream career... Yet.
At 6, 10, 20 and beyond my dream career was to be an astronomer. It was what I majored in, in college. That is until I decided to get married.
One day.... my name will be among the stars.
My Tribulations as Albus
 | You scored as Albus Dumbledore, Strong and powerful you admirably defend your world and your charges against those who would seek to harm them. However sometimes you can fail to do what you must because you care too much to cause suffering.
Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...? created with QuizFarm.com |
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Word of the Week - ZAFTIG
Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.
zaftig(adj)Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.
having a full, shapely figure; said of a woman.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
A Frog's Tribulations
For those who asked.....
Warning: Never give vague instructions to a child. They take you literally. Honestly, they really do.
I didn't use the story of the frog in the prompt, because I actually think I was older than 3. I could be wrong, maybe a 3 year old can catch a frog. Okay, probably could catch a frog. OKAY... can catch a frog.
But a three year old usually doesn't have the whereforall to ask what you do with a frog that you catch. Again I could be wrong (and I am sure my mother will correct me if I am).
Back to the story. I caught a frog. Couldn't have been a very big one, but I was proud of this frog and asked my folks what to do with it. They told me that frogs like water.
Naturally to a young child any liquid can pass for water, right? RIGHT????? Well, no but the only "water" I could find was my grandmother's ice coffee. PLOP, in goes the frog. Looking back I shutter to think what must have been going through that poor frog's mind. Caffiene rush....
And fortunately for the frog, my grandmother decided she needed a drink soon after instead of 10 or 15 minutes later. Then the result would have probably been a dead frog at the bottom of her coffee cup instead of a frog jumping out of the coffee at her.
Well, maybe I was three after all....
Warning: Never give vague instructions to a child. They take you literally. Honestly, they really do.
I didn't use the story of the frog in the prompt, because I actually think I was older than 3. I could be wrong, maybe a 3 year old can catch a frog. Okay, probably could catch a frog. OKAY... can catch a frog.
But a three year old usually doesn't have the whereforall to ask what you do with a frog that you catch. Again I could be wrong (and I am sure my mother will correct me if I am).
Back to the story. I caught a frog. Couldn't have been a very big one, but I was proud of this frog and asked my folks what to do with it. They told me that frogs like water.
Naturally to a young child any liquid can pass for water, right? RIGHT????? Well, no but the only "water" I could find was my grandmother's ice coffee. PLOP, in goes the frog. Looking back I shutter to think what must have been going through that poor frog's mind. Caffiene rush....
And fortunately for the frog, my grandmother decided she needed a drink soon after instead of 10 or 15 minutes later. Then the result would have probably been a dead frog at the bottom of her coffee cup instead of a frog jumping out of the coffee at her.
Well, maybe I was three after all....
Friday, June 08, 2007
Memory Lane Tribulations
What with the trip to South Carolina and having Scamp and the Ballerina home for two weeks, it seems I don't have time to do anything anymore, LOL. But since I am providing the prompts this month, I thought I might be a good idea if I also did the posts. Maybe next week will be better.
Tue 6/5 Blog Prompt: You are between 5 and 10. You are going on vacation (or moving). What form of transportation was used to get there? Did it take long? And what did you do to entertain yourself while traveling?
Although we did travel by plane, most of my memories are in the car. And being carsick. Something that I, fortunately, have outgrown. With dad in the Air Force we moved around quite a bit.
Mom and dad always bought the newest Superman and Archie comic books for us to read (can you imagine what they might be worth today, lol). And we had car games like license plate bingo. You actually use to be able to buy the bingo cards with windows that slid over when you got it. I tried to do a search but was unable to locate any. Shucks.
Wed 6/6 Blog Prompt: As a child did you have your own bedroom or did you have to share? What was it like? Did you spend a lot of time playing in there or was it reserved for sleeping?
Being an Air Force brat there were times when I would have my own room and times when I would not. Most time I had to share with ddpup. I didn't mind. She was just a little extension of me. I rather thought of her as my baby doll most of the time. We were always playing Barbie's or house in the bedroom. But we spent more time outside when the weather was good, making clover necklaces, playing hide and seek
Thu 6/7 Blog Prompt: Let's move up to elementary school. What school did you attend? What was it like.. big, small, etc.? Did you ride a bus or walk? Take a lunch or buy? What was your best memory there and what was your worse?
As stated above, I'm an AF brat and went to several elementary schools. Spend the longest time in the one in Arkansas; but also went to elementary school in Florida and California. In both Arkansas and Florida I rode a bus; but occasionally in Ark. I could walk to school.
I am sure there were occasions when I actually took my lunch to school; but the lunches I recall the best are hamburgers on Wednesday and fish sticks on Friday.
While there may have been some bad memories (like the year, my dad made the paddle for my teacher in third grade and when I wouldn't finish my work in first grade so I didn't have to go out on the playground, or in 2nd grade when all the kids gathered around the open restroom window to try and watch me tinkle, etc.), most of them are fond and funny. Giving a Valentine card to my favorite guy in 4th grade; my fifth grade teacher telling us that paper was made with worm guts so we would stop chewing it in class; being a TOT (teacher of tomorrow) in 6th grade and having a teacher whose birthday fell on February 29.
One day in sixth grade my uncle brought my telescope up to the school and we all got to watch a solar eclipse through it. I was pretty proud that I was the only one in the class that had a telescope and one with a sun filter at that.
Fri 6/8 Blog Prompt: As a child, did you have any imaginary friends? What were their names and what did you do together? If not, do you wish that you had and why or why not?
I didn't have any imaginary friends so to speak, not like the bug anyway. I had a another little sister who I could play with and we did. Although one year I convinced her that at night I would shrink very little and visit the little people who lived in a hole in the ground in the backyard. During the day, we would gather small rocks and make furniture for the little people.
But bug was another matter all together. She had an imaginary Alligator. She also scared the pants off mom, when on the interstate on time, she started crying about leaving something on the top of the car. I'll leave it to her to complete the story.
From the FP camera that Nuke bought Indy... a picture of the Ballerina.
Tue 6/5 Blog Prompt: You are between 5 and 10. You are going on vacation (or moving). What form of transportation was used to get there? Did it take long? And what did you do to entertain yourself while traveling?
Although we did travel by plane, most of my memories are in the car. And being carsick. Something that I, fortunately, have outgrown. With dad in the Air Force we moved around quite a bit.
Mom and dad always bought the newest Superman and Archie comic books for us to read (can you imagine what they might be worth today, lol). And we had car games like license plate bingo. You actually use to be able to buy the bingo cards with windows that slid over when you got it. I tried to do a search but was unable to locate any. Shucks.
Wed 6/6 Blog Prompt: As a child did you have your own bedroom or did you have to share? What was it like? Did you spend a lot of time playing in there or was it reserved for sleeping?
Being an Air Force brat there were times when I would have my own room and times when I would not. Most time I had to share with ddpup. I didn't mind. She was just a little extension of me. I rather thought of her as my baby doll most of the time. We were always playing Barbie's or house in the bedroom. But we spent more time outside when the weather was good, making clover necklaces, playing hide and seek
Thu 6/7 Blog Prompt: Let's move up to elementary school. What school did you attend? What was it like.. big, small, etc.? Did you ride a bus or walk? Take a lunch or buy? What was your best memory there and what was your worse?
As stated above, I'm an AF brat and went to several elementary schools. Spend the longest time in the one in Arkansas; but also went to elementary school in Florida and California. In both Arkansas and Florida I rode a bus; but occasionally in Ark. I could walk to school.
I am sure there were occasions when I actually took my lunch to school; but the lunches I recall the best are hamburgers on Wednesday and fish sticks on Friday.
While there may have been some bad memories (like the year, my dad made the paddle for my teacher in third grade and when I wouldn't finish my work in first grade so I didn't have to go out on the playground, or in 2nd grade when all the kids gathered around the open restroom window to try and watch me tinkle, etc.), most of them are fond and funny. Giving a Valentine card to my favorite guy in 4th grade; my fifth grade teacher telling us that paper was made with worm guts so we would stop chewing it in class; being a TOT (teacher of tomorrow) in 6th grade and having a teacher whose birthday fell on February 29.
One day in sixth grade my uncle brought my telescope up to the school and we all got to watch a solar eclipse through it. I was pretty proud that I was the only one in the class that had a telescope and one with a sun filter at that.
Fri 6/8 Blog Prompt: As a child, did you have any imaginary friends? What were their names and what did you do together? If not, do you wish that you had and why or why not?
I didn't have any imaginary friends so to speak, not like the bug anyway. I had a another little sister who I could play with and we did. Although one year I convinced her that at night I would shrink very little and visit the little people who lived in a hole in the ground in the backyard. During the day, we would gather small rocks and make furniture for the little people.
But bug was another matter all together. She had an imaginary Alligator. She also scared the pants off mom, when on the interstate on time, she started crying about leaving something on the top of the car. I'll leave it to her to complete the story.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Tribulations of What to Title This
Since today's Prompt is about travels, I wanted to make sure I didn't give them the same titles.
We are back from South Carolina and seeing Nuke's new home (and his old rental). He already has big plans for changing it. Ripping out carpets and putting in hardwood floors. He was hoping that the two of us could go check them out but there just wasn't enough time.
Spent more money that I should have making sure we had something to entertain the kids on the way home. The cameras were loosing their luster after 10 hours up there, LOL.
It is nice to be home and back to my own bed; but it was more than wonderful to see the Nuke. We are already planning on going back sometime this summer and taking the Princess since she didn't get to go.
More later.....
We are back from South Carolina and seeing Nuke's new home (and his old rental). He already has big plans for changing it. Ripping out carpets and putting in hardwood floors. He was hoping that the two of us could go check them out but there just wasn't enough time.
Spent more money that I should have making sure we had something to entertain the kids on the way home. The cameras were loosing their luster after 10 hours up there, LOL.
It is nice to be home and back to my own bed; but it was more than wonderful to see the Nuke. We are already planning on going back sometime this summer and taking the Princess since she didn't get to go.
More later.....
Monday, June 04, 2007
Stories of Tribulations
Mon 6/4 Blog Prompt: We all have had stories told to us about our younger years. Fun, silly or embarassing things we have done. So today, think about a story that you were told about yourself that happened before you were 3 years old.
I remember one that my mom use to tell me about when we went to visit we were going to visit some friends of theirs once. I was just at that age where babies start to walk. And my parents, being the proud young parents they were, wanted me walk before getting over there. No amount of incentive could convince me that walking was worth my while.
Still happy being proud young parents, my parents took me over and proudly showed me off, when I started walking.
I remember one that my mom use to tell me about when we went to visit we were going to visit some friends of theirs once. I was just at that age where babies start to walk. And my parents, being the proud young parents they were, wanted me walk before getting over there. No amount of incentive could convince me that walking was worth my while.
Still happy being proud young parents, my parents took me over and proudly showed me off, when I started walking.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Word of the Week - COLLOP
Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.
collop(n)Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.
a portion or piece; esp. a small slice of meat.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Travels & Tribulations
We finally made it to SC and NavyNukes new house. Ballerina and Indy were pretty good on the way up. For the most part. Though I am not sure I am looking forward to the return trip on Monday.
The Nuke's house is similar to mom's on the outside; but I think that is pretty much the only place. I love the taupe color on the walls in the kitchen, dining and living rooms. The main bath is long with the sink on one side and a deep tub/shower on the other with the toilet at the end. I just realized all the rooms are taupe with white trim except the hallway which is light yellow with gold feather dusting.
You can tell he is a bachelor by the very fact that is furnishings consist of a mattress to sleep on; excercise machines and computer chairs.
Well, I think while everyone is still asleep, I may go out and give my sister a call.
The Nuke's house is similar to mom's on the outside; but I think that is pretty much the only place. I love the taupe color on the walls in the kitchen, dining and living rooms. The main bath is long with the sink on one side and a deep tub/shower on the other with the toilet at the end. I just realized all the rooms are taupe with white trim except the hallway which is light yellow with gold feather dusting.
You can tell he is a bachelor by the very fact that is furnishings consist of a mattress to sleep on; excercise machines and computer chairs.
Well, I think while everyone is still asleep, I may go out and give my sister a call.
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