For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married,
or wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about the
next time you open a bottle of wine:
Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.
Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally.
"What's in the bag?" asked the old woman.
Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, "It's a bottle of wine.I got it for my husband."
The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, "Good trade."
Friday, March 25, 2005
God awesome greatness... and his artful eye...
Did you see the sky last night?? Awesome display.... Enjoy! Jon and Randi and Kaitlyn are here for Easter, and Ann went with them into Heather's office to show off Kaitlyn to Heather's co workers... etc. Then we are going to get family together this evening for a bit of dinner and to enjoy the time together... There is a new album of these pics online now... How lucky we are! Love everyone... Happy Easter!
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Very Timely.....
Putting your wishes in writing
11:14 AM CST on Thursday, March 24, 2005
By KAREN M. THOMAS and MICHAEL PRECKER / The Dallas Morning News
Nearly a month ago, right before surgery, Fred Bailey of Dallas made a decision.
He had had a mild heart attack in 2000 and a triple bypass after that. Now doctors were preparing to install a device in his chest to automatically shock his heart if it beat irregularly. When a staff member at Baylor University Medical Center asked him a routine question – whether he was in interested in a living will – Mr. Bailey said he was. After speaking with a hospital chaplain, he signed an advance directive asking doctors not to resuscitate him if the worst should occur.
"I freely signed," says Mr. Bailey, who's 53. "I have children, grandchildren and living parents. I don't want them to go through anything that remotely resembles that situation in Florida. ... The main thing is that I don't want to be in a vegetative state or a coma."
"That situation," as Mr. Bailey puts it, is the kind of unhappy news that brings advance directives, also known as living wills, back into the spotlight. Terri Schiavo, whose heart stopped in 1990 because of a chemical imbalance when she was 26 and who has been in a vegetative state since, left no answers to crucial questions: Would she want to live this way? What should be done to keep her alive?
The result has been a bitter legal battle between Ms. Schiavo's husband, who wants her to be allowed to die, and her parents, who say there is still hope for recovery. After a court ruled that Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube could be removed last month, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush won legislative approval to restore the tube and prolong her life.
A living will might have prevented the dilemma by making Ms. Schiavo's intentions clear. But when Dallas attorney Shelly B. West and geriatric care manager Kay Paggi make that point and advocate living wills, they run into frustrating, illogical problems.
"Most of my clients are quite convinced that they're not going to die," says Ms. West, who handles many family law and probate cases. "I have to get them past the idea – it's not about them; it's about taking care of their survivors."
Ms. Paggi, who works with elderly people at several facilities in Richardson, says the myth persists "that as soon as you write your will, you will die.
"Everyone knows intellectually that is not true, but you still grapple with that," she says. "It's the same thing with the living will."
Making your wishes known in advance, Ms. West says, "is such a simple, loving thing you can do for your family."
At Aging With Dignity, a nonprofit organization based in Tallahassee, Fla., that distributes a living will form nationwide called Five Wishes, the Schiavo case has sparked a surge of interest.
"We've noticed 10 times the number of orders we normally do," says Paul Malley, president of the organization. "No matter what they think is right or wrong, people are saying, 'Isn't it terrible this is happening?' One woman who called said, 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if this were Terri Schiavo's legacy?'"
Aging With Dignity was founded in 1996 to promote dignified care for people at the end of their lives. Mr. Malley says the organizers quickly realized that people wanted to have their wishes known but were discouraged by what they saw as a complicated legal process.
"People don't want to talk about death and dying to start with," Mr. Malley says. "All the forms seemed too hard to understand, so some people would just rather avoid the topic altogether."
Consider the options
Many states, including Texas, provide a living will form that allows people to choose whether they want life-sustaining treatment if they are terminally ill. The Texas document, which must be signed before two witnesses, also preserves the right for people to change their minds at any point.
But Mr. Malley says some state forms do not go into enough detail, with legal language that some people find off-putting. So his organization put together the Five Wishes booklet, asking questions in plain English covering five categories:
•The person I want to make care decisions for me when I can't
•The kind of medical treatment I want or don't want
•How comfortable I want to be
•How I want people to treat me
•What I want my loved ones to know.
"We want people to fill it out together and discuss it with their family," Mr. Malley says.
Although the Five Wishes booklet is not legally binding in Texas, Ms. Paggi says she recommends it "because it makes you think about options. If you are dying, do you want music? Do you want to die alone?"
She says that many of her elderly clients who are dying don't want their children present, but never tell them.
"They might have said, 'I really want to be alone. It's not a spectator event,'" Ms. Paggi says. "A lot of adult children are guilty because they weren't in the room when their parent died. So it's another benefit of having the document."
Aging With Dignity charges $5 for the booklet, or $25 for 25 of them. Working with attorneys, health groups, senior citizen organizations and private companies, the organization has distributed 3 million booklets.
Spread the word
Mr. Malley and Ms. Paggi recommend that people make copies of their wishes, then distribute them to family members, doctors and whoever is empowered to make decisions.
"If it's legal power of attorney, you do want to keep it locked up," Ms. Paggi says. "But a medical directive? You should make copies of the copies.
"Keep one in the glove compartment of your car, give one to the person who normally takes you on errands. It's only good if someone knows it exists and has access to it when you need it."
Mr. Bailey, who isn't married and owns a construction company, has a copy of his living will at home. He has also given copies to two friends. He's told one of his four children about his wishes. But when he became ill Oct. 28 at home alone, he was too sick to grab his directive before climbing into an ambulance. He simply signed another one after being admitted to Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital.
Staff workers "said they would like to have it on file again. I am fortunate enough that I got here, but if I were to go into cardiac arrest and lose my capacity to do what I am doing now, then I don't want that .... I don't want to be a burden to anyone I love," he says.
Put it in writing
Mr. Malley says that if the Five Wishes document is signed in front of witnesses, it has legal standing in 35 states. Ms. West says that while Five Wishes and other living wills that people do for themselves may be helpful, they may not stand up to a challenge from someone who disagrees with the instructions.
She suggests that a state-recognized living will should be part of a package that includes a will that distributes assets and a document assigning power of attorney to make decisions in case one becomes incapacitated.
In uncomplicated cases, she says, the entire process shouldn't cost more than a few hundred dollars.
"You would hope people would do this," Ms. West says. "But every week I deal with a situation where somebody didn't. Then it becomes this ethical dilemma.
"If everybody knew what I wanted, but I didn't take an hour to go and sign a document, then the hospital is nervous and the doctors are nervous about cutting off life support. And if there's a dispute in my family, then it goes to the court and it's a mess."
At Baylor, the Rev. Kara Leslie Stalcup says that hospital staffers ask every patient whether he or she wants a living will and offers help filling it out. The free form then becomes part of the patient's chart.
"We send patients home with the original," says Ms. Stalcup, a hospital chaplain. "We tell them to give copies to two people. It helps start the conversation. It is difficult for parents to have this conversation with their children. They can say, 'I know you don't want to talk about this, but I have already made my wishes known.'"
Peace of mind
Ms. Stalcup says people shouldn't wait until they're seriously ill to deal with the issue.
"We do believe that it is a spiritual decision as well as an emotional and physical one," she says. "The key is doing it when you don't really need to. Then you can make a decision out of faith and guidance instead of fear."
Mr. Malley says his organization hopes to convince the Texas Legislature to recognize the Five Wishes booklet as legally binding, as other states have. Meanwhile, he says, it can be a useful adjunct to the state-approved living will for a family's peace of mind.
"We're getting feedback from family members that this is immeasurably helpful," he says. "Not only in making decisions, but in knowing that they did the right thing."
"There are lots of families out there that had horror stories of having to make these life-and-death decisions without knowing what the person really wanted."
E-mail kthomas@dallasnews.com or mprecker@dallasnews.com
11:14 AM CST on Thursday, March 24, 2005
By KAREN M. THOMAS and MICHAEL PRECKER / The Dallas Morning News
Nearly a month ago, right before surgery, Fred Bailey of Dallas made a decision.
He had had a mild heart attack in 2000 and a triple bypass after that. Now doctors were preparing to install a device in his chest to automatically shock his heart if it beat irregularly. When a staff member at Baylor University Medical Center asked him a routine question – whether he was in interested in a living will – Mr. Bailey said he was. After speaking with a hospital chaplain, he signed an advance directive asking doctors not to resuscitate him if the worst should occur.
"I freely signed," says Mr. Bailey, who's 53. "I have children, grandchildren and living parents. I don't want them to go through anything that remotely resembles that situation in Florida. ... The main thing is that I don't want to be in a vegetative state or a coma."
"That situation," as Mr. Bailey puts it, is the kind of unhappy news that brings advance directives, also known as living wills, back into the spotlight. Terri Schiavo, whose heart stopped in 1990 because of a chemical imbalance when she was 26 and who has been in a vegetative state since, left no answers to crucial questions: Would she want to live this way? What should be done to keep her alive?
The result has been a bitter legal battle between Ms. Schiavo's husband, who wants her to be allowed to die, and her parents, who say there is still hope for recovery. After a court ruled that Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube could be removed last month, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush won legislative approval to restore the tube and prolong her life.
A living will might have prevented the dilemma by making Ms. Schiavo's intentions clear. But when Dallas attorney Shelly B. West and geriatric care manager Kay Paggi make that point and advocate living wills, they run into frustrating, illogical problems.
"Most of my clients are quite convinced that they're not going to die," says Ms. West, who handles many family law and probate cases. "I have to get them past the idea – it's not about them; it's about taking care of their survivors."
Ms. Paggi, who works with elderly people at several facilities in Richardson, says the myth persists "that as soon as you write your will, you will die.
"Everyone knows intellectually that is not true, but you still grapple with that," she says. "It's the same thing with the living will."
Making your wishes known in advance, Ms. West says, "is such a simple, loving thing you can do for your family."
At Aging With Dignity, a nonprofit organization based in Tallahassee, Fla., that distributes a living will form nationwide called Five Wishes, the Schiavo case has sparked a surge of interest.
"We've noticed 10 times the number of orders we normally do," says Paul Malley, president of the organization. "No matter what they think is right or wrong, people are saying, 'Isn't it terrible this is happening?' One woman who called said, 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if this were Terri Schiavo's legacy?'"
Aging With Dignity was founded in 1996 to promote dignified care for people at the end of their lives. Mr. Malley says the organizers quickly realized that people wanted to have their wishes known but were discouraged by what they saw as a complicated legal process.
"People don't want to talk about death and dying to start with," Mr. Malley says. "All the forms seemed too hard to understand, so some people would just rather avoid the topic altogether."
Consider the options
Many states, including Texas, provide a living will form that allows people to choose whether they want life-sustaining treatment if they are terminally ill. The Texas document, which must be signed before two witnesses, also preserves the right for people to change their minds at any point.
But Mr. Malley says some state forms do not go into enough detail, with legal language that some people find off-putting. So his organization put together the Five Wishes booklet, asking questions in plain English covering five categories:
•The person I want to make care decisions for me when I can't
•The kind of medical treatment I want or don't want
•How comfortable I want to be
•How I want people to treat me
•What I want my loved ones to know.
"We want people to fill it out together and discuss it with their family," Mr. Malley says.
Although the Five Wishes booklet is not legally binding in Texas, Ms. Paggi says she recommends it "because it makes you think about options. If you are dying, do you want music? Do you want to die alone?"
She says that many of her elderly clients who are dying don't want their children present, but never tell them.
"They might have said, 'I really want to be alone. It's not a spectator event,'" Ms. Paggi says. "A lot of adult children are guilty because they weren't in the room when their parent died. So it's another benefit of having the document."
Aging With Dignity charges $5 for the booklet, or $25 for 25 of them. Working with attorneys, health groups, senior citizen organizations and private companies, the organization has distributed 3 million booklets.
Spread the word
Mr. Malley and Ms. Paggi recommend that people make copies of their wishes, then distribute them to family members, doctors and whoever is empowered to make decisions.
"If it's legal power of attorney, you do want to keep it locked up," Ms. Paggi says. "But a medical directive? You should make copies of the copies.
"Keep one in the glove compartment of your car, give one to the person who normally takes you on errands. It's only good if someone knows it exists and has access to it when you need it."
Mr. Bailey, who isn't married and owns a construction company, has a copy of his living will at home. He has also given copies to two friends. He's told one of his four children about his wishes. But when he became ill Oct. 28 at home alone, he was too sick to grab his directive before climbing into an ambulance. He simply signed another one after being admitted to Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital.
Staff workers "said they would like to have it on file again. I am fortunate enough that I got here, but if I were to go into cardiac arrest and lose my capacity to do what I am doing now, then I don't want that .... I don't want to be a burden to anyone I love," he says.
Put it in writing
Mr. Malley says that if the Five Wishes document is signed in front of witnesses, it has legal standing in 35 states. Ms. West says that while Five Wishes and other living wills that people do for themselves may be helpful, they may not stand up to a challenge from someone who disagrees with the instructions.
She suggests that a state-recognized living will should be part of a package that includes a will that distributes assets and a document assigning power of attorney to make decisions in case one becomes incapacitated.
In uncomplicated cases, she says, the entire process shouldn't cost more than a few hundred dollars.
"You would hope people would do this," Ms. West says. "But every week I deal with a situation where somebody didn't. Then it becomes this ethical dilemma.
"If everybody knew what I wanted, but I didn't take an hour to go and sign a document, then the hospital is nervous and the doctors are nervous about cutting off life support. And if there's a dispute in my family, then it goes to the court and it's a mess."
At Baylor, the Rev. Kara Leslie Stalcup says that hospital staffers ask every patient whether he or she wants a living will and offers help filling it out. The free form then becomes part of the patient's chart.
"We send patients home with the original," says Ms. Stalcup, a hospital chaplain. "We tell them to give copies to two people. It helps start the conversation. It is difficult for parents to have this conversation with their children. They can say, 'I know you don't want to talk about this, but I have already made my wishes known.'"
Peace of mind
Ms. Stalcup says people shouldn't wait until they're seriously ill to deal with the issue.
"We do believe that it is a spiritual decision as well as an emotional and physical one," she says. "The key is doing it when you don't really need to. Then you can make a decision out of faith and guidance instead of fear."
Mr. Malley says his organization hopes to convince the Texas Legislature to recognize the Five Wishes booklet as legally binding, as other states have. Meanwhile, he says, it can be a useful adjunct to the state-approved living will for a family's peace of mind.
"We're getting feedback from family members that this is immeasurably helpful," he says. "Not only in making decisions, but in knowing that they did the right thing."
"There are lots of families out there that had horror stories of having to make these life-and-death decisions without knowing what the person really wanted."
E-mail kthomas@dallasnews.com or mprecker@dallasnews.com
Phil's first first Raku firing... pics thereof.. haha.. enjoy!
Wow, what a night! Phil called about 9pm and told me to get a move on!! So, Ann and I loaded up the ole buggy with a camera and dashed off to Stillwater to Multigraphics. Phil is taking classes on (wish I knew the correct title! haha) how to make pottery, or sculpture with clay... and his first firing was about to happen. We arrived in time to see the final firing, and the "coming out" of the pieces. It is a cool process, and Ann loves this type of art too... She took classes in school for this art as well, along with painting, etc., She is where the kiddos get their artist ability, even as a step mom!! Anyway, there are now some photos of the event online in our photos section, along with a couple of videos! Sorry, one video is on it's side, I forgot to turn the camera, sigh... so it's my fault, but you can still see and get the idea of what was happening. There was one sad note.. and we caught it on the second video.. a piece was accidently dropped and broken. But beyond that it was a great event. His instructor is the nice lady in the green jacket. The fire reached temps around 2000 degrees and .. well I think it's time for Phil to take over telling you what happened in the photos.. I asked him to do such.. so we will see.. haha.. have a great day, and thanks Phil for calling and inviting us to your unveiling.. haha.. we loved it. Might have to put an art center in the old feed store, so all can play and enjoy things.. later.. enjoy the day!! the pics are a bit dark to show the colors of the flames and heat, etc..
Click on these pics to see larger version of them... keep forgetting to let folks know~~!!
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.
-Catherine Aird
If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.
-Catherine Aird
I think this started with Susan Rush.... haha.. love it...
Obedient Wife
There was a man who had worked all of his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money.
Just before he died, he said to his wife, "When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the
afterlife with me."
And so he got his wife to promise him with all of her heart that when he died, she would put all of the money in the casket with him.
Well, he died. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, "Wait just a minute!"
She had a box with her, she came over with the box and put it in the casket.
Then the undertakers locked the casket down, and they rolled it away. So her friend said, "Girl, I know you weren't fool enough to put all that money in there with your husband."
The loyal wife replied," Listen, I'm a Christian, I can't go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money in that casket with him."
You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him!!!!?"
"I sure did," said the wife. "I got it all together, put it into my account and wrote him a check.
If he can cash it, he can spend it."
There was a man who had worked all of his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money.
Just before he died, he said to his wife, "When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the
afterlife with me."
And so he got his wife to promise him with all of her heart that when he died, she would put all of the money in the casket with him.
Well, he died. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, "Wait just a minute!"
She had a box with her, she came over with the box and put it in the casket.
Then the undertakers locked the casket down, and they rolled it away. So her friend said, "Girl, I know you weren't fool enough to put all that money in there with your husband."
The loyal wife replied," Listen, I'm a Christian, I can't go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money in that casket with him."
You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him!!!!?"
"I sure did," said the wife. "I got it all together, put it into my account and wrote him a check.
If he can cash it, he can spend it."
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
from Uncle Ivan.... rings a bell..... haha
To commemorate her 69th birthday on October 1, actress/vocalist Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.
One of the musical numbers she performed was "My Favorite Things" from the legendary movie "Sound Of Music."
However, the lyrics of the song were deliberately changed for the entertainment of her "blue hair" audience. Here are the lyrics she recited:
"Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache, when the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad."
Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores
One of the musical numbers she performed was "My Favorite Things" from the legendary movie "Sound Of Music."
However, the lyrics of the song were deliberately changed for the entertainment of her "blue hair" audience. Here are the lyrics she recited:
"Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache, when the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad."
Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Austyn came over yesterday afternoon and evening and we watched the new Garfield movie he brought, and then ate some of Grandma Moffat's good cookin', and then watched some OSU wrestling.. they won, yeah!!, and then watched some great basketball and a Disney movie with Tim Allen while we ate a Big OLE bowl of Grandma Moffat's popcorn.... wow.. what a busy time we had... and then we watched Wake get beat to top off the night with Phil and Tammy ... and Austyn... Great Saturday... great time... how lucky we are!!! Austyn and I took some pics and will post them in a bit.. but this is a nice shot of the REAL Austyn.... Who came up with a joke about his Grandpa's cows... When you drive along Mehan Road, our cows are sticking their heads through the fence eating the new spring growth on the other side.. and Austyn saw this one day and asked me last night.. Grandpa, do you know why your cows are sticking their heads through the fence? Cause they want to go out to eat!!!
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
What is beautiful is not always good, but what is good is always beautiful.
-Unknown
What is beautiful is not always good, but what is good is always beautiful.
-Unknown
Friday, March 18, 2005
2nd Today's Quote
Today's Quote
Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
-Maurice Setter
Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
-Maurice Setter
Thought for Today
Thought for Today
Aldous Huxley
"Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him."
Aldous Huxley
"Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him."
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Thought for Today
Thought for Today
Irish Blessing
May you always have work for your hands to do,
May your pockets hold always a coin or two,
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane,
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Irish Blessing
May you always have work for your hands to do,
May your pockets hold always a coin or two,
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane,
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
St. Pat's Day ... wishing you all things green...haha...
Happy St. Pat's Day to everyone.. here is what a friend of mine wrote about the day. JJ is the drummer for the band The Great Divide and he send this note...
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for thousands of years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Catholic season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army. Over the next thirty-five years, Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, prompting the rise of so-called "Irish Aid" societies, like the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and the Hibernian Society. Each group would hold annual parades featuring bagpipes (which actually first became popular in the Scottish and British armies) and drums.
Up until the mid-nineteenth century, most Irish immigrants in America were members of the Protestant middle class. When the Great Potato Famine hit Ireland in 1845, close to a million poor, uneducated, Catholic Irish began to pour into America to escape starvation. Despised for their religious beliefs and funny accents by the American Protestant majority, the immigrants had trouble finding even menial jobs. When Irish Americans in the country 's cities took to the streets on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate their heritage, newspapers portrayed them in cartoons as drunk, violent monkeys. However, the Irish soon began to realize that their great numbers endowed them with a political power that had yet to be exploited. They started to organize, and their voting block, known as the "green machine," became an important swing vote for political hopefuls. Suddenly, annual St. Patrick's Day parades became a show of strength for Irish Americans, as well as a must-attend event for a slew of political candidates. In 1948, President Truman attended New York City 's St. Patrick's Day parade, a proud moment for the many Irish whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find acceptance in America.
JJ
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Heather sends along this note.... Mom sells monster....
Mom Uses eBay To Sell Monster Under Child's Bed - Bidders Asked To Remove Monster From Girl's Room
PHILADELPHIA -- One of the duties of a parent is to make sure the monster under their child's bed is held at bay -- even when the monster
exists solely in that child's imagination. One local parent had a high-tech solution to the problem -- she has put the monster up for auction on eBay. Kathleen Tait had her daughter draw the monster under her bed and is selling the image on the online auction site, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia
reported. Tait's daughter said the monster would make her room a mess. Kathleen Tait said the whole thing began months ago, when her daughter
would wake up, afraid that the monster would get her and her toys. "To this day, I sleep with her," Tait said. "I lay down with her until she falls asleep."
Tait tried several ways to bait the monster, including peanut butter and jelly. Then, she hit upon eBay. Those who bid on the monster are asked to take it out of Tait's daughter's room. It is hoped that by selling the monster, it will be gone for good. There are five days left on the auction, and the bidding early Tuesday evening was $2.25. "People can sell pretzels, so why not a monster?" Tait said.
PHILADELPHIA -- One of the duties of a parent is to make sure the monster under their child's bed is held at bay -- even when the monster
exists solely in that child's imagination. One local parent had a high-tech solution to the problem -- she has put the monster up for auction on eBay. Kathleen Tait had her daughter draw the monster under her bed and is selling the image on the online auction site, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia
reported. Tait's daughter said the monster would make her room a mess. Kathleen Tait said the whole thing began months ago, when her daughter
would wake up, afraid that the monster would get her and her toys. "To this day, I sleep with her," Tait said. "I lay down with her until she falls asleep."
Tait tried several ways to bait the monster, including peanut butter and jelly. Then, she hit upon eBay. Those who bid on the monster are asked to take it out of Tait's daughter's room. It is hoped that by selling the monster, it will be gone for good. There are five days left on the auction, and the bidding early Tuesday evening was $2.25. "People can sell pretzels, so why not a monster?" Tait said.
Clipping of the Day
Clipping of the Day
Grinding the Faces of the Poor
From the New York Herald (New York, New York), 16 March 1870, page 5
Slow Progress of the Pension Payments--A System of Extortions that Aggregates Handsomely for the Pension Agents and Robs the Poor Widows.
Payment of pensions to widows of soldiers killed during the war, begun on the 4th instant in a basement room of the Custom House, is still daily continued under the direction of General Lawrence, Pension Agent. Thus far about 2,500 have been paid from the list of 6,000 whom General Lawrence has to pay. . . At the present rate of progress it will take about two weeks longer to get through the list. Too frequent description has been given in the Herald of the poverty-stricken appearance of the widows and mothers who put in their semi-annual appearance here for the pensions allowed them by the government on account of husbands and sons killed in the late war to render further description necessary. Wretchedness and poverty in their most pitiful phases stare one in the face, and stony hard is the heart that is not moved at the spectacle.
Paying these pensioners is not to be characterized as an act of humanity by the government. It is an act of duty, and most pitiful is the amount paid. And this is not all. The most unjust extortions, though made legal by Congressional enactment, accompany the payment. Every widow has to pay seventy cents, or rather this sum is deducted from the amount due her before she can get her pension. In the first place, twenty-five cents are exacted for making out the papers, and then fifteen cents each for three oaths respectively of two witnesses, and the one to whom the pension is to be paid. One woman came there yesterday from Forty-second street. She was told that she must bring two witnesses to swear that she has not remarried since her husband's death, on whose account the pension was claimed. It was a new arrangement, and the first she had heard of it. The result was that she had to hunt up her witnesses and pay two car fares each for them, besides her own riding, altogether putting her to an outlay of $1.12 before she got her pension. . .
Grinding the Faces of the Poor
From the New York Herald (New York, New York), 16 March 1870, page 5
Slow Progress of the Pension Payments--A System of Extortions that Aggregates Handsomely for the Pension Agents and Robs the Poor Widows.
Payment of pensions to widows of soldiers killed during the war, begun on the 4th instant in a basement room of the Custom House, is still daily continued under the direction of General Lawrence, Pension Agent. Thus far about 2,500 have been paid from the list of 6,000 whom General Lawrence has to pay. . . At the present rate of progress it will take about two weeks longer to get through the list. Too frequent description has been given in the Herald of the poverty-stricken appearance of the widows and mothers who put in their semi-annual appearance here for the pensions allowed them by the government on account of husbands and sons killed in the late war to render further description necessary. Wretchedness and poverty in their most pitiful phases stare one in the face, and stony hard is the heart that is not moved at the spectacle.
Paying these pensioners is not to be characterized as an act of humanity by the government. It is an act of duty, and most pitiful is the amount paid. And this is not all. The most unjust extortions, though made legal by Congressional enactment, accompany the payment. Every widow has to pay seventy cents, or rather this sum is deducted from the amount due her before she can get her pension. In the first place, twenty-five cents are exacted for making out the papers, and then fifteen cents each for three oaths respectively of two witnesses, and the one to whom the pension is to be paid. One woman came there yesterday from Forty-second street. She was told that she must bring two witnesses to swear that she has not remarried since her husband's death, on whose account the pension was claimed. It was a new arrangement, and the first she had heard of it. The result was that she had to hunt up her witnesses and pay two car fares each for them, besides her own riding, altogether putting her to an outlay of $1.12 before she got her pension. . .
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
If Dad were here...... he'd love this....
Homestyle Corned Beef with Dilled Cabbage
Ingredients:
2-1/2 to 3-1/2 lb boneless corned beef brisket
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
Dilled Cabbage:
1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds), cut into 8 wedges
3 tbsp butter, softened
1 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
1-1/2 tsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
Heat oven to 350°F. Place corned beef brisket and 2 cups water in Dutch oven. Bring just to a simmer; do not boil. Cover tightly and cook in 350°F oven 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours or until fork-tender.
About 20 minutes before brisket is done, steam cabbage 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
Remove brisket from water; trim fat. Place on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Combine honey and 1 tablespoon mustard. Brush top of brisket with 1/2 of glaze; broil 3 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze; broil 2 minutes or until glazed.
Combine butter, 1 tablespoon mustard and dill; spread on hot cabbage. Carve brisket diagonally across the grain. Serve with cabbage.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Ingredients:
2-1/2 to 3-1/2 lb boneless corned beef brisket
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
Dilled Cabbage:
1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds), cut into 8 wedges
3 tbsp butter, softened
1 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
1-1/2 tsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
Heat oven to 350°F. Place corned beef brisket and 2 cups water in Dutch oven. Bring just to a simmer; do not boil. Cover tightly and cook in 350°F oven 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours or until fork-tender.
About 20 minutes before brisket is done, steam cabbage 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
Remove brisket from water; trim fat. Place on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Combine honey and 1 tablespoon mustard. Brush top of brisket with 1/2 of glaze; broil 3 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze; broil 2 minutes or until glazed.
Combine butter, 1 tablespoon mustard and dill; spread on hot cabbage. Carve brisket diagonally across the grain. Serve with cabbage.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Thinking of my tummy.......
Herbed Beef Tenderloin with Holiday Rice
Ingredients:
1 well-trimmed center-cut beef tenderloin roast (2 to 3 pounds)
Seasoning:
2 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1-1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp coarse grind black pepper
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Holiday Rice :
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup each chopped onion and chopped red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 package (9 ounces) frozen French-style green beans, defrosted
3 cups hot cooked rice
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions:
Heat oven to 425�F. Combine seasoning ingredients; press onto beef roast. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425�F oven 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness.
Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135�F for medium rare; 150�F for medium. Tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10�F to reach 145�F for medium rare; 160�F for medium.)
Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Add beans; cook and stir 2 minutes. Stir in rice and almonds; heat through. Carve roast; season with salt. Serve with rice.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients:
1 well-trimmed center-cut beef tenderloin roast (2 to 3 pounds)
Seasoning:
2 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1-1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp coarse grind black pepper
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Holiday Rice :
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup each chopped onion and chopped red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 package (9 ounces) frozen French-style green beans, defrosted
3 cups hot cooked rice
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions:
Heat oven to 425�F. Combine seasoning ingredients; press onto beef roast. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425�F oven 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness.
Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135�F for medium rare; 150�F for medium. Tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10�F to reach 145�F for medium rare; 160�F for medium.)
Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Add beans; cook and stir 2 minutes. Stir in rice and almonds; heat through. Carve roast; season with salt. Serve with rice.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Wow... more neat days.....
Friday, Austyn spent the day with us.. and we had a blast. Then, Saturday, due to illness in the family, we got to see Jon and Randi and Kaitlyn along with Jake and Heather and Andrew for part of Heather's Birthday, and today, we get to see the rest of the family for the rest of Heather's Birthday. Paul has been home sick with the flu.. so we are doing it this way!! Will post some pics from yesterday online and from today later on.. have a great day!
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just to enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate.
-Thornton Wilder
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just to enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate.
-Thornton Wilder
Friday, March 11, 2005
Hayden Howard's Birthday....
Hayden Howard's Birthday in Topeka, KS. at Chuckie Cheese..... Happy B'day Hayden!!!!
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
-Walter Bagehot
The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
-Walter Bagehot
Thursday, March 10, 2005
I think I am going to live....
Guess that's the case. This is the first day in more than a week that I have woke up and not had wet eyes... wow.. how cool! I got this virus in my lungs and I felt like I was drowning... and after setting through Dad's dealy.. it was a bit scarey.... I never had anything quite like it.. my lungs were full of junk and I could cough up hands full of this yuck.. and every breathe was a wheeze instead of easy.. and labored.. Then it went to the lining on the outside of my head.. and it hurt to breathe.. ect.. you get the pic.. but hopefully, that is past.
Austyn has a skit at school this am and Phil is on the way to see him in it.. he is carrying the flag, *I think he said... Jake is out feeding cattle, Ann and I are better, we think, and all is well in the world.. have a 76 degree day coming soon, Sat. I think.. how wonderful that is.. it's about time to start farming again.. love the first earth turned smell..... but alas, by the end of summer, I am ready to quite for a bit.. haha..
We have a family who keeps their kiddos calves here with us for showing and they have done quite well this spring in the livestock shows. They are to wonderful young ladys who fight like two sisters, and get along like to sisters..haha.. Jake is taking them over Saturday morning to meet Fred Shultz and look at his great livestock. I think Saturday, the family is getting together to celebrate the birth of Heather Ann and the anniversary of Phil and Tammy. Twill be another wonderful family moment!!
All I know for now.. Have a great day!!
Austyn has a skit at school this am and Phil is on the way to see him in it.. he is carrying the flag, *I think he said... Jake is out feeding cattle, Ann and I are better, we think, and all is well in the world.. have a 76 degree day coming soon, Sat. I think.. how wonderful that is.. it's about time to start farming again.. love the first earth turned smell..... but alas, by the end of summer, I am ready to quite for a bit.. haha..
We have a family who keeps their kiddos calves here with us for showing and they have done quite well this spring in the livestock shows. They are to wonderful young ladys who fight like two sisters, and get along like to sisters..haha.. Jake is taking them over Saturday morning to meet Fred Shultz and look at his great livestock. I think Saturday, the family is getting together to celebrate the birth of Heather Ann and the anniversary of Phil and Tammy. Twill be another wonderful family moment!!
All I know for now.. Have a great day!!
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Does God Exist?
Does God Exist?
This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen. It's an explanation other people will understand.
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."
"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.
"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving a God who would allow all of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt!
The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."
"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber and I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."
"Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
If you think God exists, send this to other people---If you think God does not exist, delete it!
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING !!!!
This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen. It's an explanation other people will understand.
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."
"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.
"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving a God who would allow all of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt!
The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."
"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber and I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."
"Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
If you think God exists, send this to other people---If you think God does not exist, delete it!
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING !!!!
As a father, I have failed the test.......
As a father, I have failed the test. I forgot to mention that Wednesday is Heather Ann Moffat Blankinship's 32nd Birthday and the day is special to another family of Moffat's as well. It is also Phillip and Tammy Moffat's 13 Anniversary of their Wedding. We wish you all the best and many many more. I think there is a family get to gether coming up soon to celebrate, so maybe I will be forgiven, hopefully, ???
Friday, March 04, 2005
Has been a week among weeks... haha...
Seems like only yesterday, think I have heard this one before.. haha!!
What a week. Ann sick, me sick, cows out on wheat when not supposed to be, our own house dog ran away from us overnight, Zoe went to spend the night a the neighbors... Truck not running right, beautiful weather, mom has back ache and now this am she has an unexplained black eye!! hummmmmmmmmm.... and on and on. Jake is heading up to the farm to work with Uncle Mike tomorrow so we will not have him this weekend and this is the week that the fat pigs that Paul was feeding out, with Andrew's help, went to the butchers.. haha.. guess you can guess where this story is headed, yelp, Andrew wants to know where his pigs are and he is MAD!!! Plus Dad had Grandpa Roy's trailer and he was not supposed to have it.. and on and on.. Andrew, our little ole 85 year old three year old... Ann is home today, but received a job at 4:30 pm yesterday that is a rush job so she has been on the phone trying to help get it out most of the morning.
I am heading out to work on fence when Jake gets back with the truck and my claw hammer! We only own one, so have to share!
This has also been a week for geese... everywhere!! thousands of them and they can mow off a wheat field in nothing flat. I saw this for the first time last two days. The wheat field of ours that is across the fence from the pond on this quarter was about three inches tall, and in two days.. clear to the ground!! They are unbelievable in their ablility to mow it off!!
Heard someone has an anniversay this coming Wednesday, March 9th... and someone else has a birthday on that same date.. right??? Phillip and Tammy will be married 13 years.. getting married in 1992.. and ole Heather, Madison's mom, a 1973 model will be 32 on that same date, goodness Heather is that right???
All for now, enjoy the day....
What a week. Ann sick, me sick, cows out on wheat when not supposed to be, our own house dog ran away from us overnight, Zoe went to spend the night a the neighbors... Truck not running right, beautiful weather, mom has back ache and now this am she has an unexplained black eye!! hummmmmmmmmm.... and on and on. Jake is heading up to the farm to work with Uncle Mike tomorrow so we will not have him this weekend and this is the week that the fat pigs that Paul was feeding out, with Andrew's help, went to the butchers.. haha.. guess you can guess where this story is headed, yelp, Andrew wants to know where his pigs are and he is MAD!!! Plus Dad had Grandpa Roy's trailer and he was not supposed to have it.. and on and on.. Andrew, our little ole 85 year old three year old... Ann is home today, but received a job at 4:30 pm yesterday that is a rush job so she has been on the phone trying to help get it out most of the morning.
I am heading out to work on fence when Jake gets back with the truck and my claw hammer! We only own one, so have to share!
This has also been a week for geese... everywhere!! thousands of them and they can mow off a wheat field in nothing flat. I saw this for the first time last two days. The wheat field of ours that is across the fence from the pond on this quarter was about three inches tall, and in two days.. clear to the ground!! They are unbelievable in their ablility to mow it off!!
Heard someone has an anniversay this coming Wednesday, March 9th... and someone else has a birthday on that same date.. right??? Phillip and Tammy will be married 13 years.. getting married in 1992.. and ole Heather, Madison's mom, a 1973 model will be 32 on that same date, goodness Heather is that right???
All for now, enjoy the day....
From Joanna and Clinton, Sunday School Lessons....
STORY OF ELIJAH
The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the
altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times.
"Now," said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?"
A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, "I know! I know!" she said, "To make the gravy!"
LOT'S WIFE
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Johnny interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was DRIVING," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!"
SUNDAY SCHOOL
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described
the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"
"No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms."
HIGHER POWER
A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?"
One child blurted out, "Aces!"
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Nine year old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school.
"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."
"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.
"Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Bobby was excited about the task -- but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Bobby was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd and that's all I need to know.
The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the
altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times.
"Now," said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?"
A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, "I know! I know!" she said, "To make the gravy!"
LOT'S WIFE
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Johnny interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was DRIVING," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!"
SUNDAY SCHOOL
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described
the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"
"No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms."
HIGHER POWER
A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?"
One child blurted out, "Aces!"
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Nine year old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school.
"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."
"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.
"Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Bobby was excited about the task -- but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Bobby was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd and that's all I need to know.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing—that's why we recommend it daily.
-Zig Ziglar
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing—that's why we recommend it daily.
-Zig Ziglar
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.
-Vesta M. Kelly
Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.
-Vesta M. Kelly
Monday, February 28, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
Happiness does not come from doing what you want, but wanting what you do.
Happiness does not come from doing what you want, but wanting what you do.
was thinking about where everyone was from when I woke up this am..
I was thinking where all the folks were from that were present Saturday. Small crowd, but lots of places... Ingalls, Roff, Mehan, Stillwater, El Reno, Perkins, Norman, and Perkins. Anyway..... Today is Uncle Ivan's official Birthday... So Happy Official Birthday - Uncle Ivan! And many many more!!!
Enjoy the day!!
Enjoy the day!!
Sunday, February 27, 2005
What a wonderful day yesterday was!!
What a wonderful day we had yesterday! Ann is not feeling very good health wise, nor am I, but what a wonderful day yesterday was. Started with the sun shining, that was great! Then Andrew and Heather came to our home about an hour before we left for OKC, and
Andrew and I played games on the computer and he is very good at it, beating his grandpa all to pieces! Then we had a great trip to OKC, and when we arrived at The Olive Garden, it was about 5 mins and they had us seated, and we were a big group for them! Everyone arrived, including the Birthday Boy himself, Uncle Ivan! Later we learned that both Cousin Clinton and myself have Birthdays in Feb. too. We had an awesome lunch. Uncle Ivan opened his cards and presents, and we had a great visit!! All my kiddos showed up!! All our grandkids showed up! What a truly amazing time!! It's not everyday you get to visit with everyone and your family too! Austyn and Andrew got along great, and so did Kaitlyn. Madison didn't kick her mom too much so Heather got to eat! Kaitlyn was great so Randi and Jon got to eat. Tammy and Phil got to enjoy the time with the boys playing great! And Jake and I got to eat some good food and visit with others!! So all in all, great time. Those there were Uncle Ivan, Aunt Freda, Cousin Joanna and Clinton, Marilyn, Mom, Jonathan and Randi and Kaitlyn Moffat, Heather Blankinship and Andrew, Jake, Ann and I, and Tammy and Phil and Austyn Moffat! What a deal! Uncle Ivan wore his crown while he ate. He is such a trooper!! And we ate and ate!! Then home, with no problems, and a nice spring day in Feb. comes to an end! If mom would have had her new ears, it would have been complete!
Enjoy the day! New pictures are online too. No video from yesterday, I forgot to do that, guess it will be next time!!
Andrew and I played games on the computer and he is very good at it, beating his grandpa all to pieces! Then we had a great trip to OKC, and when we arrived at The Olive Garden, it was about 5 mins and they had us seated, and we were a big group for them! Everyone arrived, including the Birthday Boy himself, Uncle Ivan! Later we learned that both Cousin Clinton and myself have Birthdays in Feb. too. We had an awesome lunch. Uncle Ivan opened his cards and presents, and we had a great visit!! All my kiddos showed up!! All our grandkids showed up! What a truly amazing time!! It's not everyday you get to visit with everyone and your family too! Austyn and Andrew got along great, and so did Kaitlyn. Madison didn't kick her mom too much so Heather got to eat! Kaitlyn was great so Randi and Jon got to eat. Tammy and Phil got to enjoy the time with the boys playing great! And Jake and I got to eat some good food and visit with others!! So all in all, great time. Those there were Uncle Ivan, Aunt Freda, Cousin Joanna and Clinton, Marilyn, Mom, Jonathan and Randi and Kaitlyn Moffat, Heather Blankinship and Andrew, Jake, Ann and I, and Tammy and Phil and Austyn Moffat! What a deal! Uncle Ivan wore his crown while he ate. He is such a trooper!! And we ate and ate!! Then home, with no problems, and a nice spring day in Feb. comes to an end! If mom would have had her new ears, it would have been complete!
Enjoy the day! New pictures are online too. No video from yesterday, I forgot to do that, guess it will be next time!!
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don't claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent.
-Rumi
Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don't claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent.
-Rumi
Saturday, February 26, 2005
OH BOY.. oh boy.. we are off to see the Wizard.. haha..
What a great day is in store today. We are having lunch with my Uncle Ivan and Aunt Freda in OKC at Olive Garden at 12:30pm. I think our family less Paul will be there, how cool is that!!! And Ann is sick, and I am a bit, but ...
We are all excited about this and looking forward to it. There will be other family there too. Mom and MK are going, and Joanna and Clinton, and who know who else..
HEY DORIS..... How you doing after knee surgery???? Hope all is well, and you get up and going quick!!! Bet Jim does too.. hahahahahahaha....
All for now. Have a great day!!!
We are all excited about this and looking forward to it. There will be other family there too. Mom and MK are going, and Joanna and Clinton, and who know who else..
HEY DORIS..... How you doing after knee surgery???? Hope all is well, and you get up and going quick!!! Bet Jim does too.. hahahahahahaha....
All for now. Have a great day!!!
Wow... I got Heather's attention..haha
She called me, like within seconds of my posting the note below.. how cool, a dad can even holler at his kids on the net, and they will answer, haha... thanks.. Heather.. just having fun, and experimenting!!
Friday, February 25, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Today...
Today, Jake and I went to Mom's to help Marilyn get the weaning calves sorted so she could take them to the clinic at OSU and get them worked. Course, rainy last few days and cold this am and lots of mud, and calves were too young to want to be away from Mom's, but the good news is, we did it, and no one killed anyone else over it either, how bout them apples! Dad would have been proud!!
Mom's OK, still not wearing her new ears too much. Things are too loud she says, course, if she were to wear them, she might get used to hearing again... ahaha...
All for now! Everyone have a great day!!
Ann is home with the yuck today... not feeling too hot, but she was worse last night! I even had to cook my own meal last night, geeze, I have never in my life cooked pork, and I did it and I am not too sick this am... haha..
enjoy the day!
Mom's OK, still not wearing her new ears too much. Things are too loud she says, course, if she were to wear them, she might get used to hearing again... ahaha...
All for now! Everyone have a great day!!
Ann is home with the yuck today... not feeling too hot, but she was worse last night! I even had to cook my own meal last night, geeze, I have never in my life cooked pork, and I did it and I am not too sick this am... haha..
enjoy the day!
A big celebration.. Saturday ... Uncle Ivan's Birthday is the 28th, but ...
A big celebration.. Saturday ... Uncle Ivan's Birthday is the 28th, but ... we are celebrating it Saturday at 12:30 at the Olive Garden at Quail Springs Mall... in front of it and west a bit!! See everyone there!!! Big day...
Welcome - Our Moffat Family Blog
Cousin Joanna sent word that Cousin Doris Moffat Rowland went home from hospital yesterday. She had knee surgery last week and they forgot to call and let folks know.. sigh..... Glad your home Doris... Get recovered fast, the coffee shop is not the same without ya... haha..
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakable perfect miracle.
-Walt Whitman
To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakable perfect miracle.
-Walt Whitman
Heather sent this along for every one to enjoy..
An old man, a boy & a donkey were going
to town. The boy rode on the donkey &
the old man walked. As they went along
they passed some people who remarked
it was a shame the old man was walking
& the boy was riding. The man & boy
thought maybe the critics were right,
so they changed positions.
Later, they passed some people that remarked,
"What a shame, he makes that little boy walk."
They then decided they both
would walk! Soon they passed some
more people who thought they were
stupid to walk when they had a decent
donkey to ride. So, they both rode the donkey.
Now they passed some people that
shamed them by saying how awful to put
such a load on a poor donkey.
The boy & man said they were
probably right, so they decided
to carry the donkey. As
they crossed the bridge, they lost
their grip on the animal & he fell
into the river and drowned.
The moral of the story?
If you try to please everyone, you might as well...
.....Kiss your ass good-bye.
Have A Nice Day & Be Careful With Your Donkey
to town. The boy rode on the donkey &
the old man walked. As they went along
they passed some people who remarked
it was a shame the old man was walking
& the boy was riding. The man & boy
thought maybe the critics were right,
so they changed positions.
Later, they passed some people that remarked,
"What a shame, he makes that little boy walk."
They then decided they both
would walk! Soon they passed some
more people who thought they were
stupid to walk when they had a decent
donkey to ride. So, they both rode the donkey.
Now they passed some people that
shamed them by saying how awful to put
such a load on a poor donkey.
The boy & man said they were
probably right, so they decided
to carry the donkey. As
they crossed the bridge, they lost
their grip on the animal & he fell
into the river and drowned.
The moral of the story?
If you try to please everyone, you might as well...
.....Kiss your ass good-bye.
Have A Nice Day & Be Careful With Your Donkey
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self.
-Aldous Huxley
There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self.
-Aldous Huxley
Interesting to Medical Men
Interesting to Medical Men
From the Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pa.), 23 February 1820, page 3
The District Medical Society of Baltimore in a report on the subject of the late Yellow Fever in that city, says----
"The doctrines of contagion and importation, receive no countenance from this society."
And to conclude by recommending that two laws be repealed.
"First--That restricting hogs from running at large.--Second "That which makes it penal to throw kitchen offals in the street."
And we think we have it hard.. haha....
From the Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pa.), 23 February 1820, page 3
The District Medical Society of Baltimore in a report on the subject of the late Yellow Fever in that city, says----
"The doctrines of contagion and importation, receive no countenance from this society."
And to conclude by recommending that two laws be repealed.
"First--That restricting hogs from running at large.--Second "That which makes it penal to throw kitchen offals in the street."
And we think we have it hard.. haha....
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Got a wonderful note from Joanna and Clinton and I will share part of it with you all....
Joanna writes...
Doris had her knee replacement surgery last Wed. She seems to be doing well. She is now at Jim Thorpe Rehab in OKC. They think she might get to go home tomorrow or Thurs. Jim M. has had sinus infection and is feeling some better. Clinton is going to PT for his back and I think it is helping. Everybody else seems to be doing OK. How are all of your family? I also talked with Ivan this morning and they were going to OKC for a free lunch...
It's really great to hear from family.... My best back to you all too.
And again, thanks for all the wonderful emails and calls.. awesome to be remembered. I am about speechless... and those of you that know me knows that does not happen very often, right, hahaha?
Doris had her knee replacement surgery last Wed. She seems to be doing well. She is now at Jim Thorpe Rehab in OKC. They think she might get to go home tomorrow or Thurs. Jim M. has had sinus infection and is feeling some better. Clinton is going to PT for his back and I think it is helping. Everybody else seems to be doing OK. How are all of your family? I also talked with Ivan this morning and they were going to OKC for a free lunch...
It's really great to hear from family.... My best back to you all too.
And again, thanks for all the wonderful emails and calls.. awesome to be remembered. I am about speechless... and those of you that know me knows that does not happen very often, right, hahaha?
The old days...
The old days
TO THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 30's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat booms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live in us forever.
*We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little league had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS! Please pass this on to others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
TO THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 30's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat booms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live in us forever.
*We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little league had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS! Please pass this on to others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
Thanks for all the Birthday greetings..
You guys are way tooooooo coooool.. haha thanks for all the wonderful birthday greetings... wasn't expecting a thing... Love you all! Stan at the start of his 58th year!
The Squirrels from Clinton and Joanna Wilson, Cousins in Norman....
The Squirrels
=============
Three churches in town were overrun with squirrels.
After much prayer, the elders of the first church determined that the animals were predestined to be there. Who were they to interfere with God's will? They did nothing, and the squirrels multiplied.
The elders of the second church, deciding that they could not harm any of God's creatures, humanely trapped the squirrels and then set them free outside of town. Three days later the squirrels were back.
It was only the third church that succeeded in keeping the squirrels away. The elders of this church simply baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church.
Now, they only see the squirrels on Christmas and Easter.
=============
Three churches in town were overrun with squirrels.
After much prayer, the elders of the first church determined that the animals were predestined to be there. Who were they to interfere with God's will? They did nothing, and the squirrels multiplied.
The elders of the second church, deciding that they could not harm any of God's creatures, humanely trapped the squirrels and then set them free outside of town. Three days later the squirrels were back.
It was only the third church that succeeded in keeping the squirrels away. The elders of this church simply baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church.
Now, they only see the squirrels on Christmas and Easter.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Mom update...
Great Grandma Moffat got home from her Doctor's appointment to get her new ears... and she said that the aids were set way to high. Why she turned on the blinkers in the car and all she could hear was blam blam blam... haha...
She was beside herself! She said she could even hear her feet as she walked across the floor... haha... GREAT!! But I bet it's a hard thing to get used to. Not hearing for so long and now hearing every little thing. Anyway, she goes back in two weeks. So, give her a call and let her tell you about her new ears!!
She did say there was a bad wreck at the corner north of her when she came home with a red truck on it's top on the northwest side of the intersection and two troopers there.
All for now.. have a great evening...
She was beside herself! She said she could even hear her feet as she walked across the floor... haha... GREAT!! But I bet it's a hard thing to get used to. Not hearing for so long and now hearing every little thing. Anyway, she goes back in two weeks. So, give her a call and let her tell you about her new ears!!
She did say there was a bad wreck at the corner north of her when she came home with a red truck on it's top on the northwest side of the intersection and two troopers there.
All for now.. have a great evening...
Update on Austyn......
Tammy just called and Austyn is find today. They did not have school today with this being Presidents Day, so they both were home. Tammy reports that Austyn fell asleep on the couch last night, they carried him to bed and he woke up two times during the night. Then upon waking up, he ate not one, not two, but three bowls of cereal, and then.. and then.. he takes after his grandpa, a bag of popcorn!!! She said he has been ok all day long and doing great! Just wanted to let everyone know..
Great grandma Moffat went to the hearing doctor this afternoon at 1:30 to get her new hearing aids. She still swears she does not need them, but I believe most of the family, after visiting with her yesterday, agrees with the Doctor, and they are really glad she is getting them, and can't wait to see how well they work~~!
Jake is off to work this afternoon, and is really enjoying his work. He gets his first two week pay check next monday, and is really looking forward to that too!!
I think that is all the news for now... enjoy the day!
Great grandma Moffat went to the hearing doctor this afternoon at 1:30 to get her new hearing aids. She still swears she does not need them, but I believe most of the family, after visiting with her yesterday, agrees with the Doctor, and they are really glad she is getting them, and can't wait to see how well they work~~!
Jake is off to work this afternoon, and is really enjoying his work. He gets his first two week pay check next monday, and is really looking forward to that too!!
I think that is all the news for now... enjoy the day!
The state of our family....
Wanted everyone to know that Heather was suffering from a stopped up head yesterday and she went to the DR. this am and he told her she had an a bit of a Upper Respitory thingy working and put her on antibotics, and Austyn got sick yesterday afternoon too. He threw up here for a few times and went home and did it again three times, Tammy said, but last evening he had no fever and was feeling a touch better! Not sure if he went to school today or not... but will let others know when I discover...
Sunday, February 20, 2005
What a wonderful day with family!!
T'was a really great day in my life today. I had 86, 400 seconds to spend today, and got to spend most of them with family, and including mom and grand children! Now how lucky is that. Had all my kiddos and spouses and grand kids and Mom and Sis here today for a big ole 58th Bday... I am richly blessed. Thank you Lord for such a wonderful family!! Well, guess we did miss Paul, but he had a rookie and had to work today training another of Stillwater's finest! Paul, you were missed and thought of often. Maybe next time!
Have a lot of pictures and some video of the grand kids,etc. but my wireless DSL is down, guess I ought to pay my bill, haha... well, that might just be the case.. haha.. not really. But will get pics online this evening or in morning..
Thanks to all my family for allowing me the pleasure of your company today. Nothing in the world makes me happier than to spend time with them!! God bless you all often and forever!
Have a lot of pictures and some video of the grand kids,etc. but my wireless DSL is down, guess I ought to pay my bill, haha... well, that might just be the case.. haha.. not really. But will get pics online this evening or in morning..
Thanks to all my family for allowing me the pleasure of your company today. Nothing in the world makes me happier than to spend time with them!! God bless you all often and forever!
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Welcome - Our Moffat Family Blog
Here's a link to JIB Jab, and Second Term from the guys in Dallas! Now you need to smile while this is playing, or you take politics way too serious!! (says this Bush supporter!) smiling...
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Marilyn sent this along today.... THE CAB RIDE
THE CAB RIDE
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m.,
the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.
Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait
a minute, then drive away.
But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their
only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I
always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my
assistance, I reasoned to myself.
So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail,
elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood
before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil
pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one
had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the
counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and
glassware.
"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to
the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked
slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.
"It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I
would want my mother treated". "Oh, you're such a good boy", she said.
When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you
drive through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.
"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a
hospice". I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I
don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have
very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route
would you like me to take?" I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the
building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove
through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were
newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had
once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd
ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit
staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was
creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low
building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under
a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up.
They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have
been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the
door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe
you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said.
"You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I
responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me
tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank
you." I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind
me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a
life.
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in
thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that
woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his
shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then
driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything
more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But
great moments often catch us unaware---beautifully wrapped in what others
may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT 'YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT ~
THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m.,
the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.
Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait
a minute, then drive away.
But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their
only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I
always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my
assistance, I reasoned to myself.
So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail,
elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood
before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil
pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one
had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the
counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and
glassware.
"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to
the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked
slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.
"It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I
would want my mother treated". "Oh, you're such a good boy", she said.
When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you
drive through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.
"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a
hospice". I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I
don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have
very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route
would you like me to take?" I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the
building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove
through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were
newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had
once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd
ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit
staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was
creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low
building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under
a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up.
They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have
been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the
door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe
you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said.
"You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I
responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me
tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank
you." I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind
me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a
life.
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in
thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that
woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his
shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then
driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything
more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But
great moments often catch us unaware---beautifully wrapped in what others
may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT 'YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT ~
THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.
Thought for Today
Thought for Today
Carl Sagan
"We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers."
Carl Sagan
"We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers."
From Uncle Ivan...
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding the attacks on Sept. 11). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they WILL think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they WILL think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Uncle Ivan sent this note along.. Awesome, thanks.. Uncle Ivan!
I have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years, but we are mostly making fun of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up.
Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya`ll know who ya are...
You might be a redneck if:
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase,"One nation, under God. "
You've never protested about seeing the Ten Commandments posted in public places.
You still say "Christmas" instead of "The Holidays."
You bow your head when someone prays.
You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.
You've never burned an American flag.
You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya`ll know who ya are...
You might be a redneck if:
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase,"One nation, under God. "
You've never protested about seeing the Ten Commandments posted in public places.
You still say "Christmas" instead of "The Holidays."
You bow your head when someone prays.
You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.
You've never burned an American flag.
You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!
-Lucy, Peanuts
Saw this and thought of Ann... hehe....
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!
-Lucy, Peanuts
Saw this and thought of Ann... hehe....
Perhaps there has always been ........ a problem.... with terrorism....
The Fort Wayne News (Fort Wayne, Indiana), 16 February 1898, page 1:
Nearly Three Hundred Men go Down on Board the Battleship Maine in the Harbor of Havana
BOMB PLACED UNDER THE BOW OF THE BOAT
Special From Havana Leads to the Belief That the Hellish Deed May be the Work of Spanish Sympathizers.
NAVY OFFICERS SCOUT THE THEORY OF ACCIDENT
Captain Sigsbee Declares That the Magazine Was in Perfect Condition--Hundreds of Sharks Add to the Unspeakable Horror.
HAVANA, Feb. 16.--The United States steamer Maine, a charred and torn hulk, lies at the bottom of the harbor, a tomb for 100 of her crew. She was blown up by an explosion at 9:40 last night. Most of the crew were asleep at the time. The indications were that a torpedo had been exploded under the bow of the battleship. Captain Sigsbee, who was wounded in the head, says the ship's powder magazine was in perfect order. All of the crew who were not disabled showed great coolness and courage. The Spanish cruiser Alphonso launched boats and hurried them to the sinking battleship. The number of dead is unknown. The explosion shook the city from one end to the other, and created the greatest excitement. All electric lights were put out by the shock. It was almost two hours before it was known what had exploded
Nearly Three Hundred Men go Down on Board the Battleship Maine in the Harbor of Havana
BOMB PLACED UNDER THE BOW OF THE BOAT
Special From Havana Leads to the Belief That the Hellish Deed May be the Work of Spanish Sympathizers.
NAVY OFFICERS SCOUT THE THEORY OF ACCIDENT
Captain Sigsbee Declares That the Magazine Was in Perfect Condition--Hundreds of Sharks Add to the Unspeakable Horror.
HAVANA, Feb. 16.--The United States steamer Maine, a charred and torn hulk, lies at the bottom of the harbor, a tomb for 100 of her crew. She was blown up by an explosion at 9:40 last night. Most of the crew were asleep at the time. The indications were that a torpedo had been exploded under the bow of the battleship. Captain Sigsbee, who was wounded in the head, says the ship's powder magazine was in perfect order. All of the crew who were not disabled showed great coolness and courage. The Spanish cruiser Alphonso launched boats and hurried them to the sinking battleship. The number of dead is unknown. The explosion shook the city from one end to the other, and created the greatest excitement. All electric lights were put out by the shock. It was almost two hours before it was known what had exploded
Monday, February 14, 2005
And from a friend in California comes this "virus warning".... BEWARE... AMISH VIRUS INSIDE
And from a friend in California comes this "virus warning".... BEWARE... AMISH VIRUS INSIDE
He told me he received a letter in the mail that looked funny, writing not like ours today (you could read it!) and so carefully opening it, he found inside a hand written note on a piece of lined school paper.
"This is an AMISH VIRSUS.
AMISH have not computers nor electricity, and use the HONOR system, so at this time, would you please delete all your computer files.
Thank Thee very much!"
Later, he received a call from a friend of his in PA. who had gotten behind an Amish buggy on the way to work and had extra time on his hands...
He told me he received a letter in the mail that looked funny, writing not like ours today (you could read it!) and so carefully opening it, he found inside a hand written note on a piece of lined school paper.
"This is an AMISH VIRSUS.
AMISH have not computers nor electricity, and use the HONOR system, so at this time, would you please delete all your computer files.
Thank Thee very much!"
Later, he received a call from a friend of his in PA. who had gotten behind an Amish buggy on the way to work and had extra time on his hands...
Uncle Ivan never let's us down with great writings and here is another from we received today!
In light of the many perversions and jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke, it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding the attacks on Sept. 11).
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.
I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.. And we said OK!
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding the attacks on Sept. 11).
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.
I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.. And we said OK!
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Kaitlyn is really growing...
Here ya go! Jake, Ann and I took a road trip and went to see Kaitlyn last night. She is really growing fast. She set in her stroller and played with her toys, etc. and she was a perfect Angel when we took Mom out to eat at Doc's for Valentine's Day!!
We had a rather late night last night gettting back home L a t e for an old man anyway...haha.
Everyone is messing around today. I have to get the PCL Music Awards all put on our website and uploaded today and set so I can link it in the am to announce our winners artist for last year's Payne County Line Music Awards for Oklahoma artist.
Andrew dropped by this am and is spending the day so Heather can get some much needed rest. Her tail has been dragging this week after having bit of stomach flu, and she is weak. Jake Ann and I had it too, and it's not fun!
We almost got to see and keep Austyn Saturday, but Ann had left to go with Jake to feed all the cattle and I didn't know it, so anyway, we missed our chance. Ann and I heard that Grandma went to an auction with Phil and Tammy and Austyn at his school Friday night. That's so cool!
Jake got his first "tail chewing" at work the other day for leaving an office with test for the next day unlocked on night, but all in all, he thinks that is his only major miss step to date, so he says all is going well and seems to be happy with his new job.
Phil starts his tomorrow and I know he is happy to be off the road so much. I know how that is after being in the feed business and making from 3 to 6 trips a week to to OKC and all the other places for 21 years, it gets old in a hurry. He will be working for Rain's Trucking in Perkins, OK.
Welp, all I know for know, enjoy the day, it's a wonderful warm "spring" day here in Oklahoma, with Temps in the 60's this afternoon, and wow, sunshine in abundance!!
Friday, February 11, 2005
Welcome - Our Moffat Family Blog
Just a quick note to everyone about this and that...
Talked with Mom, when I finally caught her at home, and heard about cell phone batteries blowing up, viruses on computer, her busy day, greasy chicken at Long John's, etc... hahaha.... She has had a head cold but was better when I visited with her.
Jake, as of today, will be finishing up his second full week at the Vet Teaching Hospital on OSU Campus in Stillwater. He seems to really like it, as it is a job and income! He keeps mentioning going to welding school. So one can only guess...
Phil starts his new job on this coming Monday working for Rain's Trucking in Perkins in the office. He will be a great addition to their team.
Jonathan is finishing up a school in OKC. It was put on by Microsoft and trained them in the use of a special program he will be using in tracking web design/development projects for the Chickasaw Nation. He is on their Web Dev team, and loves his job, just don't ask him if he does, haha...
Heather had a bout of tummy virus this week and with Madison Ann coming in a few months, it gave us all a scare. Ann kept Andrew for a day while Heather recovered at home. She is back at work and doing ok. Her father in law has a bout of it and last I heard was very weak and could hardly walk and if any of you know him, Roy, he retired from Stillwater Police Dept., farms full time and is now a full time deputy well!
Paul is ok, haven't heard a thing from Tammy or Austyn, and was told Randi and Kaitlyn are doing ok.
so all in all, things are going ok. Andrew has been spending Sundays with Jake and they play video games and have a big ole time for a few hours, and he loves to talk on the phone!!
In my area of the world, PCL is finishing up our year end awards and are to announce on the 14 of Feb., Monday. It has been a big deal, we had almost a million votes cast, with over 900 nominees for about 68 areas, and I count it all by myself... it has been a 18 to 20 hour a day seven day a week thing for me since Jan 1 and I am now looking forward to Tuesday!! Sure glad Jake has been able to tend to the cattle for Grandma and us!! He has been our saving grace this year!
Not much else going on here. Oh yes.. Grandma gets her hearing aids next week, can't wait to see how that works.. haha...
Enjoy the day... Hey Cortney, how was the Colorado trip?
Talked with Mom, when I finally caught her at home, and heard about cell phone batteries blowing up, viruses on computer, her busy day, greasy chicken at Long John's, etc... hahaha.... She has had a head cold but was better when I visited with her.
Jake, as of today, will be finishing up his second full week at the Vet Teaching Hospital on OSU Campus in Stillwater. He seems to really like it, as it is a job and income! He keeps mentioning going to welding school. So one can only guess...
Phil starts his new job on this coming Monday working for Rain's Trucking in Perkins in the office. He will be a great addition to their team.
Jonathan is finishing up a school in OKC. It was put on by Microsoft and trained them in the use of a special program he will be using in tracking web design/development projects for the Chickasaw Nation. He is on their Web Dev team, and loves his job, just don't ask him if he does, haha...
Heather had a bout of tummy virus this week and with Madison Ann coming in a few months, it gave us all a scare. Ann kept Andrew for a day while Heather recovered at home. She is back at work and doing ok. Her father in law has a bout of it and last I heard was very weak and could hardly walk and if any of you know him, Roy, he retired from Stillwater Police Dept., farms full time and is now a full time deputy well!
Paul is ok, haven't heard a thing from Tammy or Austyn, and was told Randi and Kaitlyn are doing ok.
so all in all, things are going ok. Andrew has been spending Sundays with Jake and they play video games and have a big ole time for a few hours, and he loves to talk on the phone!!
In my area of the world, PCL is finishing up our year end awards and are to announce on the 14 of Feb., Monday. It has been a big deal, we had almost a million votes cast, with over 900 nominees for about 68 areas, and I count it all by myself... it has been a 18 to 20 hour a day seven day a week thing for me since Jan 1 and I am now looking forward to Tuesday!! Sure glad Jake has been able to tend to the cattle for Grandma and us!! He has been our saving grace this year!
Not much else going on here. Oh yes.. Grandma gets her hearing aids next week, can't wait to see how that works.. haha...
Enjoy the day... Hey Cortney, how was the Colorado trip?
From the New York Times (New York, New York), 11 February 1861
Railway Detentions--The Lesson of the Season
From the New York Times (New York, New York), 11 February 1861, page 3
If any railway traveler has escaped annoying detention during the cold terms of the present Winter, caused by the inability of the engine to proceed, he has been peculiarly fortunate. The vital features of the locomotive are susceptible to cold in a much great degree than the public imagines. A blockade of snow certainly delays progress, but it does not of itself permanently interrupt it, for if a locomotive can only be made to generate the breath of life, the penetration of the loftiest New-England snow-banks is but a question of time. The trouble is, that the supply of feedwater to the boiler, being dependent upon the locomotion of the engine, is cut off--the alternate charge and retreat of the huge battering-ram does not develop sufficient continuity of the motion to keep the pumps in action--the blood stops flowing through the veins of the iron horse, till half-a-dozen of them together are stalled in the same drift. But a more frequent cause of detention is the freezing of the pump during long stoppages at stations, or while waiting for trains. As the action of this heart of the monster is dependent upon his locomotion, any temporary cessation of the pulsation and flow is likely to result in disaster more or less serious. . . .
From the New York Times (New York, New York), 11 February 1861, page 3
If any railway traveler has escaped annoying detention during the cold terms of the present Winter, caused by the inability of the engine to proceed, he has been peculiarly fortunate. The vital features of the locomotive are susceptible to cold in a much great degree than the public imagines. A blockade of snow certainly delays progress, but it does not of itself permanently interrupt it, for if a locomotive can only be made to generate the breath of life, the penetration of the loftiest New-England snow-banks is but a question of time. The trouble is, that the supply of feedwater to the boiler, being dependent upon the locomotion of the engine, is cut off--the alternate charge and retreat of the huge battering-ram does not develop sufficient continuity of the motion to keep the pumps in action--the blood stops flowing through the veins of the iron horse, till half-a-dozen of them together are stalled in the same drift. But a more frequent cause of detention is the freezing of the pump during long stoppages at stations, or while waiting for trains. As the action of this heart of the monster is dependent upon his locomotion, any temporary cessation of the pulsation and flow is likely to result in disaster more or less serious. . . .
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pa.), 09 February 1825, page 2
Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pa.), 09 February 1825, page 2
The number of Indians, within the territory of the United States, as far as ascertained, is 129,266, and they claim 63,143,258 acres of land.
. . . .
JEWS.--It is thought a bill will pass the Legislature of Maryland this session, giving to this proscribed race equal civil privileges with those of other sects; they have not been heretofore, in that State, eligible to any office.
During the last year, there were 707 persons committed to the Boston jail for debt. In that State, imprisonment for debt has not been abolished.
The number of Indians, within the territory of the United States, as far as ascertained, is 129,266, and they claim 63,143,258 acres of land.
. . . .
JEWS.--It is thought a bill will pass the Legislature of Maryland this session, giving to this proscribed race equal civil privileges with those of other sects; they have not been heretofore, in that State, eligible to any office.
During the last year, there were 707 persons committed to the Boston jail for debt. In that State, imprisonment for debt has not been abolished.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
From the Wilson's in Norman to all our family - Happy Valentines Day
Sending an early "Valentine" to see if it will make it around the world by Feb. 14th.
"For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosever
believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."
John 3:16
"For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosever
believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."
John 3:16
Monday, February 07, 2005
I love my Uncle Ivan... please keep on sending these stories..
Ivan Moffat
El Reno, Oklahoma
THE SUNDAY WE NEVER ARRIVED AT CHURCH
I think it is one of the ironies of life that some of our most harrowing experiences, with the passing of time, can become some of the most amusing, in retrospect. Perhaps this is one way that God balances the plusses and minuses in our lives.
I was eleven years old that spring of 1937. It had been raining this Sunday morning and the dirt roads would be slick but we did not worry about that as we prepared to go to church.
One of my brothers, with his wife, came by in their Model-A Ford coupe. I jumped in with them while another brother drove our 1928 Buick. Mama was in the front seat with my brother while Daddy rode in the back seat. They were about a quarter of a mile behind us but on down the road when we looked back, they were not behind us any longer. My brother stopped the car and we waited a bit but when they did not appear, we started to back up. Then we saw them! The Buick had slid off the road and overturned in the ditch.
The car had turned over on the passenger side so my brother Oscar, my Mama and Daddy were trying to upright themselves and try to get out. Soon, my brother rolled down the window on the driver's side and, standing on the steering wheel, he managed to pull himself out of the overturned car. He pulled Daddy to safety and it was then that they decided they had a real problem.
Mama was still in the car. And Mama was five feet tall and weighed 260 pounds. So it was no small problem facing them. Mama, in the meantime, had managed to get on her feet. She was standing on the window on the passenger side with her head barely visible coming out the window on the driver's side. She was a lesson in patience as she waited for Daddy and her boys to decide how to get her out of this predicament.
Bracing themselves the best they could, they managed, by pulling and tugging, to get Mama through that window. But the task was not accomplished--they still had to get Mama to the ground. By that time, we had been joined by a neighbor, who stood by me. My eleven-year-old mind was churning and suddenly I came up with the perfect solution. In dramatic fashion, I flung my arms open wide and yelled, "Jump, Mama, I'll catch you!" But our neighbor, afraid Mama might, in the uncertainty of the moment, take me seriously, yelled back, "No Bertha, don't jump!"
Well, we all did the obvious. My two brothers, with Daddy's help, took Mama's arms and eased her off the car, with our neighbor and me helping as she slid down. Needless to say, Mama had to forget all about her modesty that day.
Well, we all missed church that Sunday. Besides all of us being a muddy mess, by the time we got Mama on the ground, Church was over anyway. But you know, God was with us that day--Mama and Daddy and my brother were unhurt. And the only difference in this Sunday and any other Sabbath Day, this day our blessing came in a muddy road ditch-instead of Church.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was something that my dad never told us about growing up... I wonder why? Could it be he was driving, hummmm ...
Thanks Uncle Ivan, and please keep sending in these precious memories, please???
For those that don't know, Oklahoma means Red Man. Well, it should mean RED CLAY, cause there is tons of it ... around where this happened, and where we live now!!! RED GREASY CLAY.... when it's wet, YUCK!!
El Reno, Oklahoma
THE SUNDAY WE NEVER ARRIVED AT CHURCH
I think it is one of the ironies of life that some of our most harrowing experiences, with the passing of time, can become some of the most amusing, in retrospect. Perhaps this is one way that God balances the plusses and minuses in our lives.
I was eleven years old that spring of 1937. It had been raining this Sunday morning and the dirt roads would be slick but we did not worry about that as we prepared to go to church.
One of my brothers, with his wife, came by in their Model-A Ford coupe. I jumped in with them while another brother drove our 1928 Buick. Mama was in the front seat with my brother while Daddy rode in the back seat. They were about a quarter of a mile behind us but on down the road when we looked back, they were not behind us any longer. My brother stopped the car and we waited a bit but when they did not appear, we started to back up. Then we saw them! The Buick had slid off the road and overturned in the ditch.
The car had turned over on the passenger side so my brother Oscar, my Mama and Daddy were trying to upright themselves and try to get out. Soon, my brother rolled down the window on the driver's side and, standing on the steering wheel, he managed to pull himself out of the overturned car. He pulled Daddy to safety and it was then that they decided they had a real problem.
Mama was still in the car. And Mama was five feet tall and weighed 260 pounds. So it was no small problem facing them. Mama, in the meantime, had managed to get on her feet. She was standing on the window on the passenger side with her head barely visible coming out the window on the driver's side. She was a lesson in patience as she waited for Daddy and her boys to decide how to get her out of this predicament.
Bracing themselves the best they could, they managed, by pulling and tugging, to get Mama through that window. But the task was not accomplished--they still had to get Mama to the ground. By that time, we had been joined by a neighbor, who stood by me. My eleven-year-old mind was churning and suddenly I came up with the perfect solution. In dramatic fashion, I flung my arms open wide and yelled, "Jump, Mama, I'll catch you!" But our neighbor, afraid Mama might, in the uncertainty of the moment, take me seriously, yelled back, "No Bertha, don't jump!"
Well, we all did the obvious. My two brothers, with Daddy's help, took Mama's arms and eased her off the car, with our neighbor and me helping as she slid down. Needless to say, Mama had to forget all about her modesty that day.
Well, we all missed church that Sunday. Besides all of us being a muddy mess, by the time we got Mama on the ground, Church was over anyway. But you know, God was with us that day--Mama and Daddy and my brother were unhurt. And the only difference in this Sunday and any other Sabbath Day, this day our blessing came in a muddy road ditch-instead of Church.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was something that my dad never told us about growing up... I wonder why? Could it be he was driving, hummmm ...
Thanks Uncle Ivan, and please keep sending in these precious memories, please???
For those that don't know, Oklahoma means Red Man. Well, it should mean RED CLAY, cause there is tons of it ... around where this happened, and where we live now!!! RED GREASY CLAY.... when it's wet, YUCK!!
Happy Birthday to Stephen Guth today.. all day long..
Oh my goodness how fast they grow up!! If my math serves me correctly, and I did graduate from Perkins High, "me thinks ole Stephen is about..." Yelp, he is old enough to know how to play the game and young enough to keep score!!! Happy Birthday, Stephen... give my best to LaNeta too... We wish you many many more!!!
Welcome - Our Moffat Family Blog
From Uncle Ivan for your viewing and listening pleasure..... http://www.dreamcloud.net/dreamer/squirrel/squirrel.html
Soap Making
Soap Making
From the Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pa.) 07 February 1816, page 3
Soap made of snow in the following manner:--Take and cut into very small pieces one pound of good hard soap, dissolve it with a slow fire, when dissolved put six or eight pounds of clean snow with it, and after having boiled them together well for three hours (or until it shows a lather on its surface) add a wine glass of salt, and let it get cold, when it will be found the finest soap & to weigh as much as the snow did originally
From the Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pa.) 07 February 1816, page 3
Soap made of snow in the following manner:--Take and cut into very small pieces one pound of good hard soap, dissolve it with a slow fire, when dissolved put six or eight pounds of clean snow with it, and after having boiled them together well for three hours (or until it shows a lather on its surface) add a wine glass of salt, and let it get cold, when it will be found the finest soap & to weigh as much as the snow did originally
Saturday, February 05, 2005
This is here because we had family go through this.... too.
The Cherokee Outlet and its lawless days
1/19/2005
There was not much law in the Cherokee Outlet in the days before the famous land run of Sept. 16, 1893. Horse thieves and other assorted criminals operated freely. In fact there is one theory Pat Hennessy, a freighter plying the Chisholm Trail, was killed in the late 1800s by horse thieves masquerading as Indians.
Murder was easy. Many times people just seemed to disappear, never to be heard from again, until they were accidentally unearthed decades later. It was usually impossible to identify the remains.
This was pretty much the case with the skeletal remains unearthed in October 1927 near Alva. There was a story about it in the Enid Morning News, along with an interview with a pioneer resident, Evan G. “Parson” Barnard, giving his reactions to the finding of the unidentified remains.
All that was known about the man in the shallow grave was he certainly did not die of natural causes. There were two bullet holes in the skull. The newspaper story says the remains were found in October 1927, buried near the old camp house on the Fritzlen Ranch, northwest of Alva. Nearby residents estimated he had been in the ground for 25 years — maybe longer.
In the years before the land run of 1893 the Cherokee Outlet was a lush grassland, and a number of ranchers leased land from the Cherokees and established large cattle operations in the area.
The shooting victim was wearing a pair of homemade boots. “Killed with his boots on, eh!” Barnard exclaimed, as he leaned back in his chair at Grange headquarters on East Broadway. “Well, many went down that way in the early days,” he recalled.
The man found near Alva might have been killed in a fuss over who had first claim to a piece of land in the run of 1893. That would have been in about the same estimated time frame of 25 years or so earlier (34 years to be exact). Maybe he was a “Sooner” who had entered the Outlet before the prescribed time, or maybe he was a lawful participant in the land run killed by a “Sooner,” and then buried to cover up the crime.
Whoever killed him must have wanted to make sure he was dead, because they shot him twice in the head. Once should have been enough. So, maybe it was a crime of passion, done in a burst of anger.
There probably are still scores of skeletal remains of people, who died violently, or non-violently, lying in unmarked graves all over the old Cherokee Outlet and the Oklahoma Panhandle.
In this same interview Barnard tells how he almost became one of them:
“In the fall of 1887,” Barnard began, “I was working down around El Reno on a government contract. We drove a large herd of cattle to Kiowa, Kan., to market. Kiowa was a wild town in those days and looked awfully big and thriving after 18 months on the range.
“As I was returning, I was caught in a rain storm about 17 miles south, and pulled into a cabin near what was then known as the Drum Ranch. As I approached the cabin I noticed three horses outside the cabin. It was raining hard and I went in. Who do you think I found there?
“Three of the toughest cattle rustlers in the country were in that cabin. One was George Newcomb, better known as the ‘Slaughter Kid.’ Another was Boss Smith, and I do not recall the name of the third man. They fingered their guns quite freely.
“Finally, I took my six-shooter from its holster and began wiping it off. No trouble ensued. I knew those men and knew their business. It would have been a perfectly easy thing for them to have bumped me off, buried me and no one would have ever known. That’s perhaps what happened to the man whose skeleton was found near Alva.”
Brown is a retired News & Eagle editor.
1/19/2005
There was not much law in the Cherokee Outlet in the days before the famous land run of Sept. 16, 1893. Horse thieves and other assorted criminals operated freely. In fact there is one theory Pat Hennessy, a freighter plying the Chisholm Trail, was killed in the late 1800s by horse thieves masquerading as Indians.
Murder was easy. Many times people just seemed to disappear, never to be heard from again, until they were accidentally unearthed decades later. It was usually impossible to identify the remains.
This was pretty much the case with the skeletal remains unearthed in October 1927 near Alva. There was a story about it in the Enid Morning News, along with an interview with a pioneer resident, Evan G. “Parson” Barnard, giving his reactions to the finding of the unidentified remains.
All that was known about the man in the shallow grave was he certainly did not die of natural causes. There were two bullet holes in the skull. The newspaper story says the remains were found in October 1927, buried near the old camp house on the Fritzlen Ranch, northwest of Alva. Nearby residents estimated he had been in the ground for 25 years — maybe longer.
In the years before the land run of 1893 the Cherokee Outlet was a lush grassland, and a number of ranchers leased land from the Cherokees and established large cattle operations in the area.
The shooting victim was wearing a pair of homemade boots. “Killed with his boots on, eh!” Barnard exclaimed, as he leaned back in his chair at Grange headquarters on East Broadway. “Well, many went down that way in the early days,” he recalled.
The man found near Alva might have been killed in a fuss over who had first claim to a piece of land in the run of 1893. That would have been in about the same estimated time frame of 25 years or so earlier (34 years to be exact). Maybe he was a “Sooner” who had entered the Outlet before the prescribed time, or maybe he was a lawful participant in the land run killed by a “Sooner,” and then buried to cover up the crime.
Whoever killed him must have wanted to make sure he was dead, because they shot him twice in the head. Once should have been enough. So, maybe it was a crime of passion, done in a burst of anger.
There probably are still scores of skeletal remains of people, who died violently, or non-violently, lying in unmarked graves all over the old Cherokee Outlet and the Oklahoma Panhandle.
In this same interview Barnard tells how he almost became one of them:
“In the fall of 1887,” Barnard began, “I was working down around El Reno on a government contract. We drove a large herd of cattle to Kiowa, Kan., to market. Kiowa was a wild town in those days and looked awfully big and thriving after 18 months on the range.
“As I was returning, I was caught in a rain storm about 17 miles south, and pulled into a cabin near what was then known as the Drum Ranch. As I approached the cabin I noticed three horses outside the cabin. It was raining hard and I went in. Who do you think I found there?
“Three of the toughest cattle rustlers in the country were in that cabin. One was George Newcomb, better known as the ‘Slaughter Kid.’ Another was Boss Smith, and I do not recall the name of the third man. They fingered their guns quite freely.
“Finally, I took my six-shooter from its holster and began wiping it off. No trouble ensued. I knew those men and knew their business. It would have been a perfectly easy thing for them to have bumped me off, buried me and no one would have ever known. That’s perhaps what happened to the man whose skeleton was found near Alva.”
Brown is a retired News & Eagle editor.
Now here is a happy baby.....
http://www.backroaddesign.com/jonandrandi/hello/256/1527/640/Img_0629.jpg Click on the link to view..... haha got ya.... Taken by Jonathan...!!!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Jon playing tag with a racoon... and he lost..
Well, Jon, Randi and Kaitlyn came up last Saturday and spent the afternoon with us. Going home, Jon tried to play tag with a racoon in their lane about three miles from their home, with a car coming at them in the dark..... and lost! or their car did!! It was awesome seeing Kaitlyn. She is really growing! And according to Heather, Madison, Kaitlyn's cousin who's due date is end of April, is practicing to be on the soccer team!! What a joy to have two grandsons and two granddaughters.. Now we just need to break the tie.. oh my who will volunteer for that.. Jon, Phillip?? hummmmmmmmm..... haha... As you can tell, Kaitlyn was not a happy camper. She seemed to be a bit unhappy with us, I guess... ... No really, but her tummy was hurting a bit.. she is fine now and doing great! Their car is sick, however, and in the shop in OKC.
all for now.. have a great day...
Importation of Canadian cattle discussed today
Importation of Canadian cattle discussed today
Shaun Epperson; Science Reporter; O'Collegian
The Senate Agriculture Committee plans to meet today to discuss importation of cattle from Canada – something U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas and U.S. Sen. James Inhofe said could harm Oklahoma’s economy and possibly consumers’ health if mismanaged.
Lucas, R-Okla., and Inhofe, R-Okla., wrote a letter Jan. 4 to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting that plans to reopen the border with Canada to live cattle on March 7 be delayed.
It called for a gradual introduction of cattle from Canada over a period of six months, according to a release from Inhofe’s press office.
“We cannot afford to open the border at this time, as there are simply too many unresolved issues vital not only to Oklahoma but to our entire nation,” Inhofe said in the release.
Damage to Oklahoma’s cattle business is one of the concerns Lucas and Inhofe cited to support a gradual importation of live cattle from Canada.
“It has been estimated that flooding the American market with Canadian cattle in March will likely produce an adverse, aggregate impact of more than $35,000,000 for Oklahoma cattlemen,” Inhofe and Lucas wrote in their letter to the USDA.
While a flood of cattle from Canada could, in theory, affect Oklahoma’s cattle business, the border opening will likely not cause a sizable economic problem, said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University professor and livestock marketing specialist.
“There’s not as many up there as people think there are, and they’re not all going to come at once, anyway,” he said.
This is partly because, with the exception of May through July 2003, beef importation from Canada has halted only for live cattle and not processed meat, he said.
“The issue of staggering the cattle (importation) is based on the assumption that the Canadians have been accumulating inventories of cattle since 2003,” Peel said.
“However, the reality is that since the meat market was closed only a couple of months, we have been importing beef in product form most of that time.”
The 2003 halt on Canadian beef importation came after the discovery of a cow in Canada infected with mad cow disease, a health risk associated with importation of live cattle and not processed beef, said Inhofe’s press secretary Jim Luetkemeyer.
“A live cow still has the potential of infecting others (cattle),” he said. “Processed beef doesn’t have that potential.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently announced the discovery of what is now the third case of mad cow disease in cattle from Canada, and that represents a current risk associated with live cattle importation, Inhofe and Lucas’ letter to the USDA suggests.
Dave Lalman, OSU beef and cattle specialist, said the risk of a human becoming affected by the disease is minimal. “It’s incredibly low,” he said. “USDA’s done a good job.”
Peel also said the risk associated with mad cow disease in cattle from the United States or Canada is “very, very low.”
Shaun Epperson; Science Reporter; O'Collegian
The Senate Agriculture Committee plans to meet today to discuss importation of cattle from Canada – something U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas and U.S. Sen. James Inhofe said could harm Oklahoma’s economy and possibly consumers’ health if mismanaged.
Lucas, R-Okla., and Inhofe, R-Okla., wrote a letter Jan. 4 to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting that plans to reopen the border with Canada to live cattle on March 7 be delayed.
It called for a gradual introduction of cattle from Canada over a period of six months, according to a release from Inhofe’s press office.
“We cannot afford to open the border at this time, as there are simply too many unresolved issues vital not only to Oklahoma but to our entire nation,” Inhofe said in the release.
Damage to Oklahoma’s cattle business is one of the concerns Lucas and Inhofe cited to support a gradual importation of live cattle from Canada.
“It has been estimated that flooding the American market with Canadian cattle in March will likely produce an adverse, aggregate impact of more than $35,000,000 for Oklahoma cattlemen,” Inhofe and Lucas wrote in their letter to the USDA.
While a flood of cattle from Canada could, in theory, affect Oklahoma’s cattle business, the border opening will likely not cause a sizable economic problem, said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University professor and livestock marketing specialist.
“There’s not as many up there as people think there are, and they’re not all going to come at once, anyway,” he said.
This is partly because, with the exception of May through July 2003, beef importation from Canada has halted only for live cattle and not processed meat, he said.
“The issue of staggering the cattle (importation) is based on the assumption that the Canadians have been accumulating inventories of cattle since 2003,” Peel said.
“However, the reality is that since the meat market was closed only a couple of months, we have been importing beef in product form most of that time.”
The 2003 halt on Canadian beef importation came after the discovery of a cow in Canada infected with mad cow disease, a health risk associated with importation of live cattle and not processed beef, said Inhofe’s press secretary Jim Luetkemeyer.
“A live cow still has the potential of infecting others (cattle),” he said. “Processed beef doesn’t have that potential.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently announced the discovery of what is now the third case of mad cow disease in cattle from Canada, and that represents a current risk associated with live cattle importation, Inhofe and Lucas’ letter to the USDA suggests.
Dave Lalman, OSU beef and cattle specialist, said the risk of a human becoming affected by the disease is minimal. “It’s incredibly low,” he said. “USDA’s done a good job.”
Peel also said the risk associated with mad cow disease in cattle from the United States or Canada is “very, very low.”
Clipping of the Day - A New-York Free Colored Man Sold Into Slavery
New York Times (New York, N.Y.), 03 February 1858, page 5
Interesting Letter from Mayor Mayo, of Richmond, Va.
An interesting case has been brought to the notice of Mayor Tismann, in which there is alleged the kidnapping of a colored man, who formerly lived in this City, and the selling of him in Virginia as a slave. The name of the alleged kidnapper is Mason Thomas, and that of the colored man George Anderson. Thomas sold Anderson in Richmond, Va., insisting that he was his slave. Owing to the persistent assertions of Anderson to the contrary, and circumstances which developed themselves subsequent to the sale, Thomas was arrested by the Richmond authorities, and taken before the Mayor. On hearing the statements of the parties, Mayor Mayo was inclined to believe the allegations of the colored man.
Interesting Letter from Mayor Mayo, of Richmond, Va.
An interesting case has been brought to the notice of Mayor Tismann, in which there is alleged the kidnapping of a colored man, who formerly lived in this City, and the selling of him in Virginia as a slave. The name of the alleged kidnapper is Mason Thomas, and that of the colored man George Anderson. Thomas sold Anderson in Richmond, Va., insisting that he was his slave. Owing to the persistent assertions of Anderson to the contrary, and circumstances which developed themselves subsequent to the sale, Thomas was arrested by the Richmond authorities, and taken before the Mayor. On hearing the statements of the parties, Mayor Mayo was inclined to believe the allegations of the colored man.
This is a very special day in the lives of the Guth's of El Reno...
Just wanted to wish LaNeta and Steven Guth of El Reno a very happy and super special "Sweet 16" wedding anniversary today!How special, and oh my, how time flies!! Anyway.. Steven and LaNeta, Happy Anniversay, all day long.. and night too.... smiling..
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Geeze.. getting old.. forgot to mention to all that yesterday was....
Geeze.. getting old.. forgot to mention to all that yesterday was Melanie Shaklee's birthday... Feb 1 Mrs Charles Ward K. Melanie Shaklee had a big ole Birthday... I forget what number of her 29th birthday it was, but that's not important!!
What is important is to say .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELANIE... We love you!! Hope all is going great in Melborne and you guys are getting ready for the best spring ever!!
I know we have used this photo before but.. it's Melanie's Birthday!!!
What is important is to say .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELANIE... We love you!! Hope all is going great in Melborne and you guys are getting ready for the best spring ever!!
I know we have used this photo before but.. it's Melanie's Birthday!!!
Monday, January 31, 2005
Mom taught me.. hummmmm haha... enjoy the day!!
LESSONS FROM MOM:
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
And my favorite:
25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
And my favorite:
25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
I am always doing things I can't do; that's how I get to do them.
-Pablo Picasso
I am always doing things I can't do; that's how I get to do them.
-Pablo Picasso
Sunday, January 30, 2005
From Clinton and Joanna Wilson, Norman, come this diddy...
Noah & His Ark in 2004
Some of you can relate to this more than others!
In the year 2004, The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard..... but no ark.
"Noah," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed:
--I needed a building permit.
--I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.
--My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.
--We had to go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a decision.
--Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power, overpasses, and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
--Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!
--When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
--Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
--I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.
--Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience.
--To make matters worse, the Customs and Immigration Agency seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?".
"No," said the Lord. "The GOVERNMENT has beat me to it."
Some of you can relate to this more than others!
In the year 2004, The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard..... but no ark.
"Noah," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed:
--I needed a building permit.
--I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.
--My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.
--We had to go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a decision.
--Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power, overpasses, and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
--Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!
--When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
--Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
--I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.
--Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience.
--To make matters worse, the Customs and Immigration Agency seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?".
"No," said the Lord. "The GOVERNMENT has beat me to it."
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Oh boy.. oh boy...
A birdie told me that we might get to see Kaitlyn today.. and her parents too.. haha... geeeeze.. I sure hope so... miss that lil ole lady...
Friday, January 28, 2005
Clipping of the Day
A most important and necessary addition was added to Bellevue Hospital yesterday ...
(From the New York Herald (New York, New York) 28 January 1870, page 5)
A most important and necessary addition was added to Bellevue Hospital yesterday. It was discovered that on the arrival of the hospital ambulance with persons who had been accidentally injured, very laborious work ensued in having them carried on stretchers to the wards in the surgical departments of the hospital, and that some change should be resorted to, so that labor and inconvenience consequent thereon might be avoided. The Commissioners gave Warden Brennan full control in the matter, and, although it was only submitted to them on their morning tour to the institution, at ten o'clock last night Mr. Brennan had his wishes fully gratified. The special ward will contain beds, heaters and all other requisites, as well as a small apartment for the doctors. It will be seventy feet long and twenty-four wide. It is nicely painted in oil and is a patter of elegance and comfort for those who may be so unfortunate as to become its inmates.
**Humm.. sounds like it will be nicer than todays emergency rooms!
ADN Editor's Note: A history of Bellevue Hospital can be found at: www.med.nyu.edu/Bellevue/
(From the New York Herald (New York, New York) 28 January 1870, page 5)
A most important and necessary addition was added to Bellevue Hospital yesterday. It was discovered that on the arrival of the hospital ambulance with persons who had been accidentally injured, very laborious work ensued in having them carried on stretchers to the wards in the surgical departments of the hospital, and that some change should be resorted to, so that labor and inconvenience consequent thereon might be avoided. The Commissioners gave Warden Brennan full control in the matter, and, although it was only submitted to them on their morning tour to the institution, at ten o'clock last night Mr. Brennan had his wishes fully gratified. The special ward will contain beds, heaters and all other requisites, as well as a small apartment for the doctors. It will be seventy feet long and twenty-four wide. It is nicely painted in oil and is a patter of elegance and comfort for those who may be so unfortunate as to become its inmates.
**Humm.. sounds like it will be nicer than todays emergency rooms!
ADN Editor's Note: A history of Bellevue Hospital can be found at: www.med.nyu.edu/Bellevue/
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left.
-Yogi Berra
You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left.
-Yogi Berra
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