Reindeer Bells

Hmmm, I think I hear tiny tinkling bells in the distance. Time to get the presents wrapped and cookies baked. So far, two batches have been completed and dispersed to friends in the Oglesby area. Now to focus on my contribution to the "NBNB" gathering.

In case you were wondering what Christmas looks like in the country, here is a peak. When you have a two-sided fireplace, you need two Christmas trees to light up the room.

Winter is still two days away, but we have had ice storms, snow, more ice, bone-chilling winds, and a fairly decent (temperature in the low 30s) day today to rid us of the residual snow and ice. Tomorrow the predicted high will be in the very low teens! Hope to get those inside, pre-Christmas tasks completed.

Then there are the cards. Perhaps it would be best to merely provide everyone with my blog link and then it would be an easy greeting to all. No, that just won't do - I still have a tad of the "old fashion" desire to receive cards in the mail. Pressure is on, but I have always done my best work under pressure.

Christmas is Coming!

Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa and his elves arrived yesterday. They are busy at work on my Christmas present! I realize that with the snow a screened in porch may not seem appropriate, but just wait until the bugs show up. Then we will see who is laughing.

Meanwhile, back at the "ranch" - this is how the furry ones spend their days:

BK sometimes takes over Buddy's corner. I am not sure what the attraction this location has for them, but it seems to be one of the more desirable locations for a daytime nap.

When displaced from the corner, Bud can be found on the bed. However, since this is Black Beauty and Blondie's spot for night time, from time to time the kitties have to learn about sharing.

The house is generally decorated and I promise photos in the next post. However, with "the night before the night before" rapidly approaching, I can feel the stress sneaking in. The "to do" list is starting to become a reality. That said, time to get moving with today's required activities.

Holiday Happenings

Ah, there is nothing like an afternoon of activities followed by a good meal and some late night television to put you in a restful mood. But then, I get ahead of the story.

After arriving in Sullivan on Thanksgiving afternoon, I changed to running attire and headed for a loop around the cemetery (greetings to Wally, Dad, and the grandparents) and on to Jean and Dan's, where I met mom and spent time with Molly. Then back to Mom's for appetizers and a liquid refreshment. Beavis, naturally, had to join us and actually enjoyed the appetizer (of course, it was shrimp!).

Steak, twice-baked potatoes, asparagus and wine for the Thanksgiving feast. Later in the evening it was time for pumpkin pie with REAL whipped cream. Yummy!

Friday we slept in until past 8 am, took our time over breakfast, visited with a former high school classmate and "walking to school" partner (Jean Gambill). Then off on the day's chores - visit with Molly, visit with Summers, balancing check books, and what have you. Dinner at the Melody followed by a movie (see first photo above for the results).

Saturday morning we slept in even later (I guess two nights in a row of post-midnight bedtime took their toll). Lingered over breakfast, visited Molly and then off to the BIG GAME. As you can see, the entire available family was in attendance. Nathan's team was victorious - 30 to 15. We sat behind the opposing team's bench. The coach was AMAZING - and I laughed so hard tears came. "Keep your butt in their gut" he admonished the players!

After that level of excitement, it was time to load up and head back to Findlay. The traffic was steady (more than usual) even though I traveled the secondary roads. I can only imgine what the interstate had in store for travelers. When I arrived home it was time for the furry ones to spend a short time outside, unloaded the vehicle, unpacked, and then relaxed in front of the fire place along with Buddy and the others.

This morning I awoke with true thankfulness - that I had driven back yesterday and did not wait for today. My throat was sore, my head hurt, the sniffles have arrived, and also SNOW!

Welcome to Winter!

Happy Thanksgiving

It is early on a frosty Thanksgiving morning here in the Midwest. WE just wanted to wish everyone a fabulous day. After the feast and football, many of you will, no doubt, take on the persona of BK and just relax.

When you are counting your blessings today, please don't forget to give thanks for this great country of ours and our service men and women around the world who are separated from their families on this day.

Happy Turkey Day!

Seven Things (not deadly sins)

Always up for a challenge, here goes:

1. My favorite play "thing" (or at least what I remember the best) was a dirt pile behind our house. It was for building roads, water falls, and general "construction" activities (do you think that could have been a harbinger of things to come?).

2. When we moved to Sullivan, one of my favorite activities was climbing trees. I loved climbing the dogwood in the front yard, but I wasn't allowed to during funerals (it was on the property line with the funeral house). My very favorite tree was a pine tree in the back along the alley - I could climb up to the level of the second floor of the house. Mom always told me to get down out of the tree, and I would ask which one. She always said the first one (there was a tiny one first in line, so I never came out of the tree until I was ready).

3. Then there is the story of jumping off the wall at the funeral home. My first two attempts from the 5-foot wall resulted me landing on my head in the neighbors yard. The third attempt and I landed on my feet (but didn't bend my knees). I toppled over. It was lunchtime and I didn't think I could walk. Dad said, "I bet you won't do that again." I never did.

4. Speaking of Dad, he was always trying to get me to do stuff (like take shots). Once he actually did not exactly tell me the truth when he attempted to get me to eat raw tomatoes. He said the cherry ones didn't taste like the others. He was wrong - I took one as I headed out the door. The tomato ended up in the bush at the end of the walkway - where I spit it out!

5. I was a bumble bee in a dance recital when I was a little girl taking ballet lessons.

6. Two of my life goals that I have yet to fulfill are going to Kyoto and hiking the AT from end to end.

7. I still have cinders in my leg from being knocked down on the cinder path going home from school one day. Usually, my friend I I would race across the field (avoiding the path). He would complain when (on the rare occassions) I would beat him to the far side. Once he said that his lunch box slowed him down - I pointed out I was carrying my violin case. End of discussion.

I would tag someone else, but there are no other bloggers to pass this along to at this time. I will end with a wish for a very good Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Wind, Rain, and Apple Pie

Another fun-filled Friday night here in the Country. See the result (next time I will be more mindful of my background - but then again, what's wrong with a glass of wine while cooking?).

I can't believe how long it has been since my last entry - but then no much has happened, has it? Oh, for sure there was an election, and unemployment continues to rise exponentially (my statistic was added several months agao, so that isn't news), and housing foreclosures are on the rise while the Feds take money from workers who make $14/hour to bail out high-priced CEOs who made bad business decisions. Other than that - not much is new.

Today is windy, cold, and rainy here in the Heartland. Black Beauty brought me a present early this morning - a field mouse. She brought it to the door on the deck and then proceeded to pay iwth it until is "disappeared" under the tarp. I figiure if it is still alive, it should be smart enough not to come in - after all today there are four cats inside (yep, BK is inside as well).

I suppose holidays should be on our collective agenda soon. As for me, I am almost complete with the shopping end. Next will be the annual baking insanity, but that is a couple weeks away. In the meantime, it is time to consider all we have to be thankful for - including a roof over our heads, heat (at least for this winter), and family.

Next week will begin another adventure in the quest for employment. How does West Virginia sound? Could be alright, but one day at a time - first we need travel arrangements to get to the location (up in the mountians, naturally). As always, I will attempt to keep all informed on devcelopments. Lately the submittals in response to job postings on the Internet have not been fruitful.

So, one last word for today - time to think about Christmas greetings. I am submitting this sample for your consideration.

Indian Summer

What a gorgeous day - high about 70! Clothes on the line, grass mowed, and the damn Lady Bs piling up in the house.

The backyard is definitely "celebrating" the fall season.

Updates since the last entry:

Last weekend Cousin Lynne made a trip down to this area. We ambled around Arthur, Illinois, and made purchases in several Amish shops. Then went to the annual Haiti relief auction (by the Amish). The sales were mostly over by the time we arrived, however. We arrived back at the "King farm" and then took a quick 2.5-walk through the campground at the end of the road (adjacent to Lake Shelbyville).

Sunday, after dinner, we had a minor "runner's reunion" when Donna joined us for brunch. The three of us are all signed up for next year's Mini Marathon (May 3 - Indianapolis) and have our room reserved at the starting area. After brunch and Lynne's departure, Donna and I repeated the previous day's 2.5-mile walk through the campground and boat launch.

This week has included lunch with the defectors from Dynegy. Most are retired, some are looking for work, and no one is fully employed. One has set up his own company for consulting.

So, today I continued my quest for full employment. this week recruiters have talked with me about positions in Texas and West Virginia. No response from last week's submitted resume to the biggest company in Decatur. A new lead in Springfield. It seems that employment could be coming in the near future, but in the meantime the Federal government has extended unemployment for an additional 13 weeks. I hope it doesn't take that long.

The weekend is now staring me in the face. The weather will be delightful (in the upper 60s at least) and more mowing is on the agenda. Today is Halloween, but as you can tell, this rural site is unlikely to have small spooks and goblins knocking on the door. Alas, my favorite "holiday" will pass again without getting dressed appropriately. Perhaps I should dress as the "cat lady" and enjoy the evening. Good idea.

Birthday Weekend Plus

October 13, 1922 - she was born on a Friday in the Chinese year of the Dog. Yves Montand was born the year before and Lenny Bruch was three years younger than her: My MOM!

To celebrate her 86th birthday three of us and a friend went to the Covered Bridge Festival in Park County, Indiana. The "slideshow" covers the day. Mom walked all of us "youngsters" into the ground that day. We were "pooped" by the time cocktails were poured in the gazabo.

Yesterday (October 19) I managed a trail run (10K) at the Ballard Nature Center along with about 50 other runners. The start was UP a hill (not the best way to begin a long run through the woods), and then it got better. After an hour and 10+ minutes I found the finish line. The good news was - I wasn't the last person to cross the tape. In fact, I was second in the "women over 50" group. Not too bad.

Fall is definitely here. Not too many more great days for just enjoying the sun or laying around the yard - like the furry ones. May you all have a great fall week!

Amish BBQ

No photos, no job, no running. So far today, only BBQ in Arthur. Well, that makes up for a lot of "no's."

Walked at 6:30 AM with neighbors, ranted and raved about falling markets, reduced retirement funds, and politics in America. Went to Arthur (heart of the Amish in Illinois) and bought book: "The Audacity of Deceit." Looking for deer in the backyard now, listening to Ohio State beatup on the Boilers, and wondering what employment will look like in the near future.

Philosophy evades me at the moment.

"What is this oozing behemoth, this fibrous tumor, this monster of power and expense hatched from the simple human desire for civic order? How did an allegedly free people spawn a vast, rampant cuttlefish of dominion with its tentacles in every orifice of the body politic?" [Opening lines from "Parliament of Whores" by P.J. O'Rourke, 1991].

If we do not study history, we are doomed to repeat it.

Choices

Morning drink at the fountain. Call from a recruiter - once again tempting me to move to Southern Ohio. Friday negotiation for a job that includes a 70-mile (one way) commute. My carbon foot print expands.

In either case, I would miss the morning drink. A move would require bundling up the "family" (I wonder if BK would want to move), selling the "homestead," and extending my distance from most of the family (but not all - you other "bloggers" will be closer).

Not moving means spending a lot of time behind the wheel, particularly after the Midwest winter sets in. But the light that is shined includes working from home part of the time - attractive, no?

Then there are the morning walks with neighbors ... how will I keep up with their impressions of politics? I won't be on a "first name" basis with many of the players no matter which avenue I choose to follow.

Ah well, summer always comes to an end. Vacation soon will be over and I will be a wage slave once again (besides, unemployment is rapidly coming to an end). Maybe I will get a "stimulus package" check someday and can hold out for the burger job.

Choices, choices, choices.

Welcome to the Country

"Now is the time ... ."

Ah yes, "it was the best of times and the worst of times." October 1, 2008, and my first "blog." I have never been one to write in a diary, other than to keep notes in my "daytimer" related to my professional accomplishments and day's activities. With that said, I enter with trembling fingers into the world of on-line communication. Dear reader, be gentle.

As my introduction, I welcome you to my place in the country. Midwest location, far away from the hustle of any major cities (the largest "city" is 30 miles away and has less than 12,000 residents). Corn and beans are ready to pick and it is opening day for deer hunting (with a bow). My favorite season, Fall, has finally arrived and the morning air is clear and crisp.

My family? Four cats. My profession? Engineer. My current favorite hobby? Running. My politics? Active and attentive, but always a "contrarian."

Economic crises, politicians not playing nicely in the sandbox of Washington, and talking heads trying to elect the next leader of our country. Time to re-evaluate the lessons of history. America has faced energy shortages in the past, become a net importer of goods, and lived on open credit lines for too long. Time to relearn the lessons of the Great Depression - tighten out belts, use only cash, and get healthy.

Enough of a rant for my first attempt. Be well, treat animals with kindness, and "dance as if no one is watching."