Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Classified :: information, ads
Praised :: Honored
Censored :: Cut out
2010 :: Start of a new decade
Lamp :: shade
Alternate :: reality
Script :: Movie
Handsome :: Beautiful
Eager :: Beaver
Meeting :: of the minds

Memorable

Memorable
Originally uploaded by wash52121

A picture my brother took of our other brother and a nephew playing the piano for Christmas Carols.

And so it was Christmas!

Your Holiday Wish is Being with Family and Friends

The holidays are near and dear to your heart. You don't need much to make you happy this time of year. As long as you're able to be near the people you love most, you are content. It's really that simple. You want nothing more than a full house of people celebrating the season. It doesn't matter if it's your house or not, just as long as everyone is there. And if someone doesn't happen to be around during the holidays, you think about him or her often. You get very sentimental this time of year.

What's Your Holiday Wish?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Interest :: Hobby
Chase :: National Bank
Itch :: Scratch
Soothe :: Lotion
Lamp :: Light
Tutor :: Teach
Nicole :: Kidman
Sloth :: Laziness
Burn :: Fire
Bug :: Lightning, lady

sled

sled
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

My sled is usually for decoration, but it came in handy yesterday bringing greens in from the back of the lot.

choirboy

choirboy
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Tree's not up yet, but figured we'd show some last year's pictures

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Up :: Down
Scram! :: Skedaddle
Smell :: Odor
Belong :: Join
Doug :: Sharp
Collar :: Bone, dog
Squirrel :: tree, nut
Chinese :: firecracker
Tracker :: GPS
Apartment :: Complex

and another, just because

You Are Realistic Fiction

You are an outgoing person and very interested in others. You have many relationships that are important to you. You are always willing to lend an ear to a friend with a problem. And you're even pretty good at giving advice! Some may accuse you of loving drama, but you just seem to find yourself in the middle of it. You are a true people person. You find the lives of others to be fascinating. You're up for hearing anyone's life story.

What Kind of Book Are You?

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

Everything's Fine

Everything's not fine, and we all know it, but this movie really works.

Previews that look interesting:

It's Complicated - Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin

Sherlock - Robert Downey, Jr.

Swiping from Roscoe

You Have an Intense Heart

Your heart craves passion. You feel deeply and love an emotional rush. You let your heart guide you. You never regret leaping before look. If you fall, you just leap again. Your heart has been hurt more times than you can count, and you've broken many hearts in return. You understand that loss is a big part of love, and you think it's worth the risk. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

The Hand Drawn Heart Test

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Hotter :: than heck
Negotiator :: Hostage
Crimson :: red, tide
Loses :: defeated
Tide :: Detergent
Alan :: Rickman
Fool :: for love
Pink :: Emily's hair color
Palm :: Reader
Lipstick :: Red

Unconscious Mutterings

Week 357
1 minute ago

I say ... and you think ... ?

MacGyver :: a television show?
Garter :: Belt, Wedding
Wedge :: of cheese
Inches :: twelve = foot
Code :: Morse
Water :: River
Running :: Marathon, Race
Curly :: Stooge
Turkey :: Thanksgiving
Stupor :: tryptophan

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Marathon :: Runner
Debt :: IOU
Turn :: signal
Image :: picture
Sofa :: couch
Envelope :: Oscars
Cart :: before the horse
Process :: step-by-step
Question :: Query
Rumor :: Mill

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Grace :: Prayer
Shower :: Bath, cap
Alice :: in Wonderland, Doesn't Live Here anymore
Purple :: Rain
Apartment :: Group living
3 :: Trinity, D
Car :: Wash, Auto, Oldsmobile
Pregnant :: Fertile, Pause
Counselor :: Psychologist
Discretion :: is the better part of valor

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Alarm :: Clock, fire
Guest :: room, book
Worm :: glow, rain
Puppies :: cuddly
Honor :: thy father and mother
No! :: yes!
Stomach :: ache
Counter :: offer
Waffles :: pancakes
Plates :: dishes

46 Days

Until Christmas

NANOWRIMO!

This is the first year in I don't know how long that I didn't sign up. Shout-outs to folks I know who are going for it this year. There's Patti, and onyx who doesn't have a blog at this time but is over on facebook, and Ali whose husband also does it. Anyone else?

My best wishes to you all, and I'll be stopping by to cheer on your progress. I will be using the energy of November to complete the story I started last November. I promised niece #5 I would have it done by the end of 2009 -- the main character is based on her.

So happy writing!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Hairbrush :: Comb
Sneak :: peek
Hole :: in my sock
Horror :: film
Standard :: & Poor
Mailbox :: letters
Attachment :: to an email
Type :: Blood
Nails :: Manicure
Storage :: locker

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Redskins :: peanuts
Show :: Movie
Smoker :: turkey, ham
Bad movie :: wasted money
Play :: Theater, group, bill,
Jaguar :: car, cat
Click :: mouse
Production :: company
Sand :: beach, castle
Foreign :: legion

Back In The Saddle

Made it through a full five day work week! It's hard to get back into work routines after having been out for 4.5 days with the flu, but the boss was kind and things are getting caught up now.

I work for a heating and air conditioning company. October is our busy season. Michigan is still struggling out of the recession (and our goofy legislature/governor are fighting about budgets, leaving things in more turmoil) but there are a lot of incentives right now to buy high-efficiency furnaces, so our days are busy.

As to the budget mess, the year was up in October. They shut down government for a couple hours, then put a temporary budget in place. They've had all month to make adjustments. Do we have a budget yet? Nope. They all should be ashamed. Sheesh. I love Michigan, and I can weather economic crises, but I don't care for our politicians!

Swiping from Roscoe again.

Your Best Trait is Friendliness

You enjoy the company of others, whether you're at work or at play. You believe that almost everyone has something to contribute to this world, and you treat people with courtesy and respect. You're a natural extrovert, and you have a dazzling charm that is not easily forgotten. You are good at building rapport. You're the type of person who can meet a stranger and feel like you've bee friends for years after a few minutes.

What's Your Best Trait?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Werewolf :: Jim Harrison
Jim :: utoh, there's a trend. Jimm Harrison
2x4 :: lumber
Unruly :: brat
Component :: part
Prolific :: puts out a lot of output
Wrestler :: Hulk Hogan
Huh? :: What?
Dolls :: Toys
Super! :: Man!

Michigan State's Homecoming!

The bad thing about this flu bug is that I missed the MSU homecoming parade last night. Dang! I'm keeping track of the football game here.

fall greeters

fallgreeters
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

I had hoped to grow LARGE pumpkins this year, but that didn't turn out. However, I may have succeeded in growing the tiniest pumpkin!

Ugh, Flu.

well, I've spent the last few days dealing with the stomach flu. I can think of SOOOO many ways I would rather spend the days. *sigh* How about you?

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

My treat :: I'll pay
Bell :: Dinner
Five :: Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
You’re crazy! :: A good thing to say to someone if you totally want to dismiss them.
Disgust :: makes sick
Tempest :: Shakespeare
Bummer :: 70's talk
Brim :: Fill it to the rim with Brim?, edge of a hat
Hose :: Water the Garden
Lollipop :: sucker

Been a long time since we've done a quiz here!

Spotted at Roscoe's.

You Are Warm Apple Cider

You love to feel warm and full. You love all the small comforts that come with fall. Unlike most people, you are as active in fall as you are in the summer. You just make sure and keep warm. For you, fall is the perfect time of year to visit cafes or go for long walks. The season makes you feel energized. You love the bustle of everyone being back from the summer vacation and back to work.

What Autumn Smell Are You?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Yacht :: boat
Paula :: Abdul
Delete :: Remove
Auto :: mobile, industry, Oldsmobile, car
Obsolete :: Oldsmobile
Dedicated :: for a specific purpose
Old :: smobile (there's a theme here), new,
Convince :: Confuse
Poster :: child
Erase :: Wipe out

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

What pleases you? :: the colors of my garden, when people ask me to take a photo
Whatever :: a phrase that bugged me when I was younger, but which I use frequently now
Chime :: wind
Pleading :: begging
Simulate :: act as if real
Flashing :: lights
Directional :: turn signal
Pink :: girly color
Access :: Hollywood
Ugly :: Betty

go green

gogreen
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

oh my dear long-time friends. You do know how much I love Michigan State University football. You've lived through the ups and downs of three, if not four, coaches. This season was supposed to be a winning season, with a third-year coach.

Utoh.

1-3.
0-1 in the Big 10.

Wahhhh!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Disconnect :: the phone
Contribute :: Give to
Dismay :: despair
Constant :: Continual
Nails :: 9-inch, finger
Vibrate :: violin string
Therapy :: Physical
Stupid :: idiotic
Poo :: Sham
Commune :: Hippies

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Omelette :: bacon & cheese
Classic :: Car
Thrifty :: frugal
Search :: google
Fan :: Michigan State University, cool down
Fussy :: baby
I am not :: afraid
Indulge :: treat
Poor :: wealthy
Manicure :: hands

09/09/09

Happy 09/09/09! We're all on the same page today!

very glad

veryglad
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

So I had this idea to plant 500 glads this season, increase by 500 each year, and then when I hit retirement I'd be u p to about 5000 glads and I could sell the blooms at farmers' markets and pay for my gardening hobby.

My garden started late, so I planted only 300. The soil is good out here, and I'm used to just sticking stuff in the ground and voila!

Well, voila happened, as the corms all produced plants. But as budding season started I noticed a problem. (I'm slow.) The buds weren't unfurling in the normal way of glads. They were just poofy blobs of color, or they didn't open at all. What to do?

Well, go to the internet of course. One of the first things that popped up was that glads were prone to thrips, a tiny bug that caused the symptoms I was seeing. A trip to the garden center, and I found all sorts of sprays that would combat thrips. (Doesn't that sound made-up???)

Two weeks later, and it appears the tide is turning. Harvested 25 wonderful blooms this weekend, with many more coming. Now if we can just hold out on a heavy frost!!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Abusive :: parent
Psychotic :: break
Parents :: a hard job
Yell :: holler
Amulet :: stone
Sandstorm :: desert
Amusement :: Park
Imitation :: is the sincerest form of flattery? Not sure
Baby :: infant
Rainbows :: a promise

Michigan State University Won!

First game of the season, and MSU beat MSU (Montana State). We should have, so we are glad we did! Go Green!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Spinning :: Wheel
Impasse :: Stand-off
Gravy :: Boat, good, roast beef
You are :: so beautiful, to me
September :: morn, back-to-school, football
Divulge :: a secret
Training :: Camp, football, bra
Crap! :: Shit!
Results :: Produce
Shutting down :: the system, for the night

Senior pictures

em5
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Shot niece #5's senior pictures Friday. This one won't make the cut, but I like it.

How fast the children do grow. Time flies.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Disguised :: Costumed
Big wheel :: Goes around and around
Irritating :: frustrating
Care :: Concern
Grandpa :: Chris
Shooting :: gun, bow and arrow
Sunglasses :: Cool, protection
Stampede :: Buffalo, Dances with Wolves
Painstakingly :: Carefully
Terrible position :: to be in

Some things I didn't know about Gladiolus

Some Interesting Facts About Gladiolus Flowers
An ancient name for the gladiolus was xiphium, from the Greek word xiphos, also meaning sword.
The Gladiolus flower is the birth flower for August.
Gladiolus represented the Roman Gladiators, before the African Gladioli became popular in the West.
African Gladioli were imported in large quantities to Europe from South Africa during the 18th century.
Most of the more than 10,000 named Gladioli cultivars probably were derived from just seven species native to South Africa and first brought to European gardens in the late 17 th century.
The Mediterranean and British Gladiolus flowers were used to treat physical ailments.
Some parts of Gladiolus plant are poisonous, if ingested, and handling some species may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
The English used the gladiolus flower's stem base (corms) as a poultice and for drawing out thorns and splinters; powdered corms mixed with goat's milk was commonly used to soothe the symptoms of colic.

Thanks, Roscoe!

I was tweeting and fussing over at twitter about the oopsies I'm trying to figure out in the garden. The cucumber leaves are yellowing, and is it wilt or over-water? The beans are being eaten by beetles. And some of the glads, aren't.

And almost instantly I get a reply from Roscoe:

"I heard that sigh. The soil, sun and rain are all in the hands of God... as are we. Gardening helps remind us."

Such fantastic words. Thank you, my friend!

The 8118 Project

Or maybe that's the 1881 project. Anyway, we're going to watch it with interest. My brother G is in Ethiopia for a year with his wife and youngest daughter. His oldest daughter was married this May. His son graduated High School this May. Son is now going to college here in town, and living with . . . my 81-year-old Mother! What a great story this shall be! Eighteen and Eighty-one.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Delayed :: Waited
Irresponsible :: Behaviour
Stupendous :: Fantastic!
Barcelona :: Spain
Solution :: Answer
Simplify :: Back to basics
Crumble :: Decay
Podcast :: Talking on Tuesday
Conversation :: chat
Homepage :: www.myitc.blogspot.com

bachelors buttons and dianthus

bbandd
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Tucked in a test-tube vase on the chicken coop.

volunteer zinnia

volunteerzinnia
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

I have a row of zinnias in my garden, but the first bloom is a volunteer that heads the cucumber patch.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Death :: and taxes
Identified :: birds
Saturday :: Day off, good day
Dumped :: Trashed
Division :: Long, schism
Stilted :: cramped
Crimes of :: Passion
Stumped :: campaigned
Future :: tomorrow
Team :: Baseball, football

Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Bridge
Originally uploaded by wash52121

who needs Golden Gate when you have Mighty Mac! Or Big Mac!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Memo :: Note
Copy :: Machine
Office :: Where I work
Stapler :: everyone likes their own
Paycheck :: a good reason to work
Watercooler :: We don't have one. The Coffee Machine is where folks hang out.
Desk :: job
Human :: Resources
Resort :: Spa
Boss :: Rich. That's his name.

moulin rouge

moulinrouge
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

These are going to be big red sunflowers . . . i hope!

sunflowerhouse

sunflowerhouse
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

A burgeoning sunflower house is one product of my endeavors. Here we have Mammoth Gray-Stripe, Moulin Rouge, Autumn Beauty, and Elfin something or other. The largest are about 3 feet tall now.

earlyroto

earlyroto
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

ok, I know I haven't been here much. it's like this. I've always worked long hours, I have my photography hobby (which has slightlyl escalated this summer), I have my reading hobby, and now . . . I have a gardening thing going on. And instead of doing it the modern way, I reverted back to early 20th century. This is my cultivator.

Lots of work, lots of exercise, but . . . it is beginning to pay off.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Taxman :: April 15
Material :: Girl
Format :: Disk
File cabinet :: Folders
Ignore :: Blow off
Super! :: Man!
Fireproof :: Safe
Blockbuster :: Movie
Snooper :: Detective
Good will :: Hunting

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Sister :: Nancy
Talks :: speaks
Electric! :: Company
Corner :: Turn
Turnstile :: Subway
Swap :: Trade
Young :: Old
Horrific :: Terrible
Block :: Writer's
Wind :: Chime, Mill

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Independence :: Day, 4th of July
Meltdown :: Breakdown
Vulture :: Swoop
Hope :: Faith
Float :: Parade, Root Beer
Hole :: in-the-wall gang
Trespass :: on private party
Moving :: Emotional
Extinct :: Gone forever
Alligator :: whale and crocodile.

fireworks

fireworks1
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Happy 4th of July, America!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Guest :: Star, list
Impact :: have an effect upon
Unplanned :: accident
Tactic :: Manuever
Delayed :: plane, train
Bombastic :: our mayor
Comfort :: console
Trumpet :: Horn
Joe :: Namath
Budget :: plan, cheap

I like beards

. . . but these are ridiculous! (Click title for link.)

Karim Rashid

I'm reading a book called A Whole New Mind and there are some great links in it.

Back from Vacation

The problem with returning to work after a vacation is that while the vacationer is rested and may even have had a transformative experience or two, the rest of the staff is not and has not. And so, situation normal continues . . .

I do love my work though. Really

lady2

lady2
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Another shot from Senior Experience shoot

Vacation continued . . .

16. My friend Deb played hookie on Thursday afternoon to help me spend vacation time.
17. We went to an up-scale restaurant for lunch. I even ordered a bottle of wine! (She and her husband are having a little $ time, so it was my treat!)
18. That was the first time in my life I had ordered a bottle of wine (I'm such a numnum) and I got to do the whole presentation thing. Cool!
19. Halfway into our meal, the waiter stopped by and said, "Ladies, your meal is being paid for by the gentlemen two tables down."
20. Weeded
21. We looked over at the table . . . it was my boss and his former business partner! Don't I have the best boss ever!
22. We thanked him profusely. He said welcome, but also said, "I thought you were going to be at the farm taking care of my radishes".
23. (I'm trying to grow him super radishes.)
24. I said . . . ooops.
25. Weeded and thinned the radishes.
26. Two tipsy ladies shopping at the mall in the afternoon bring smiles to many clerks. (I hope that was smiles.)
27. Saw the movie My Life In Ruins.
28. Thought it was good, but we were a little happy.
29. Planted Kentucky Wonder Beans.
30. Weeded.

to be continued

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Divorce :: Marriage
Napkin :: Holder
Camera :: Lens
Leather :: Lace
Fractures :: breaks
Flip out :: Go Crazy
Coroner :: CSI
Atomic :: Bomb
Liz :: Taylor, Claiborne
Leave :: Depart

Oh to be young again . . .

eep4
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

and be able to do a pretend swimmers mark off a bench. Oh wait. I was NEVER that young!

Vacation is almost over . . .

and a good one it was. Some of the things I did:

1. Saw Taking of Pelham 1.2.3
2. Attended my sister's 50th birthday party.
3. Had family for Taco Salad on Sunday
4. Planted another 80 glads, 20 peacock orchids, and 13 canna.
5. Weeded.
6. My friend Linn who retired from work came over and worked on my basement windows. That should keep critters out.
7. Met a lovely flickr friend. Arlie's_girl is very nice.
8. Went to Meijer Gardens.
9. Planted five mounds of cucumbers.
10 Weeded.
11. Did a "Senior Experience" photo shoot with one of my nieces.
12. Went to the Zoo.
13. Found that our local bookstore buys back books.
14. This fits in well with my new motto: Make Room.
15. Weeded

to be continued

Day 4

Of no television. So far no ill effects.

stoppingtosmelltheroses

stoppingtosmelltheroses
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

whee! First day of vacation is full of sunshine. I'm basing this vacation at the farm, with day trips to various places. Today my old co-worker Linn came to work on mudding and my basement windows. He is an artist. The windows are about a hundred years old. They are actually double-paned. There is some rot in them, so Linn is actually going to reconstruct them. I am so lucky.

I worked in the garden. Another 76 glads planted, 20 peacock orchids, 13 canna, and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, not the last. Now I'm off for a drive in Amish country to see if I can see some working people.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Nudity :: Nakedness
Domestic :: Martha Stewart
Burp :: Belch
Baby :: Buggy
Dateline :: NBC show
Retract :: Take back
Suppose :: Consider
Surreal :: dreamlike
Infidelity :: Unfaithfulness
Token :: of my affection, subway

Vacation time!

Woot! Off until 6/22. Just in time for the antique roses to bloom. Whee!!!! It's a cold spring here in Michigan. One of the good things about that is that the spring flowers last! It's been great.

Good Morning America!

Good Morning America!
Originally uploaded by jimtown

I love it!
Upper Peninsula kim is flickring again, and she hit my heart with this silhouette.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Hockey :: Puck, Redwings
Twirling :: Baton, Ballerina
Montreal :: Canada
Better :: Best
New :: Year
Rally :: for Life
Stanley :: Cup, my dad
USB :: handy
Scouted :: checked out
Cough :: hack

for martha

formartha
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Unconscious Mutterings

oh now this is a weird turn. . .

I say ... and you think ... ?

Lisa :: My sister-in-law
Hope :: Faith
Irene :: Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies
Tony :: Blair
Anna :: and the King of Siam
Dolly :: Parton
Laura :: Ashley
Debbie :: a good friend
Wilson :: Psychology teacher
Paula :: Abdul

Wonder how many matches we'll eke out of this?

Reading Paper Towels

Have you noticed how cool paper towels are getting lately? My Bounty ones right now have gardening sayings:

Gardening is a way of showing you believe in tomorrow.

Friends are flowers in a life's garden.

The flowers of all tomorrows are the seeds of today.

No two days are the same in one garden.

No two gardens are the same.

You can burty a lot of troubles digging in the dirt.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Vex :: irritate, hector
Relapse :: fall back
Twinkle :: twinkle little star
Crawls :: baby
Optimistic moment :: Feeling up
Cage :: Nicolas
Superwoman :: superman and superwoman should have hooked up. Clark had that Lois Lane chick, who did SuperWoman have?
Personal :: ad, private, shopper, trainer
Vapor :: Vicks
Grocery store :: Meijer, Kroger

birdintree

birdintree
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

It might as well be spring . . .

Just thought you would want to know

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Again :: do Over
Shower :: Bath
Flirting :: is fun
Moving on :: Letting go
Rachel :: Ray, Leah
Chips :: Potato
Texting :: something I do with the teens
Feel better :: get well
Cashmere :: soft
Sucked :: on a lollipop

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Avoid :: stay away from
Castle :: princess, white castle burgers
Episode :: television
Limited :: choices
Nail polish :: red
Dip :: skinny
Share :: and share alike
Damage :: control
Improper :: not right
Handle :: with care

The Serpent

The Serpent
Originally uploaded by wash52121

Snakes in the grass, yes, but snakes in the tree??? Another thing I've learned out at the farm. I found one in a birdhouse once. Yikes! Photo taken by my brother Boo.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Soul :: food, train
Fold :: napkin, laundry
Breakup :: ice on the lakes
Will :: Ferrell
Fond :: Farewell
Powers :: Austin
ho-hum :: Boooring
Hustle :: Do the
Avenue :: Street
Tower :: Leaning Tower of Pisa

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Lease :: rental agreement
Dead :: Lifeless
Removed :: Took away
Broke :: back
Lips :: kiss
Flight :: attendanta
Three hours :: too long for a movie
Give :: & take
Technical :: difficulties
Hurry :: Hop to!

bunny

bunny
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
Velveteen Rabbit Quotes

March Madness is Over for this year

In college athletics I root for Michigan State University. I'm a graduate and I live in the area. I love football, and make it to a couple of games a year. I really like basketball, have attended some games, and I love basketball come March and the NCAA basketball tournament. Setting up brackets with guesses and wishes as to who will win each game has become part of the spring schedule.

In our fantasy brackets, we had Michigan State winning the tournament. In our realistic brackets, we couldn't figure out how they were going to get past Louisville, the #1 seed. Somehow, the Spartans figured out how to get past Louisville, and ended up in the Final Four. Wow! But how would they get past UConn, another #1 seed? We didn't know how, but the team and coaches figured out a way. MSU was going to the championship game.

Now, if this was a movie, the Spartans would have squeaked out one last win. But this wasn't a movie, and as our hopes surged we forgot that the North Carolina team they played had their own story they were playing out: they had lost last year and had come back to win it all. North Carolina was at the top of their game. Our boys weren't. We lost.

But there isn't bitterness in this defeat. Nope. No riots in the streets of East Lansing. (Okay, a few couch burnings and a small party in Cedar Village, but hey . . . ) No recriminations. The Spartans were a team. They didn't have the NBA hopefuls of the other teams. They were a team, with a scrappy coach, who thought they could. They far exceeded our expectations, and gave us a wonderful ride.

And so . . . altogether now:

Go Green!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Log :: Lincoln log
Plaything :: toy
Broom :: Straw
Heels :: high
Smoke in :: your eyes
Guests :: visitors
Attraction :: Main, coming attraction
Shiny :: Christmas ornaments
Risked :: Dared
Velvet :: een Rabbit

MSU is going to the NCAA FINALS!!!!!!

MICHIGAN STATE JUST BEAT UCONN!!!!! National Championship, could it be????


GO GREEN!!!

Sparty 6

Sparty 6
Originally uploaded by Sparty2008

Go Green!

6:07 p.m EDT. Michigan State Spartans v University of Connecticut.

I know who I'LL be rooting for!

Go Green!

It's Good to be a Spartan

This was in my email this morning. Those of you in March Madness . . . well, thanks for putting up with my happy dances!




Bobby Knight, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven,God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with afaded Indiana University flag in the window. "This house is yours foreternity, Bob," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets ahouse up here."

Bob felt special indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up theporch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-storymansion with a bright Green and White sidewalk, a 50 foot tall flagpoleflying an enormous Michigan State flag, and in every window, a Spartanlogo. In the front yard was a sign that said "Welcome to the Izzone".

Bob looked at God and said "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but Ihave a question. I won three national championships, more Big Ten titlesthan I can remember and I am the winningest coach in IU basketballhistory."

God said "so what do you want to know, Bob?"

"Well, why doesTom Izzo get a better house than me?"

God chuckled, and said "Bob,that's not Tom's house....... .it's mine."

This is the Big One

Go Green!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Road trip :: Montana!
Pool hall :: Cue stick
Extraordinary :: Special
Jackson :: Hole, Wyoming, Jessie, Michael
Heartfelt :: Sincere
Wet :: my yard right now. We've had a bunch of rain
Strangle :: Cut-off
.com :: the internets
Touched :: by an angel
Insipid :: unsuspecting, that's not right, but that's what I wrote

Are you going to finish strong?

relative. It all is.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Studio :: Photography
Meetup :: flickr, nanowrimo
Ostrich :: head in the sand
Jokes :: laugh
Estranged :: separated from
Random :: acts of kindness
Slap :: smack
Hotel room :: tryst
Inscribe :: write within
Polar :: bear

Be Blessed

saw this on flickr, of all places.

People are often unreasonable, Illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, You will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, Someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, They may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, People will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, And it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God; It never was between you and them anyway.

Be Blessed,

-- Mother Theresa

Sun Rises the First Day of Spring

dilo01
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Happy Spring! And happy autumn to the folks down-under!

Update!

Thanks for all the well-wishes and concern. My SIL was finally brought out of the medically induced coma. The tubes are out. She's chattering away. Rehab will be lengthy, as she broke several bones and had to have her left shoulder basically replaced, but the sun is out.

Thank you all!

Happy Saint Pat's!

greeters345678
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

and Go Green!

springsprung

springsprung
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

No Mutterings

Sorry, no mutterings this Sunday. It was one of THOSE weekends. You know, the ones with great fun, great joy, great fear, great relief, great concern.

Wedding shower for niece #3. Great time. Fun games, food, people. Niece's mother-in-law-to-be is a real gem. I wish we could adopt her.

On the way to the shower: accident involving my nieces, their children the two C.J.'s, my nephew and their mother. Trailblazer t-boned by a vehicle running a red light. Trailblazer rolled twice, ended up upside down. All were transported to the hospital. All were cleared medically except their mother, my deceased brother Jeff's wife. She was thrown from the vehicle. Multiple fractures and contusions, total shoulder replacement. In ICU now, critical but stable, medically induced coma. Expected hospital stay, a week. Expected rehab: multiple weeks.

So grateful that the children are all okay. Little Caleb Jeffrey, 2, is such a little man. Charli Jo, 18 months, voiced her displeasure at the poking and prodding, but she is fine. My nephew was fine. The nieces are banged up a bit, but cleared.

Today I just kicked back. Brother Boo and wife and one of their daughters came out to the farm. Dug trenches, took pictures, had a fire, roasted weinies.

Hope you all are doing well!

{{{hugs}}}

catch a falling star

catchafallingstar
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Catch a Falling Star
Catch a falling star an’ put it in your pocket,
Never let it fade away!
Catch a falling star an’ put it in your pocket,
Save it for a rainy day!

For love may come an' tap you on the shoulder,
Some star-less night!
Just in case you feel you wanna’ hold her,
You’ll have a pocketful of starlight!

Catch a falling star an’ ( Catch a falling . . . ) put it in your pocket,
Never let it fade away! ( Never let it fade away! )
Catch a falling star an’ ( Catch a falling . . . ) put it in your pocket,
Save it for a rainy day! ( Save it for a rainy day! )

For love may come and tap you on the shoulder,
Some star-less night!
An’ just in case you feel you wanta’ hold her,
You’ll have a pocketful of starlight!

( . . . pocketful of starlight! ) [ hum in time ]

Catch a falling star an’ ( Catch a falling . . . ) put it in your pocket,
Never let it fade away! ( Never let it fade away! )
Catch a falling star an’ ( Catch a falling . . . ) put it in your pocket,
Save it for a rainy day! ( Save it for a rainy . . . Save it for a rainy, rainy rainy day! )

For when your troubles startn’ multiplyin’,
An' they just might!
It’s easy to forget them without tryin’,
With just a pocketful of starlight!

Catch a falling star an’ ( Catch a falling . . . ) put it in your pocket,
Never let it fade away! ( Never let it fade away! )
Catch a falling star an’ put it in your pocket,
Save it for a rainy day!

( Save it for rainy day! ) Save it for a rainy day!

Words and Music by Lee Pockriss and Paul Vance
Emily Music & Music Sales Corp. ~ ASCAP

theolder

theolder
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Mourning :: Dove, sadness
Approval :: Rating
Lotion :: Hand
Perspire :: Sweat
Language :: English, Swahili
Defection :: Switch to the other team. Ugh
Play :: Piano
Graphic :: Picture
Spicy :: Meatball
In love :: Is nice

Writers

We are fortunate here in mid-Michigan to have a wonderful independent bookstore, Schulers books. Originally from Grand Rapids, they now have two stores in the mid-Michigan. They do a great job bringing in authors for signings and talks.

Tonight Bryan Gruley was the featured writer. My friends Deb and Carol and I HAD to go to this one: the book is called Starvation Lake, and it is based on the lake that Deb's family has had a cottage on for over 70 years. Deb has taken us up there for the last five years for girls' weekends: they've been a blast.

Gruley gave an excellent talk and I'm looking forward to reading the book. Also in the crowd was Pulitzer Prize winner Eric Freedman. My head is swimming.

The advice of the day to all wannabe writers: "ass to chair".

Wanting

Wants. Now there's a subject. I had found myself for years tamping down my wants. My needs were met, sort of, but to want something, oh boy, that was a recipe for disaster. Either the want would be denied, or worse, it would be given and then realized as a humongous mistake. *sigh* I know. I'm being dramatic. But somewhere along the way I found myself becoming more and more okay with things as they were. This would be fine, if things were really okay, but I'm no monk and well . . .

Moving to the farm was a game changer. Living here, in this haven of rural solitude and wonderful family stories was something I really wanted, but: Would my family support me in this decision? Would I be able to hack it? Would I like it once I got here? To get past all of the other W's, I had to give myself permission to come here for a year and see how it worked. No further expectations. (Of course, my brother and brother-in-law said I'd have to hire a moving company if I moved again. They're only good for 20-year-moves.)

And of course, moving here has been perfect, a bit of paradise, and not just for me, though I'm the chief recipient, but for my family in so many ways.

And why all this round-about-ranting and shouting? Well, of course, I'm finding I'm wanting again. And I need to develop a plan.

What do you want?

It's Been Years!!

I don't think I've had an honest-to-goodness cold in years!!! I know it's been long enough that I don't have any medicine in the medicine cabinet. I do have Vicks Vapo Rub (works for toe infections) and aspirin and that's about it. And do I ever have a doozy.

But I am grateful that I don't get them very often.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Pain :: in the butt
Lego :: toy
Trooper :: State
Flicker :: Flickr!!
Character :: Actor
Determined :: Bound and
Wing :: and a prayer, wind beneath my
Control :: tower
Automatic :: transmission
Yeah :: sure

The Brief Life of the Snow Kids in Pictures

The Brief Life of the Snow Kids in Pictures
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

If you like to shoot pictures, life in Michigan can get pretty black and white in the winter. We have to amuse ourselves the best way we can.

Therefore, we create . . . snowkids!

My brother's Pic of the Farm

A country boy can survive!
Originally uploaded by wash52121

I had my nieces overnight last night for a mega-scrapbooking session. My brother and SIL came out today to pick the girls up. Boo walked back in the field a ways and took a picture of the farmstead. Feels like the turn-of-the-last-century?

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Carpet :: Cleaner, Magic,
William :: Tell Overture
Oh! :: my goodness
Board game :: Monopoly
Sunlight :: Bright
Delay :: Stall
Winner :: Takes It All
Concubine :: King Solomon
Comatose :: Unconscious
Satisfy :: a need

Margarita Day?

The things we learn from our blogging buddies. Thanks, Roscoe!

You Are a Strawberry Margarita

You're so sweet it's a little overwhelming, and people are a little afraid of corrupting you... It's a little difficult to imagine you with a margarita. And you're truly a different person after you've kicked back a couple!

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Be mine :: Candy heart
Ecstatic :: Beyond bliss
Orderly :: neat, tidy
Sebastian :: Bach
Sore :: knee
Don’t need :: los of stuff
Rockstar :: Julie's 365 flickr
Tinfoil :: Turkey
Addiction :: alcoholic
Where? :: When?

Hmm, now that's surprising!

You Are Coffee

The sexiest thing about you is your enthusiasm and stamina. You always say "yes" to your lover and are hard to tire out. Because of your high energy level, you are best in small doses. Too much of you is too much of a good thing. You may not get tired, but you're likely to wear your partner down.

What Aphrodisiac Are You?

Lifted from the "chili" Roscoe.

Valentine's on Flickr

Valentine's on Flickr
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Finding Valentine's Day on Flickr. Click through for the links

Voices from the Past

I like to flickr. Most of my family is now on flickr, and sometimes interesting things happen with posts. Take this little book, for instance. It's a tiny devotional, about 1" x 1/2", and I shot it at my last studio shoot. It belonged to either my great-Grandmother or great-great-Grandmother. An interesting set of comments came when my brother (Magoo) saw it.

Mr. Magoo says:
bottom of page 64...a message from beyond

Aunt Owwee says:
oh boy. good eye magoo . . . good eye

Mr Magoo1 says:
Yep...I had just turned in Kim's and my letter stating that we want to take a leave of absence next year and my gut was churning...kind of cool

Magoo and his family are going to Ethiopia next year for a short-term mission project.

The words at the bottom of page 64: Be at peace among yourselves

Our Small World

There are massive fires in Australia. A dozen years ago, this would be a news item noted and probably forgotten. Oz is on the other-side-of-the-world.

Now, thanks to the internet, this is a matter of grave concern to friends. My great longtime internet buddy, Julie, is reporting on fires in the areas near to her relatives. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Julie has been a friend before blogging...we go back to an old Kevin Costner Yahoo group.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Cups :: Bras
Brilliant :: Exceedingly bright
Disobey :: break the rule
Abstain :: Lent
Daily :: Weekly
You make me :: feel
Hurl :: Barf
Intensify :: make stronger
Race :: Amazing

Same as five years ago

discover what candy you are @ quiz me

A Valentine's Day Walk In the Woods

From five years ago

i have never heard of this

Ottava rima? Me? That can't be right!    Too frivolous? But tut, there's no such thing! Let others ponder thoughts of wrong and right,    Or sit and think how much they love the spring; I'd rather spend my time in gleeful spite,    Or maybe laugh, or maybe sit and sing. Besides, it might be fun to be inspiring - But surely it would get so very tiring. What Poetry Form Are You?

oscar and alta

oscarandalta
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Days past at the farm.

upNorth5

upNorth5
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

New things we did this weekend: Snowmobile! This is my SIL. She wasn't going to get on one. Ha! What a blast.

Unconscious Mutterings

Oops! I was upNorth! and so I am a day late.

I say ... and you think ... ?

Take :: give
350 :: a number
Stand :: up
Raspberry :: tart
Turnstile :: subway
Infomercial :: boring
Dejected :: fwoefully sad
What’s the word? :: memory
Awestruck :: speechless
Smashed :: car, accident

suet

suet
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

it's a cold cold winter up here

Darn critics, anyhoo

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Unwanted :: Unplanned for
You’d better :: Watch Out
Woman :: Man
Weighed :: Too much!
Upright :: Honest
I feel :: Pretty. Well, I don't, but that's what the song says.
Ill :: sick
It’s like :: heaven
Poor man :: Rich Man
Great :: Expectations

Time

Time
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Arrival :: Birth
Vomit :: Gross
Fit :: to be tied
Stutter :: Stammer
Lifestream :: Blood
Tread :: Softly, but carry a big stick
Desire :: Want
Freezing :: Our weather. Well, way below freezing
Permit :: Allow
Crinkle :: Smile, Wrapping paper

Been a long time since I did THAT

So I was out and about today, braving the cold and the snowy streets, and stopped into the mall's B&N. I know, I know, local booksellers are better, but B&N is the only bookstore that has SomersetLife, a crafting quarterly that I enjoy. So I picked up that magazine and a couple of others, paid for them, and started for the exit.

Well, a book caught my eye. HeartSick. It was a murder mystery, and it promised a Hannibal Lector type story. That is so not my style. But I picked the book up and continued down the aisle. Drat! The big easy reading chairs were both open by the exit, so I sat down for a minute to read a few pages of the book. Two hours later I left, having read most of the book. Bad me, but I do spend an inordinate amount of my paycheck at bookstores, and they do have those dang comfy chairs. Hmmm.

Okay, should I have bought the book?

got it

got it
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

The one good thing, and I do believe it is the ONLY good thing I can think of now, about 0F temperatures is that it slows the birds down enough that I can get their pictures.

How's your neck of the woods faring?

Coming home

Coming home
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Resolution :: New Years, easy to break
Break :: Resolution, Holiday from School
Tied :: bound, package
Suffering :: pain
Instead :: in place of
Divorce :: Breaking apart
Slash :: Cut
Cough :: Cold, drops
Happy :: as a clam
Sniffle :: cry, Cold

Weekend Chores

So Good morning, my dear friends! This was a five-day work week. We'd been spoiled! With the holidays and some vacation days, I had worked three three-day weeks. Quite a bit of a change!

This morning I did sleep in for a bit, then got to the chores. The Christmas tree is now out in the yard, waiting for a bonfire. I've changed the filter in the furnace (ooh, I hate Michigan basements) and added salt to the water softener. Can I take a nap now?

We had some milder weather, and now we're right back to good old January stuff, with snow today and tomorrow and temperatures heading for a high of 10F at the beginning of the week. The theory had been that with December being January weather, maybe January would ease up. There goes that theory.

And how is your world?

believe

believe
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

16 More Things

Oh Kim, what you've unleashed! Kim tagged me for the 16 random things on flickr. I did it, now I want to do 16 more. Sheesh.

17. Montana is my favorite State after Michigan.
18. I've driven the Going to the Sun Road. You should too.
19. I haven't been wearing scents or make-up for awhile. I'm back now.
20. Lancomme products are my favorite.
21. I can kill snakes. (hollering all the while)
22. Gladioli are my favorite flowers.
23. One of my brothers passed away 20 years ago. I still miss him.
24. Robert Redford was my first "favorite" actor.
25. Kevin Costner was my second "favorite" actor.
26. I'm currently looking for a third "favorite" actor.
27. I love to read.
28. I read too fast to be a discerning reader. I'd never do well with bookclubs.
29. C.S. Lewis is my favorite author.
30. A River Runs Through It is my favorite book.
31. I feel like a displaced person often. The City I lived in for most of my life is changing too much. The things I loved are gone. The small town I was born in is a small town: I am a stranger there.
32. My favorite TV show is Chuck. Actually, that and the Mentalist are the only two I watch with any regularlity.

Do go see my friend Kim's wonderful flickr photostream. She lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula: her photographs are a wonderful depiction of a special place.

Thank Heavens for Little Brothers

So my brothers, realizing that we had passed the evil 56, didn't spare me with their birthday cards this year. One card said: You know you're getting older when you see a younger guy and automatically start calculating whether you're old enough to be his mother. Bingo! Another one gave me a musical card that said: Another birthday isn't the end of the world - open it and music begins playing "The Final Countdown" - it just seems that way!

Gotta love 'em!

The First Day of . . .

the rest of my life. I know, hokey. But today it fits. Yesterday I turned an age I thought I wouldn't see, 57. My fears were groundless, based on my father's death at 56 coupled with my mother's father's death at the same age. There is no sane reason for thinking a certain age is cursed. But somehow, someway, I could never see past 56.

And now I am.

And I like it!

Thanks for all the well wishes. They've meant so much. And now, on to the future!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Confirmation :: Reservations are good
Verse :: Iambic Pentameter
Authorize :: Bank Card
Blog :: New Era
Thirty :: was awhile ago
Heir :: none
What are you doing? :: Unconscious Mutterings!
Complaint :: Department
Leave :: it alone
Tune :: She'll be coming around the mountain, guitar, piano, violin

Year in Review - December 2008

granary
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

And then it was December: the third snowiest on record for the area. Beautiful, but a little wearying.

Thanks for humouring me!

Year in Review - November 2008

Standfast
Originally uploaded by Aunt Owwee

Harvest time. I was able to observe it and photograph it this year. And I was able to find another witness to it.