Patriotism and the American Way

Our patriotism waves in the Kansas breeze.

Made me think of Betsy Ross.

Who was Betsy Ross?

Wikipedia will help me with this one.
Betsy Ross (January 1, 1752 – January 30, 1836), born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom, also later known by her second and third married names: Elizabeth Ashburn and Elizabeth Claypoole, is widely credited with making the first American flag purportedly in 1776, according to family tradition, upon a visit from General George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and changing the shape of the stars described on the flag from six-pointed to easier-to-produce five-pointed stars. However, there is no archival evidence or other verbal traditions that this story or "legend" of the first American flag is true and supposedly the story first surfaced in the early 1870s by the description of her descendants—a grandson—a century later, with no mention being made or documented anywhere in earlier decades.

http://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/what-to-see/

https://www.facebook.com/historicphilly

Flag Day is June 14th.

Blessings,

d

Patriotic Lilies

The Lilies bloom

right after the Irises fade.

Hubby took this picture 

and I wanted to share the patriotic moment.

I liked the angle he has captured 
as we inch our way to the 4th of July, 
but first comes Flag Day on June 14th.


Hope we get the patriotic banners 
put up on the porch.

Blessings.
Have a wonderful week-end.
Red, white and blue,

d

Decorating On The Prairie: Curb Appeal

Made a judgment call.

As we cleaned the garage out,

I came a cross a tub filled with greenery 

that had not seen the light of day in over 13 years.

Still in very good shape.

I didn't know what I was going to do with it.

That all changed in a flash.

The threat of a Furlough happened.

The gears started turning on how to save money.

I had bought this urn months ago and had plans to plant

a Kimberly Queen Fern in it when the temperatures turned warmer, 
but with the furlough threat I changed my mind 

and used the artificial greenery instead.

  

VERY HAPPY with the results.

Decorating On The Prairie MADE EASY and inexpensive.

From the street, they look real.

Curb appeal,

d

The Color Of June

What color do you think of when you think of the month of JUNE?  
I can't think of one specific color to attach to JUNE.  There are many weddings in June, but I don't think of WHITE.
Can you help me out here?  Please.

By the way, what about the color of being relieved?

In all shades of THANKFUL.

This was a different kind of week.  Very different.  School is out and I have been staying busy with Lil Miss.  We journeyed to Manhattan on Friday, planning on having Lunch with my Husband. We'd decided on a 11 o'clock meal.  

I drove up to the front door of his place of work and there he was waiting to tell me that a mandatory meeting was planned for 11:30. 

NO PROB.  We'd go shop for awhile and come back at noon instead.  We had an interesting shopping time at Target and I curved my spending.  Used a gift card from my Oklahoma Kids to buy a Jewelry Tree and smiled all the way back to the car with it.  I barely spent anything.

A few days before, we had heard that a furlough might take place at where my Husband has worked for 16 years.  A furlough was likely.  So I have started to figure out what to sell at HOME to help with a serious dry spell that could take place.  The gears start turning.

I have been thinking of ways to cut expenses.  

AGAIN. 

As I drove the car back to pick Hubby up.  He handed me a letter from the President of the organization.  A piece of paper that was given to him by his BOSS telling him that he'd be furloughed if the Governor didn't sign certain papers.  He'd be furloughed starting Saturday at midnight.

A candidate for furlough.

Along with about 24,700 others. 

FURLOUGH.

GULP.  A first in his employment.  A first.  We've experience LAY OFFs, but not furlough.  NO PAY.

He told me that the atmosphere on Friday at work was so thick,
you could have cut the air with a knife.  Everyone was on pins and needles. 

Since I had Lil Miss with me, I tried to keep things light hearted as to not scare her.  My stomach hurt and I felt like I was going to lose my cookies.

I read the letter at least three times for sure.  Blurry and difficult to comprehend what it was saying.  Telephoned the phone number that was shared to check on furlough updates. Saturday was difficult.  Waiting for a word.  Spread some cheer and color it PINK?

The furlough was dismissed.

Relief set in and fatigue settled on us.

The adrenal drain was felt.

This was a tense day to say the least.  

As I wrapped my son's birthday gift, I got sentimental.  Tears with being very emotional came to pass.  He'll turn 40 soon.  40.

I became a momma 40 years ago.  I was just a young kid when I gave birth to him and now he is turning 40.  That's definitely middle age.  Let it soak in...middle age.  I am matronly and soon to be 60.

I very much felt my age this week-end.  60 soon.  Shall I scream it from the roof tops and see if I'm viewed as a weirdo?  It seems impossible to be 60.  IMPOSSIBLE.  Wam...it's here. 

My 37 year old son has been laid off.  I continue to pray for him. Please join me.  Odd thing is my Husband was laid off from work when he was 37.  It's been a long haul to get back on our feet.  He's now 60.  

We talked about what we'd need to do if the furlough took place.  We will continue to thin through our things and downsize.  Get as organized as we should.  Beautify our HOME SWEET HOME.  Do our best to save some money and make plans to retire in a few years.  In a few years.  Lord, we need your help on all of this.    

One very good thing, if you can call it good, Husband learned that when he does retire he will not be getting his retirement funds in a lump sum as we had previously been informed.  The laws changed.  He'll get 10 percent of his money each year for ten years and a day.  

Not happy about this.  

This changes some life plans.

When he shared this info with some co-workers, they were stunned as well.  The 62 year old HR rep didn't know the rules had changed along with the other workers.  The HR representative.  Hum.  What 'cha gonna do?  Seems horribly dishonest to me.  We have to safeguard the money as best we can.

It isn't good to have the retirement money disappear.

We have our general ideas as to what should be done.  Praying for God's guidance and direction.  

So what is the color of relief?  Crystal.  

See through tears that stream down our faces are crystal clear.  

CLEAR.

Today, my thoughts are about ways to spend less money and

concentrate on getting out of debt.  It's a tough assignment, 

but somebody's got to do it.

I had to call to remembrance some scriptures about life

and the goodness of GOD.

Giving thanks.

Blessings to you on this fine JUNE DAY,

d

Yes, Indeed

Lil Miss and I had a busy day.  She was up early before I sipped 'me coffee.  Played a tad before being told to go get dressed n' groomed, we were going to Manhattan.  Grandma here had some business she needed to do.  Breakfast.  Time to go.  

The drive was relaxing under the grey skies that promised rain on the windshield.  There was a few times my driver's side car window did not roll up after needing it to.  Was praying, "Oh Lord, please."  The window went up.  The window went up.  The window went up.  Yes, indeed.

We took my Husband out for LUNCH by feeding him a McDonald's SOUTHWESTERN SALAD with crispy chicken and spicy Southwest Salad Dressing.  Drank water.  Good sport having a salad.  Yes indeed.  We sat at the KSU Gardens to eat.  Peaceful.  Lil Miss ate well and then ran in circles on the lush grass lawn.  

Hubby went back to work and Lil Miss and I went to the BANK also to pay the mortgage, pick up waiting medicine and shopped at the Dollar Tree.  Took our time for a pleasant shopping experience with a 8 year old.  She was very decent and made my grandma heart swell.  Yes, indeed.


Splurged on a 3 pack of CRACKER JACKS for a dollar.  REMEMBER Cracker Jacks?  These will go into my Summer stash of goodies for a later date.  

Thirsty.  Grape flavored PROPEL was placed in the shopping cart.  Thought it would be good to drink in the car for a afternoon break since I was dragging.  SO TIRED of being tired so much of the time due to hypothyroidism.  dripping with sweat.  The store was too hot.  Summer was here for the day. 
Yes, indeed. 



We sat under a shade tree sipping Propel flavored water with vitamins.  I liked it.  Hadn't had one before and soon enough I felt better.  Within the hour, I was more awake.  A refreshing surprise.  I drove the car to the next Dollar store.  As I pulled the car into the parking lot, a young woman and man were standing by the store door smoking.  Wasn't sure I should get out of the car with Lil Miss.  

The man had a scabbard on his side.  Hum.  The girl walked away and the guy left.  She went over to kiss another guy wearing a bigger knife.  Well…made me nervous.  Not considered a concealed weapon.  Bye Bye.  

Called Hubby at work to meet us at our favorite thrift store across town.  He arrived before we did.  A great find was a kerosene lamp for a sweet $8.  Need to purchase some fuel.  Enjoyed the store and went HOME. 

Supper was left over steak, baked potato and corn on the cob, ice tea.  Delicious.  Very satisfying.  This evening is a nice time to slow down and watch an old movie.  POPCORN.

Bedtime is near.  Got Milk?  

Yes indeed,

d      

A Lesson

Mister and Mrs. Oliver Wendell Douglas of Green Acres television program (1965-1971)

Actually we look more like this couple 

than Mr. and Mrs. Douglas.

Especially after the week we had.

Today, I sit exhausted.  We've had a working vacation.  Staycation.  We stayed put.  To get better settled after being here over 8 years.  8 years.  Long story short…life erupted with ways to get sidetracked preventing getting settled after our move.  Learned much along the way, had fun, but the reality of getting older in which one needs to have one's affairs in order is long over due.  We haven't always been so out of it.  I recall a time when I was so put together…had everything in it's place and a place for everything.  Paper work and receipts in order and accounted for.  

THEN CAME THE MOVE FROM OFF THE FARM...exhaustion set in due to Hubby and I being the movers and packers of all our stuff, stormy weather, the tearing down of a large dog kennel and rebuilding new kennels, two grandchildren born, a Daughter's marriage falling apart, relocating Daughter and Grand daughter with packing and unloading their belongings, tearing out our kitchen and having our Dining room function as a storage area, opening another storage unit, relocating the storage unit, precious grands being born, poor health kicking in, house and garage reroofed, porch torn out and rebuilt, old boiler removed from house, new one installed, water heater replaced, a Son's marriage failing, relocating a Son, more Grandchildren being born, emptying the storage unit, Husband's health failing, etc. etc. etc. etc.  Much was put on hold and it's been something else around here.

Sidetracked became the new norm.

It ate my lunch.

Ran it's course.  Wore out it's welcome.

If possible, if one keeps their estate in order as they go, 
I believe this is the best way, BUT it isn't always a cut and dry case
as we live and experience it.  BIG SURPRISES happen that we didn't see coming.  BOO...there they are and they cannot be completely ignored.  The elephant in the room decided to stay.   

This past week was full of adventure and awe as we opened boxes in the garage.  "Look at this.  Look at what I found. That's where it was."    

Pack n' stack.  Pack n' stack.  Shuffle, shuffle, kick, kick, kick.  Bend and reach.  Bend and reach. Stretch and pull.  Bend and twirl.  Sweat n' wipe.  Sweat n' wipe.  Stretch and pull.  Shuffle, shuffle, kick.  Pack and stack.

We made huge headway…but 60 is not the new 40.  I don't care how much society/media wants to shove that lie down my throat…it isn't the truth and I know it isn't the truth.  60 is 60.  40 AINT the new 20 either.

We've spent years accumulating and at this awesome age we are…we are having to spend adequate time and muscle sorting through it all and decide what to turn loose of.  MUCH.  

One small vinyl box held papers that we thinned through.  Hugely emotional.  Estimated that this box alone held approximately 2500 pieces of paper.  It was just one small box at that. Small.  We thinned through it and lightened the load.  More to go.  A bit overwhelming, but we're further ahead than we were. 

The things you go through to get where you should be are character building.

I remember this program well...art impersonating life or life impersonating art.

Many cardboard boxes have been gone through and contents placed in smaller boxes.  Items centralized.  Grouped together.

Uncovering treasures that I forgot we had.  

Like stylish HATS.

All kinds of stuff in cardboard boxes placed up on a platform.  We've grouped all the Christmas stuff together for ease.  In due time I'll thin through this wonderful stuff and turn loose of more.  If we can get a booth at the Antique Mall, I'll see about placing some treasures there to sell.  What better place to earn coffee money.

We're further along than we were.  Still...it is overwhelming.  

Beloved...

This is my HOBBY for now,

d

 

King James Bible PSALM 39:4
LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.

Moving

Irises along the fence.
Because they need room to grow properly some will be moved into the backyard.

We'll stay put, 
but have to move the Irises.

After the Irises bloom and fade, 

we'll move some into the back yard during the month of July.

They'll have more room to properly grow 
and decorate the yard for next year's Spring.

We've enjoyed eight years of the Irises

where they've been.  We continue to add more.

I've wanted a backyard full of pretty Irises 
so we will relocate some into a newly 
worked up flowerbed.

The Irises around the trees will stay.

The alley flowerbed will stay.

Not sure what will go along the fence.

Giving it some thought.

Blessings to you,

d

In The Purple

Heirloom Irises that have a sweet fragrance

and stay in bloom for a month or so.

PALLIDA DALMATICA

Other types of irises are nice to look at, 

but may not have the fragrant smell as the Heirloom ones.

Admiring the beauty of Spring 

in the form of tall bearded irises.

Lovely to behold,

d

The Courage To Downsize

Day 4 of working in the garage….day four.  I took a nap  in the late afternoon.  Couldn't go anymore.  We're not finished.  Made huge headway, but have a very long ways to go.  Phasing it as we go.  How can PRAIRIE PEOPLE have so much STUFF???

TINS.  I came across a box that I know my dear 'ole Dad personally wrapped individual tins in it back in December of 1991 as we prepared for a move.  I had a tin collections at the time.  As I sat to go through the box to discover what was inside a very dusty covered box, I sighed as I unwrapped a tin in very good shape.  The old newspaper holds the details as to what was going on in the Houston area at the time we were getting ready to relocate back to the great state of KANSAS.

I sat the box aside and said out loud, "I'm not ready to unwrap this."   Dad would have been in his 60s when he helped up pack our belongings.  He's now 88 and in very frail condition.  I hopefully will go through this box in the near future, but for now I cannot disturb this box of treasures that my dear Dad tended to.  I haven't missed the tins.  Inside waits a box of tins that can just wait.

Sentimental.  Emotions can run high as each box reveals items that represent a different time in my life.  I'm moving very slow as I go through the boxes deciding where to go with the items. Real slow.  We sit and breathe deeply as we are older than ever doing this thing called getting settled.

Long story short, this isn't the only move we have had to deal with after we moved into our old rock house eight years ago.  Storage units included.  I have developed the courage to downsize.

My amazing Husband.  He has far more energy than I do.  Thankful.  He has shuffled and re-stacked and shuffled and re-stacked boxes amongst other things over and over and over and over. Time to call it done.  Here we go.  

Patriotic Banners that were misplaced 6 or 7 years ago were found.  I was in prayer a few days ago and asked God to help us find these.  It has bothered me so much to have nice things that are still boxed up and I have little idea where to begin looking for them.  Well today was the day…Husband found them way up high behind other stuff in a blue tub.  In very good shape and ready to be hung for the 4th of July.  Red, white and blue.  This patriotic discovery made me smile with satisfaction and happiness. ahhhhhh.  

HATS are being taken from cardboard boxes and will be repackaged in something more suitable.  This particular one was worn while watching Mr. Selfridge on PBS.  Era appropriate. 

So many books.  If only I had a library.  Wishful thinking.  Book shelves needed.  I LOVE ME' BOOKS.  Having them out of sight did not have them out of mind.  Grievous.     

Christmas decorations...I could open a store.  Will thin this out in another phase over the Summer and early Autumn, but for now the seasonal items are being grouped together.  All on nice muscle shelves in red and green storage boxes.  Angels, Santas, ornaments, garland, trees, Nativity Scenes, lights, snowmen.  

Dishes, dishes, dishes.  These will find their way to the basement after shelves are placed there.  Material, old clothing, records, pottery, dolls, stuffed animals, tools, glassware, boxes, boxes, boxes.  Childrens' keepsakes…this one made my heart sing.  Overjoyed.  Papers, papers, papers.  Cooking and baking items.  Seasonal items.  Etc.

A blue trunk which holds greeting cards that I have saved through the years was dusted off and brought into the house.  Inside the trunk were individual boxes for various holidays and events.  One loose card was read.  From one Grandma to us about the death of my other Grandma.  Caused me to pause and remember well.

Another marked box for my daughter held her childhood cards.

Now to find my Tea pots.  

It's a mystery where they are.

A mystery.

As we decide what to do with it all, I think we need to have a garage sale and take more "STUFF" to the thrift stores.  Okay.  Will do.  Say good bye to the clutter.  Junk to the trash.  It was hauled away.  Thank you.

This is something else.

I think I'm worn out,

d 

ps
All the free Kansas dirt you want is available.  Just let me know and I can mail you some.   

Jibber Jabbering With Mister Wilson, Mary Poppins and Mr. Pentecost

Hello BELOVED!
Hope you are having a sweet day.

Hubby and I are now Mr. and Mrs. WILSON because Dennis the Menance lives across the street from us.  Hubby gets a tad bit irritated (CRANKY) when the boys across the street play hardball with our cars parked on the street to where their hardballs can hit our autos.  I told him we have to get on with life.  It doesn't do a great deal of good to be so irritated at young boys playing in their own yard.  We just have to move our cars to a safer out of reach place. 

I am an older woman now and for sure matronly.  I will rejoice because I never thought I'd live to be THIS AGE.  Almost 60.  Lordy, lordy that's old.  Not a spring chic anymore and I will be COMFORTABLE  in my skin.  Know what I mean?  60 is NOT the new 40.  I protest.  We should walk in truth and wisdom in which we know the difference.  Have some respect for the elderly will ya.

I've done a lot of living to be this old.  Amen.  A lot.  I don't want to go through life trying to compete with 19 year olds.  The modern woman I am not and I will rejoice.   

Putting on my work clothes so I can get really dirty in the garage to continue the task of going through stacked boxes to see what's inside of them.  

Should be like CHRISTMAS.  Finding surprises in boxes as we get better organized and down size.  Walking down Memory Lane has been a high light.  SOmetimes rather emotional.

Grey skies have returned.  The weather is cool at 63 degrees and well suited for working in a garage.

I learned that even the rough 'n tough vinyl storage boxes break down in texture and can get gummy feeling on the outside.  I have a ton of these and it time to thin them out.    

Physically and mentally, I HAVE TO DOWNSIZE to fit into our present location.  A thinning out is necessary along the way.  My time has come.  sigh.  sniff.  sigh some more and be realistic.  A person can hold onto much stuff when knowing how to pack and stack.  Still…I need to continue thinning out and being real….I don't need so much stuff to hang onto.

THIS IS NOW MY HOBBY.  More to life than hanging onto stuff.  Forgiving myself.  Amen.

As the week comes to an end with Memorial Day on this coming Monday, school let out with full time child care beginning for the Summer Break.  I will have to pace myself and write out a wish list of places to visit with Lil Miss as we celebrate school being out.  Granny Nanny placed her special hat on once again.  I call it my MARY POPPINS persona as a granny nanny.  I am determined. 

I started my walking on a tread mill program and want to work my way back up to walking 30 minutes a day Monday through Friday.  This will hold hands with eating more salads and vegetables.  

Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday….haven't heard much about Pentecost Sunday before Memorial Day.  Shouldn't Pentecost be as well celebrated as Christmas and Easter?  I think so.  What would we do if we didn't have the Holy Ghost living inside of us?  It would be a very sad world indeed.

TRUE STORY: I KNOW GOD HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR….years ago when we lived in Jenks, Oklahoma, I was praying…Dear God, Please send a man of God to my door. Please send a man of God to my door. Time passed. We were visiting churches at that time to help us decide which church we might have as our HOME CHURCH. Many churches send the welcome wagon to your door after you've visited their church for the first time. We had visited a little Church in the area and a man from their church showed up at my door to welcome us with a loaf of bread. His name was Mr. PENTECOST. Mr. PENTECOST paid a visit to our home. grins. In all seriousness…Pentecost Sunday is May 24th. This is one visitor all homes need a visit from. God's true spirit makes all the difference.

Well better run, Hubby just got up from his power nap and away we shall go to the garage. 

Glad you stopped by,
d