A Mother’s Minute

Grandchildren

2011-11-26T10:12:00.002-05:00

They are amazing!! They make me feel like a young mother all over again and I get to enjoy them without all the hard work!!!

My Favorite British TV Shows

2011-08-18T21:20:00.009-04:00

I love British TV. Their shows are humorous and funny! I started watching British TV back in the 90's thanks to PBS and A&E. Now I can Netflix most any that I want to watch. It's great. It also helps that my boss is from the UK and tells me which shows to watch!!! LOL If you haven't tried a British Comedy you should. You might like them.

Here are few of my favorites:

As Time Goes By - With Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer:

All of the seasons for As Time Goes By are available in the US. This is a regular show on the PBS Saturday British TV lineup.

Midsomer Murders - with John Nettles:

Only seasons up to 2009 are available on DVD in the US. PBS does show it sometimes. The main actor, John Nettles, has left the show but it's still being made. I'm waiting for the 2010 season to come out on DVD.

New Tricks:

Season 1-4 are available on DVD in the US. This is another one that PBS shows occasionally. They are still making the show in the UK so now I have to wait for Season 5 to come on DVD!

Law & Order UK:

This is just a new series I started watching. Not sure if the DVD is available in the US. It's on BBC America. Be careful though the judges and lawyers wear wigs!!

Are You Being Served?:

Another PBS regular. DVD's are available. One of the first we started watching. Are you free???

Lovejoy - with Ian McShane:

I started watching this on A&E back in the 90's. I think all the shows seasons are available on DVD. Not sure if it's shown on TV anywhere in the US.

Jam & Jerusalem:

This is my favorite British TV Comedy. It's wonderfully funny! They only made three seasons but to me it's the best three seasons of tv ever made (well except for I Love Lucy!)

Here are a few video samples to wet your appetite!!

Outtakes:

The Shows Theme:

Jonathan Creek:

This one is my newest shows to watch. I just finished Season 3 and I like it so far!!

Check out the Internet Movie Database for more shows!

Comments welcome!!

New Year - Maybe I'll post more!

2011-01-14T11:55:00.005-05:00

I have no idea what this new year will bring but I'm hoping maybe to post more on this site. I'm so caught up in Facebook at the moment I find it hard to post. But maybe that will change. I'm trying! There are so many of friends and family on facebook it's hard to move to another area that doesn't get the attention. But I find that other's I'm friends with do find the time so maybe I can too. We will see! I'm so thankful for the friends who do still blog.

Here's some places where I like to spend time:

Debra at As I see it Now

Kathy at Gypsyknits

Donna at Quiet Life

Ree at The Pioneer Woman

Maggie Ann at Knitting Kat

Chris and Laurie at Miss Flower

A few art blogs too:

Mel at Ephemeraology

Angela Cartwright at Said & Done

Deb Trotter

Collage Obsession

A little politics:

Big Hollywood

Elizabeth Scalia at The Anchoress

My faith:

Peggy at Don't Know much about the Rosary

My old time radio sites:

Barry at OTR

List of old radio programs here

Right now my hubby and I are gearing up for the Steelers - Ravens Game this Saturday! Go STEELERS!!!

"Christmas Eve" by Blackmore's Night

2010-11-30T10:55:00.002-05:00

Say goodbye to Novemeber. She must be on her way. The cold winds of December feel like there here to stay...................

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving

The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway~
Thanksgiving comes again!
~Old Rhyme

So Sweet

2010-09-24T15:08:00.005-04:00

I've been working with a customer at my work trying to organize the purchase of one of our hand tricycles for a little boy in need. The lady I've been talking with is so sweet and mannerly.

She sent this to me today:

A strong person knows how to keep their life in order.
With tears in their eyes they still manage to say "I'm ok."

Send this to a strong person, I just did.

God is good. Change is coming. God saw your sadness and said
hard times are over. If you believe in Him, send this to ten
people including me. Watch what happens in 30 minutes.

A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.

~an Irish Blessing

A Rosary Give Away

2010-08-27T14:31:00.002-04:00

Two wonderful moms are hosting a Rosary Give away!!! Go on over to Lacy's blog, Catholic Icing, and enter to win a Rosary from Sarah at The Clay Rosary Girl. Sarah's rosaries are beautiful. If you don't win you'll probably want to purchase one! I'd love to win the Red Rose Rosary with Immaculate Hearts. If I don't win I'm putting it on my Christmas List! Enjoy your visits with Lacy and Sarah. You'll be glad you visited them.

My New Grandson!

2010-08-18T12:39:00.002-04:00

Me, my son John, and his new baby son Liam!

Liam arrived on July 27, 2010 at 12:35 am. 9 lb 4 oz.

The new family are doing great!

Check out this awesome give away!

2010-08-12T11:49:00.003-04:00

You'll be glad when you visit the Etsy Rosary Guild Team blog! They have lovely rosary beads for sale and they are having a give away. Entry by August 15th and you could win this lovely rosary donated by donated by Debbie of 15 Promises Heritage Rosaries.

You can find more about the give away here!

Some Great Book Sites

2010-04-26T16:26:00.003-04:00

I've been finding some great sites lately about books and reading! Here are two I wanted to share:

Things mean a lot

Passinate Booklover

If you are interested in reading books set in the 30's between the wars check this out.

Mary Undoer of Knots

2010-04-22T15:16:00.003-04:00

I ordered this today. I ordered both the Novena booklet and the rosary.

Thanks to Peggy at Don't know much about the Rosary for the link.

I have several "knots" in my life I need to untangle.

Let nothing disturb you

2010-04-21T11:41:00.001-04:00

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things pass away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
— St. Teresa of Avila

from The Anchoress

Remebering a favorite actress

2010-04-15T11:16:00.004-04:00

Elizabeth Montgomery

April 15, 1933 to May 18, 1995

I loved her as Samantha on Bewitched. I almost named my oldest daughter Samantha but went with Sara from A Little Princess the 1904 children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Didn't you wish you could twitch you nose like Samantha?

This is so Beautiful!

2010-04-06T12:22:00.001-04:00

Watch this video. It brought tears to my eyes!

Remembering my Mom

2010-03-03T21:15:00.000-05:00

March 3, 1925 to November 1, 1980

I miss thee, my Mother! Thy image is still
The deepest impressed on my heart.
~Eliza Cook

Some links you might enjoy!

2010-03-01T10:27:00.006-05:00

Here's where I've been on the web lately:

The Heavenly Handbag can be found here!

The Anchoress

Don't know much about the Rosary?

Drudge Report

Big Hollywood

3 Minute Retreats

The Pioneer Woman

Cornwall 365 - great wallpapers for your desktop

You Tube - catching up one of my favorite British Comedies - Jam & Jerusalem

Final season of Lost Starts Feb 2nd! Are you ready!

2010-02-01T14:33:00.003-05:00

Fun Video to catch up on what's happened over the last 5 seasons!

My Favorite Photo

2010-01-13T19:37:00.004-05:00

I've been tagged by my hubby, The Camera Totin Idiot, to pick my favorite photo for a new meme! Fun Fun

But how do you pick a favorite photo when you take hundreds of photos a month? Should you pick a favorite picture of the cutest grandchild, or a picture of your adorable children when they were little? No, I decided I show those pictures all the time and thought I would go with a picture I took a few years ago on a windy day in Garrett County, MD.

Here's my pick:

These horses were in out in the field along the country road we were driving along. We stopped and they were interested in us and moved over to the fence. This is a favorite picture because the scene only took place for a few seconds before the horses moved away from each other and went back up the hill away from the fence. It was a lucky shot and one of my favorites. It's also a favorite cause the Camera Totin Idiot was standing next to me and didn't get the picture! It's a friendly competition but nevertheless a competition!

Here I am!

2010-01-13T18:59:00.006-05:00

I haven't gone off the deep end or disappeared. Just been enjoying my family and be MaMa to grandson Jackson!

Here are a few pics to catch up on on everything:

Jackson loves to ride the on the Kermit ride at the mall!

Went to the pumpkin patch

and enjoyed a hay ride.

Christmas was lots of fun!

Got a record player for my gift from the hubby!

Between Christmas and New Year's we went to Gettysburg!

Had lots of fun but it sure was cold.

Then we saw in 2010 at the our ball drop down on our mall

Flight 93 Memorial - Shanksville, PA - September 13, 2009

2009-09-15T21:39:00.009-04:00

Take a trip with me to the memorial for the heroes of Flight 93.

Looking at on the hills of Somerset County, PA

The road leading to "the field" and the memorial.

Looking at the memorial from the opposite end of the road.

Scared ground. The American flag marks the final resting place of Flight 93.

An angel for each of the passengers of Flight 93.

These benches look toward the field.

Flags at the memorial.

The wall of memorabilia.......

More memorials left behind.

A hat left as a memorial.

We felt we needed to leave something behind. We left a small Bible - The Invitation.

The hubby......

If you live close enough to visit the memorial please do so. You will be glad you did. For more photos please visit the hubby at Camera Totin' Idiot.

9/11 - Never Forget!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2009-09-15T21:05:00.005-04:00

Weed edition!

We took a bike ride on the Highland trail a couple of Saturdays ago and I found lots of pretty weeds! (I guess they are weeds! If they aren't please correct me!) They were pretty none the less.

We also found this stange looking plant! Anyone have any idea what it might be?

For more bloomin' Tuesday posts visit Jean @ Ms Green Thumb here!

Thanks for stopping by. Come back again.

Tomorrow I'm going to take you on a trip to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA.

Jackson at home

2009-09-06T21:13:00.000-04:00

Can you tell what he watches his Mommy do?

Jackson's First Haircut

2009-09-05T22:24:00.001-04:00

Bloomin' Tuesday

2009-09-01T22:31:00.005-04:00

I took this about a week ago on my walk home from work! Pretty isn't it? It's gone now. Wilted and dry.

Summer Rose
You brighten our day
So sad you are gone so soon.......

See other Bloomin' Tuesday blogs here.

Have a wonderful day!

One of my Favorite Movies

2009-08-30T13:15:00.007-04:00

On Facebook the other day we were listing 15 movies. Fifteen movies right off the top of your head. List 15 movies without thinking much about them. Could you do it? What movies would be on your list?

My son listed this movie. I didn't. Silly me. I've watched this movie all my life. I watched this movie whenever it was tv when I was a kid even through we only had three channels. Hey it was the 60's and the 70's and we lived in the country.

Three television channels - one channel each of ABC, CBS, NBC. I know there was a time when I was wee little that we only had ABC. How many channels do you have now? We have 132 channels but I think I only watch about a dozen of them.

Here's a clip from the movie my son listed and I didn't. By the way, it's just about the funniest part of the whole movie. Big Sis - I know you'll enjoy it!!!

Do you know it? Have you seen it? If not you should. You'll laugh and laugh.

It's The Great Race starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Natalie Wood.

Here's Natalie in the movie:

I counted her dresses one time. Just to see how many changes she made. Can't remember the number now but I'm sure it was 30 or more. I could never figure out how or why the characer would take so many different coats with her.

I now own this movie on DVD. Now I can watch it when ever I want! Thank goodness for modern technology.

Oh and if you were wondering about my list of 15 movies. Here it is:

15 Movies
Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen movies you've seen that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Tag fifteen friends, INCLUDING ME (please) because I'm interested in seeing what movies my friends choose...

1. My Favorite Wife
2. Mr Blandings builds his dreamhouse
3. Titanic
4. Cars
5. Gladiator
6. Meet me in St. Louis
7. Barefoot in the Park
8. Young Frankenstein
9. The Island
10. It's a Wonderful Life
11. The Bishop's Wife
12. McClintock
13. Open Range
14. Sahara
15. Clue

Let's see your list of fifteen movies.

Bloomin' Tuesday

2009-08-25T18:44:00.009-04:00

Time to get back to some regular post so I thought I would start with Bloomin' Tuesday. I haven't participated for awhile but I still remember to take photos of any lovely flowers I see. These were seen over our summer travels here and there.

These were right here at home in my neighbor Helen's front yard. They only lasted a day or two so I'm glad I took these when I did.

Took this photo in my cousin Mitzi's backyard. She has a beautiful flower garden.

The next three photos were taken along Route 30 the Lincoln Highway.

Any ideas what these are? I'm not standing on my head either. LOL

I loved the way the light was shining and showing the color on this pine tree! Is is a blue spruce by any chance?

The next three photos were taken in a little town in Tennessee. I have no idea of the name and the hubby isn't here to ask. So I'll get back to you!

I liked how they turned the flowers pots upside down to add height!

I do know this house was on the main street of a little tourist town. It was the only "private residence" on the street and was marked as such.

Be sure to visit the Jean, Laurie & Chris and the other Bloomin' Tuesday participates here! You will see some pretty flowers!

In the Garden.........

2009-08-15T23:25:00.004-04:00

I told everyone back in February that our beloved step-father and grandfather was ill. Bill went home to be with the Lord today. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather. We will sadly miss him but we know he is no longer suffering. He's In the Garden with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Here's Bill at Christmas time with Marian, my mother in law, and Jackson.

"I want to Stroll over Heaven with You"

"when all our troubles and heart aches are vanished away"

Rest in Peace
Wiliam Morgan - December 5, 1918 - August 15, 2009

"But when I get to where I'm going and I see my maker's face I'll stand forever in the light of His amazing grace....." "when I get where I'm going they'll be only happy tears. I will love and have no fear"
Brad Pasiley - "When I get where I'm going"

A summer full of books & movies, road trips and a few other things!

2009-08-06T20:18:00.017-04:00

What have I been doing this summer?

Well I've been doing a lot of reading!

The Thirteenth Tale - Loved it!

The House at Riverton - Reading it now. Like it so far.

The Forgotten Garden - Loved it! Loved it!

Water for Elephants - Not sure if I liked it or not! Might have to read it again to figure that out.

Harry Potter - Reading now cause my daughter wants me to read the series!

I've been watching a lot of movies from Netflex! I love it!

Where Eagles Dare - Love it. an old family favorite!

The Lady Vanishes - Interesting Hitchcock movie. I liked it.

The Thin Man - I love Myrna Loy. This was very good. Going to watch the complete series! Eventually.

The Long Engagement - Foreign film with sub titles. Interesting. had to watch it twice to understand it. Interesting look at WW1.

New in Town - This was very good. Love Harry Connick Jr. very funny.

Knowing - I did not like this. It was creepy and strange.

Inkheart - This was very good. I like Brandon Fraser. There are 3 books to the series. I'd like to read them.

Very good. Very heartwarming WW2 movie.
Defiance -
Brainstorm - An old favorite I hadn't seen in years. Natalie Woods last movie.

Boom Town - Very good movie. I wasn't sure I would like it but I did. Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable were good.

I made my first batch of homemade chicken soup! It was good.

I broke the green bowl to my set of pyrex dishes. ;-(

We got a new vehicle!!!! Well it's new to us. Less miles, 2 years newwer and a better payment then are truck. Don't you just love the color? I do.

I got a new camera! I love it. Fits in my pocket or pocketbook for easy access espcially for the photos of Jackson.

Went to the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp with the Camera Totin Idiot!

Got to see Troy!!

and Big Ben! Fun fun!!

Daughter and I had a our own road trip when we went to my oldest and one of my dearest friends daughter's wedding! Ann, Racheal, Adam, and Randy!

Don't you just love the cake? The elephants on top are so cute. The bride collects elephants!

Also been driving the Lincoln Highway! It is so fun to take road trips with the hubby! Never know what we might see or where we might end up.

This little park was so cute.

The grass was so cool I just had to take by sandals off and walk in my barefeet!

Some sights from along the highway:

I'll have more on the Lincoln Highway next week.

We are leaving for Tenessee on Saturday to see the son and visit with my brother family. Oh and to see a concert - Cheap Trick!

See ya all soon!

Route 30 - The Lincoln Highway

2009-07-29T21:47:00.010-04:00

Have you traveled the Lincoln Highway? You might have and didn't even know it! I didn't! That is until I watched a special on PBS about the highway. Here's a little teaser for the show:

The Lincoln Highway goes from New York City, NY to San Fransico, CA. It goes through 12 states along the way.

A little history from the Lincoln Highway Association:

"The idea of the Lincoln Highway came from the fertile mind of Carl Fisher, the man also responsible for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Miami Beach. With help from fellow industrialists Frank Seiberling and Henry Joy, an improved, hard-surfaced road was envisioned that would stretch almost 3400 miles from coast to coast, New York to San Francisco, over the shortest practical route.

The Lincoln Highway Association was created in 1913 to promote the roadusing private and corporate donations. The idea was embraced by an enthusiastic public, and many other named roads across the country followed.

Americans' enthusiasm for good roads led to the involvement of the federal government in building roads and the creation of numbered U.S. routes in the 1920s. The Federal Highway Administration and the Interstate Highway System is the culmination of these efforts."

We aren't far from the highway in Pennyslvania and we have traveled the road many times on our way to Gettysburg PA.

So since one of our favorite things to do is to take road trips on the back roads of America we thought it would be a fun to see what we could find along the Lincoln Highway in Pennsylvania.

Here's a section of the highway in Pennyslvania which is straight for miles and miles. It's fun to see where you're going

and where you've been!

Along the highway you'll find some interesting barns painted up to commerate President Lincoln and the highway.

You'll also find gas pumps all painted up for fun.

This overlook offered a great view!

The overlook was the site of S. S. Grand View Point Hotel or "The Ship Hotel" as it was called because it looked like a ship.

People stopping here to eat at the hotel would have had a great view while they dined! The structure was lost to fire in 2001.

The Lincoln Motor Court, Manns Choice, PA.
This place looks like a fun place to stay for the night.

Today you've traveled with me along the section of the Lincoln Highway in and around Schellsburg, PA. I'm sure we'll be taking a road trip soon to see what interesting sights we can find along the Lincoln Highway!

I'll leave with this intersting video I found on YouTube. From the looks of the cars and clothes the video is set in the 70's.

Finally some more photos of adorable Jackson!

2009-07-21T18:09:00.005-04:00

I've been told by several people I need to get back to blogging. Well, I will attempt to please those special people!

Of course I don't mind blogging on my favorite subject: my grandson, Jackson

I was visiting one night with Jackson and his mommy and Daddy and he had just had his bath! Here he is just out of the tub!

Of course he is interested in everything going on around him.

Now lets see what we can find in the toy box. He let Grandma brush his hair!

Reaching for something.

He found something!

Here is Jackson today, 7-21-09. His mommy emailed this to me. Poor child doesn't have anywhere to play but in the cupboard. Don't you just love the blond hair.

It's a little different then the dark hair on the day he was born!

Come back soon and I'll tell you what I've been up to! Just a few things, reading, watching old movies, taking road trips on the Lincoln Highway with the hubby, and soon a trip to Tennessee to see the favorite son!

Some one had a birthday today!

2009-06-28T20:43:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday 1st Jackson!

Blowing out the birthday candle with Mommy's help!

His own cake to eat!!! Only a face a Grandma could love (well maybe Mommy too, and Aunt Lori, and Aunt Reta etc etc)

Of course Grandma bought him a present that had to do with Disney/Pixar Cars. His own McQueen!

more pictures later! I took over 100!

Leonard Warnick Johnson - Oct. 17, 1915 to June 10, 1991

2009-06-10T21:19:00.002-04:00

Today is the 18th anniversary of my Dad's passing.

I'm reposting this tribute I did in 2007. Thanks to those who posted their thoughts back in 2007.

In remembrance of Dad here are a few precious photos and memories.

1967

Of course to my sister, my brother, and myself he was the best Dad! He was always there for you when you needed him and never let his family down. If you needed a few dollars before pay day, call Dad. He always had a few in his pocket for you. If you needed a ride when you car was broke down, call Dad. When I had my youngest dauthter, Lori, in August of 1990 and had the baby blues, he would come and take us both for a ride and buy us lunch. He always found someplace nice for us to eat lunch such as the park. I never told him how much he helped me. Here are few pictures of me with my Dad!

1970

1962

1979

He was always fun when we were kids. Whether it was making homemade ice cream, building us a skating rink in the back yard, or listening to our music with us, he made childhood fun! He never had much money but he made up for it by just being our Dad. We love you and miss you everyday!

1971

1961

1966

I'm sure he is smiling down from heaven at his beautiful grandchildren.

Christian, John, Josh, Sara, Amanda, & Lori (1991)

He was the best Pap Pap a kid could have. He always had a dollar for the kiddy rides at the mall. In his later years, he ate lunch at the GC Murphy lunch counter everyday and if we showed up he would always buy us a milkshake. He never worried that they came to play at his house and built a fort in the living room or put the race track down the steps so they could race their matchbox cars! There was always something good to eat at Pap's and many a time you would find one of the kids on his lap enjoying a bowl of cereal or ice cream!

He didn't have many years to share with his grandchildren until he went to heaven but I know he left behind many precious memories.

He was also a good son and brother. He came from a large family of 11 and grow up during the depression.

1937

He played baseball when he was young and was known as "Slugger".

1947

He only went to school until 8th grade and then worked at the local paper mill until joining the Army in 1940. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands during WW2 as a dockhand and cook.

1942

His first marriage ended after WW2 when his then wife left him and he lived with his mother and took care of her until he married my Mom in January 1953.

1966

1976

My sister Reta was born in 1954, my brother Tom in 1956, and me in 1959. He worked for most of his years at Kelly Springfield Tire Company. He retired in 1978. Unfortnately my mom, whom he called Dolly, died in 1980 and wasn't here to enjoy retirement with him. He then took up a new passion, Rope Making.

1986

He attended craft shows as a demonstrator of old fashioned rope making. There were always lots of people ready to watch his demonstration.

He passed away on June 10, 1991 after a courageous battle with heart diesase and diabetes. We are all the richer for knowing him and wait patiently until the time we will see him again in heaven.

Here are a few more photos of our Dad.

1935

1933

Remembering those who served on this Day of Days - June 6, 1944

2009-06-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

I'm reposting from last year my post on D-Day June 6th.

Remember those who served.

Here's a sad article.

"They are leaving us every day now, the men and women of these war years; soon we, their children, will be alone in the world they saved for us" Bob Greene - Our Finest Hour

Here's a clip from the HBO show Band of Brothers. The language is a little rough but I'm sure we can all understand these men were facing life and death. The clip is from part 1. The date is June 5, 1944. Easy Company led by Lt. Richard Winters will soon be taking part in history as they jump behind enemy lines. It always astounds me how much gear the men had to carry.

The most moving part to me is when Lt. Winters tells his men "God bless you" and then helps each man off the ground into a standing position. As he does this he looks each of them right in the eye. He knows he won't see some of them alive again. It gives me chills. The depiction of the planes taking off is also moving. It brings the whole event to life. Then at the end of the clip Lt. Winters sits in the doorway of the plane and looks out on all the planes and ships that are taking part in this day of days.

Thank you to all the veterans past and present who have fought for our country so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Ronald Reagan 40th Anniversary of D-Day Speech
June 6, 1984 - Pointe du Hoc, France

"If you were to have asked him - which I don't think we ever did - what was the best accomplishment of his lifetime, I am quite certain he would have said, without hesitation: serving in the United States Army in the greatest conflict in the history of man." Bob Greene - Our Finest Hour

Movies, Movies, Movies

2009-05-26T22:03:00.004-04:00

Have you ever gone to the movie theater to see a movie more then once?

I have several times! Between 1977 and 1979 I saw Star Wars 12 times. Yes, TWELVE times! Remember these were the days when once you saw a movie at the theater you never knew when you were going to see it again and ticket prices were around $2.00. I also saw Star Wars when they brought out the 20 year release in 1997! So that makes 13 times!

I saw Titanic, Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Rings, and Stars Episode III Revenge of the Sith each twice at the theater. Now a days when I see a movie more then once it's because I go with different people to see the movie at different times. Maybe the hubby or one of the kids or my sister.

This was the case with the new Star Trek. I have seen it 4 times!!!! Once with the hubby and daughter, once with just the daughter, with my sister, and again with the hubby.

But I loved all 4 times!! It was great. If you're a fan of Star Trek, a fan of movies, or science fiction and you haven't seen it yet GO! You will love it! I did!

4 Times and I have the ticket stubs to prove it!

A family weekend!

2009-05-25T21:19:00.012-04:00

Our Memorial Day weekend was GREAT! We had a fun family weekend. First off, the fun began when John came home for the weekend!! Since he lives in Tennessee and about 700 miles away, we love talking to him on the phone and emailing over the internet but nothing beats having him in the same room with you! Nothing.

On Sunday, we went for family bike ride to one of our favorite places - Ohiopyle State Park, PA - and rode bikes on the The Great Allegheny Passage.

Sara ready to go biking!

Grandma, Mommy, and Jackson getting ready to hit the trail.

John getting ready to bike. He's hasn't done this since he was a boy scout!

Lori having fun! That's the Youghiogheny River.

Mommy and baby taking a bottle break.

The whole gang on the trail - John, Sara, Me & Jackson in front - Lori, Aaron, and Paul in the back.

John half way done the ride at Ramcat Rapids.

Paul at Ramcat Rapids too. Do you think he is a Steelers fan????

Jackson, Aaron, Sara, and Lori only went part way. But they met us at the halfway point - Confluence PA. It's our turn around point. 11 miles from Ohiopyle. And 11 miles back to Ohiopyle!!!
We had a nice lunch at the Sister's Cafe in Confluence. They make a great steak sandwich.

Photo of the Sister's Cafe from Trailtowns website.
Jackson - He's not sure about the grass!

Looks like he's getting used to it!

Daddy and son - Aaron and Jackson

Our kids - John, Sara, & Lori

And the whole family again - Confluence PA.

Jackson likes to swing!

2009-05-16T09:58:00.002-04:00

Lori and I took Jackson to the park on Mother's Day. We found out he likes to swing!

A Powerful Video!

2009-04-29T20:56:00.003-04:00

This is a true testament of how the will of God can pull you through anything (grab the Kleenex)

Read before watching video.

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.'

To which, his father said 'Yes' ...

For those who didn't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island

Father and son went on to complete the race together.

View the Video HERE!

This is a powerful video! After attending the Abilities Show just last week and seeing the people, children, and families there and what they go through everyday it is all the more powerful!

Of colds and movies

2009-04-26T10:13:00.003-04:00

Well, after working 12 straight days for work I just had to come down with a head cold. So I've been resting and sneezing this weekend. I did have fun on Saturday watching a movie from Netflex. The Stock Club starring Betty Hutton, Barry Fitzgerald, and Don DeFore.

Here's a clip from the movie. Betty singing Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief

I enjoyed the movie very much. I love these old Black & White movies. They are just fun to watch.

Lori and I also watched Marley and Me. We laughed and then cried.

My sneezing stopped long enough on Saturday night for Paul to take me to the movies. He had gone and saw State of Play while I was in New Jersey and liked it enough that he wanted me to see it. The movie stars Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Robin Wright Penn. The movie was good. I'm a big Russell Crowe fan and he was good in the movie. It's a politcal thriller. Lots of intrigue! If you are intersted the trailer is here!

I sure hope this cold goes away soon. The weather here is beautiful and I'd like to get working outside in the garden!

I'm home!

2009-04-23T23:12:00.007-04:00

I made it to New Jersey and back. We got home Sunday evening. Then it was to bed and up again by 9am for work Monday morning! It's been a long week. But I made it to Friday.
Our new hotel was fabulous!

See that chair on the left side in the foreground? I sat there and ate my dinner last Thursday night.

This is almost my what my room looked like. I had a big couch and the bedspread was white. The pillows were the only bad thing about the place. Next time I'm taking my own!

The Abilities Expo was busy! We had a great show!

The show was held at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison NJ.

Our tricycles were a hit! It's so wonderful see the children ride a tricycle and to see the parents reactions! Some thought they would never see their child ride! It's a wonderful feeling to help out these children.

Hey!

2009-04-14T21:53:00.004-04:00

I'll be gone for a few days for my work. We are going back to New Jersey for the Abilities Expo! Wish me luck. We've gone several times over the last few years. It's lots of fun but lots of work too! Four days with no dishes, dinner bought for me, and the tv and tv turner to myself! Four days on my feet selling trikes! They ache just thinking about! I'll be back on line next week! Blessings to all!

We are staying at a new hotel. I hope it is nice!

He's an Easter photo of Jackson. The Easter Bunny brought him a "Pixar Cars" ball. The bunny knew Grandma would like it! Hope everyone had a blessed Easter!

Bath Time!

2009-03-30T22:21:00.002-04:00

Jackson came to visit last week. He stayed late so Aunt Lori gave him a bath!

I'm missing this......

2009-03-20T22:26:00.002-04:00

Suzy at Suzy's Bloomers is asking what your missing on this first day of spring.

Here's what I'm missing:
My backyard and warm summer days -

Camping -

My flowers:

What are you missing? Let Suzy know!

2009-03-18T18:55:00.002-04:00

I wrote about the book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society a few months back.

Well I finally finished it today and I LOVED it! I'm so glad I found the book and finally picked it up and read it.

Now I need to find someone else to read it so I have someone to discuss it with.

The book was so interesting. I couldn't put it down. I'm ready to visit Guernsey!

If you're like me and have never heard of Guernsey let me fill you in. Guernesey is one of the islands of The Channel Islands off the coast of France. The island was occupied by the Germans from 1940 to 1945. This book is a fictional account of the occupation through a series of letters from the members of the Society to Juliet, a writer, in Londen during 1946.

At first it was a little confusing reading the letters but as I read on and started to know the characters I was hooked!

The website for the authors is here.

More info on Guerseny can be found here.

Now to find another book to read. That's always the difficult thing to do after reading a good book. Finding another GOOD book!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T20:31:00.002-04:00

In honor of the day here's a clip from Darby O'Gill and the Little People:

I watched this part with John when he was just 3 or 4. I walked into the kitchen for a moment and when I looked in the living room to check on him, he was doing this little jig with the leprechauns.
and here is a little scene from my favorite movie, The Quiet Man. I'm watching it right now on Turner Classic Movies:

Maureen O'Hara, Our Queen of Ireland:

30th Anniversary! March 13, 1979 to March 13, 2009

2009-03-12T22:31:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow, March 13th marks our 30th wedding anniversary! Oh dear!

Where did the years go! Three children later we are still very happy and in love! I'm not one much for writing the right words so I'm dedicating this song to my sweetie! I love you!

Journey - After All These Years

A faded wedding photograph
You and me in our first dance
Our eyes are closed
We're lost in one sweet embrace
Since those days the world has changed
But our love remains the same
God knows we've had our share of saving grace

And I'm proud of all the blessings
You have given me
The mountains we have climbed to get this far
You've learned to take the laughter with the tears
After all these years

You make it feel brand new
After the fires that we walked through
Against the odds we never lost our faith

In our house we've made our home
Where our children all have grown
Precious moments time cannot erase

Make a living up and down the gypsy highways
Seasons that we've had to share apart
Somehow in my heart I always keep you near me
After all these years

After all these years
You stood by me
The days and nights that I was gone
After all these years
You sacrificed, believed in me
And you stood strong
Cause with our love there's nothing left to fear
After all these years

After all these years
You stood by me
The days and nights that I was gone
After all these years
You've sacrificed, believed in me
And you stood strong
Cause with our love there's nothing left to fear
After all these years

I've posted about our anniversary for the last several years. You can see these post here and here

Jackson takes a walk with Grandma and Grandpa

2009-03-10T21:34:00.003-04:00

Saturday and Sunday were beautiful! Jackson came to visit and we took a walk!

Grandpa pushed the stroller up the hill!

Are we there yet?

Grandma and little dude!

We were tired out from our walk so we had a little nap.

Cars - My Favorite "Car"toon

2009-03-04T23:30:00.004-05:00

A few photos of Jackson's Car collection. I've been collecting these since I knew he was coming. Paul's been helping. I'm trying to get all the main characters. I like the cartoon so much I want to share it with Jackson. It will be fun to have the cars to play with while we watch the movie.

I need a few more! Everyone asks me what will I do if Jackson doesn't like the cartoon? Well, I'm sure he will and if he doesn't I'll have a nice collection for another grandchild! Grandma's are funny like that I guess!

Monday!

2009-03-02T20:00:00.007-05:00

A pretty photo of spring:

It will soon be time for a new season of Dancing with the Stars. Here is my favorite dance from past seasons. Joey & Kym:

And I like this group dance too:

If you watch Dancing with the Stars do you have a favorite dance from past seasons?

Things I'm thinking about????

2009-02-03T18:38:00.006-05:00

Did you watch Newhart back in the 80's? Season 1 is on DVD.

Why do I have to pay more for a box of decaffinated tea bags and not get as many in the box as a regular box of tea bags? And they are the market brand as well.

Will the Steelers repeat next year????

Did you see the parade?

We watched some of it at lunch time today on the NFL network! exciting stuff!

I still haven't finished this book! Why? I have no idea.

Probably because of football!

I have been watching Coach on DVD.

I love watching these TV shows for years past!

They did it!!!!

2009-02-01T22:37:00.002-05:00

I'm exhausted! It was exciting and crazy and I was worried for a bit they weren't going to do it! But they came through in the end and that is all that matters!

Go over to the Camera Totin Idiot for more!

Videos for the middle of the night

2009-02-01T03:31:00.004-05:00

Do you know there isn't anything on to watch in the middle of the night except infomercials? I found that out tonight. I'm not usually up at 3:30 am but here I am! So I watching an infomercial for 70's romantic music with Tony Orlando (from Tony Orlando and Dawn) and they keep showing video clips for songs I like. So I have to look them up on You tube. I wish they would sell a DVD of all the clips they show in these infomericals.

Here's Tony Orlando and Dawn. My Mom liked them.

Here's a favorite from John Denver - Rocky Mountain High

Do you remember this one? Paul Revere and the Raiders

And here is one I liked by Mark Lindsey (He was in Paul Revere and the Raiders)
Arizona

That's all for tonight. I better get off to bed.

It's been a tough week!

2009-01-26T18:59:00.009-05:00

It's been a long week and weekend. We are sick again! Coughing, fever, chills, etc. etc. I'm hoping we are on the mend. We been eating a lot of this:

The weather people are calling for some bad weather for our area over the next two days. It would be lovely to have a snow day or two.

We had some movies home from Netflex over the weekend.

Don't bother with these two movies:

We still have this one to watch:

I just found out that this mini series from the 70's is finally on DVD:
Captains and the Kings

Did anyone watch this all those years ago? I loved Richard Jordan. I've got it in my Netflex queue. I hope I'm not disappointed. Have you had that happen? You look foward to seeing something you haven't seen in years and then you see it and wonder what was the big deal. That happened with Paul and me and the movie Airplane! I was pregnant with John at the time we first watched it back in 1982 and Paul thought I was going to go into labor because I was laughing so hard. We watched it a few years ago on DVD and I couldn't see what I thought was so funny. I guess we all grow up!

Lovejoy season 4 is finally out on DVD and the first disc is on it's way from Netflex. That will make my week! Well except for watching Lost and CSI!

Paul and I did have fun Friday night at the pep rally for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Check out the Camera Totin Idiot's page for more photos on the rally!

Well I'm off to the kitchen to make a ham and turkey sandwich on 12 grain whole wheat bread. Sounds yummy!

Hey!

2009-01-22T20:05:00.003-05:00

Well it's been two weeks since I last posted and I didn't even realize it! I've been sick with the flu, and I've been helping Lori with her school work. She started her second semester of college on Monday! Jackson has had the flu and he decided to give it to everyone else in the family including me! So I'm just getting over it and feeling much better. I missed a couple days of work and which means I have to catch up with everything that I missed. So I've been tired in the evenings. I've also been watching my two favorite TV shows - Lost & CSI! What fun. While I was sick in bed I watched my favorite TV show - I Love Lucy! I have seasons 4, 5, and 6 on DVD and I love them. The Hollywood episodes are my favorite!

I also watched one of my favorite movies - The Great Race - 1965 - Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, and Jack Lemmon. Here's one of my favorite scenes - The Pie Fight! Funny stuff!!! (Yes Jack Lemmon plays Professor Fate and the Prince)

Tomorrow, the Camera totin Idiot and me are going to Pittsburgh for a Pep Rally at Heinz Field to see the Steelers off to the Superbowl! I'm sure there will be lots of photos to share!

Sharing

2009-01-07T17:55:00.019-05:00

I was wondering about the net today looking for some new books to read and I found a few things to share.

A book by Pastor Joshua ChoonMin Kang caught my attention. The book is titled Deep Rooted in Christ.

"Deep-Rooted in Christ speaks to the heart. It urges, gently but ever so persistently, that our hearts should always be turning, turning into the light of Christ, turning toward the Lover of our souls, turning into the Way and the Truth and the Life-'til by turning, turning we come round right.' At the same time this book warms the heart, constantly drawing and encouraging, never pushing and condemning." From the foreword by Richard Foster

I'm putting this on my Wish List. I looked up the Pastor's website and found a piece written in his column titled, The Wisdom of Waiting for the Hope Filled New Year. Go here to read the column. This part jumped out at me:

"In order for us to capture the hope God has prepared for the New Year, we must wait temporarily and prepare ourselves."

Are you waiting? Preparing yourself? For what?

Also in my email today I received this from Max Lucado:

Laws of the Lighthouse:

- Love God more than you fear hell.
– Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
– Make major decisions in a cemetery.
– When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
– Succeed at home first.
– Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
– Pray twice as much as you fret.
– Listen twice as much as you speak.
– Only harbor a grudge when God does.
– Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
– Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
– ‘Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
– God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
– When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
– Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
– Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
– The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
– Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
– Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.

From The Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado

This devotional is worth a look too. It is by Joni Tada Erickson and is titled - Pearls of Great Price. I think I'll be purchasing this soon.

And for some fictional reading I found this book - THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Looks like an interesting book. This one may be purchased soon too!

What I'm reading now is - The Little Book by Selden Edwards. Interesting, confusing, and strange. I'll read to the end but not sure if I like it.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:56:00.004-05:00

We celebrated the New Year downtown on our Cumberland Mall. It's always a fun event!

We had an exciting 2008. Our youngest, Lori, graduated from high school and started her first year at our local community college and got her driver's permit! Our first grandchild, Jackson, was born on June 28, 2008. They are the highlights of 2008 for us. Not sure what 2009 has in store for our family. Our prayers are for good health for relatives and our children and each other! We pray for our jobs to be safe in an unsure economy. That's a BIG prayer! We will celebrate our 30th anniversary in March of 2009 and also our 50th birthdays in November and December! Oh dear. Where did the time go? Oh well! Those are post for another day!

Happy New Year to everyone! How are you spending your day? We are watching Jackson for a little while. I'm cooking a ham for dinner. Lori and I will play some Racko or Rummy. Paul will watch football. I might even catch a nap! A nice relaxing day! Hope you have the same. It's back to work for us on Monday the 5th.

2008-12-26T17:15:00.004-05:00

Our tree!

Merry Christmas from Paul, Ann, & Jackson!

Buddy waiting for Santa

Jackson with Mommy and Daddy and Great Grandma Marian

Jackson and Aunt Lori

Jackson and one of many toys Santa brought to him on his first Christmas.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T18:23:00.000-05:00

A very Merry Christmas. I pray for safety for everyone who is traveling. I pray you find happiness in your life and peace and joy as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

And praises sing to God our King

2008-12-24T18:20:00.002-05:00

Christmas Canon - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

2008-12-24T18:20:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You!

2008-12-22T17:30:00.001-05:00

I posted this video from MTV last year (06 & 07) and I thought I would do so again. I've always liked this clip from MTV. Back when MTV was worth watching and was "music" tv. We don't watch anymore. My family thinks I'm silly but I just shake my head and watch it anyway. I like it. My friend Debbie is the only one who agrees with me! It's cute and fun! So please enjoy it with me!

When this video came out in the 80's I was a young stay at home mother with one then two small children at home. How things change over the years. Since then we had a third child and she is the only one still at home. I work full time and I'm a grandma. We have been blessed!

Snowy Sunday

2008-12-21T17:45:00.004-05:00

This is the snow we received last week. It came on Tuesday and melted on Wednesday.

For more Snowy Sunday's visit Laurie & Chris at Miss Flower.

Sloppy Kissees from Jackson!

2008-12-20T19:34:00.001-05:00

Beautiful!

2008-12-17T23:29:00.007-05:00

Just had to share this video. The group is called Il Divo. I saw the advertisement for their CD on TV and looked them up on the Internet. This is one of my favorite hymns. They do an excellent job. The bagpipes are great!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2008-12-15T21:44:00.000-05:00

Well, which one do you like?

This one!

Cut, cut! Saw, Saw!

Wrapping and then it will be ready to come home with us.

Snowy Sunday

2008-12-14T16:18:00.000-05:00

Saturday, December 13th Garrett County, Maryland

A crazy day!

2008-12-13T13:50:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday! Thanks to everyone who called and emailed birthday wishes!

Paul gave me this! Thanks honey!!

I bought this for myself with my birthday money!

The day started out crazy as we had to take Lori to the emergency room in the middle of the night. We went at midnight and got home again at 5 am. I went to work at 11 am after getting a few hours sleep. She's is okay! Couple of problems but she is feeling much better today!

Cool Yule - Bette Midler

2008-12-11T18:05:00.000-05:00

Cute huh? Fun too!

Snowy Sunday

2008-12-07T00:06:00.000-05:00

No snow here yet! But we are hopeful.

Here are some photos from the Blizzard of 2003

Our street!

The neighborhood.

Our GMC Jimmy in the snow.

Paul shoveling the sidewalk in front of our house.

Paul took this of me as I was trying to follow him in the snow. We had walked down to my my office and he came to help me shovel the snow.

Buddy came along to help!

Drinks for the weary.

For more Snowy Sunday blogs visit Chris and Laurie at Miss Flower.

For my fellow LOST fans!

2008-12-06T15:35:00.004-05:00

LOST & FRAY Music Video Extended Edition

I'm thinking about Christmas! BUT I'm also thinking about Lost. Premiere is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8 pm! I can't wait. Now we have something to look forward to in 2009 except snow and cold weather!

The ABC site has more info!

And here's the Season 5 promo shot.

I found this at Nikki Stafford's Nik at Nite blog. Click on the photo to enlarge it. There are some "strange" things about the photo. Nikki outlines them on her blog here.

For My Daughter's!

2008-12-02T21:28:00.004-05:00

Doesn't she look nice now that her daughter is old enough to tell her just what to wear?
Ladies Home Journal, January 1949

A good movie - Australia

2008-11-30T15:56:00.004-05:00

Lori and I went to the movies on Thanksgiving evening! We saw the new release -Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The movie isn't getting very good reviews and didn't do well at the box office but Lori and I liked it very much. It was fun and exciting and the ending was just how I wanted it to end. I'll be buying it on DVD when it comes out!

Snowy Sunday

2008-11-30T15:32:00.010-05:00

Laurie & Chris at Miss Flower have started a new thread - Snowy Sunday! No snow here yet. As you can see from my new header. I took the photo yesterday, Saturday the 29th, on our way to Altoona, PA. I thought I'd join in and post some photos of snow in our area from past years and maybe some current snow photos if we are lucky to get some snow this year. Join in if your interested!

I took this from a snow covered bridge about 3 or 4 years ago. This is Will's Creek. It runs through our town. It has flooded several times and we now have flood control walls which were built in the 40's. This photo was taken above our town in the Narrows.

More Snowy Sunday photos here!

Someone has a Birthday today!

2008-11-29T16:11:00.003-05:00

The Camera Totin' Idiot turns 49 today. Go over and wish him a Happy Birthday!

Here he is today with his new toy. A Monopod for his camera!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-24T01:44:00.001-05:00

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm taking a little blogging break. See you soon! And don't eat too much turkey!

More Jackson photos!

2008-11-21T18:52:00.001-05:00

Chris Tomlin - How Great is our God

2008-11-17T19:12:00.003-05:00

"Blessed are they who do not see and yet believe..." John. 20:29

#3 for #48 Jimmie Johnson

2008-11-16T22:48:00.005-05:00

Woo-hoo! Jimmie won the Nascar Championship for the third time!! I'm doing my happy dance! 2006, 2007, & 2008!

Photo courtesy of Nascar.com

Bloomin' Tuesday

2008-11-11T23:24:00.002-05:00

Morning Glory Seeds Anyone? No wonder they come back so strong in the spring!

An Award for ME which I'm passing on to some friends too!

2008-11-09T10:55:00.011-05:00

At the end of October my good blogging friend, Connie, at Devoted Mama gave me an award and I never thanked her for it! Thank you Connie. If you have a minute go and visit Connie's blog. She has a very nice blog, she's a great wife and mother, and has lots of fun pictures to share about her family. She has two beautiful boys, Justin & Kendall and a great husband, Bobby. Say hello when you stop in she loves comments!

Now I'm too pass this award on to 4 other blogging friends in the USA and one from another country.

Laurie & Chris at Miss Flower - They are a married couple who share their blog. We met a few years ago online and I've enjoyed reading their blog ever since. I always look forward to seeing what changes they have in their blog decorations for each season or holiday. They love Nascar and Chris is a fellow fan of Jimmie Johnson #48! I was honored a year or two ago to win one of their contest. I have the prize hanging in my craft room! I love it! Thanks for being such nice people!

Maggie Ann at Knitting Kat - Maggie Ann is a lovely person. How can I tell that when we've never met? Just read her blog and who'll find out. She loves the Lord with all her heart and when I read her blog I feel her special love and it makes me work on my relationship with Him too. I love reading her blog each day to see what craft project she is working on. She loves to knit and makes some beautiful creations. She also loves to collage. We exchanged ATC several years ago and she sent me several beautiful ones I would not have wanted to part with if I was her. Go and visit her blog you'll be glad you did. She just became a grandmother right before I did! Wish her congratulations!!

Debra at As I see it Now - Debra's blog is one of the first blogs I started to read back in 2006. She's one of the reason I started my blog. I joined a yahoo message group she monitors and have meet some wonderful ladies through the group. Debra and her husband just recently bought a farm house and they are having fun fixing it up and realizing their dream. She shares her everyday ups and down and writes wonderful post about her relationship with the Lord and how he works in her life. She is a fellow lover of the Betsy-Tacy books. I thought I was the only one!! She loves vintage homemaking. Go and visit her blog you'll feel wonderful after you do.

My hubby at The Camera Totin Idiot - I'm not sure if he'll re post this or not. At his blog you'll find someone who loves everything trains and Steelers Football. Nascar too but he's a Junior fan. I guess we like him anyway! He has a great sense of humor and a great way of writing about things like our kids, life, people! We will be married 30 years next year and it's been a fun time for us both. We love photography but he's better then me. He's also a writer working on the next great novel. If that happens remember you read it here first. He works second shift so we see each other at lunch time, bedtime, and weekends. We treasure our weekends! While I'm at work he spends all morning writing. Someday we will have that cabin in the woods we dream about! I love you sweetie.

A friend from overseas:

Shani from France at Jusqu'aus yeux... - I found Shani's blog though another art blog earlier this year. She loves collage and her pieces are so fun. I find inspiration in her work. I love reading about her life in France and how different it is from mine but yet the same too. I'm going to try her pumpkin butter. It looks yummy! Shani had a her first blog anniversary in October. Visit her site and wish her congratulations! She recently visited the US too and I had a good time! If you want to learn more about France or find some inspiration for art visit Shani and her blog!

Election, football, and our town

2008-11-08T18:54:00.012-05:00

So the election is over. I'm glad! I feel like I can breathe again. I'm disappointed but we will just have to all wait and see what happens. Now I'm going to focus on family and work and try to get back into my scrapbooking and art.

Today was Homecoming Week in our town. If you're into football it's great fun. If you're not there are other things to do. I wrote about homecoming 2007 here. We always route for Allegany because that's our kids school. They didn't win this year but there is always 2009!

This is also a special time in our town of Cumberland. The town is celebrating World War 2 and our local veterans. Check back later for more.

The best news this week: Jackson rolled over from his back to his stomach on Friday the 7th!!!

Photos courtesy of the Camera Totin' Idiot. Thanks honey!

Are you thinking of Christmas yet? I am. Starting my shopping too! I love this time of year. Why? Cause:

Christmas comes but once a year! If the video isn't here go HERE
Sara loved this video when she was little. We watch it every year!

Count Your Blessings

2008-11-03T17:43:00.005-05:00

On this election night eve I thought of this song today.

Click here for a video of Bing Crosby singing Count Your Blessings to Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas.

If your interested here are some sites that can sum things up better then I can:

The Anchoress
Michelle Malkin
Victor Davis Hanson's Private Papers
News Forum
Glen Beck
An Angry American
Laura Ingraham

2008-10-30T23:10:00.014-04:00

Hubby and I went to a Halloween Party last weekend. I went as a Bohemian Hippie Gypsy! Best thing I could come up with. I borrowed it from a friend. I'm not much on dressing up and with glasses forget a mask.

Me and hubby. He's one of the Jokers henchmen!

Our host - The Joker

The Joker and his henchman! Why so serious?

Superman was there too!

He was ready for any problem that came up!

Thing One & Thing Two didn't cause him any problems. They didn't make a mess but they did win for silliest costume!

Raggedy Ann was there for some fun too!

The Dead Prom Queen and Loretta Lynn made an appearance. The Prom Queen won best costume!

The Dead Prom Queen is seen here with the Cereal Killer!

An Australian Cowboy, Gypsy, and Viking

There was apple bobbing and

Rock Band! Who wants to play guitar?

What Halloween party is complete without a black cat!

Pictures taken by The Camera Totin' Idiot! and our host, The Joker! Thanks!

Jackson's 4 months old

2008-10-29T20:55:00.001-04:00

Tummy Time!

His first professional photo. Isn't he a sweetie? His Mommy dressed him so stylish!

A cute song!

2008-10-25T13:55:00.001-04:00

I've been tagged!

2008-10-16T20:15:00.003-04:00

Maggie Ann over at Knitting Kat has tagged me! Seven Random or Weird things about me! Let's see what I can come up with!

1. I like to watch movies with the captions on. No I'm not deaf. Sometimes I just can't make out what the actors are saying.

2. I dunk my oreo's. I love to dunk them in coffee and cold, cold milk.

3. I'm fascinated by the 30's and 40's. I guess cause my parents grew up in that time. I love watching old movies of the period espeically black and white movies.

4. I love to sing but I can't do it very well but my grandson doesn't seem to mind.

5. I had a photo of Mark Spitz with his 7 gold medals on the back of my bedroom door when I was a teenager. You can read about it here.

6. I love Christmas music and movies. I could listen or watch them all year long.

7. I'm very shy and timid in unfamiliar settings but I'm working on it.

Anyone else want to play along?

I'll tag:

Laurie and Chris at Miss Flower
Connie at Devoted Mama
Hubby at Camera Totin' Idiot
Annie Fannie at Green Acres
Suzanne at Just another Hang Up
Suzy at Suzy's Bloomers
Vixen at Vixen's Den

Sunday road trip - Blackwater Falls, WV

2008-10-11T23:13:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday we took an early morning (out of bed at 5 am) road trip to Blackwater falls in WV.

Peaceful farm

Friendly horses

Early morning fog settles over the valley below

Blackwater Falls, WV

My road trip buddy. Can you tell he is a Steeler fan?

Weekend road trips or looking for some fall colors!

2008-10-08T21:25:00.008-04:00

We took advantage of a beautiful weekend to get out on the road. Saturday we went to Springs, PA for their annual festival.

We found some color along the way.

Hubby enjoyed a bratwurst.

I had kettle corn. Yummy!

Here are a few photos from around the festival. It's small but very busy.

They have a nice museum on the festival grounds

On the wall in the museum I found this calender from October 1915. My dad was born on October 17, 1915.

I couldn't do a post without adding a photo of my little boyfriend!

Check back later for Sunday's road trip photos to Blackwater Falls, WV.

Fireproof - Go see it!

2008-09-27T20:15:00.012-04:00

Friday night Lori and I went a saw the new movie starring Kirk Cameron called Fireproof. I highly recommend the movie. The theater was packed and it was a mixture of older and younger people. It was just like a church crowd. I heard a few Amens doing the movie and when it ended we all clapped. That doesn't happen too often. It's nice to see a good movie come out. A movie you can take your daughter to and not worry about the content. The Samuel Goldwyn Films were involved with the film. They were also involved with the movie Amazing Grace which I wrote about here. Fireproof is from the creators of Facing the Giants. Another good movie. Other companies involved are Affirm films and Sherwood Pictures.

Fireproof - Never leave your partner behind!

The movie has a great soundtrack as well. One of the songs from the movie is titled Love is not a Fight by Warren Barfield. You can watch the video here.

The official website for the movie is here.

Find out more about Kirk and his ministry here.

From The Internet Movie Database:

Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story.

After a decade of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. Yet as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's dad asks his son to try an experiment: The Love Dare.

While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents' newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. But can he attempt to love his wife while avoiding God's love for him? Will he be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person that's no longer receptive to his love? Or is this just another marriage destined to go up in smoke?

Dancing with the Stars!

2008-09-24T19:29:00.004-04:00

Anyone else enjoying the start of Dancing with the Stars? It's nice to have something new to watch. My favorites so far this year are Misty May and Warren. They were both fun to watch. I'm glad the comedian is gone and Cloris Leachman was funny to begin with but she's over doing it a little bit now.

I thought I would post two of my favorite dances from past seasons.

Here's my favorite dance - Joey Fatone & Kym dancing the Jive.

Here's my other favorite - the group swing dance.

My daughter Sara couldn't remember where she knew Cloris Leachman from. Do you remember?

She's Frau Blücher from Young Frankenstein!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2008-09-23T22:04:00.005-04:00

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday! Just a few things bloomin' around the neighborhood!

Two pretty roses I found on my morning walk to work You never know what you might find on the opposite side of the street!

Saw these pretty flowers or weeds along a dirt road on Antietam battlefield Saturday morning. I thought they were so pretty with the morning sunshine on them.

We live in North end of Cumberland.

More Bloomin' Tuesday post can be found here!

Dawn on the Antietam battlefield

2008-09-20T17:14:00.004-04:00

Bloomin' Tuesday

2008-09-16T21:39:00.004-04:00

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!

The Sunflowers are pretty in my backyard this time of year.

I used them for a center piece for our picnic table on our deck.

A pretty garden ball - Shanksville

One of neighbors, The Kauffman's. Simple and pretty!

More Bloomin' Tuesday blogs can be found here!

Have a great week!

Some new Jackson photos!

2008-09-15T19:52:00.003-04:00

Jackson was getting ready to leave one night last week and I got these great photos!
No captions needed.

Well maybe this one needs a caption! That's his mommy's hands!
Any ideas???

New & Old Music

2008-09-14T15:50:00.013-04:00

I treated myself to a new CD last payday.

Hubby and I have been Journey fans all of our married years (29 1/2 years!) I think we have just about every album they put out in the 80's and plenty of 45's. Oh dear I am showing our age. We've even started a new collection of Cd's. When I heard they had a new CD with a new lead singer who wasn't Steve Perry I was skeptical and so was hubby. I've been hearing their new single on the radio several times a day and I like their new song so much I bought the whole CD. It is a Walmart exclusive and cost around $13. It is worth every penny. You get 2 Cd's. A CD of new music with the new singer and a CD with the old music sung by the new singer. Also included is a DVD of their 2008 Las Vegas concert. I'm not skeptical anymore!! Here's a video of their new song.

Never Walk Away - Journey - Las Vegas

Who is the new singer?

His name is Arnel Pineda. He is 40 years old but doesn't look it. He's from the Philippines and has an interesting story. And he sounds a lot like Steve Perry. Enough on some of the old songs to make you think it's the old band.

I still like Steve Perry!

Here's a sample of the same song then and now. What do you think?
Then:

Now:

Sunday drive to Shanksville PA

2008-09-10T20:10:00.022-04:00

On Saturday night I watched the tv airing of Flight 93. I was moved to tears. I've watched many shows and movies about 9/11 over the past 7 years and they all move me more then I can write here. Sunday morning we woke up late and with the movie fresh in my mind, I suggested to hubby that we drive up to Shanksville to visit the Flight 93 crash site. The site is about 45 minutes from where we live here in Maryland. (I said 30 minutes in a previous post but hubby says it is a little further).

If you have never visited the site I can recommend that you do. Make sure you have directions or ask for directions when you are in the area. We are familier with the area and still have to make sure where we are going. There are lots of backroads that you travel on and it can get confusing. They do need to make more and bigger signs to show people the way. The new memorial will be dedicated next year with plans to open on the 10th anniversary for the crash. For those of you who can't visit let me take you there.

From the parking lot this is what you see. A field with trees in the background.

With the camera on zoom you can see the American flag. The area from the flag to the tree line is the crash site. This area is considered sacred ground and is only open to family members.

The parking lot being used now used to be where the memorial was located.

People visiting the memorial wrote their thoughts and rememberences on the railing.

Across the rode is the Temporary Memorial.

Just when we arrived a voluteer started a presentation about the events of September 11, 2001.

Several motorcycle riders visited the site while we were there. There are several annual rides that originate here, visit the Pentagon, and then end in NYC.

The benches used at the site have the names of all the heros of Flight 93.

Scenes from the memorial.

Several miles away from the crash site a small church has been made into a Memorial Chapel.

Inside the chapel.

The Memorial Garden located next to the Chapel.

This is dedicated by United airlines to the flight crew.

Never Forget!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2008-09-09T21:37:00.007-04:00

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday. I found lots of blooming flowers and not a one of them in my yard.

Do you remember this rose from last week?

Well here it is this week. This photo was taken on Friday. Lovely!

This flower is blooming in the flower bed at my office. The bush needs cut back.

A rose in my neighbor Helen's yard. She was always so proud of her flowers.

Mrs. Lashley's blooming tree. Does anyone know what it is? I love it. It is so pretty. I'd love to have one in my yard.

I took this photo on Sunday. Hubby and I took a ride to Shanksville, PA to visit the Crash site of Flight 93. The site is only about 1/2 hour from where we live.
This flower was blooming at the Memorial Chapel.

This is the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. It is located about 10 miles from the crash site.

I'll have more photos from our Sunday drive tomorrow. Hubby's post on our visit is here.

More Bloomin' Tuesday photos are here.

Are you ready? I can't wait!

2008-09-08T19:52:00.001-04:00

The crime no one expected will bring CSI: together for the case of their lives...

It's September..............

2008-09-07T17:24:00.003-04:00

so it must be Little Debbie Pumpkin Delight time!!!

Delicious!

You might enjoy this movie. I do!

2008-09-06T16:29:00.005-04:00

How to Steal a Million

Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, Eli Wallach, Hugh Griffith

Courtesy of Internet Movie Database:

Charles Bonnet, the latest in a long line of master art forgers, loans one of his best works, a faux Cellini Venus, to a Paris museum despite his daughter Nicole's objections. Later, Nicole surprises a tuxedo-clad burglar in her father's workshop. She can't call the police because her father's hobby might be discovered, so she ends up driving the man--Simon Dermott--back to his hotel. Dermott is actually an inspector who is gathering evidence against Bonnet, but his attraction to Nicole complicates the assignment. Nicole learns that the museum plans to conduct a test on the Venus for insurance purposes, which she knows will expose the statue as a fake. To save her father from jail, she asks Simon to steal it, unaware of his true identity. Simon, intrigued by the challenge and now smitten with Miss Bonnet, agrees to the proposal. Written by alfiehitchie

2008-09-03T19:49:00.001-04:00

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