Show And Tell

Kelli is hosting a Show and Tell Friday. If you want to join in the fun, please visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.

My Show and Tell this week is this ceramic cat's head, possibly a sugar bowl because it does have a lid.




An old friend who collected antiques gave this to me many years ago because he knew I was a cat lover. I really don't know much about it. I think it may be from the 1930's because it looks kind of "art deco". The only markings I see on it are "made in Japan".



I think he looks a bit like "Krazy Kat".
Thank you for looking at my mysterious cat head and most of all, thank you Kelli for hosting Show And Tell Friday.

Piano Playing Cat

I have to admit-she plays the piano much better than I do!

A Favor To Ask

A Favor to Ask
It only takes a minute...
Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "fund free mammograms" (pink window in the middle). This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Breast Cancer Awareness

Paradise Lost

It was gone. That beautiful garden, the one with the flagstone paths and a bird bath or two, pretty flowers, and tall shade trees-gone forever. I had walked by that garden nearly every day for years, admiring all the work that had gone into creating it. It had taken many years of hard work for someone to transform that narrow city lot into a welcoming oasis, yet only one afternoon to erase it forever. Today nothing remained except bare earth and a few scattered branches, which I'm sure will be tossed to the curb for garbage collection later this week.

I'm not sure what happened to the woman who I would see sometimes tending the garden. We didn't say very much to each other, just a wave and an occasional "hello", but not much more than that. Then about a year ago, I noticed a "for rent" sign in front of her home and I don't recall ever seeing her again. She just suddenly disappeared, I've often wondered what became of her.

This past spring I noticed a "lot for sale" sign had been posted in the garden. And though the property is rather narrow, someone bought it and I'm sure by summer's end there will be a new home occupying the site. I hope all the birds who also called this little piece of the earth "home" safely escaped the jaws of the heavy machinery which uprooted their lives last weekend.

I'm sure the new house will be nice, and the city will be grateful since they will be able to collect more taxes on the "improved" property, but I am really going to miss that garden. Not as much as all the birds and butterflies who lived in and frequented the area, to be sure.

I just hope they find their way to my little "butterfly and bird buffet", still a work in progress. I've planted some of the same types of flowers in my own garden, hoping to attract their attention. Maybe some will choose to make their new home here, and that is fine with me. After all, it belongs to them,too. And I can't think of a better way to "improve" my property than to share it with God's creatures.

Anyone For Some Sweet Corn Tea?

We had the best weather this weekend and spent most of it outdoors. Went to our favorite outdoor flea market and barbecued. Carlos did some fishing while Raven and I did our walking thing. Perfect weather to usher in the first weekend of Summer 2007. Well all this time spent outdoors in the heat does make one thirsty, so I thought I would try Mrs. Wilt's Southern Sweet Tea recipe that she had posted at the Sparrow's Nest.

While waiting for the water and sugar to boil, I opened the refrigerator to get a bottle of water to drink and noticed that the pitcher I use for iced tea was in there also and it was filled with what I thought was lemonade.

"How sweet of Carlos," I thought as I poured myself a glass. Then I noticed this "lemonade" had a peculiar smell, a very corny kind of smell.

"Carlos-what's in that pitcher in the refrigerator?" I asked, not so sure if I wanted to know the answer.

"It's the water from the pot that you made the corn-on-the-cob in. I'm going to drink it-it's supposed to be good for the kidneys."

And drink it he did. Gross!!!

Anyway, I made the Southern Sweet Tea using British blend tea bags so I don't know how this is going to turn out.

But I'm sure it will taste better than "sweet corn tea".

Show and Tell

It's Show and Tell Friday. To see more great show and tells and join in the fun, visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.



My show and tell for this Friday is this seashell wreath that I found at a flea market a few weeks ago. I was looking for something summery to hang on the door and I've always loved shells and nautical things so this caught my eye. It has a captain's wheel and an anchor in its center and if you look closely there are tiny shells inside those triangular thingies around the outside edge. That green stuff is some kind of artificial sea grass-I think I need to tame it just a little bit. And I think it's also time I took down those dark red curtains that you can see behind the wreath and put up something a bit more seasonal :oD.
Thank you for looking at my wreath and thank you, Kelli for hosting the Show and Tell.

Theme From A Summer Place

One of my favorite summer songs from one of the greatest summer romance movies ever made starring the eternally cute Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue.

Note to self: buy dvd before summer is over.

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

Happy summer everybody! Anyone for ice cream?

You Are Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

Truthfully, you're too spazzy to be chunky - you cheeky monkey!

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

Somehow, I knew I would be this flavor-I am a little chunky and I was born the year of the monkey!

It's The Cat's Meow-Talking Cats!

Time to give our feline friends their moment of fame. (But I do believe the doggies had a wider vocabulary.)

Ovarian Cancer

Six years ago today my mother died from ovarian cancer after battling it for about 2 1/2 years. She had NO symptoms before she was diagnosed except for a little bit of blood in her urine. The cancer was in an advanced stage by the time it was found so she only had a 20 to 30% chance of surviving. Recently the New York Times printed an article listing some early symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer and other important information every woman should know. You can read that article here .

I urge every woman who reads this to check out that article. We had no family history of ovarian cancer before my mom. I will also keep you updated on any info I find on the subject as this is something very near and dear to me. Thanks for taking the time to read this and God bless.

Happy Father's Day Dad

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there in blogland. Here's a few pictures of mine. The first one was taken at Callies Pretzels in the Poconos, PA. We make frequent trips there and I hope to live there someday (the Poconos that is, although I wouldn't mind living at Callies!)

This next picture is my father and his dog "Murray". They are best friends, my father brings Murray everywhere with him.

WHAT MAKES A DAD

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

~Author Unknown~


Also a Happy Father's Day to my hubby Carlos, "Daddy" to Raven and Jeter.

Talking Dogs

Raven occasionally will utter a very Scooby-Doo like "hello" while I'm talking on the phone. She also likes to sing (howl) along to "Happy Birthday". What's that, Raven? I believe she just said "walk". Time to go!

Show and Tell

It's Show and Tell Friday! If you want to join the fun, visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.
My Show and Tell for this Friday are some photos of the flowers now blooming in my garden.

In this first picture are petunias. yellow gerbera daisies. and some red salvia. These are in a large planter next to my home.
In the second picture, I have some red impatiens in a window box on my porch railing.
And in the last picture are the Tropicana roses in my backyard. They are planted in a little garden next to the patio. I'm still working on that space . I planted the roses last year and it's a relatively new garden.
My summer perennials are getting buds now, so you can be sure that they're going to be featured in a future show and tell. I also have a small veggie garden that is slowly making progress.
Thanks for looking at my flowers and thank you Kelli for hosting the Show and Tell Friday.

Angel's Charity


If you look to the right of this post, above the clock, you will see a list of sites that I have added. By visiting any or all of these daily, you can make a FREE donation just by clicking on that sites web page. If you wish, you can also add these links to your blogs or your emails (visit the sites for more info.) You only need to click once daily. Every little bit helps so please pass the word. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please remember to visit these sites every day-it doesn't cost anything except a few minutes of your time.

Flag Day

American Flag, Star Spangled Banner

I am the Flag

By Howard Schnauber

I am the flag of the United States of America.

My name is Old Glory.I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.

I stand watch in America's halls of justice.I fly majestically over institutions of learning.

I stand guard with power in the world.

Look up ... and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.

I stand for freedom.I am confident.I am arrogant.I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,my head is a little higher,my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world.

I am worshipped -- I am saluted.I am loved -- I am revered.I am respected -- and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years.

I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox.

I was there at San Juan Hill,the trenches of France,in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon,

Vietnam knows me.I was there.

I led my troops.I was dirty, battleworn and tired,but my soldiers cheered me

And I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.

It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, tornand trampled on the streets of my country.

And when it's by those whom I've served in battle -- it hurts.

But I shall overcome -- for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.

I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,

When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,

Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parentat the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.

My name is 'Old Glory'!

Long may I waveo'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Calling All Animal Lovers:

Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple. The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on the purple box "fund food for animals" for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

I tried to copy the graphic from this site, but I was not successful. Too bad, because it's a really cute one. I thought about using Raven's picture because she is sooo skinny. At least one of us is losing weight from our walks!

There are also links at this site for other worthy causes you can click on to make free donations.
Thank you for reading this and I hope you will find the time to visit these sites.

Tuesday Afternoon

Tuesday afternoon
I'm just beginning to see, now I'm on my way
It doesn't matter to me, chasing the clouds away
Something calls to me
The trees are drawing me near,
I've got to find out why
Those gentle voices I hear, explain it all with a sigh

I'm looking at myself reflections of my mind
It's just the kind of day to leave myself behind
So gently swaying through the fairyland of love
If you'll just come with me you'll see the beauty of
Tuesday afternoon
Tuesday afternoon

By The Moody Blues

Sometimes Dogs Know Best

It began as a typical week night, the usual routine- dinner, catch a little news on TV, a little computer time, wash dishes, etc. Then it started to rain and thunder, which is fine because it is much needed here. My vegetable and flower gardens really appreciated it. But it did put a damper on my evening walk with Raven. I could see the disappointment in her sad doggie eyes.

Then it happened-It stopped raining and the sun came out and the sky was many shades of blue, gray, yellow, and orange. I thought for sure there must be a rainbow out there, but when I looked in the part of the sky where I usually see one, there was none. Raven was still giving me those sad doggie eyes, so I grabbed her leash and off we went, into that surreal evening sky, straight out of an Edvard Munch painting. I half expected to see that figure from "The Scream" come running down the street. Come to think of it, that really wouldn't be such an unusual happening in my neighborhood!



Scream

And then I saw the rainbow. It was leading straight up into the clouds, a kind of "stairway to heaven". A cross atop a nearby church steeple had taken on a golden glow and the effect was really stunning.

And I had forgotten to bring my camera along!

So Raven and I continued our walk and then I noticed another rainbow. This one was higher up in the sky, almost directly above us. It was surrounded by orangey-colored clouds and was so beautiful. I only wish I could have taken a picture to post here!

By the time we arrived home, the sky had darkened somewhat and all photo opportunities had disappeared. I guess I'll have to wait for the next evening shower to catch a rainbow.

So I would like to thank my dog, Raven for convincing me to take this walk tonight. If it wasn't for her, I would have missed out on the way God smiled on my gritty little city this evening.

And I learned that rainbows are not always where you would expect to find them. And sometimes it takes a dog to teach you that.

In Vino Veritas

Translation: there is truth in wine. When one is under the influence of the grape, one is more likely to say what they really feel.

You Are Chardonnay

Fresh, spirited, and classic - you have many facets to your personality. You can be sweet and light. Or deep and complex. You have a little bit of something to offer everyone... no wonder you're so popular. Approachable and never smug, you are easy to get to know (and love!). Deep down you are: Dependable and modest Your partying style: Understated and polite Your company is enjoyed best with: Cold or wild meat

What Kind of Wine Are You?

Actually, I do prefer red wines :o) !

Happy Birthday in Heaven Mom

Today would have been my Mother's 73rd birthday. It will soon be six years that she went home to Jesus after battling ovarian cancer. The following was one of her favorites, it was read at her funeral. I thought it would be a nice way to honor her.


Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.


I made this patriotic planter this morning for the cemetery.There's a bright red geranium in the back, a few dusty millers, and a wave petunia in the front. Then I put a few spinners in. I think she would have liked it. I may make another for our front porch.

Show and Tell

It's Show and Tell Friday. If you would like to join the fun visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.



My Show and Tell for this week are these two pictures:

This first one is a postcard that is dated Aril 1907 on the back. I found it at an antique mall a few years ago and thought it was the sweetest little picture. I framed it and have it displayed in our home.

This next picture I found at the same antique mall about a month ago. It is a reproduction of an older print, but I believe this picture and the postcard are by the same artist.



It's hard to tell from this photo but the caption reads "Rain rain go away. Come again some other day. Little girls want to play."
I believe these little cuties are known as "sunbonnet babies" and the artist may be Bernhardt Wall. I found some information about them at http://hartcottagequilts.com/his8.htm. I hope I'm fortunate enough to find more of them on my future treasure hunts.

Thanks for looking at my show and tell and thank you Kelli, for hosting. It's a lot of fun looking at everyone's treasures.

It's Quiz Time Again!

Your Values Profile

Loyalty: You value loyalty a fair amount. You're loyal to your friends... to a point. But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties. Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself. Honesty: You value honesty a fair amount. You're honest when you can be, but you aren't a stickler for it. If a little white lie will make a situation more comfortable, you'll go for it. In the end, you mostly care about "situational integrity." Generosity: You value generosity highly. So much so that you often put your own needs last. There's nothing wrong with having a caring heart... But you may want to rethink your "open wallet" policy. Humility: You value humility highly. You have the self-confidence to be happy with who you are. And you don't need to seek praise to make yourself feel better. You're very modest, and you're keep the drama factor low. Tolerance: You value tolerance highly. Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you... You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends. You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

The Five Factor Values Test

BBQ Rules

A friend emailed me this the other day-can anyone relate to this? :o)


We are about to enter the summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity, as it's the only type of cooking a 'real' man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved.


When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:


Routine...


(1) The woman buys the food.


(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.


(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.



Here comes the important part:



(4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.


More routine...


(5) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.


(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he deals with the situation.


Important again:


(7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.


More routine...


(8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.


(9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.


And most important of all:


(10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.


(11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "her night off." And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women..

The Philosophy of Charles Schultz

Here's a cute email my friend Al sent to me today:




The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the questions straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3 Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.





How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .


Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.


Easier?


The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care


Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life. You are receiving this because you made a difference in mine.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.



It's already tomorrow in Australia ." (Charles Schultz)

My Sister's Potato Salad

My sister, Susan, often has cookouts during the summer months especially on long holiday weekends. Her former home had a big garage in the back where she kept a second refrigerator primarily for that purpose. It was always well stocked with the makings for a fine outdoor feast: assorted drinks, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and of course homemade salads.


It was one of those homemade salads that would become a family folk tale, which I'm sure will be passed on to future generations.


It was Labor Day Weekend, sometime during the 1990's, and Sue's cookout was in full swing. The burgers, dogs, and chicken were all cooked to perfection and it was time to bring out those delicious homemade salads. One by one we carefully carried them from the refrigerator to the picnic table and uncovered them. It was then we noticed something was amiss with the potato salad. In fact, something was very wrong with that potato salad-it was green! We just kind of stared at it until my Mom finally spoke up:

"Sue, I think there's something wrong with your refrigerator, the potato salad turned!"

"Oh no Mom", my sister casually replied, "That's the potato salad from the Memorial Day cookout, the good one is on the bottom shelf in the fridge."

For those of you unfamiliar with American holidays, Memorial Day and Labor Day are three long, hot, summer months apart.

Well, all of us ladies quickly ran into the garage, not only to get the good potato salad, but mostly because we were all laughing so hard and we didn't want the other guests to know what was going on.

And we tossed that moldy green potato salad before anyone else could see or eat it.

We still tease Sue about this, and I think she cleans her refrigerator a bit more often, especially before a cookout or other party.

Here's a recipe for a sweet potato salad I like from allrecipes.com. I do alter it a little bit because that's a bit too much pepper for me and I use a little bit more potatoes. If you make it this weekend, it should be aged to perfection in time for your Labor Day cookout (just kidding!)

Gotta Get Moving!

Drink Coffee

Just a quickie post for now-have lots to do today. Need to take a walk (yes a WALK-my summer clothes from last year are rather snug to say the least) and get some of those new 41 cent stamps from the post office and a few things at the produce stand. It's another beautiful sunny day here in NJ so it should be an enjoyable walk. I've "fueled " myself with coffee and some yogurt (yes, I know kind of a weird combo) and I'm ready and raring to go.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Show and Tell

Kelli is hosting a Show and Tell Friday. If you would like to join the fun, visit Kelli's blog and leave a link to your post.




My show and tell for this week is this little tea set I found at an antique mall in Pennsylvania. I'm not sure how old it is, but I thought it was the sweetest thing. It brings back fond memories of those little tea parties I would have with my best friend and our dolls. Anyone for a spot of tea?
Thanks Kelli for hosting the Show and Tell.