A Christmas Story-The Grapevine Version/The Truth

With the massive amount of traditional Christmas stories like A Christmas Carol,  It's A Wonderful Life, and many other favorites to pick from you wonder why there are many stories you hear about for one reason or another people have to feel the need to jazz up.

The Lee's 2013

Goalder House 2013

Sometimes its just the love of the holiday and having a spirit that maybe you have or don't any other time of the year. Christmas is the one time that giving, and opening up your heart really shouldn't have a spin put on it. 

 When we first moved to Sedalia, we heard a story about a house nearby that goes all out for Christmas decorating. The house is on a fairly busy street and always noticeable. The day after Thanksgiving you see the man starting to unload all the statues, lights and symbols of Christmas cheer. It doesn't matter how many times I have drove by over the years you notice something different. The tale I heard about this couple and their Christmas decorating many years ago was that they had a daughter who died of an illness and loved holidays (they also decorate for Easter, 4th of July, Halloween) so they were decorating in her honor. The true story is as the article in the recent paper states is still a labor of love. 150 plastic lighted decorations, 100-125 extension cords, and 15 surge protectors. The couple married for 45 years have decorated 44 of those years. Also an interesting fact was this past year he wore a pedometer and calculated 53 actual miles while putting up the decorations. Of course they haven't been sheltered from the occasional vandals cutting wires or stealing ornaments but it has never dampened their spirit. They have one upped those who try to Grinch their Christmas and have had to go high-tech and security cameras.

This year it was truly unfortunate with so many people either unable or unwilling to put up decorations. The costs of new LED or just replacing decorations have sky rocked. Also often here the weather is a contributing factor but there are still several die-hard decorators. 

Also another unfortunate tale in this yearly Christmas saga was the cancellation of the Christmas decoration contest that our city had done for 33 years was cancelled (according to the paper and that grapevine) was due to lack of participation. 

Whatever you Christmas story may be I like to think the joy, laughter and holiday spirit lives within us all.

Bell Ringer--For a Cause

Earlier in the week when I checked what the weather was going to be today I have to admit I was a little sad that it was going to be bitterly cold out. But it wasn't the first and probably not the last and to some people if its not bitterly cold during this time of year it doesn't feel like the Christmas Season.

So with multiple layers, getting dressed I felt like I was going on a ski trip, I set out for what I thought would be one hour of service to the Salvation Army Bell Ringing for Sedalia Business Women. I got more than I bargained for...

When I went to relieve the member and co-chair Ida I stated, "Gee all by yourself?" With her usual smile she said, "Oh yes" with her usual chuckle.

I looked at the list for our group and sadly not every hour was filled. "Ida, how long have you been here?".  "Oh, a little while" she said. I could plainly see that it had been more than a little while and the looks of the list she would be back several more times.

With the bell exchange from Ida I started my service jingling my bell in various tones.  I have done this long enough and in varying weather conditions over the last several years and I see and hear everything. Some highlights from today....

We have rung for several years at Big Lots. In our area its the only "in-door" (and I use that term loosely) option in our town. Yes, its behind the first set of doors, eight doors are opening and closing bringing in all the cold air from outside. Many patrons first comments are "Gee at least your "in-doors". I know what they mean but technically we are not. Just keep smiling and ringing.

"Wow, you must be cold?"..Does the fact that I am dancing around give it away.

"Bless your heart". This phrase doesn't have the same meaning as it used too and only my daughter will probably understand the running joke on this one.

The cart guys are not wearing jackets and my first comment to them is "You must be warm blooded going without a coat and I probably sound like a typical MOM you shouldn't go out without a coat". They laugh.

The guy who comes in, says hi and walks in the store. Then comes out and "flirts" with me and says, "Can I ask you a question?" Sure " I just got my haircut does it look ok?" (Well it looks fine to me) thinking to myself I don't know you and don't know what it looked like before not sure if I am a good judge.

Going back to the "no coat" issue. A woman walks in and reads my mind. "You are probably wondering why I don't have a coat on?" (Yes I was) "Well I am waiting for a heart transplant and don't figure I need one until I get the transplant".. Humm not sure what that logic is but...

The teenage boy who instead of buying something out of the little 25 cent machine at the door, stops and thinks for a moment and puts the money in the kettle. Smiling on this one.

My dear friend Jennifer who comes in and stops to talk with me for a while. Of course she asks, "What are you doing?" but I don't mind her asking. Good true friends you can joke with and give a smart answer too and because they know you can get away with the reply.

A nice lady that asked if I would watch her cart while she went and got her car and pulled in front. When she pulled up to the door I was standing there with rocking horse in hand. The thankful look on her face as I handed her the horse so she wouldn't have to come back in the store.

But the best tale of the afternoon was. A Vietnam Vet would came up and asked me if he could tell me a story. "Is it a heart-warming story" I replied. "Yes" he said.  I could see he was wearing a Navy veteran hat which immediately made me think of my grandpa Conner. Well he stated, back in 1965 I was stationed overseas. I got a call that my mom had been in a terrible car accident and wasn't doing well. I had no money and needed to get back to the states. I was from Chicago and managed to get to San Francisco. While at the airport I struck up a conversation with someone and told them my tale. The gentlemen said," Wait a minute let me make a call". Within a short time someone from the local Salvation Army came and handed me enough money to get to Chicago O'Hara Airport. When I got there, a Salvation Army representative was standing at the gate with a card with my name on it. He was their to drive me home. Since then he said I give to Salvation Army and have volunteered in whatever town I have lived in. This was the cherry on top for the day and made me happy that my 2 hour window was the best part of the day.

Ida returned and I have to admit I felt really guilty in leaving her especially knowing that she had a couple more hours at the end of the day.

A big thank you to Ida, Betty, Laura, Carolyn, Michelle, and Sue. I hope you have stories to share with the other members at the next meeting. Make sure you point out the fun they missed.

Also something in all the years I have been a ringer it dawned on me the quote from Its a Wonderful Life. "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings". Wow! today and everyday until the campaign is done millions and millions of angels will be receiving them. Some before their time.

Kennedy 50 Year Anniversary the Mystery Continues

Yesterday marked the 50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy's Assassination. Almost at every moment of the day some channel had something marking the day that changed America.

I was way to young to remember anything of that day but I am sure it had some affect on my family just as it did everyone else not only here but around the world. In school I remember bits and pieces of our history books including the key points like Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby, Vice President Lyndon Johnson being swore in, the infamous picture of him taking the oath with Lady Bird Johnson and Mrs. Kennedy standing by him in the blood stained dress.

It wasn't really until much later on that I read books about the Kennedy family and some of the other conspiracy theory books that  I too have questions that probably will never be answered as to why this tragedy changed America. It has been extremely interesting to watch old black and white footage of days and hours leading up to that day and even after his death and how the events changed so many peoples' lives. With the technology of today the old 8mm film is brought to bigger than life proportions which to some might be a little to much information to process even after 50 years.

Some interesting highlights for me were: In early reports by the media, they kept calling Lee "Harvey" Oswald " Lee "Harold" Oswald. Guess the media hasn't changed much in reporting the wrong name. The fact that the Texas Book Depository was never searched beforehand or had a Secret Service Agent posted inside but many other buildings did along the route, sounds questionable.  The police officers seemed to be familiar with Jack Ruby (Rubinstein) why was he even their at the time they were leading Lee Harvey Oswald out to appear in court?  Questions will always arise about this time in our history. Do we have the correct answers? Probably not.. Would things have been different if it wouldn't have happened. I am sure they would be. Would we be a different country now? Maybe or maybe not..We have no real way of knowing what might have been.

I also found it touching that even with all of Kennedy's flaws, Jacqueline Kennedy had a tremendous love for him. The infamous pink suit will remain somewhat of a mystery for many, many more years to come since it is tucked away in the National Archives until 2103. A new generation of people will continue the theory of what happened that day.

An Honored Veteran's New View

I think of my grandpa Conner on a daily basis, but this morning while looking at Facebook News Feeds I came across this picture and and article in the Daily Breeze about an area that sits just below the cemetery where my grandpa rests. I couldn't help but get a mental picture of the wonderful man I remembered. Dressed in his chino grey pants, grey shirt and grey baseball cap. With his hand on his hip leaning against the block wall or wooden fence on either side of his "home", shooting the breeze as he liked to say.

I remembered as  a kid riding to visit another family member buried at Green Hills and Grandpa would mention about what wonderful housing for families of those who served were right across the street. Single family homes dotted the main avenue. I remember asking him why there was barbed wire and large signs around  the gated community. "All military areas are that way Cindy".

In the article the city planners will be designing a brand new project of  homes, condos and  townhouses. This process has been on-going for as long as I can remember since it has been empty, and all homes boarded up for many years. For several years after families left  this area was I believe used for police, and fire training from various city departments in the area.

I believe that by reading this article and today being Veteran's Day that it was his sign to me that he was thinking of me and would be so excited that something new was coming to his home. I recall when the sidewalks were put on his street he stood out and watched all the equipment dig up and then pour the cement. Talking to the worker's on a daily basis. 

He was a great man, he will be watching over whatever project decides to finally happen on the site. Just look up on the hill, to the guy in grey, scratching his head and putting his ball cap back on. He along with many other veteran's at home will be with you.

Letting your Mind Go--Anything Can Be a Story

When I went to school I was one of those crazy kids who actually liked going to summer school and was not forced to go. I remember one year in high school I took an English class. Most of the kids in the class had to be there because they hadn't passed their English class during the year which led for a pretty interesting mix of students. I didn't care though I knew that any reason to not be at home during the morning hours of my day would be a great diversion. Also it didn't hurt that a guy I had a long standing crush on was in the class so even if the class wasn't what I expected I could always let my mind wonder about him. That would make for another story.

One of the requirement for Ms. Soule's class was we had to write a story. It could be about anything which left the possibilities wide open. The little bit I remember about the story I wrote was that I was taking a trip to Australia with some other people and somehow we got into a Nancy Drew like predicament. One comment I remember I got from the teacher was that it was very creative.

I think that sometimes to write that is one thing you need, imagination. Yes you should write what you know but imagination helps to get the creative juices flowing.

My husband shakes his head sometimes about my stories. Recently, I noticed that one of the toys our granddaughters play with had a very important piece missing. We had moved all of the toys into another room while doing some work and somehow the "Dad" went missing. Well my mind totally went wild with it. Especially when our one granddaughter asked me where he was at.

He is at work.
He went on a business trip.
He drives a truck like Papa and is on a very long run.

For my own enjoyment I was thinking he ran away, he was a deadbeat Dad, he was deployed overseas, he was in jail, he's having an affair, our "ghost" took him and is holding him hostage.

When I told our daughter about our so called game/dilemma, I told her about my quest to find the Dad. I had looked all over and just couldn't find him. Rolling her eyes pretty much told me that she thought I was crazy. (Sometimes she doesn't after all these years understand my imagination).

I'm not sure why I feel the need for this Dad in this Fisher Price Set. I had a Dad growing up who was in the home. Maybe it's because I never chose to look for my biological Dad. My kids always had a Dad around even though he was on the road often. I know in today's world some people have two Dad's, or no Dad's either by choice or circumstances.

I have seriously thought we may never know where Dad went. I thought maybe I should go out and buy a new family for the set since they do sell them separate from the house. But then I got to thinking again, if I do that then we will have one Dad, two Mom's and two babies. Of course my mind went there too, Gee imagine the stories I could make up with that?

One of them being "Sister Wives".

Trying to Find Similarities in Two Different Sporting Activities- Perspective

This week two things happened, the schedule for the 2014 figure skating coverage was posted on-line and I threw myself into committing to walk at least several times a week. My excitement for the two were oh so very different.

Each day I encountered something different while walking that made my mind wander to when I figure skated that I probably wouldn't have encountered in the same way. Each time the Olympic year came around I would always think how many new people would I see come into the rink who thought they would experience the excitement of learning to skate due to watching it on television and having their hopes and dreams of becoming a star. That thought process would last well after the Olympic coverage was over and truth be told the newness wore off just a few weeks later. I had the same thoughts when I started this week on my quest to keep to my walking schedule. How long will this determination last? Hopefully, longer than just a few weeks.

The clothing attire is somewhat similar. Comfortable clothing for freedom of movement, layered for maximum protection.  Blisters are always a possibility but prevention is possible. I thought of those skaters who went "commando" (its not what you might be thinking) and didn't wear tights or socks (I do admit I tried it once and it just didn't work for me). You know you have a good workout with either activity if you can take your shoes/boots and socks off and have your feet steam.

I commented on my Facebook page on how many critters I encountered on my walk this week. Occasionally in the ice a wayward spider might be found between the frozen layers of ice only to be scrapped up by the Zamboni at a later resurfacing. 

I keep the same posture that I had when I skated while I walk. Head held high, eyes forward, back erect, the walking stride might be smaller since I would probably look pretty silly holding a long glide while walking but I make every attempt to keep the same pace during the full hour. Sometimes arm movements are included while walking much less than when skating which is always a constant.

Instead of music being played over the entire rink, I play a variety of tunes on my personal IPOD. From country, rock, alternative (think it might be a little hard to walk to Rhapsody in Blue or Tchaikovsky) but for walking and skating the tempo is still key. I find myself singing to myself sometimes when I walk something I never would have done while skating.

Pet peeves of walking: If you bring your dog, please pick up your dogs poop, (for every one person who is courteous and brings a pick up bag and I actually thanked the lady for doing so) there are three people who just let the dog do its business and leave it for others to maneuver around).  I really couldn't come up with a skating pet peeve that compared to the above.

My total miles this week for walking was 20. Unfortunately, 20 miles wouldn't even come close to getting to the closest rink to me now. Oh well, spending one hour walking clears the mind for a short time and skating did the same thing. 

I guess if that's the trade off I have to be happy with it.  

Where Do I Fit In?

Several weeks ago, the subject of our Sunday Service was the above title.  I have struggled with this almost my entire life off and on.  I don't often quote bible verses but two really hit home for me. Hebrews 13:2,3  "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unaware", "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body".

It doesn't matter if you are 2 or 52, fitting in at any given situation is an important part of life and growing. When I was young many people would call me a "wallflower", Always sitting on the sidelines, observing and waiting for just the right time to get in a conversation. I still seem to put myself in that situation. Never feeling completely comfortable until I try to get to know someone fully.  I also tend to keep certain people at arms length so as not to get "hurt".  Most of the time my opinions seems to not fit in with the people I am around.

I was taught early on to be my own person something I think only child naturally do anyway.  Who else are we going to depend on or be like? To some these may only be excuses but when you are only you have an awful lot of time to reflect on your life accomplishments, expectations and misses in life.

For the past several years I have tried to make-up for not feeling welcome. I have tried new things, made people who have been in the same boat feel that they fit in and important to me. That list is short, unfortunately. By my own choosing? Probably a negative on my part. I have tried many things with a few successes. Is geography part of the problem? Yes, I think so.

I guess some of my point to why I wrote this is, Should I change who I am to make other's happy and fit in? If the cost is not believing I should do that, then NO I have a feeling I may never fit in. Sometimes even the best intentions are not enough. Aiming to please just to fit into the mold others want to have you in probably isn't worth the price I have to pay.

Prison might be the bars we put up to protect ourselves from being hurt and judged accordingly. Fitting in isn't always easy.

Tooth Fairy No Longer Leaves Spare Change--Say It Isn't So

I had a conversation recently with someone who had mentioned that their grandchild had there first experience with the Tooth Fairy. We both brought up stories of our experiences as kids. Both stories were pretty similar.

Mine was unfortunately by accident while playing on the bars at school. The accident didn't knock it out but did loosen it a bit and I ended up  going on a trip to the dentist who took it out the rest of the way.  That night I remember putting it under my pillow and the next morning I was happy to receive fifty cents. My friends story was similar but her tooth feel out on its own but she also received fifty cents.

Times they have definitely changed. Not long after this conversation, I read an article in our local paper

entitled, "The Price of Tooth Nearing $4, Tooth Fairy No Longer Leaves Spare Change". My first thought was I know the economy and inflation go hand in hand, but really? The first sentence in the article stated, "Days of finding a quarter under your pillow are long gone". Wow, do they really have to be?  According to the article kids today are averaging  $3.70 per lost tooth, up 23% from 2012. This was according to a survey by Visa, Inc. Ok my first thought was really, Visa the credit card company! Next you will tell me because change is becoming obsolete parents are giving Visa debt cards as payment.

Of course they also have an Tooth Fairy Calculator app that can give parents an idea by age group, income bracket and education level to determine what to give. Really, has it become that hard to decide? I really don't believe our parents spent that much time thinking about the situation. I am sure that they basically saw what small token they could provide. It wasn't necessary back in the day to break the bank and at the age you usually lose teeth I am sure the big topic of conversation of the day wasn't how much we got.

One good point in the article was that this is a good time to bring up if you do decide to rob Ft. Knox for the Tooth Fairy make it an opportunity to discuss smart money habits (save a little spend a little).

Demographics also comes into play with the Tooth Fairy according to the Visa study, Kids in the Northwest average $4.10 per tooth, West and South get $3.70, Midwest kids received $3.30. But, thank goodness there were a third of parents surveyed who said the Tooth Fairy left a dollar or less.

Really good parents also included a kids toothbrush and tooth paste with the money.

I guess what I took away and also shared with my daughter since it will be in her near future to deal with this is:  Don't try and keep up with the" Jones" and keep it fun. Don't let the times and inflation make a memorable experience into a big deal.

The other funny thing about this was that someone on my Facebook page posted a cartoon that said something to the effect of what would happen if an elderly person put there dentures underneath their pillow? I'm glad to say I am not in that category, so if someone wants to try this idea, let me know if the Tooth Fairy came and what she left YOU

Did You Lose Your Pencil? or The How to Art of Pencil Sharpening

While watching a Sunday Morning program this stormy September morning, (pretty amazing since we had extremely hot weather this past week), my attention to a story about Cartoonist turned Artisanal Manual Pencil Sharpening Expert, David Rees made me think about the days when instead of typing on a computer you had a flat sheet of lined paper and usually a yellow or blue, long hopefully sharpened pencil with attached eraser on top to enter and explore the world of writing. Some well known writer's still prefer a yellow tablet and writing with the graphite instrument.

I remember I always had a very easy time of telling which pencil was mine at home and at school because I suppose due to nervousness my entire pencil would have teeth marks around it. I wasn't concerned about getting lead poisoning I guess (actually pencils are not made of lead but graphite) but who needed personalized with your name pencils when teeth marks would do.

A #2 pencil was part of most school kids arsenal of school supplies for many years. Now top at the list is an IPad and way down the list is probably a pencil or two--graphite or mechanical.

In David Rees book "How to Sharpen Pencils: A Practical and Theoretical Treatise of the Artisanal Art of Pencil Sharpening" (say that three times fast) he covers the steps of sharpening pencils and the devices to use. For a fee you can send him your pencil and he will sharpen it to perfection, with the shavings encased, and covered back to you with or without a copy of the book.

Ironically, Dixon Ticonderoga once had a factory in Versailles, MO which isn't that far from where I live. It closed in 2005.

Another interesting fact about pencils today is that if the graphite is not exactly in the middle of the wooden casing that makes the pencil you probably will have a hard time sharpening or keeping the point sharp. How many brand new pencils have you ground and ground either by hand or by an electric sharpener (yes I still have one of those too, along with my typewriter) you can basically grind until you basically have a "stubby" short pencil.

A former co-worker I had at my first job for the State of California would use a pencil until it was probably just big enough for her hand to be able to hold it. It was always her "point" to get as much use as possible out of government supplies.

 Why all this nostalgia?  Well it was a breath of fresh air that this story was so interesting to me that someone in today's economic challenges can forge a business and or love out of pencils. I am sure Mr. Rees partakes in technology, but his love of the pencil and keeping it a part of daily life is to be commended.

"Did you lose your pencil?" "Oh, you can borrow one of mine" I'm not sure exactly whether many people carry them around but cheaper to lend out than a technology device.

Birds of a Feather, Flock Together--Not Always

Today was one of those days where I got an inspirational writing topic while walking the outdoor track near the college. The weather the last few days has been unseasonably nice (no humidity and not hot as hell) Even while wearing my IPod to listen to music  I could definitely hear very loud squawking from the many birds in the outlying trees.

Growing up near the ocean my list of frequently viewed birds was a pretty short list. Sparrows, black birds and poop birds or seagulls by their true name. Since moving to the Midwest the list of birds has definitely changed, cardinals, sparrows, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and probably many more that a am not sure the name of but one bird in particular definitely has made an impression.

The Blue Jay. This bird stands out in front of all the rest. Why you might ask? Well they are at the head of the class in just about everything they come in contact with. They are loud, annoying, egomaniacs, I could think of several other things but also I notice that when they are around every other bird usually gets out of Dodge. If one Blue Jay flies into a tree, all the other birds seem to fly off somewhere else. They are very territorial in that if anyone or anything gets into its way, watch out you will more than likely be dive bombed.

 I know when our dogs were just little puppies and would go out into the yard it was like a blue jay would come into the yard, squawking and terrorizing them until they had enough and wanted back into the house. Then the Blue Jay would sit proudly on a tree branch or the fence with that "guess I took care of them" attitude. To me they are probably one of the most beautiful birds. And they no it too. Maybe that is why they have the forward attitude that they do. Even during the fall and winter months when all the other birds seem to disappear, you can always find a single blue jay in the trees yelling, hey I am here!!Do you hear me!! Well fall will be here before we know it and the leaves will be falling from the trees, but I am sure a Mr or Mrs. Blue Jay will be paying a call somewhere. Come fine feathered friend, I'm listening.

A 29 Year Trip into a 3 Day Weekend

These days I find myself just wanting to get away from everyday life. I envy those who get to have summer, winter or any vacations. When you really have to stop and think how long its been since you have been anywhere, its definitely time to get out of town. This year has been both a challenge and a blessing in many ways. Recently I told David I really thought we should get away for our anniversary. Even though I planned the weekend, I wanted to make sure that we both got to do something fun and not break the bank. It had been several anniversaries ago that we went to a B&B. David really wasn't to jazzed about it but I thought maybe I would try it again. I really sold the idea (its a very large estate, history etc). I didn't want it to be too far (3 hours) and figured I would throw a little history into the mix.

Hannibal, MO is on the Mississippi River and was birthplace to Mark Twain, Molly Brown and the River. I knew that we would be able to find some interesting things to get into. Also in researching I also found out that a Corvette show would be in town on Saturday (another plus on David's side). So we packed up the car (Corvette) and got an early start out of Sedalia.

Unfortunately, the car didn't apparently feel like making the trip this time and we turned around and had to get the other vehicle. (of course when we took it in they couldn't find anything wrong with it) Not a good way to start a trip we thought but only an hour behind, we forged on. I packed my book to read and David tuned into talk radio and on we drove. The scenery is as usual corn field, soybean field for miles but the good weather was ahead and the clouds and possible rain we left behind us.

Our first stop was the Rockcliffe Mansion. The neighborhood had a sprinkling of historical homes and homes turned into apartments but high on the quarry stone hill was the Mansion. As we drove up the massive driveway the first thing I thought was "I'm not sure the Vet would have made it up the drive without bottoming out. The mansion was started in 1898 and finished two years later by J. J. Cruikshank for his wife and four daughters. The classic Greek Revival cost $125,000 to build. (more facts go to RockcliffeMansion.com.

We stayed in one of the daughter's bedroom known now as the Magnolia Room. The east facing room provided no need for an alarm clock due to the early sunrise. Now the first thing I noticed as I walked in was the beautiful antique furniture and the detailed windows, David on the other hand look complete around the room and the first words out of his mouth, "No TV"?  Actually this we both found later wasn't a necessity since we walked around all day and were really too tired to even watch TV during the trip. Sitting in the room looking out to the Mississippi River going back in time to no, technology, just the thought of conversation, reading, and writing as some of the only form of entertainment made me appreciate the history and where we are today. Our first day consisted of walking the Corvette Show and wishing our car would have been able to make the trip, but they did have a good turn out at the show. Apparently, it was the biggest they had since it started.

We hiked up half the stairs to the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse (244 total) it was hot and steep so we drove the other half. (Normally I pride myself in walking but this was vacation and cheated a little).The downtown area, like many small towns is going through revitalization both to bring in tourists but also due to river flooding an storm damages over the course of the last several years.

 David suggested a Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River. The Mark Twain Riverboats' 2 hour cruise was a relaxing end too our first day.

Juan Ruiz the owner of Rockcliffe provided a wonderful breakfast and conversation/history about the house. We were the only guests the first night so morning questions about the house were many. He purchased the home three years ago to retire and refurbish. He turned it into a B&B/Museum. He is from Miami, FL so definitely a culture shock for him. But, he enjoys the work and the people who come to visit. Also his friend and tour guide Mary had a wealth of information about the house since she had previously, with her husband acted as caretaker for the home for over 10 years prior to Juan purchasing the home. Her knowledge and details of the family and the house made for a terrific guided tour. I hope someday it will be back completely to its grandeur of the days of the past.

The remainder of the day consisted of tours of everything Mark Twain, the Molly Brown (from Titanic fame) Birthplace and Museum. We ended our last night at a wonderful French Bistro LaBinnah Bistro, a converted house. Every restaurant should provide as they did reading glasses for those who forget to bring (David).

Our last day was to be spent in St. Louis at the casino. It had been a while since we had been there and again it made me long for the old time one-armed bandits, and the simplicity of casinos. Today its even more lights and bells with very little money clanging into the winning slot. Although, David did much better than I did we both had to admit casinos like everything else just isn't what it used to be.

It made me think back to 29 years of marriage, all that we have been through together, and what is ahead. Many things on our weekend with Mark Twain and his profound words in his writings but one stood out the most to me on a plaque in the garden of his museum.

Mark Twain started with the raw material of his own experiences to make stories that still amuse and challenge us today. Some of the stories we tell about our own childhoods have special meaning: they help us to explain why we have turned out to be the people we are. When Twain created stories based on his past, he did more than explain himself. He explained something about all of us, some true about human beings. As you walk through the rooms of his boyhood home and think about the stories he told, what stories do you remember from childhood?

 Corvette Show-Hannibal

Mark Twain Home/Tom Sawyer Fence

Magnolia Room-Rockcliffe Mansion

The Mighty Mississippi River

Red, White and Blue

The flag red, white and blue. Most people of a certain age remember starting each day at school standing up and saying the Pledge of Allegiance each day.  At every competition I was in or watched there was always someone who skated out onto the ice and the Star Spangled Banner played while they proudly held the flag.

The flag has evolved over the past 237 years. It started with the 13 colonies and was sewn by Betsy Ross in Philadelphia. Back in her time she would have been considered a small business owner since she had a small shop where she did upholstery work on furniture. I am sure back then she would not have imagined that her work sewing a small flag to fly over a new America that our country would have not only made the strides it has over the years but also some of the trials and tribulations we have and are currently going through.

The flag means many things to many people. Its symbolism hope, freedom, liberty, opportunity,  our forefathers and many others over the 237 years have given their lives for the country we live in.

 My grandfather and many others have had a ceremony when they pass away that signifies that they were in the military where a folding ceremony is performed.

When my brother was a Scout he participated in many flag ceremonies. How you treat the flag as an American is extremely important.

Most of the time people don't realize how important the flag really is to them. Several years ago at a Fourth of July celebration at a small church a lesson was learned about how to treat a flag. Several boys were walking up the aisle with the flags and they kept dragging them on the floor. It was then that   I explained to them something apparently they did not realize that you are not suppose to do this that in reality if it happens you are suppose to burn them. They looked at me like I was crazy.

For some its just a day off work, picnic and fireworks time. To others it is a day to reflect on what this country means to each of us.

Wedding Memories and other Stories-- The Strange Similarities

A year in the planning, I am going back down memories two lane highway again and try and relive the last highlights of a wedding in the making. Each time something we get ticked off the to do list it was an accomplishment for us. I sometimes had my doubts on whether it was going to be accomplished with all the wrenches that were thrown into the plans especially on the financial end of it. We had a major repair to the truck which caused a headache and moments of panic the end of last year but once the words of wisdom from David came that "it always gets taken care of" we were back on the right path and with less than six months left before Jennifer and Scott's big day I just wanted to see the day through.

Jennifer and I did the "wedding planning" with just a little help from a few. Flash back to my day almost 29 years ago, David and I had a small (only 50) at our wedding. We planned and paid for every little detail. I remember my dress was only $150, although it wasn't the first one I tried on (Jennifer fell in love with the first dress she tried on) my dress fit just right and only needed a few pink flowers removed from the front. Flash to the food we kept our budget small and only had finger foods while Jennifer's was a down-home catered full meal. I am now on the "no eat diet". Both of our cakes were to die for and beautiful, I remember we had a glass blow cake topper that couldn't seem to get to the cake maker without getting broke and then a second time before we even had our cake made, then once again in an earthquake several years later, not sure if it was bad luck but I wouldn't recommend glass blown cake toppers to couples.

We spent Friday evening, and Saturday morning decorating Jennifer's venue. She chose artificial and fresh flower mixtures and a local woman did decorating with lights and fabric. It definitely turned a fairgrounds room into a beautiful setting. David and I had paper bells and paper garlands. Another similarity was that our colors were purple/lavender and grey, Jennifer's was deep purple and green's. Interesting on how purple has crossed 5 generations of females in our family.. Hummmm great minds think alike maybe.

The ceremony was religious yet fitting in similar ways but the one beautiful moment in Jennifer's was at one point the pastor made a comment to the fact that for those who couldn't be with us they were there in spirit and with those words a sudden light breeze came through the Highway Gardens as if like a sign from the heaven's above: Grandparents, friends, and other's who would have loved to be there in body I know.  Another similarity was that our original preachers that we met with had to back out at the last minute due to conflicts and preacher number two's stepped in.

We planned things down to the very end but yet both of us had a forgotten item. Our wedding I spent hours making birdseed bags to have the guests throw at us after the ceremony. Those days are frowned upon now due to birdseed not only being a mess but many other reasons. I had recommended bubbles be blown (we brought them but forgot to put them out) and we didn't put the guestbook our at the ceremony. Oh well you can't remember everything.

I know for sure that the pictures the photographer took will all be beautiful. Catherine Rhodes was a fellow alumni from the same school Jennifer went to photography school with (Hallmark). My small book of photos was taken by a friend of my maid of honor, took me months to get and never got any copies of the pictures just had all the originals. Oh well at least I am fortunate to have those still.

Life is full of similarities, some on purpose others by fate..God has his plan, ours has been blessed for   almost 29 years, I hope Jennifer's is blessed that long if not longer as well. Marriage is a union each must put in 100%. You will argue and you will make up.  I will always believe that marriage is the right highway to go down.

Piercing Trooper

For some it is a right of passage,  other's sometimes go too far piercing body parts that have no business being with one much less multiple holes in them.  When I was a kid my parents told me that when I turned 18 I could get them done (how many times have we heard that saying in our lifetime and now find ourselves saying it now).

I was 18 and I went to a local department store, not really entirely sure what to expect. I  knew many people who just disinfected a needle and had a friend stick the needle in their ear, my mother actually had a physician do hers.

Yesterday was unlike many trips to the mall, except our main focus was going to get last minute wedding day items off our continuing list of things to get. At this point a week away and the list is getting shorter by the day.

Our granddaughter, Hadleigh  3, going on 13 was accompanying us on the trip and my daughter, Jennifer asked her as  usual, "Do you want to get your ears pierced?" Mind you her mother has had two such ear piercing stories and also a belly-button piercing story. The first ear piercing for her mother took many tries at getting them done due to the people ahead of her not being "big girls", and she got her belly pierced without our knowledge but after having Hadleigh let that hole close up (good choice I said).

We planned our attack plan of the mall and each store we entered and exited we asked her if she wanted to get her ears done, each time with a resounding "YES". I mentioned to my daughter it might be better to make the candy store the last stop in that we could reward a good experience with the candy.

We entered the store, walking around looking at all the other jewelry displayed. Of course she wanted her April birthstone ( I proceed to tell her Dad she would of course want real diamonds for Christmas). The clerk asked her if she was ready and she nodded and the clerk proceeded to hand her a large stuffed bear to hold if she wanted. What little girl is going to turn down holding a big plush bear? Every customer that passed the window admired what a "big girl" she was and motioned to us watching her sit there so patiently. We informed the clerk could you do a double shoot as it was our experience that it was easier for all involved to do it that way. "No problem" we would just have to wait for the second clerk to come in. My daughter and I looked at each other like, "Oh boy this might be the kicker because we would have to wait". I thought of my daughter at this point because she would have decided back in the day to forget the whole ordeal. But, Hadleigh, being who she is sat patiently waiting for the girl.

The time came and with ear guns in hand we all were in anticipation of what expression and experience was to come. We both jumped but with smiles on our faces and surprise---not a peep out of Hadleigh.

She is now part of the girls and boys of all ages, shapes and sizes that adorn ear piercings. Now I just hope she won't asked to have anything else pierced in her lifetime. Oh well, her mom will thank goodness have to deal with that time when it comes. I just hope I am around to experience it with the both of them down the road.

Memorialized

Yesterday I took a walk around the courthouse downtown. Mind you it was for a good reason. I parked the car in a normally busy area of town. But this bright and sunny Sunday morning it was very peaceful. I stepped out of my car not sure whether to go left or right first.(More on that later) Being the lefty that I am I went left. Step after step I scanned the names on the bricks. I came across several names I recognized some I didn't. But the reason these bricks are  proudly around the lawns of the courthouse have meaning to at least one person if not more to this town and to our country.

My family has two such bricks. One for a person who never even knew where Sedalia was, the other visited several times throughout his life cut short.

Carmon L. Conner, U.S. Navy, World War II enlisted in the Navy, a young man from West Virginia. The man I knew didn't speak much about the war, worked as a mailman, loved to garden, do leather work, bake, loved Elvis and rock and roll music. He was a true "Quiet Man" his entire life. He died when I was 17 years old. Believe me, not until later in my life did I realize all that he kept to himself about, but like other men and women who served and have served since, his stories would have been able to fill volumes of pages.  Some days I think of him more than others. There are so many people in my life he never has had the chance to meet and each year that list gets longer and longer. But I am happy that he is sitting in the front row. Although he is next to someone he never met, my grandpa was the type of person he would make my brother-in-law welcome.

Harvey D. Goalder, served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was David's oldest of three brothers. He loved anything Coke, he was married, and had two children. He was David's best man at our wedding. Although we didn't spend a lot of time with him over the years, the memories remain. As kids Harvey and the other boys spent many summers in Sedalia with family and one of his last trips during his long illness was to Sedalia our first Christmas after we moved back in 1997. By then he was very thin and frail.

Two men in different wars but with stories like all the other bricks with names. They gave up many years between them to our country so that we could live the lives we do today.

Honor Flight is a terrific group that sends war veterans to the War Memorial in Washington D.C. A group just recently returned this past week from a trip. War War II, Korea, Vietnam and others make the 20 hour turn around trip. I have thought since they started that I would love to go on a trip sometime since both my grandpa and brother-in-law are gone.  I had the chance a couple years ago to see the monument and it is a very emotional experience.

The humor in this story was that several people who also have bricks have told me it was an experience for some that took several trips around the courthouse for them because you don't know where they have placed your bricks. As I took each step, scanned the three rows I would think to myself about each war that was listed. There are already many Iraq soldiers listed. As I turned each corner still not having found our bricks, I almost began to wonder if they had done ours. So by the time I made the last turn onto 3rd St. and Lamine, the last grouping they were in. I admit I got a little teary, they gave so much, and have missed so much, but they are looking down on us each day with smiles of what we have all accomplished and will continue to strive for.

Now each time I have to go to the courthouse I will turn park in back, turn to the right and visit two honored men.

The Circles in Life Will Continue to Go Around and Around

This past weekend we celebrated Easter both in the Easter Bunny and biblical senses each brought back memories of childhood. We had no time to color Easter eggs this year we realized way to late, but as I told my daughter next year we will put it at the front of the list to plan to do. I think both granddaughters will enjoy it since they will probably understand the whole process a little better being one year older.

Growing up I remember going through the egg boiling process, letting them cool and then wanting to drop the little colored pill into the vinegar/water mixture. Watching the vibrant color getting brighter and brighter was always such a joy. I always loved the brighter colors--the pinks the purples the blues. Of course all the deviled egg sandwiches for lunch the next week wasn't a bad thing either.

Several egg hunts with our kids come to mind but one in particular was at a friend of their babysitters that had so many eggs in her yard we actually couldn't collect them all. Both kids in brightly colored outfits and a bright sunny day was always the joy of the beginning of Spring and the Easter Holiday. This year unfortunately the weather was a little cold and David was on the road and wasn't able to celebrate with us but we made the best of it.

One vivid memory of mine is going to Sunday church services with my grandmother. Easter hat on head, white shoes on feet and some brightly, spring colored dress was always part of the picture. This year my daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Hadleigh decided to join me at church. It was Hadleigh's first experience attending church and she did exceptionally well. Sitting quietly entertaining herself for the service made me think to when I would go with grandma and sit through services.

The circles of life go round and round no matter if the weather doesn't cooperate, eggs are not colored and if certain family members aren't able to be their for one reason or another it still can be a learning experience, an uplifting message of hope and a wonderful time to reflect on past seasons. Things change but we can continue to pick certain milestones in our past lives and keep them close to our hearts and share them anew.

Like it Not, Ready or Not-It Will Probably Come

This past Sunday the pastor at my church used the like it or not phrase as part of his sermon message. He shared that like many of us, as a child his mother frequently forced him to eat things that he didn't like. His dislike of certain vegetables is not unlike mine as a girl. I didn't like peas (still will not eat unless they are mixed up in something) and a few other's that I have since if doctored a bit I will eat now.

Like anything in life if we see something coming or it lands on us unexpectedly most of us truly are usually unprepared for what might happen. Fighting tooth and nail on some such situations still is part of my DNA and the older I get the more difficult it sometimes becomes to pull myself out in hopes that calm is just around the corner.

Mother Nature has packed several punches this season, equipment breakdowns have kicked our butts big time, routine situations in the first six months of the year await outcomes that you never truly know until the very last minute if they will be in your favor or not. Deadlines loom that sometimes we are not ready for not only in business and pleasure. I have said for many years, from November until June with the holidays and the beginning of the year funk, a small window of opportunity of pleasure times is so short its unfair. Some situations are just completely out of your hands.

Ready or not here it comes. Every time I hear this I think of when I was little and we would play hid and seek.  A wonderful game played either in good weather or bad, in the house or outside. Yes, those of us who are "OLD" played outdoor games and were not tied to the TV or video games like kids of today. Some of my favorite places playing it indoors was the laundry basket, under my bed, or way back in the closet underneath just about everything (this is when being really small is at your advantage). Of course giggling always put me out of the game or being sniffed out by our pet dogs, those minutes of fun were and still are terrific memories.

Some things in life you learn to appreciate, tolerate and yes even like. Vegetables or other such basic things are much easier than life struggles. The pastors' point in the use of this was obviously the biblical sense. The past several months I admit I have looked to the higher power to guide me, give me strength. No hiding, just seeking a sign or word was enough for me to bring myself into the light of a better day and count the days until the sunshine will put a much better "liking" too life situations.

I am ready and it will be coming soon.

February-Out Like A Lion, March In Like a Lamb

Whatever the saying is I think I may have changed it up a bit. Believe me it was necessary considering  how disastrous February was for me and for others around me. If it wasn't the two feet plus of snow we received, being stuck indoors for a week, truck being down for two weeks with repairs AGAIN, and two many other things to even want to bring up again, basically I have felt all month that I have been skating on very thin ice.

Praying, trying to repeat to yourself over and over again things will get better, rubbing the worry stone (I really need to pick one of those up the next time I see one), you begin to run out of ways to try and keep your blood pressure down.

Everyone these days has at least one problem or issue. If you say you don't you are probably in complete denial or one of those happy go lucky people (gee, I wish I could trade in my Type A personality for the alternative).

Some people refer to Facebook rants or shares, I often write in haste and then hit the delete button just as quickly, TMI sometimes you just need to push yourself away from the keyboard.

One situation this month put everything into perspective a little on how maybe we are moving to fast and need to take a step back and go back to the good old days.

I drew straws to deliver Meals on Wheels one week this month and everyday my last delivery was to a sweet little 90 year old lady in a trailer park. She lives alone, in a little old trailer and is always very nice and appreciative of her meal and newspaper everyday. I know she lives in a park that has been bought by a business that will be clearing the area for their expanding business. My curiosity got the better of me on the last day because I know soon she will be moving away. I asked her if she had made plans yet to move to another site. She stated no she hadn't as of yet but that she still had some time in which too move (11 months). She said that she had faith in God that she would find a place. Unfortunately, she had found out after coming back from being in the hospital after breaking a hip that the park had been sold and that she would have to move. She said she hated to leave the trailer that her and her late husband had bought the trailer brand new in 1982 and that they both had lived there together until he passed away several years ago. Because of the trailers age she probably would not be able to have it moved, so at 90 she will literally have to uproot herself somewhere else.

So as we move into March, I take a deep breath close my eyes and look forward to the sun melting the snow still outside my window,  and click my feet together like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and say it will get better, it will get better. 18 days until Spring. The countdown begins.

Showing my Love of Skating

In trying to organize my life recently, I had our main business in one closet and my Dove Chocolate Business in another, organization is usually always a part of our lives in almost each and everything that we do; if we are lucky. I guess that's why I like many other people have gotten somewhat addicted to Pinterest. It gives you an opportunity to have several boards of fun things that either are currently a part of your life or maybe your past life and also something that maybe you have on a bucket or wish list of sorts. that may be important to you and that is fun to share with others.

 Dorothy Hamill-1985

Ice Capades-1979

I came across some "vintage" Ice Capades, Holiday on Ice and World Tour Programs. It was always a time of enjoyment when the Ice Capades or some show was arriving in town.  I guess for skaters this was their version of the circus to some kids. The rush to buy front-row seats was always a highlight so that you might get a chance to be picked by one of the skaters (hopefully someone you might have known and skated with)  especially as a smaller child to ride on ice with them. Although it has been many moons since I have attended any skating event  (2002 was the last event I attended for the first with my niece in Kansas City after moving to MO) and with the Ice Capades disbanding many years ago, unless you go on a cruise ship the shows are almost like dinosaurs--you have to dig to find them.

When I struggle through daily ups and downs to take a little time and thumb through programs and wonder "Where are They Now?" or "The Good Old Days". I feel so blessed to have been able to thumb through this wonderful programs.

If you would like to see more of the programs I have collected go to Pinterest and type in Figure Skating Daze.

Happy New Year--I Think??

Well 2013 got started. We made it through the Mayan prediction of the world ending and the holidays. It's a good thing, right? Last year was filled with smiles and tears, ups and downs, highs and lows you name it and it pretty much crossed my path whatever way it could. Tried to learn to say "NO", Spent money to make money (still not sure if that really worked for me or not).

In the long run as they say "every learning experience should go in the pros or cons category in one way shape or form". Not sure who said that, other than myself but trying to move forward into 2013 with as much caution as possible.

I know there are a lot of people out there that do there work, quietly and without pomp and circumstance. Normally, that would be somewhat the road I would take but I have noticed the older I get the more I need validation that I am still worthy to move along the road I have been given. You notice I don't say "chosen". Frankly, sometimes life isn't always the choices but if its good for everyone involved.

Trying to eat healthier, trying to learn something new, attempting to be kinder to others (that sometimes still seems to elude me lately as every time I attempt to do a good deed on a random basis it ends up backfiring on me not sure exactly why).

I am always listening, looking for that new idea.  No resolutions, there really isn't a point its too hard to follow through with something that is way to unrealistic.

The world has changed and is changing sometimes way to fast.  I only hope that 2013 allows time to get off the merry-go-round for that time when needed and allows me to hope back on and continue through my off-ice skating journey through life :)