Butterfly Visitor

Goalder Photography

A little shameless plug for my daughter Jennifer the photographer. She capture this photographic moment in her yard this weekend and the caption read, "Spring is Here 2014". After I saw the photo I had a quiet "aha" moment in church yesterday like I sometimes do just before the service. I call these quiet moments grandma times. 

When I was little I frequently accompanied my grandma Ruby to church on Sundays. I always enjoyed this time with her and I believe my early beginnings at church helped me to make the decision ten years ago to return to my Lutheran faith.

Recently I have been bringing my oldest granddaughter, Hadleigh to our blended service once a month. She has already shown a desire to sing and learn about Jesus through her pre-school time.

I also thought that the butterfly symbolized my other grandma Edith. April 18th will mark the 12 year anniversary since her passing. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe the visit was her way of wishing Hadleigh a Happy 4th Birthday a little early (April 14th).  Hadleigh and my grandma Edith also share the same middle name (Amazetta).

Unfortunately, neither grandma was able to meet Hadleigh but I think by carrying a little bit of both of them inside she will grow to be a terrific young lady.

Cashews--A Handful of Pleasure

A friend recently posted something on Facebook that I laterally had never heard of before.  Thanks Kristina. The article stated that cashews are a natural anti-depressant.

I know many people don't care for any type of nuts either due to allergies or just the taste. But as long as I can remember cashews have been one of my top nuts of choice. One reason also could be because every time I eat one I think of my grandpa Conner. Some people have dessert, other's maybe an after dinner beverage but his was to sit in his recliner, and reach for the little recycled pork and bean jar with the foil wrapped top and get a handful of his guilty pleasures.

 Now I bet he didn't know back then that a little handful of these nuts was actually a remedy for what ailed him. Gramps was a World War II veteran who kept all the stories inside. The quiet man through the years kept many things tucked deep inside I would later discover. But, those monthly routine visits to the San Pedro Commissary probably did him more good than any of us would realize. He would buy large quantity cans of the nuts to squirrel away in his closet for future indulgence. The price back then was high, not as high today(this 10 oz. bag above was $4.29 at Aldi's) but they were cheaper than apparently a doctor visit for a prescription today.

A friend that worked on the Port of Los Angeles docks one time asked him if he wanted a bag of raw cashews. The process of preparing and roasting was long and he only did it once because they just didn't taste the same to any of us.

It is hard to believe that two handfuls of cashews equals a dose of prescription Prozac.  Hey it works for me!

A few of the amazing benefits are: high in vitamins,  can prevent gallstones (wish I had known that a few years ago), can prevent cancers, helps your hair and the list goes on.

It is probably the only nuts that you don't shell yourself. Due to the toxicity of the outside shell they must be done before roasting and consuming.

As they say you learn from your elders (thanks Gramps) and quoting a Mounds/Almond Joy commercial, "sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't) hey its cheaper than a doctor visit and oh so much better for you. Yummy

Just Another "B" Word

While looking at the various statistics about corporate America you wonder sometimes if women are or will ever be more than just 5 percent of Fortune 500 CEO positions. Are we shooting ourselves in the foot or ignoring the obvious? Every time I think we are reaching the top of the hill, comments, suggestions or opinions get in the way and back down the hill women go.

Several weeks ago Sheryl Sandberg along with Girl Scouts USA CEO, Anna Maria Chavez and former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice launched the "Ban Bossy" Campaign to Empower Girls to Lead Initiative.

On the ABC News piece by Cynthia McFadden, Sandberg the author of "Lean In" wants to ban the word "bossy". She brings up that the negative put-down stops girls from going for leadership roles.

What came to mind first was "Sticks and stones, may break my bones, but words can never hurt me". Words to live by? Not according to Sandberg. Negative shutdowns stop girls from pursuing leadership roles because girls don't want to be called "bossy and don't want to be disliked.

When we look at more statistics the numbers are not positive: Women do 66 percent of the work in the world, they make 10 percent of the income, and 1 percent hold property. Women are 50 percent of the population, 17 percent hold board seats of companies and 19 percent of Congress are women. 2014 and these figures for me are sad.

When I started kindergarten I was one of the youngest in my class. My time before attending school I was rarely around children, mostly adults.  I remember report cards we were got non-traditional letter grades. O for outstanding, G for good, S for satisfactory and N for needs improvement.  I dug my old cards out and every semester through that year I received only Satisfactory and a few Needs Improvements. My two needs improvements were in works independently with others and plays well with others.

Throughout my life I have had my share of disappointments, disagreements, and being disliked. There are many words that can be expressed when describing many women in today's working world. Why not organized, initiators, assertive, ambitious.

In the same interview, Barbara Walters who will be retiring from her long running show this year described how throughout her career as a journalist she has been called "bitchy" and "pushy". She was one of the first to work in a male dominated field and she has conquered the ultimate.

In the interview with ABC  it was mentioned that Warren Buffet, (one of the wealthiest Americans) had made an eye opening and interesting observation. He said,  "he had made it where he is today because he only competed with half the population". Pretty profound on his part but also sad. Would he be where he is today if attitudes had been different?

Bossy is just another word. Sometimes it can hurt, other times people think it is a compliment. Put our big girl panties on and get out their and change things. Maybe to coin a phrase from my 4 year old granddaughter's favorite movie and song right now maybe women should forge on and just "Let it Go".

It's the Real Thing-Spring Break Much Needed Getaway

With all the crazy winter freezing, bone chilling cold weather, you know when it is time for a getaway and I jumped at the chance. The trip was to see my friends who have just recently relocated to Atlanta, Georgia area from Sedalia to which I am still adjusting too, as are they into their new downsized living space.

As I left Kansas City Airport (still a shock to the system to adjust to all the newer security, sad that our society has had to be on our toes on a minute by minute basis) off I went to stop one Milwaukee, WI. Yes to get a cheaper flight you must go to all parts in between to get to your destination. After the layover I was happy to get a row to myself (almost unheard of these days with packed, overbooked flights) I was on my way to Atlanta.

Once at the Atlanta Airport I hopped onto the MARTA train. I have to say of the several I have had a chance to ride (NY Subway, DC, Los Angeles, Atlanta's rail system is clean, quick and easy and the end of the red line led me right too my destination and pick up by my friends).

Our first day out to explore was to the World of Coke Cola Museum.

The approximate two hour tour was well worth the price of admission. Although I rarely drink any coke or soda product as in years past, It was a fun experience trying all the flavors from around the world.  Favorite flavors were from South Africa which had a tropical fruit flavor, England had a ginger ale taste but the absolute worst taste of all was from Italy. If you see a can or bottle of Beverly take a chance but my opinion was that it tasted HORRIBLE!

The museum had a terrific display of memorabilia from the first coke porcelain urn dispenser to the Sochi 2014 Olympic souvenir glasses. Of course I had to take a picture of the figure skating glass.

After the museum we walked through 1996 Olympic Centennial Park. 

Having just recently watched the Sochi Olympics weeks before, this plaque at the bottom of  a statue was something that I think  people, not only athletes should take to heart.

Of course one of the things I truly enjoy about traveling the country is eating at off the beaten path eateries. Friday night Jennifer and Roger took me to a Cajun inspired restaurant in Canton, GA called The Roux. It was well worth the hour plus wait. The place was rather small, but the food was big. The Jambalaya was almost as if you were in New Orleans. Definitely a thumbs up experience.

How fitting that my visit was during the St. Patrick's Day festivities. Saturday morning we decided to take the MARTA to downtown and enjoy the parade. 

After having made several trips on the rail we met a very nice couple from South Africa on the trip. They joined us to watch and they were very interesting to talk too and learn how the weather in Atlanta is not that much different than South Africa. Although they had been living in Atlanta 13 years (they still had the accent). A little bit of MO again popped up in the parade with the Budweiser Clydesdale's being a highlight for the crowd. Also the largest human Irish flag at the end of the parade was a crowd pleaser. After about a two mile walk back downtown down the middle of Peachtree St. we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. Food was delicious and the 80's music that played during our meal was fun.

My second to last day Jennifer and I decided to antique hunt and we found a great place. Just down the street from her was Red Baron's Antiques. 

Jennifer you can't take the dealer out of her.

Early switchboard (way before cell phones)

Apparently after talking to one of the proprietors he said this shop had spearheaded the Auction Kings show.  You name it they had it from vintage cars to a $37,000 bedroom set from a Spanish Monastery.  

Another terrific eatery was Le Bistro in Roswell Provisions at Canton, GA. We had the most wonderful cupcakes, quiche and tea. 

 My last day I was also able to visit a transplanted California friend. We have known each other since we were six and it was so much fun having lunch with her and talking about our lives today. Although we are far apart, Facebook has kept us in touch and I hope that we can try and stay in touch even more now that I have brought her and my other friend together. 

Overall it was a great trip, always nice to get away from the daily routine, glad my friends have gotten back to a life that is a little faster paced then what they have had for the last several years and look forward to exploring Atlanta again. The people were friendly, helpful and a breath of fresh southern hospitality. 

Up a Tree With a Whole Different Meaning

 I had my camping out period back when my son was in Scouting. Those weekend trips where my real first experience of the great outdoors. We would pack up on Friday night, drive a few hours, unpack and sleep under the stars and wake up the next morning at the butt crack of dawn.  His Dad and other parents would fix breakfast and we would start our day in nature. I have to say I really did enjoy those times but camping out is not for me at this time in my life.

Cut to present time.  Recently channel surfing I came across a program on Animal Planet called Treehouse Masters. I have to say, I am hooked!. Pete Nelson started this tree house building empire 30 years ago . Born in Brookhaven, NY his love for building and art was partly inspired by artist Michael Ince.  Over the weekend I came upon his special Ultimate Treehouses-The Roots, where he talked about how tree houses are not what they used to be or where they are going.

A brief overview gave an interesting look back at some of the first tree houses. France's oldest known tree house is build in an old oak tree in Allouville Bellefosse. Struck by lightening in the late 1600's, it still proudly stands today.

The oldest known tree house in the world is located in Great Britian at Stropshire's Pitchford Hall. Once visited by a 13 year old Queen Victoria, this house once a tourist attraction, still strands proud and untouched.

One of the repair projects that Pete Nelson took on stands right in my old back yard in Sherman Oaks, California. Rick Polizzi built a "haunted" tree house in his front yard. Each year he elaborately decorates it for the ghoulish holiday and conducts tours. See pics at hauntedlawn.blogspot.com.

In most of the episodes I have watched of Treehouse Masters, the prices seem to run between $40,000 and $90,000. It all depends on how much your childhood memory turns into an adult reality.

One tree house in the State of Alaska Pete did a repair on was all built with recycled materials and literally put together with just a saw, hammer and nails. After almost 20 years, this tree house can only be accessed by helicopter and has no heat, running water or electricity. This is the true meaning of "back to nature".

As a kid my grandparents had two very large avocado trees in the back yard. I always imagined having a tree house in them, someplace to have personal, quiet adventures. Much like Scouts' brother Jim in "To Kill A Mockingbird" a place to get away and just think, the tree house's of today bring a whole different meaning to up in the trees.

Futuristic tree houses and science fiction, reptilian looking mock ups, many people have a view of what they see in a tree house in the future. Somethings are best left to plain old nature. This kind I don't mind at all.

Sochi Olympics 2014 - We Now Return to Our Regular Scheduled Programming

Well for the last 17 days like many other people I was pretty glued to my television 24/7.  It is not the first Olympics I have watched and probably won't be the last. I usually take time to view both summer and winter games but I am partial to the winter for obvious reasons.

I remember my first  viewing was 1968 when Peggy Fleming won the gold for the U.S. Probably not a surprise to some but that games may have turned out differently if not for the plane crash in 1961 that claimed the team that probably would have competed in 1968. My first introduction to Peggy was one of the first rink shows I went too around this time. Peggy was representing a local figure skating club and was the star draw that year.

Jump to 1976 the year of Dorothy Hamill fever.  Her bright pink dress and her signature haircut (I never could pull off that one) her American Sweetheart looks and rather meek personality still warm people to this day. In a recent Google search of her I found out that each year she has a skater's camp in Arizona. If you have $4,500 you too can spend the week with her and learn the tricks of the trade. What a bucket list item that would be.

In 1984 Scott Hamilton wore the gold medal. Even while he was commentating the evening games this time its love of the sport, spirit and enthusiasm brought a whole different spin to the games. I have to admit his play by play was a breath of fresh air from long time commentating by Dick Button from years past.

Brian Boitano won gold in 1988. It was pretty special to see him skate for the gold. Who would think he is now a television personality on food and design channels.

1992 brought the year of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan drama. Although the skating world is never far away from some sort of drama, Nancy winning bronze that year seemed like a fitting end to a strange year in the skating world. The 20 year revisited piece they did at the closing ceremony coverage was both a little sad and hopefully the end to a still tragic story. Tonya's banning from the skating association was equal to Pete Rose being banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame in my opinion. She was a pioneer in skating, maybe all not for the right reasons but her life struggles are really no different that anyone else. It seems like she is on the right path and although she truly didn't seem as recovered as Nancy who actually took the brunt of the distraction and drama, Nancy still can hit the ice with her head held high.

Tara Lipinski won gold in Nagano in 1998. Pretty much another come out of nowhere from the U.S. did what she needed to do then retired at 15. How many can say that!

One note on the Tara/Johnny duo.  I am pretty sure NBC put them in the mix for a reason. Not just to bring a younger perspective to the commentating and their raw, direct comments on each skater was sometimes a little harsh. The dueling hairpieces and jewelry for me was also a little distracting.  Keeping that on the ice was what I watched for.

The special milestones were also fun. Seeing ice dancers White and Davis get gold was definitely not unexpected. I personally knew from the beginning they were our real only hope for medals this year: honesty. Ice dancing started with easy to intricate patterns on ice to almost having a really difficult time finding the difference unless you really know skating between dance and pair skating. There has definitely become a very small line between the two again in my opinion. But still fun to watch.

Carolina Kostner and Mao Asada had the best programs of the ladies. Kostner's fine lines both on ice and in her costumes were from skating of old. Both skaters put their hearts, souls and sweat into skating. It is especially not often that someone can come back from a 16th place short program and end up in 6th place.  My feeling was that the Russian and Korean skaters were their more for their government then for themselves. Where Yuna Kim skated with very little emotion Adelina Sotinkova skated like the energizer bunny and not a lot of grace. One is set to retire and the other well who really knows if you we  will see her in another Olympic Games with little Yulia Lipnitskaya on her heels. I hope Yulia is someone who we will see in the future.

Skating has and always will be a subjective sport. The scoring is still flawed and more will come out I am sure about it in the coming weeks. Back in the good old days when the score keepers had boxes around their necks with numbers from 0-6 in them and someone would yell "marks" and they would pull out a card in each hand are long gone, but what they have even skaters are having a hard time understanding much less the non-skater. Just when I really got the old scoring down they changed it to something I wouldn't even waste time on. But in a nutshell, Russian won the gold because she started out with more content (jumps, tricks) and her artistic and extras put her over the top and also it helped that she was in Russia.

Overall everything I watched was fun, the back stories in every sport brought tears to my eyes. Disappointed that we didn't get medals in long track speed skating but I am sure they will also go back to the drawing board like all the other sports that competed and see what can be done better. With that we will now return to our regular scheduled programming and our routine lives.

An extra back story to the Olympics experience of 2014 was my three year old granddaughter enjoyed watching and skating around on the carpet that with much pushing from her and my granddaughter got me back on the ice after a 5 year hiatus. It wasn't for very long, and it was on a very tiny rink, I didn't do any "tricks" but the smell of refrigerant put a thought that maybe I might try and get to a rink more often. This old elephant hasn't forgotten how to skate.

You Say Goodbye and I'll Say Hello

It seems to me the last several weeks for me has been a full schedule of this. Some good and some sad.  With a not so welcome hello our bitter cold weather seems to continue forever and added too it snow came hand in hand with it. I think the older most people get the less tolerant some get with it not only joint wise but also some of us do not do well in hibernation mode. But, unfortunately Mother Nature has her own mixed up plan and the ground hog extended winter by at least six weeks for most around the country. For my west coaster's the rain dancing must have paid of finally.

It hardly seems possible that the Beatles celebrated their 50th Anniversary together this week. Although, only two are left, their music will live on forever for many people. I was too young to really remember anything from the British invasion but I do have one Beatles album tucked away in my eclectic collection. Thanks grandpa for that one. Over the years I have enjoyed several of their top songs but probably my favorite is "Yesterday". The words to it probably are more prolific for me personally now more than ever.

For those who watch late night television an icon bid farewell. Jay Leno said nighty night for the second time. This time what seemed to be on his own terms. I never watched Johnny Carson growing up and really didn't start watching Jay Leno until about 17 years ago. Living on the west coast his show didn't start until 11:30 PST. and I was always fast asleep by then. Until a sudden jolt back in 1994 (Northridge Earthquake) did Jay become my nightly buddy. After the quake I had to have the television on and Jay and I were together for one year faithfully. After we moved I pretty much watched his show almost every night. I guess I felt he was my west coast connection. Also I will admit I did see him frequently when I would skate at the Burbank ice rink. The studio was right down the street and sometimes I could see him driving around in some of his crazy, unique vehicles. I remember once he was stalled at an intersection in his vintage fire truck. People were honking and waving.

 I have watched Jimmy Fallon and he seems to be a good fit for the changing times. Although I do see some similarities. Time will tell.

 Warsaw Dam 2009

My last physical goodbye isn't truly a goodbye forever though. This past week I said see you later, to a good friend.  We have been friends for 6 1/2 years, and although we won't be just down the street anymore social media and the traditional phone call will be our way of keeping the lines of communication and our friendship alive.