Camouflage

The owl is there, can you see it?   It looks like part of the tree but it is  there hooting away .   There were several more pictures of owls hidden in the trees but I just couldn't get them to come up.   Sometimes the pictures come up without a second thought, and then there are times that they just do not.   Sad, because I wanted you to share in the fun of camouflage . . .first you see it and then you don't....and the owls and trees are perfect subject matter.   Oh well, one came up so we will have to have fun with it.  when you look at the tree closely you can find hidden faces of other owls but it is only the bark and the shadings of the tree itself.     I see an eagle and a squirrel a cat with its tail in the air . . . so  much fun to use your imagination.  What does our dictionary have to say about 'imagination' . . .
The power of the mind to form a mental image or concept of something that is not real or present.  The ability to confront and deal with reality by using the creative power of the mind, resourcefulness.  An unrealistic idea or notion from reality, fancy.  A plan or scheme .  A traditional or widely held belief or opinion.   I can see how camouflage is a great tool for the imagination.   

So today, hump day, a powerful day to use your imagination.   Don't be afraid to let your imagination have full reign.   It is a wonderful tool to changing ones attitude.    You are never bored when you can look at the clouds and find all kinds of interesting scenes and creatures to admire.   You can conjure up fairy tales of your very own.    You will never see a rock formation or a tree that you will not find some wonderful scenes , faces and traces of magic.   Go outside today and take a walk and if you think about it take your camera with you.    What a fun time you will have really looking at objects to catch in the eye of your camera.     I remember when daughter Patricia was in high school and the art teacher, a young man with imagination, had them go out with their cameras and take pictures that had to do with the alphabet.   It wasn't an easy task but the outcome was phenomenal.     Letter showed up in strange and wondrous places like 'o' in the basketball hoop;   or 'w' on an old broken fence.   It took awhile to go through the alphabet but they did it and used their imaginations with gusto.  

Your today is what you  make it.    Have a wonderful day using your imagination .    Take a chance that you have the ability to 'confront and deal with reality by using the creative power of the mind, resourcefulness.'  Know you will have a memory building day and will want many more of them in your future.     It is very good for the mind, the heart and the soul.    I am sure you will smile , grin, chuckle and laugh out loud before the day is over.    Get going the day is young.   Hugs to all.

Dahlias



Here is a mother and child made out of dahlias , a float in the annual Zundert, Netherlands annual parade, much like our Rose Parade in  Pasadena, California.   They only use dahlias and they build huge gravity defying sculptures and have been doing this since 1936.   I wish I could have put on all of the pictures that came in on the attachment as they were awesome.  The little town is crowded with over fifty thousand people coming from all over the world to see the parade.    An amazing feat and well worth the trip . . .um . . . well, I'd like to go.

We had a few words from Erin and Donaleo.  Their host family, mother, son and grandmother fed them awesome meals and spent one dinner discussing 'nonas' or grandmothers so now I know why my ears were burning.    They 'saw' Rome, no details as yet but hopefully pictures will follow soon.   They leave Rome for Tuscany and more adventures.    It reminded me of a quote "twenty years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn't do, than by the ones you did . . .Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."  Mark Twain . . . So Erin and Donaleo enjoy the 'sail' as you follow your dreams and remember 'home' is where the heart is.    

So today, do a little dreaming of your own.   Start saving for a trip to where you would love to go and then do it.   It sometimes takes more time to make it work, but persistence will do it every time.    It is one of the 'things' in life that you never regret and that is traveling to places where you meet new people who do not always speak your language but they do have smiling eyes and make every effort to reach out and make friends.   I remember being in a department store  at one of our stops, think it was Germany, and  I wanted to buy a birthday card but there were all kinds of cards and all kinds of writing but not in English.   A lady shopper  who did not speak English and of course I didn't speak German, so I smiled, touched her arm and sang Happy Birthday .  She grinned and handed me some cards.    There are just some tunes everyone knows.   So be of good cheer, pick a place and save for a trip of your life time.    "The Heart of Europe" tours are really great and you get to visit the highlights and it gives you faces and places you will always want to revisit. . . but, there are more places and faces so choose wisely and give yourself a special education.    Just talking about it makes me want to pack and go.   Oh to be young, to be rich, to be on the road again will Willy singing in my ear.   Go!!!  make memories as they stand you in good stead later in life.   Don't forget to pack your smile and keep a hug or two handy.   Hugs to all.  



New

A new polar bear peeking out from mother's hug.   It looks like it is getting a tongue wash and from the expression on its face, I'd say it must feel pretty good.    
Speaking of new, it is a new week, half way through January already.    We have a break in the weather and son John made it to the Sacramento valley and is heading up into the Sierras where he will stop and say hello to his brother Mike before heading east.    I hope the weather holds out for his long drive.  He has his camera with him so I am hoping for some interesting shots to share.   
Today is eye check up day so I'm off to an early appointment.    Think about having your eyes checked just in case it has been awhile.    I'm due for new glasses I'm sure, wonder what 'they' are wearing this year...dark lens?   light?  round?  square? on the nose?  I'm about to find out.  What I'd like is a cure for 'dry' eye;  why it is called that when your eyes water and weep constantly is a wonder.   I was shopping at Freddys yesterday and there is something in the air within that store that starts my eyes to water up.    I met up with Maggie and she saw my weepy eyes and wondered if I was alright....I told her I was crying over the high prices...it gave her a good laugh.   She thought it wouldn't be long before she would look at her food bill and cry right along with me.    
Make your new week a memorable one.    Think of what you can do to help yourself and save a little help for your family and friends.    Remember verbal hugs are important.   Share a few today and you will be amazed at how 'good' your day will be.    Hugs to all. 

Midnight Musing

I just finished reading a Christmas letter, a Special Story, reminiscent of words spoken and written by Irma Bombeck before she died of cancer a few years ago.    I was thinking that it was written for the 'old' folks, but it should be read by the 'young' folks as it will give them a bit of incite to what it is like to become a senior member of society.    Everyone gets there sooner or later, but the young folks do not take the time to understand what is , or has, happened to their older family members and their friends.   It is LIFE and one day they will have to apologize as they find out what aging is all about and they didn't understand .  Maybe this letter will help avoid the same pitfalls we challenged so many years ago when we didn't want to hear or listen to the 'old folks'.
The letter reads: "I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly..As I've aged, I've tried to be kinder to myself and less critical of myself.  I've become my own friend..I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, mowing the lawn or for buying silly things I don't need, but they look so great to me, so I am entitled to a treat, to be messy and be extravagant, if a trinket or a silly purchase draws my attention.
I have seen so many dear friends leave this world too soon;  before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
It makes no difference to anyone else if I read, watch T.V. or play the computer until 4 A.M. and then sleep till noon.  I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's 60's and 70's, and if I ,at the same time, wish to weep over lost loves of my family.  I will walk the beach in a swimsuit that is stretched over a bulging body, and dance in the incoming waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances of the jet set. 'They too will get old'.  I know sometimes I am forgetful, but there again some events in my life are just as well forgotten.  Eventually I will remember only the very important things. 
Sure over the years my heart has been broken.  How can a heart not break when you lose a child or loved one, or when a child suffers, or even a beloved pet gets hit by a car, or dies of some disease or cancer.  But broken hearts give us strength and understanding and compassion.  A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into the deep grooves on my face.  So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair turned silver.  As you get older, it is easier to be positive.  You care less about what people think, I don't question myself anymore, I've earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste my time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.
I shall eat dessert every day if I want.  cook a full course dinner even if most of it is wasted, or I can give it away.  I shall put my hair in a ponytail or put on a hairpiece and get on the floor to exercise even if it takes a little time and effort, to stand on my feet.  I will keep trying.  yes, I may slow down, but I will keep going and be proud when I accomplish what I am striving to do.  My friends who are my age are all met by the same confrontations.  There is no need to look back, as the future may hold some wonderful surprises and blessings.  May our friendships never come apart, especially when it comes straight from the heart."

A nice letter, a letter to make us smile and to think about who we are and what we do accomplish as we age, and hopefully a message to the young ones to take the time to take care of themselves now as they start to age so that when they get to the high point of their lives they will be in good shape for the shape they are in and love every minute of it.    I hope they reach a 'fine' old age and have a smile in their eyes, love in their hearts and remember the message from the old folks.     Hugs to all.

Cold

Now here is a mom you wouldn't want to fool around with.   That is a cute cub sitting on her back.    You can bet she is very protective of her baby.    I like their fur coats and smiling eyes, or are they?  I wouldn't want to get to close to find out.     



Truer words were never spoken.    I have a comfortable chair and a good book going.    I am reading a Tom Clancy book for the first time.  I've stayed away because he is so technical in his writings but so far I have been able to hang in there and enjoy the story.   If he gets to technical I can always skim . . . I'm good at that . . . but, I am hoping it is a good story and I can cuddle up in my chair and wile away a few hours today . . . Sunday all day.



The Second Amendment is getting a lot of attention these days.    Gun control . . . an age old problem.   We need to be able to protect ourselves against an enemy, but do we have to have assault weapons to do it?    I personally think assault weapons should be used by our military men and women in war zones.   If you own a pistol or a rifle and someone breaks into your home to harm you, kill you, or steal your prize possessions, then shoot them but make sure you do the job right or you will most likely be sued to pay for medical expenses .   The scenario should not be; life is for the living and we should all be doing that...living.  We should be able to obey ten little commandments that would make life a joy instead of a sorrow.    How foolish we are not to pay attention to the Golden Rules that could make our lives a heaven on earth instead of the hell it is.



Debt, we are all in debt up to our eyeballs . . . trillions . . . I never heard that word before and cannot imagine owing a dollar of it.    Our current President loves to spend money as he says one thing and does another.    Vacations, trips, uses his Vice President, Joe Biden, to front for him while he goes on like there isn't a care in his world....there isn't...it is in ours.    It seems like it is time to hire a 'bookkeeper' and get the books straightened out, fire the chief spendthrifts and start living within a budget . . . budget a nasty word to our leaders, haven't had one in four years and that must be a new record.    There is an old adage about 'going to hell in a handbasket' . . . we are on our way.   
So today, do a little thinking about what is going on and start thinking about what you will write to your Congressional leaders.  Remember to add 'constituent' behind our name as that has a bit of clout;  they are up for reelection you know.    Some one use to say, 'out with the old, in with the new as it takes them awhile to get to know how to put their hands in our pockets' so give it a little thought and know you will have a chance to make changes in the future...hopefully men and women who will turn the tide and make America strong again.  Meanwhile life is for the living, so live a little today and do it with smiling eyes and spread a hug or two around.      Hugs to all.   



Pics



How about this for an idea for an  outside cooker;  great. . . all you need is a good size log and get to work.   Now do we get a slow burning log or a fast burning one . . . no temperature control, so will we have burned food or not . . um . . . maybe a cedar log would do the trick;  think I'll stick with my outdoor cooker although this does have so much appeal.   



Another mother and baby to admire.   Stripes, stripes, my eye balls are spinning, but worth it as the two are really beautiful. 



A young lady artist was doodling on her hands in boredom when all of a sudden she got an idea for new art and she came up with body art.   Pretty fancy stuff . . . hope it washes off.   Fun to look at but not my cup of tea.   I like my art on canvas and framed.



This makes me wonder where we can go to get exempted from the Obama care package.    It is scary as there is supposed to be a panel of twelve to decide on octogenarians and the like;   the doctors will have to decide whether we can or cannot have treatments...I'm sure they will say no to open heart surgery, or new knees, thinking 'at our age' we don't need to keep up with the world in general and even if this was right, it is frightening to think Big Brother rules the roost and we are so expendable. 

The majority of seniors have worked a life time, paid their insurance premiums for sixty years or better.   They earned their social security by paying into it along with their employers.   They followed the rules of the road, paid their income taxes without cheating and lived life the "American Way" but that is changing and they are being cheated out of a life time of paying their way.    It is a dishonor to these senior members of our society who are being penalized for being upright citizens.    Obamacare was passed by our leaders without taking time to read what was in the bill.    The surprise are going to come one right after the other and it wont be just the senior members who will pay a price.   Time will tell.

Meanwhile you have a weekend to find places to go and things to do.    You worked all week, so it is time to relax and catch up with yourself.     John is leaving this week and it is going to be very 'empty' around here.   I will miss him and have high hopes he will return soon again; maybe by Easter . . .hopefully.    Meanwhile I get my TV back and can watch my news and fore go "Bones" and I can get back to my light easy meals instead of the wonderful scrumptious crab feasts, turkey dinners and trips to Pancho's or the Hungry Clam.  I might loose those five pounds I regained, if I work hard.    All in all, no matter what, I am going to be very lonely with an empty house even if I can do whatever I want all by myself. . . . it is so much more fun to have my children here, for a day, a week or a month . . . what can I say, I enjoy their company, the hugs, the time we share and I wouldn't have it any other way.   So start planning a visit with your family members and don't forget the hugs and smiles.     Hugs to all.   

Kings of the Sea



"Now hear this, there will be no more shoving and barking. . . listen up!!"

"Listen and Learn!! "

Are you talking to me?     who is that big tall guy with the camera.  He's getting awfully close!



"Those on the barge think they rule the roost...listen to them barking...sound like a pack of dogs.   Oh, oh.....you fell off....so......you can't take up all the room"





Our day trip yesterday was to Crescent City, the Harbor and the wonderful Fish and Chip restaurant.  John had his new camera and took some pictures for his blog.   I stole a peek and thought they should be shared on my blog....he agreed....and here they are.     The Sea Lions are huge, fat, barking animals and they are close knit.  They juggle for space and it has been known one tosses the other into the sea without so much as a 'how do you do?';    they manage to climb the huge rocks and sit up on the tarmac of one of the parking lots.   One of these days they will probably realize if they cross the street they will be on the ocean side and on the beach where they can go play in the waves.    It really is fun to watch them.   Yesterday there was more than one making a barking noise , a rather catchy tune to them, we would need ear muffs after awhile.

I love to watch them.    If you come this way remember to stop for fish and chips and a look at these wonderful specimens.     So ugly they are beautiful.    Hope you are having fun today.    Keep smiling!  Hugs to all.