Won't be this year....

The King has been working on his project,

the 47 Ford pickup.  I talked about it about

2 or 3 years ago...  

We had hoped to have it done in time for

the Lost in the 50's parade...but sadly we

aren't ready...  As the old saying goes,

the devil is in the details.. And that is where

he is at now. The engine runs fine.. the

transmission is running well, too.   The

body is on and painted.. the wiring is 98%

done.  He has the wiring up to the dash to

go.

He has the carpet to lay. He has the boards

(cardboard like) to put in on the walls. He

as the insulation done.   He has the gear

shift he just got in the mail, to install.

But he does have the bed in the box..and

as you can see, it looks great.  He has the

running boards all done.  And the seats are

out for being upholstered.  Hopefully get

them back in about 2 - 3  weeks..

But the Lost in the 50's is in 2 weeks.. so

no way, he is going to get it done.

The good news is.. our grandson moved back

from Hawaii and has been very active in helping

the King get things done.  It has been a great

project for the two of them.

The King would like to have the truck in

next years, with everyone one in the truck

that helped. 3 sons, 1 grandson...  As if it

wasn't for all of them.. the truck would not

be painted, wired, and etc.

So here is the pictures of the box bed and

the running boards and his new wheels.

So many books, so little time..

I use to read a lot.. It was nothing for me to

be sitting up at 2am to finish a book because

I had to know how it ended.  Even though

I had to get up at 5:30am, to get the kids

breakfast started and get them off to school.

Even then, I would be stirring the oatmeal

with a book in the other hand.

I loved mysteries, for some odd reason,

submarine stories and mostly comedy.

I love to read biographies as well. My

mother got me hooked on Stephen King.

I loved Patrick McManus, who made me

laugh.. He writes about fishing and hunting

as a kid and as an adult.

When I started working in 1986, my

reading slowed way down. I just couldn't

stay awake.  I worked from 5 am.. leaving

the house at 4am. Which meant I was up

at 3:30am... And got home by 3pm.

Was in bed by 8:30pm. 

Even in later years when I switched from days

to afternoons, there wasn't any time to read.

Home by 11pm.. Bed by midnight.. up at 8 or

9.. off to meetings at 1 and work at 2pm.

Noc shift wasn't any better. With split sleeping.

Bed by 7am.. up at noon for meetings, Nap

at 5pm.. up at 8:30 and to work by 9. 

So over those years I collected books that

I would read "someday".  Mostly in mind was

when I retired.  I read some on vacations..  or

if I ended up with a long weekend every 6

weeks.  But the books kept piling up in the

bookshelf.  And when I retired, I still had a

hard time taking time to read.  I carry books

on trips, to the Dr. office while I wait and etc.

So this year I have tried really hard to make

a dent in my collection.  I have gave a lot of

them away.. Some I lost interest in, or got

them read and passed them on.  And to add

to that, I bought a Nook, and get some books

on that as well.  That I can read in the car at

night. But that adds to the list of the books to

be read.

Ah, so many books and so little time. And I

find that I don't read as fast as I use to.. dang.   

My mother once said that she could go anywhere

she wants and see anything she wants, thru

books. 

A taxi driver I am not..

Yesterday, I spent half the morning and half

the afternoon, taking the King around trying

to find a chiropractor.  First we were giving

the wrong address and the info there, was the

guy was gone until the 17th.  (note on the door)

Went 5 miles north to the old one that the King

went to.. that is now a dental office.  So back

into town, to another one we knew..  Note on

the door.. closed for that day and two more..

Back home... (4 miles).

Looked up ones in the phone book.. Which is

kind of a joke as a lot of doctors are using

wireless, and not listed in the phone book we

have that is local..  So looked in the 'LOCAL

PAGE BOOK'..   found 3 local..  One of which

was the original dr. with the correct address..

not the one we went to.. but no answer, left

message, also saying going to see about

another dr. .

Found one closer and got an appt. at 2:45.

After he hung up, the original dr. called back

but the King said he found someone.. Which

was ok with the dr. as HE had an appointment

with his DOCTOR. lol.. 

At 2:30 took the King to the dr.  Then home,

then he remembered he an an appt. with the

guy who is doing his seats for the pick up truck,

and back into town.. we go.

Nope, a taxi driver I am not.. lol..

So why was I driving??? because the King's

back was hurting so bad, he was hunched

over.  Doing better now.

  

Are we in summer yet?

As my neighbor and I were busy mowing our lawns and weed

whacking.. he yelled over the fence.. is this early for summer?

With temps of high 70's (80's in some areas) and the grass

growing fast... it sure feels like it...

But we both remember it was just a few short years ago

in May, that we had a foot of the 5 feet of snow we got

over the winter.. AND it was still snowing an inch every

couple of days, with rain thrown in for the mix.

So to be mowing for the 4th time in 2 weeks.. this was

unusual... but last year was like this too.  So this becomes

a wonderful but scary times. 

We enjoy all the warmth.. but looking back at last year

where we had fires in the states all around us.. and

some in our own state, just a mere 30 miles away as

the bird flies.  We pray for rain off and on.

But for now the bar-b-ques are leaving lingering smells

of good food in the air... and sitting out drinking coffee

early in the morning.. while reading the paper, feels

good. 

To my children...

25 REASONS TO LOVE YOUR MOTHER

1. I  taught you all TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.

2. I taught you all  RELIGION.
'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

3. I taught you all  about TIME TRAVEL .
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of Next week!'

4. I   taught you all  LOGIC.
'Because I said so, that's why.'

5. I taught I taught  MORE LOGIC .'
If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not goingTo the store with me.'

6.I mother taught me FORESIGHT.
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. I  taught me IRONY
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. I  taught you all  about the science of OSMOSIS
.'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. I taught you all about CONTORTIONISM .
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck?'

10. I  taught you all  about STAMINA.
'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

11. I  taught  you all about WEATHER.
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. I taught you all about HYPOCRISY.
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13. I taught  you all  the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. I  taught you all  about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father!'

15.  I taught you all  about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't
Have wonderful parents like you do.'

16. I  taught you all  about ANTICIPATION
.'Just wait until we get home.'

17. I  taught you all about RECEIVING .
'You are going to get it when you get home!'

18. I taught you all  MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.'

19. I  taught you all  ESP.
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. I  taught you all  HUMOR
'When that lawn mower cuts off your foot, don't come running to me.'

21. I  taught you all  HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22. I  taught you all GENETICS.
'You're just like your father.

'23. I  taught you all  about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

24. I taught you all  WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favorite: (and this my favorite..)
I  taught you all  about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, I hope they turn out just like you.'

And don't forget to call your mother in law on Mother's day.. because

if she is the one who gave you ..... your wonderful spouse... 

for your Mother's day enjoyment.

I HAD THE MEANEST MOTHER OF ALL

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids
ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal or eggs and toast. When
others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich.
As you guess, my supper was different from the others kids’ too.

AT LEAST I wasn’t alone in my sufferings. My sisters and two
brothers had the same mean mother as I did. My mother insisted
upon knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were on
a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were at all times, and
what we were doing. She insisted if we said we’d be gone one hour
or less, we would be gone one hour or less, not one hour and one minute.

I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually punished us. Not
once, but each time we did as we pleased. Can you imagine someone
actually punishing a child, just because he disobeyed? Now you can
begin to see how mean she really was.

THE WORST IS yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine each
night and up early the next morning. We couldn’t sleep till noon
like our friends. So while they slept, my mother actually had the
nerve to break the child labor law. She made us work! We had to
wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things.
I believe she laid awake at night thinking of mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon our telling the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth, even if it killed us. And it nearly did.

By the time we were teenagers, she was much wiser and our life
became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn on a
car for us to come running. She embarrassed us no end by making
our dates and friends come to the door to get us. I forgot to mention,
while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 or 13, my old
fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 18.
Fifteen, that is if you dated only to go school functions, and that was
maybe twice a year.

MY MOTHER WAS a complete failure as a mother. None of us has
even been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my
brothers served his time in the service of our country. And whom
do you have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You’re
right, my mean mother.

Look at the things we missed…we never got to march in a protest
parade, nor to take part in a riot, burn draft cards and million and
one things that our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God-fearing,
educated, honest adults.

Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my children. I stand
a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean.
Because, you see, I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the
whole world.

From Party Line = KUTI RADIO, Yakima. Wa. 1976

And just for the record.... my kids will tell you that this essay is
about me.

Senior Citizen Social hours...

It is that time again... the Senior Citizen

Social hour or hours..

That is what we call our visits to the doctors

of many types.  Even the vet.

You sit there in a room, waiting your turn.

Some times with blank looks on our faces.

I bring a book or my nook, if I remember.

Or read their year old magazines.

Or some times and it is most of the time..

you end up visiting with the people who are

also waiting for their turn.  And there comes

the term social hours.

Seems after the age of 60, every things

seems to start falling apart.  The worn

parts.  There is the failing of the eyes,

so off to get new glasses..  ..

Read the bottom line he says.. I start to laugh

there is a bottom line?  All I see is a white light

and black and grey areas.  He asked if I drove

there. I said no, my husband did.. 'whew, he

said, I just didn't want to be on the road with you."

Told him I could read the top two lines, does that

count? 

Then there is the dentist next week for the King.

He has been to the GP doctor about 4 times in

the past two weeks..  Has severe headaches that

came out of no where.. and only behind one ear.

Dr. has no clue why.  So it is trial and error.

He was at the eye doctor a month ago.

And I keep putting off my yearly exam. I feel

fine, if it isn't broke, don't fix it is..my motto.

Besides, I am not good at sitting and waiting.

Then finally they take you back and you sit

and wait another 20 minutes or more.. Can

think of a dozen things I could be doing.

Misty is has been in to the Vet, for surgery and

teeth cleaning.. Has to go back next week for

staple removal.. although she removed one herself.

Yep, being a senior citizen is great... If it wasn't for

Dr. and dentists and eye doctors and vets.. we wouldn't

have any social time at all. 

AND THEN THERE WAS ONE... and a quarter...

I guess Ted Cruz finally got to read the writing on

the wall.  The down hill slope, that was getting

greaser as he went.  The people just didn't like

him..  Well, some did, after all there were people

in the halls where he went.  But the numbers

weren't matching the thrill of the hall.

Too many remember his name in the newspapers

of a year and two years or even three years ago.

When he promoted stopping the government for

a day, when even the other Senators and

Representative did not want to. 

And then there was the Grandpa Munster factor,

too many thinking he looked just like him.. And

I have to admit when i saw him years ago, it was

the first thing that came to my mind.

So now the big question.. after he  out won all

of the rest of the 16 that were there in the beginning.

What will he do with all his delegates?  Will he toss

them to Trump? After all the things he said about

Trump?  Or will he throw them towards Kasich?

After all Kasich seems to be in it for the long haul.

And if Kasich does make head way, will he pick

up the lady for his vp.. or will he figure he can

be Trump's VP.  After all, Trump thinks he is

in charge, but we know from the past, that the

smoky room in the back of the convention hall

is where VP's are made.. But then again.. McCain

chose Palin before that.. maybe he should have

waited. 

As much as I hate to see Sanders slip away,

it looks like Hillary is the push now. Sanders

will stay to the end.. which I am glad. I always

feel bad for the voters who work so hard to get

their guy/gal in at the primaries and caucus to

only be thrown to the side as their guy/gal give

up.  So Sanders owes it to his faithful to stay

to the end.  and faithful they are. They have

showed up at his rallies in droves.. much more

than any other candidate.. even giving Trump

a run in numbers.  So hope the Sanders group

stands proud at the convention and sing out his

name proudly.   Even if it is all just for the looks.

They deserve that.

So with it seriously looking like it is Trump and

Hillary.. unless some one shoots one or the

other or both....  which one are you going to

pick?  I am asking the voters who voted for

anyone BUT Trump or Hillary.  As disgusted

as you are with both, as much as they make

you sick to your stomach...   Who will it be

to get your vote?  Will it be arrogances, egotist,

I don't have a clue how to run a country... Or will

it be another Slick Clinton, who has broken more

laws than a rum runner on crack? 

Or will you write a name in...... or will you write in

what I have done twice before.. NOA.......

NONE OF ABOVE.    


update in the late afternoon.... 
Kasich has dropped out as well.. so it is an open gate
for Trump...   

How often do you judge first....

How often have you walked by and person in the store,

or on the street.. He or she has tattoos all over their arms.

What is your thoughts?  

How about if they have red or green hair.. or even both of them?

What about the person who waits on you at a food place or even

just a regular store? 

Human nature is, we jump to conclusions of what kind of

person they are.  Some have horrible thoughts or even words,

 saying them as if the person isn't even there.

Yet in life, I have found some of the kindest and softest

type of people.. who will go the extra mile for a tiny

animal, or a child...  have some of the wildest tattoos.

Just because it isn't what I would do, I should not make a

judgment.  Yes, as a matter of fact, I do have tattoos.

Two of them..  a butterfly on my shoulder when I was

65... and a turtle when I turn 70.  I don't know why I didn't

at 75.. guess because nothing struck my fancy.

But a body suit of tattoo, just is not me..  They also look

painful.  Just the little ones I got, which were not painful,

but also not filled in with many colors.. so this entails,

a lot of sitting and being patience and pain.. And worse

yet, the itching after.. for days...  Nope, just not for me.

But next time you see someone with tattoos or earrings

on their lip, nose and etc.. try to look pass their art, and

see the person.   Now granted there are some who have

an attitude.. but there is a lot who have an attitude and

don't have tattoos and etc. 

The Post Office....

Why go thru all the trouble of writing down an address?

I sent off a envelope to a church... some how I must have

added too many 7's (as there was a few in the address)

and it came back as no such address... now I have to ask you

if the first two of many numbers are correct and they were..

What part of the name of the church didn't they get???

It was the right highway.. it was the  right block... how hard

is it to figure out.. that was the box it belong in ... in that box

in front of that church?  

This is not the first time.. there was a Christmas card I sent out

to a town.. and it ended up on the west coast of the state, because

I wrote the wrong zip..  what part of the town, did they miss?

Is there a machine that reads these envelopes?  After all with

the church one, that person delivers to that church 6 days aweek.

so they know where that church is...

Now the other one.. if it is a machine I guess they are right. But

when it got to the west coast, I kind of would have thought.. ok

this is not our zip code town... so a quick circle of the town or

if I know zips really well, I could correct the zip and send it on

is way... But nope, they sent it back to me.. with "no address

in this zip area.."   

Wonder if I drop the zip, would that help.. probably not.

The post office service and I are not exactly friends.. they have

sent my packages to Washington state to Pa. and to San Francisco

and the is with the CORRECT zip and correct address.. just a

oops.. ?  not just once but 3 times with in 2 months time.  I have

to put a tracking number on everything I mail.  Which they must

have caught on.. as i was upset that I had to pay $1.05 everytimg

to make sure my packages got to where they were suppose to. Now

they give the tracking number away.

And that says nothing about the time I sent magazine to a friend

Old magazine, .. which some how got out of the heavily taped

(if you ever got a package from me. you would understand)

and then they put in junk mail and forward it on to the person

I had mailed it to. What the heck is that?   I complain but they

don't have the decency to even reply.. even when I sent it by

registered mail. 

I have used my p.o. box number and then place under it..

my zip code, for my return address... after all what other

information do they need?