One Hot Day's Cool Retreat!

In an effort to escape the sweltering Texas heat, most folks opt to stay indoors.  But, inevitably, cabin fever sets in, and, pandemonium is abound!  I'm here to tell you, if your air conditioner goes out on you, it may take a few days for the Air Conditioner service to come knocking at your door with relief!  In the meantime, the nearest motels are capitalizing on your misfortune...that is, if you can even score a room during  summer vacation time on a moment's notice.  And, if you need to bring your pet, be prepared!  $50.00 minimum per night for a pet!  AAGHGH!!!

*  I guess you have figured out, that I've been through all of the above this past summer.  It did double duty on me, my patience, and my pocketbook!  But, I got through it with positive determination and a new Air Conditioning guy (hugs to you, Clarence)!

***  

One rather hot July day, I felt I had to get out for a while, and, the grocery store just wasn't going to do it for me!  I needed something different to look at instead of tomatoes and baby back ribs!  I wanted to find an antique store to browse through, somewhere in Fort Worth.  Well, after searching the internet, I didn't have much luck finding anything that is still operating.  But, as I came across one name in a familiar area, I set out to see if I could find it.  No luck there, however, I ventured into the parking lot of a strip mall that was at one time a real hot spot with shops and cafés.  I saw a large sign atop one of the shops that read Flea Market!

* The rest is in the eyes of the beholder!

The following photos were taken by Suzanne
~July 2016

  

Well, you get the idea!  This was a very large, indoor Flea Market, and so well cooled.   Although I didn't find anything that I just couldn't live without, I enjoyed browsing through the multitudes of items.  They even had a kitchen where you could order burgers, or other foods that were prepared and cooked right there.  It was just what the doctor ordered for me!  New, friendly faces, and all kinds of neat stuff to look at in a very cool place!

*** So, if you're ever in a fever, and need to get out for a while, look to your nearest Flea Market for new faces and exercise.  Who knows...you may find something you just can't live without!

***
Here's how my little Scootie handles the heat.   
"Oops, Grandma...I didn't mean to get wet!  I was just trying to move the sprinkler!


~July 20, 2016 

Giving thanks to:
Google
Blogger
Yahoo
Scootie

***
* I'm sending Hugs, and, a special thanks to you, my dear readers for taking the time to stop by and check on me.  If you get the chance, step in and say hello! 

No excuses...don't be shy!  
♥♥♥ Be Safe, and Be Kind ♥♥♥

When September Comes Calling!

~ photo by Rusty * Fort Worth, TX * September 4, 2016

The month of September is my New Year's month-my January, so to speak.  I always feel newly energized during this time of year, inhaling a new perspective on life.  September brings with it all of the exciting events that lead us to the year's end.  I heard that!  You ask (rather loudly too), " Year's end is practically on TOP of us! Can't you wait until the end of December to dredge this up?"  Yeah, okay, I'm not a New Year's resolutionist...albeit, I use September to regroup, just as we had to when we were children, anticipating the new school year.  I have written about this before...somewhere during my early blog days!  So, as it goes, even though you know most of the kids who will be in your class, you haven't seen many of them all summer, and, OH, how we could change in just 3 months!  You know, the boy who kissed me goodbye at the end of my 7th grade year, (1st kiss) didn't even know who I was in my 8th grade year!  So, we move on, don't we?  And, on to a new year with new clothes, new teachers, and, some new friends!

"I remember when you leaned in quick to kiss me,
and I swear that not a single force on earth
could stop the trembling of my hand."
~unknown

And, now, in my adult life, I do look back and, how I smile and laugh!  I am so glad that the Septembers of my youth have served as stepping stones, still guiding me through life, refreshing my outlook, and sending me those bright colors of Autumn!

As we move through this special month, we will expect our weather to change drastically!  Well...I'll have you know that in Texas, September's weather stays pretty much the same as August.  Wishing and hoping, huh?

  ***
* Labor Day, September 5
Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century, to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.
Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894.
 
Noon hour at the Cannery, Indianapolis 1908

***
* 911 remembrance day, focuses on the September 11, 2001 al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on the United States, that killed over 3,000 people, and injured many others.   Targeting the World Trade Center in New York City, The Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a field in Pennsylvania, these tragic events left much devastation, and destruction, affecting the whole world.



***
* Moving on to September 16, we will see the Harvest Full Moon brightly gracing our skies!  This is the full moon that is closest to the Autumn equinox, providing a brighter light under which to harvest corn, squash and beans.  Being a brighter moon, the farmers can work later into the night.

~Full Harvest Moon


***
Autumn begins September 22

***
Okay, it's probably time to wrap this session up.  I really enjoyed stopping by for this little chat, and, sharing our review of September happenings.  It does kind of give you a feel for a refreshing change of pace, doesn't it?  Thank you so much for stopping by, and please say hello if you get the chance.  I hope you all are doing well, and, I would love to hear from you!   

I also must thank:
Google Chrome
Yahoo images
Rusty
Scootie
Chloe

***
If you're wondering who Scootie is, well, he's my sweet little grandson.  He is in the second grade this year, and loving school.  Chloe is my darling little great niece who resides in Kearney, Missouri.  She has entered the first grade this year, and is also having a great time.  Blessings and best wishes to these two precious children!


~Scootie brushes up on study skills with Grandma's guidance!
 * August 2016 * photo by Grandma



~Chloe is ready for school life!
* Photo by her mom *  August 2016

* As always, be safe, love, and laugh a lot.  See you next time! ♥

The Thing About Reading

Photo by Suzanne *  May 2016
Bookmarks designed and printed at The KardKorner

How many of you like to read?  Well, that's an overwhelming response if I ever saw one!  Because if you answered my question, it was probably an "all hands up" response!  It's a given...we know that reading is an essential part of our daily lives, and, begins in our childhood years.    
Reading is a necessity, conducive to our survival, kind of like a life feed.  And reading opens up our imaginations to an endless world of knowledge.  I'm sure you all try to picture a scene that you're reading about, in your mind, to live the events of the story as it unfolds.  I certainly do-sometimes a scary scene will spook me, and, I have to close the book for a while!

*  Uh-Oh!  You caught me in the act! *

The definition of 'read' from dictionary.com cites that it is to look carefully, so as to understand the meaning of something written, printed, etc., ie as to read a book, to read music.

Reading is a necessary tool one utilizes to achieve particular life goals, such as, furthering education in order to secure a desired occupation.  

We lose ourselves in books...we find ourselves there too!  How about entertainment, relaxation, and happiness?  You BETCHA!

To me, it doesn't matter what you read!  I truly believe anyone can learn something from anything he or she reads!  Not only does reading increase your vocabulary and spelling skills, it teaches you how to incorporate these new skills into your own daily situations.  And, guess what?  You didn't even realize you were learning!  You were just having fun!  Don't listen to "what's his name", who says, "Don't just read the easy stuff.  You may be entertained by it, but you will never grow from it."  I say, you CAN learn from the easy stuff-I did!  The easy stuff inspired me to go on and read the harder stuff!  I know, I know...Stephen King's material just doesn't come across as 'the harder stuff'.  

But, here's what Mr. King has to say on the subject:


* "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time (or tools) to write.
Simple as that!" *
~Stephen King

And, here we are, dear readers!  Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere!

Just remember these tips:
1.  Read anything that interests you
2.  If you're not sure, try something new, because
 you may be surprised at what really interests you.
3.  Believe it or not, reading does further your education.
4.  Read to yourself, read to each other, take turns reading in a group.



It's Gratifying!

Gosh, seems like I've rambled on forever!  I do hope you all got a little something out of this post, maybe a laugh or two?  

I do want to stop and thank:
Blogger
yahoo images
Stephen King
dictionary.com
*

And, I especially want to thank you, my gracious readers for taking the time to stop by and visit.  If you get the chance, please say Hello!  I accept any hellos.

***
Have a fun Labor Day weekend, but,
Be safe, love and laugh!  See you soon!