Memories!

Rusty and Chips

~ photo by Suzanne * Weatherford, Texas * Summer 1985

~"Memory is a child walking along a seashore.  You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things."

* Pierce Harris, Atlanta journal * 

* Best wishes to you all from the KardKorner! *

Thank you for coming by...stop in anytime, and, don't be afraid to say hello!

Please have a safe Memorial Day Holiday!  

http://animated-gifs.org

Sunday And My 100th Post!

~ Roses and Elvis coffee * photo by Suzanne in April 2013

Good evening my dear readers and Happy Sunday (although it's just about over)!  I know this is slightly out of character for me to just POP in and send impromptu messages, but, I just realized that I've been blogging for almost 3 years now...sometime at the end of May (way end of May, the 29th)!  And, to boot, I have written 99 posts!  Most of you have written 500+ posts...so, I thought I could at least hit the 100 mark!

I've really enjoyed this part of my life, in fact, it has brought me much joy, AND, it's FUN!  There are a lot of great things to write about...there are those things just off the top of my head, or subjects that we're all familiar with, but, just need a refresher course on.  A lot of the subjects I've hit on are those that I knew absolutely nothing about!  I've taken on some pretty challenging projects during my blogging career, and, I've also learned a lot from your blogs...it has truly been rewarding!

Well, anyway, I just want to thank all of my readers for sticking with me , even those who are still too shy to stop and say hello!  We all laugh together, and cry together...but, mostly, we GET together and agree to have a grand ole time, each time!
***
Here's what we had for dinner tonite!

here are the fixins'

~and, the finished product!

You're right!!!  German Potato Salad!!!  Actually, these photos are from when I made it last month.  I take photos of some of the foods I fix, and I did prepare it this evening.  This is so good, and, it's a keeper in my house!  It is actually one of Betty Crocker's original recipes, but I use kielbasa sausage instead of bacon, and it suits us, as a complete, one-skillet meal.  A small dinner salad serves well with this dish.

Thanks Betty Crocker!

Ok, gotta go now...work day tomorrow, and the first day of our annual 2013 audit!  It's going to be a tough week, believe me.  Oh, we'll do fine...but it's a tiring and stressful event!

Thanks so much for all of your visits these past few years...I've loved every moment of it!  I feel like I've known most of you for a good part of our lives, and, I hope we can always be in touch!

Be safe...see you next time! ♥ (Wow! Big Heart)

A 'Not-So-Welcome' Break!

~photo by Suzanne * April 13, 2013

Whew!  What a time we've had these past two weeks.  Two weeks ago Wednesday, I phoned Karo from the grocery store to ask if he knew of anything else we needed before I headed home.  "No", he said, "but I've got a big surprise waiting for you when you get home."  I thought maybe he'd gone to pick up our grandson 'Scootie' for a few days.  So, I said, "Does it talk?"  Karo said "no, but it was pretty expensive!"  When I arrived home, and, into the house, I did not notice anything expensive at all, but Karo took me to the dining room window and told me to gaze upon the backyard.

YAH!!!  The massive tree out in the 'back 40' of our property had split down the middle and broke off, pulling down phone lines and electrical lines.  In turn, those lines ripped the post off of the back of our house that houses the electrical lines connected to the breaker box-a mouthful, eh?

So, here's the tree with the break and stuff laying all around it.

A closer look...stuff fell into the broken area? Whaa...?

large limbs, and, more lines hanging around

...then, trailing over the 1968 'Aerosmith' truck * believe it or not, no damage to this truck!

Do they make them like this anymore?  Nah!

And, here's where the pole was 'ripped' from the house!

Of course, it rained after that for TWO DAYS!!!  And, it was hard to get anyone to come out to help.  We were kind of dumbfounded-we had to pinch and shake each other to the tune of "WHAT DO WE DO FIRST!?"  And, NO INTERNET!  But, we did have electricity...actually we were fortunate.  So we got the tree removed first, wow-that hurt the pocketbook!  Karo and Rusty did repair work on the house, getting the underflashing from the roof fixed and the pole securely back in place, but the electricity had to be turned off for these repairs, and a technician had to come back to re-string the electric lines.  They are above ground, and were laying ON the ground! It took the technician, Karo and Rusty, all to hold up and wench the lines back up.   After that, was the wait for the phone company to come back and reconnect the phone-sheesh!!!

In the meantime, I was frantically trying to figure out how to access, at least, my email, from my cell phone!  I have only used that phone to TALK ON! And, I could get to my blog, and, to all of yours...but, I could not get logged on to blogger to say anything-drats, what a nightmare!  Karo has 'hotspot' on his phone, but, we still couldn't get logged on to anything on our computers!  NO...it wasn't the operators!!!☺

Nevertheless, I'm glad to be back...I must say, I've missed you all, and I am trying to get back in the groove and catch up to all your news.  I trust you've all been well, and, have had pleasant weather.  We've had unusually very springy weather-well, I guess you'll need to check in with the garden guru at MyTexasGardens-she'll be happy to tell you all about it-AFTER she's cleaned up her yard from the tree disaster!  By the way, wonder if she knows what kind of tree that was? 

We did get to spend some time with Scootie during the 'tree fiasco', and took him to the park so he could really run wild!

~photo by Suzanne * April 12, 2013

*** Don't you just want to pinch his cheeks, lol? ***

~photo by Suzanne * Fort Worth, TX * April 12, 2013

***

Thank you so much for stopping by...I know sometimes we can't help the events that force us to take a break from our usual fun tasks, and, it's so good to feel that 'welcome back' feeling that lightens the load, and makes it all worthwhile!

I want to take a moment to say that I, a Texas resident, am so appreciative of your prayers and blessings to the folks of West, Texas who have suffered great losses as a result of the explosion at the fertilizer plant.  There was a wonderful and touching memorial for the families and townspeople, at which our president and his wife graciously attended.  The town has amazing strength, and, I believe, with our assistance and prayers, they can rebuild and, persevere. 

***

Please stop and say hello if you get the chance...AND REMEMBER!

"A tree never hits an automobile except in self-defense!

See you next time! ♥

A Perfect Princess!

How many of us girls have dreamed at one time or another of being a princess?  Most of us I presume...I have to admit, I've been a Princess dreamer myself!   Ok...ok, you guys too-have you ever dreamed of being a prince?  How far-fetched is that? But, I'm sure it's true...we've all tried to imagine what it would be like to be some sort of royalty, if any of you are royalty, you'd better fess up! Now!!!

I didn't realize there were so many princesses and princes in our midst, like from, Denmark, Netherlands, Holland, Japan, and, of course, we're familiar with the royalty from the beautiful United Kingdom!  They seem so close to us, and, they let us into their lives! We're included in their fun activities and current news (which is always fascinating!)  Alright, alright-I'll get to my point!  About a week ago an article rolled across my desk into KardKorner territory about a lady who waited most of her life to become a princess!

As the story unfolds, 16 year old Lillian Davies journeyed from her homeland in Wales to pursue an acting and modeling career in London.  She did manage to land some small parts modeling hats and gloves in commercials, and a few small parts in movies.  Lillian could also be seen in some fashion magazines like Vogue.  Once she had landed a few modeling jobs, Lillian dropped the double ll from her name, to just Lilian.  In 1940, she met and married British actor Ivan Craig, who, was then drafted into the British Army after WWII broke out.  During that time, Lilian worked in a factory making radio sets for the British Merchant's Fleet, and, too, in a hospital for wounded soldiers.

Well, dear readers, it seems as tho one 'enchanted' evening, while socializing at the extravagant 'Les Ambassadeurs' night club,  Lilian met a handsome prince! It was Prince Bertil of Sweden, the third son of King Gustaf VI Adolf and Crown Princess Margaret of Connaught. Lilian later invited Prince Bertil to a cocktail party in her London apartment.  After an episode regarding an air raid in her neighborhood, where the Prince fetched her in his car, the two embarked on a relationship that just literally gripped the hearts of the people of Sweden.  It turns out that Lilian's then husband Ivan, too, had met someone, so after just a few years of marriage, Lilian and Ivan amicably dissolved their union to go their separate ways.

Prince Bertil * Duke of Halland

Prince Bertil was stationed at the British Embassy when he and Lilian met, and, he was next in succession to the throne.  However, his relationship with Lilian changed that outcome, and his father, King Gustaf, of course, forbade the prince to marry the divorced commoner. Ironically, Bertil's brother, 2nd oldest Sigvard Oscar...had also been removed from the line of succession, for marrying a commoner.  Prince Gustaf Adolf, the oldest brother, perished in a plane crash, leaving an infant son, who later became King of Sweden.  Consequently, until that time, Prince Bertil had to wait to marry Lilian.  So, for decades to follow, this couple's love remained secret, and they lived together in the French village of Sainte-Maxime, spending some of their time in Sweden.  Oh, the sacrifices this couple made...Lilian stayed in the background in order to keep trouble away from her Prince and the possibility of damage to the Bernadotte dynasty. And, even though their relationship was to be secret, their love and loyalty to each other was well known and lovingly revered by the Swedes.

~Lilian and Prince Bertil

Finally...the infant King Carl XVI Gustaf, came of age, and, granted permission for Prince Bertil and Lilian to marry.  I mean, it's 1976 by this time...Bertil and Lilian were in their 60's!!!  So, the loving couple were married on December 7, 1976 at the Palace Church of Drottiningholm just outside Stockholm. 'Lily', as the prince used to call her, became princess of Sweden! Lilian was Sweden's last royal bride.

~Princess Lilian and Prince Bertil wedding party

Princess Lilian quickly became popular in her station as Duchess of Halland.  Even though the royals weren't readily accepting of her, Lilian's cheerful personality and charm won the Swedes over.  She and the prince were frequently noted for playing golf and  riding around on the prince's motorcycle.  They were the ultimate happy couple.  Lilian also took part in various interests of the prince, representing the royal family at official engagements.  After this lady had been shunned and scorned for more than 30 years, Lilian continued to present herself with grace and dignity.  And, after Prince Bertil passed away in 1997, this princess took on some of his duties, such as attending the Nobel Prize banquets, and, presenting awards for various sports associations.  

 ~Princess Lilian and Ahmed Zewail, laureate in Chemistry 

Nobel Prize winner 1999

In the year 2000,  princess Lilian published her memoirs, and in them recalled, "He was so handsome my prince.  Especially in uniform.  So charming and thoughtful.  And, so funny. 

Oh, how we laughed together."

As her health was failing around 2006, the princess was no longer able to perform some of her royal duties.  Then in June of 2010, Lilian was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and was no longer able to appear in public. 

 

Princess Lilian passed away March 10, 2013 at her home in Stockholm.

She was 97 years old.

~Prince Bertil and Princess Lilian

"If  I were to sum up my life, everything has been about my love."

~princess lilian

Well, ladies and gentlemen, princes and princesses...was this a story after our hearts, or what?  Lilian did not give up her prince, nor, did the prince forsake Lilian for his station in life (aside from agreeing not to marry her).  The couple never had any children, and, Prince Bertil never did become a contender for King, but, he always had his 'Lily'.  It's not too often I have the pleasure of coming across a 'real' fairytail.  I was truly moved and excited by this story, and, I hope you were too!

Thank you so much for coming by...it's a cold and rainy day in Texas (you too, Thisisme?)  Step in, and say hello if you get the chance!  The door swings both ways at the KardKorner!

I did do some research...and want to thank:

yahoo images/yahoo news/yahoo answers

google

http://ibtimes.com

http://www.whoislog.info

http://www.therecord.com

See you soon ♥

WHOA! Snow...

Hello everyone!  Wow...what a week this has been for the midwest!  My hometown, Kansas City, Kansas and the surrounding cities, along with Kansas City, Missouri, and it's surrounding cities, have really been pummeled with a lot of white stuff!  Amarillo, Texas and the Texas Panhandle were also visited by this white wonder.  There have been reports of up to 18 and 19 inches, and possibly more in some areas.  And, everyone has had to dig their way out of their homes and driveways.  My mother couldn't get her back door open for a while the other day.  They finally dug their way out of the driveway in hopes to get to the grocery store...don't you know the grocery stores are busy...hopefully, they're not running out of items because the trucks can't get foods to them!

Here is what I-35 in Kansas City, Missouri looked like yesterday~

And, here we are somewhere around the Texas Panhandle~

A Plum tree in Olathe, Kansas~

Borrowed from a Facebook friend,

 hope you don't mind, June, and, thanks!

My great niece, Chloe!

Kearney, Missouri

Borrowed this one too!  Thanks Erica!

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to you folks who are snowed in and under.  Be safe, and stay warm!  

Thank you so much for stopping by...I just drifted in (lol!) to say hello.  It is cold here in the Lone Star state, and very windy (like who?)  Hope all is well with you.  We've still got sick folks here in Texas, my husband, Karo has been suffering with a cold for a couple of weeks now.  I sure hope he gets better soon!

Thanks going out to:

Google

Yahoo

Facebook

What's this?

~photo by Karo * December 25, 2012 * Fort Worth, Texas

I've just been informed that 'Scootie' has made his way to the Midwest, and, is assisting stranded motorists by pulling them out of ditches and towing them to safety!  

A stand-up guy!!!  Hurry back, Scootie!

So, with that, I'll bid you, my dear readers, a good evening!  

Be safe, see you soon!

Cupid...You send me!

Good day my Valentines!  Here is Cupid at the mailbox, sending his Valentine greetings for 2013.  Wow...that time of year again, when we think about our loved ones (our ROMANTIC loved ones, that is!)  I have to confess, when I was just a girl in school, I always seemed to be minus a boyfriend when Valentine's day came around...why?  Beats me!!! If I did have a special boyfriend earlier in the year, he made sure to break up with me before Valentine's day.  Oh well, so I would go to the Valentine dance in my red dress alone, but, I still had fun!  There was always someone to dance with!

 
So, who is this sly looking chap?

Why it's the 'impish', incorrigible, Cupid!  Cupid is the most popular among the love gods...the Roman god of love, and, is said to be the son of Venus, from Mt. Olympus.  He is also known by other names, such as Eros and Amor, depending on your personal preference.  Cupid was in love with love itself, and believed he could spread this emotion on a whim!  He would use his arrows to capture the hearts of those he felt needed love, and, bring two unsuspecting candidates together.  Nah!  Actually, I think he was a predator, who just hunted around for someone to shoot at.   He used gold-tipped arrows for a positive love result, and lead-tipped arrows that would, later, cause the subject to be repulsed by his or her love.  And, sometimes, Cupid's matchmaking backfired on him!  

In fact, it has been said that Cupid's mother,Venus was behind his misbehavings and, would urge him to shoot a beautiful woman with his arrow, thus, eliminating the competition between the goddesses and the human women!  One such incident caused a major event in their lives, and, an impromptu wedding!  I had no idea Cupid was married...did you?  It seems his mother set him off to shoot his arrow into a beautiful human woman, to send her quickly into some monster's arms.  Instead, Cupid fell madly in love with her, himself!  He just couldn't stay away from her, but, the stipulations of their marriage were rather strange.  I guess, being a human, we would never be allowed to set eyes on one of the Roman gods or goddesses, so, Cupid's wife, Psyche, was not to ever gaze upon him.   Well, curiosity got the best of her, she took a look at Cupid and, he left her.  She wandered about for some time, eventually finding her way to the temple of her 'mother-in-law', Venus.  Venus, still has no love for Psyche and, in an attempt to be rid of her, gives her some tasks to perform.  One such task was to deliver a box to the underworld, and to obtain some of the beauty of Pluto's wife...and, NOT to look in the box!  Oh, WELL,  of course, Psyche could not heed the warning and looked into the box.  A deadly spell was cast over her, and she went into a deep, deadly-like sleep!  Meanwhile, poor Cupid is still madly in love with Psyche and proceeds to go looking for her.  He does find her laying under a tree in the woods (did I make that up?), 
and, in a deadly sleep (this part is true)!


Cupid finds his distraught wife, Psyche

Cupid, upon finding Psyche, captures the deadly sleep from her body, and, returns it to the box.  He forgave her for not heeding his warnings, and, Venus also forgave her-Psyche was then made a goddess.  Cupid and Psyche were allowed to spend the rest of their time together.
Happy ending after all!  

Cupid and Psyche in earlier days

This all sounds a little 'off-the-wall' and confusing doesn't it?  I mean, is this chubby, arrow-wielding, winged, naked cherub the real Cupid?  He is depicted as being a bit mischievous, but, spreads good love throughout the universe!
  Give me a break!  Here's what really happened!

Turns out that in England, the early 1800's, Valentine cards were just being designed, with the United States following later on.  Oh, the cards were lacy with flowers, and, then the cherub was added...sometimes little girl and boy angels kissing, sitting on a heart.  Eventually, the bow and arrow were added, since, Cupid was already well known to have experience in matters of the heart! HA!  And, eventually, the chubby cherub just kind of became our loving Cupid!

***
In reality, Cupid, the Roman god of love, was an adult.  Oh...I know I shouldn't pick on him!  It's not his fault, he had a jealous mother, and, had to perform many 'un-lovable' tasks on her whims!  It seems as though the Roman gods weren't interested in love for happiness, as Cupid's main duty was to make sure that the beautiful human women were not available, and be eliminated from the competition of the goddesses.  I guess I'm still stinging from the last time he shot me, lol!     

Nevertheless, heed my warning!  If you spot the 'REAL' Cupid...should he come knocking on YOUR door...'BOOK 'EM'!!!

***
HaHa...I hope you found this to be not only informative, but, a bit of fun too!  I mean, who knew that cupid was married?  They even lived in a castle, until Psyche disobeyed Cupid's wish that she not ever lay eyes upon him...well, I would have succumbed to the mystery, and, I, too, would have looked at him!  

Thank you so much for heading over this way.  February is such a busy month, what with Abe Lincoln, George Washington, and, acknowledging all of our Presidents!  We kicked off the month with Groundhog day...Shady, did you say he came out and  did NOT see his shadow...meaning, early spring?   Then, there's Chinese New Year, February 10th, year of the snake!  A religious day, Ash Wednesday takes us to Valentine's, Day.  And, then the month wraps up with the full Snow Moon on February 25, 2013.
Phew! Quite a lot on February's plate, n'est-ce pas?

My Valentine thanks to:
Google
Yahoo
Wikipedia
'Cupid', of course!
http://voices.yahoo.com
http://valentinesday.fundootimes.com
http://www.theholidayspot.com

I want to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day...may your love wishes come true!  The KardKorner guru has made a few Valentine cards this year, I have a special one for our grandson Scootie, of course.  And, I hope to find him a fun balloon-'Sponge Bob', you say? And, I do have a card made for Karo...he always finds a wonderful card for me, and a nice dinner out. 

***
So...with that I will leave you, my gracious readers, with this:

"Cupid, draw back your bow,
And let your arrow go-
Straight to my lover's heart for me."

The above verse is taken from a popular song written and recorded by Sam Cooke in 1961.  The Song charted on US Billboard Hits 100 at #17, and, on the UK Singles chart at #7.  Sam Cooke was a popular 1950's and 1960's gospel, R&B, soul & pop singer/songwriter.  
He was known to some as 'the man who invented soul'.

~ Sam Cooke 
January 22, 1931 * December 11, 1964

see you soon!♥

Stockings for Mary * Chapter 3, The New Awakening!

Well, dear readers, it's been a while since my last post...and, I hope you haven't forgotten about my story I started sometime in December!  I know, I know, it's late...but, I always try to finish what I start.  Actually, I had the story finished before Christmas, but, just didn't feel good enough to get it posted with the appropriate illustrations.  

And, you know what?  A story like this one is an everyday event!  It's not just reserved for Christmas-who was I to think that I needed to get it posted by Christmas?  I know we're all compassionate and giving to those in need all during the year, not just during the Christmas holiday!  

So, here we go, my friends...for the New Year, and all the year through!

* In chapter 2 we left Mary walking arm in arm with Aunt Sophie, towards their new life together.  Mary had been orphaned when her parents were killed in an auto accident three years prior, and had taken to the streets on her own, homeless, to survive.
  And, Christmas was just around the corner!

***
Oh, by the way...after spending a warm night snuggled in her new bed wearing a warm nightgown, and new furry slippers awaiting her, Mary awakened to find that is was Christmas Eve.  She scurried out of bed, wiggled into a bathrobe and her new slippers, then headed for the family room.  It was here last night, that she and Aunt Sophie had decorated a beautiful Christmas tree with multicolored lights just like the ones she and her parents adorned their Christmas trees with.  And, they sang Christmas carols while looking at old family albums with wonderful Christmas photos from years past.  Under the tree was a multitude of packages all wrapped up in bright holiday tissue paper with ribbons curled all about them.  Funny...Mary hadn't noticed the gifts when she hugged Aunt Sophie good night.  What could all of this be-there were no name tags on any of the packages.  She turned around to see Aunt Sophie watching her with a huge smile, and Sophie said,  "Tonight we will visit some old friends of yours, and I thought we could take some gifts to them.  What do you think, Mary?"  Well, could Mary have smiled any bigger?  True, she hadn't considered the people she shared a fire with to be her friends, but, wait a minute...they shared, they didn't run her off, and they didn't treat her any differently than their own!  Even, though SOMEONE made off with her cardboard abode, it wasn't one of her neighborhood group...HER group?  See, I guess you could say they were sort of her friends!
"Yes" Mary cried.  "Of course Aunt Sophie, why not?"

They loaded aunt Sophie's station wagon up with the packages around 6:00 that evening, and, under Mary's direction, made their way into the city, and beyond, where the conditions were not so favorable in that area.  The folks that she was familiar with were busy gathering wood and paper for their Christmas Eve night's fire. They saw Mary and Sophie pull up, and park at a curb, then, emerge from the station wagon, and, they recognized Mary alright!  Most of them even smiled at the ladies, and, one of the men called out to them.  "Look everyone, it's Mary!  Where have you been, Mary? We've been worried about you."  Mary was a bit embarrassed to learn that she had been missed and thought about.  She introduced the folks to Sophie, and told them how her aunt had found her, and, that she would be living with her from now on.  The folks were so happy for Mary and gave her their best wishes and congratulations.  Then,  Sophie started unloading the packages from her car, and beckoned for Mary to help her.

Mary and Sophie wished the folks Merry Christmas as they handed each one a gift, and shook hands...there were so many smiles and laughter rang out as they all talked and opened their gifts to find pairs and pairs of warm socks!  Mary was so elated..."Now we will all have warm feet throughout the winter!"  Everyone laughed as the remembered how Mary's feet were always cold.  "Please join us in song!" the group insisted.  And they started with Mary's favorite 'Silent Night'.  This time she sang with all of her heart, and Sophie joined in too.  They all stood by the fire together, singing, and giving hugs with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Then the time came for Mary and Sophie to make their way back to the city.

"We're so happy for you, Mary", one of the gentlemen expressed.  "I believe that you are in the best of hands with your Aunt Sophie."  Mary blushed and gave the man a hug, exclaiming, "I do believe you're right, and she couldn't have come at a better time...just in time for Christmas!"  "Please come back and visit us from time to time, Mary", the folks begged.  Mary and Sophie agreed that they would indeed come for visits,  gave their final hugs and Christmas blessings, then, made their way out of the city and into the neighborhood that would be their home.

And, Mary chuckled to herself, when they arrived home, seeing all of the stockings that aunt Sophie had hung by the fireplace.   She gave Sophie a giant hug, and wished her a Merry Christmas.
"Warm feet...warm heart!"

***
I hope you enjoyed my story.  I do realize that there are not so many happy endings, however, we work to give some of those who are less fortunate that we are, some joy and happiness in whatever way we can.

I really want to thank you all for your best wishes for my recent illness...I'll try not to whine so much in the future.  But, it HURT!!!   It was so nice to know that you're thinking about me...I missed all of you!  And, I am getting better now, but trying to get a bit more rest that I usually do.

  Please come by anytime and say hello.  OH, and, I'm working on a project with Susan McGillicuddy over at MyTexasGardens, that we hope to get finished in a few days, or, sometime next week.

I also want to extend my "I'm so sorry that you Floridians are STILL having to run air conditioning in January!  OMG, we had thunder, lightning, sleet and snow all together in the Lone Star State last night!  I mean that's almost unheard of  in Texas!  This time last year we were playing baseball out in the backyard with our grandson Scootie, and he is wearing shorts!  I'm working on getting some of this out to you in Florida!"

Thanks are going out to:
Yahoo
Google
And all my blogging friends!
***
Be safe!  See you next time!

National Popcorn Day * Saturday, January 19th

Sick Leave!

Yeah, I think I may look a little like this right now, actually worse, lol!  I've tried to downplay being sick, hoping it would go away.  Isn't that what a lot of us do?  Maybe not...but, I usually refuse to admit I'm sick!  I have been to the Doc and received the much sought after Z-Pack (whatever that means) for bronchitis, so I'm on the road to resurgence!

I just wanted to come by and let you know, I'm flying at half-mast right now and hope to spring back, and fly upwards soon!  I haven't been on blogger for a few days now, and, I can see I have missed a few posts.  And, I will catch up...you'll see!  I see I'm missing my 3rd and final chapter of 'Stockings for Mary'.  I just haven't posted it yet, but will soon...I guess it will be alright to post after Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful and cheery Christmas holiday...here we go into the new year!

2013

I'm still in awe that we crossed over into the millennium to the year 2000!

Well, must go rest for a little while...thank you for stopping by.  

Will see you soon!

♥

Stockings For Mary * Chapter 2 'Hotdogs and Cocoa'

What we know so far is that Mary has lost her dwelling and has gone hunting for a new one in a better part of the city.  Her spirits are high on this day...let us continue.

***

Another hour ticked by, and, yet another...still no sign of anything that would provide shelter for Mary.  As the noon hour approached, she started making her way back toward the city.  Mary had managed to scrape up $1.79 from the streets and alleyways as she walked, and was looking forward to visiting her favorite hot dog vendor, Eddie.  She could get a nice plump hot dog with all the trimmings, and a hot cup of cocoa for $1.45 from Eddie's wagon.  And, Eddie always had some juicy news of happenings within the city...maybe he could help her find shelter for the night!

Just then, Mary heard a soft voice behind her, calling her name.  "Mary? Mary Tidwell?  Is that you, Mary?" She turned her head back just slightly and saw a lovely woman-a familiar face, though she couldn't place it just right off.  Once again, the lady who looked to be in her 40's, called out.

  "Mary, it's me, your Aunt Sophie.  Don't you remember me?  I know it's been a long time, but surely you remember me, your mother's sister.  Please stop, I've been looking for you these past few months."

Mary slowed her pace and finally stopped walking.  She turned around to get a better look, and, yes she did recognize her Aunt Sophie.  Sophie reached out to hug Mary, but, Mary pulled away, showing no emotion.  "Please Mary, can you forgive me?  What you must have been going through!  I am so sorry.  When your parents were killed I was out of the country, unable to acquire passage back in order to attend the funeral.  I, then, was so ashamed, I just couldn't show my face, having left you alone to fend for yourself.  My shame has gotten the best of me, and I knew I must find you and try to make amends.  Mary, we need each other.  Please-say something."  Mary's eyes welled up with tears, and she reached for her aunt with open arms.  It was the first hug Mary had felt in the years since her parents' passing, and, darned if it didn't feel good!  Sophie and Mary hugged more, and they cried and they laughed as they walked along.  Sophie offered to take Mary for a nice dinner in a lovely restaurant, but Mary insisted on taking Aunt Sophie to meet Eddie, the hot dog vendor.  "He makes the best hot dogs in town, and the warmest, creamiest hot cocoa ever", Mary bragged. 

They talked as they ate, and shared their life experiences from the last few years.  Then Mary tried to excuse herself...she had confided to Aunt Sophie that she lives on the streets, and, having lost her shelter, was alley-shopping around for another one.

"That is entirely out of the question!" Sophie exclaimed.  "Mary, I have taken a nice little apartment just a few miles from here with a beautiful view of the city.  I have an extra bedroom, and...I plan to stay.  You MUST come live with me and start a new life.  You can resume your education, and do the things you've only dreamed of.  Please say yes!"  Mary was so filled with joy, yet, tried to remain cool before she answered.  And, answer, she did!  "Are you certain you want a roommate Aunt Sophie?  I'll try not to be too much trouble.  I can cook only a little, but, I can sweep floors and wash dishes with the best of them.  Of course, I'd love to live with you! I've been so lonely and my feet are always cold out here.  Thank you so much for finding me, Aunt Sophie!  When I awoke this morning, I knew this day would be a good one!  And, look...the sun is shining even brighter now that you're here!"

With that settled, Aunt Sophie and Mary hooked arms, and headed toward the city, singing happily,

'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.'

***

Hello, dear ones.  Now I know you think this is the last of it...but, beware!  I've become long-winded in my old (scratch that)  age, and, there are a few things I just can't leave unattended.  Can you handle one more chapter in a few days?  I've almost got it finished.

***

We've got a couple of birthdays-two of my favorite entertainers.  I just have to make mention of them, and wish them well!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Who is this handsome devil?

Keith Richards * December 18, 1943

One of the best guitarists and songwriters of all time!
This guy still rocks!

And, this lovely lady?

Miss Barbara Mandrell * December 25, 1948

A multi-talented, singer/entertainer and musician

The first, and only female to win the Country Music Assocation

'Entertainer of the Year Award' twice...

until Taylor Swift equaled her.

***

And, while I've got you here, that is, if you get the chance-stop by Karo's new blog.  He decided to give it a go with his 'Rockabilly' interests.  You can find him on my sidebar as:

Rock A Billy Rock.

Thank you:
Google
Yahoo
Wikipedia
Keith Richards
Barbara Mandrell

And, thank you dear readers for coming by.  I love to see you! The final chapter of 'Stockings for Mary' will be posted soon.  Have a safe and joyous holiday!

And beware of the Grinch!  hehe!

Stockings For Mary * Chapter 1 'The Rude Awakening'

The cold, December night sent chills through Mary's body as she moved closer to the fire to get warm.  She always tried to keep her distance from the others so as not to bring too much attention to herself.  No need to become close to these people...one never knew how much he or she could trust them in desperate times.  Yeah, they all seemed nice enough, but Mary refrained from answering questions, and giving too much of herself away.  It was bad enough, now that someone had made off with her meager shelter...a cardboard box cast out, that had previously housed a new refrigerator.  So, here she stood with the others, trying to stay warm and contemplating her next step for survival.  With Christmas around the corner, there should be plenty more boxes available, waiting to be picked up by the sanitation department, unless Mary got there first!  Why, there should be a lot to choose from, and Mary should hit pay dirt!  But, oh, on this night, her legs and feet were suffering tremendously from the frosty air and the cold concrete beneath them, as were the others around her.  

She caught herself humming 'Silent Night' quietly, hoping no one would hear, and, then her mind wandered back to the last time she sang the carol out loud with her mother and father.  It was three years ago, when Mary was just fourteen, the three of them sat in front of the fireplace in their modest home singing Christmas Carols together, marveling at their brightly lit Christmas tree, and the stockings that adorned their fireplace.  It was a joyous occasion, that would be the last of Mary's fond Christmas memories.  After the accident that took both of her parents' lives, Mary was left alone in her sadness.  Her parents' home and furnishings were auctioned off by the state to pay off debts, and, with no apparent family members to be found, Mary was placed in foster care.  Being a vivacious teen, she became unhappy and restless...thus, it became evident that her time within the present confines had come to an end.  So, with her meager belongings, the following year, Mary slipped out on a summer night, and did not look back.  A series of small-time jobs delivering flyers, washing dishes and mopping front stoops, barely kept Mary going, and there was little chance for further education at this time.

Sometimes Mary became angry at her predicament...after all, whose fault was it that her parents perished after that horrible truck hit them?  They were on route to her school Christmas pageant, when they were hit head on while crossing a bridge, and forced off the bridge into the icy waters of the river.  Later, there would be the devastating double funeral with Mary there, accompanied by her school teachers and a few friends.  Sadly, no one could avoid what inevitably came next.  Mary lost everything else along with her precious parents.  And, in her mind, she was destined to roam through the streets of life alone.  At the city foster care center, Christmas was celebrated as well as it could be with a wonderful tree, caroling, good food, and, even a jolly old Santa Claus bearing gifts for all.  But, Mary still felt the emptiness, that engulfed her, and the loneliness brought on by the absence of her loving parents.

After a tumultuous night's sleep within the alcove of a long ago abandoned dress shop, Mary awoke just before dawn, feeling vigorous and ready to go hunting for her next abode.  Quietly she moved through the sleeping street tenants, making her way to the back alley that would lead her to a more prosperous part of the city.  And, she whined to herself, "Oh, will my feet ever be warm again?"  It was hard to find socks on the street.  Mary was able to acquire a pair of tennis shoes from one of the churches the previous month, but no one seemed to have any socks.  "Maybe today I'll find some", Mary mused optimistically.

 By 9:00 AM, having combed the better neighborhoods, Mary still hadn't found a proper box for her dwelling.  Even though the air was crisp and cool, the day was embraced with a beautiful, bright, and heartwarming sun.  And...Mary just knew she would score in a big way on this day!

***
Greetings, my dearest readers, and, Happy Holidays to you all.  I hope you've enjoyed the first chapter of my Christmas story for the year 2012.  I'm afraid the story escalated somewhat, as I wrote, and wrote, and, wrote!  I will have to post Chapter 2, let's say in 2 or 3 days if that works for you.  

***
In the meantime, I would like to congratulate the 'Rolling Stones' on their 50th anniversary!  This group was formerly the 'Bad Boys' of rock and roll in the 1960's, having come to the USA on the 'coattails' of the Beatles, so it is said.  Actually, their fishing boat ran aground, (or amuck), somewhere on the New Jersey shore as they tried to head off  'The Beatles' arrival!  Well, needless-to-say, they lost a few months to 'The Beatles'!  But, they're still here!

Really, I'm kidding!  I have always adored the Rolling Stones, and, watch their concerts when they become televised.  I got to see them in concert in Dallas, Texas in 1988, and it was fabulous!  They have endured the 'rock' of time, and, I applaud these guys!

Mick, Keith and Charlie
NY * December 8, 2012

*** And, now, I must make my way back to reality...where temps in Fort Worth are expected to take a major nose dive tonite and tomorrow! I'm getting my woolies ready, and, dusting off that wool coat!  I think Christmas is REALLY in the air this time-no 80° holiday for us, eh?

Take care...thank you so much for coming by.  If you get a chance, say hello.  I will post Chapter 2 in a couple of days.

 I would like to thank Thisisme at Southhamsdarling (her blog link is on my sidebar) for inspiring me to write this little Christmas story! I don't think she meant for me to write a book tho!  I'm trying to keep it short!

Love to you all! xxoo

Thanks also to:
Google
Yahoo
The Associated Press
'The Rolling Stones' *** YAY!