"TO THE RIVER"!

~Mississippi River * Yahoo Images *

" No river can return to its source,

yet all rivers must have a beginning."

~Proverb

Greetings, dear readers!  Long time no see, eh!  Well, I have been around lately and have visited a few of my favorite blogs.  Our current social situation, aka "The Pandemic",  has kept me busy, as well as  all of you, I'm sure.  I have been home schooling my grandson since March, and he has now entered the 6th grade.  It was a tough row to hoe, but he and I did it with grace!

   * photo by suzanne

***

With fall knocking on our door, my dreams consist of cooler weather, and harvest time.  It also brings to mind tales of Huck Finn and Mark Twain's adventures!  Mark Twain's favorite times in life were spent on the river.  He wasn't much of a great river captain, but made a good hand on the riverboats, and received his Steamboat Pilot license at 23 years of age on April 9, 1859.

*Yahoo images *

"There's only one way to be a pilot, and that is to get this entire river by heart."

~mark twain

As I think of Mark Twain, and his life of many experiences on the rivers, I wonder about riverboats, steamboats, and, such, and I found a couple of interesting accounts from years ago.

***

* Ohio River *

~ yahoo images

My quest for some historical river events led me to Ohio.  The photo above gives us a small taste of what the Ohio River truly is as it runs about 981 miles, flowing through or along the border of 6 states.  The Ohio River is the 3rd largest river by discharge volume in the United States, rolling north from Pittsburgh, PA. to the mouth of the Mississippi River at the southern tip of Illinois.  It became the primary transportation route for pioneers during the western expansion of the early US in the late 18th century.  Thomas Jefferson had said, "The Ohio is the most beautiful river on earth."

***

 I located evidence of a steamboat called "The City of Cincinnati".  This boat , a side-wheel paddler, with a wood hull, was built in 1899, and operated on the Ohio River, transporting agricultural goods and manufactured products to Louisville, Kentucky.  On the weekends, "The City of Cincinnati" would participate in a "Meet the Boat" trip where steamboats carrying passengers would meet each other and exchange passengers for their return trips.

* The City of Cincinnati steamboat *

* yahoo images

After about 19 years of service, "The City of Cincinnati's" days of excursions came to an end.  The Ohio River had been frozen for 51 days, and, at the Cincinnati wharf, the hull of the "Cincinnati steamer" was crushed along with an estimated 6 other vessels.  In January 1918, the boat was damaged as a result of an ice freshet, where meltwater flows into the river, lifting and breaking the ice, causing the jams.

* Info on Ice Freshet was acquired from "Special to the County" reporting by Ted Shapiro

www.thecounty.me

* "The City of Cincinnati" 1918 Ice Gorge"

* yahoo images

***

*Island Queen * Yahoo Images

Around the same time "The City of Cincinnati"steamboat was active, another beauty, called "Island Queen" made an elegant appearance on the river.  Actually there were 2 Island Queen steamers, the first of which was built in 1896, a sidewheel, wooden hull as well as most other steamers.  This Lady would ferry passengers between Cincinnati and Coney Island, and operate as a Tramp steamer in off-seasons when Coney Island Amusement park was closed.  In 1922, her forward hurricane deck collapsed causing injuries to 27 children and paralyzing one.  Later that same year, the Island Queen was severely burned along with some other steamboats in Cincinnati Harbor, thus ending her career.

  *  Island Queen explosion  * Cincinnati Harbor * yahoo images

Well, folks...I reckon Mark Twain traveled up and down the Ohio River frequently, as well as the mighty Mississipi! He had so many exciting stories to share about his travels.   Twain said, "Cincinnati once produced and shipped more barrels of whiskey than the salt pork which earned the town its "Porkopolis" nickname."   I saw somewhere that he would sing river songs during some of his lectures, and to the children.  I found one such folk song that was a favorite of Twain's.

Let's have a listen!  "Down The River"

I hope you enjoyed the song/poem.  There are so many more, I am sure that were sung by the steamboat pilots and captains.

I would like to say,  "Many Thanks" for stopping by today to help me dust this blog!  And, perhaps you learned a little something as I did during my readings of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

***

Maybe you can find the time to step inside and say hello.   Any comments will be much appreciated.  I am sending best wishes to all for a safe and healthy weekend.  Please come by any time!

I also want to thank Google

Blogger

historycentral.org

wikipedia

Youtube

nationalgeographic.org

Yahoo images

gypsyroadtrip.com

thewaltoncompany.com

steamboats.com

MARK TWAIN 😊

Again, thank you so much, and I will leave you with another of Mark Twain's quotes:

"Give everyday the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life."

~Mark Twain

Hugs to you all...see you next time! 💓

 

Looking Back...just a little!

~ photo by Suzanne, November 27, 2019

Haha!  Not a pretty picture, huh?  But, oh...the fragrance!  It's my little cinnamon pot, and now is the time to get those sweet, holiday fragrances seeping.  Don't you just love the smells of Thanksgiving and Christmas?  And, nothing's better than brewing your own favorites!

Welcome dear readers!  I bet you thought I was gone...I've always been here, just very busy this year!  Now, the year is almost gone and we begin to reflect on years past, and plan for the upcoming new year.

~Photo by Suzanne

Autumn has come, and is faring quite well, here in the Lone Star State.  Halloween came and went quickly...now we are on to the major annual Holidays!

A stroll through our neighborhood park a few days ago, netted a sighting or two of mistletoe making an appearance in acknowledgement of the upcoming " Christmas kissing" season!

~photo by Suzanne

I believe we are well on our way to getting through this 'odd numbered' year, and on to 2020!   

~ courtesy of Yahoo images

"This is a New Year,

A new beginning.

And, things will change."

~Taylor Swift

As I was looking back, I came across a sweet memory of my grandson, singing his ABC's and being so proud of his accomplishment!  I, of course, am always the proud Grandmother!

This little video was made by me in November of 2013.

"I look back on my life like a good day's work.  It was done, and I am satisfied with it."

~ Grandma Moses

***
My thoughts an prayers go out to all who are in need of shelter and food during this holiday season.  There are donation centers all over the cities, where we can give food, clothing and funds if we can. 

***
Thank you so much for coming by...please stop in and say hello, if you have the time.  All are welcome.

I would also like to take the time to wish a dear blogging friend of mine a "belated",
Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Shady Del Knight from "Shady's Place".  You can find Shady's blog on my sidebar, and believe me you will be in for a great treat of very cool music and memories!


~ yahoo images

And, NOW...I must be going.  Got a little bit of baking to do before the night's end!  Please come again, and say hello!

From my family to yours...everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday...
...love, laugh, and be safe!



~ photo by Grandma Suzanne

Looking back just a little! 💗
See you next time!

August...The Beginning of The End!

I heard someone ask, "What kind of title is this?  "The Beginning of the End" 

 And, what is so special about August?

*  Well, I'm here to tell you!  And...by the way, thanks for stopping by!  I hope your summer has been great!  Here in The Lone Star State of Texas, we've had ups and downs in temperatures!  Thank goodness we have only had a couple of 100+ temps, and I want it to stay that way!  There has even been rain to keep everyone's plants and gardens thriving!  Some of us have had moderate rain days, and others have had some devastating downpours, and brutal tornadoes!

This photo was taken by the staff of the Houston Chronicle during the rescue of a homeless man on June 24, 2019.

* acquired from Yahoo *

* Houston, TX Fire Dept. high water rescue team saves homeless man from Brays Bayou

caused by recent storms *

***

At the close of each year in the US and many other countries, it is customary in December to plan for the up and coming new year.  Some of us make resolutions, vowing to make serious changes in our lives, such as losing weight, or furthering our education...some kind of change that will render our new year more profitable and personally satisfying.

Then we celebrate!🍸

***

For me, it's August.  That sultry, middle of the year month!  In my mind's eye, August is the turning point for new beginnings and thoughts of transitions into a new year!

In most countries, August brings forth a new school session, and parents are preparing for a change in time schedules, purchasing supplies, and updating school uniforms and attire.  Growing up in 1950's and 1960's, our Fall school term began a day or two after the Labor Day holiday.  Today, our schools are back in session by the 3rd week in August!

*  Who remembers the hustle and bustle of getting supplies for school?  I certainly do! 

* photo by Suzanne

In late July and early August, my Pecan trees are loading up with some good looking Pecans readying themselves for yummy pies at Christmas...that is, if the squirrels don't get them first!  I don't believe in hurting squirrels, or denying them their winter vittles, but the little dickens got all of my pecans from this tree last year, and planted them, or rather stashed them for their winter food!

* My Pecan Trees * photos by Suzanne

***  August is the beginning of the end of public swimming pools and 
summer water parks for the year!

* Darn...and my grandson just learned how to swim!

* photo by Suzanne

*and Summer baseball is coming to a close *


* photo acquired from Yahoo images * Thanks!

However, August is NOT the "beginning of the end" of the almighty Mosquito!
These pests will be in residence well into mid-October! UGH!


* photo from Yahoo images *

August is my "high hopes" month.  High hopes for a positive pathway into a beautiful and colorful Autumn...and, high hopes for good will and happiness to all.

In other words:
* I know we are tired of all of the political jeers and bashings that go on!
* The destruction of our planet, and danger of extinction to our precious wildlife caused by insensitive littering, needs to stop!
* How about the brutal killings, putting our children and adults in danger at schools and churches?
* These are only a few drops into the problem bucket!



Tell you what...let August lead the way to a more productive Autumn and winter. Let us participate in promoting good will and safety for all!

Bring it on, August...we're ready for you!

Thank you:
Yahoo Images
Google
Blogger
Houston Chronicle
You Tube
My handsome Grandson
* My lead image is from Yahoo images. I added the fireflies from my computer *

***  Thank you so much dear readers for stopping by...please say hello if you have the time.  I appreciate your visits and comments.  Don't forget to check a reaction at the bottom of my post so I will know you came by.


***  I would like to leave you with Norah Jones and her beautiful performance of the classic "Summertime".

Please have a safe and happy August.  Live, Laugh and be Thankful!
And, don't forget to Love! 💖

My saving Grace!

* Photo by Suzanne

We're All In This Together!

~Heroic "Hardass" Women of WWII

from glamourdaze.com

Most of us have family and friends who served in one of many branches of the service, and, in one of many wars.  I have family who served in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War.  I have friends who also served in each of these wars, the Vietnam war, and the various wars that have followed.

I am fortunate through the Grace of God, that none of my immediate family members perished in the wars of their service, and I enjoyed them throughout my childhood and into my adulthood.

Soooo...we move on to a novel that I have been reading of late.  It centers around a young London woman of 18, who, within 45 minutes of  war being declared, has left her finishing school unfinished, and signed up to serve in WWII 1939.

This young lady had no idea in what capacity she would serve, and was aghast to find that she would be sent off to a school in need of a school mistress.  Since she had never taught before, Mary (her name), worked hard to learn the children's names and establish a rapport with the students.  One week later, she was instructed to get the students packed up for evacuation to the country.  It was eminent that the Germans would bomb London very soon, and the evacuation of the children was a protective measure against the devastation the bombing might bring.


~Operation Pied Piper



~Huddersfield Examiner * England 1939

Women were being recruited to assist in the safe evacuation of the school children.



There were 7 students who were left behind at the school, with some mention that these were special needs kids, and, kids of color, who were less likely to succeed academically,   The headmistress of the school opted to leave Mary behind also.  She was accused of being incorrigibly attentive and friendly with the students, not a good candidate for a productive teacher.

Devastated at having lost her students, Mary went to the Education Authority and sought out a position to return to the school and teach the students who were left behind.  After much pleading and begging, she was finally granted a chance to teach them.  And, a romance eventually began between Mary and the Director of the Education Authority (Tom), who stuck his neck out to grant her the position.


~ London class in wartime

Eventually the bombing did come, and teacher and students were forced to continue their studies in the cellar of the school with very little room.

 This brings us to:

The Education Director Tom's, roommate, (Alistair), who enlisted to serve in the military and was deployed to the island of Malta, a British Colony.  Malta was a military and naval fortress, and was desired by the Germans and Italians, who were seeking to gain control of the island.


* Royal Malta Artillery



* Malta Convoy

Alistair is granted a 48 hour leave before traveling to Malta, and returns to London to visit his friend Tom, and meet Tom's new lady, Mary.  Mary has a friend, Hilda, who is single and from a pretty well-to-do family.  She agrees to join Mary and Tom, and meet Alistair, for an evening of dinner and dancing.  These four young adults must go their separate ways, but always come back around and reconnect, in the best of times, and in the worst of times.

Tom and Mary stay together to school the poor children, who hadn't much hope for a good education.  The Germans are bombing London during the Christmas program at the school, and Mary moves the children and families downstairs to the cellar to continue the program.  Only a few persons survived this December 1940 night's rounds of bombing, and the school ceases to operate.

Mary and her friend Hilda are at a loss as how to continue in the aftermath of the tragedy, and, both have strong desires to make a difference in this war.  They want to help!


* Women ambulance drivers in UK 1940 *

Mary was still enlisted, and Hilda joined to work alongside her friend driving an ambulance at all hours of the night and day, rescuing the wounded and searching for casualties.

We can see that all four of these young adults are experiencing atrocities and heart-warming situations, yet, continue to serve proudly for their country.

***
As I mentioned previously, I have not completed reading this book...I am now three-quarters of the way toward the end.  I just couldn't get the experiences off my mind, before I  finish the book.  I want to share a passage that continues to ring in my mind and heart.

*** So, this post is not actually a critique of the book...you may want to acquire a copy and read it for yourselves.

* This novel is fiction, however, the author was inspired and has shared excerpts from his grandparents'  'real-life' love letters.


* photo of my book

Mary and Alistair (Tom's friend) begin to correspond while he is serving in Malta, and she in London, as an ambulance driver.  In one letter of their discussion regarding the trials of war, Mary says,

"It is my constant regret that my class would still be alive if I had not insisted on carrying on once the air raids began.  We live, you see, and even a mule like me must learn.  I was brought up to believe that everyone brave is forgiven, but in wartime, courage is cheap and clemency out of season."

I guess you are wondering why this passage hit a nerve with me.  Although I wasn't born during WWII, (I am a baby boomer, though), I grew up always proud of my father, grandfather and my other Veteran relatives for their service.
I don't know what kind of welcome home the servicemen and women received as they set foot on American soil in 1945.  By the way...my mother served as a WAC in India, where she and my father met.  They came back together on a destroyer, and docked in San Francisco with other servicemen and war brides.  Mom said the women cried out of fear of being in a new country with a new life.
There were various organizations for these war brides to help them with their transition into American life, and make them feel welcome.

Our pledge to welcome servicemen and women home properly, continues today.   And it is extended to all branches of service, in all countries who are fighting for freedom.

*** I am not real "war savvy", however, I see the posters and I know that some of our servicemen and women have had troubles with health and mental health while trying to cope with their re-entry into the normal state of everyday-non-war life.

***  I am thanking all of our men and women who have served, and are now serving in all branches of the military ***

Thank you all for coming by today...I welcome any comments you may have.  If you are too shy to leave a comment, just say hello!

*** Prayers go out to the folks who are suffering the tragedy of the tornadoes in Alabama.

And, Happy International Women's Day!  👩👍

Be Kind, Love and Laugh!💓


This is what I mean by "be Kind, Love and Laugh"!
I am blessed with all of the above everyday!

* Anything for a laugh *

Topping Off The Forest!

* rain forest waterfall * courtesy of gify.com *

Isn't that a pretty scene above with the plants fluttering ever so slightly, touched by a light rain?  And can't you just hear the ambient sounds of the plunging waterfall? 

How are you all handling Spring in your part of the country?  It blew in, then out, and, some folks just couldn't do without having another bout of Winter!  Methinks our seasons became a bit befuddled this year, agreed?  And, me...well, I am happy to still have a mild, cool, and sometimes rainy season!

* Madison Square Park * photo by Kris Koeller *

***  New York City Snow 2013 * Brrrr.....pretty, isn't it!

****

And, now...for today's program!

Being a "hands-on" Grandma also grants me "The Organizer" rights.  And, with this title, I own the opportunity to hand down to my son and grandson the creative skills given to me from my dear mother.  Thus, when this project came along from my Grandson's school in late March, I went into high gear!  The 3rd grade students are currently studying the Rainforest Biome, and each table in the class was given one of the 3 or 4 layers to artistically create and construct his or her layer at home with parents.   Before beginning the project, the students were asked to bring as many shoe boxes as they could from home in order that each child would have a shoe box.  Scootie was able to take two boxes for the class project, and then he brought one box home to begin his phase of the rainforest.  Scootie's table of 4 kiddos was assigned to the Emergent Layer of the rainforest. 

***

I have to admit, I had NO IDEA what the Emergent, or any other layer of the Rainforest is!  The teacher gave the students permission to bring ipads, etc. to school twice a week in order to take some time for research on the internet.  Scootie and I did research at home, and I found the Rainforest to be a very interesting subject!  

* Below is a diagram showing the layers of the Rainforest *

In our study, Scootie and I learned that the Emergent layer is the tallest layer of the rainforest, with trees towering up to heights of 200+ feet.  This top layer, of course gets more sun, wind and rain than the layers below.  Consequently, the surviving leaves of the hot weather are sparse, small and waxy,  

*  We had to have a plan of action...sheesh!  Where to start!  We needed to cover the shoe box first to give it a forest appearance.  And, even though the main focus was to be the top layer, or Emergent layer, we had to create a proper illusion leading upward to our main focus!

*We covered the shoebox with green construction paper, then glued  some rafia to the floor to give a woody appearance.  I found the backdrop of a rainforest on the interenet, printed it and glued to the inside back of the shoebox showing the trunks of the forest trees.

 And our first draft was starting to come together!  We wanted to get a feel for how the treetops should look, and where would we find suitable animals?  You know...the animals that are adapted to this environment, such as Monkeys, Butterflies, Hawks and Bats?  Believe me, it was no easy task hunting for these creatures, and, we found only a few.

***

In the meantime, Scootie's teacher asked for volunteers to color a picture of an animal that would be provided by the teacher.   With only three days to complete the picture, Scootie was sent home with a  hand drawn /rough sketch of a  Howler Monkey!  Duh!  So, I began my task of coloring this creature.  I found this vicious looking guy on the internet and got an idea of what he should look like.  I outlined and highlighted his features, to give more of a true appearance, and, added the tree branch on my own to give a complete picture of what he is about.  The pictures of various Rainforest animals colored by parents are now hanging throughout the 3rd grade pod along with other rainforest decorations that are on display.  Alas, I didn't get the chance to photograph this area!

  I'm not much of an artist!

BUT...

* He is pretty believable, isn't he!

 

* done by "The Grandmother", Suzanne *

* Many of the world's "tropical moist forests", aka "Jewels of the Earth", are located in the equatorial zone between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.  This region of tropical Rainforests would include Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Amazon, South and Central Americas, Australia, and even the Pacific Islands.

The Rainforests are also known as the world's largest pharmacies!  Who knew!!!  They are responsible for 28% of the world's oxygen turnover from photosynthesis and carbon dioxide.  The annual rainfall in a tropical Rainforest is between 98 and 177 inches.

* map courtesy of Pinterest *

* And Voila! *

* Rainforest, featuring the Emergent Layer *

* Constructed by 'Scootie' and Grandma * April 2018

*** Yes...it is a bit over the top, isn't it!  ***

As you can see, we completed the project and Scootie was able to deliver it to his classroom safely a few days before the due date.  YAY!  I had most of the materials at home, which made the project easy to work on.  Although we didn't have all of the animals, we were able to feature quite a few, and some snakes!  I hope to visit his class soon to view the other students' Rainforests and their various layers.

***

All in all, this was a pretty good collaboration between the two of us.  

Once we became motivated, the sky was the limit!

* Rainforest project with Scootie *  

"We have yet to discover possibly millions of plants and other living species in the Rainforests."

Thanking our resources:

Wikipedia

 tropical-rainforestfacts.com

citadel.sjfc.edu

Yahoo images

Google

Blogger

A Big Thank You goes out to:

My Scootie

Scootie's 3rd grade teacher and class

The Rainforest

*** Thank you dear readers for stopping by today and checking in to KardKornerKrib!  I appreciate all visits and encourage you to say hello if you want to!  Everyone is welcome anytime! ***

*** Watch out for each other, and be kind to all ***

"Making PUNS about me?  Toucan play that game!" 

See you next time! 💓

Going Forward Into the New Year!

* courtesy of Yahoo images

I believe that a lot of us look at a New Year and try to imagine in our "minds' eye" what the year will really bring!  Did we all make New Year resolutions?  Not me!  Why, you ask?  Well, although there are things that I can surely improve on, some things don't always go as planned, I must allow for the hiccups that come along, do the best I can, and, be happy for the accomplishments I make.  Along the way, I will strive to touch the people I meet, and, with fondness, I will recognize the people who have touched my life!  

~ photo by Suzanne * December 9, 2017

***

The holiday season in 2017 was a busy one for me!  I was such a worry-wort...didn't think I could get everything done in time for Santa Claus, who, by the way kept a loving eye on me!  

Thank You, Santa!

"You're okay, kid!"

~photo by Suzanne * December 16, 2017

***

Among the busy, albeit fun activities, was the wonderful Christmas program at Scootie's school!  The performances and songs were the best!  

~ photos by Suzanne and teacher * collage by Suzanne * December 2017

***

And, I had the cutest ELF ASSISTANT EVER!!!

~ photos and collage by Suzanne * December 2017

***

New Year's Eve came and went in a flash, didn't it!  I got my Black-eyed Peas ready in plenty of time for the festivities on our local TV stations, but, I didn't have time to take many photos.

I followed one of Paula Deen's recipes for Black-eyed Peas and they rocked!

~photo by Suzanne * December 31, 2017

***

Now, it is time to march on, and experience a New Year of "business to take care of", "unpredictable weather", and, yes..let's have some "FUN IN 2018"!!!



***

*** Thank you very much for coming by...please stop in and say HELLO if you get the chance!  I appreciate ALL visitors and I hope to see you again soon!

Giving Thanks to:
Yahoo Images
Google and Blogger
My Grandson's school and teachers
Paul Deen
My Little Scootie
Elvis Presley
Santa Claus

***
Fond memories of Elvis...Happy Birthday!
January 8, 1935 ~ August 16, 1977

"Values are like fingerprints.  Nobody's are the same,
but you leave 'em all over everything you do."
~Elvis Presley

*** Be safe, love and laugh!  See you next time! ***