Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Wedding Music
Well, I have to tell you that I am so tired of practicing wedding music that I could scream!!!!!
My brother's wedding is this Saturday. We have rehearsal on Friday at 6:00 and then the Wedding Saturday at 3:00.
I'm finally going to get to meet that new grandbaby of mine!!! I can't wait!!!!
Pray for my sanity until the wedding is over!!! I think I'm going to need it.
Ava
My brother's wedding is this Saturday. We have rehearsal on Friday at 6:00 and then the Wedding Saturday at 3:00.
I'm finally going to get to meet that new grandbaby of mine!!! I can't wait!!!!
Pray for my sanity until the wedding is over!!! I think I'm going to need it.
Ava
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
No time to blog!
Dang it! I'm having trouble right now making time to actually get to the blog!
I have a very busy week and weekend, but I WILL be back to blogging regularly next week!!!! I have to move my office and get things set up.
Please keep coming back!!
Ava
I have a very busy week and weekend, but I WILL be back to blogging regularly next week!!!! I have to move my office and get things set up.
Please keep coming back!!
Ava
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Here's the new Grand Baby!!
Here's a picture of the new grandbaby!
Chandler Joshua Thomas
Born May 21st, 2006
That's my nephew, Brandon, holding him.
I haven't got to meet him yet,
But will be doing so next Saturday and Sunday!!!
Can't wait!!!
What a cutie!!!
Chandler Joshua Thomas
Born May 21st, 2006
That's my nephew, Brandon, holding him.
I haven't got to meet him yet,
But will be doing so next Saturday and Sunday!!!
Can't wait!!!
What a cutie!!!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Chris and Ava:
There's my oldest son, Chris.
He's supposed to be on the bus right this very minute
headed to my house in Illinois.
I'll be so glad for him to get here!
He's supposed to be on the bus right this very minute
headed to my house in Illinois.
I'll be so glad for him to get here!
Ava, Reptile World, Tom: Holding the snake!!!
Here's my youngest son, Tom, holding one of the snakes at Reptile World.
Does he look nervous?
He was laughing because he could feel the muscles of the snake
"walking" ... expanding and constricting ... over his hands and arm.
It was a new experience for him.
Does he look nervous?
He was laughing because he could feel the muscles of the snake
"walking" ... expanding and constricting ... over his hands and arm.
It was a new experience for him.
And here I am holding the same snake.
It's body felt so cool and smooth.
I really liked the way it felt against my skin.
It's really a pretty snake.
It's body felt so cool and smooth.
I really liked the way it felt against my skin.
It's really a pretty snake.
That's not fear of the snake you see in my eyes ...
It's a fear of dropping the snake ...
It was stretching out and I didn't feel like I had a good hold on it.
It's a fear of dropping the snake ...
It was stretching out and I didn't feel like I had a good hold on it.
General: Dog Food
This is what my dog does to his dogfood every single time!
He eats a little bit of it ...
Then dumps it out.
Sometimes he'll go ahead and finish it then ...
And sometimes he'll save it for later.
What a goof!!
He eats a little bit of it ...
Then dumps it out.
Sometimes he'll go ahead and finish it then ...
And sometimes he'll save it for later.
What a goof!!
Salt and Pepper Shakers: Dad's Collection
Yes, more salt and pepper shakers ...
These are from my Dad's collection.
This set is a plastic set that is marked on the bottom:
Lustro Ware
Pat Pend
Made in USA
These are from my Dad's collection.
This set is a plastic set that is marked on the bottom:
Lustro Ware
Pat Pend
Made in USA
This set are very cute!
Little alligators!!
They are stamped "Florida" on the tops.
My Dad bought them on one of his trips to Florida.
Don't they look vicious????
Little alligators!!
They are stamped "Florida" on the tops.
My Dad bought them on one of his trips to Florida.
Don't they look vicious????
This set are marked
Made in Japan
on the bottom.
I think they are very pretty.
The wear just gives them character, as far as I'm concerned!!
Made in Japan
on the bottom.
I think they are very pretty.
The wear just gives them character, as far as I'm concerned!!
Memorial Day
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,
It is the veteran,
who serves under the Flag.
May we all remember those who fought for our freedoms.
May we all remember those who are serving our country at this very moment.
As we remember them and our loved ones who are gone,
Remember them with a spirit of gratitude for what they have done for us.
Footnote:
This glorious flag sits atop Lover's Leap in Hannibal, MO.
over looking the Mississippi.
who salutes the Flag,
It is the veteran,
who serves under the Flag.
May we all remember those who fought for our freedoms.
May we all remember those who are serving our country at this very moment.
As we remember them and our loved ones who are gone,
Remember them with a spirit of gratitude for what they have done for us.
Footnote:
This glorious flag sits atop Lover's Leap in Hannibal, MO.
over looking the Mississippi.
Columbine:
Here's another shot of my columbine by the fish pond.
I need to get out there and weed around the pond sometime today.
It sure is hot out there!
I'm drinking lots of water trying to stay hydrated.
I need to get out there and weed around the pond sometime today.
It sure is hot out there!
I'm drinking lots of water trying to stay hydrated.
Music: Ely Opry
Last night in Ely was a lot fun. On the way there, at 9:00pm, I hit so many June Bugs that you can barely see out of my windshield. They sounded like rocks hitting it. It scared me at first until I figured out what it was. I'm definitely going to have to wash the windshield this afternoon!!!!
The crowd wasn't as large as usual, but that doesn't stop us from having fun.
After a three week delay and finally a pinky promise ... I delivered a copy of Red Wing to Doug. We played through it for a little bit. I didn't even think to make a copy for anyone else. That was embarrassing. I'll have to remember that in the future.
William and I went over "All I Have to Do Is Dream" and I think we'll be ready to sing it next week. It's such a pretty song and it's going to be fun to sing it together.
I always have fun when I'm there whether it's a large crowd or a small one. When it's a small crowd, it tends to break up early and that gives us time to look at some new tunes and practice together. That's what Doug and I did last night after everyone left. We went through one of my books. One of the songs that I need to memorize is cotton Eyed Joe. I'm working on Orange Blossom Special, but not near ready to play it in front of anyone yet!!!!!
Jeff was there again! He is so fun!!
Well we'll be playing together again on Monday, Memorial Day at a picnic here in Quincy. Then they'll either go home or we can hang out a my house and either play music or watch a movie. Then we can head on over to Hannibal for supper and then some more music at the Hannibal Session. That should work.
Well, until then ...
The crowd wasn't as large as usual, but that doesn't stop us from having fun.
After a three week delay and finally a pinky promise ... I delivered a copy of Red Wing to Doug. We played through it for a little bit. I didn't even think to make a copy for anyone else. That was embarrassing. I'll have to remember that in the future.
William and I went over "All I Have to Do Is Dream" and I think we'll be ready to sing it next week. It's such a pretty song and it's going to be fun to sing it together.
I always have fun when I'm there whether it's a large crowd or a small one. When it's a small crowd, it tends to break up early and that gives us time to look at some new tunes and practice together. That's what Doug and I did last night after everyone left. We went through one of my books. One of the songs that I need to memorize is cotton Eyed Joe. I'm working on Orange Blossom Special, but not near ready to play it in front of anyone yet!!!!!
Jeff was there again! He is so fun!!
Well we'll be playing together again on Monday, Memorial Day at a picnic here in Quincy. Then they'll either go home or we can hang out a my house and either play music or watch a movie. Then we can head on over to Hannibal for supper and then some more music at the Hannibal Session. That should work.
Well, until then ...
Music, Quincy Session: May 25th, 2006
Well, it was a rather "warm" session this evening. We're at a time of the year when the air conditioners aren't on yet, but it's beginning to get toasty.
The players this evening were Sondra on mandolin and banjo ... Ava on fiddle, guitar and banjo ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Lisa on fiddle ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Tony on whistle and fiddle ... and Rose on flute.
Tony played three tunes with us on his fiddle. He's just learning and doing great. Go Tony!!!!!!
The Black's and their friends (I'm sorry I don't remember your names) were there to listen. Chip came with some friends to join us for the evening and listen.
This was the first time Rose had come to join us. She brought her guitar and flute. I was told by my husband that she's also a music teacher, teaching piano, guitar and flute. It was the first time that I had met her. Our husbands work together. She was very nice, played very well and we sure do hope that she comes again!!!!
Thanks to all who came to play and listen and helped make the evening fun.
Ava
The players this evening were Sondra on mandolin and banjo ... Ava on fiddle, guitar and banjo ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Lisa on fiddle ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Tony on whistle and fiddle ... and Rose on flute.
Tony played three tunes with us on his fiddle. He's just learning and doing great. Go Tony!!!!!!
The Black's and their friends (I'm sorry I don't remember your names) were there to listen. Chip came with some friends to join us for the evening and listen.
This was the first time Rose had come to join us. She brought her guitar and flute. I was told by my husband that she's also a music teacher, teaching piano, guitar and flute. It was the first time that I had met her. Our husbands work together. She was very nice, played very well and we sure do hope that she comes again!!!!
Thanks to all who came to play and listen and helped make the evening fun.
Ava
Music Hang Over
Well, I stayed out way to late and now I'm paying for it. I don't drink alcoholic drinks ... so it isn't that kind of hang over. I just stayed out and didn't get home until 2:00am playing music ... I'm just plain tired.
How tired?
Well, I just sat down, turned the computer on and was sitting here waiting ... wondering what was taking so long ... when I realized I hadn't turned the monitor on.
Genious!
I'm heading out to mow lawn. Hope I have better luck with the mower!!!!
How tired?
Well, I just sat down, turned the computer on and was sitting here waiting ... wondering what was taking so long ... when I realized I hadn't turned the monitor on.
Genious!
I'm heading out to mow lawn. Hope I have better luck with the mower!!!!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
A Little Robin
I just went out to get the mail and there's a little baby robin sitting in the cherry tree. He's got little spots all over his chest and still has a few wild baby feathers sticking straight up on the top of his head. He's so cute!!!! We just looked at each other for the longest time. He's probably sitting there waiting for his dinner.
So cute!!
So cute!!
Music tonight
Well, it's Thursday and that means celtic music session at La Gondola and then off for bluegrass in Ely. I have a copy of Red Wing ready for Doug ... I pinky promised last time, so had to make sure that I got it done!!! I haven't practiced a darn thing today. I did get a lot of cleaning done though. That's always good.
Ta ta!
I'm off to play music!
Ta ta!
I'm off to play music!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tom, Ava
Here's Tom and I together.
Yes, that's me with no make on.
Yikes!
Yes, that's me with no make on.
Yikes!
Water:
Yes, it is yet another picture of my creek!
I just can't help it!
I just can't help it!
Salt and Pepper Shakers:
Here are a few more of the salt and pepper shakers from my Dad's collection.
This first set is copper.
The bottoms twist off so you can add the salt and pepper.
This first set is copper.
The bottoms twist off so you can add the salt and pepper.
This set is just so cute!
As you can see, they have a rooster on them.
Can't you just hear him crowing?
As you can see, they have a rooster on them.
Can't you just hear him crowing?
This set is just really cool.
I like the shape.
I like the color.
Do they seem kind of "art deco" to you?
I like the shape.
I like the color.
Do they seem kind of "art deco" to you?
General: Treadmill
There's my treadmill.
We used to know eachother pretty well.
However
We've drifted apart
I'm going to try
To repair the distance between us
So that we can make up
And spend time together like we used to.
We used to know eachother pretty well.
However
We've drifted apart
I'm going to try
To repair the distance between us
So that we can make up
And spend time together like we used to.
There's the iron in the left front corner.
I really don't want to spend any time with the iron.
I know that hurts it's feelings
I just can't help it.
There's my exercise ball.
We are involved in a torrid exercise affair.
We are always together.
Stretching
Relaxing
My exercise ball always makes me feel better.
Especially my back.
I really don't want to spend any time with the iron.
I know that hurts it's feelings
I just can't help it.
There's my exercise ball.
We are involved in a torrid exercise affair.
We are always together.
Stretching
Relaxing
My exercise ball always makes me feel better.
Especially my back.
Nature: Columbine
Here's a picture of some of the columbine around my fish pond.
I think it is a very pretty little flower.
So delicate looking.
And the leaves remind me of clovers.
I think it is a very pretty little flower.
So delicate looking.
And the leaves remind me of clovers.
Visual Pun
Hands in Prayer
Here's my picture of hands in prayer ...
These were my hands earlier today ...
Thanking the Lord above
For letting me survive the closet!!!!
These were my hands earlier today ...
Thanking the Lord above
For letting me survive the closet!!!!
General:
Well, the porch is all cleaned of and swept and the laundry is going.
Now ...
For my closet!!!
If you don't hear from me in a couple of days ...
Call 911 and tell them I'm trapped in my closet!!!
Now ...
For my closet!!!
If you don't hear from me in a couple of days ...
Call 911 and tell them I'm trapped in my closet!!!
Poetry: Quote
I saw this quote on North's bog (see links on my side bar) and I enjoyed it so much that I thought I would also post it here for you all to read.
Have a great day!
Do not go
where the path may lead,
Go instead
where there is no path
And leave a trail.
Emerson
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
General: Weather
Well, I just watched the weather to see how the weekend was going to be.
I'm throwing a huge music party on Saturday ...
And so far ...
It's looking good!!
We're supposed to get some rain tomorrow ... possibly severe ...
But then sunshine until Monday.
Horray!
I've been praying for good weather on Saturday and Sunday.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!
I'm throwing a huge music party on Saturday ...
And so far ...
It's looking good!!
We're supposed to get some rain tomorrow ... possibly severe ...
But then sunshine until Monday.
Horray!
I've been praying for good weather on Saturday and Sunday.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!
Barns:
Time for some barn pictures:
I collect these just because I think barns are neat.
Here's a nice country setting.
Looks like a busy farm, with lots of out buildings.
Here's another barn
Complete with a corn field in the front
We have LOTS of corn fields here in Illinois
I love the corn fields
They make me feel at home.
When we first moved here
The corn fields made me feel closed in
Now they let me know I'm home.
(smile)
Complete with a corn field in the front
We have LOTS of corn fields here in Illinois
I love the corn fields
They make me feel at home.
When we first moved here
The corn fields made me feel closed in
Now they let me know I'm home.
(smile)
Here's a really old barn in this shot.
Back toward the back.
I really enjoy driving around,
exploring the country side
and taking pictures!!!
Back toward the back.
I really enjoy driving around,
exploring the country side
and taking pictures!!!
Family, Chris and Tom:
Here are my two boys.
They're men now!
This was taken about four years ago.
That is Chris on the left ...
He's the oldest and the shortest.
That's Tom on the right ...
The youngest and the tallest.
(yes, he rubs it in)
They're men now!
This was taken about four years ago.
That is Chris on the left ...
He's the oldest and the shortest.
That's Tom on the right ...
The youngest and the tallest.
(yes, he rubs it in)
Chris,
As of this moment,
Is planning on buying a bus ticket
And coming to my house tomorrow.
He just needs some moral support
And is coming home in order to get things together
And get back on his feet.
We all need some help sometime ...
This is his time.
I'm very proud of him
and I'm looking forward to having him here.
As of this moment,
Is planning on buying a bus ticket
And coming to my house tomorrow.
He just needs some moral support
And is coming home in order to get things together
And get back on his feet.
We all need some help sometime ...
This is his time.
I'm very proud of him
and I'm looking forward to having him here.
Tom,
The younger one,
just got engaged!
He is engaged to Samantha
And they are getting married on
May 5th, 2007.
The younger one,
just got engaged!
He is engaged to Samantha
And they are getting married on
May 5th, 2007.
When I asked Tom if that date meant anything to him ...
He couldn't think of anything.
He asked me what it was ...
It's the day that I married his father ...
(my ex)
He exclaimed ... *%!$@
Then asked if I wanted him to change the date
To which I answered
No, this will give me a happy memory of that date.
Too harsh?
I don't think so.
And he understands.
He thought it was funny.
(wink wink)
He couldn't think of anything.
He asked me what it was ...
It's the day that I married his father ...
(my ex)
He exclaimed ... *%!$@
Then asked if I wanted him to change the date
To which I answered
No, this will give me a happy memory of that date.
Too harsh?
I don't think so.
And he understands.
He thought it was funny.
(wink wink)
Family: Dad and Frank
There's my Dad #2, Bruce
and
There's my brother Frank.
He's the one getting married on June 3rd.
Here's a picture of a kingfisher.
We have them at the creek here at the house.
I also see them down on the Mississippi.
I usually hear their rattle call
and then am able to locate them in the trees.
I like to watch them dive for fish and frogs.
They look like the have a punk hair do
or a mowhawk.
They're very cute!
We have them at the creek here at the house.
I also see them down on the Mississippi.
I usually hear their rattle call
and then am able to locate them in the trees.
I like to watch them dive for fish and frogs.
They look like the have a punk hair do
or a mowhawk.
They're very cute!
General:
Well, I got half of my porch cleaned off today. I still have a little bit to do tomorrow and then it will be all finished. I'll be glad to have that finished.
Now it's time to attach the upstairs bathroom!!!
Joy!
Now it's time to attach the upstairs bathroom!!!
Joy!
Thoughts: Body Restored
"The gift of resurrection is the Lord’s consummate act of healing.
Thanks to Him, each body will be restored to its proper and perfect frame.
Thanks to Him, no condition is hopeless.
Thanks to Him, brighter days are ahead, both here and hereafter.
Real joy awaits each of us—on the other side of sorrow."
I hold on to that promise.
No lupus
No asthma
No tumors
No heart problems
No arthritis
No stiffness
No aches
No pains
No sorrow
Joy is waiting here and now
Wonderful!
Yard work: leaves
Well, today I raked up and picked up two big lawn bags full of leaves.
It wasn't too bad of a job.
Just took a little while to get it done.
I'm sure my back will be hurting later.
I can already feel myself stiffening up.
Yes,
I took some pain medicine already!!
It wasn't too bad of a job.
Just took a little while to get it done.
I'm sure my back will be hurting later.
I can already feel myself stiffening up.
Yes,
I took some pain medicine already!!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Up Too Late ...
Okay, it's 12:11 am ... I'm going to bed!
Up way too late!
View, Vacations: Pics
Here's a rather blurry picture of some glacier water up in the mountains of Utah.
It was beautiful.
Lots of water
Birds
Blue sky
Sunshine
So peaceful.
It was beautiful.
Lots of water
Birds
Blue sky
Sunshine
So peaceful.
Here's a picture of the desert rock formations.
I like the color
The shapes
The layers
The textures
The sparse bushes
The lizzards
I like the color
The shapes
The layers
The textures
The sparse bushes
The lizzards
Another view of Dead Horse Point.
I like the way you can see the terraced layers of the rock.
The water surrounding it was interesting to me.
Like a little island.
To me, it was a piece of artwork.
Beautiful!
I like the way you can see the terraced layers of the rock.
The water surrounding it was interesting to me.
Like a little island.
To me, it was a piece of artwork.
Beautiful!
Ranacker Conservation, Nature, Water:
Here are a few more shots of my Ranacker trip.
Yes, there are still some pictures left!!
This is a still water shot.
I like the big trees along the bank of the creek.
Check out the base of them and the bulbous roots.
Here's another shot of the woods.
Yes, there are no leaves on the trees!!
Yes, there are no leaves on the trees!!
Here's a color texture shot for you.
I like the pieces of wood against the leaves
and the green sprouts of the grass.
A Poem From Joan
Here's a poem written by my friend Joan ...
Congrats! a new Grandbaby boy!
We know he’ll bring you lots of joy.
Although there were a few false starts
When birthing came he had more smarts
And saved his mom a lot of grief
Making her labor time real brief.
It’s nice he popped right out so fast
But here is where I have to ask
Why now has it become your fate
To have a two weeks viewing wait?
Hope they send pictures of CJ
Cause that would be another way
For Ava J. to get a view
Plus show him to her web friends too.
Thank you Joan!!!
Funny:
Great!
World record!
What do I think when I look at this picture?
I hope no one passes gas!!!!!
World record!
What do I think when I look at this picture?
I hope no one passes gas!!!!!
Music: Hannibal Session
Well, it was yet another Hannibal Music Session! I had a lot of fun. I was experiencing some stress today ... just about stressed out ... and the work out of playing the music and listening to it destressed me to the max. I'm all mellow now!!!!
The players tonight were Chris on banjo... Melanie on percussion ... Ava on fiddle and banjo ... Sondra on mandolin and banjo ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Beverly on whistle and mandolin ... Dwain on banjo ... Andrew on fiddle and banjo ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Betsy on whistle ... Dale H (he was there ... but did he play tonight?)... Don on bass ... Kevin on percussion ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle ... Lisa on fiddle ... Robert on fiddle ... Dave S on guitar ... Sarah on whistle and bass ... Ian on guitar... Doug on mandolin ... Ned on guitar ... Wade on percussion ... Terry on guitar and LA came to listen.
In the audience were Bill, Evelyn H, Evelyn D and Bob, George who just got back from his trip, Harry and Ellen, Noel and Mary Jo, Suzie and many others who I met for the first time while circulating around the room. I met a couple of guitar players who I invited to come play with us next time. They thought they might give it a try.
We missed Clayton, Phillip, Dale M, Elizabeth, Fred, Aaron, Paul, Alicia and Charlie. As well as anyone else who didn't make it tonight.
It was a great night and I enjoyed it tremendously!!!
As always ... please forgive me if I left anyone out.
The players tonight were Chris on banjo... Melanie on percussion ... Ava on fiddle and banjo ... Sondra on mandolin and banjo ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Beverly on whistle and mandolin ... Dwain on banjo ... Andrew on fiddle and banjo ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Betsy on whistle ... Dale H (he was there ... but did he play tonight?)... Don on bass ... Kevin on percussion ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle ... Lisa on fiddle ... Robert on fiddle ... Dave S on guitar ... Sarah on whistle and bass ... Ian on guitar... Doug on mandolin ... Ned on guitar ... Wade on percussion ... Terry on guitar and LA came to listen.
In the audience were Bill, Evelyn H, Evelyn D and Bob, George who just got back from his trip, Harry and Ellen, Noel and Mary Jo, Suzie and many others who I met for the first time while circulating around the room. I met a couple of guitar players who I invited to come play with us next time. They thought they might give it a try.
We missed Clayton, Phillip, Dale M, Elizabeth, Fred, Aaron, Paul, Alicia and Charlie. As well as anyone else who didn't make it tonight.
It was a great night and I enjoyed it tremendously!!!
As always ... please forgive me if I left anyone out.
The baby!!
I talked to Chris and Heather today and they and the baby are doing just fine!!! She said that she doesn't want to put him down. She also said that he looks just like Chris ... ears and all!!!
Can't wait to meet him in a couple of weeks!!!
Ava
Ava
Music: Columbia Dance
There's Tony on the whistle and flute,
Me on fiddle,
Joann on whistle
and there's Lisa in the back with her fiddle!
Music: Columbia Dance
Music: Columbia Dance
Here's another shot of Robert on fiddle,
Kevin on drum,
Larry on fiddle
and Chris on banjo.
Music: Columbia Dance
There's Robert on fiddle,
Kevin on percussion,
Larry on fiddle,
Chris on banjo,
And that's Sarah in the back on the bass.
Kevin on percussion,
Larry on fiddle,
Chris on banjo,
And that's Sarah in the back on the bass.
Music: Columbia Dance
There's Kevin in the front with his drum
and Rob standing behind also percussion.
Music: Columbia Dance
Music: Columbia Dance
Music: Columbia Dance
There's Chris on his banjo
Me on my fiddle
and Joann on her whistle.
Music: Columbia Dance
There's Joann on her whistle and me on my fiddle ...
Look at that concentration!!!!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Family: The Baby is Here!!!!
He's here!!
He's here!!!
Chandler Joshua Thomas Sams
six pounds and six ounces
twenty-one inches long
Mom and baby are doing just fine. She said it only took twenty minutes for him to "pop out". I'll get to meet him in two weeks and I can hardly stand the wait!!!!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
And now ...
And now
For something different,
A poem
By Ava Jackson
For something different,
A poem
By Ava Jackson
Poetry: Ship at Sea
Ship At Sea
Ava Jackson
1984
Old John Henson went to sea.
He took his old dog, his wife and me.
I had never been on the sea before …
I went straight to my cabin and shut the door.
I thought I would be fine, but I was wrong.
Boy, did that night ever seem long!
I felt all green and sick inside …
I thought I’d feel better if I just went to hide!
But soon I was well and back out in the sun.
That’s when I really started having some fun.
I saw a mean shark and also a whale …
And Old John Henson even offered me some ale!
The breeze felt good and the sun did too.
The whole time I was there, I didn’t wear a shoe!
We sat around the fire, watching the soup brew …
Me, John, his wife, the dog and the whole ship crew.
We all worked hard cleaning the deck …
Then we had to wait for John Henson to check.
We all worked hard and at great length …
And that’s how I got to gain all of my strength.
Then it got fierce and we ran into a storm.
Oh, how we wished that it would get warm!
We fished over the side, waiting for a catch …
And then we all went down inside of the hatch.
I got up the next morning and the storm had gone by.
I looked up and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
Then I turned around and I saw land …
I ran over and grabbed Old Johns’ hand.
He looked at me with a smile on his face.
He said that we had found Gods’ grace.
He smiled again and said, “We’re home.”
“Home,” I said, “Home sweet home.”
Salt and Pepper Shakers: Campbells Soup
This set of salt and pepper shakers are marked:
giftco inc
on the bottom.
What cute little replicas of soup cans!!!!
giftco inc
on the bottom.
What cute little replicas of soup cans!!!!
Water: Truck
Hey!
There's an old truck ...
Well ...
What's left of it anyway!!!
I wonder what year it is?
Anyone know?
There's an old truck ...
Well ...
What's left of it anyway!!!
I wonder what year it is?
Anyone know?
Ava: I see you!!
You've seen one eye ...
Now here's the other one!!!!
Now here's the other one!!!!
Notice my freckles???
Cookie Jar: Moose
Here's another one of my cookie jars.
It's a Christmas Moose, but I keep it out with the others.
Don't want it to feel left out!!!
The only bad thing is ...
When I put cookies in there ...
I forget they're there!!!!
It's a Christmas Moose, but I keep it out with the others.
Don't want it to feel left out!!!
The only bad thing is ...
When I put cookies in there ...
I forget they're there!!!!
Funny: Visual Pun
Music: La Prairie Music
Well, I was supposed to be out at La Prairie, IL Community Building at 6:00pm tonight to "meet and greet" a new band I was auditioning for.
Well ... I got lost. I ended up being 45 minutes late. But still there 15 minutes before the dance started. They told me to go ahead and join them, so I did.
They are called the Buggy Wheel Opry and they sing old time country and gospel standards. They're all in their late 50's, 60's and 70's ... but they liked me ... so I'm in. I am the newest member of the Buggy Wheel Opry. (big smile) They've played together for 20 years. I was told that a couple of their band members passed away. I wasn't aware that it was just three weeks ago. They and the audience were still sad. It was someone in the audience who told me.
They play and host a dance every first and third Saturday night. There was quite a crowd and lots of people danced. They applauded my fiddling and singing. I even went out and brought in the mandolin. When they found out that I also play the banjo ... they called me a one man band. I'm not though ... just like to play. I had so much fun. SO much fun.
It did make me homesick for my family though. I've played in a family band since I was big enough to try. My grandparents, who are gone now, my dad and all of my aunts and uncles. I almost cried right in the middle of someone's song tonight ... just thinking of Grandma and Grandpa and my family. But, I got through it okay.
The out house wasn't as scarey as I was afraid it would be. I had my flashlight with me of course!! There was a light inside the out house so it wasn't too bad.
One of the guys couldn't see his music to sing, so I took my flashlight over, stood behind him and shined it on his music while he sang. No, I wasn't being obnoxious ... he asked me to do it. It was fun.
So, I got WAY lost, asked for directions, made it to where I was going, officially joined the band, had a ton of fun and made a lot of new friends.
It was a good day.
Well ... I got lost. I ended up being 45 minutes late. But still there 15 minutes before the dance started. They told me to go ahead and join them, so I did.
They are called the Buggy Wheel Opry and they sing old time country and gospel standards. They're all in their late 50's, 60's and 70's ... but they liked me ... so I'm in. I am the newest member of the Buggy Wheel Opry. (big smile) They've played together for 20 years. I was told that a couple of their band members passed away. I wasn't aware that it was just three weeks ago. They and the audience were still sad. It was someone in the audience who told me.
They play and host a dance every first and third Saturday night. There was quite a crowd and lots of people danced. They applauded my fiddling and singing. I even went out and brought in the mandolin. When they found out that I also play the banjo ... they called me a one man band. I'm not though ... just like to play. I had so much fun. SO much fun.
It did make me homesick for my family though. I've played in a family band since I was big enough to try. My grandparents, who are gone now, my dad and all of my aunts and uncles. I almost cried right in the middle of someone's song tonight ... just thinking of Grandma and Grandpa and my family. But, I got through it okay.
The out house wasn't as scarey as I was afraid it would be. I had my flashlight with me of course!! There was a light inside the out house so it wasn't too bad.
One of the guys couldn't see his music to sing, so I took my flashlight over, stood behind him and shined it on his music while he sang. No, I wasn't being obnoxious ... he asked me to do it. It was fun.
So, I got WAY lost, asked for directions, made it to where I was going, officially joined the band, had a ton of fun and made a lot of new friends.
It was a good day.
General: Saturday
Well, I finished my raking and bagging in a nice gentle rain just a few minutes ago.
I love the fresh smell of the rain.
However, due to the raking and bagging ... my allergies are acting up and now I can't smell a darn thing!!!!
I love the fresh smell of the rain.
However, due to the raking and bagging ... my allergies are acting up and now I can't smell a darn thing!!!!
General: Saturday
Well, we got up early and drove out to La Prairie, IL to check a place where I've been invited to play music tonight. It's 30 minutes from the house ... that's not bad. It's a little town of 85 ... a little community building with an out house. If I go, I'll have to remember to bring a flash light! I'm a pea pot ... I'm not sure how well lit it is.
We went to Mt. Sterling, IL to go to DOT foods to shop for some food for my party next weekend. We got 144 buns for BBQ pork sandwiches and also some big #10 cans of green beans and baked beans.
I went to a couple of garage sales. I got a few nick nacks which I'll share pictures of later.
We stopped at a Casey's convenience store. They had potato wedges with cheese and bacon on the top. Oh my gosh ... it was SO good!!!!! I'm sure my digestive system will throw some type of rebellion, but so far ... so good!!!
On the way out of town at the beginning of the trip we stopped for gas. My hubby was pumping gas and I decided to go in to use the restroom. Locked the keys in the car. Had to call the locksmith and pay $45 to get the car unlocked.
Now, I must go get some more yard work done. It never ends!!!
Happy Saturday to you all!
Ava
We went to Mt. Sterling, IL to go to DOT foods to shop for some food for my party next weekend. We got 144 buns for BBQ pork sandwiches and also some big #10 cans of green beans and baked beans.
I went to a couple of garage sales. I got a few nick nacks which I'll share pictures of later.
We stopped at a Casey's convenience store. They had potato wedges with cheese and bacon on the top. Oh my gosh ... it was SO good!!!!! I'm sure my digestive system will throw some type of rebellion, but so far ... so good!!!
On the way out of town at the beginning of the trip we stopped for gas. My hubby was pumping gas and I decided to go in to use the restroom. Locked the keys in the car. Had to call the locksmith and pay $45 to get the car unlocked.
Now, I must go get some more yard work done. It never ends!!!
Happy Saturday to you all!
Ava
Friday, May 19, 2006
Funny: My Blogging Secret
Ava: Hello
Nature: clover
I decided to look and see if I could find any four leaf clovers.
I didn't have any luck.
I didn't have any luck.
Do you see any?
Tree: Frank's House
Here's a picture of one of the trees at my brother, Frank's house. I just thought that the
base of it was interesting.
Here's a close up view of it. It looks like there might be some sort of a little den down there.
Hello ... anyone down there?
base of it was interesting.
Here's a close up view of it. It looks like there might be some sort of a little den down there.
Hello ... anyone down there?
General: Mowing
Well, I mowed for an hour and a half today. I still have some to finish up tomorrow, but that's better than having to do it all at once, that's for sure.
Everyone made fun of me today because I wore my leapord shirt with my snake skin pants. Oh well, it's what I felt like today!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Ava
Everyone made fun of me today because I wore my leapord shirt with my snake skin pants. Oh well, it's what I felt like today!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Ava
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You had that Fisher Price Doctor 's Kit with a stethoscope that actually worked.
You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it.
You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it.
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels.
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!)
You had nightmares after watchingFantasy Island
You had nightmares after watching
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You had rubber boots for rainy days and Moon boots for snowy days. YEAH! ~ You owned a "Slip-n-Slide",on which you injured yourself on a sprinkler head more than once.
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You owned "Klick-Klacks" and smacked yourself in the face more than once.
You had either a "bowl cut" or "pixie," not to mention the "Dorothy Hamill". People sometimes thought you were a boy.
You had either a "bowl cut" or "pixie," not to mention the "Dorothy Hamill". People sometimes thought you were a boy.
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession.
You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.
You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.
You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny shredded outfits.
You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny shredded outfits.
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the trapeze. The swing set tipped over at least once.
You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color. (Oh yeah!)
You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole & the buckle). You also had a pair of salt-water sandals. (is this an east coast thing??)
You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture; and you despised Nellie Olson!
You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink.!
Your hairstyle was described as having "wings" or "feathers" and you kept it "pretty" with the comb you kept in your back pocket.
~ When you walked, the "wings" flapped up and down, looked like you were gonna "take off"
You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Blueberry Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.
You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic. With the thermos inside!
You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend.
YOU had Star Wars action figures, too!
It was a big event in your household each year when the "Wizard of Oz" would come on TV. Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags!
You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: "Who will I marry. Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy..?"
You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color. (Oh yeah!)
You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole & the buckle). You also had a pair of salt-water sandals. (is this an east coast thing??)
You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture; and you despised Nellie Olson!
You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink.!
Your hairstyle was described as having "wings" or "feathers" and you kept it "pretty" with the comb you kept in your back pocket.
~ When you walked, the "wings" flapped up and down, looked like you were gonna "take off"
You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Blueberry Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.
You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic. With the thermos inside!
You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend.
YOU had Star Wars action figures, too!
It was a big event in your household each year when the "Wizard of Oz" would come on TV. Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags!
You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: "Who will I marry. Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy..?"
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame soundtrack record album.
You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage, or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom.
You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts!
You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker.
You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat.
You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage, or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom.
You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts!
You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker.
You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat.
You Know You Were A Little Girl in the 70's When ...
You learned everything you needed to know about girl issues from Judy Blume books (Are you there God, It's me, Margaret.)
You thought Olivia Newton John's song "Physical" was about aerobics.
You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart or rainbow designs.
You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.
You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first "real" perfume you ever owned .. .
~ you glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip gloss till it almost dripped off.
You thought Olivia Newton John's song "Physical" was about aerobics.
You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart or rainbow designs.You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.
You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first "real" perfume you ever owned .. .
~ you glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip gloss till it almost dripped off. Thursday, May 18, 2006
Music: Ely Opry
Well, it's 2:07 in the morning. I just got home from The North Ely Opry!! That's the latest I've ever gotten home. Eeeekk!!!!
It was a fun night. Jeff, a friend of mine, went with me and we had a good time. He's a very good singer and I enjoyed having him there.
Tonight was the first time I wore my official "North Ely Opry" hat. I'll have to take a picture of it after I've had some sleep. Made me feel like one of the gang.
I sang tonight. Beverly and I sang together and I thought it sounded great! I had fun singing with her.
William and I worked on Dream (All I Have to Do Is Dream) and we're going to sing it together next week. He showed me the guitar chord progression and it's going to be great! I can't wait!
I have to remember to tab out Red Wing. I was supposed to have it tonight and didn't get it done. I pinky promised to have it next time. That's serious business ... a pinky promise ... I'd better get it done!!!!
Doug was fiddling up a storm ... I think this is his third week on it ... sounds great!!!! I played his mandolin for a couple of songs and then had to whine because my fingers hurt. I'm such a wimp!!! How embarrassing. Getting whipped by a couple of chords!! Dang, girl!
Bill showed me his uke banjo. It was so cute. He played Cripple Creek on it for me. Now I want one!!!!!
Well, I guess I need to let the dog in and head to bed.
Actually ... it's almost time to get up!!!
It was a fun night. Jeff, a friend of mine, went with me and we had a good time. He's a very good singer and I enjoyed having him there.
Tonight was the first time I wore my official "North Ely Opry" hat. I'll have to take a picture of it after I've had some sleep. Made me feel like one of the gang.
I sang tonight. Beverly and I sang together and I thought it sounded great! I had fun singing with her.
William and I worked on Dream (All I Have to Do Is Dream) and we're going to sing it together next week. He showed me the guitar chord progression and it's going to be great! I can't wait!
I have to remember to tab out Red Wing. I was supposed to have it tonight and didn't get it done. I pinky promised to have it next time. That's serious business ... a pinky promise ... I'd better get it done!!!!
Doug was fiddling up a storm ... I think this is his third week on it ... sounds great!!!! I played his mandolin for a couple of songs and then had to whine because my fingers hurt. I'm such a wimp!!! How embarrassing. Getting whipped by a couple of chords!! Dang, girl!
Bill showed me his uke banjo. It was so cute. He played Cripple Creek on it for me. Now I want one!!!!!
Well, I guess I need to let the dog in and head to bed.
Actually ... it's almost time to get up!!!
Family:
Here's a picture of Chris and Heather (and CJ) with my Dad and Mom #2. I haven't seen them for a couple of months since this picture was taken. I'll see them the first weekend of June ... and I'm very excited about it.Reptile World:
This fish looks like he wants to bite someone and see what they taste like!!! Run away! Run away!!
This fish just looks like he's cruising the tank ... looking for chicks. Wondering if anyone has anything to eat.
I didn't like this fish. He's pretty ... but ...Anyway, these are the fish that we saw in the fish tank at Reptile World.
(Yes, there are still more pictures ... you thought I was finished!!!)
Family: Hubby
There's my sweetheart hubby!!! I sure do love him!!
Tree:
Here's my other little Chinese Maple tree. This one is nicely shaped. They're growing, but they grow so slowly it's painful.Tree:
Here's one of my small Chinese Maple trees. You've seen the big one already. This one needs pruned up a little.The Baby
I just talked to Chris and Heather. She had a doctor visit and the doctor told her she was 80% ready. She said she's ready to go!!!!!
Should be soon.
Should be soon.
Music: Guitar
Well, me and my guitar, Wilson, just spent the last hour together singing. There's just something so peaceful when it's just you ... and your guitar.
Darn Hair Brush!
Well, I wish that one of you were here to lend me a hand. I somehow accidently twisted my hairbrush and it's stuck in my hair. I'm not kidding. Guess I'll go work on it some more.
Where's that baby????
Still no baby!!! Dang it!!!!
I'm sure Heather is ready to get it done and little CJ in her arms!!!!
I'm sure Heather is ready to get it done and little CJ in her arms!!!!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Salt and Pepper Shakers:
This is a set of salt and pepper shakers that I received from my Dad's collection. I've also included a view of the markings on the bottom.
Water, Mississippi:
Here's a picture of my Mighty Mississippi!!!!
Plants: Shamrock
Here are a couple of pictures of my shamrock. It's one of my favorite house plants.
Visual Pun
Here's another visual pun.
The answer is in the comments.
General:
This used to belong to my Grandma Williams. I've had it hanging in my house for about three years now.
It always makes me think of her.
Music: Dueling Banjos
Well, it's official. I can now play Dueling Banjos!!! Sondra and I got together today and worked up a little rendition together on our banjos. It was quite fun, especially when we got to going fast!!!
Look out ... here we come!!!
De de de de de de de de de ....
Look out ... here we come!!!
De de de de de de de de de ....
General:
Well, my husband and I spent a really nice evening together. We went to look at some furniture in Palmyra Mo and then went out to eat in Hannibal, MO. I enjoyed it very much. We'd both had a bad day and it felt really good to just be out and together.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Camera
Well, my camera is out of batteries!
That dreaded phrase!
It makes us sad!
It makes us feel lost!
For some of us, we feel naked with out our camera!
What to do?
Guess I'll just go to bed.
Good night!
That dreaded phrase!
It makes us sad!
It makes us feel lost!
For some of us, we feel naked with out our camera!
What to do?
Guess I'll just go to bed.
Good night!
Music, Hannibal Session:
Well, I'm a day late getting this posted ... but ... better late than never!!! Right???
Monday night session in Hannibal was all good and fun!!!!
The players were Chris on banjo... Ava on fiddle, banjo, mandolin and drum ... Sondra on mandolin and banjo ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Dwain on guitar ... Andrew on fiddle and banjo ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Dale H on washboard ... Don on bass ... Kevin on percussion ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle and flute ... Lisa on fiddle ... Robert on fiddle ... Dave S on guitar ... Sarah on guitar and whistle ... Doug on mandolin and banjo ... Fred on guitar ... Wade on percussion and Paul on whistle.
Our friend and missing musician Billy Bob, who is away in the military, called during the slow jam and everyone got to yell "hello" to him on the phone.
Elizabeth came for the last 30 minutes or so and played my fiddle. We hadn't seen her in a long time and were thrilled to have her there!
Charlie was there! He's 99 years old and still truckin' along. He's a retired fiddle contest judger and always gives me some pointers. I love it.
Some of the regulars in the audience were Evelyn and Bob, Noel and Mary Jo, Suzie, Harry and Ellen, and Bill.
Harry bought himself a mandolin yesterday and I'm going to teach him how to play. He bought a book and is going to get started and then let me know when he's ready. That is very cool!!!
We were missing some players and audience members: I didn't see Melanie, Beverly (was working), Joshua, Clayton, Phillip, Dale M, Ian, Ned, Gracie, Aaron, Terry, Sam, Alicia, Evelyn H, George (traveling) ... we missed you all as well as anyone that I missed.
We're always glad to have you there, whether playing or listening!!!
Six more days until next time!!!
** As always ... the disclaimer ... if I missed anyone ... I'm very sorry!!!!
Monday night session in Hannibal was all good and fun!!!!
The players were Chris on banjo... Ava on fiddle, banjo, mandolin and drum ... Sondra on mandolin and banjo ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Dwain on guitar ... Andrew on fiddle and banjo ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Dale H on washboard ... Don on bass ... Kevin on percussion ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle and flute ... Lisa on fiddle ... Robert on fiddle ... Dave S on guitar ... Sarah on guitar and whistle ... Doug on mandolin and banjo ... Fred on guitar ... Wade on percussion and Paul on whistle.
Our friend and missing musician Billy Bob, who is away in the military, called during the slow jam and everyone got to yell "hello" to him on the phone.
Elizabeth came for the last 30 minutes or so and played my fiddle. We hadn't seen her in a long time and were thrilled to have her there!
Charlie was there! He's 99 years old and still truckin' along. He's a retired fiddle contest judger and always gives me some pointers. I love it.
Some of the regulars in the audience were Evelyn and Bob, Noel and Mary Jo, Suzie, Harry and Ellen, and Bill.
Harry bought himself a mandolin yesterday and I'm going to teach him how to play. He bought a book and is going to get started and then let me know when he's ready. That is very cool!!!
We were missing some players and audience members: I didn't see Melanie, Beverly (was working), Joshua, Clayton, Phillip, Dale M, Ian, Ned, Gracie, Aaron, Terry, Sam, Alicia, Evelyn H, George (traveling) ... we missed you all as well as anyone that I missed.
We're always glad to have you there, whether playing or listening!!!
Six more days until next time!!!
** As always ... the disclaimer ... if I missed anyone ... I'm very sorry!!!!
Music:
Well, I can already see that the good old summertime is going to affect my blogging. I'll still get to blog ... just maybe once a day instead of like I have been doing. That is sad for me. (boo hoo)
I'm getting ready to change my work schedule to accomdate those who would like to come at an earlier time of day during the summer.
I'm trying to decide if traveling out of town to teach one day a week would be good for my business or not.
I got a summer job as a street musician in Hannibal for the summer. I'm VERY excited about that!!!! I just found that out Friday night at the dance. So, I'm practicing up a storm. It'll be fine. Now I just have to find me some clothes. They have to be period clothing ... at the moment ... I have none. I'll have to remedy that this week. Maybe I'll sew something. (ugh)
No grandbaby yet. Still waiting.
Practicing piano for the wedding, organ for church, banjo, fiddle, Irish whistle and guitar for performance, the drum so I don't forget how ... oh and I'm going to try to teach myself the mountain dulcimer. I did get it tuned last night!!!
Hope you had a great day!!
I'm getting ready to change my work schedule to accomdate those who would like to come at an earlier time of day during the summer.
I'm trying to decide if traveling out of town to teach one day a week would be good for my business or not.
I got a summer job as a street musician in Hannibal for the summer. I'm VERY excited about that!!!! I just found that out Friday night at the dance. So, I'm practicing up a storm. It'll be fine. Now I just have to find me some clothes. They have to be period clothing ... at the moment ... I have none. I'll have to remedy that this week. Maybe I'll sew something. (ugh)
No grandbaby yet. Still waiting.
Practicing piano for the wedding, organ for church, banjo, fiddle, Irish whistle and guitar for performance, the drum so I don't forget how ... oh and I'm going to try to teach myself the mountain dulcimer. I did get it tuned last night!!!
Hope you had a great day!!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Music: Piano
Well, I just practiced an hours worth of wedding music. I'm playing at my brother, Frank's, wedding on June 3rd. I'll have to get with them on the phone and play for them so they can choose which songs they like or don't like. I'm looking forward to it.
Tonight is the Hannibal music session.
Horray!!
Tonight is the Hannibal music session.
Horray!!
Music: Banjo
Well, I just practiced banjo for an hour and a half.
Very fun!!!!
Very fun!!!!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Music: Mountain Dulcimer
Well, I got my dulcimer book out this morning and looked at it.
Now I know what pitch to tune the strings to!!! That's the first step!!
Then I'll look and see what I'm able to do with it.
I'm looking forward to it.
Now I know what pitch to tune the strings to!!! That's the first step!!
Then I'll look and see what I'm able to do with it.
I'm looking forward to it.
Music: Contra Dance
This is just a few of the musicians.
Front row: Larry, Lisa, Chris and Joann
Back row: Me (standing) and Wade
We're on a break between songs. Do we look tired? That's because we are!!! It's fun, but it's hard work too!!!
Music: Contra Dance
Friday was our monthly Contra Dance that we host each month every second Friday.We had a lot of fun, as always. We were missing some of our regular dancers but were blessed with some new dancers. It's so fun for me to watch them while we're playing.
General: Steak and Shake
Saturday my hubby and I had lunch at Steak and Shake. I had a double steak burger and cheese fries!!! Strawberry shortcake for dessert!!!
While we were eating, one of the waitresses dropped a glass and it shattered. It was funny because there was an audible "oooooohhhhhhh" from the entire group of diners.
While we were eating, one of the waitresses dropped a glass and it shattered. It was funny because there was an audible "oooooohhhhhhh" from the entire group of diners.
Grandbaby ...
No grandbaby yet ...
She had two contractions yesterday ... none today. Still waiting ...
She had two contractions yesterday ... none today. Still waiting ...
Happy Mothers Day!
Well, today is THE day!
Happy Mother's Day to you all!!!
Ava
Happy Mother's Day to you all!!!
Ava
Friday, May 12, 2006
Houses:
This house is just large!!! I can imagine a courtyard like area in the back yard. Very pretty.
Houses:
I like the shrubbery design in this yard. It gives it the "trick of the eye" of being a larger yard than it really is.
The house looks very peaceful to me.
Houses:
This is a house here in Quincy that I think is pretty. I like the design.
Family: Isaac
There's my nephew Isaac.
(This is Tina's son)
Family: Lauren
Here's my niece, Lauren ... posing for a picture and looking pretty!!
Family: Bubba
Here's picture of my brother-in-law, Greg ... or as he's affectionately called by everyone ... Bubba.
General: Cat
Well, no kitty cat for us right now.
Maybe later.
Maybe later.
Music: Dance tonight
We play for a dance tonight in Hannibal and I'm looking forward to that. I'm going to take the banjo and the fiddle. I'll try to remember to take the camera and take some pictures.
Ta ta!
Ta ta!
General: Cats
We went this morning to a local cat adoption center and looked at cats. They had around ten adults and then some little kittens. No one in particular struck a chord with us, so we're going to go the Humane Society and visit with their cats. I don't know that we're getting one for sure, but we've been talking about it. I'm sure if we find one that hits the spot ... we'll take it home. We need a mouser.
General: Frig
Well, I just finished getting all of the tupperware out of the frig, emptying it and washing it. There was some "strange" looking ... and smelling ... stuff in there!
Now we have tons of tupperware available for more stuff!!!!
Now we have tons of tupperware available for more stuff!!!!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Music: Quincy Session tonight!!!!
It was another Quincy music session at La Gondola.
The players were Dave on guitar, Ava on fiddle and guitar, Sondra on mandolin, Joann on whistle and tambourine, Tony on whistle, flute and fiddle, Larry on fiddle and banjo. Andrew joined us but was too tired to play. We were glad to see him though.
Rick, Vicky, Stephanie, Randy and little Stephanie were there tonight ... "the regulars". There were about ten others who came to dine.
We had a very relaxed night and tried out a couple of new tunes.
Thanks to everyone who came and made the night a success.
Ava
The players were Dave on guitar, Ava on fiddle and guitar, Sondra on mandolin, Joann on whistle and tambourine, Tony on whistle, flute and fiddle, Larry on fiddle and banjo. Andrew joined us but was too tired to play. We were glad to see him though.
Rick, Vicky, Stephanie, Randy and little Stephanie were there tonight ... "the regulars". There were about ten others who came to dine.
We had a very relaxed night and tried out a couple of new tunes.
Thanks to everyone who came and made the night a success.
Ava
Visual Pun
Happy Mother's Day!!!!!
Music: Books
Yesterday we, my husband and I, took my six string banjo in for a quick repair at Smith Music and happened upon a music sale. He had a table loaded with music books for $2.00 each. I went shopping!!
Here's what I got:
Here's what I got:
Music: Books
Music: Books
Music: Books
This book came with two cd's full of music!!!!
$2.00!!!!!!!
Was priced at $34.00.
Music: Books
Music: Books
Music: Books
My friend Joann plays the ukulele. I thought she might use this book.
Music: Mountain Dulcimer
He sold me this mountain dulcimer for $25. I figured it would be a good one to learn on. Once my fiddle and banjo are paid for, I'm going to buy one at the Jam Factory built by my friend Chris. This one will get me by until then.He threw in the set of strings, the video and then the book was only $2.00.
My Dog: Outside Please!
Here's Nash, with some funky eyes, wanting to go outside.Of course, I made him pose for pictures first.
How do you like his little smirk in that last one?
He is so funny. He's too big of a dog to allow him to beg for food ... he's big enough to just snatch it from you.
So, he's trained to sit and wait until I'm finished and then he gets the last bite. Boy, he'll sit right next to me and watch every bite that I take ... but he always gets the last bite ... sometimes two!
I love the guy!!!
I was sitting here at my desk just now eating a lime sucker. I looked over my shoulder and there he sat ... waiting for the last bite.
I tried to tell him that this rule didn't work for candy, but the lime scent of my breath just made him lick his lips in anticpation.
So ....
I had to bite my sucker in half and let him have the last bite. Then he licked the stick clean.
General
Wednesday night I only work until 6:00 and that is time set aside for my husband and I to be home together.
We decided to have a Dune marathon. We watched the first four hours. We will watch the remaining four hours next Wednesday night. It had been a while since I had watched it.
Any of you "Dune" fans?
We decided to have a Dune marathon. We watched the first four hours. We will watch the remaining four hours next Wednesday night. It had been a while since I had watched it.
Any of you "Dune" fans?
General: IT'S BABY TIME!!!
Well, it's 10:31pm on Thursday night.
Chris, my oldest son, just called and he's on his way with Heather to the hospital to have the baby!!!
Little CJ will be here before ya know it!!!!
Chris, my oldest son, just called and he's on his way with Heather to the hospital to have the baby!!!
Little CJ will be here before ya know it!!!!
Funny: Bathroom Stall
The Premise:
You’re in a public restroom stall
Going to the bathroom.
There’s someone in the stall next to you .
Here we go ….
This could happen to you!!
I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying:
“Hi, how are you?”
I’m not the type to start a conversation in the restroom, but I don’t know what got into me, so I answered, somewhat embarrassed,
“Doin’ just fine!”
And the other person says:
“So what are you up to?”
What kind of question is that? At that point, I’m thinking this is too bizarre so I say:
“Uhhh, I’m like you, just traveling!”
At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question.
“Can I come over?”
Ok, this question is just too weird for me, but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell them:
“No … I’m a little busy right now!!!”
Then I hear the person say nervously …
“Listen, I’ll have to call you back. There’s an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all of my questions.”
------
This one’s for Merle!!!!
Test:
Dessert Test:
No cheating. If all of the desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose? Pick your dessert, and then look to see what psychiatrists think about you!
Sorry you can only pick one.
Angel Food Cake
Brownies
Lemon Meringue Pie
Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Icing
Strawberry Short Cake
Chocolate Icing on Chocolate Cake
Ice Cream
Carrot Cake
NO. You can't change your mind so think carefully what your choice will be!
OK - Now that you've made your choice, go to the comments sections to see what psychiatric research says about you:
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
General:
Oh, I did go to lunch with my husband today. We went to El Rancherito. Mmmm ... it was good. I also went and got my six string banjo fixed out at Smith Music. He was having a music sale ... $2.00 per book. Needless to say ... I bought some.
He had a mountain dulcimer for $25 ... I bought it. I figure I can use it to learn a few things on until I get my special one. Which one is that? Well, it's one made by my friend Chris down at the Jam Factory in Hannibal ... of course!!! I have to get my fiddle paid for first ... then one of his mountain dulcimers are next.
I'll have pictures to share with you later.
He had a mountain dulcimer for $25 ... I bought it. I figure I can use it to learn a few things on until I get my special one. Which one is that? Well, it's one made by my friend Chris down at the Jam Factory in Hannibal ... of course!!! I have to get my fiddle paid for first ... then one of his mountain dulcimers are next.
I'll have pictures to share with you later.
General:
Well, was way busy and didn't have much time to blog today. I did visit everyone to see what you all were up to, though. Cucoo sure had an interesting day!!
I experienced some blogger withdrawal of my own today!!!
Thanks for visiting. Talk to you later!
Ava
I experienced some blogger withdrawal of my own today!!!
Thanks for visiting. Talk to you later!
Ava
Funny: Visual Pun
Here's another visual pun for you. Don't look at the comments until you've tried to guess?
Any ideas??
It's more than one word.
Water:
There goes the creek ... running away!!
Obviously this is a picture taken earlier this spring ... before the leaves came out.
:-)
Salt and Pepper Shakers: Ducks
Here's a cute little set of salt and pepper shakers!
Don't you love her shawl and bonnet?
Look at his bow tie!!!!
Salt and Pepper Shakers: Dogs
This pair of salt and pepper shakers are a pair of dalmations sitting in their dog bed.
You can see that the one on the left is broken. I glued it back together. It was broken when I bought it at a garage sale. I thought it just gave it some extra character!!
General:
Reflections, Water:
Here's a good reflection for you. Great details in the trees. Don't you think?
Tree, Nature: Ground hog
This is where the ground hog den was.
See the big white rock on the water? Go over one rock to the left, up the bank half way and there's an indention ... that's it. It's actually an entrance to his little cave/den. He kept his eye on me the whole time that I was there.
Trees:
While out on one of my adventures at one of the local creeks, I noticed that most of the trees looked like this around the base.
I saw a ground hog running to his den, but I was not aware that a ground hog would do this. I would have thought beaver.
I checked up and down the creek for dams and didn't find any.
Deer rubs would be up higher.
Any thoughts?
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Bonnies Country Store:
Here's a view from the driveway of the store looking up NN highway. Click and enlarge this picture in a minute. See that hill in the distance? I grew up living on the very top of that hill. You can see a driveway ... that's not it ... it was the next on on the very top.
I enjoyed that hill. We'd walk down to Bonnies to buy candy and soda pop. We'd usually walk barefoot ... sometimes with flip flop sandals on. It was a good walk, but we enjoyed it. Oh, I can't say how many times I stubbed and bloodied my toes on that highway!!!!!
In the winter time, we get our coasters out and sled down that hill. It was great fun!!!!
I'll have more pictures of the store tomorrow.
Bonnies Country Store:
Oh, how I enjoyed eating candy and drinking a soda on those porch steps. Every Friday when we got our allowance, we'd walk down to Bonnie's and spend it all on candy.
Bonnies Country Store:
Here's a close up of the big store front windows and the screen door.
I can still hear that screen door smacking shut and bouncing behind me!!!
Bonnies Country Store:
Here's a couple of pictures of the front of the store. One of the old gas pumps is still there.
I can remember how hot it was waiting in the car while your parents went in to pay for the gas.
That's my son, Chris, walking up to the store.
Maybe sometime we can sit on that old front porch, barefoot, drinking sodas in the shade together. I would love that.
Bonnies Country Store:
Here's a close up of the portion of the front porch and steps where I used to sit with my brother, Tony, and eat candy and drink our sodas. It was always shaded and cool there in the summer time. I can still remember the way that concrete felt on my bare feet.
Bonnies Country Store:
Here's a full side view of the store. You can see the gas pumps out front. There are two of them. I can't even tell you how many times we pulled up there to get gas when I was a kid.
Cars could pull up on either side. When it was raining, of course, you always pulled up under the roof when you could. Kept a little drier that way.
Bonnies Country Store:
Well, there's a new name on the mailbox, but look at the newspaper box below it.
I'd say it's the one that's always been there.
Bonnies Country Store:
Here's a picture of the pot bellied stove.
We used to walk to the store to buy candy. When it was cool out, we'd go stand next to the stove and get our hands warmed back up.
Sometimes Bonnie and her parents would be sitting around it their chairs. There used to be a small couch and some chairs back then.
I can remember them carrying in firewood.
I remember that her Dad couldn't hear very well and she'd yell to him all of the time. I can still smell that firewood burning and feel the warmth of it.
No, when we were there, the store was closed due to a funeral. There wasn't anyone there. We even knocked on the door and windows. You can imagine the comotion all of my picture taking would have caused.
Now, click and enlarge this picture. Look in the office. There seems to be a man in a blue shirt, bald and you can even make out his ear.
How strange is that? I'll have to go back again and meet the Hatfields and see if this guy is one of them. Is it? Or a ghost from time past? It sure was eerie to see him when I was editing these pictures, that's for sure. We were there for a long time. None of us saw anyone and we all had our faces and hands up against the glass peering in. We even looked in the office to see if there was anyone there.
Anyway, that's the end of what my husband calls "an Ava story".
Family, Chris: Music Box
This little figurine sits on a pedestal that you can wind up and it plays music.
It was a gift to Chris when he was a baby. I still have it and it still works.
General: Candles
This candle holder used to be the center piece for the dining room table. I've since retired it. It's missing a globe. Of course, they've been discontinued. So, some day I'll buy five new one and they'll all be pretty again.
General: More Cleaning
Boy, did I ever get a lot of cleaning done in the basement this afternoon!!!
My bad habit is ... once I sit down for a break ... it's over.
So ... I used my new Desperate Housewives timer and when the bell rang, I had to get back at it!
It worked!!!!!
My bad habit is ... once I sit down for a break ... it's over.
So ... I used my new Desperate Housewives timer and when the bell rang, I had to get back at it!
It worked!!!!!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Funny: Visual Pun
Okay, here's a puzzle for you.
Take what you see and try to figure out what word this picture represents.
Any ideas?
Music: Recording Session
Here are some shots of our recording session last summer. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of music and a lot of fun!!
There I am in the blue shirt and pony tail playing the whistle.
Music: Recording Session
Here are some more shots of the recording session.
Sorry they turned out so blurry from my camera.
Music: Recording Session
Here's the Hannibal group, BHP, at our recording session last summer.
There I am in the blue shirt on the left, next to Rob in the red shirt, playing my whistle.
It was quite an experience!!
Hannibal Session: May 8, 2006
The session tonight was a lot of fun.
The players were Chris on banjo ... Ava on banjo and fiddle ... Sondra on mandolin ... Joann on whistle ... Beverly on whistle, mandolin and percussion ... Dwain on guitar ... Andrew on bouzouki ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Dale on washboard ... Don on bass ... Kevin on percussion ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle and flute ... Lisa on fiddle ... Dave on guitar ... Fred on guitar ... Sarah on whistle and bass ... Ian on guitar ... Wade on percussion ... forgive me if I missed anyone!!!
Some of the regulars in the audience were Evelyn H, Evelyn D, Bob, Noel, Mary Jo, Suzie, Harry and Ellen. Aaron's parents were there this evening also. Aaron played percussion with us last summer. He's away at college.
We have a dance this Friday in Hannibal, so we'll see you there!!!
Ava
The players were Chris on banjo ... Ava on banjo and fiddle ... Sondra on mandolin ... Joann on whistle ... Beverly on whistle, mandolin and percussion ... Dwain on guitar ... Andrew on bouzouki ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Dale on washboard ... Don on bass ... Kevin on percussion ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle and flute ... Lisa on fiddle ... Dave on guitar ... Fred on guitar ... Sarah on whistle and bass ... Ian on guitar ... Wade on percussion ... forgive me if I missed anyone!!!
Some of the regulars in the audience were Evelyn H, Evelyn D, Bob, Noel, Mary Jo, Suzie, Harry and Ellen. Aaron's parents were there this evening also. Aaron played percussion with us last summer. He's away at college.
We have a dance this Friday in Hannibal, so we'll see you there!!!
Ava
Ely Opry:
Here I am with a few of my friends from the Ely Opry.
From left to right: Bill on fiddle, Doug on mandolin, William on guitar and me on fiddle.
Flower:
Here I am holding the Peony that my student gave to me today.
Flowers: Peony
One of my students brought me this flower this afternoon from their garden at home. I thought it was just beautiful. Peonies from their garden ... he said that they have a bunch of them, but this is the first bloom.How sweet.
Food: Muffin
Two of my students, twins, have a birthday this week and they brought me a birthday muffin treat today!!
I'm getting ready to eat it right now.
Mmm mmm!
My Dog
Here's Nash looking through the door of his kennel.
Can you tell that he wants out??
Ava: India Outfit
Here I am in my new blouse that my husband purchased for me while he was in India a few months ago. It also has a beautiful orange scarf that goes with it, which is shown below.
Ava: India Outfit
Here's a close up of the front of the blouse. I like the design in the middle.
Ava: India Outfit
Here's a close up of the design on each sleeve.
It's hand painted, outlined in silver thread. There's orange lace around the sleeve edge with little silver sequin/beads sewed on.
Ava: India Outfit
Here I am with the scarf on.
It's a very comfortable outfit!
Ava: India Outfit
Ava: India Outfit
Here's a close up shot with the scarf on.
It's such a beautiful and delicate scarf.
Everyone said the orange was a good color on me. I wasn't sure if it would be or not.
Ava: India Outfit
Here's a shot of the pattern on the front of my shirt.
Food: Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls update ...
Now there is only one left!!!
Hahahahahaha (evil laughter)
Now there is only one left!!!
Hahahahahaha (evil laughter)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Food: Twizzlers
This is a picture of our favorite snack around the house. Cherry flavored Twizzlers. We leave them on the kitchen counter and just kind of "grab" a piece when we want one.
Yum!!
General: Picture
This a shot, well, two shots ... of one of the pictures I have in my dining room.
I think it is a beautiful picture and I really enjoy it.
Trip: The Enterprise
Here's my husband sitting in the Captains chair on the bridge of the Enterprise.
I am so jealous!!!
I want to be able to sit there, look forward, point my finger, extend my arm forward and say "Make it so!".
Very cool!!!
Food: Bread Machine
Here's the bread machine again.
This time, my husband used it to make cinnamon roll dough. When the dough was finished, he took it out and made cinnamon rolls in the oven.
Oh my gosh, sooooo good!!
Food: Cinnamon Rolls
Mmmm ...
They look delicious ...
And ...
They ARE delicious!!!!!!
Birds: My Baby Birds
Well, I heard lots of "cheaping" and decided to peak inside the sparrows nest. I couldn't see, but held the camera up there and got some shots, just hoping to get a glimpse of what was going on inside.Surprise!!! There are five little babies in there!!
These are a little colony of sparrows who live as a comune all winter in this nest and two others.
They split up once spring gets here and they usually raise at least two nests of babies before the summer is over.
I enjoy having them.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
General:
Well, it sure looks like a beautiful day out there. I'm not sure what we're doing today, but I imagine it will involve lots of yard work ... probably up on the hill. If you remember, we had two trees fall during the tornado ... and today we get to clean it all up.
I wish I could just lean over and blow it down the hill, you know, like you would do to one of those fuzzy dandelions! Then I could pick it up and haul it at the bottom of the hill. Oh well, I guess I just need to quit whining and get it done, huh? The bright side is I have some free wood for the wood pile this year!!!!! That's good!!! Oh, I'll still have to buy some and have it hauled in.
The first time I bought wood, they just kind of dumped it in a big pile and then I had to move it all to the wood pile behind the garage. Last time though, he brought his granddaughter, she was 16, and we all stacked it together. It went by really fast. I SO much appreciated it.
So, enough stories ... time to work!!!
Ava
I wish I could just lean over and blow it down the hill, you know, like you would do to one of those fuzzy dandelions! Then I could pick it up and haul it at the bottom of the hill. Oh well, I guess I just need to quit whining and get it done, huh? The bright side is I have some free wood for the wood pile this year!!!!! That's good!!! Oh, I'll still have to buy some and have it hauled in.
The first time I bought wood, they just kind of dumped it in a big pile and then I had to move it all to the wood pile behind the garage. Last time though, he brought his granddaughter, she was 16, and we all stacked it together. It went by really fast. I SO much appreciated it.
So, enough stories ... time to work!!!
Ava
Friday, May 05, 2006
General: Ghost Whisperer
Do any of you watch Ghost Whisperer?
The ending tonight caught me totally by surprise ... and made me cry!!!
The ending tonight caught me totally by surprise ... and made me cry!!!
General: Fireplace Logs
Here's a picture of my fireplace logs in the gas fireplace.
I have two others that are wood burning.
Nature: Retaining wall
This is one of my retaining walls and I just thought it was a neat picture of the green on the stones.I think it's very pretty.
General:
This is a close up of a sculpture my mother has sitting on her coffee table.
I thought it was pretty.
Family: Big Junior
Well, meet Junior ... all grown up.
Here's Junior just a few weeks ago laying on my heat pad.
He had been laying on his back napping, but the flash of the camera woke him up.
There he is snuggling with Marilyn.
And there he is heading outside.
He is such a sweetie!!!
Family: Little Junior
Meet Junior ... the sweetest little puppy that I ever saw!!!He's a chihuahua ... and a very cute one!
I bought him for my mother last year. He's a year old now and all grown up ... still sweet!!!!
Music: The Morning After
Well, I got up this morning all tired and red eyed from staying out too late playing music last night. Actually, I guess I didn't stay out too late ... was home by 1:30 ... but stayed up until 3:00. That's the part that got me!!!!
I didn't practice a single instrument today. Nothing.
I'll make up for it tomorrow.
I didn't practice a single instrument today. Nothing.
I'll make up for it tomorrow.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Music, Dancing:
Well, you may or may not have visited Tanginika's blog called The New Latina. One of the things that she and I share in common is that we both belly dance. Well, she has a video on her blog or people belly dancing to Shakira singing Hips Don't Lie. Well, I had never thought of belly dancing to music with that type of beat, but it's wonderful!!
Well, I now have a CD which we are calling Ava's blingbling dance party that is terrific to dance to.
It has the following songs:
1. Pussycat Dolls - Beep
2. Shakira - Objection
3. Black Eyed Peas - Don't Phunk With My Heart
4. India Arie - I Am Not My Hair
5. Shakira - Hips Don't Lie
6. Mario Vazquez - Gallery
7. Pussycat Dolls - Buttons
8. Black Eyed Peas - Pump It
9. AkSent - Zingy
10. Busta Rhymes - I Love My Chick
11. Nelly Furtaldo - Promiscuous
12. Black Eyed Peas - My Humps
13. Santana - Twisted
14. Damian Jr. Gong Marley - Beautiful
15. Christina Milian - Say I
16. Shakira - La tortura
It's some very energetic music and a blast to dance to. I try to dance of some sort, sometimes just "getting down" and breakin' a few moves, or belly dancing, or doing Ti Chi. (yes, you can do Ti Chi to hip hop) It relaxes me and it's great exercise! It's a great way to start the day and loosen up those joints!!!
So, thank you Tanginika for broadening my horizons!!!
Ava
Well, I now have a CD which we are calling Ava's blingbling dance party that is terrific to dance to.
It has the following songs:
1. Pussycat Dolls - Beep
2. Shakira - Objection
3. Black Eyed Peas - Don't Phunk With My Heart
4. India Arie - I Am Not My Hair
5. Shakira - Hips Don't Lie
6. Mario Vazquez - Gallery
7. Pussycat Dolls - Buttons
8. Black Eyed Peas - Pump It
9. AkSent - Zingy
10. Busta Rhymes - I Love My Chick
11. Nelly Furtaldo - Promiscuous
12. Black Eyed Peas - My Humps
13. Santana - Twisted
14. Damian Jr. Gong Marley - Beautiful
15. Christina Milian - Say I
16. Shakira - La tortura
It's some very energetic music and a blast to dance to. I try to dance of some sort, sometimes just "getting down" and breakin' a few moves, or belly dancing, or doing Ti Chi. (yes, you can do Ti Chi to hip hop) It relaxes me and it's great exercise! It's a great way to start the day and loosen up those joints!!!
So, thank you Tanginika for broadening my horizons!!!
Ava
Music, Quincy Session:
It was another great session in Quincy this evening. I think we played the best together that we've done yet. We stayed together and kept a good tempo.
The players this evening were Ava on fiddle and guitar ... Larry on guitar and fiddle... Jeff on tenor banjo and guitar ... Sondra on mandolin ... Andrew on fiddle and guitar ... Tony on whistel and flute ... Joann on whistle ... Lisa on fiddle and Dave on guitar.
Jeff joined us from Macomb. He was a real asset to the group and we all hope that he comes back.
Larry's birthday is this week so we had birthday cupcakes!!
I left as close to 8:30 as I could and headed out to Ely.
Come and join us next week!!!
The players this evening were Ava on fiddle and guitar ... Larry on guitar and fiddle... Jeff on tenor banjo and guitar ... Sondra on mandolin ... Andrew on fiddle and guitar ... Tony on whistel and flute ... Joann on whistle ... Lisa on fiddle and Dave on guitar.
Jeff joined us from Macomb. He was a real asset to the group and we all hope that he comes back.
Larry's birthday is this week so we had birthday cupcakes!!
I left as close to 8:30 as I could and headed out to Ely.
Come and join us next week!!!
Music: Ely Opry
Well, after the Quincy session, I was off to The Ely Opry with Dave.
We had a good time and played a lot of music. I wore sandals and after a few hours on that concrete floor, I had to take my sandals off and go barefoot. I'm gonna have to get some new shoes just for there.
On the way out the door, I grabbed my black song book that I sing out of ... I thought. What I actually ended up with was one of my piano albums full of wedding music. Great!
Doug had a surprise! He picked up a fiddle last weekend and now he's playing up a storm!!! That's awesome!!!!
We played a lot of music, stayed late, it's 1:55am right now. I'm going to have to get to bed ... we're getting up early to go garage saling in the morning before my husband leaves for work.
We had a good time and played a lot of music. I wore sandals and after a few hours on that concrete floor, I had to take my sandals off and go barefoot. I'm gonna have to get some new shoes just for there.
On the way out the door, I grabbed my black song book that I sing out of ... I thought. What I actually ended up with was one of my piano albums full of wedding music. Great!
Doug had a surprise! He picked up a fiddle last weekend and now he's playing up a storm!!! That's awesome!!!!
We played a lot of music, stayed late, it's 1:55am right now. I'm going to have to get to bed ... we're getting up early to go garage saling in the morning before my husband leaves for work.
General: Good morning!
Well, I've spent the morning taking it easy and enjoying reading. It was very relaxing!
Now, however, I have to get the kitchen cleaned up and some laundry done. It probably wouldn't hurt to clean the bathroom either.
Smach! (that was a whip) Get to work!!!!!!!!!
Now, however, I have to get the kitchen cleaned up and some laundry done. It probably wouldn't hurt to clean the bathroom either.
Smach! (that was a whip) Get to work!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
False Alarm
Well, the banjo was calling my name louder than the bed was ... banjo won. I've been playing the banjo all of this time.
Now I'm REALLY going to bed. (wink wink)
Ava
Now I'm REALLY going to bed. (wink wink)
Ava
General:
Well, all of my students have runny noses and coughs. They've been coughing on me all day. I've been using hand sanitizer A LOT!!!
My throat is a little scratchy, but not too bad. I've been drinking extra water all day. Had a touch of a head ache this morning, but it went away. Thank goodness!!
Well, tomorrow night, Thursday, is Quincy music session and then the Ely Opry. I'm taking Little Suzie the fiddle and Benny the banjo with me tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it.
Well, I'm sleepy. Going to hit the hay!!!!
My throat is a little scratchy, but not too bad. I've been drinking extra water all day. Had a touch of a head ache this morning, but it went away. Thank goodness!!
Well, tomorrow night, Thursday, is Quincy music session and then the Ely Opry. I'm taking Little Suzie the fiddle and Benny the banjo with me tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it.
Well, I'm sleepy. Going to hit the hay!!!!
Yard Work: brush pile
Here's a picture of the limbs and sticks I picked up from just half of the front yard. Since this picture, I've added even more that were on the other half of the front yard.
I haven't even started on the hill yet where the tree fell during the tornado. There's a big tree, LOTS of branches and of course I still haven't moved the big oak tree limbs ... there are two of those.
My Dog: Rainy Day
Here's Nash, hiding in the basement from the thunder that's going on outside.
Poor baby!!!
Weather: Rainy Day
I love this picture!
I went outside and caught a glimpse of the raindrops on the pond!!
Very cool!!!
Weather: Rainy Day
There's my footprint as I'm coming in from taking pictures in the rain.
Weather: Rainy Day
It's raining and everything is all wet!As gloomy as it is, we sure do need the rain, so I won't complain.
The Bird Flu has Hit
Weather: Rainy day
Well, here you can see the water dripping from my gutter. I guess it's time to get up there and clean it out. Probably had leaves in it ... or a bird nest.Tuesday, May 02, 2006
My Dog:
Well, my dog just came to get me and you'll never guess what he wanted.
See, he comes to me whines and looks me in the eye. I look at him and say "what?" He looks at me and barks. I get up and say "show me" and then he takes me and shows me what he wants.
Sometimes he's hungry, sometimes he wants upstairs, sometimes he wants outside and sometimes he wants a treat, sometimes he wants to watch tv (which is actually snuggling with me on the couch while I watch tv), sometimes he'll show me something that is out of place and I'll put it up (that really bugs him) and sometimes he wants to play hide and seek.
Nope, not this time. This time he took me to the bathroom and showed me that someone had shut the lid to toilet stool. So, I opened it for him and he's as happy as can be!
Yes, he has not one, but two water bowls in the house ... he just prefers to drink out of the toilet. Whatever makes him happy!!!
See, he comes to me whines and looks me in the eye. I look at him and say "what?" He looks at me and barks. I get up and say "show me" and then he takes me and shows me what he wants.
Sometimes he's hungry, sometimes he wants upstairs, sometimes he wants outside and sometimes he wants a treat, sometimes he wants to watch tv (which is actually snuggling with me on the couch while I watch tv), sometimes he'll show me something that is out of place and I'll put it up (that really bugs him) and sometimes he wants to play hide and seek.
Nope, not this time. This time he took me to the bathroom and showed me that someone had shut the lid to toilet stool. So, I opened it for him and he's as happy as can be!
Yes, he has not one, but two water bowls in the house ... he just prefers to drink out of the toilet. Whatever makes him happy!!!
Six Things About Me
Six jobs you have had in your life:
- Mother and Wife
- Fast food, McDonalds and Grandy’s
- Waitress
- Office supply store superviser
- Secretary
- Private music instructor
Six movies you would watch over and over:
- Dances with Wolves
- Any Elvis movie
- The Wedding Singer
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- The Lord of the Rings movies
- John Wayne and Clint Eastwood westerns
Six places you have lived:
- Diamond, MO
- That’s it
You love to watch:
- Meduim
- Desperate Housewives
- Law and Order
- Simpsons
- Malcom in the Middle
- Grey’s Anatomy
Six places you have been on vacation:
- Las
Six websites I visit often:
- Riverside Rambles
- Photos of Nothing Important
- Of Course It’s Me
- MC Hammer
- Doubleknot
- Spirits in Motion
- Wild Grace
- Herons Nest
- Roc Rebel Granny
- Abandoned in
Six foods you like:
- Taccos
- Cheeseburger Soup
- General Chicken
- Watermelon
- Grapes
- Brisket
Six places I would rather be right now:
- Riding horses
- Fishing
- Bird Watching
- Visiting Family
- Cross Stitching
- Playing Music
River Rambles
For any of you who have read the River Rambles blog, it is back on line but temporarily at a different address. You can find it by pasting http://216.106.78.61/blog into your browser.
Poetry: An Ode to Celery
An Ode to Celery
Oh celery, Oh celery
How I love you
You’re my favorite color
Which is not blue
You’re crunchy and crisp
When I snap you in two
Your strings make music
When peeled from you
You’re moist and refreshing
Just like dew
I can’t just eat one
Must have two
Oh celery, Oh celery
How I love you
You’re fun to peel
And fun to chew
Celery, oh celery
I love you
by
Ava Jackson
Music:
Well, I've practiced so much mandolin today that my fingers are hurting.
I (ouch) t ev(ouch)en hur(ouch)ts t(ouch)o ty(ouch)pe.
Can you read that??
I (ouch) t ev(ouch)en hur(ouch)ts t(ouch)o ty(ouch)pe.
Can you read that??
Food:
This is some of the food we had at my mother's house after my Grandmother's funeral.
We sure enjoyed all being together and having a chance to visit and catch up with one another.
Food: Soda
Mmmm ... Does this picture make you thirsty??
Family, Ruth Anne
There's my sister, Ruth Anne!
There's her house! I used to live right there on that lot too!!! Seems like a long time ago!
Music: Mom's Piano
Here are some pictures of my mother's piano. I think it is a beautiful instrument ... as well as a real piece of art.
It plays beautifully too!!
Frank's House:
Here we go down the stairs into the basement.
What do you think we will find??
Hey! There's some boys playing pool!!! There's also a bedroom and bathroom down here.
Frank's House:
Here's the barn and corral for the horses. I think he has two of them.
Frank's House:
My brother Frank just moved to a new house. Here it is from the back. We're all heading out back to check out the pond. He has 40 acres.
Chris and Heather:
There's Chris and Heather. She's having the baby toward the end of this month. I can't wait!!!
Chris, Ava, Family:
Here I am with Chris, my oldest son. He's 21 and going to be a daddy sometime this month.
General: Mowing again
Well, I just finished mowing both halves of the front lawn.
I had the brilliant idea of using the push mower to get some exercise.
What kind of crazy idea was that? Surely not mine!!!!
Don't worry ... I'll use the rider next time.
It sure is pretty though. I like those nice straight lines that you get with the push mower.
Must go get a drink of something!!
Ava
I had the brilliant idea of using the push mower to get some exercise.
What kind of crazy idea was that? Surely not mine!!!!
Don't worry ... I'll use the rider next time.
It sure is pretty though. I like those nice straight lines that you get with the push mower.
Must go get a drink of something!!
Ava
Flowers: In a basket
Here's my flowers that are by my fireplace. Yes ... they're fake!!! But I think they are pretty.
Here are some that I crocheted.
They were fun to make, but it's been a while and I don't remember how. I'm sure I have the pattern somewhere. (smile)
Trees: My sky
Here's a view of the "sky" from various places in my yard.I sure enjoy the shade the trees provide in the summer time, but I miss having flowers ... they don't get enough sun and die.
Oh well.
My Dog: Ouch!
Well, I just fell smack on my butt!! Ouch!! Let's just say ... I didn't bounce!!!!
You see, my dog and I have this game that we play several times a day. At the end of my hallway are four doors. We play hide and seek. He has to figure out which room I'm in and then I chase him with a towel while waving it and swatting his back end and yelling like a maniac ... then hide ... chase him ... hide ... chase him...
This usually goes on for about ten to fifteen minutes. Well, while ducking back around a corner to hide, I lost my balance. Down I went!!! At least I didn't twist my ankle or anything like that. He found me sitting in the floor and licked my face until I got up. Then he took off like a bullet in the oposite direction and we took off again!!
You see, my dog and I have this game that we play several times a day. At the end of my hallway are four doors. We play hide and seek. He has to figure out which room I'm in and then I chase him with a towel while waving it and swatting his back end and yelling like a maniac ... then hide ... chase him ... hide ... chase him...
This usually goes on for about ten to fifteen minutes. Well, while ducking back around a corner to hide, I lost my balance. Down I went!!! At least I didn't twist my ankle or anything like that. He found me sitting in the floor and licked my face until I got up. Then he took off like a bullet in the oposite direction and we took off again!!
Monday, May 01, 2006
Zoo: Reptile World
Here are some pictures of the crocodile.I caught him eating his dinner. He was having beef hearts for dinner.
Yum! Yum!!
Make you hungry?
Mystery ...
Okay you movie watchers ...
What scene is this movie from??
Flowers: Dandelions
I know ... they are weeds ...
But I can't help but think back to my childhood and how pretty I thought they were.
I still think they're pretty. I just don't want them all over my yard!!!
Salt and Pepper Shakers: Dad's
This set of salt and pepper shakers are from my Dad's collection and are marked Japan on the bottom.
What cute little cats!!!
Water, View:
Here's a shot of the Mississippi River from Lover's Leap.
I miss the river when I'm gone on trips or visiting family. I always know I'm home when I see it.
Here's a shot of Hannibal.
I can barely see the light house in the trees up toward the right corner.
Music: New Books
Here are some new music books that I bought at The Jam Factory, in Hannibal, MO. I haven't played through all of them yet, but I'm having fun exploring!!! It's fun to have new music to play around with.
My dog:
Here's Nash ... you haven't seen him in a while.He's experiencing some shedding problems at the moment.
General: To Do List
While looking over my "to do" list, I noticed something new written at the top ... in my husbands hand writing.
Can you read it?
It says:
"give husband dirty looks"
Very funny!!!
Crafts: Cross Stitch
Here's an update on my cross stitch project. I think it's turning out well. I think it's going to be framed and put in my sewing room.
Crafts: Cross Stitch
Here's a shot of my thread organizer. It takes a long time to wind and mark each color, but it saves time in the long run.
Food: Mmm ... cake
Here's the cake that my husband made!
Mmmm ... it's delicious!!!
Music, Hannibal Session:
Well, tonight was a great session. We had several people missing, but enjoyed ourselves a lot.
I'm going to create the circle from memory so please forgive me if I leave anyone out.
The players were Chris on tenor banjo ... Ava on fiddle, tenor banjo, whistle and guitar ... Sondra on mandolin ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Dwain on guitar ... Andrew on fiddle ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Don on bass ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle ... Lisa on fiddle ... Dave S on guitar ... Dale M on guitar and bass ... Ian on guitar ... Doug on mandolin and tenor banjo ... Ned on guitar ... LA on banjo... Terry on guitar ... Wade on percussion ... Melissa on percussion.
Some of the people in the audience were Melanie, Gretchen and Grandmother, Evelyn, Bob, Harry, Ellen, Mary Jo, Noel. There were lots of people there that I didn't know. Melanie passed out the percussion for the audience to use and was a hit, as always. There were several people interested in the Contra Dance. I talked to some of them and Melanie passed out some flyers and talked to them also. Hopefully Harry and Ellen with be at the dance. I'll be looking for them.
Sondra got a new mandolin. She had a lot of fun with it this evening. Doug had fun with my tenor banjo ... Benny the Banjo has a new friend!! I also played Doug's mandolin. He has better strings than I do!! I had fun playing the banjo on some of the tunes that I knew. Boy, my picking arm got tired ... and burned ... and ached ... but it was worth every minute of it!!!!
We missed Beverly, Josh, Betsy, Dale H, Adam, Clayton, Kevin, Phillip, Robert, Sarah, Elizabeth, Dave L, Fred, Aaron and Paul from the band. We also missed Charlie, George, Suzie and Jack from the audience. Hopefully you all will be back soon!!!
Well, must post some pictures.
Ta ta!!
Ava
I'm going to create the circle from memory so please forgive me if I leave anyone out.
The players were Chris on tenor banjo ... Ava on fiddle, tenor banjo, whistle and guitar ... Sondra on mandolin ... Joann on whistle and tambourine ... Dwain on guitar ... Andrew on fiddle ... Larry on fiddle and guitar ... Don on bass ... Rob on percussion ... Tony on whistle ... Lisa on fiddle ... Dave S on guitar ... Dale M on guitar and bass ... Ian on guitar ... Doug on mandolin and tenor banjo ... Ned on guitar ... LA on banjo... Terry on guitar ... Wade on percussion ... Melissa on percussion.
Some of the people in the audience were Melanie, Gretchen and Grandmother, Evelyn, Bob, Harry, Ellen, Mary Jo, Noel. There were lots of people there that I didn't know. Melanie passed out the percussion for the audience to use and was a hit, as always. There were several people interested in the Contra Dance. I talked to some of them and Melanie passed out some flyers and talked to them also. Hopefully Harry and Ellen with be at the dance. I'll be looking for them.
Sondra got a new mandolin. She had a lot of fun with it this evening. Doug had fun with my tenor banjo ... Benny the Banjo has a new friend!! I also played Doug's mandolin. He has better strings than I do!! I had fun playing the banjo on some of the tunes that I knew. Boy, my picking arm got tired ... and burned ... and ached ... but it was worth every minute of it!!!!
We missed Beverly, Josh, Betsy, Dale H, Adam, Clayton, Kevin, Phillip, Robert, Sarah, Elizabeth, Dave L, Fred, Aaron and Paul from the band. We also missed Charlie, George, Suzie and Jack from the audience. Hopefully you all will be back soon!!!
Well, must post some pictures.
Ta ta!!
Ava
General: Dr. visit
Here I am at the doctor's office.
He said that he thinks my seizures are neurological and I'm supposed to see my specialist, who is my lupus doctor, and see what he thinks.
General: Falling asleep
Yesterday afternoon I was watching a television movie ... don't even remember what it was. Anyway, I fell asleep while watching it. I woke up with the remote control still in my hand and the tv was turned off. I was confused for a minute, then realized my husband must have turned it off. I turned it back on. When he heard the tv, he came in and peeked around the corner. I asked him how he had been able to push the power button on the remote control without it waking me up? He laughed! He said, " I didn't ... I pushed the power button on the tv."
Yes, I'm so used to remote controls I had forgotten there was a power button on the tv! How lame is that??????
Yes, I'm so used to remote controls I had forgotten there was a power button on the tv! How lame is that??????
General: McDonalds
Went through the drive thru at McDonalds this morning on my way home from the doctor's office. I ordered two burritos a hashbrown and soda.
When I got home, I reached in for the hashbrown which was for the dog ... he loved it by the way!
Then I pulled out an egg McMuffin. Dang! I took a couple of bites, then gave it to the dog. I don't like them ... too slimy. So, no breakfast for me. Didn't feel like taking it back. I did call them though and they're sending me a coupon.
I guess I should go find something to eat. Probably some of my husband's home made bread!!!
Mmm!!!!
When I got home, I reached in for the hashbrown which was for the dog ... he loved it by the way!
Then I pulled out an egg McMuffin. Dang! I took a couple of bites, then gave it to the dog. I don't like them ... too slimy. So, no breakfast for me. Didn't feel like taking it back. I did call them though and they're sending me a coupon.
I guess I should go find something to eat. Probably some of my husband's home made bread!!!
Mmm!!!!
General: To the Doctor
Well, I went to the doctor this morning only to find out when I got there that he was tied up at the hospital and wouldn't make my appointment. This might have made some people mad, but if I had a problem that needed his attention, I'd want him to take the time to fix it, so ... I left smiling.
They did get me in later today although I'm pretty sure it's a "work you in" kind of thing which means I'll be there for a while. That's okay. I told them that I really did need to see him asap because of the seizures I've been having. You see, he didn't know about them yet. I knew I had this appointment coming up, so I had decided to just wait until then. The seizures weren't bad enough to go to the emergency room or anything but the last one sent my little body into shock afterwards and scared me a little bit. So, they got me in today, bless them.
So, I'll have to reschedule some lessons, but that's okay. I'm glad to get in today and not have to wait two to four weeks. He's an internal specialist and the usual turn around is four to six weeks, so I'm very thankful. Anytime I call with a problem, they always get me in and I'm very grateful for the care and attention they have given me over the years.
I'm experiencing blogging withdrawal. Only one entry all weekend!!! I did, however, enjoy my time with my husband and relaxing. I needed it. I know he sure did after his trip. So, if I go a little blogging crazy this week ... you know ...
They did get me in later today although I'm pretty sure it's a "work you in" kind of thing which means I'll be there for a while. That's okay. I told them that I really did need to see him asap because of the seizures I've been having. You see, he didn't know about them yet. I knew I had this appointment coming up, so I had decided to just wait until then. The seizures weren't bad enough to go to the emergency room or anything but the last one sent my little body into shock afterwards and scared me a little bit. So, they got me in today, bless them.
So, I'll have to reschedule some lessons, but that's okay. I'm glad to get in today and not have to wait two to four weeks. He's an internal specialist and the usual turn around is four to six weeks, so I'm very thankful. Anytime I call with a problem, they always get me in and I'm very grateful for the care and attention they have given me over the years.
I'm experiencing blogging withdrawal. Only one entry all weekend!!! I did, however, enjoy my time with my husband and relaxing. I needed it. I know he sure did after his trip. So, if I go a little blogging crazy this week ... you know ...
