The Christmas Rush

Rushing here and rushing there
with my heart going patter pitter.
All of the Christmas preparations
have me all in such a jitter.

I’m out of bows and wrapping paper,
I need more stamps for my cards.
I have several more presents to buy.
Why is getting ready for Christmas so hard?

I need to think about Christmas dinner.
Should I bake a turkey or a ham?
Cornbread dressing and cranberry sauce,
and I can’t forget the yams.

I decide I better settle down
and begin to make my list.
I don’t want to forget anything,
or let it go amiss.

As I sit back and begin to relax
in my comfortable arm chair,
I notice the exquisite nativity
on the mantle over there.

I ponder and think back
about that first Christmas Day
when Jesus, our Savior, was born
and in a manger He lay.

I return to my list
And think why such a rush
Christmas should be simple,
so I tell my mind to hush.

I get out the family Bible
turning to Luke, chapter two
to read about the first Christmas
and all that Mary and Joseph went through.

It seems that I may have lost perspective,
but I’m not sure where to start.
This one quiet moment in my chair,
has made a huge difference in my heart.

The Thrill of the Hunt

Alone I sit on my deer stand
camouflage suit and gun.
It is the opening day of deer season,
and I am eager to see a deer run.

I am chilled to the bone and thinking of home;
the fireplace must be all ablaze.
When slowly and proudly a buck approaches,
and he appears to return my gaze.

I raise my Winchester and take careful aim
waiting for that perfect shot,
but the grace of the deer intrigues me
and the trigger I pull not.

What a wonderful specimen he is
with a full rack upon his head.
Once again I hoist my rifle
and this time I shoot with dread.

As I secure the buck to the hood of my Jeep,
mixed feelings rush through me.
the thrill of the hunt has gone away
I'm just not the hunter I used to be!

Walk with Jesus

I was sitting in my EFM class,
when my leader looked at me.
Just what would you say to this person?
How would you answer his plea?

At the time I had no answer
I had no clue what to say
But after giving it some thought
I think I might start this way.

Take a walk with our savior, Jesus
He’ll gladly walk with you.
He’ll hold your hand and warm your heart
And stay the whole day through.

When your troubles appear too heavy
For just one lone person to bear
Try asking Jesus for His help
He’ll gladly bear His share.

I know it’s hard to trust someone,
someone you cannot see.
But give it a try, open your heart.
Discover how content you can be.

All your pain and suffering
will not disappear or quickly go away.
But by sharing your load with Jesus
you can wake to a brighter day.

I will gladly take that walk with you
I would like to be a friend,
someone that you can depend on
when your world is at an end.

I’m Free for the Day

Each day I make a list of the things I need to do.
When completed I cross them off.
I should start at the top and work my way down,
but an orderly person I’m not.

If I don’t want to start with number one,
I proceed to six, eight, or four.
Where I start depends on my mood,
and what I feel like doing more.

Yesterday I think I did rather well.
Out of four I managed to complete three.
Today I’ve completed the fourth item,
so for the rest of the day I’m free!!!!!

Baking Cookies

First you need a large bowl.
It should be empty and clean
Add soft butter and sugar
and mix with a mixing machine.

Measure out a teaspoon of vanilla.
Add the eggs one by one.
We’re half way through now.
Our dough is almost done!

The dry stuff comes next.
Don’t add it all at once.
Because it will fly all over,
and you’ll feel like a dunce.

Once your dough is mixed,
it will need some time to chill.
Put it in the refrigerator
and clean up all your spills.

Wait at least an hour,
then roll the dough out flat.
Using the cookie cutters,
cut out a pumpkin or a cat.

Put the cookies in the oven
on a greased baking pan.
While the cookies are baking,
lick the beaters as best you can

Finally comes the icing.
The best part comes last.
It’s fun decorating cookies.
Making cookies is such a blast!

Halloween 2008

Disney Delight

Mickey Mouse, Cinderella,
It’s a Small World too,
when you visit Disney World
there’s so much for you to do!

If you like lots of fast-paced action,
the Rock 'N' Roller Coaster is an excellent choice.
With Aerosmith belting out their tunes,
I screamed so hard I lost my voice.

In Epcot I went soaring,
floating through the sky.
I waved at a hang glider
as he went whizzing by.

After watching our food grilled on a hibachi,
we dined in true Japanese style.
Our chef's name was Joseph, and his
efforts were definitely worthwhile.

My favorite ride above the rest
was Toy Story Mania Arcade!
I thought I had done really well,
until I heard the score that Kelsey made!

Our last night we dined in style
at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
We sampled different African foods,
but some foods we had to dodge.

Eventually we had to say good-bye.
Louisiana was calling us home.
We loaded up inside the motor coach
And headed west toward the Superdome.

What a wonderful vacation we had
from morning and into the night.
Filled with good times, good food, and good company,
our vacation was definitely a Disney Delight!

The Special of the Day

How do you like your eggs?
I heard the waitress say.
Scrambled or poached
Or is sunny-side-up okay?

Or, the cook can whip you up
A delicious western omelet
With onions and peppers
But that’s not all you’ll get.

It comes with a side of hash browns
Fresh-squeezed orange juice in a glass
It’s our “Special of the Day”
So you might not want to let it pass.

It was right then that I looked
that waitress up close and in her eye
Please just bring me some coffee
Without some caffeine, I think I might cry!

A Sharp Tongue

I started taking my antidepressant
every other day
and I’m saving 15 dollars
because I’m taking it this way!

But watch out my tongue is sharper
And my will power has taken a hike
Words keep spilling from my mouth
Maybe my tongue will go on strike!

I’ve asked my friends, “Can you tell the difference?”
And of course they all say, “No!”
But I realize they’re just saying this
Because they don’t want to see me BLOW!

Who knows what words would come out
If they admitted that they could tell.
My sharp tongue might lash out at them
Oh my dear friends know me so well!

Faces in the Wind

Strewn across the boardwalk
Trodden on by unsuspecting people
Blowing haphazardly in the wind
Their faces burning from the sun
Reflecting off the glossy paper.

Their parents' cries
ring in my ears as
warm tears run down my cheek.
Who are these young women
selling their bodies and souls
forever blowing in the breeze?

Owl Pajamas

I was on my way to see a friend
when I decided to make a stop.
You see I was looking for owl pajamas,
and it wouldn't take long to shop.

At Target I found the pajamas
and I quickly located my size.
Then I heard someone say my name
and saw him with my very own eyes.

In the middle of the store
Who do you think I saw?
Joe Moffett standing in the aisle.
We looked at each other in awe.

Joe called, "Margy come see who's here."
Margy turned and headed back.
She looked at me long and hard
as I stood next to the pajama rack.

Margy asked, "Meredith what are you doing here?"
I showed her what was in my hands.
When she saw those bright colored pajamas,
we both began to understand.

Great minds seem to think alike.
This was no chance meeting at all.
We were both looking for owl pajamas
in Metairie at the Clearview Mall.

Gustav

The storm is raging
While my heart is sinking
And my loved ones are running away.

Driving in all different directions
In stop and go traffic
Hoping to escape Gustav today.

The television is blaring
While the newscasters are reporting
As I watch the wind and the rain.

New Orleans is trembling
While it sits there waiting
Wishing to avoid another flood today.

Everyone is praying
From where they are staying
Hoping that this time it won’t be the end.

Now we're just waiting
And listening for permission
To return to our homes once again.

My Daddy, Mr. Ed

 

To the young men in town
my daddy was Mr. Ed.
He knew them by name.
They respected what he said.

He helped them grow into men
and taught them how to hit and catch a ball.
To the boys in Hattiesburg,
my daddy was ten feet tall.

He started his coaching career
at the field near Jaycee Park.
His team was called Coca-Cola,
and they played games after dark.

But then Daddy’s hours were changed,
and he started working until nine.
No more coaching Little League.
He reluctantly had to decline.

Along came the Morning League.
Someone was always at our door,
turning in registration papers;
he was busy with baseball once more.

He started t-ball
and a softball team for girls.
The sport of baseball
was Daddy’s little world.

We shared Daddy, my sisters and I
with children who wanted to play ball.
Oh how proud I am of Mr. Ed!
My daddy who was ten feet tall.

Mr. Ed

 

We shared our daddy, my sisters and I
with the boys and young men of Hattiesburg.
He was known all over town as Mr. Ed.
On Saturday mornings he could be found on the ball field
walking from one field to the next,
checking to see if things were running smoothly.

To the boys on the fields and in the dugouts
my daddy was ten feet tall.
Sometimes feared,
always respected and loved,
he watched boys mature into men,
taught them to catch and hit a ball,
and a special few how to hunt.

He never met a stranger,
was full of compassion and
quick to tear.
Such a man was he,
my daddy,
Mr. Ed.

The Boss

There’s a pesky little hummingbird
At my feeder today
He thinks he’s the boss
I wish he’d go away!

He perches at the top of the tree
Patiently lying in wait
Hoping to catch an unsuspecting hummer
Sampling the sweet sugary bait.

As soon as they get near
the edge of the feeder
He dashes out to meet them
like he's a Wal-Mart greeter.

But he doesn’t say welcome
He just rushes them away
So that he can keep the feeder
For his greedy self all day.

Well I’ve got news for him
That pesky little hummer
I’m not changing his feeder
For the rest of the summer.

Bunny Talk

I peered into the garden
and overheard the bunny say,
“Oh what a wonderful time
I’m going to have today!
When that pesky little dog comes out
I’ll show him a thing or two.
I’ll have him running in circles
before the day is through.
I’ll nibble on the flowers.
I like the cone flowers best!
They’re my favorite flowers
More scrumptious than the rest!
Then I’ll take a little siesta
during the heat of the afternoon.
Then come out fresh and rested
to welcome the night and the moon.”

Blackberry Picking

After a delicious family dinner
Our hostess cheerfully announced
I have blackberry bushes in need of picking
So out the door we quickly pounced.

Armed with a pint container
Hoping to pack it to the rim
We attacked the blackberry bushes
With vigor and with vim.

Eagerly like little children
Hunting for hidden Easter eggs
We searched for luscious blackberries
Running on not so nimble legs.

Stooping down and looking low
Gave us a super surprise
So many tempting blackberries
Right before our “berry” eyes

One for the container
And one succulent berry to eat
Yum! These juicy blackberries
Are such a tempting treat!

We finished picking for the evening
But made plans to soon come back
The blackberry bushes are just bursting
We could have filled a sack!

Snowed In

 

There we were
surrounded by snow
in every direction.
The twisting mountain road
completely hidden.

We dared not stop in fear
of being snowed in.
So we continued to creep along.
The motor home suddenly
began to skid.

We held our breath
and forgot to breathe.
Tension was in the air.
We prayed out loud
and silently.

The driver corrected the skid
and continued on the lonely road
The snow poles
on each side of the road
served as our only guide.

The time moved so slowly
and the snow appeared endless.
There was no sign of life--
no cars on the road
or animals in the field.

How could we be so foolish?
We failed to listen
to the warnings given.
Check the weather and road conditions
before you start out.

After what seemed like hours
we spotted another vehicle.
Our spirits rose
with this sign of life.
Our prayers had been answered.

A Memory From the Past

Walking home from school
with a bounce in my step
anxious to arrive home.

Finally the welcoming oak tree
comes into view
and beckons me home.

I race down the driveway
arriving at the side door
it slams noisily behind me.

I rush to the kitchen
and see Mother standing in front of the sink
wearing her favorite apron.

She turns to greet me
with a smile
on her face.

I dash to the stove
still warm from lunch
I call out to Mother

“What’s for dinner?”

A Tribute to Emily

Emily Carole Harrison
4/19/1977 - 9/29/2001

Emily, the youngest daughter of my sister, Carole, suffered brain damage at 12 years of age as a result of a terrible accident. After spending 12 years recovering from these injuries, she suffered another tragic accident on September 12, 2001, which eventually ended her life.

The following poem was one of my earlier poems and can be found on page 175 of the book, My Sister, Emily. Emily's sister, Belinda Harrison Jockisch, wrote this book and it tells the story of Emily, a very special and remarkable young lady.

Emily

Though little in body
she was strong in mind,
ready to witness
to all mankind.

She had a zest for living
those who knew her admired,
an inquisitive spirit
that never tired.

Her smile could light up
any gloomy affair.
She wasn’t beyond
accepting a dare.

She never cursed,
a true lady was she.
“Yes Ma’am,” she spoke
with complete sincerity.

Although Emily’s life might
be thought short by some,
the number of lives she touched
is really quite awesome.

I’ll always believe
that Emily was sent from above
with a special job
and the gift of love.

Her Lord called her home,
so now we are sad.
We miss that special smile
that Emily had.

But don’t you cry
or shed your tears,
rejoice that we had her
for twenty-four years!

Now she is up
in heaven above
watching over us
with her gift of love.

Secrets

We all have our secrets
hidden deep inside
Our shame and embarrassment
The private thoughts we hide.

We find it difficult to open up
And let our buried feelings out
We keep them concealed inside
Secrets only we know about.

Why we haven’t told
It’s difficult to say
Maybe we fear reliving
The memories from that day.

Or possibly we feel embarrassment
And hope the secrets will disappear
If we don’t acknowledge our secrets
And things we’ve grown to fear.

Nobody will ever know
Of the crosses that we bear
If we continue to hide them away
refusing to talk about our despair.

But is this a healthy way of life
Keeping thoughts hidden deep inside
Maybe we should just open up
And address these secrets that we hide.

The Demon Inside of Me

I’m fighting a demon
that lives inside of me.
He scratches and claws,
trying so hard to be free.

I must keep on my toes
and not give in to his tricks,
but he’s so crafty and sly
and his talk is so slick!

He tries to take over my life
and lead me astray.
He makes me lose focus
throughout the night and day.

I’m fighting hard
and trying to be brave,
but the demon inside me
just doesn’t behave.

But today is a new day,
and now I’m much wiser than he.
With God’s help I’ll chase away
the demon who lives inside of me.

In the Middle

I’m caught in the middle
between the two of you.
Whom do I side with?
What should I do?

I try to remain neutral
and keep my thoughts deep inside,
but my impulsiveness gives way
and my feelings I cannot hide.

Then I begin to question
whether I said something wrong.
Did I choose the wrong words?
Did I ramble on too long?

I guess I’ll find out tomorrow
when I meet you one on one.
Did I get my point across
by the things I’ve said and done?

But I only have to answer
to my Maker up above.
Please Lord curb my tongue
where I won’t hurt the ones I love.

The Great White Hunter

Chloe loves to catch little lizards
and bring them into the house.
I guess we’re really quite lucky!
It could be a little brown mouse!

She waits patiently until she spots one
and then nimbly goes in for the pounce.
She has eyes as sharp as an eagle
and can quickly spring up with a bounce.

The patio is her special haven.
She can’t wait 'til she gets outside.
But when the heat or rain appears,
she comes in with a graceful stride.

She naps and counts the minutes
as they slowly tick by.
She hears the lizards calling her
“Yoo-hoo Chloe!” the lizards cry.

The Snowball Effect

Harsh words spoken in haste
Absorbed and ingested
Unknowingly deep down inside
Eating at your soul
The hurt festers and spills
Erupting once again
To an unknown recipient
The sting of remembered pain
Grows unsuspectingly
Just below the surface
Hidden feelings waiting to erupt
A never ending cycle.

A Morning Walk on the Beach

A morning walk on the beach,
so many things to see.
Sea gulls, iridescent shells, and
gentle waves reaching to my knees.

A morning walk on the beach
so many things to hear.
The roaring tide, endless chatter, and
children squealing out in fear.

A morning walk on the beach,
so many things to feel.
The cool damp sand and water with
seaweed nipping at my heel.

A morning walk on the beach,
so many things to taste.
Salty water on my tongue and
a cold beer to drink with haste.

A morning walk on the beach.
so many things to smell,
pina colada suntan oil and
hot pizza waiting to sell.

A morning walk on the beach,
All my senses take it in.
What a miracle before me!
I feel so fortunate to see it again.

Missed Opportunity

A missed opportunity
that happended many years ago.
He should have asked that girl out.
Why he didn't, he'll never know.

A missed opportunity
that happened just last May.
An apology was needed,
but she didn't know what to say.

A missed opportunity
that happened just the other day.
He should have lent the lady a hand,
but instead he chose to walk away.

A missed opportunity
that happened just last hour.
She kept her eyes looking down and
missed the rainbow before the shower.

A missed opportunity
that happened a few minutes past.
I should have said I love you,
but mistakenly let that moment pass.

Restless Nights

I finish reading
and turn off the light.
I close my eyes and
say my prayers for the night.

But then I toss and turn
listening to the noisy clock.
I can't get to sleep at all
But Joe’s sleeping like a rock!

I try counting sheep
and get to thirty two.
But then I get bored with that,
what else is there to do?

I shut my eyes real tight
and try not to think.
I concentrate long and hard,
but I still can't sleep a wink!

Next I count my blessings,
and even though my list is long
this doesn't help me at all.
I wonder what I did wrong.

I haven’t had any coffee or
soft drinks with caffeine.
Could it be the sugar-free chocolate
that I was sneaking in between?

I decide I’ll just get up.
I can’t get to sleep anyway.
But gosh it’s only three o’clock,
that’s really early to start my day!

I brew myself a pot of tea
and get something to eat.
I give Chloe a hug and Buster a rub
Sometimes getting up early can really be a treat!

My List is Getting Longer

Both Michele and Brett have assured me that we went to Delaware when they were younger, so I have made this change on my blog.

Would you believe that Joe and I were in 25 different states on our recent trip to California? And now my list of states begin to grow. The new states added are in bold.

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. California
5. Colorado
6. Connecticut
7. Delaware
8. Florida
9. Georgia
10. Hawaii
11. Idaho
12. Illinois
13. Indiana
14. Iowa
15. Kentucky
16. Louisiana
17. Maine
18. Maryland
19. Massachusetts
20. Michigan
21. Minnesota
22. Mississippi
23. Missouri
24. Montana
25. Nebraska
26. Nevada
27. New Hampshire
28. New Jersey
29. New Mexico
30. New York
31. North Carolina
32. Oklahoma
33. Pennsylvania
34. Rhode Island
35. South Carolina
36. South Dakota
37. Tennessee
38. Texas
39. Utah
40. Vermont
41. Virginia
42. West Virginia
43. Wisconsin
44. Wyoming

The list now comes to 44, so that means 6 more to go. Kansas, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, North Dakota, and Ohio, here I come!

Bailey's Ragdolls

This is Chloe, our precious ragdoll, posing for a picture in our backyard in Mandeville, LA. We purchased Chloe from Rosetta Bailey who owns a cattery in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The following poem is dedicated to Rosetta, and the first two lines came from an email that she sent me last week.

Check out Bailey's Ragdolls via the web and see Chloe's picture in the Previous Kittens section using the link below.

http://www.baileysragdolls.com/


"I love breeding Ragdolls.
They light up my world."
I enjoy the birth of
each little boy or girl.

Watching them grow up
is quite a delight.
Their colors come out,
the blue, gray, and white.

Each kitten is special
in its own unique way.
It's fun to watch them
learn to fight and how to play.

But the best part of breeding ragdolls
is when they go away
and I meet their new parents
on that very joyful day!

In My Blue Rocking Chair

I started writing about my favorite bird, the cardinal, and ended up writing about the day my mother died. Where this came from I do not know, but it tells the story of my mother's death in February, 1988.

On this particular day Daddy fixed Mother breakfast, which she ate in her blue lounge chair. He then cut a rose and put it on the table by her chair. He noticed that she had fallen asleep.

Daddy had cut a lot of roses so he left to take them to the sick and invalid. When he returned home, he found Mother still asleep in her chair. When he tried to awaken her, he realized that she had died.

In My Blue Rocking Chair

I hear you chirping happily
by my window sill.
I look out quickly,
trying to be quiet and still.

Your brilliant feathers
are crimson red.
A small little tuft
crowns the top of your head.

Your mate is nearby.
You always come in a pair.
I sit and I look
from my blue rocking chair.

This happens to be
a favorite pastime of mine,
watching the birds feed
and waiting in line.

It was on a morning
just like today
that I ate and drank coffee
and then passed away.

How peaceful it was
when I arrived in heaven.
I saw Mother and Daddy
and little Anne of seven.

To see her once again
brought joy to my eyes.
I had missed her so much
since the day that she died.

I look down below
and see the rose by my chair.
I see the anguish and tears
of the man who placed it there.

I send Ed my love and say
"Please don’t grieve for me.
I’m up here in heaven,
where I was meant to be."

Open Wide

The dentist smiles
And says, "Open wide!"
I open my mouth
But I really want to hide!

How I hate the sounds
Coming from the dentist’s chair
The grinding and grating
Is really hard to bear.

First comes the shots
He says, "Just a little sting!"
Oh, the horrible pain
That these little shots bring!

He doesn’t stop at one
Or at two or at three
But he continues on
To almost twenty-three!

Now my mouth is numb
And it doesn’t hurt a bit
I even snooze for a while
In the chair as I sit.

But when I wake up
I feel a little pain
My jaw is so sore
So I start "Raising Cain!"

Then the doctor tells me
That the shots are wearing out
He says, “Come back on Tuesday.”
How I wanted to shout!

But of course I say, “Sure!”
Now I have to go back
And I’m already beginning
To have another panic attack!

California Wine Trip

On our trek out west, Joe and I spent a week in the Worldmark Windsor, which is located in the middle of Sonoma Valley. Our initial wine tasting adventure began in the town of Healdsburg. I had the map and was looking for three tasting rooms that were on the same street. We never found the ones we were looking for but soon realized that wine tasting rooms were everywhere! Our first and favorite wine tasting was done at Chateau Felice Winery. The woman handling the tasting was the daughter of the owners. She knew a lot about wine, and we enjoyed her so much we tried to get a private tour of the family winery. The wish was granted but too expensive for our taste.

The next tasting was done down the street at Selby. It was free, but not the best wine! Since I had beer drinkers with me, we lunched at the Bear Brewing Company in Healdsburg and called it a day.

Another day we went to Clos Du Bois, another favorite of mine. Our fee was waived because of where we were staying, we got to keep the glass, and the wine was excellent! I came home with a bottle of wine from Trentadue and Beringer so some where along the week we went there also.

The V. Sattui Winery was beautiful and just what you would expect a winery to look like. After tasting the wine, we purchased some food from the deli and a chilled bottle of white wine and headed to the grounds for lunch. Joe and Marion enjoyed a tour of the winery.

While looking for a place to eat one day, I ran across the Kendall Jackson tasting room. Once again the fee was waived because we were at the Worldmark Windsor. This worked out great because we had a chance to taste some wine before we ate.

Our last wine tasting experience took place as we were leaving Sonoma Valley. We chose to stop at the Martin Ray Winery. Before we had a chance to step out of our car, we were invited to join the barbeque and eat hot dogs and hamburgers. They were celebrating the kegging of one of their wines, at least that's what I think they told us. We decided to taste wine before we ate. Everyone was so friendly, and this proved to be a great way to end our California wine tasting adventure!

Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly (pronounced duh-shay) is a National Monument located in northeast Arizona. This canyon was another favorite place on my recent southwest trek. Joe and I, along with Alice and David, traveled by foot down into the canyon hiking the White House Trail. We descended more than 500 feet to the canyon floor where we continued walking until we reached ancient Indian ruins.

Under the shade trees, with the cliff dwellings in view, we discovered several artists with their hand-made treasures. Since Joe and I love to shop we quickly started looking. Joe picked out a sterling silver story bracelet for me and an original sketch of an Indian chief for himself. But.....there was one little problem! We had no money since we hadn't planned on shopping on the canyon floor. Both artists easily followed us back up and got their money, but the walk back up was a "killer" for me!

Mount Rushmore

Well, I can now cross Mount Rushmore off my list. I've been there and done that!

Mount Rushmore is very impressive not only for the massive carved busts of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln but also for the Avenue of Flags displaying flags of the states, districts, commonwealths, and territories of the USA.

Each president was selected for an important moment in American history by the artist Gutzon Borglum. George Washington, a general during the Revolutionary War, was chosen for the birth of our country. Thomas Jefferson was chosen for expansion, as the Louisiana Purchase was completed during his term of office. Theodore Roosevelt represents development for his conservation of natural wonders, and Abraham Lincoln was selected for preservation for saving the union during the Civil War.

Some trivia for you:

Each face is 60 feet tall.

Each eye is 11 feet wide.

George Washinton's 21 foot nose is one foot longer than all of the other presidents.

And last but not least, Washington's mouth is 18 feet wide.

If you go to my blog below, you will see the profile of George Washington, our first president.

Painted Desert/ Petrified Forest National Park

This national park consists of two sections. The southern part of the park is famous for its large concentration of petrified wood. The northern section is home to colorful banded badlands of the Painted Desert. Great fossilized logs can be found throughout. The colors of the Painted Desert change with the weather and the time of day.

How Dry I Am

Oh dear
What’s happened to me?
I’ve dried up
Like a shriveled green pea!

My skin is so scaly
I’m dry from head to toe
I’m using tons of lotion
But you wouldn’t even know!

It started when we left Mandeville
And began our trek out west
The climate is so different here
Even my hair is not its best!

There is no humidity
No moisture in the air
I never knew I needed it
I gave it not a care!

Now I want that humidity
I need some curl in my hair
I want my skin smooth again
This dry climate I cannot bear!

Canyonlands

We spent a chilly day in Canyonlands, but it was definitely worth it. This is possibly the most beautiful national park that we visited on our trek across the United States.

Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, is divided into three distinct districts, Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Segments of the Colorado River and the Green River flow through Canyonlands and divide the park into these three sections. Our photographs were taken while driving and walking through Island in the Sky. The Needles is made up of red and white pinnacles towering over 400 feet tall, and The Maze is a very remote part of Canyonlands and has very few roads.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located in Utah, preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches along with balanced rocks and pinnacles. Most of the formations in the park are made of soft red sandstone deposited 150 million years ago. The arches were once vertical rocks called "fins". Through the passage of time, sections of these fins wore away forming the arches.

My visit to the Arches began with a mile walk through the canyons below. Joe and Alice stayed back and picked up David, Mel, Ruth, and I at the other end. The views were breathtaking, and at each turn they appeared to be more beautiful.

I felt bad that Joe didn't get to make it, but as we were hiking, he sat outside with Chloe and Buster. When Chloe ran under the motor home, Joe had to get under the motor home to get her out. That was when Joe discovered that he could tow the jeep after all. So, it turned out that Joe was very happy to stay back

Enjoy the rest of our photographs.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park (located in Colorado), was our third stop on our trek across the southwest and the first of eight national parks that Joe and I have seen on our California vacation. Mesa Verde is home for a 13th-century ancestral Puebloan site. The cliffside villages are visible from park roads and overlooks. Alice and David, Ruth and Mel, and Joe and I walked down a quarter-mile trail to view a Pueblo up close. It was easy to go down to the cliff dwelling but very difficult to climb back up. We even got to climb down into an underground ceremonial room by way of ladder.

Dead Horse Point

Here's the whole family--Joe, Meredith, Chloe, and Buster. This picture was taken at Dead Horse Point, a state park in Utah. Dead Horse Point gets its name from a sad event. The point is a narrow cliff that drops off to 2000 feet below. Cowboys would corner the mustangs at this point, pick out the best, and let the rest go. Legend says that when the cowboys returned to the point after one dismal winter they found numerous dead horses. The horses had been left trapped at the point to spend the winter without water and could only look at the water 2000 feet below that was unreachable.

New Motor Home

Believe it or not, that is me driving! Joe and I traded in our beautiful Tropical for a Fleetwood Pulse. The Pulse is only 24 feet long and drives like a van. I don't even realize that I'm driving a motor home. Joe loves it, says it handles easily. The Pulse has a Merecedes engine and is getting much better gas mileage. Of course we don't have the room that we used to, but the advantages of a smaller motor home are numerous. We did sacrifice our bedroom in the back, but hey we're saving $150 a month in insurance and motor home note.

Four Corners

Here I am in Four Corners where I'm touching four states at one time---Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.

Hey, Hey
look at me.
I'm in four states
as you can see.

Two knees, two hands
guide the way
and just think
I did this in just one day.

Unaware

I've never known hunger
I've been so unaware
Of the despair in this world
Of the people who need our care.

As I walked through the barrio
And stumbled upon the path
I saw a different lifestyle
I felt their pain and wrath.

So little did they have
It's really so unfair
Their needs are very simple
Food, shelter, and clothes to wear.

Clean water to drink
Free of germs and E.coli
Without these things
They will surely die.

Can you spare a dollar
A ten or a twenty
Whatever you can give
Will help these people plenty.

My brother-in-law, Dr. David H. Johnson, is working as a missionary in the Dominican Republic, where he has started a water-hygiene project. The Dominican Republic has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the Caribbean. Out of each thousand births, 32 infants will die. It is estimated that 40 out of 1,000 children born do not live to see their 5th birthday.

One hundred dollars will pay for a water filtration system to be placed in a strategic position enabling several families the opportunity to filter their water. If you are interested in making a donation, send your checks, made out to St. Thomas Episcopal Church to the address below. All donations are tax deductible.


St. Thomas Episcopal Church
David Johnson/Dominican Fund
P.O. Box 591
Burnsville, N.C. 28714
Attention: Tom Bailey

Countries I Have Been To

I've added another country to my list. It's still short, but I'm planning on making it longer, little by little.

Countries I Have Been To

1. United States
2. Mexico
3. The Netherlands (Holland)
4. France
5. Germany
6. Belgium
7. Sweden
8. Denmark
9. Italy
10. Greece
11. Bahamas
12. Canada
13. Jamaica
14. Dominican Republic

I thought Puerto Rico was a country, but it wasn't on the list. Shucks!

Shoe Shine boy

"American lady, shine your shoes, one dollar?" I heard this cry over and over again as I traveled in the Dominican Republic. If I didn't give a firm "No!", the boy would be down on his knees beginning to polish my shoes. At first I was quite aggravated with these boys, but I soon realized that they deserved my respect. Many of them attended school for half a day and hit the streets for the other half to earn money for food for his family. They appeared to have their regulars, but anyone who had on leather shoes was a definite target.

Seeing these young boys shining shoes, made me think about the young boys in the United States. How many 12-year-olds are out there earning money for their family? If they are working, the money most likely goes in their pocket to pay for things they want, such as, a new bike, a game, or a cd.

This young man is one of the boys that earns money by shining shoes. He's quite proud of the newly shined shoes when he has completed his work. Since I had no shoes that needed to be shined, I took his picture instead and gave him a dollar, which is really 100 pasos. One hundred pasos is equal to about three dollars. Not such a bad deal for him after all!

Dominican Republic Bits and Pieces

1. 2.5 milliion people live in Santo Domingo.

2. Children in the Dominican Republic attend school only half of the day, either morning or afternoon.

3. You cannot drink the tap water. Everyone drinks filtered or bottled water. It is even necessary to brush your teeth using bottled water.

4. Joe and I stayed at our condo six days before we realized that we had A/C.

5. Traffic stops when the Dominican Republic flag is lowered.

6. The DR was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

7. Trash is a major problem in the DR.

8. Although I swore I would never get on another horse, I did in the DR. I rode through rocks, mud, and water.

9. Motorcycles serve as cabs, and they weave in and out of the traffic. They're everywhere! They're everywhere!

10. People walk up to your car at traffic lights selling everything from phone cards to kites.

11. They're are two stones that are mined in the DR--amber and larimar. Amber is actually fossilized tree resin. Larimar, or blue pectolite, can only be found in the province of Barahona, in the south-western region of the Dominican Republic. Of course, I came home with a little of both!

Scattered

Sometimes my mind is so scattered
It jumps from here to there
It’s hard for me to focus
It’s not that I don’t care!

I start out at the computer
To balance my checkbook
Then I head to my email
Just to take a look.

I check out my favorite store Chico’s
Advertising jeans for nineteen ninety nine
I wonder if they might have my size
But then I notice Brett’s online.

I send him an Instant Message
And ask “How are you?”
But then I notice that Michele’s online
So I send her a hello too!

Next I happen to look at the clock
Where has my morning gone?
I tell Brett and Michele good-bye
And head for the telephone.

I need to call my doctor
But decide to check on Sue
But once again she’s not home
So I’ve got some emailing to do

Now I’m back online
And I happen to see
That my friend Marion
Has sent an email to me!

I open up the email
Just to take a quick look
But then I remember
It’s time for me to cook.

I head to the kitchen
To begin preparing dinner
But then remember my lottery ticket
I wonder if I’m a winner.

I head back to my computer
To find out if I won
But decide to play a game of Gin
Just to have some fun.

Before I start my second game
I run to make up the bed
I put on a load of clothes
And remember Chloe needs to be fed.

I clean out the litter box
And then I run to get the mail
I sit down at the counter
and discover a new bill from Dell.

I hear Joe at the door
But before he comes inside
I run to my computer
And quickly let it hide.

Joe asks what I've been up to
I say I've been busy the whole day through
I'm just getting ready to start supper
We're having chicken stew!

Mardi Gras Day 2008

This year Joe and I opted to stay on the ground for Mardi Gras rather than ride on the awesome float "Cajun Yacht Club." Since we were on the ground we got to see the floats, catch beads from our grandchildren, and visit with our friends.

We had a nice crowd and lots of good food to eat. Buster (my dog) attended his first parade and had a great time----at least that's what he told me!

Bits and Pieces

1. Joe rode in Endymion (a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade) this year which gave me the opportunity to go to the Extravaganza, the party afterwards. The Dooby Brothers, the Go-Gos, and Kevin Costner and his band played. One more item can be crossed off my list.

2. I'm on a liquid diet today because I have to go for a Colonoscopy tomorrow. Yuck, yuck, yuck!

3. Joe and I leave for the Dominican Republic a week from today. We are meeting my sister, Alice, and her friend. Alice's husband, David, will join us later in the vacation. We will have one week in a RCI resort and then travel south to the area that David has been doing his missionary work.

4. For Lent I gave up Starbucks. I'm saving some money as I was having a sugar free vanilla latte 3 to 4 times week. Brett or Michele, how much am I saving a month?

5. I volunteered for the Mother's March of Dimes Walk on my street. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I got to meet a lot of the neighbors that I did not know, and to top it off I collected $74.

Buster's List

My Mother has a list
Of things she wants to do
But she doesn't know
That I have one too!

I've already gone camping
And swimming in a lake
I attended a birthday party
And drooled over the chocolate cake.

I flew in an airplane
Rode on a four-wheeler with my dad
I went to see Santa Claus
With antlers on my head.

And now I've been to Mardi Gras
I can cross it off my list
The smell of all that delicious food
Put me into a state of bliss!

Empty House

Thanks to everyone who submitted a title for this poem. I decided to go with "Empty House." My son, Brett, suggested this and I think it fits the poem perfectly.

This poem is untitled right now. I would appreciate ideas for a name if anyone has one. The poem came to me at night when I was trying to go to sleep. I got up right away and wrote down my ideas.

The day before Joe and I decorated our neighbor's mailbox. He came by to say "thank you" and to bring us a wooden reindeer he had in his attic. Most of the poem came from our conversation that day.

People say time will heal,
but I only feel despair.
I’m so terribly lonely.
I walk around without a care.

People really mean well.
They tell me to get a pet,
but they don’t really understand
how empty a house can get.

The Christmas season has come
but I won’t be celebrating this year.
I’m just not in the Christmas spirit.
I can’t find a bit of cheer.

We were married for such a long time.
You were my friend and lover.
When you passed away,
I felt my life was over.

I wake at night to my empty bed.
wishing you were here.
I cry myself back to sleep.
I miss you so much, my dear.

Lord, I apologize for being so weak.
I pray that I can become strong.
But so much as changed in my life
I ask myself, "what else can go wrong?"

How long will this continue?
When will I begin to feel relief?
God please send me an angel
to help me with my grief.

I pray for guidance with my future.
I need someone to show me the way
to find happiness and strength
to begin another day.

Triple Scoop Moment

Recently Nancy, who is my sorority sister, a close friend, and a distant cousin, told me the story, "Triple Scoop Moment." The story tells of a father that is picking up his daughter from day school. Much to his dismay when he arrives to pick up his daughter, he sees a bully grab her ice cream cone and throw it to the ground. Of course, by the time he gets to her, she is in tears. He tells her, "Don't worry, I'm taking you out for a triple scoop ice cream cone."

Nancy went on to say that this is how God makes up for all of our trials and tribulations that we face. When we least expect it we're given a "Triple Scoop Moment" that makes us forget the bad things that have happened. Nancy referred to our recent Chi Omega reunion as a "Triple Scoop Moment."

Some days it appears
From the moment you arise
That everything goes wrong
Right before your very eyes.

You might be out of coffee
There's no gas in the car
You're late for work
And your money doesn't go far.

And then there's the saying
That trouble comes in three
Including illness, death, and accidents
Bringing you down to your knees.

You pray to the Lord
Saying I can't take anymore
Please give me the strength
To face what is in store.

And sometimes it appears
That God is not there.
Your prayers go unanswered
And it doesn't seem fair.

But He was listening
And thinking of what He could do
He knew a "Triple Scoop Moment"
Was due just for you!

Waiting For My Friend

Waiting patiently with anticipation
to see your face, your smile.
It uplifts my soul
with a warm cozy feeling.
The conversation flows with such ease.
What is this?
Are we soul mates? Friends?
No, just long-time friends.
who have shared so much.
Birth, death, marriage, accidents, congratulations,
moments of despair.
You have been my anchor,
someone always to depend on
How lucky am I
to have such a true friend.

Reunion Time

Excitement is brewing
The reunion is here
The time has come
To see friends, so dear.

To Gulf Shores we've come
From all over the place
To see our sisters
Up close, face to face.

Not everyone understands
What this one weekend does
For our spirits and souls
It's a lifesaver for us.

We can all be ourselves
No one puts on airs
We love and we laugh
And eat without care.

At night when it's time
We don our dancing shoes
And dance to the oldies
"Night Owl" and the blues.

We talk and we walk
Practice yoga on the beach
Socialize with everyone
That's within an arm's reach.

We wake up early
And stay up late
Savoring each and every moment
For this reunion date.

We learn from each other
About things that are new
A diet, a book
Or a new tea to brew.

We cry and console
Listen with care
Offer support when needed
Sometimes ending in prayer.

We leave fulfilled
Relaxed and content
With a tear in our eye
For the good times we've spent.

This one long weekend
Is like a touch of heaven to all
We've become closer friends
While we're having a ball.

2008, Here I Come

It appears I left a few things off my resolution list so I have resorted to prose.

The new year has come
and I need to get to work.
I will think before speaking
and avoid being a jerk!

I will go to bed earlier
and get up before Joe.
Then I can sneak in some computer time
and he won’t even know.

Exercise will become a way of life.
I’ll give ole George a wiggle.
have my morning cup of Yoga
and walk with a new found wiggle.

Limit my wine consumption
to only a glass or two.
Avoid chocolate, sugar, and ice cream.
That’s what I will do!

I need to limit my casino time
but "Cold Turkey" is not the way
I'm thinking once a month
should be enough time to play.

So I’m giving up all my vices.
What is there left to do?
Live, love, and laugh
and write my silly poems for you.

Communicate with family and friends
give to the poor
attend church regularly
and read my Bible more.

Boy, my list is getting long.
I have so much to do.
Can I keep up with all of this
before each day is through?

I think I’ll need to get some help
some guidance from above
encouragement from my family and friends
and everyone I love.

New Year's Resolutions

As the new year approaches, I'm thinking of how I can improve myself in 2008. I will turn 58 this year, and I have learned a few things during my lifetime.

1. One thing that I have learned is sugar is not good for me, especially the first thing in the morning. So, I will limit my consumption of sugar. This is a difficult thing to do since I am a chocoholic and I love ice cream.

2. I've also learned that I cannot stop eating chocolate once I have started. So what should this tell me. Stay away! I will do my best.

3. THINK BEFORE I SPEAK!!! Words can hurt and sometimes I speak before I think. Since I am brutally honest, this is definitely something I need to work on.

4. Continue to try and lose weight. I lost 10 pounds in 2007, and I plan on losing 10 more in 2008.

5. Talk to my friends and family more often.

6. Attend church regularly and become more involved in St. Michael's, the Episcopal Church we attend in Mandeville.

7. As one of my poems said, "I want to be Santa Claus all year long." I will definitely take advantage of all opportunities to give to others that are not as fortunate as I am.

8. And last, but not least, I will continue writing my poetry. It makes me happy, and I'm hoping that it brings a smile to the reader's faces every once in a while.