What's Happening
We're now on our third day without air conditioning because of the beautiful weather! It is so nice to hear the birds and cicadas enjoying the summer days, not to mention the little boys chasing the butterflies and creating an imaginary world in their fort. I have a knotted-chenille bedspread on the bed right now. It actually has a bit of a cooling effect, and I love to stretch out on it with a cat and enjoy the cool breeze through the windows. Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.

Colin has just completed his first day camp. He has been exploring nature this week at Camp Bluebird. The director said he was one of those kids that shows up already in love with nature. This morning they went to Martin Nature Park and I told him to be sure to get all wet and muddy and really enjoy exploring. He did just that! Even caught some tadpoles!

The figs are ready! Come by and pick some!

I want to remind you to take a look at Into Rwanda. I've been spending some time trying to make it like I want it, but all of my work is nothing compared to what the Jenkins are accomplishing in Kigali. I am truly humbled by their willingness to take on this task and all the hardships that come with it. While you're there, leave them a word of encouragement!

Hold On Loosely

"Hold on loosely, but don't let go.
If you cling to tightly, you're gonna lose control." - 38 Special

I don't usually get my theology from rock and roll stars of the 70s, but you never know where you'll find a little gem.

Holding on loosely has become a way of life for me. I didn't know it then, but I used to be a control freak. It didn't manifest itself in obvious ways all the time (although some of the time it did), but I had a need to be in control. When my children were born my controlling ways came to an ugly head. It wasn't that I was trying to control them, but I was trying to control what happened to them. I lived in fear at all times, always imagining the worst thing that could happen next.

It was easy to imagine such things. I read legal opinions for a living, and every day brought a parade of horrors. Things really DO happen, and I had proof! Our wills were in order (they still are), the forms providing who could make medical decisions in my place were handed out to the appropriate people, money went in the bank and I was in full protection mode at all times. Still, I didn't see that the fear was ruling me (although my friend Dawn delivered some stout hints!).

Then my husband suggested I quit my job. QUIT MY JOB!!! At first I was angry. How dare he suggest such a thing! Then I decided he surely didn't know what he was talking about, but maybe I just would quit my job and show him. What kind of sense does that make? (none) Finally, I went to God in prayer about it. Then the lessons started pouring in.

Suddenly sermons and discussions and television shows and Bible verses were directly addressing me. At first I considered myself fully exempt. (I had proof, after all!) Eventually the lessons began to sink in and I began to see that my anger about quitting my job came from a fear of not being in control. What if James lost his job? Who would pay the bills? I may not find another job like this one! I may not find a job at all! We would be doomed!!

Slowly all my fears came to the surface and I realized how tightly I was hanging on to control. I argued with God about it, believe me, but I was always proven wrong. Eventually I GOT IT. I don't HAVE control. I never did. It was an illusion!

I don't have control.

I was hanging on to nothing and driving everyone crazy in the process!

From the moment I got it, I let go. Life is much better now, believe me. I did quit my job, only to get it back (with blessings from Jame, too!). I still love my job, but I'm hanging loosely. I'm enjoying the ride. I still protect my children, but out of love, not fear. The feeling I have? Freedom.

God is in control.

So hold on loosely.

True Grit
It has been a busy day here at the home of the happy. We were greeted this morning by the crew that is removing our street and digging ditches in our yard. Oh, yes. We love them. James is concerned about our trees and wildlife. He thinks I should stand out there with a cameral all day to make sure they don't do anything they would regret. Or we would regret, actually. I'm not doin' it.

We had a quick rendezvous with my coworkers to exchange work and then we were off for haircuts. Taking two young boys to the hairdresser is not an ideal situation, but we have managed time and time again. Generally there is a reward for well behaved boys, such as ice cream or going to the park...that sort of thing. Today it was swimming, and they were excited.

Unfortunately, good behavior wasn't on the schedule today. The normally easy-going staff called them down twice (once for running and once for standing on a chair). This doesn't go over well with mommy. I don't mind others telling my children to behave, I mind them getting in trouble! When you're in a chair with scissors going 'round, you can't always see what they're up to and you have to hope they will act like gentlemen because they know how to act! I told them to sit in chairs apart from each other or we would not swim. Next thing I knew, they were chasing. Dadblastit!

When we were leaving, they asked if it was time to go swimming. I calmly announced we would not be going swimming because I keep my word and I told them we would not go if they didn't behave. They erupted in tears. There is something about Spencer crying that has a strong effect on me. He is normally so happy and compliant and when he cries, it is pitiful. He is genuinly sad. I have to brace myself or I will give in. The desire to give in is strong. As we got in the car I moved the mirror so I couldn't see him.

"Mommy," he cried, "You hurt my feelings." He whimpered a little more then, with a sudden wail he remembered, "I promised Chase I would go swimming today!"

Colin, who tends to work things out by talking, started talking, "Well, you shouldn't have told him that because he is not going swimming today and you made him feel bad when you said you would get to go swimming when he couldn't. You shouldn't tell people things like that."

Spencer wailed louder.

By the time we got home Spencer had moved on and started talking about other things. I'm so proud of myself for not giving in. Hopefully, the next trip for haircuts will go much better.

Hep Me Hep Me
Please, please, please, pretty please help me out here. I want to know the public perception of tort reform and I don't want to pay my husband to do the research. I have over 100 readers a day, so surely I can get some idea from you guys, right? Won't you please answer the following questions for me in my comments? If you don't want to answer publicly, just send your answers to happyhomemakerblog -at- yahoo.com. Here we go:

1) Tort reform is good/bad because __________.

2) Tort reform places caps on _______________, which means __________.

3) I support/do not support tort reform measures.

4) Punitive damages are:

5) I generally consider myself liberal/conservative.

I'm not one bit concerned whether you agree or disagree with me, or whether your answers are "correct." I'm just trying to discover general perceptions. Thank you SO MUCH for your help!

The Most Wonderful Time

It's that time of year: time to make out the list for Santa Claus. Colin has been working on his all day. He wants bugs (bucx) and a human skeleton (hyueymin bons). On the back side he is working on the models of bacteria and DNA he wants. Spencer said he will order a new oven for me.

I've always enjoyed studying images in magazines to see how the photographer created his vision. If you take a photo of a room in your house, you'll notice that it rarely looks as perfectly arranged as the real thing. Professional photographers don't photograph a room as it really is...they move things around to get the important details in frame. If you look at a spread from one room showing different angles, you'll see what I mean. I've seen spreads on houses that have the same vase in every room. Sometimes the vase moves from one side of the room to another. Books and chairs change angles, the mantles are rearranged and even the view through the window may change. It is fascinating. Here is one such example (and something I've never found before). The two shots above were taken of the same area. This is a Pottery Barn catalog and one photo is selling the framed bulletin board while the other is part of a larger view of an entire Pottery Barn room, featuring the framed chalk board. You'll notice by comparing the candlestick and pitcher that both are hung from the same height...but one is in front of the sink apparatus and in the other the apparatus is missing!!! I LOVE that. I had never considered that the kitchen was not, in any way, real. The apparatus was simply sitting on top of the cabinet for one photo and for the other the photographer simply said, "Let's move that out of the way."

Patriotism is Alive!
Mom sends along these fascinating photos of a rock in Iowa, painted once a year on Memorial Day in honor of our veterans. From the website:

"For years this boulder was known as "the graffiti rock" and was decorated for high school rivalries, love interests, etc. Since the Memorial Day paintings began, the "rock" has remained with the annual tribute intact.

"When Sorensen was 19, he saw 'Saving Private Ryan' and he felt that patriotism was at an all time low and was not being taught in our schools and this motivated him to paint the rock. People was always driving by to see what was painted on the rock. Sometimes there were bad things and other times is was good. He knew if he painted the rock a lot of people would see it."

This is a photo of my great grandfather Roger Hagan (back right), his sister Freida and my great great grandparents Edith and Clarence Hagan.
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Today's Find: Five Generations of Hagans! I'm the baby. Mom and Dad are holding me. My grandparents, Keith and Norinne (Hagan) Stonecipher are behind. Back to the first row, my great grandparents, Grace and Roger Hagan, and behind them my great, great grandparents Clarence and Edith Hagan. Easter 1964. So. Very. Cool.
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I finally got the photos from James and Spencer's trip to the Texas Motor Speedway. Without trying, they managed to get three pictures that went together to show the entire view of the track!
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The Care of the Wild
James, my husband, is quite an animal lover. Twice a day he feeds everything that visits our yard, especially the birds, squirrels and cats, but also the frogs, flies and opossums. I spend a good deal of time pulling weeds that grew from the seeds these animals didn't eat or buried away for fear that James might go on vacation and forget to feed them for a week.

When James drives down the street, he is constantly scanning the yards for squirrels, cats and dogs that might wander into the street. When I'm driving, he is constantly yelling out, "look out! look out!" He keeps cans of cat food in his car in case he sees a hungry cat. Indeed, I suspect he seeks out cats who might need a snack.

Arriving home from work this evening, James spotted a baby bird in trouble at the edge of our drive. We scooped him into a box and called the WildCare Center right away (James had done some volunteering for them a few years back). While James was on the phone, I fed the little guy some water from a straw and some softened cat food pellets. It was amazing how quickly he took to us and how very hungry he was. We all fell in love immediately.

WildCare told us to bring him down, so I packed him up and the two of us drove to the countryside east of Noble after a teary good bye from two little guys who had already adopted the bird and named him. The little guy fell asleep on the way. So. Very. Cute.

Rondi examined him and said she thought he would be just fine. They'll keep him fed and protected until he's ready to fly, and then he'll be released to the wild. I hope he comes to visit.

Patriotism is Dead
A New York woman claims that she was forced from her teaching post by an elementary school principal who objected to her Republican activism and last year ordered the removal of a portrait of President George W. Bush from the educator's Long Island classroom. In a federal discrimination lawsuit, Jillian Caruso, 26, claims that she was improperly forced to resign her job by Birch Lane Elementary School principal Joyce Becker-Seddio, the wife of state Assemblyman Frank Seddio, a Brooklyn Democrat. Read more here. (Via Drudge)

Into Rwanda
I've been helping to start a new blog for our friends who have just gone to Rwanda. I'm still working on the format, but I've been saving up information for quite some time, so there is a lot of information there already. It will be exciting to follow along with them on their incredible journey. I hope you'll join me.

My Grandfather's basketball team (A.J. Kent Highschool, Kentland, Indiana). He is number 70. James finds this photo fascinating because all the players have the number 7 on their jerseys. He said until recently, as far as he knew, no number higher than 5 was allowed on a shirt because the refs use one hand to indicate the first number and the other hand to indicate the second number. Me? I just wonder what the deal is about the number seven. Any ideas? (p.s. aren't those shorts kinda tight for 1938? And it appears number 57 had a wardrobe malfunction)
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If It Please the Court
The most fascinating thing just happened here in Strangeville. I was summoned to court in the back yard. Colin came in and told me to come outside so he could figure out THE TRUTH. I followed him out and he directed me to stand behind one of two chairs, which were placed side by side. Spencer was placed behind the other chair. Colin had turned his small trampoline into a desk, which had several papers, a pencil and some stickers placed neatly on top. He stood behind the desk and addressed the accused:

"Now, Mommy...what did you say about the pages in Spencer's scrapbook?" (Spencer has a book with clear pocket pages for storing his card collection)

"Well, I said that we had run out of pages and we should go to the office supply and get some more."

"Okay. Write that down on this page and then give it back to me." He brought me paper and a pencil, returned behind his desk and waited. I scribbled, "Out of pages, let's buy more."

"Okay, Spencer. . . what did you say?"

"I dint say anything."

"No, what did you say about Mommy lying? Did you say that she was a liar and that SHE used them all and that she is a mean mommy?" (leading the witness)

"Yes"

"Okay, Mommy, write that down." ("Mommy took them all")

"Okay. Now."

"Well, it is true that I took them all. That's why we ran out and that's why I suggested we go to the store. If we didn't need more, I wouldn't have suggested we buy more because I don't want to waste money."

"Okay, write that down." ("I used em up, let's go to store")

"Okay. Now. I think I might be able to prove that you are BOTH right. Let me see." Colin pulls out another paper and writes an "S" with 9 marks and an "M" with 9 marks. "Okay. So far, you both have 9 votes, which means it is tied." He marks another mark next to Spencer. "Now, if Spencer has 10 marks and you have 9 that is not good, because that means one of you lied. And Spencer, you lie more than Mommy does." He marks a mark next to my name. "But, now you both have 10 marks, and that means I proved that you are both right. So its a tie. Isn't that wonderful?"

"Can we go to the store now?" said Spencer.

My Uncle Dave and Aunt Carol are some of those people you've heard about: the ones that sell their homes and go around the country in an RV. They've been on the road for 10 years now and report that they still like each other. (Dave and Carol are famous for liking each other. Indeed, I've never met two people who like each other as much as Dave and Carol.) Aunt Carol is a master quilter. She used to own a quilt shop on the town square in Bloomington, Indiana. Uncle Dave can fix anything (except my ice maker, which has a mind of its own) and enjoys geocaching, gadgets and miniatures. They've started a blog (where you'll find this lovely photo of Highway 101) and you can keep up with their adventures.

Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy
I've made an effort to reduce activities for the summer after VBS. The school year was so busy, I thought it best to spend most of our days at home. That's what summer is for: taking it easy...taking a chance on boredom. Thankfully, boredom has not found its way to our house yet. Colin told me he was bored once, and I told him boredom is not allowed in our family. He seemed to believe me and hasn't been bored since.

This is a fine morning. The sunlight dapples through the fig tree to my desk, illuminating our orange tabby, who is reclining next to the window where he can nap with a full view of the sparrows, blue jays and cardinals who come to rest on the branches just inches away. From here, I have a fine view of two little boys, one chasing butterflies with a net and the other flying his little airplane up and down and all around. From time to time they stop to swing and chat, framed by the big pecan tree and vibrant pink crape myrtle. Over the whir of the computer fan I can still here the morning doves, sparrows and the chime with the dragonflies Colin made in kindergarten. The cicadas are warming up for this afternoon's full-fledged symphony.

Perfection.

Indianapolis 500, May 31, 1939. My Grandfather was a huge fan of motor sports (and cars in general). This photo was on a page with several others that round out the story he told me of this weekend trip. He and his buddies headed south for the 90-mile trip to the speedway, but their car broke down. They didn't have time to fix it AND make it to the race, so they pushed the car off the road into some trees and hitchhiked to Indianapolis. It must have been some kind of grand adventure for him to tell it to me 60 years later!
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Here are the friends hitchhiking (top) and playing cards in Indy.
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I'm not certain, but I think that is my grandfather in the front, lower left, with his hands clasped. (click on photo for closer view)
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Yesterday I went over to my mom's place and looked at her photo box to see if she had anything I needed to complete my collection (which I'm archiving on CDs). She gave me my grandfather's book that he put together himself and there are some amazing photos in it. One such photo is posted below. My uncle commented that he remembered my grandfather had a dark room. I never knew that about him! I was thinking a lot about his life as I looked through the photos and realizing how little I really knew about him. He is highly respected a loved in his small town, so I know he was a very good man, but I don't know the day to day things about him. Then I remembered my mom also gave me a bag that she said belonged to grandpa. I went and got it and opened it up and it was all his camera equipment complete with notes he made about apertures, batteries and film. He even noted each time he changed the batteries. It was such an unexpected gift and I've already been so very sentimental this month about all my losses - I just held the camera and cried. Spencer came and sat in my lap, completely ignoring my tears and playing with his little toy airplane. It was a very sweet moment.

(Blogger has adopted some little trick whereby it diminishes the size of the font so each entry can go out like a wimper. Don't know why, and I can't fix it.)

My Grandmother. Found this today in my Grandfather's photo album. More great photos to come.
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KARAOKE FRIDAY NIGHT
Nights On Broadway
( Bee Gees )

Here we are
In a room full of strangers
Standing in the dark
Where your eyes couldn't see me

Well, I had to follow you
Though you did not want me to
But that won't stop my lovin' you
I can't stay away

Blamin' it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them "straight to the heart" songs
Blamin' it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town

Now, in my place
There are so many others
Standin' in the line
How long will they stand between us?

Well, I had to follow you
Though you did not want me to
But that won't stop my lovin' you
I can't stay away

Blamin' it all
On the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them "straight to the heart" songs

Blamin' it all
On the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town

I will wait ...
Even if it takes forever
I will wait ...
Even if it takes a lifetime
Somehow I feel inside
You never ever left my side
Make it like it was before
Even if it takes a lifetime, takes a lifetime
Blamin' it all
On the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them "straight to the heart" songs

Blamin' it all
On the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town

Blamin' it all
On the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town

I blame it all
On the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them "straight to the heart" songs

Customer-Driven Marketing

I had a conversation with some friends today that got me thinking about my childhood days in Neenah, Wisconsin. My dad worked for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, which makes Kleenex tissues among other things. I logged on to their website and found it quite interesting. Did you know that they started advertising Kotex back in the 1920s? Who knew? Also in the 20s, Kleenex was introduced.

"Kleenex tissue was originally marketed as a cold cream remover. Early ads featured actresses who testified that the tissue contributed to their clear complexions. Also, the disposable product eliminated the task of laundering towels and was cheaper, too. It soon became evident that people were using Kleenex tissue another way, as a disposable handkerchief."

Click here to see the new ad campaign for the 30s. Although I've been known to use a cloth handkerchief, I must admit I never gave a moment's thought to the drudgery it must have been to handwash other people's dirty handkerchiefs. Eeeeewwww. So, you can imagine why Kleenex tissues were such a hit!

Just as an aside, my baby brother was a test baby for Kimberly-Clark diapers. Every day they delivered a small package of clean diapers and picked up the used diapers from the day before. The diapers were taken back to the testing facility to see what they did and didn't absorb. Just think, many people had to do that job so your little bundle of joy could have leak-free Huggies. Nice, huh?

Last year we went to Navarre, Florida for our vacation. It was easy to relax and dream about how great it would be to own a home there and play on the beach every day. Hurricane Dennis made some sobbering changes to that dream.
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The welcome center on the public beach.
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The view of the state park from the pier. (Do you see the dolphin?)
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Same view taken from further back.
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James and the boys on the pier.
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The pier.
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The photograph lower right is from the balcony of the place where we stayed. The walkway went over a sand dune and then it was a bit of a walk out to the water. (click on image for larger view)
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The peach building to the left is where we stayed. Look how close the water is now. The street is covered with sand.
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The photo to the right is Colin standing on the pier.
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The part that's missing? That's where we were standing.
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James and Spencer at the beach restaurant in Navarre.
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The restaurant this week.
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We Will Dance
So, I'm driving home from work today listening to a CD my friend Dawn gave me and Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "We Will Dance" came on. It is such a beautiful song both lyrically and musically, and I started imagining one of my boys twirling around the floor to this song with his new bride. A great feeling of joy overcame me. I am already in love with my daughters. I pray for them earnestly and wait with great anticipation to meet them. I'll be waiting a long time (my boys are 4 and 6), but that just gives me more time to pray for them. Imagining that wedding scene I felt the joy and the love. I used to think parents would be sad to see their children marry, but now I understand what it means. It means gaining more children. It means the possibility of grandchildren. It is, indeed, a day of joy. I can't wait.

I've watched the sunrise in your eyes
And I've seen the tears fall like the rain
You've seen me fight so brave and strong
You've held my hand when I'm afraid

We've watched the seasons come and go
We'll see them come and go again
But in winter's chill, or summer's breeze
One thing will not be changin'

CHORUS:
We will dance
When the sun is shining
In the pouring rain
We'll spin and we'll sway
And we will dance
When the gentle breeze
Becomes a hurricane
The music will play
And I'll take your hand
And hold you close to me
And we will dance

Sometimes it's hard to hold you tight
Sometimes we feel so far apart
Sometimes we dance as one
And feel the beating of each others hearts

Some days the dance is slow and sweet
Some days we're bouncing off the walls
No matter how this world may turn
Our love will keep us from fallin'

CHORUS

The music will play
And I'll hold you close
And I won't let you go
Even when our steps
Grow weak and slow
Still I'll take your hand
And hold you close to me
And we, will dance
- Steven Curtis Chapman

These Are The Days

I've been feeling a bit cranky lately. I'm not sure what it is. I suspect a bit of grief. When grief and nostalgia come to the forefront, one needs some time to ponder . . . to reflect and feel the loss. Such moments are difficult to come by with the constant chatter of young children. There is no thought that can last more than 3 minutes without interuption, and that can make a person edgy. But, to be honest, I have no excuse for being cranky. Lileks gave me a little cyber smack today to bring me back around:

"And today, out of nowhere, I thought: Beslan.

It was a quote from a grieving mother that stayed with me: We never knew how happy we really were. You get caught up in the logistics and time tables – got to get her home by noon so she can have lunch (the sandwich, apple slices, gummi vitamin, milk – please, finish your milk, why is this so hard) and get off to the next class, and it just FIGURES that it’s not long enough to get your oil changed, it just FIGURES.

You can live in that fugue state of annoyance and obligation, or you can relax and enjoy. (And be late for the rest of the day.) I am relaxing and enjoying; I am making this summer last as long as I can, because it’s the last of its kind. Some year there will be a summer where she’s big and busy and the dog is gone and some unforeseen sadness will drape over the month like a wet tarp, and the utter ordinariness of these days will seem like some lost perfect paradise."

Wisdom speaks.

Dwayne learned that firearms are not looked upon kindly in airports, no matter how small they may be.

Another one of my favorite photos found this week whilst sorting through my history. That's me in the middle (first row, of course) and I'm with my cousins, my brother and my grandparents. What I wouldn't give to have that banner! (and that day, actually).
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KARAOKE FRIDAY NIGHT!
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high,
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.

One day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly,
Birds fly over the rainbow,
Why, oh why can't I?

Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly,
Birds fly over the rainbow,
Why then, oh why can't I?

Would YOU brush his hair?

Colin spent the morning in our garden and emerged with this.
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As promised, a photograph of me in a swimsuit. This was probably the last swimsuit photograph taken of me that I allowed without protest.

Quotable Colin

Colin: "I had a peanut butter cookie and a snickerdoodle. I also had yellow lemonade. But the lemonade rottened my teeth, so I ate the cookies AFTER I drank the lemonade because the cookies unrottened my teeth."
_________________________________________________________

"Mommy, I was thinking. God didn't make any people alike, but he DID make two people alike. They go to my school and they have the same clothes and the same hair and even the same eye color."

"But, they are still different because they think different things. Their brains are different, you just can't see them."

"No, they think the same things."

"Do they say things at the same time?"

"No."

"Then I bet they think different things...at least at different times."

"So, their brains look different? All our brains look different?"

"Yep. Say, do you suppose they ever get mixed up and wonder which one is which. Like, maybe one of them might say, 'Am I Susan, or are you Susan?'"

"Neither one of them is Susan."

(please relax and take a sip of tea while imagining me trying to figure out their real names)

"So, do they say, 'Am I Kaylumb or are you Kaylumb?'"

"No. They wear nametags."

"But, what if they were in the bathtub and they didn't have their nametags on?"

"Well, they take their nametags with them and they have to stay on their side of the bathtub, and they put their tags on the wall on their side. Then, if they switch sides, they take their tags with them and put them on the wall on the new side."

"Oh."
_________________________________________

"Colin, are you playing shortstop tonight?"

"No, I'm second basement."

_________________________________________

Colin: "Spencer, did you know that my eye has a little room in there where it stays. And the room isn't my eye, it just protects my eye. And then I have plastic in front of my eye so my eye doesn't get hurt. Did you ever know about that?"

Spencer: ".............. . . . no."

Time to offer up some prayers for our allies in London.

David Letterman discovered a new use for those little globs of toothpaste that get stuck on your bathroom sink.

A fantastic photograph of James' grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousin.
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LilRed has been to the theater, where things didn't go quite as planned.

James and Karen at the State Fair circa 1970. I love this photo!
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Happy Independence Day!
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I found a wonderful website today dedicated to sharing found grocery lists. I find it endlessly fascinating. The lists range from organized and detailed (as this one to the left, which is hilarious, by the way), to the barely comprehensible, with very simple (ie. "milk") in between. Someone named Jean must be a litterbug because 3 of her lists have been found. Some people use fancy paper and pens, some tear a bit off a paper sack. Some have art. Some people check things off while others scribble them out. Some are very brand specific. The one here is arranged by aisle. Have a look and enjoy. (via Swapatorium)

You know, I'm still not feeling well. I've been spending my days on my bed sorting photographs and ephemera. Actually, I'm glad for the time to do it. I have boxes and boxes of photographs, but they aren't organized. In the past few years I inherited all my mom's photos and all my dad's photos and a lot of James' parent's photos. I put them all away in nice photo boxes, but NOW I'm getting them dovetailed into chronological order! I've found some wonderful things to share. State Fair shots from the early 70s, penny photo shots from the 50s, Japanese women with guns, me in a bathing suit, my mom cheerleading.....all things I will share with you in the coming weeks. For now, I give you the New Years card my friend made for me to celebrate 1984. Kim was my best college mate. She was an artist and was always drawing things for me.. This card is wrapped in a thick plastic-like substance and she wrote "Happy 1984 Jan" with clear glue on the top. There are some little BBs inside that roll around for fun. It is good to have creative friends!
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I found this photo on the net and wondered if anyone knows if this was the original Beverly's in Oklahoma City (famous for Chicken in the Rough). Seems as if Charles said the original was at 23rd and Classen. Charles?

(I have a sugar packet from 1956 here).

KARAOKE FRIDAY NIGHT!
Hit The Road Jack ( Ray Charles )

(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more)
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more)
What you say?
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more)
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more)

Woah, Woman, oh woman, don't treat me so mean
You're the meanest old woman that I've ever seen
I guess if you said so
I'd have to pack my things and go (That's right)

(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more)
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more)
What you say?
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more)
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more)

Now baby, listen, baby, don't ya treat me this-a way
Cause I'll be back on my feet some day
(Don't care if you do 'cause it's understood)
(You ain't got no money you just ain't no good)
Well, I guess if you say so
I'd have to pack my things and go (That's right)

(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more)
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more)

[break]

(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more)
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more)
What you say?
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more)
(Hit the road, Jack and don't you come back no more)
(Don't you come back no more)
(Don't you come back no more)
(Don't you come back no more)
(Don't you come back no more)
Well
(Don't you come back no more)
Uh, what you say?
(Don't you come back no more)
I didn't understand you!
(Don't you come back no more)
You can't mean that!
(Don't you come back no more)
Oh, now baby, please!
(Don't you come back no more)
What you tryin' to do to me?
(Don't you come back no more)
Oh, don't treat me like that!
(Don't you come back no more)

Colin couldn't stand for me to have a seal if he didn't have one, so we made this today. He dictated every detail from the font to the color to the shape. It includes a funny bone (top left), fire, a molecule, water, planets, electricity and a host of other scientific wonders.
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Introducing The Happy Homemaker Seal of Approval
Beauty Products Edition

Oil of Olay
I've been using this inexpensive lotion for at least 25 years now and still love it. It is lightweight and fresh and now comes with sun block. (I feel claustrophobic in heavy lotions, how about you?)

Tweezerman Tweezers
These tweezers are so precise I imagine you could pick up a microbe with them! They cost more, but they are so worth it.

L'Oreal Jet-Set Nail Enamel
I don't really have the patience for a home manicure/pedicure because I can't sit still to let the polish dry. But L'Oreal changed all that with their Jet-Set nail enamel, which dries so quickly you don't have to wait! It is a modern marvel.

Nivea Silky Shimmer Lotion
"Contains natural light reflecting pigments to even out your skin tone, giving you a natural radiance and subtle shimmer." Another light-weight lotion with a barely-noticeable glimmer/sparkle. A great summer lotion for bare legs and arms.

Satin Hands and Body Buffing Cream and Body Wash
This a great and gently body exfoliater with a lovely, soft aroma. It does an incredible job of softening you up!

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
Wow. This is my all-time favorite product. If you've never used these, try them. You'll be astounded! I use this once a month and I think this product has taken years off my nose!

Reader reviews are welcome.