Win An Entire Hotel For You and Your Friends!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine..

What if you had access to an entire hotel for one weekend? Who would you invite to share the hotel with you? Think of it: 100 hotel rooms, for you and your friends, for two whole nights! Where would you go? I can think of a few cities I would love to invade with a bunch of my friends!

By entering the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes, you very well could WIN 100 hotel rooms at a Hampton Hotels and Suites for a weekend AND $5000! The exceptional part about this contest is that its open to everyone, not just Hilton Honors members or folks who have stayed at a Hampton in the past. So enter to win!

I already entered, and I am making a list of who I will invite. (Q & A, Melli, Thom, Susan, Sylvia, Doug, Manda and wow Regis Philbin!) I would love to take all my friends to New York City! Many of whom have never seen the Statue of Liberty of the United Nations. My all time favorite is the Empire State Building, I love the Art Deco style.

I am really hoping that the room service staff is ready for us, because we sure can eat! After sightseeing and possibly a show and some shopping, we will all be starving and ready for late night snacks!

Montana Ranch Trip...

Guest post written by Keith Bauguss

I met my friend Jim when I was looking for a place to board my family’s horses once my mom wasn’t able to take care of them. He was just so crazy and down-to-earth that we became fast friends.

We go on a lot of trips together to go camping, take part in wagon trains and ride on horse trails in the mountains a few hours away. A few months ago he invited me to go with him on a trip to his ranch that he owns with three other men in Montana. I had been having trouble with my hearing some so before we went I looked over some miracle ear hearing aid prices, got tested and got fitted with some hearing aids.

The trip was about two weeks long and it was so nice to be away from e-mail and all the hassles of work at the office. We rode horses a lot, went wild hog hunting and ate a whole lot of good, fattening food. He’s already talking about a trip for next year and I’m on board.

Something you may not know about...

Thom posted this the other day and I feel compelled to share it!

Chinese Proverb: when someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.

It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it?

They have come out with some clever new flavorings

DO YOU KNOW the difference between margarine and butter? Read on to the end…gets very interesting!

Both have the same amount of calories.

Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.

Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.

Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.

Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and only because they are added!

Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.

Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than100 years.

And now for Margarine..

Very High in Trans fatty acids.

Triples risk of coronary heart disease.

Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)

Increases the risk of cancers up to five times.

Lowers quality of breast milk.

Decreases immune response.

Decreases insulin response.

And here’s the most disturbing fact…. HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE [?atom?] away from being PLASTIC… and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT.

These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

You can try this yourself:

Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:

* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)

* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not find a home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic

Kinda makes you go HMMMMM, doesn't it?

You can check out Snopes, too.

microfiction Monday # 45...

The idea is to tell a story in 140 characters or less.

"May I tell you, Holmes, I do so like your new look.Yes, I do see that you are quite thin and awfully pale. You must go out of doors more!"

Visit Susan to enjoy more microfiction Monday!

Random Dozen - 08.20.10

Better Late Than Never!

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?

I make carnival food. That's my job. I've done it long enough to not want carnival food much anymore.

2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Yes.

3. What is your favorite gift to receive?

No gifts are necessary. But a five quart Kitchen Aid mixer with a bowl that lifts would be nice.

4. When was the last time you tried something new?
Last Thursday. I went to bed early.

5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?

Fav-o-rite: Large print

No So Fave: Comic

6.Silver or Gold?
A two-bit ring from a Cracker Back Jox.

7. What makes you sigh?

Lying down.

8. If you didn’t know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?
Old enough.

9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?

I think I need to make that decision on a case by case basis.

10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?

How to cook carnival food.

11. You’re having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?

Try very, very hard not to say mean things. About anyone.

12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love? (Quality Time, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, Gifts, Words of Affirmation)

Acts of Service

Grab a cup of coffee and head over to Linda's
for more Random Dozen!

A Special Day...

Best Wishes to my Best Friend...

Happy Birthday Tammy!

Equestrian Lover

I am an avid equestrian and I love watching horseback riding competitions on directv. I can never find any on cable but, luckily I can watch my favorite sport on satellite TV. There is nothing like riding a horse full gallop up to a huge fence. I cannot do this all the time, so, the next best thing is to watch others jump immense courses in a record breaking amount of time. There is nothing like it in the world to me and I love seeing others enjoying my favorite sport at a professional level. They are so lucky!

The best competitions happen in the fall and I am so excited to see my favorite riders compete for the gold. I would kill to be them one day and hopefully it will happen. It is amazing what you can learn form simply watching professionals ride. You can study their form and the way they approach a fence. Each horse is different so it is necessary to ride accordingly. However, the basics are the same and every serious rider can learn something new. I think this is especially important to keep in mind when watching competitions. Show jumping is an exciting and exhilarating sport that I hope to continue though out my life. I hope I will soon be on TV competing with the best riders.

Weekend Relfections - #47...

Weekend Reflections

Post a photograph taken by you that contains a visual refection.

Visit James's post and Link back to Newtown Area Photo

Be sure that your link goes directly to your Weekend Reflections post.

Link Weekend Reflections to your post so other will know where to go if they want to join

Be sure to comment on other Weekend Reflections participant’s blogs.

Feel free to be creative.Remember this meme is for any type of reflection photographs.

This meme runs Friday 11 am EST through 11pm Sunday,

so feel free to link your post anytime within that time frame.

Join the fun!

Today, I Hope...

...I actually get something done around the house.

...Shawn shuts off his alarm soon.

...Manda does not have to work tonight.

...Colleen has a good day at work.

...Tam gets a sudden windfall.

...Penny stops barking at nothing.

...Quilly has some interesting photos.

...Thom finds comfort in his memories.

New Restaurant Equipment - That Is My Wish...

We are doing a remodel of the kitchen at work. Two of our ovens are quite old. Rob said he's going to replace one, and shop for other restaurant equipment that will suit our needs better than what we have now. I put my vote in for a six burner gas range with a convection oven underneath. I've been looking at some professional cookware to go with it. Even though we have a 20 quart mixer, I would love to have a 5 quart mixer. The 5 qt is small, fits on a table and I can actually lift it!

Wasserstrom restaurant supplies offers everything I'm looking for with seriously discounted pricing. I've been through a bunch of catalogs and talked to countless salesmen. I know exactly what I want, so I don't need to be "sold" on anything. Shopping for restuarant supplies can be daunting. Each piece of equipment, small or large, comes with so many variations one can easily be confused. I've worked in kitchens for so long, I blow right by that confusion to "this is what I want." Waaserstom's online catalog makes it easy to find what I want, get the specs, see reviews and ask a question.

Professional chefs have been counting on Wasserstrom for more than 100 years. They provide high quality products from the food service industries leading manufacturers. I just hope Rob will have them deliver some high quality products to me!

Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday...

What are the rules for SOOC Sunday?

•On any Sunday you can post any photo you like (it must be one of your own)

•that hasn’t been tweaked or altered in any way (cropping is OK).

•In other words Straight Out Of the Camera.

•Also, please link back to Murrieta365. Thanks.

Colorado Rockies - Here We Come!

I have an idea that I might like to try river rafting. Everyone I know who has been rafting, tells me I will love it. Especially since I do love water and I don't mind at all when it's cold.

I love historical places and the area a round Frisco Colorado lodging is steeped in mining history. Frisco began as a small mining town and a stagecoach and railroad stop during the last years of the Gold Rush. A decade later the population had increased threefold and entertained prospectors and speculators.

The great news is that if I book a 3 night stay with Breckenridge vacation rentals and a one day raft adventure with Highside Adventure Tours, I could win another 2 nights lodging and another 1 day rafting trip! These vacation rentals are centrally located to bike trails, horseback riding and hiking, as well as 400 acres of parks and recreation. So for a summer or early fall trip, a vacation rental in Breckenridge is the way to go!

I've also decided to try my legs at skiing. I know snow isn't on any ones mind today, but my friends who ski tell me that the areas of Vail, Breckenridge, Cooper and Keystone offer more than just skiing. I am interested in staying in one of the Breckenridge rental homes. Nearby, there are great ski areas that cater to all levels of skiers. Like to snowboard? The area boasts 3 half pipes and 4 terrain parks. There are plenty of great dining options and 180+ shops and stores to browse.

Breckenridge Resort Managers offer condos, town homes and private vacation homes for small or large groups. I'm planning a vacation and inviting everyone along. Who would like to join me?

Six Word Saturday - August 14, 2010

Party Today!

Food, Friends and Family!

My good friends Helen and Carl invited

me and Tammy to hang out over at their place.

We agreed because not only are they fabulous hosts and we have made many friends over the years, but because

Helen makes killer potato salad!

Check out more Six Word Saturday over at Cates's place!

Kitchen Remodel with Glass Tile!

We've been doing a lot of work around here lately and I've decided to remodel my kitchen. Since I am on a very tight budget, I'm going to do the work myself. I want new cabinets and countertops, and I want Tiles for the back splashes and part of the counter near the sinks.

Because I do nothing without consulting the internet, I searched around for tiles of all kinds. I finally found www.glasstilestore.com. The selection is extensive. I had no idea glass tile came in so many colors and styles. I expected to find Kitchen and back splash tiles, along with tiles for the bath. I was surprised to find they offer pool tiles as well.

I had to consult my friend Jen. I wanted to go with a kind of vintage yellow or avacado and she quickly nixed that idea as very tacky. She's done a few tiling projects at her house and as an artist, she has a great eye for color and detail. We shopped for kitchen and bathroom tiles and found quite a few we liked. With that done we moved on to calculating how much tile was required for my space and the final cost. Very happy to find out the cost was within my budget and Glass Tile Store offers free shipping on all orders, we placed our order.

Jen suggested looking into Subway tiles, but I thought they might be too big for my space. We chose a great tile called Summer Wheat, that has a nice luminescent quality and incorporates four different shades, so if I decide to change the color scheme, I'm not limited to one color to match the tile. The best part was that Summer Wheat is on sale and with the savings I was able to get the new faucet set I really liked!

Skywatch Friday - August 13, 2010...

Skies from all over our planet!

Moments later, the sky opened up. I was lucky to get my camera to safety beforehand!

Scoot over to view more interesting skies at Skywatch!

Meet Me in Branson, Peggie!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summers end is fast approaching. All the kids I work with are shopping for clothes, books, school supplies and finishing up their summer reading selections. I am looking into an early fall trip to Branson, Missouri. My sister Peggie mentioned it to me last week as place she would like to visit.

Branson offers many varied attractions geared to the whole family. Peg and I discussed a few rounds of golf and an early morning trail ride. I would love to take a scenic train ride through the Ozarks. I'm also interested in bass fishing at Table Rock Lake. There is plenty of live entertainment offered in Branson and Peg wants to check out the annual Downtown Fiddle Fest.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing has partnered with the Payne Stewart Golf Club to offer some fantastic golf packages. I think a couple rounds of golf and a nice dinner at Level 2 Steakhouse will make me a happy girl! The Hilton Promenade is full service hotel that has a 24 hour fitness center and a beautiful pool. Peg is happy to know she won't miss her workouts. I'm looking forward to a restful nights sleep in a pillow top bed with a down comforter after browsing through 100 or so shops at Branson Landing. I think The Five and Dime General Store will be my first stop.The Hiltons of Branson also offer romance getaways and a weekend Bed and Breakfast for two. I could eat!

My boss told me he spent a week at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, while attending a trade show. Rob took advantage of the full service business center on-site and was thankful for the local area transportation. He didn't need to rent a car and even though he arrived early, the staff held his luggage for him. Rob had dinner in his room a couple times during his stay. He said he loved his meals and the room service was phenomenal. The concierge hooked him up with a fishing excursion one afternoon and Rob said he actually managed to catch a few fish!

So Peg and I am scheduled to meet in Branson in mid-September. Her birthday falls during the time we are there and I want to plan something super special while we are there. Any one have any suggestions?

Wordless Wednesday - August 12, 2010

Check out more Wordless Wednesday...

High Quality Oriental Rugs...

I'm putting down Area Rugs. I do not like wall to wall and my bare floors are too cold in the winter. But rug shopping in the store confuses me. Rugs are piled on top of each other and I can't see the entire rug at once. I want an oriental rug and I want to see the whole rug before I make a decision.

Cheap Rugs of decent quality are hard to come by. Www.superiorrugs.com is an excellent website that offers high quality rugs at very good prices. What really grabbed my attention is they offer free shipping and will beat any advertised price. They have a good variety of sizes and colors to choose from.

Shopping for Rugs online seems like it could be just as difficult as shopping in a store. I checked out a couple of oriental rugs that interest me. Superior Rugs shows detailed color photographs of each rug for sale. The photos show not only close up views of the color scheme, but the manufacturers information tag, which include knots per square meter/inch, pile, place of origin and the manufacturers warranty. Superior Rugs also offers 30 day return policy. The website has all the information needed to make an informed selection.

Random Dozen Returns!

1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

I can't remember, but I laughed my ass of at http://www.disapprovingrabbits.com/. You may not get it, but as a keeper of rabbits, I thought it was pretty funny.

2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?

Funny you should ask. I went to Cumby's the other night and found a 5 dollar bill on the floor. I knew it wasn't mine so I gave it to the clerk. As I got home and was pulling in the driveway, Colleen was pulling out. She returned 10 minutes later and said "Mum, I'm so happy!" Thing is, she had been to Cumby's moments before I was. The $5 was hers! And because I gave it to the clerk, when she went back hoping no one took it, she got it back!

3. Do you volunteer anywhere?

No. But sometimes I do stuff at work without asking to be paid.

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?

All! Cannot choose! I went to the greenhouses the other day and Pop had yummy yellow plums, really nice peaches and raspberries. I was happy.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?

Dude, I have like 3 friends and you are one of them so you tell me!

6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go?

I have never, ever attended a class reunion. Those people were cruel to me in high school, why would I want to see them now? There are some members of my family I would love to hang out with, while others? Pffft!

7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?

Leave me alone! Get far, far away! Do not speak!

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?

No! I want to though! But I think I'll save up to visit Quilly or go to Disney World again.

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time?

Ahhh, my bag? The things in there that are important should go in my pockets. Key, mobile device, money. Why I haul around folders and notebooks and flash drives and pencils and pens is beyond me.

10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?

I haven't seen one! I have soooo many movies on Netflix/Roku and cable tv, I will not pay more to go see one in a theatre.

11. Describe a perfect summer day.

Any day between November and May.

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!

I know Colleen and Janine won't like this, but they rarely read this blog so it's unlikely they'll see it. This snapshot was taken when they went to Florida. I think it is a beautiful likeness of them.

Be a sport and run over to Linda's place and check out more Random Dozen!

Online Study - Master of Arts in Teaching...

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

My friend Jess has been teaching for 8 years. She’s considering earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education. Jess loves the idea of online study at an elite research university. MAT@USC offers not only convenient, flexible and highly interactive online study, but valuable field-based experience. MAT@USC also offers great tuition reimbursement programs and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

If you are currently teaching or want to teach, take a look at the program information and take note of what MAT@USC offers. Check out the video showing the interactivity of the program. The Student Blog will give you an insight into the program from current students who share their experiences of learning online.

USC also offers the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty

who are recognized for their contributions to modern education. USC is an internationally known research institution with over 100 years of experience in educating teachers to be the agents of change. Rossier and MAT@USC were awarded by AACTE for the innovative use of technology in education. News and World Report has been ranked the Rossier School of Education #22 in the US and #9 among all private universities. As a student at MAT@USC, you will enjoy full USC student status and be part of the elite USC

Trojan Family. You will also participate in commencement ceremonies and be a free lifetime member of Alumni Associations. The first cohort of the MAT@USC will graduate in May.

Ruby Tuesday - 08.10.10

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Check out more Ruby Tuesday over at Mary's place, Work of the Poet.

Consider Donating a Car to Help Veterans In Need...

Shawn has a Jeep in the driveway that needs more work than he can afford. I brought up the idea of giving it to one of the car donation charities. He is very interested in the idea and immediately went to research it online.

Awhile later, Shawn came back and said he had decided to donate the Jeep to purple heart car donation. He learned that the money raised by his donation will help disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients in need of food, shelter and clothing. The bottom line is it couldn’t be easier to donate a car, truck or RV. Shawn said he filled out a form on the website, made arrangements to have the Jeep picked up and got the title and the keys together for the towing company.

After visiting http://www.carshelpingveterans.org, neither Shawn nor I realized that so many veterans are homeless and need help. These men and women put their lives on the line for all of us. Our car donations can help these people when they really need it most.

The next time you replace a car, consider donating it to help our veterans. Not only will your car be towed free of charge, but your donation is 100% tax deductible. The whole process is simple, and you’ll be helping someone who served us all with courage and dignity.

It's A Blog-O-Versary! (Is that a Word?)

It is now!

One year ago today, I created my blog. I know this because I almost forgot to renew my domain. I actually didn't post anything until the next day, because of all the trauma I suffered setting up the blog. I know, it's not that hard. But I had an Ed Plan in school!

Anyway- Thanks everyone who made my first year of blogging fun and memorable. Like the time Thom sent me a new pencil or when Quilly let me have her old sharkskin suit! Oh and that time Susan sent me a napkin from Ireland! You guys have really made my first year of blogging something to cherish!

To commemorate this monumental occasion, I would like to share some CAKE with everyone!

Everyone, enjoy the CAKE, just don't get buttah on your tie!

microfiction Monday # 43...

The idea is to create a story in 140 characters or less.

Janine stepped off the bus, a little scared. In the station, she grabbed a postcard and wrote:

Don't try to find me. I'm never coming back.

Run away to Susan's place, Stony River to see more microfiction Monday.

Blast from the Past...

This is my sister Peg, when she was about 17.

When I was a kid, I thought my sister was the prettiest girl ever. I remember when she went to prom. I was about 5. She wore a white dress with an empire waist. It was trimmed in green, and she wore long gloves and her hair was piled up in curls. I remember being a total pest as she was getting ready. I wanted to play dress up and be pretty too. I was told repeatedly to get lost. I did not. I hung around hoping I would be invited along. I was not.

I thought my sister looked like a princess. She was stunning. As she was going out the door, I stepped on the hem of her dress and left a smudge. Peg shot me a look that I knew meant death.

Recently, I asked her what she remembered of prom. Peg said she hated the dress. There were so many girls at prom in that same dress, only the color of the trim was different. She remembered her hairdo being very itchy and wanting very much to take it out. Once she was able to take it down, she was amazed at how many bobby-pins were in there. Peg said she didn't remember me being a pest, but she guessed I may have been. She also did not remember me stepping on her dress, nor does she remember a smudge. (thank you so much for not remembering that!) She does remember being aggravated because her date was late. Other than that Peg said they had a fun time and a good party on the beach the next day.

Isn't it funny how we remember the same thing so much differently?

Boys and Cars...and Girls!

A couple of the guys that I work with are automobile junkies. They buy and fix up cars during the wintertime. I always attribute their obsession to the fact that they don't have girlfriends. Whatever the case, these guys often compete with each other at car shows. Last weekend I took in one of the shows to show my support.

Mike entered a chrysler 300. The 300 got a lot of attention at the show. Mike is a dispatcher for emergency services in town and he had a good amount of people show up to vote for his car. With his chest puffed out, Mike told me to make my vote based on my opinion of the best car in the show, while pointing directly to his car. I moved on to see the other cars.

I came across a very pretty cadillac sts belonging to my boss' son. RJ's STS got as much attention as Mike's 300. Mind you, these guys spend all winter working on these cars but they also drive them. So any nick or ding gets immediate attention and both guys help each other with their cars. I began to wonder if they really cared who won.

Continuing on, I met up with Javier. He is new to car shows and at 18, he entered his first car, a lexus rx. The Lexus was his Granddad's car and Javier received it as a gift when he graduated high school. RJ told me that Javier has a huge family, all in attendance and he thought Javier's car was a really good first time entry. Granddad actually helped Javier trick the car out for the show.

I didn't hang around to find out who won first prize, I'll find out when I go to work tomorrow. But when I left, I noticed a rather pretty girl hanging real close to Mike and RJ was talking to a couple girls who seemed genuinely interested in his car. Maybe this winter will be a little different.

Fishing May Be Hazardous...

Just this afternoon, Tam and I decided to take a couple crab traps down to a special spot by the canal. While clamoring over the rocks trying to place the traps, I slipped and twisted my ankle, flinging my crab trap into the water. We were unable to retrieve it. As I sat there sobbing over the loss of both my trap and my potential dinner, Tam asked if the swelling ankle hurt much and if my accident insurance is up to date.

Once I stopped crying, we decided to take a ride over to the ER for an x-ray. While waiting to see the doctor, I called my friend Robin, who works in the Med/Surg unit. She stopped by a few minutes later and mentioned income insurance. In hind sight, I see that I should have considered this before. I may have to stay off my ankle for a few days, at least. I'd feel a little more secure just now if I carried an income insurance policy. I could pay may bills and order in a few crabs.

I bet my crab trap has been fished out by somebody by now, probably some merchant marine from Australia. By now he's probably used my bait and eaten up what should have been my crabs. I hope his life insurance Australia is up to date. He might need it if I ever catch up with him.

oh eight oh seven oh six...

Happy Birthday Shay!

Weekend Reflections...

If you want to see some really stunning reflection photos, take a trip over to see James at Newtown Area Photo. You won't be disappointed!

Six Word Saturday - August 7, 2010

After $808.25, my car passed inspection!

Cruise on into Cate's place to check out more Six Word Saturday!

Prayer Request...Updated

Today, I am having some difficulty diagnosing a problem with Colleen's notebook.

It's a piece of sh*te Gateway, and a couple years old. I have confidence I can fix the problem. Colleen does not. She's having a hard time doing without her beloved notebook. I think she is actually suffering symptoms of withdrawals. This morning she put juice in her coffee and sugar on her eggs.

I told her if I cannot rectify the situation, I would send the problem notebook to Dr Thom. I have the utmost faith in him.

Everyone, please pray that Colleen comes through these trying times unscathed.

UPDATE: Success! All better now...Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes.

She Wore A White Smock and a Ribbon in Her Hair...

On Sunday last, I went over to Union church for summer worship. Beforehand, folks were milling about, greeting friends and neighbors. I wandered into the churchyard to check out some of the older memorials. I could see some folks at the front of the church, so I knew I still had a little bit of time before we were called in.

I heard a man softly calling "Annie! Little Annie! Where are you?" in a kind of singsong voice. I looked up to see a little girl coming toward me. She carried a small, raggedy doll and was looking behind her as she came along. As she ran toward me her curls covered her eyes and she tripped and fell at my feet, dropping her dolly. I could hear the man calling "Annie, where is my Little Annie?" As she got up, I handed her the doll. Then she turned and went back the way she came. She had a quiet, lilting giggle that stayed with me after she was gone.

The church bell began to ring and I started back. I was looking around for Annie and her dad but I caught the toe of my shoe on what felt like a rock. I went down to my knee. It was a rock I stumbled on, it was this rock.

Visit Mary the Teach over at Sepia Scenes to see more...

New Neighbors...

I met a nice family today as I was passing by the Mill Pond. They were'n't terribly friendly, but they did notice me and the wife nodded a hello. The kids were quiet and well behaved. I was impressed, some youngsters can be a bit boisterous. I paused and politely asked if I could make a photograph of them. The wife deferred to her husband and he graciously gave his permission.

They only asked that I make a copy of the photograph

and drop it by the next time I'm out that way.