Classic Movies

Prior to the idea of Harry Potter or when J.B. Fletcher was teaching English in high school instead of solving 'who done it's, Walt Disney combined elements of both to make a classic children's movie.  A movie that brings back bittersweet memories for me:  Bedknobs and Broomsticks.  This movie just happened to come on this morning.

Angela Lansbury plays a woman taking a correspondence class in the art of witchcraft during WWII.  She takes in three orphans for a brief time and the story begins. 

I became familiar with the story years ago when I would accompany my son to Children's Hospital in Birmingham.  The hospital had a channel of their own and would show the classic Disney movies.  All of this was before VCR's, DVD's, gameboys and x-boxes were commonplace. 

If you're not familiar with it, or you've not watched it in a while, give it a try.

To wine or not to wine

First of all, a disclaimer:  I'm not a wine expert as you will see.

A friend and I went to the local, yet not close, Sam's Club tonight.  This is a new one and I had never been there, so we just browsed around the aisles.  Even though you may have been several times, it just seems that the newer the store, the more different the merchandise.  Anyway, I digress.....

There before us were probably a couple hundred various wines.  Just as interesting as some of the names (Toad Hollow is just one brand name...) is the vast range of prices.  The prices range from a jug (yes, jug) that is priced from just under $4 to $134.  I know there are more expensive wines in the world, but when I think about 'borrowing' a drink of something as costly as even $134 I have to wonder if it is worth it.  I think before I dropped that kind of money, I'd have to have a taste test.  Funny, I've seen those sample folk giving out fried cheese, frozen pizza and chips and salsa.  I've never seen them pass out samples of something so expensive as wine.  Although I know they can't, doesn't it make sense?  If you had a case or several of a pricey something, wouldn't you want to do everything you can to sell it?  I just wonder just how much better or different is it than the $4 jug? 

As stated in the disclaimer, I am not an expert..      

   It's been awhile.... I've just had some things going on with some of the kids.... not all good either....  I'll spare you the details.... It ain't pretty....

   Now, we are back to a new year.  This week brought the try-outs for American Idol.  I didn't watch it all the first night.   There is only so much of that stuff I can really take.  I did watch it last night.... it seemed to go a little faster than the night before.  But, the show I really enjoy is Dancing with the Stars.  Hold me back!!  I love this show.  Yes, I'm the one that always watches those dancing contests on Public Television.  Now, it's even more often......  I've thought about going to Arthur Murray for lessons, but just never have..... Maybe I'll put that on my life's 'To Do' list ...... 

The New Year's Pledges

Well people, it's that time of the year again.  Call it what you want, resoultions, pledges, promises, etc., it's all the same.  On the last day of the year, we take a good, hard look at ourselves during the past 364 (or 365 if it's been Leap Year).  What is it we have not liked about ourselves and what are we going to do to change those things? 

 New Year's Day can be a new beginning, I guess.  Most people seem to put losing weight on their list.  (Yeah....... right after the football games and all the chips/dip and buffalo wings w/ ranch or bleu cheese and beer you can scarf down.) 

Next on the list is excerise.  Dang, we all know you have to do it.  You can even get mad at your trainer, machines, and friends that promised to be your buddy in this adventure, but yet always seem to cop out on you.  Doesn't matter.  It's a habit you have to get into. 

I used to have drinking/smoking on my lists at one time.  I gave up smoking on day in the summer about 8 years ago.  A waste of money and a crutch.  Have I wanted another one?  hhhhmmm... rarely.... maybe once or twice in that.  Now, it makes me want to puke.....   I still have a drink every once in a while, but not often.  I don't get sh*t-f*c*d; I'm to old and out of practice for that and to be honest, it's not pretty. I remember seeing a girl at a party about 10 years ago sick as dawg. She wasn't pretty during that time when her boyfriend was holding her hair while she <you know> and then the crying afterward.  OMG!  If you ever want to stop drinking, my advice is to be sober and watch someone do those things.  <advice: if you really want to quit drinking, just imagine you in their place... not pretty... it's enough to make you change>           I guess those are my true success stories.  But, as a disclaimer to this whole entry: Not done because of a pledge to myself on the first day of the year.

If I have to make a pledge, promise or resolution to myself, it's this:  Be the best, fair, kind, honest, yet stand up for your beliefs type of person I can be.  Acknowledge those people around you that make your life livable, fun, true.  Give a pat on the back when earned and a kick in the rump when needed.  Also, expect the same in return. 

Never fear, if you screw up Lent is right around the corner.  Take your confessions to Father Ray. He has a magic way of making you feel ok with it.  Maybe by the end of the 40 days, it'll have become a habit. 

I hope you have a wonderful 2006!

New Animals of the South

Yes folks, these animals are found in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains,  actually, about 5 miles or so from where I live. Actually, this guy isn't the only camel in our area.  I know of one more about 5 miles in the other direction.  If you look at the red barn in the background, you will see a zebra.  Also, there is a llama but no pictures of him.  He (or she...) didn't come out until I was pulling away. 

I just think it's fascinating that somewhere, beneath the shadows of mountains live animals that normally live on other continents.

The Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas and all through house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even that little mouse!

I waited with patience, I waited with self discipline,

I waited until I knew what would be my des-a-tine!

I jumped in the car and away I went,

I rolled into the parking lot, not thinking of money to be spent!

As I walked, and  I looked,

I should have known, I was hooked!

I found a little of this, a little of that,

What did I need?  Not shoes, wallet or hat!

It was all right there, all on sale,

I just couldn't find a thing, it all looked stale!

I left with a bag of salad, a small amount of grapes,

I didn't even look at the rack of tapes!

I checked out of the store and into the car I would pour,

I laughed when I left, I could stand it no more!

As I drove away, and then, out of sight,

I yelled 'Turkey salad is the dinner tonight!'     

 

Happy Day After Christmas!! 

Disclaimer: Does it really have to make a lot of sense??  It's poetic justice!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Laundry Baskets....

Laundry baskets are not just for laundry..... They should be in the 'top five' list of things that make your life easier!!  For example, just few minutes ago, I'm packing up the stuff I'm taking to the parent's house to cook, you know, all the heavy stuff.  Heavy duty bag just falls apart... Whatever will I do??  I go hunting my favorite 'carry-all' laundry basket.  I use it when I need to take a lot of things to school and other places.  What's so great about it??  It's lightweight, has handles, is rounded on one side to sit on my hip when I have to open doors and it fits into the car just nicely!  Easy in, easy out... my kind of easy....  AAAaawwww... the things to be grateful for this time of year....

BTW, Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!