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The Fortune Teller

I asked “Will there be someone to call my own. Someone who will say my name like a prayer, and look at no one but me? Someone who will take away my fears at night and will follow me in my travels? Someone kind, someone strong… someone.”

He dealt the cards and gazed upon them. I heard a sigh. I saw confusion. Should he say what I wanted to hear or say what the cards tell him?

He said, “No.”

My Children, Scott and Hannah

Don’t Ever Give This Man A Lighter!



The Battle

It was intense. The men clad in armor, carrying their shields, their weapons, and calling insults to one another. The horses pranced nervously knowing that either evil or good will prevail. The ladies lined up to shower the two men with ribbons or kerchiefs. The battle commences. Evil prevails.


I will be posting pictures as soon as I can and I will let you know when they are available. It was a fun day.

My daughter called this morning trying to plan out the events for this evening. We are going to have a girlie night – she is going to dye my hair. Then we are going to have take-out for dinner and ice cream for dessert. Robert taped all of the “My Name is Earl” shows we missed so we can catch up with Earl. I don’t know why I like the show, it defies explanation. Then she plans to cap off the evening with games, like “Apple Apple” or Skip-Bo.

My response to her enthusiasm….. “Hannah I am having one of those days when I just want to sit on the floor and cry.”

I guess to much has hit me in the past month, year and it is all catching up with me at once. I don’t understand depression because of my way of thinking is “If everything is going right then why do I feel this way?” I am having a bad hair day… which by this time tomorrow will be grey free, I hope. I am not doing a permanent color. I can wash it out in 12 shampoos. So if I don’t like it I can spend a half day in the shower washing my hair and wasting enough water to take care of a third world country.

I am going to focus on being around positive people, stay away from less judgmental people. I have been fortunate in my life to meet all kinds of people from different backgrounds, different beliefs, and have found a part of me in each of these encounters. I pride myself on giving my children the opportunity to share the same. I know some of you are wondering what brought this about. It came to me this morning when mom was trying to find a chip for her camera. On each of the chips were pictures taken a long while back, pictures that I had taken on another camera. I looked at the pictures and it brought back so many warm memories. I remembered my attempts to find a place where I could live with myself and build up resistance to people who were so quick to judge and people that were…. Well mean. The place I worked was so sad, so depressing, and sometimes my co workers were difficult, to say the least. I never found that place until I quit my job and moved into my little house on wheels.

Perhaps it is a residual effect. I haven’t been able to shake off the sadness and meanness I encountered in the years I worked at this particular job. Perhaps I never will but in the meantime I will focus on positive to off set the residual effects. It is a good plan, one I will implement immediately.

I am now off to work on the levelers and the water hose leak.

Pictures were taken yesterday at the Plaza in Kansas City. Click here to view.

Epilepsy In Older Dogs

The main sign of epilepsy is seizures, which can be categorized in three ways. Intracranial causes of seizures have detectable defects, such as a tumor, inside the brain. Extracranial causes of seizures have metabolic or toxic changes that are outside the brain but affect the brain to cause a seizure. Seizures of unknown cause form the third category, calledidiopathic epilepsy.

Since Surely’s seizures started one month after her 17th birthday, she falls into the third category. Epilepsy is a functional abnormality in a neuron that causes an abnormal neurologicexcitation that generalizes to the whole brain. It is similar to a lightning strike on a house that sends abnormal current through the normal electrical system. Recognizing a seizure is important and often difficult. A seizure can be minor and show as only slight loss of muscle control (called a partial motor seizure), or it can be severe, with the dog paddling on the ground completely out of control (called a grand mal seizure). In general, a dog will lose bladder and bowel control during a seizure, will be unaware of its surroundings, and will appear abnormal after a seizure.

So far, Surely’s seizures have been mild. When I first noticed her having seizures, it occurred when she was resting or in mid walk. If she is standing then all she will do is sway back and forth, become disoriented, and it takes a while for her to come around. I only saw one seizure where she tried to walk and it was like she was moving in slow motion. Finally she just stopped and swayed. During each of her seizures I talk to her, touch her, and let her know that I am there. Last night she was nesting at my feet. I was lying on my bed and I heard and felt her rooting around, digging, snorting and then she became quiet. That was the only time I picked her up during a seizure and just held her. She ended up sleeping against my chest, under the blanket, and it was nice hearing her snore.

The vet said that most dogs will pass on at the age of 11 and I am so grateful for the extra 6 years. I am hoping that I will have many more. The first line of treatment for epilepsy is a barbiturate, usually Phenobarbital. That is what Surely will be taking.

Arrived

We have arrived! I was singing “Kansas City Here I Come” all the way here. Mom and I checked out fine with our physicals, we are good to go for another year.

I am so excited. There is a possibility of catching two of my children in the same place tomorrow. I wish I could have all three but I am thrilled to death with two.

Why We Arrived A Day Late, And A Dollar Short
Monday, after my visit with the Doctor, mom and I picked up Doris and took off to Booneville, Missouri. Common sense was definitely sitting in the trunk because three women in a casino mean trouble. Party hardy! Time slipped by quickly and before we knew darkness had descended. Of course we didn’t know that because we were inside having a grand time. Finally when our $40 stopped paying off, we decided to leave. As we all know there is always a buffet at a casino and like a moth to the flame we followed the delicious smell. After a splendid meal and wonderful conversation, it suddenly dawned on us….. What time is it? Needless to say we got in late and woke up hung over from all the fun. Mom and I decided to sleep in and stay another day. I am glad we did because it was storming all over Missouri. Today was a great day to drive.

No phone, no pool, no pets I ain't got no cigarettes
The park we are staying at has no amenities but pleasant smiles. That is fine with us. We cranked up the antenna and put up our satellite. It is a cool night with a beautiful full moon shining down on us. The windows are open and I can hear the noise of the interstate. It is a good night to curl up under a blanket and with a warm puppy and sleep.

Just For Fun

1,303,260How Many Germs Live On Your Keyboard?

Good night.

Had A Great Visit With Mindy

I was able to witness the first time her Lab Puppy went swimming!

And witness the pup sinking!

She popped right back up!

Good Friends, that is what it is all about.

I Need A Vacation

What a busy two weeks.

We arrived in Osage Beach and haven't stopped running. Truthfully I am exhausted!

The Car
About 6,000 miles ago I took the car in for service and told the mechanic that I was concerned about my brakes. I was told, later, that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. 3,000 miles ago, the same scenario and this time I was told my brakes were glazed and I need to sped up and slam on the brakes. I have done this several times when I had to avoid woodchucks and other small animals, so I really didn't think this would solve the problem. This week I took the car in for the 30,000 mile checkup and was told "your brakes are shot." We spent 5 hours in Springfield but fortunately we were given a loaner car. The car runs wonderfully.

The Motorhome
My concern with having the motorhome serviced is being taken advantage of. I am green as a gourd when it comes to the motor and my inexperience does show. We took the motorhome to Rapid Service in Camdenton. There really isn't anything you can do but drop it off and hope for the best. I have never seen a business work as hard trying to get parts, air filters, etc for my little house. They were on the phone with Holiday Rambler and Cummins, which of course means a lot of hold time. Then Marty showed me what he did, explained why he did it, and gave me pointers and tips. Most importantly he gave me his business card and said "if you have to take your coach in for service and they won't explain things to you or try to sell you something, call me immediately." Top notch service and great people.

My Mother
I am not speaking to her. I have heard her say "Oh I need to lose weight. My clothes are fitting tight." She went to the doctor yesterday for her physical and she has only gained 3 pounds! All of her tests came out good but she only gained 3 pounds. I am sitting here biting my nails, trying to figure out a way to stay off the scales when I go in Monday for my physical. 3 pounds! Good grief. HEY MOM YOU WANT A CHOCOLATE BROWNIE WITH ICE CREAM FOR LUNCH!

The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Kids, you won't recognize Doris. We went over yesterday to visit and we lost half of her. She has lost 75 pounds. All she did was eat healthier. With her ankles and feet causing her pain, she can't exercise so she just cut back on all of the unhealthy foods and concentrated on the healthy foods. She looks fabulous.

Yesterday we also visited with Gene and Marion and had dinner with Anna and Dean. It was a fun day. Click here for pictures.

Today we are off to Lebanon, tomorrow it will be Springfield, and Sunday I am hoping to catch up with Mindy. I am sorry I am ignoring everyone and as soon as I can breathe I will get back to blogging.

Later.

More Pictures

Click Here For Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Click Here For More Family Fun

Hannah's Visit

Click Here For Brumley Missouri!

Click Here For Family Fun!

Sorry Robin

I did not run to the nearest bookstore.... I sat down in front of the computer and ordered The Power of Myth. It arrived yesterday and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for letting me know about this great book.

In regards to my son's child support check. He had already told the powers to be in August that he didn't care about the money. In fact he said "She doesn't have to pay anything." After 10 months of therapy (speech, physical, and psychological) he is fully aware of the expense of raising a child with special needs. He just wants to have the legal authority to have her diagnosed correctly and take care of her needs.

My only complaint is the laws that are suppose to be in the best interest of children. My son had to take drastic measures to make this happen. He was castrated by the legal system and had to wait until something physical happened to take temporary custody which led to full custody. Her inability to speak was not enough. Nor was the fact that she could not run, climb, hop etc., and was severely developmentally delayed. We are not going into the potty training nightmare. Anyway you would think that someone out there would say this is not normal for a soon to be 5 year old. I am angry about this but I am letting it go. Ohmmmmmm

After Ten Months

Received word this morning that my oldest son, James aka Rusty received FULL custody of his daughter with all decisions making powers regarding her awarded to him as well. Child support set at $25 a month which is the same amount that my grandmother recieved when she divorced Papa Doctor. Hmmm interesting. Visitation will be every other weekend. Thank goodness this is over and all is well.

Congrats Rusty aka James and Nicole.


I am so relieved. I think I can sleep soundly tonight.


I am sorry Granny received $30 a month for child support.

Nice

I received the "Nice Matters Award" - despite the fact that I posted that Santa has his own cemetery and is well you know. I received an "Nice Award" from Robin.


Zach – my little friend from Singapore who introduces me to new music, new words, and is such a sweet person. He thinks my dog is beautiful.

Lynilu – She lives in a tiny piece of heaven. Beautiful pictures, great stories of her day to day life and past. She is definitely a nice person.

Dirk and Felicia – She hasn’t started blogging yet but she will. They welcomed mom and I into their home and showed us a wonderful time. Dirk did all of the driving which was a real treat to me. I actually got to sit in the passenger side and look out the window and let someone else put up with insane drivers. His blog makes me think, sometimes makes me angry, but that is a good thing.

I just met Misty Dawn and find her to be a fantastic person. She is down to earth and a dog lover as well. I enjoy reading her blog about her life and her dogs. She and I agree that dogs keep us sane.

Now I am off to find the Easter Bunny………..

Greetings

We spent a couple of days in Edwardsville IL to visit my sister and her husband, Kerry. I didn't take any pictures but I found some from a previous visits. We have made it back to the Lake of the Ozarks for our yearly exams and other fun stuff. More later.


Edwardsville and Family

Bad News

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. I feel this story must be told. We left Berea this morning and arrived in Indiana. We decided to stop and spend the night in a little town. After setting up camp I decided to do a little exploring and this is what I found.

Is this the burial place of …..? Well you know.

As I strolled along the headstones I was thinking to myself “Surely this couldn’t be the final resting place of……. Well you know.” Then I found this picture on a headstone. Judge for yourself.

All in jest folks, it is all in jest.

To See More Pictures, Click Here

Overcoming Your Fears

Mom and I share a fear of heights. Neither one of us will not venture out on a cliff, nor peer over the side of a building. Today we decided to conquer that fear and take a ride on the “Sky Lift” to reach the natural bridge.

Mom remembers climbing the side of the mountain to get to the top to see this wonder but that was when she was 10 years old. I too, remember scrambling through the bushes and trees to see it at the same age. Now they have paths. Knowing neither mom nor I will make the 600 foot walk we decided to take the lift.

First you wait in line, then one person steps on the black square and the second person steps on the red. Then the lift scoops you up and takes you up the side of the mountain to see this natural wonder. Fortunately the operator took mom’s age in consideration so there was no scooping. Truthfully I didn’t want to be scooped either. I sat clutching my purse, mom clutching the bar and we soared like the eagles even though we were two chickens in eagle’s suits. I managed to fire off a few pictures but peering through the lens was making me a little nauseous. We joked and laughed nervously all the way up – 12 minutes but it felt like 2 hours.

It was worth the ride. I remember the bridge as being narrow but in truth it was wide. I walked across it and explored the other side. Then I took the trail to Lover’s Leap to see the bridge from a different angle. I climbed and walked all over before I tuckered out and had to go back down. Going down was far worse than going up. When we got to the bottom, we found the penny machine and had a penny smashed with the logo “I Rode The Sky Lift.”

Take A Walk With Us By Clicking Here!

Nope Not Surprised.

Thousands of Chinese-Made Condoms Distributed in D.C. Returned for Faulty Packaging
Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Thousands of condoms distributed free in the District of Columbia as part of an HIV-AIDS program are being returned to the district's health department following complaints that the packaging was easily damaged, rendering the condoms ineffective.

Why doesn’t this surprise me?

Greetings

My computer came today and I don’t know who was more ecstatic, my mother or myself.

Today was traumatic for Surely Not. She was assaulted by an amorous Bull Terrier. Those dogs look happy because of a perpetual smile on their face but they are strong as an ox. Surely was crying and it took the two of us to get him away from her. Once we got him away from her Surely went for his throat. She was irate! There is one that thinks Surely Not is attractive. Unfortunately, he is a lustful beast.

We found Bama and great grandfather’s grave yesterday. Then we explored Berea. I updated the webpage with the pictures I took while in Berea and Lexington. No cemetery pictures with these links.

Click here for Headstone Iconography

Click here to give a hand to Berea

Click here for the Clay and Peavyhouse homes.

A Note From Surely Not

My name is Surely Not. It is not:

“Has Not”

“Want Not”

“Be Not”

“What Not”

“Not Not”

I do not resemble Andy Rooney nor do I have his eyebrows.

I can look like a dead possum at times.

I can look like Trouble Hensley if my mom would airbrush me.

I am not an alien, the hair that is standing up is not antennas, it is a chic Mohawk. I do not appreciate people questioning my hairitage.

To you, it’s an animal. To me she is an adopted daughter who has short hair, walks on all fours and doesn’t speak clearly.

Swastika Is A Good Thing

It was another warm day but mom and I headed out to the cemetery in Berea and Winchester, Kentucky. There were a lot of people strolling through the cemetery grounds today. There were women sitting and talking. People were looking at the headstones. Pictures were being taken. It was nice to see people visiting loved ones and enjoying the experience. Cemeteries are oftentimes depicted as a scary place or a sad place to be. I find cemeteries restful, a reflective place filled with a sense of timelessness. I find stories that are carved into the headstones which gives me a glimpse of who that person was and sometimes their life experiences. The more I explore cemeteries the more I learn. Perhaps to many it is wasted information but it is my hobby.

When I started roaming cemeteries, I often wondered about the symbolism. What do the carvings mean? Is there a story there? Who are these people? That was when I started researching “headstones iconography.” I discovered there are stories and if you knew how to decipher the carvings, you can discover a basic understanding of who that person was.

I remember being confused about the fingers. Some were pointing up, some were pointing down, some had sun rises carved in the background, and some were pointing to objects. I will be honest and say this; I thought the finger pointing down was not a good thing. Truth is the finger pointing down means “calling the earth to witness.” The deceased has been chosen by God. The finger may also be pointing to an inscription below. The finger pointing up symbolizes a pathway to heaven, a heavenly reward, or the soul has risen to heaven.

Of course, if there are fingers there are hands. Generally, hands are sometimes seen on tombstones simply holding things, such as flowers. Hands clasping hands typically signify union. The sleeves may be both masculine and feminine, indicating marriage. Hands praying are asking God for eternal life, prayer for the soul of the departed. Two hands with spread fingers are Jewish. The hand of God plucking a link of a chain represents God bringing a soul unto himself. Hands or a hand that are holding a chain with broken link symbolizes the death of a family member. Hands or a hand holding a heart is symbolic of charity. It is also seen on memorials of members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Hands or a hand holding an open book is the embodiment of faith.

Then there are household items carved into the headstone or the headstone itself is a statue of a household item. Take a chair for example. An empty chair is a symbol of morality. A small, empty chair may indicate the death of a child, it symbolizes unfulfilled lives of children; represented the child now gone. With small shoes on the chair – connection to childhood, symbolizes the inability to achieve adulthood.

In several cemeteries, there are columns. Not only are they decorative but they have a meaning as well. Columns represent a noble life; a broken column represents life cut off and may represent the loss of the head of the family. There are three styles of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Plain Doric columns can be associated with masculinity and strength whereas slender Ionic columns can be associated with femininity, scholarship, and wisdom. Do you want me to go into crosses?

It is fascinating. Crossed swords mean the deceased died in battle. A snake biting its tail is a symbol of immortality or everlasting life. A coiled snake indicates sin. Snakes usually in a curly 'S' position not coiled as in striking, means eternity. They were believed to keep shedding shins and growing as does the human shed the old and go to the new.

A rose does not mean love. It means silence. Only lately, Americans use it to reflect love but it was thought to mean silence and if you speak only truthfulness, it was used in confessional booths and at altars, so only the truth is spoken. That is why it was a sign on shields- a strong sign of conviction. Various types of roses mean different things, all means silence along with:
A double set of roses on one twig means death of two people. Usually a bud with the rose, a loss of a mother with a baby.
Dog Rose (single flat one) means Pain
Moss Rose - Melancholy
Large cabbage full rose -- all consuming life
China (tea) means - full bloom forever
Buds - on a child's grave -- virginity and innocence; on an adult’s grave - secrets
Wreath of Roses - Beauty and virtue rewarded in time
A fully opened rose may indicate that the deceased died in the prime of life.
The rose also signifies love (modern), beauty, and condolence.
A wreath of roses symbolizes beauty and virtue rewarded in time.
A rose bud symbolizes a life cut short and is most often found on the graves of children.

Enough said on this subject. I am in the process of putting this on my webpage. I will let you know when I do. I apologize now for any errors in spelling or grammar. I am not a writer I am a crazy lady that roams cemeteries.

Until later.

The reason for my title is Swastika means good fortune. Until Hitler changed its meaning.

Fort Boonesboro Kentucky

Click Here For Fort Boonesboro Kentucky

Robin there was something wrong with the link. I corrected it.

Hannah the flower I was telling you about is on this one. I even found out the name, Passion Flower.

Tomorrow we are moving to Berea and hopefully we will have internet.