TOMORROW NEVER COMES.

Monday morning has come around again. Its almost scary sometimes how fast the days seem to fly by. I mean to accomplish so much but it never happens. Slow down days lest you speed me out of this world.

I had a couple of ideas for today's blog but they seemed to not get seeded right in my mind. You know a idea plants itself then grows. No ideas that I tried to plant seemed to take hold enough to go anywhere. So here it is almost five on Monday morning with no seeded plan of any sort.

Yesterday was Fathers Day and I tried to make a special dinner for the Emperor. Nothing turned out right. I over cooked the chicken on the grill, my jello didn't set and I used the wrong kind of cheese for the Broccoli. Instead of a creamy sauce I had clumps of cheese. The Emperor didn't say much about my mess but he didn't eat much either.

I thought I should not make a dessert like cake or pie because you know who would eat the Lions share? That of course would be me. I sat "I" down and we talked how her and I should try a little harder to diet. Now I have been trying these last few months but its not working. Because I am not really sticking to it. My downfall of course is those great little Debbie's. Her problem is the Peanut Butter cookies she loves so. We buy them at Walmart. Peanut Butter between two vanilla cookies. She has them at night, so does "H" but his behind is not growing at rapid speed as hers is. Of course he does not eat as many as she does.

I looked in the full length mirror the other day at myself and realized I was growing back there again. "I" is too. So I got her up on my lap, which she doesn't fit up there very well these days. And I told her that we had to try harder to give up the sweets. She cocked her head as if to say, "You talking to me?" Evening rolled around and I said to myself, "No sweets for either "I" or me. Last night she got upon the couch about eight, she looked at me and barked. Her sign for cookie time. "No I," I said. "No cookies tonight." She barked again, this time a little louder. I thought of Debbie who waited in the kitchen. I thought of her cookies that waited there too. I headed for the kitchen, "I" right behind me. Being thin is over rated anyway, don't you think?

So here it is another day to swear that I will diet. You have heard the old song, "Tomorrow never comes," haven't you? When it comes to dieting for "I" and me that's the way it always works out. But as far as for today I better get on down the road and wrap this up one more time. Hopefully I will catch you later. For now as usual, I'm outta here.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO THE DADS IN MY LIFE.

Sunday morning, its around five. I am waiting on the coffee. I slept in a little. "I" sits over in the chair, she is trying to wake up too. When my feet swing over the side of the bed, she is on the floor, waiting for the day to start. My kind of girl.

Fathers day is here. Cheers to the Dads who sacrifice so much to take care of their kids. I have written on my Blog before about my Dad. But that doesn't matter, I want to tell you about him again. My Dad was one of the hardest working people I have ever known. He wasn't one who when he had a day off got out in the backyard and played a game of ball. No, but he got up at five every morning at least six days a week, sometimes seven. And went to work, sick or well. In all my years of his working I only knew of one time when he missed work for being sick. And I wonder where Billie gets her work habits. Dad worked in a service station and when I was about five the lift that took cars up in the air to grease fell. Dad saw it falling and jumped out of the way. The edge of the heavy metal rack struck his back. He was hurt and was off work two days. Then he went back. His back was never the same. Always in pain. These days when someone gets a injury they go disabled immediately. My Dad never stopped and never complained. Hmmm, I guess that's where Billie gets that too.

He was extraordinary man. Quiet, very quiet. He never said the words out loud much, "I love you." He just showed it. Day by day. I see so many Dads that don't support their children and I think of my Dad. in all his years of working he never cashed his check. He gave it to Mom . She cashed it and paid the bills. An extraordinary man, my Dad.

He set an example and my Brother smiling Bud walked in his footsteps. Always working, always bringing home his check. An extraordinary man too. I see so much of my Dad in my Brother.Not only in his looks but his quietness. And the way he always took care of his family. Men like that aren't everywhere. Dad's like that aren't everywhere either. I feel us Munch kids lucked out. We just didn't always appreciate growing up.

At the side of the Blog you will notice pictures. Pictures of my definition of good Dad's. You will notice there is a picture of Brandi and her boys. Now the boys have Dads. They all go to see their Dads. But everyday of the week Brandi steps up to the plate and is there for her boys. They have a Dad in the house. They call her Mom. She works, cooks, takes them to the Doctor, plays with them. When they have problems she's the one that finds the answers. When they need understanding, she is there. I felt she needed to be in my Blog for Dads.

Vernon, Mike and Will are all three great Dads. They have all three been there for their kids on a daily basis. Doing without to take care of them. My hat is off to all you boys. You have become good men and great Dads. I am proud of them all. So to all the Dads in my family, I love you all. my Dad I know is up in heaven, just swinging in a porch swing, looking at all the beauty. So don't come telling me there is no Heaven, because I know better. You see I know my Daddy is there. I guess I better bring this to a close and leave Blogland one more day.. So for now, I'm outta here.

RUMMAGE SALES ARE GREAT.

Saturday morning. I haven't opened the front door yet although its five already. I suppose the world is still out there, waiting for me. "I" has shown no interest in looking out either. We are waking up slowly this morning. Oh yes please check out the picture on the side. Ryan and Mikayla. Aren't they cute.

Yesterday I went rummaging with my friend Joan. I believe if I ever win the Power Ball and have millions that I would still love to go to sales. They make me happy. You drive up and start casing the goodies if they are out where you can see them. Trying to figure where you should start first. There has to be a plan to good rummaging . You can't just wander up willy nilly. Start with what looks the best at first glance and go from there. Of course there are usually hidden goodies that you don't see at first. The surprise treasures are always the best. Things you never expect to find. And if you get it at a real bargain, even better.

First off I bought a little statue of a humming Bird. I have little figures around my sink. Several dogs, a owl and a Donkey. Now I have Humming Bird. I love it. I always feel better washing dishes with my little animals around me. At the same rummage sale I also bought a picture frame. I don't need it right now but for a quarter who could pass it up. I got a stuffed Rabbit in a dress to sit in my rocker on the front porch. She looks very cute and I call her Molly. A bargain for one dollar. I bought a spatula with a long handle. My best buy was two very ugly vases that are pink and have Flamingos on them, oh yes they are plastic too. They are so ugly they are pretty. I proudly brought them home. For a dime a piece, thank-you very much.

I also bought a small assortment of other items. Not tons of stuff, just enough to feel I had been rummaging without it being so much the Emperor hollered. He yells, "Not more clothes, not more clothes." The Emperor does not understand the need for accumulating. Two pairs of jeans, two shorts, a few shirts, mostly pocket "T's", some underwear and he's happy. He sees no need for all the little bric a brac I carry home. I bought a large lace curtain panel today. Not a pair only one. "Why would you buy only one curtain," he asked? As I proudly showed my treasures to him."Why not," I replied. It was only a quarter after all.

I guess men just do not share the joy of rummaging like most women do. I try to keep the picture of the Hoarders in my mind as we went from sale to sale. I used restraint, at least I thought I did. It was fun, we laughed and ooed and awed over each others finds. A nice way to spend a Friday morning. So if you don't go to rummage sales and dig through other peoples discards, try it. Its just so much fun.

Well another day here in Blogland creeping to a close. It seems I said alot to say a little, as I had very little to say. It just seems to take me so many words to say much of nothing at all. Did you understand that? I didn't. Well I will go for today.Take care. But for now. I'm outta here. here.

I NEED TO STAY OFF FACEBOOK.

Friday morning has arrived. I have been looking at Friday morning since about two. I did not get up till four but laid looking at the clock about every ten minutes, I have said before sleep is not always my friend. I am going to get to go to a couple of rummage sales. So being sleep deprived will not keep me from my rounds.

I watched most of the game last night but gave up before the end. I had been up since two yesterday morning too. But the Laker's did the job without me rooting for them in the living room. The Laker's will always have the magic. Just not Magic Johnson as in the old days. Pro Basketball is exciting. I asked the Emperor last night why he thought so many people did not like Kobe Bryant when he was so good. He said he thought because he came right out of High school and started making millions. Well over the years he has showed he is worth every penny. If anyone is. Myself I think that sport stars, movie stars, singers, make ridiculous pay. I don't think anyone should be paid five million for making a movie. Or several million for singing a song. Maybe I'm just jealous that its not me. But Laker's you all earned the big bucks last night.

I do not write much om Facebook. People say I have a wonderful farm on there. But my daughter does that for me. I said a few weeks ago I was not writing on there again as I seem to say the wrong thing to many times. I should have stuck to what I said. My trouble is my eyes. The writing is light colored and I am not always able to see what is written well. I read Facebook. I thought my great-niece said it was her Birthday. I gushed about missing her birthday. Later I was back on. The light shown different on the page. I could read where she said her Birthday was in two months. Oh, Billye you did it again. So I will read Facebook but I am laying off the comments.

Yesterday just was not a good day for me in the seeing department. I walked but didn't get started till after 6:30. The sun was starting to peek over the horizon, very bright. I decided I would go to the convenient store and get a cappuccino and the Emperor a paper. Seventh street is my nemesis. The sun is also a enemy of mine. I looked, I peered but I did not see a car. It was there. Its brakes slammed, I screeched and ran on across the street. Someone on their way to work was cussing me for sure. Once at the store I tried to get a cup of Cappuccino. My eyes had not adjusted from the bright light. I did not get the cup under the spout right. Mess! The woman came to help me. She was not happy, in trying to help with the mess she knocked over the cup on the counter. So I started my day spreading sunshine around. Then I go on Facebook and make a idiot of myself. Such a busy day I had. Oh well.

Sometimes not seeing good is a real bore. I feel like I should do anything I want. I just don't always see to do it very good. But I took a vow, no more seventh street after 6:15. My luck might not always hold out. Some folks might not have good brakes.

Today has been a real rambler. But we know the Lakers won, you probably already knew that, didn't you? But I did clue you in on a few things, like I looked stupid on Facebook. I guess people that knew me wasn't surprised. So I will pull this to an end and get going on my way. I see the outskirts of Blogland from here. I hope to see you later. For now, I'm outta here.

A MARKER FOR BILLY.

Thursday morning is here again. Mercy how the days fly by. I looked outside, no rain this morning. No excuse for not walking my two miles. A few of weeks ago I did my Blog on Peace Church Cemetery and mentioned Billy Cook being buried there. In an unmarked grave. I have wondered since then does he roam the grounds at night, restless because of his unmarked grave. I have written a short story called, "A MARKER FOR BILLY." So at last Billy Cook's grave is no longer unmarked at least in my imagination.

" A MARKER FOR BILLY."

Annie turned left onto Peach Church road. She knew the cemetery she was looking for was not much farther. Betty at work said, “Turn left on Peace Church road and go a half a mile. Annie had not lived here long and did not know her way around very well. But she had heard some of the girls at work talk about this old cemetery that dated back to the 1700’s. She wanted to see it and maybe sketch some. She did black and white drawings. She hadn’t picked up her sketch pad since the divorce, too many mixed feelings to concentrate on drawing. But today she decided she would pull her pad out and go discovering.

What had really caught her attention when three of the girls had been talking about the cemetery, was that they said it was haunted. “Haunted,” she had asked? Yes haunted they had assured her. By a young man that in the early 1950’s that had killed a family of five and thrown them down a mine pit here in Joplin.

The story goes they told her was that when he was executed for his crime. They sent his body back to Joplin, his hometown, nobody wanted it. No-one wanted him to be buried in their cemetery. Finally Peace Church agreed but with no marker and on the edge of the grounds. The story goes they told her that he roams the place, restless because of his crimes and that his grave has no marker. Forever restless.

Annie saw the cemetery and pulled into the narrow lane. They had told her at work the place would have weeds, trash and broken stones. Vandals preyed here so much. Teenagers looking for a thrill. Volunteers would clean it up and then it would happen again. Annie got out of her car. Not prepared for the sight in front of her. Weeds needed to be pulled, broken glass and litter strewn everywhere. But the worst was the lovely old time faded stones. Many of them lay toppled over. Annie walked among them saddened at the sight. She read some, tried to lift some upright. Finally she settled on a old tree stump and opened her book, starting to draw.

She was busy sketching when she looked up from her book. Her heart lurched. Standing a few feet away was a young man, early twenties, his clothes outdated and dusty.

“What you doing,” he asked? He moved a little closer. “Are you drawing?” He asked in a soft voice.

Annie hurriedly stood to her feet. For some reason though she was not afraid. Slightly puzzled by this young man. “Yes I’m sketching,” she answered him. “I’m new here in town and heard about this cemetery from the girls at work and thought I would check it out. This is really sad,” she waved her hand around at the broken stones and debris. “This is such a historical place, its so sad its been treated this way.”

He looked at her a minute. As if he was sizing her up. Then he spoke, his voice a little louder than it was before. “There is one grave over there, it don’t even have a marker for anyone to break.” His voice lowered again. “I think everyone should have some kind of marker, no matter what they done. Don’t you?”It was more of a statement than a question. His face looked troubleed, sad.

Suddenly Annie knew who this was. She didn’t really believe it but somehow gut deep in her she knew. She felt her hands go sweaty. But still for some reason was not afraid of this person or whatever he was. “Yes, it is sad. But these graves that were marked were treated very badly. She stepped back one step. Wondering if she should start walking away, or maybe running, But her feet did not seem to be able to move. She breathed deep.

“You wanna go see it?” he asked as he turned to walk away. He seemed to expect her to follow and she did. They walked a little ways and he stopped at a mound of dirt that lay at the edge of the cemetery. “This is it,” he stated in his low voice. “Billy Cook. He was a murderer, a low dog.” He looked at her. “Nobody ever asked how he got so angry. Nobody cared. They just dumped him here and tried to forget he was here at all. He should of hadda a marker of some kind. Don’t you think?” He looked at her, his face quizzical.

She looked him in the eye and whispered, “Yes I think everyone deserves a marker. Billy should have had one.” She stopped a minute, a idea coming into her head. “I will see he gets one,” she stated flatly.

He stepped back a little ways. “Will you really,” he asked?

“Yes,” she answered, “I will.” Turning she walked away, never looking back.
Just walked to her car, got in, started it up and drove away.

Two weeks later on a Saturday morning Annie pulled back up at the Peach Church cemetery and shut off her car. In the seat next to her laid a small stone, a marker. Like the kind they use on children’s graves. She looked out the window for some sign of the young man. She saw none. Getting out of the car she walked to the passengers side. Opening the door she took out the stone. She walked across the cemetery to the mound of dirt, in her purse was a small spade. She took it out and dug an indention into the hard ground and lay the stone into it. The marker read, ‘Billy Cook.” May he rest in Peace.” She stood up looking down at the stone. She looked back up and saw him standing at the edge of the trees. Just watching her. She looked at him a minute then started walking to her car. As she started to slid behind the wheel she looked over to where he now stood at the grave. Looking down at the stone, a smile on his face. He looked up and saw her. He brought his fingers up to his forehead in a salute. She smiled, got in, started up the car and drove away. Billy finally had his marker after all these years. She would never tell anyone. No one would believe her anyway, but it didn’t matter. She felt good inside, sad but good. She never went back, never. She thought of him from time to time. And hoped he wasn't restless anymore. That finally Billy Cook Rested in Peace.

FACTS I HAVE LEARNED RECENTLY.

It is Tuesday morning. The rain has stopped. We are all up around here and have been since four. The Emperor couldn't sleep, so we all got up. I'm usually up by this time anyway.It is warm and humid outside and will probably be that way all day. But I am hoping for a good day anyway.

These are facts I learned recently. Sometimes when it rains giant mushrooms come up in our yard. Now I know where the Keebler Elfs go when I chase them out of the house. Don't worry about them though. I always let them back in pretty quickly. My Brother Smiling Bud knew a silly song title I didn't know. "I went to bed at two with a ten. I woke up at ten with a two." Why do I know a man wrote that one.

A pound of iron weighs the same a s a pound of cotton balls. I swear my sister called and asked me that one and I spent at least 30 seconds trying to figure out the trick question. Duh Billye. I also learned just when I think I have everything pretty well figured out someone throws a curve in it. That it is much harder for me to lose ten pounds than it was ten years ago. The story going round that you get shorter as you age is a lie. That dogs are dumb, believe me they are not. Ours have trained us well.

I have learned even as people age and should be getting smarter they seem eager to see the worst in people or situations. Lord help me not to act that way. I learned Joplin was founded in 1873 by John Cox and named after a Methodist Minster, Rev. Harris Joplin. I also learned Leavenworth Kansas was founded by Henry Leavenworth a US solider who founded Fort Leavenworth in 1854.

Things I have learned from Facebook. My son Jer and my nephew Jim both are Celtics fans,. My niece Jackie is a Laker's fan like myself. That people on facebook take little jabs at each other sometimes. Especially if they have been married and are now divorced and both in new relationships. They both pledge undying love for another but it appears to me they are more interested in upsetting the other. Oh well I don't have to read it. Oh yes I also learned my nephew Marshall just lost his big toe nail. Ouch!

This Facebook is a fascinating place. I do not write much on there but use it as a way to see what the family is doing. Every morning by five I read all the news so when I talk to my sister at six she knows what her children are doing. See they think they can fake us out and we won't know about their life's. They forget about Facebook.

So this morning has been a Hodge podge. Things I've learned and things you probably didn't care to know. But I wrote them anyway. So it goes. Maybe I can come up with a much more interesting Blog tomorrow. I will surely try. But fot today I will close up shop and amble off into the dawn. So take care but for now I'm outta here.

WHERE THE HECK IS BILLYE?

Tuesday has arrived and with it the rain. There is no chance "I" will walk out the door. As I have said before she doesn't do rain. She sits now here in the room with me, resting in a chair, eating cookies. She gives a small yap when she finishes one and wants another. Oh for the dogs life.

I think a great deal about why I am so different than the rest of the family. I guess its that way in many families. One person the Black sheep. The round peg in a square hole. That's me okay, never slipping in easy, always half in and half out. So lately I have been trying to turn over in my mind different things that happened as a child that might have triggered my strange behavior. And finally I have come up with the answer. My Momma drove away when I was four and left me in the grocery store. Don't laugh. I am here to tell you, its a very traumatic experience. One I am sure that I have never fully recovered from.

I always say my Momma didn't love me like the others. I hear that Violin you're playing in the background. No I am not feeling sorry for myself. Mom loved Geri because she was the oldest, Bud because he was the only boy. Brenda because she was the baby. Where does that leave me. Who ever has heard of being special because you're the middle child. Not!!!!

But let me tell you, when my Mother drove away that summers day and left me. Brenda wasn't even born. I was the baby, only four. That ought to tell you something. And what makes it even worse she had Bud and Geri with us too and she didn't leave them behind. Oh no, they went right along with her. And get this, neither one of them spoke up and said, "Mom, Billye isn't in the car. Nary a soul said a word.

Now I know you're going to say, well she probably thought you were in the backseat with the groceries. This is the kicker, there was no backseat. It was a coupe. All of us had to sit up front in the one seat. How could you miss me. Besides I never shut up even as a child. Surely they would have guessed it was pretty quiet in the car. No I think she just thought it would be nice to have a break and guess who she decided to take a break from. You got it, me.

One minute everyone was there. I looked away and they were gone. I was only four and I remember crying. They sat me up on the counter and gave me a Orange pop and that appeased me. Remember stores weren't like they are today. Smaller, more friendly. She said when they got home and started taking the groceries out they realized I wasn't there. They drove all the way home and didn't see there was only three people in the front seat not four. I find that a little hard to buy. If I was four that made my sister nine. I always sat next to her, Bud had to seat at the front of the seat next to Mom. Then me, then Geri. Did those two kids not look at each other and think, "Where the heck is Billye? What worries my mind, is they looked at each other, smiled and said, "Mom's finally come to her senses and is sending her back."

Now I am sure my sister will say she never remembers this happening. My brother will say the same thing I know.But it did happen and the result of this misdeed has caused emotional scarring that has resulted in me not being a stable person. So I think that should safely cover any wrong doings that I have ever committed. Don't you think? Being the middle child was not easy. If anyone read this that was a middle child you'll understand. Did your Mother ever leave you anywhere? For your sake I hope not. But I have lingered today long enough. For now I'm outta here.

GOD IS NOT A BIG PURPLE BARNEY.

It is Monday. It is raining. They kind of go together don't they. Rainy Monday. I had a lazy weekend. I heard from both my children, yippee. I talked to my Grandson Vernon and his wife Brandy on Saturday. Hey it doesn't get any better than this. Right? I had not been able to come up with any set idea. Yes one of those mornings. So I have decided to just ramble. Oh wait, I always do that, don't I?

I have two pair of low visions glasses. I buy them over the Internet. I use them to try and read things, plus the computer. A few days I ago I lost the brown ones. I didn't tell the Emperor. I tried to look for them without him knowing, my system of searching is patting objects. Such as chairs and tables. My hands are my eyes. He hates to see me going around the house patting objects down. I had been looking when he wasn't around. Yesterday i lost the gold pair too. No glasses. I am looking, I am patting, he asks what in the heck I am doing. "Looking for glasses," I say. "Wear the other pair," he says. "I lost them two days ago," I say. The tension set in then. I walked around trying to find at least one pair. The Emperor gave me a running statement as I looked. It was stressful. I went into the bedroom, sat on the bed. "Please God I whispered," let me find at least one pair of glasses." For some reason I bent over and ran my hand under the edge of the bed. There was a pair of glasses. I jumped for joy. Never say you don't believe in prayer. Because as I stand grinning with my glasses on my face, I will disagree.

Prayer is a mighty powerful thing. Having faith when you pray is sometimes not so easy. You can say you believe but there is that tiny doubt tugging at your heart. Sometimes we pray in desperation and it feels our prayers come back smacking us in the face. So much empty air we have released, that is when we just have to stand on faith. Just believe.

God is not a big Barney though, just there for us to turn to when the going gets rough. Then when all is doing good we never utter his name. I wouldn't mind if he was a big Barney, it would be much easier to talk to him when I goofed up. Which I do on a daily basis.I don't think Barney would send hellfire and brimstone down on me when I did some really dumb stuff. But then again Barney may have a temper too.


My Mother prayed all the time. But my one of most precious memories was at night. Every night she knelt at the side of her bed and prayed. I would see her from the other room. Kneeling and talking to God. She was never embarrassed that anyone saw her. She was talking tio her Heavenly Father. A nightly ritual she always did. Sick or well. Most of us pray, hurried little lines. "Please help me God. Please give me this. Please do this for me." I ask myself, "Am I as thankful to him as I am in the asking?"

I wonder sometimes as I pray hurriedly for help as I did last night. What makes me think God has the time to listen to me over my glasses. There are people dying as I spoke. People who are in danger. And I sit in my bedroom almost in tears at not finding my glasses and not being able to see them. And having the pressure of hearing a constant stream of innuendos about my intelligence. But you know I just bent over and their they were. What made me reach under the bed? I don't know, something urged me to to do it. Was it God? Well I truly don't think it was Purple Barney.

Another Blog that makes little sense, except to me. Kind of scary isn't it, that my ramblings makes sense to me. Oh well, it takes all kinds of us to make up this world. And some of us are kind of strange. But isn't that what makes this life so interesting. But I will put up my umbrella and stroll on out of here for this morning. Take care, but for now I'm outta here.

MY BLOG IS TRYING TO GASLIGHT ME.

Glorious Sunday. I sleep in on the weekends most of the time. Today I didn't get up till five. That's sleeping in for me. People joke because I usually go to bed by nine or ten. I get up anywhere between 3:30 and five, Usually around four. There is a old saying,"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." Now I'm not wealthy, but two out of three isn't bad. Right?

Now when I make this statement you are going to think I am a real whack. But if you will just hear me out,maybe you will understand what I am saying is true. This blog has set out to make me look crazy. Now you may be saying that I was crazy before I started this Blog and maybe you are right. But this Blog has set out to confuse me and now it is trying to confuse others. Enough is enough. I am setting the record straight.

A few days ago I found the quote by Winston Churchill. I saved it to a draft on the Blog. But the next day decided I would write about something else. I saved the draft, published the other. The new one went below the old one and so it begins. I looked back over the list of posts on my main page. The days are wrong, thank goodness I put the day on my my actual Blog. But the dates on the top of the Blog are wrong too. And the posts aren't coming out in the right order. Tuesday is followed by Thursday.I found them but not always in the order they should be.

My daughter called a couple of days ago. "Where is yesterdays Blog," she asked? "Its there," I told her. "No," she augured. I went on the Blog,went passed the current day and looked at yesterdays. It wasn't there. I went in to my page and it was there. Back to the Blog. I found it a couple of days down. Not where it was suppose to be.

My sister called yesterday. She said, "Jackie said you are driving her crazy." Sorry about that Jackie. I'm not even suppose to drive. She told her Grandma the days are mixed up on the Blog and are confusing. Jackie its not me, its the Blog. Its wanting me to appear old and daughterly.

I am nearing the half way mark on my year. The Blog I think is wanting me to fail. Shame Blog to pick on an older woman. Its a world for the young I guess. Even Blogs are prejudiced against us. But listen big guy, you can make me falter but you can't make me fail. I am here for the duration. So just back off and leave my posts alone.

Oh, by the way. "Gaslight," was a old black and white movie, that starred Ingrid Bergman. She was a woman who thought she was losing her mind. It turned out to be the woman's husband doing those things to drive her crazy. Hmmm, I wonder if the Emperor knows how to get into my main Blog? Its something to think about. The Emperor is always on me about something. If he can't take my head, maybe he wants to take my Blog. I'll be watchful from now on. But for this morning. I'm outta here.

Sesame Street: Outdoors with Jason Mraz

Mikaylas new favorite song. Have a listen.

SILLY SONG TITLES.

Saturday is here. Another week winding down. Nothing special planned for me today. Yesterday was a great day. My son came and took me rummaging. Whoopie. I found treasures, among them a flat iron that didn't work. Thats okay, at least I can say I own one now. Today I am posting a list of silly song titles. I liked them. I hope you do too.


Silly, weird and strange country songs<

I Wouldn’t Take Her To a Dog Fight, Cause I’m Afraid She’d Win

I’ve Been Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart

She Feels Like A New Man Tonight

I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up)

I’m The Only Hell Mama Ever Raised

Velcro Arms, Teflon Heart

You’re The Hangnail In My Life, And I Can’t Bite You Off

You Changed Your Name From Brown to Jones,
and Mine From Brown to Blue

The Last Word In Lonesome Is “Me”

Do You Love As Good As You Look

I’ll Marry You Tomorrow But Let’s Honeymoon Tonight
Who’s Makin’ Time with the Time Keeper’s Daughter, when the Time Keeper’s Keepin’ Time?

My Shoes Keep Walkin’ Back to You

You Stuck My Heart In a Old Tin Can and Shot It Off a Log

And There was Grandma, Swingin’ on the Outhouse Door,
Without a Shirt On

How Can I Miss You When You Won’t Go Away?

I’d Rather Pass a Kidney Stone than Another Night With You

Why Do You Believe Me When I Tell You That I Love You When You Know I’ve Been A Liar All My Life?

She Got The Gold Mine and I Got The Shaft.

My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend And I Sure Do Miss Him

I Changed Her Oil, She Changed My Life


Drop Kick Me, Jesus, Through The Goalposts Of Life

Thank God And Greyhound She’s Gone.

I’ve Got The Hungries For Your Love
And I’m Waiting In Your Welfare Line


I Fell In A Pile Of You And Got Love All Over Me

She Offered Her Honor, He Honored Her Offer,
and All Through the Night it Was Honor and Offer

My John Deere Was Breaking Your Field
While Your Dear John Was Breaking My Heart

I Was Looking Back to See If You Were Looking Back to See If I Was Looking Back to See if You Were Looking Back at Me

The Beer I Had For Breakfast Is Comin’ Back For Lunch

We Used to Just Kiss on the Lips But Now It’s All Over

You Can’t Deal Me All The Aces And Expect Me Not To Pl

You Were Only A Splinter As I Slid Down The Bannister Of Life.

Well here they are, probably none of them will make the top twenty, but at least they made me smile. See ya, I'm outta here.

WHEN YOU'RE GLAD ITS SOMEONE ELSE, NOT YOU.

Friday is here. It is only about five but I have been out already, helping the Emperor carry things to the car. He is working today. It is wonderful outside, quiet, a little breeze. The starting of a beautiful day. I have been on this Blog for awhile, trying to get new templates. I can get them but cannot see the button to make them stay. Sometimes I get really aggravated in not seeing well. I guess I should be thankful I still can see some. My Momma always said, "Count your blessings."

I don't think any of us really want something bad to happen to anyone else. Oh you might get mad sometimes and think you do. But really down deep most of us don't wish catastrophes on others. But when something bad does happen it is normal to be glad it wasn't us it happened too. Have you ever noticed when someone in the circle of people you know dies, within a week or so there will usually be two more. My Momma said they come in three's. You hear of one death, you feel bad. You hear of the second and you start getting nervous. Because you know almost for certain there is going to be a third. That's when you really start worrying. After all you're in the circle of people you know. Good grief what if its you? You act like its not dominating your thoughts. But its there in your mind. "I might be next."

Then someone calls you. "Hey," they say. "Have you heard old John Brown died?" Instant relief floods through you. You're not in the deadly three this time. "oh," you gush. "I'm so sorry to hear that, he was a really nice man." Inside your heart is doing a happy dance. The trio of death angels passed you by this time. You are of course sorry about John, but happier it wasn't you. Human nature of course.

Have you ever been driving down the street or highway and you look in the rear view mirror. All of a sudden a cops lights come on the top of his car and you hear his siren. "Dang," you think. "What have I done," with your heart racing you start to pull over. The policeman goes around you and starts after the car ahead. "Whee," you think. Thank goodness it wasn't me. A little up the road you pass the car pulled over and the cop is starting to write a ticket. "Poor guy ," you mutter. But you don't mean it. You are thrilled to death it was him and not you. Human nature again.

You awake around midnight, you hear a siren. Groggily you look at the clock. A little stab of fear awakens you a little more. This is about the time your adult child is leaving work. You sit up, surely nothing bad has happened. Or did your son go to the convenient store for a late cup of coffee? You lay back onto the bed. But you do not close your eyes. You wait, praying in thirty minutes or so the phone doesn't ring. Slowly after you have looked at the clock ten more times, you drift back to sleep. Waking in the morning you realize you made it through the night without a terrible call with bad news. Never stopping to think there may be someone else who received that call. You are just happy it was not you. That your little corner of the world is still intact, your children and others that inhabit your space are fine. Once again, human frailties enter the picture.

We truly are sad at someone else's misfortune but the instinct of human nature lets the relief and joy seep into our thoughts. The fickle finger of fate chose someone else this time and we got a free pass. It always makes me think when I am having problems and someone tells me they are sorry. I think, "Yeah, sure, you're glad its not you having this really terrible day." Rather me than you. yeah you got it, that human nature feeling once more.

Really I think its okay to feel that way. You're not wishing the bad MoJo on the other fella, you're just relieved that it didn't stop on you. at least for the present moment. So I personally Believe its okay to breath a sigh of relief as you tell someone how sorry you are for their terrible calamity. After all you're only human.

I posted this a minute ago, then called my sister to read it to her. She told me I hadn't gave my parting line. So for my sister. See ya later, but for now I'm outta here.

PLEASE DON'T FEEL QUILTY BECAUSE YOU HAVEN'T CALLED.

Wednesday has arrived. It is raining, softly beating against the windows. I love that sound, don't you? Midweek has arrived, good news to those of you that work Monday through Friday. I am counting down till Friday myself as I get to go somewhere. Yippee!

I told my sister yesterday I should write a Blog on the fact I should have had seven children instead of two. Then each one could call me once a week and I would always have a phone call from one of my kids. It would work out I think, it wouldn't be a bother to any of them. I decided it was better that I didn't write that after all. I just wanted to take the chance to tell my children not to feel guilty when the time comes for that big plane ride to Portland. A phone call wouldn't have prevented that ride when the time comes. I'm hoping that is a long way in the future anyway.

My children are busy. I know that, maybe they mean to call. Maybe not. I reread back over last weeks Blogs, sometimes I can write stuff that could under some circumstances upset you if you happen to be the child of the crazy who is doing the writing. I could find nothing I found to be offensive. But then what do I know. My scale of how I look at things appears to be very different than the average person.

My son gets upset when he calls anymore. He says I say, "Huh," way to much. I was suppose to switch back to my original phone because it appears I don't hear as well on this new one. I haven't changed yet. I love this new phone. So the pink one sits in the box. And I say,"Huh," over and over. So maybe that is why he doesn't call much.

My daughter is very busy. I know that to be a fact. She baby sits, works at night, cares for many people. So maybe she doesn't call for those reasons. I'm not sure. But I look at the phone, trying to will her to call. She is very strong minded and it isn't working. So you probably are thinking, "Why don't you just call her?" I try not to call much because it seems when I do its always at the wrong time. So instead I have been sending these mind wave messages out. Call Mom, call Mom.

Now will me writing this on the Blog cause them never to call. I certainly hope not. I have been thinking lately maybe I need to take a Dale Carnegie course. He has one called, "How to win friends and influence people." I might benefit from that one. I wish they gave one on how to make your children call. You know just a two sentence call would be fine. "Hi Mom, how are you doing."

Well I din't know how this will work out. I have not talked to my daughter for nine days at about four this afternoon. Now of course I am not keeping track. But if you should see her or Jer. Would you please make your hand into a fist sort of and put it up to your ear. You know like they do on the Reality shows when they want you to call in to vote for them. Just put your hand up to your ear and mouth the words, "Call your Mother." Please try it, we'll see if it works. For now I'm outta here.

SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL, FALIURE IS NOT FATAL.

It is Thursday morning. It is five and "I" and I have not been out yet. It isn't raining but we haven't even opened the door. But have stayed safely inside, keeping the world at bay just a little longer. The distant sounds of the birds will be the cause of me opening the door and letting the world in. I love the song of any bird. The sounds of early morning are like a melody playing in my ear.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
― Winston Churchill

I read this quote the other day and really liked it. I think Winston had it right. Success can sometimes can go to our head. We get a good job, get a compliment and began to think we can fail at nothing. "NOT" Because when you get to big for your breeches is when old life is going to take you down a peg. I am fond of calling it Karma. Don't ever think you're immune to the downs in life as well as the ups. Because believe me we all have them, ups and downs.

Its hard sometimes when we are on a downward spiral not to think we are the only ones on it. "NOT," again. Because someone else is thinking the same thing. Ride high when you can,then take a deep breath because sooner or later you'll need that deep breath when life kicks you right in the stomach. We all get the wind knocked out once in awhile. But the trick is to be able to remember when you're gasping for breath that you will start breathing deep again. At least I hope so. For if not then you're dead. And it will matter not if you're up or down.

So remember Success is not final, that tide will recede . Failure is not fatal. It just feels like it while you are going through it. I believe when everything seems really dark, just keep your eyes closed. Then you can't see the darkness. Always remember this too shall pass. The good and the bad. Life can be a game of chance you know. Every morning when your feet hits the floor, we just have no guarantee which way the dice will roll. But always remember the courage part. It takes courage to just keep going that one more step when failure seems to surround you.

So don't forget in the successful times be grateful. In the failure times be grateful too. At least you still have a chance for another dice roll. The next time who knows maybe double sevens. Well I guess I better take down my philosophy sign and roll on out of Blogland. There may be some who wish I would roll out and stay gone. But I certainly hope that I will be back. See ya. I'm outta here.

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS.

Yuesday morning. The rain came yesterday, so probably the Sun will be back today with higher temptures, but thats okay. Thats what summer is all about, right? Fun in the sun. I go out several times a day just to sit in my swing under the trees. Beautiful shade with Saul and Sarah protecting me. I walked two miles early yesterday morning. I am shooting for that again today. I have to walk early by six-thirty or I can't make it home. The Sun is not my friend at least not when it comes to my eye sight.

Memories for the most part are magic. Of course sometimes the memories we have are not good ones. Those we need to throw into the sea of forgetfullness that they talk about in the Bible. I like good memories, ones we can take out when the world seems pressed upon our shoulders. You bring them out, dust them off and let your mind run through them as you would run through a field on a summers day. Then the magic starts and you feel the glow of remembering.

I have my share of bad memories. Memories that sometimes wakes me from a sleep and worries its way into my soul. But I send them away as quickly as I can. For bad memories are of the past, a past that cannot be changed or altered. But good memories, memories that make you smile down inside. Those are the ones to hang onto. The ones that bring back the loved ones who are no longer in our reach. The happy time, we wished would never end. The feel of a kiss upon our lips from someone long faded from our life. But the memory of that moment is forever locked into your mind, so it is always there. The touch of their hand.Is magic just waiting to happen.

The happy times that you have sealed up inside your heart. Waiting for a song, a word, a picture to bring them rushing back into your present. I look at them freguently. There are some I take out just occasionaly, for though they are happy ones they are too precious to squander. I seal them up and let them lay on the back roads of my mind, just waiting for me to conjur them up in a instant.

Of course its not healthy to live on only memories. To be so locked into the past that you never allow yourself a present. So I live in the present but allow myself to travel back. The shy smile of my daughter. The happy laugh at of my son, his hair swinging around his shoulders at two. My Mothers voice. A lost loves embrace. They are there, we all have them . New memories come though everyday. I lock them away, seal them up. Guard them from forgetting. As long as we are living, we are making memories. I am trying hard to make them good.

I know not from whence these words came. Silly babbling from a silly woman I suppose. But a word from the not so wise. Make your memories while you can, make them good. Life can be so fleeting. So with those cheeerful words. I'm outta here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI FLEMING

It is Monday again, but not early morning as per usual. It is two-thirty in the afternoon. The Blog has been experiencing problems and I could not get in to post. So I am getting this together in a hurry. Oh yes I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Lori. May the new year that lies before you be special in every way.

I woke the Emperor up at six yesterday morning. I was talking to my sister. She lives in Leavenworth. He said I was talking long distance. In other words in a loud voice that carried into his sleeping ears. He was not happy. He swears that when I talk to my sister I talk very loudly as if I thought because she is out of town I have to holler. I do not believe that to be true. But believe me it doesn't pay to argue with the Emperor. Not with "Off with her ," being bandied about daily. But heck sometimes you just have to live dangerously. And I do quite often.

We were talking about birds. How we love to listen to them sing in the early morning hours. And how her friend Harold really likes to watch birds. I asked her if she remembered the Blue Jay incident I had a couple of years ago. I was talking and I suppose my voice was rising when I got to the part, "Run Evelyn, the bird is going to attack you." Evelyn being my ninety-six year old neighbor from across the street.

I had went out one early summer afternoon walking towards the gate. When all of a sudden out of nowhere I was attacked. At first I didn't know what it was. I was hit from both sides on the top of my head. It sounded like I might be being cussed. But since I don't talk bird I can't say for sure. It startled me quite frankly and brave, not afraid of nothing me ran to the house clutching my sore head. I saw these two blue jays flying around, squawking to high heavens. My heart raced, it was just like in the movie, "Birds." I was being attacked by birds and Blue Jays to boot. Whatever happened to friendly "Sammy the Blue Jay," out of the Mother West Wind stories? These weren't Sammy that was for sure.

Just about that time I saw Evelyn approaching the gate, "Evelyn," I hollered. "Run we're being attacked by Blue Jays." She held onto her hat, she always wears a hat and scooted up to the door. It got her too but I think her hat helped her a little. She stood on the porch gazing at the yard. "Look," she said pointing at a little Blue Jay that lay on the ground. It had all its feathers and I am sure had been flying, landed and couldn't get back up. The parents of the failed flyer, I assume it was the parents, had been afraid I would hurt their earth bound child. Evelyn come into the house and we discussed what we should do about the stranded bird. I did not let the dogs out. We went back to the door. The little bird was gone, also was the chattering parents. Evelyn and I looked all over the yard , no bird. We both said a silent prayer it had made its way back safely to the nest.

But I learned yesterday, not to tell stories that will excite myself at six in the morning. It wakes the Emperor up. And that's not a good thing at all. But I still had to smile at the memory of those birds attacking my head. Believe me even Bird Mothers are protective of their young. If you don't believe try walking past one that's fell on the ground. I would like to think that baby has become a full grown bird, watching me somewhere from the trees. Thinking, "My Mom got you good." She sure did. But for now I'm outta here for another day. See ya.

WHEN THE STORMS COME, JUST DANCE IN THE RAIN.

Sunday morning is here. It is early as usual. The doors are open so I hear the birds as they start their day. Have you ever listened to the birds as they are waking up, not a moan or groan among any of them. They are singing. Its a shame we can't all wake up that way.If you will please check out the top of the page. I have two handsome young men on my page today. I wanted to run Damien's picture from the swim meet and couldn't bear to take off Ryan's yet. So there they both are. Handsome, right?


"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. Its learning to dance in the rain." I swiped that off another Blog. I do not know who wrote it, so I can't give them credit. But I really like it. Let the storms come and get right off the porch and dance in the rain. We worry too much what other people might think about us. How we act, how we look. Have you ever watched that old movie with Gene Kelly? "Dancing in the rain?" He's in the pouring rain along with Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor. All dressed in yellow rain slickers. I was about twelve when I saw that movie and wanted a yellow slicker ever since then. I danced all the way home from the Fox theater, though not in the rain. But right down the middle of Virginia. It felt good.

When you're feeling low, misunderstood, try dancing. Do a little jig. Matters not if you're alone or in a crowd. Or the next time it rains, just go out in the yard. Do a little dance. You really have no idea how good it feels. Sort of liberating. Now I will agree the neighbors might think you're nuts. But actually who really cares what the neighbors think.

Can you remember back when you were a kid. You played, ran, hollered. Or sang at the top of your lungs and really didn't care what your family or the people down the street thought. Then we get older and loose the magic of just being silly. And dancing in the rain. I guess I think that's one of the most important things going. After learning to love your fellow man. That's just being confident enough in yourself to be silly when you feel like it. When the storms come, go outside and dance in the rain. You know I think I'm going to buy me some red rain boots, just for that very reason. You'll know me if you see me. The silly lady, bleached hair and red rain boots. You really ought to buy yourself a pair and join me sometime. For now I'm dancing right out of Blogland. I hope to see you later. I'm outta here.

SOMETIMES LIFE GOES IN THE TOILET.

Saturday morning. I have both doors open again. But "I" and I have not ventured out into the world yet. The morning air feels wonderful. I am going to go out and dust the yard with Seven dust soon. I am drinking coffee as I write to give me that power boost.

Don't you love the picture at the top of the page. In case you have forgotten its, "Ryan with the dancing blue eyes." Peering down a toilet. If he looks close enough he might see me. I feel I have been down there all week. Have you ever had a series of those days. When it seems like what ever you touch or do, it heads straight you know where. Where Ryan is peering. Now I think it doesn't behoove us to whine and cry about life's little curves but sometimes you have to hold on tight or the ride of life will throw you off.

This has been a week when I have had to hold on tight. No big earth shattering things happened just little ones that sort of make you lose your bearings. You know what I mean? The week has jumped and jerked along. Then came Thursday, check day. Last month they was late, not this month. Check day means bill paying day. The Emperor hates bill paying day. Now let me assure you, if the Emperor is not happy, then the land around him is not smiling. But we made it through, Thankfully.

Then to top the week off, yesterday I went to Walmarts to the grocery store. It was afternoon. I am sure you have been in Walmarts on a Friday afternoon along with two hundred or more people. Now I will explain, if you don't see well most of those two hundred will know you are there. Because you will have ran into most of them, I mean literally. i was not a most liked customer. Then finally I made it to the checkout. The girl pushed my groceries through. I waited. She stopped at a pack of applesauce cups. You know the six pack of indivual cups of applesauce. She got a paper towel and started wiping it off, carefully wiping to remove she said some stickiness. Then before my horrified eyes she spit, yes you heard my writing right. She spit on the paper towel and proceeded to keep wiping. I was so shocked I stood right there and let her do it.

So you see this has been definitely one of those weeks. I am staying home today. Hoping things kind of even out. Tucked away in my cabinet is the germ covered applesauce. I should call Walmarts but I hate to get a young girl in trouble. At least she's working. I give her an "A" for that much. I know I am getting older without even looking in the mirror. Because I constantly gripe about the young work force. They don't even know how to count your change back. Oh well. I have vented enough. I will shut my mouth and amble out of here for today. I am hoping for smooth sailing for a few days at least. See ya.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS.

We have arrived at Friday again. See I told you the week goes by so fast. This should be Wednesday or something. Days melting into days, my sands in the hours glass sifting through so quickly. If I only I could pick up the glass and turn it over, start it over. Alas I have not the power. Nor do any of us. Make it count the sands whisper as they slide quickly, make it count.

I have decided today I will dazzle you with little known facts. I am sure you have been waiting just for me to do that. Right? After I had gotten these facts together, I asked two people if they knew Coca Cola had once been green. They both knew. So maybe these aren't as little known as I thought, except to me. Whatever, here goes.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS


Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs.

Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters.

Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive
from each salad served first class: $40,000.

City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong.

State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska

Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%
Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%

Average number of days a West German goes without washing his
underwear: 7 (I wonder how they discovered THIS?
I guarantee it wasn't original research on my part.)

Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman
if they had it to do all over again: 80%

Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man if
they had it to do all over again: 50%

Average number of people airborne over the US at any given hour: 61,000

Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70%

Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910

First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of
old when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled
on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases.

The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the
name of the Don McLean song.)

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history.
Spades - King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great,
Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds - Julius Caesar.

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs
in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front
leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in
battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people
without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired."

Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th,
John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August
2nd, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

"I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the
South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50
caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet, before
being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo
at a target,it got "the whole 9 yards."

Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes
them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.

The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from and old English law
which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.

An ostrich's eye is bigger that it's brain.

David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He
spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be
dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie.

Cat's urine glows under a blacklight.

The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado.

Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously.

If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have
1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without
being able to make change for a dollar.

The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver".

Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.

The name Wendy was made up for the book "Peter Pan.

So now you have suffered through all these facts. Are you dazzled yet? I hope so. For now I'm outta here.

II THINK MY MEMORY IS GOING. OOPS ITS GONE.

It is Thursday morning. I think we made it through the storm. I looked out the back door, out the front. All seems peaceful now, I went to bed at 10:30. The lightening flashing, the thunder rolling. I no more got settled when the storm warning went off. No way am I getting back up I thought. I just closed my eyes and listened to the rain. I was still here when I woke at three. I have the door open and everything smells nice and clean . Its still dark and I haven't seen if my chair with the umbrella has blown away like a sitting balloon. I should have at least put the umbrella down.

I was talking to a friend yesterday evening. Telling her how I had not wrote my Memorial Day Blog till yesterday. As I went through the names which included her Mothers. My heart sank. I could not believe what I had done. I had not included Bobby. I have not felt this bad about anything for a long time. Bobby if somewhere you are watching, please try to read my Blog today.

Robert Everett left this life in 1988 at the age of twenty-nine years. I have wrote about Bobby on my Blog before. Bob was a gentle soul and loved by many people. I even wrote a poem for him, which I included in the Blog the day I wrote about him. But to leave him out of the list of people who left their mark on my heart was unforgivable on my part.

In fact just the other day I was remembering something that happened when Bobby and Billie was about three. I lived in an apartment that was the upper floor of an old house. In the bathroom there was a platform where the stool sat. When you went to the bathroom it was like being on a throne. The two little kids loved it. There was a slide lock on the door. Mom, Dix and the kids were there one afternoon. They went into the bathroom to play, running up and down the steps to the throne. Somehow they got the lock slid into place. They were both very short, how they did it we never knew. But however they did it they couldn't get it undone. There was general panic. Upstairs, nobody around there with a very tall ladder. Bobby bless his heart sobbed. He felt he was going to be stuck in the bathroom for ever. Billie consoled him in her matter of fact way she still possesses to this day. "We'll get out Bobby," she said, "Don't cry." The crying become louder. We talked through the door. "Stretch ," Mom kept telling Billie. The lock was up very high. "Stretch your fingers up and slide." Mom coaxed. Finally after what seemed like hours but of course was not. We heard the sliding of the lock. The sobbing stopped. The door flew open and they emerged into the midst of, "Don't ever do that again." Bobby was smiling, fears forgotten. He had a adventure. Oh those two. They had several ad ventures together. But I will always remember their bathroom one.

So Bobby please forgive the sudden lapse of memory. You have left in us a empty spot. I for one know that your leaving left a spot in Billie's and she will always remember. Always.

Nancy and I spoke of Butch and Robin yesterday. Leon Evan Eugene was born in 1956. He left this world in 1976 at only twenty years old. A tragic death and a tragic loss. Butch played the piano beautifully. He never had a lesson. He was funny, caring and so talented. I have wondered if only he had lived what he might have accomplished. You were loved Butch and still are carried in the hearts of all of us who cared.

Robin Lynn Doty died in 1964. Only a baby. It was Dub and Nancy's first girl. as they already had three boys. Robin was a beautiful baby. They were all so proud of her. They were living out of town and had come down for the weekend. My Mother watched her so they could go out with Bud and Dixie. Mom said she was such a good baby that night. She woke when Nancy came to get her, smiled at her Momma. They put her in bed with them, Nancy and Dub, and sometime in the night she slipped away. "SIDS." A terrible condition that has claimed many children's life's. It was a blow that neither Nancy or Dub truly ever recovered. Oh they went on but I know they never got over it. I wonder sometimes how Nancy has kept any strain of sanity after losing two children. I never could I don't believe.

So for our lost children and young people who graced our life's and made us smile. We loved you all. I think of all three and wonder what the years would have held for them. We will never know. How can I stress enough how important it is to live your life everyday to the fullest. Jump off that porch and run with the big dogs. Do it for all those who never got the chance. Two days of memorials. In writing this I have had memories flashing back to me. Bobby smiling. His jeans with the patch on the seat. Butch on the panino playing "Autumn Leafs." Once again today I have to say, "Thanks for the memories."

FOR THOSE I HAVE LOVED AND LOST.

Wednesday morning. It is almost five and I have turned off the air and opened the doors. Letting the cool morning air drift into me. We have not went outside yet, my little Buddie and me. We stood at the door for a minute. "I" with her ears up, myself just letting the morning beckon to me. But we didn't go out to sit in our faithful friend the swing. The darkness still too dark for the two of us. We shall wait. Tucked safely here inside.

Monday was Memorial Day, this of course is Wednesday. On Memorial day I wrote for Billie's Birthday and yesterday I wrote for myself. You can do that you know when its your Blog. Today I want to write about my fallen comrades. People I have loved that have left this world as we know it. I have spoken at some time since I have started this Blog about each of these people. But once again I would like to write their names. So they will forever drift out into the vastness of the Internet. Always to be there, never to be gone and never to be forgotten.

The first person I lost that left an empty space in my heart was my Dad. Vernon Fillmore Munch. A true hardworking man, Quiet, honest and never asked much of the world.I wish a million times I had told him more I loved him. Thank-you dad.

In 1984 my Mother left this world. Pearl Louise Ann . She passed, but I know her precious spirit and prayers stayed here long after her earthly body ceased to be. Mother the word says it all. A precious, blessed Mother.

In 1985. A very special friend of mine passed. Herbert Olden Glenn. I called him Herb. His passing left regrets I will always remember. Just a few days before he died I spoke cranky to him. In defense of myself I was going through a tough time, also had started a new job and he called at a busy time. I was very short, very hateful. The next day I planned how in a few days I would call his daughter and tell her I wanted to see him. But it was too late. On Monday he left this earth. I learned a very valuable lesson. Angry words unleashed can sometimes not be taken back. We run out of time. Or the other person does. Somehow I have to believe he knows that I never meant it. Always remember the words you speak to someone may be the last.

In 1991, a woman I called Aunt Helen left this earth in a tragic car accident. She was my Mothers friend. A woman I had great respect for. She was a true friend to my Mother and was there for her through her many cancer surgeries. I was angry she had to die the way she did. After my Mother's death, she talked me through many rough times. I forever will be grateful for her being there for me.

Next in !993 my little sister, Brenda Laverne. Life sometimes can be so fickle. So fleeting. My little blond haired sister, who should have lived at least another thirty years slipped away, far from home.I know her spirit still is with us. At Christmas, family gatherings. With the little children she would have loved so.

In 2000 my sister-in-law, Dixie Lee Munch left us. My friend, a unnique and special lady. Who forever left a lonesome spot in my heart. "Come back Dix," I have hollerd a hundred times. "I need to talk to you."

There are many others who have touched my life and have been my friend. I miss them all. . My sister and I talk sometimes. How we are growing older and how many years we have left. Maybe the amount of years is not as important as how we live what we have. When we lose someone we love, a part of us goes along. I believe that to be true. I also believe it is important we keep those we love alive in our hearts. So for those memories of those who were a part of me, I am grateful. For each one was an important part of me. And still is and will always be. Thanks for the memories.