Wordless Wednesday: Cluck Cluck Cluck

             
                                  Xavier caught a chicken.  So glad he didn’t want to take it home!

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Peace Baby!  Have you wondered what was happening during the year you were born.  I did some research and here are a few things that happened in 1960, the year I was born:

  1. The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 4.
  2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is published.
  3. The 50-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  4. Muhammad Ali wins a gold medal at the summer Olympics.
  5. Elvis Presley returns from Germany after serving in the Armed Forces for 2 years.
  6. Vietnam War: The United States announces that 3,500 American soldiers will be sent to Vietnam.
  7. U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy is nominated for President at the Democratic National Convention.
  8. U.S. Vice President Richard M. Nixon is nominated for President at the Republican National Convention.
  9. Robert F. Kennedy calls Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, and secures his release from jail on a traffic violation in Atlanta, Georgia.
  10. First successful kidney transplant is performed in the United Kingdom.
  11. Basketball player Wilt Chamberlain grabs 55 rebounds.
  12. The Birth Control Pill Is Approved
  13. Presidential Debates are televised  
  14. Sit in begins at the Woolworth Lunch Counter in Greensboro, NC 
  15. Hollywood Walk of Fame begins.  Joanne Woodward is given the first star. 
Leave us a comment with the year you were born and an event that took place that year. We love history.

Source:  Wikipedia

10 Things This Grandmother Did As A Child

If you’re not a Baby Boomer, you may not remember this old, heavy, black phone.  When I was growing up, it could be found in just about every home in America at one point.  Party lines came along with it.  What is a party line you ask? It means that you shared phone lines with neighbors.  You could pick up the phone to make a call and hear your neighbor talking. If you did, you had to put the phone down and wait your turn.  If you were anxious to make a call, it seemed like they were talking, talking and talking, the conversation never ended.  Unless it was an emergency, you didn’t interrupt. You graciously waited.  Party lines, 5 brothers and a sister helped teach me patience and tolerance.  


Back than, there were no cell phones or laptops.  You had to be creative, find your own entertainment and learn to live with each other as a family.  There were no on-line games, social media sites, and the television didn’t have hundred’s of channels.  There was no cable; we had rabbit ears and antennas to bring the picture in on the television.  We have come a long way in technology, but I truly appreciate the simply things in life.  Times were gentler back in the day.  It seems like we go a hundred miles an hour all day everyday now.    

I look back at my childhood, and it was a much slower and gentler time.  We entertained each other and families spent quality time together.   Here’s what my childhood looked like:  


  1. We played games together.  – I remember spending hours playing Candy Lane, Monopoly, War, Old Maids, Hide and Seek, Mother May I, Hopscotch and roller skating on the sidewalk.  When I got older, we spent Sundays at the roller skating rink.  
  2. We played baseball in our backyard.  
  3. We caught fire flies at night and butterflies in the day.  
  4. We went to the local Burger Joint for the most delicious burgers, fries, and the thickest shakes that you can imagine.  No McDonald’s burgers for us.  
  5. We walked our neighborhood and explored nature all day.  Our parents never worried about us, and we were carefree.  
  6. We watched television as a family on Saturday mornings.  Sunday nights we watched most of my father’s favorite shows, but we watched and was happy to do it.  We popped popcorn on top of the stove in a pan and watched Tom Jones, Hee Haw, Lawrence Welk, and Gunsmoke.  I’m telling my age here, but they were good times and I’m comfortable with my age, ha!  
  7. We gathered pop bottles in a red Western Flyer wagon and returned them for pennies.  Yes, pennies.  We could buy candy all day for a quarter from our local stores.  We had Pixie Sticks, Kits, Red Hots, Fire Balls and Bon Bons.  Pay Day and Baby Ruth’s were my favorite candy bars and still are.  
  8. I lived in a small town, so the local carnival in the summer was a big deal.  We had a parade with local High School marching bands, fire trucks from all over the local areas, clowns, and floats.  I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach from the Ferris Wheel.  My mother allowed us to stay until closing, mid-night, while she played Bingo.  We even walked home in groups at that time of night, without worry of being snatched, raped or harmed in some way.  
  9. We waited for the ice cream truck, Mr. Softie, to come to the neighborhood.  We got so excited when we heard the music.  I always got a a blue or red Italian Ice or a Push Up.  For years, I didn’t know the Italian Ice flavors were Cherry or Blue Raspberry.  They were just colors to me.    
  10. Saturday mornings after the cartoons, mom and dad went grocery shopping.  Each week one of us kids would get to go with them and pick out whatever we wanted in the store.  If it didn’t have to be cooked, they allowed us to eat it in the car on the way home.  That was a treat and a great time for whoever’s turn it was.  
This lifestyle may seem slow and not cool for many who were raised in the modern technology era or in the city, but it was the best for me.  I think it grounded me and made me appreciate the small things in life.  The things we no longer appreciate or take for granted now.  This lifestyle helped make me who I am today and still plays a role in my life.   Although I’ve had a career in Corporate America, traveled, eaten at the best restaurants, stayed in the best hotels, and met many people on my journey, I want my grandchildren to experience the more low key lifestyle as the mother did.  I could have moved to any major city in this country, but I choose to stay in the small town environment.  I’m so glad that I never lost appreciation for it.  What was your childhood like?  

   Note:  Photo courtesy of stockvault.net                                                                       

Serving Up Justice

Would you become violent if you thought someone was trying to harm your child or trying to have an inappropriate relationship with them?  I’m not violent, but I will go to the end of the earth, prison or straight to hell if I thought someone was trying to harm my child or my grandchildren. Wondering what brought this thought process on?  I was reading an article where a 42 year old teacher was sending inappropriate text messages to a 15 year old.  The girl’s mother discovered the text messages on her phone and told the father.  They in turn called the police; however, the police didn’t see it as a crime.  Apparently the messages were “described an emotional relationship that seemed inappropriate for a teacher and student,” but they were not deemed a crime.  As a result, no charges were pressed against the teacher.  



How does inappropriate text messages from a 42 year old teacher to a 15 year old student not equate to a crime?  It gets better or freakier.  The teacher decides to show up at the student’s house to talk with the parents.  Dad wasn’t interested in having any conversations with the pervert, so he asked him to leave.  The teacher refused to leave, how bold is this?  Well, he took dad to a new level, dad started swinging on the teacher with a bat.  The teacher decided to leave after being beaten, but not press charges.  


Now lets do a recap.  A perverted 42 year old teacher sends inappropriate texts to a 15 year old student.  Our justice system doesn’t consider that a crime since sex wasn’t involved, so the teacher was not charged.  The pervert decides to show up at the student’s home to talk to mom and dad. They’re not interesting in talking to the pervert, but he refuses to leave their home.  Dad beats him with a bat, but dad’s not charged with assault because the pervert decided to not press charges.  Now if the pervert had decided to press charges, dad would have been arrested for assault.  Sometimes I just don’t understand our justice system.   


Mom, dads please monitor your children.  Teachers nor anyone else for that matter should automatically be trusted with our children just because they’re in our schools teaching our children, wearing a collar and calling themselves a priest or being a nice neighbor.  The world is full of twisted minds and they prey on children.  I wonder how far this educator would have gone if mom hadn’t checked the phone?  It’s important that we stay on top of what our children are doing and know who they’re interacting with.  Although the teacher was clearly in the wrong, the girl had to give him her phone number in order for him to text her.  


We must talk to our sons and daughters about inappropriate relationships with teachers, priests, ministers, neighbors and everyone else who could take advantage of them.  Unfortunately, some teens think the attention from an older man or woman is exciting.  We must make sure they understand the consequences of ending up in inappropriate relationships with those who should be looking out for their best interest and not taking advantage of them.   


I can relate to dad, I would have served up some justice too.  The nerve of him showing up at the parent’s home.  What kind of conversation did he think they would have, and than have the nerve to refuse to leave when asked. Clearly no respect for himself, their child or them.   


I wish the world was full of kind, genuine people.  It pains me to hear about all of the shootings at our schools, inappropriate teacher/student relationships, our children being abused by their parents and all of the other evil that exists in the world.  I pray about it. Unfortunately we can’t protect our children every minute of the day, but lets protect them when we can.  



                                                               



Creating Family Traditions





Do you  have family traditions? You know things you do regularly with family.  I have several traditions that I have started with my grandchildren. I think traditions are important.   Children look back at their childhood and remember the times family spent together.  It’s an opportunity to bond and establish happy times together.  It gives them something to look forward to. Hopefully they will pass on a few or at least create traditions of their own. 

I remember going to Hershey Park every summer as a child.  We would go on a bus hired by the church.  For years my mother would go.  As we got older she allowed us to go alone, but had one of the chaperons look out for us.  I must say that I had great memories of mom when she went. She packed picnic baskets full of sandwiches, potato salad and all the trimmings.  I remember those ham sandwiches as the best I ever had.  I still think about them.  My father always worked, so he didn’t go with us.  We always brought back these huge Hershey bars for him.  He had a sweet tooth, but never gained an ounce.  Oh how I wish I had those genes.  He would freeze the candy bars and enjoy them through the year.   


Another tradition was going to grandma and granddaddy’s every Sunday for dinner.  There would be fried chicken, homemade biscuits, gravy and all the trimmings.  My mother’s sisters and brothers would be there with their families, we always had a great time.  We played ball, taught each how to flip and cartwheel and discussed boys.  We bring up those Sundays when we get together.  


King’s Dominion and Ocean City were the traditions that I started with my daughter.  My mother had a tradition with her grandchildren too.  Every Friday we would meet there with our children and she would make pizza bread.  The children still talk about grandma’s pizza bread to this day. They bonded on those Friday nights, and for the most part they are still close.    


We’ve made a week at Myrtle Beach a new tradition in the family.  My sister and her family will be joining us this year.  These pictures were taken there last year.  That’s my daughter, her children and her dad who also joins us at the top.  Even though we’re divorced, I include him as much as possible.  I want the grandchildren and my daughter to have memories of all of us being together and no strife.  He loves them as much as I do, we just fall out of love with each other.  So we decided to co-grandparent.  It’s working.    




This is a picture of the kids at the aquarium.  Do you see the snake in the background.  Oh my. We spend time at the beach, eating at our favorite restaurants, or playing games inside.  I’m sure the kids will have wonderful memories. In the fall, we head to the pumpkin patch for hay and pony rides.  At Christmas, we bake cookies.  The children can look forward to these traditions for quite a long time.

Do you have traditions established with your children?  Leave a comment and let us know what they are.  

Inspirational Quote: Know How To Play The Game

Quotes,

Can I Borrow Three Million Dollars

St. Croix real estate

Looking for water front property? This one is for sale.  I fall in love with it several years ago while vacationing in St. Croix, VI.  I was vacationing at Chenay Bay Beach Resort, and this beauty was outside of my chalet.  I could only see the side of the house from my view, but it was stunning so I snapped a few pictures to add to my “If Only I Was A Millionaire” dream book. It was so beautiful sitting on a bluff above the Chenay Bay Beach.


Imagine my surprise when I saw it listed for sale.  I just happened to be browsing Google and noticed a post that listed homes for sale in the Virgin Islands.  I decided to click on the link.  When I saw it, I immediately recognized it.  The house felt so familiar, but I was still in disbelief.  I was wondering what the chances were of the picture listed in the post being the house I fell in love with while vacationing.  So I kept reading and the article confirmed that it was in fact the house in St. Croix.  If only I would hit the lottery for $3 million this baby would be mine.  Truth be told I’ve never purchased a lottery ticket in my life, but if I was blessed with millions, I would be blogging daily from St. Croix, VI.   Oh yes I would.  


Here’s the front of the house, photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty in St. Croix.  The house has 3.5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.  It comes furnished along with a chef’s kitchen, heated infinity pool with a waterfall, hot tub and waterside BBQ dining area.  You can see the hurricane windows in the pictures.  It boasts 15 foot ceilings and marble floors imported from France, the door hardware was made in Croatia, and the cabinetry was built in New Hampshire here in the states. While I was vacationing, we experienced a power outage.  Not to worry, generators keep the power on in this baby.  I wouldn’t miss a beat blogging, lol.    


Look at the view from the kitchen and breakfast area.  Can you imagine waking up to this view each morning.  I know how I felt waking to it the week I was vacationing there.  It is beautiful.  Sail boats pass by, vacationers are on jet skis or just enjoying the water.  It also has a nice island that you can see in the background.  I can vouch, that it is gorgeous and so quiet.  I had the same view from my chalet.   The only draw back, they drive on the opposite side of the road in St. Croix.  I guess I could get used to it, but it was strange.   

Look at the view from the bedroom.  How can you not wake feeling refreshed.  The canopy bed stays.  I have a canopy bed too.  It’s like it was furnished just for me   Oh well, a girl can dream can’t she.  

If you like this post you may also like:  My Vacation In St. Croix

7 Tips For A Great Backyard BBQ

Summer is around the corner and grills will be fired up.  There’s nothing like hot dogs, burgers, steaks, and ribs on an outdoor grill.  I like a little burn on my hot dogs, how about you?   

I don’t consider myself a master grill chef, but I can throw a great backyard cook-out.  I love to entertain and I’ve learned over the years that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a successful gathering.  I have a few tips to share so you can serve delicious food and keep family and friends coming back for more too.


Here’s the tips:


1.  Make sure your grill is cleaned thoroughly from last year’s use.  Don’t purchase expensive cleaners.  Ball up a piece of aluminum foil and rub it back and forth across your grates.  This should remove most of the build up.   Finish removing the build up with a wire brush and clean with soap and water.  A wire brush can be purchased from Lowes or Home Depot for a few bucks. 


2.  I’m partial to charcoal grills.  That’s probably because I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on a gas grill, especially when I can achieve great flavor from my Weber.  I add flavor by adding green twigs from apple trees to my charcoal.  My neighbor has a giant oak tree, where twigs are constantly falling so I gather up a few from her yard.  You can add maple cuttings as well.


3.  I buy supplies in bulk from Sams or Costco and save leftovers for the next outing.  This includes napkins, cups, utensils, charcoal etc.


4.  Look for sales on hot dogs, sausages, potatoes, can vegetables etc. at my local grocery store.  I look for the buy one get one free deals and freeze or store them until needed.  


5.  Purchase store brand buns, your guest won’t give it a second thought.  If you have a bun warmer, this is the perfect time to bring it out.  Your buns will be soft and warm.  

6.  Head to the Dollar Store for colorful table cloths and accessories.  


7.  I purchase cheaper cuts of meats and marinade and season them well.  I add eggs and Lipton’s onion soup mix to my ground beef.  That’s it, no salt pepper or hamburger seasoning.  Use your hands to mix it, pat them out and than set them in the refrigerator overnight.  They are juicy and delicious.  If I fix them any other way, my family knows.  Slowly boil ribs until they are tender before placing them on the grill.  You can easily pull them apart while eating and they’re are finger licking good. Marinade your steaks overnight for great flavor.  


6.  Summer is the perfect times to head to the garden for lettuce, tomatoes, and melons.  


7.  Be cautious when lighting your grill.  I use self starting charcoal.  It’s more expensive, but I don’t have to your starter fluid, which can be dangerous if not used properly.  Grill safety is important as the delicious foods that you will be preparing.  Keep a spray bottle or pitcher of water on hand to control high flames.  


Here’s to a great BBQ season.  May your summer be safe and blessed with family, friends and good food.

Inspirational Quote- Getting Promoted

Inspirational Quote: How’s Your Character