From our friend Ann Brown, the Computer Queen:

After my last computer failure, I signed up for Carbonite. Yesterday after the crash and before I went into a panic, I logged into my account at Carbonite. Within minutes, I had access to ALL of my 30,000 files. What a relief! I can't recommend Carbonite enough - it runs in the background, automatically backs up your document and picture files, and does not slow down your computer. The best part? The cost is only $54.95/year - a small price to pay to have all of your files recovered in the event of a crash.

Take it from me, The Computer Crashing Queen, sign up for your free 14-day trial at Carbonite and relax knowing everything is backed-up!nd Ann Brown, the Computer Queen,

The wonder of it all!

Daniel and I shared a special moment yesterday afternoon when we quietly walked out into our front yard on the east side of our pond.

A pair of Canadian Geese have taken up residence, waddling back and forth among the three ponds that belong to the neighbors on each side of us and settled on the one in the "middle"...

ours.

"Daniel, do you want to see something really, really neat?" "Come outside with me and look at what I found today while I mowed the front yard."

Slowly we walked outside and tiptoed near the sitting goose. I don't know if it was the male or female, as I believe they both sit on the nest. As we approached, the goose rose, arched it's neck protectively, hissed a warning, and then as we continued to near, the goose walked over to the edge of the pond and slid in. The mate was across the neighbor's driveway at the edge of their pond, and the mate also rose, arched, hissed, and walked across the drive to the nest, and then slid into our pond also.

We only took a second to look at the eggs and then beat a hasty retreat. Both geese came out of the water and investigated the eggs and the nest. Poking around, and then settling back down.

The experience was priceless!

You must of been a beautiful baby.....

....'cause baby, look at you now!

My mare "Zana Bey" made her debut on April 18th, in Cloverdale, Indiana in Arabian Purebred Western Pleasure at the Indiana Arabian Horse Association Spring Show. Placing "second" was a good as a "first" since she placed second to Bobbie Hart, the winningest Arabian Western Trainer in history!

My "baby" Sarah has trained her and done a fabulous job!

Although the photo looks distorted, (I am not as adept at scanning as I could be) you can see how beautiful the pair look!

I am so, so proud I could just "BUST!"

Suffering in Silence..........NOT!

Just received a phoe call from the Urologist's Medina Office. To make a long story short they called to speak to Tim, who was sitting in a chair at the other end of the house. So I asked if I could take a message or could I help them.

Well, they wanted to change Tim's 10:40 a.m. appointment today, to Friday!

"No," said I, "is there a problem? "

Well, they did not have the opp (?) reports and no report from pathology so they wanted to put the appointment off for 5 days.

I said "Tim can't do anything with this cathetor in, and the Dr.'s surgical nurse said it could be removed as soon as the urine was clear, so that would be great if we could schedule an appointment for today".

"Oh" said she. The pain that Tim is experiencing is mostly from the cathetor, so get it out already!

Friday..... my great Aunt Fanny! He will be either homeless or deported by then.

All of you women out there understand....not a jury in the land would convict!

"Okay, how about 1:00 today?"

"That would be great!"

I hung up without a thank you. I'll have to apologize to her when I see her this afternoon.

Perhaps she's not married!

Turkey Lurkey and other adventures on the farm

Yesterday, Tim (in pain), myself, Daniel, Tim's brother Bill and Bill's wife Pat went down to Sullivan, Ohio to visit with Tim's other brother David and his mate, Pat.

David's two sons came for a visit for the weekend. Andy from Houghton, Michigan and David from Maryland. David's wife Lynn came also, as they were also visiting Lynn's parents.

Lynn's dad has cancer. David has cancer, Tim just dodged the bullet with cancer, and Bill is recovering from radiation from prostate cancer.

There is a health trend in the family that we wish would go away.

We had food and fellowship, and our kids came, and Bill's kids came, and Lynn's folks came and we had a good time.

David and Pat have chickens, and I buy the beautiful fresh brown eggs to use in my pierogies.
Along with the chickens they also have a great big male turkey. "Turk" is his name and he is pretty scary if you ask me. I don't do fowl unless it is on the grill, so I am not a "Turk" fan.
Although he seems friendly, in Daniel's eyes he appeared to be a "giant" of a bird. He was intrigued but fearful at the same time. One effort to be friends resulted in Daniel's hasty retreat until Cousin Andy came to the rescue, and held the bird quietly so Daniel could get a better look.

Well, also the prankster, David Sr., said "Why don't you take him home with you to live at your farm?" "Wow" said Daniel, "could I?"

"Let's ask your Mom and Dad before we take him home, okay?" "Okay" said Daniel, sad and reluctant.

You probably can guess the end of this story.

I don't do hospitals

.....and I don't do sick. I don't know why but I can't push myself to go visit someone that is sick. I don't know how to describe the feeling....I think it equates to "terror". I sat in the waiting room yesterday trying to focus on everything but the obvious.

When the Dr. came out and talked with me about Tim it was as if I was watching someone on TV get the news on "House" or "Grey's Anatomy". It wasn't real! But the relief was real! After the Dr. went back into the surgical entryway, I sat alone in the waiting room and started to cry. The Dr. told me I could go back and see Tim, but I just sat there crying.

From behind me, a hand appeared with a tissue. Turning, I saw the receptionist handing me a Kleenex. She softly said "that was good news".

Today I think it was good news. Yesterday was just a blur.

Sounds like a good idea to me!

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient

And at the earliest period consistent with its objects

To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions.

The great and general interests of peace.

... quote Anna M. Jarvis founder of "Mother's Day" in America



This quote came to mind last evening when a group of fund raising committee members met at my house to cut, assemble and decorate "fans" for the Bi-Centenniel Mother's Day Tea!



The Liverpool Township Bi-Centenniel will be celebrated in 2010. As co-Chair of the Steering Committee, I also serve on the fund raising committee. In these economic times, our job has been doubly hard...raising money for an historical publication covering the 200 year history of our Township, and community of Valley City, and the events that will be held to honor that history.



One of the ideas that we came up with was to have a "high" tea celebrating Mother's Day.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults, and $10.00 for children. There is a re-enactment specialist coming from Ft. Meigs to put on the program of Costuming and related topics. We are excited to be having the opportunity to celebrate Mother's Day and raise money at the same time.



Those interested in coming May 9, 12:30 p.m. to the Liverpool Community Center, please call me for tickets. Only 100 tickets will be sold, and the "programs" we assembled last night are in the form of old fashioned "fans". Wooden handles and a cute shape and color with the program printed on one side and the menu printed on the other.



Terry Jones of Eileen's Cafe will be providing the food as her contribution to the event.



I am pleased to be the "fan" idea source. I remember as a child having those plain advertising fans at church and at funerals. I thought they were such fun. We decided the idea would be perfect for the Tea.



So ladies..........dust off your pretty hat and unpack those long ago stored gloves, and join us for a couple hours of fun!



p.s. I still think the most effective form of government would be to put a PTA Mother's group into a leadership position to make the rules for our country. Just think, the problems would be solved, women would do the work, no wars and when we were done for the day, we would all have cookies and tea!

"Breaker One Nine"!

This is the view from Rt. 231 just off I-70 in Cloverdale, Indiana.

Sarah, Maggie and I traveled to Indiana this week to attend the Indiana Arabian Horse Associations' Spring Show.

6-1/2 hours of highway driving with a three-horse trailer, 3 horses, all the equipment and gear in tow, left us tired and hungry.

After the horses were settled into their stalls, the tack room curtains hung, the grooming stall set up, the flowers and signs and chairs in place, after riding three horses, feeding them and getting them comfortable for the night.....reality set in. We were hungry!

The Days Inn Hotel was very close by as was Arby's, Chicago Pizza, a Mexican restaurant (you don't do Mexican when you are at a Horse Show....Trust Me!) McDonald's and a Truck Stop.

Well, I voted for the Truck Stop, but I think the other two may not have been so gung-ho!.

Not fancy, not modern, but the waitresses were very pleasant, the food was more than adequate, and the portions were huge! You got it...we went there for every meal, at all assorted times of the day.

Our friend Linda drove up from Louisville, so we went out to eat late in the afternoon before she headed back...and went to the Truck Stop. That meal, we all ate breakfast. Grits came in a pasta sized bowl, the bacon was thick cut and each of us got at least 8 slices. Extra sourdough toast appeared, a ton of "jelly" packets, and all of that for $24.77, for all 4 of us!
Each time we stopped we were greeted, "Hey girls, how is the horse show?"

Would I ever go back? You betcha'! When Tim found out where we were eating he said "Be sure and eat the soup"! "I always stop and eat their soup".

Won't find it on any restaurant review, but if you want a reference..just give us a call!

p.s. Try the Brownie Delight, 3 brownies, huge scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge sauce, and the whole bowl was surrounded with whipped cream. Did I say "soup bowl?"
Try is, you'll like it!

The Hoosier State was great!

We just returned from the Indiana Arabian Association Horse Show held in Cloverdale, Indiana.

What a great time! We took three "unseasoned"

mares to their first show of the year. We had no idea how well they would do. Lucious Lorraine, Zana Bey, and Canadian Justina did us proud.

Maggie, Sarah and I had a great working relationship during the four days we spent together. Sometimes in those situations, all the functions and personalities get a little "old". But not this show. We worked like a "well oiled" machine. Almost any way! I could not have been a prouder parent then when I stood outside the ring on the rail while Sarah exhibited the mares, putting them through their paces. They were beautiful and well mannered, and Sarah taught them everything they know!

Wow! Tired and weary we drove the 6-1/2 hours home, reliving the "glory".

Can't wait until the next show!

Joy!

Did you ever wonder if "JOY" had a color?

Well it does!

ASAP

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.?

Generally, we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry- A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos, "Quality time " is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest- A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

Who sez there is no Easter Bunny???

This is a photo from last Easter Eve when we all gathered around the kitchen table to dye three

dozen Easter Eggs.

We had a ball. What a wonderful thing to see things through the eyes of a child!

Three more dozen are simmering away in the big pot in preparation for tomorrow nights "trimming and painting and dunking" party.

The Bunny is doing prep for the egg hunt out on the lawn Sunday!

Red and yellow, pink and green, purple and blue too! Can't wait!

The phone call

Well, we got the phone call yesterday. Only two days after Tim's visit to the urologist, he has
been scheduled for Pre-Op exam on the 20th and the surgery on the 23rd. No talk of the CT Scan results so we are still waiting.

On another note, the new "business" is living a life of it's own! Orders come in everyday, but I wonder what "after Easter" will bring.

I will be like Scarlett. I'll think about that tomorrow!

Each journey starts with one step...

Well, it is interesting, I fell asleep and woke up this morning no differently that I have for all the mornings before this.

My brain is trying to adjust to my husband's health issues and I am trying to be patient as the World of Health Care does not work on the same timetable that I work in, So......one day at a time as they say.

I am praying for the positive and really meaning it!

This getting old is not for sissies!

Tim's visit to the Urologist proved not to be good news. He has a tumor in his bladder, and it needs to be removed.

Don't even ask how they go about removing it!

Poor Tim, not a very pleasant thing to think or talk about.

Anyway, we are now thinking good thoughts, and once it is removed and tested, we will deal with the results.

Having had a CT Scan not too long ago, which did not

show anything, maybe this new CT Scan will show what they are looking for.

Interesting that the Dr. thought the daily dose of Coumadin that Tim takes, could have been a lifesaver in more ways than one. Without the blood appearing in his urine, which was enhanced by the Coumadin, it could have been life threatening before the tumor was discovered.

Today is one of those days when I am contemplating making God a promise in return for a favor!

When insults had class.....

These glorious insults are from an era before the English language got boiled down to 4-letter words.

The exchange between Churchill & Lady Astor: She said, "If you were my husband I'd give you poison." He said, "If you were my wife, I'd drink it."

A member of Parliament to Disraeli: "Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease." "That depends, Sir," said Disraeli, "whether I embrace your policies or your mistress."

"He had delusions of adequacy." - Walter Kerr

"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire." - Winston Churchill

"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure." Clarence Darrow

"He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary."
William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway).

"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it." - Moses Hadas

"I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." - Mark Twain

"He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." - Oscar Wilde

"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend.... if you have one." - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill
"Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second... if there is one." - Winston Churchill, in response.

"I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here." - Stephen Bishop

"He is a self-made man and worships his creator." - John Bright

"I've just learned about his illness. Let's hope it's nothing trivial." - Irvin S. Cobb

"He is not only dull himself; he is the cause of dullness in others." - Samuel Johnson

"He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up." - Paul Keating

"In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always yielded easily." - Charles, Count Talleyrand

"He loves nature in spite of what it did to him." - Forrest Tucker

"Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?" - Mark Twain

"His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork." - Mae West

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." - Oscar Wilde

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

"He has Van Gogh's ear for music." - Billy Wilder

"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it." - Groucho Marx

One down and unknown quantities to go!

Hey there:
A note to let you all know that yesterday in the pierogi world was a success.
One day down and hopefully many more to go.

93 pierogies filled with potato/chedder cheese, were served with or without grilled onions and sour cream, a nice crisp side salad with English cuke slices, a roll and butter, or grilled Texas Toast, and two nice red plump strawberries as a garnish. $5.95 plus tip!

I was as happy as a "pierogi in sour cream!"

The Old Fogie Pierogi! vs The Old Lady Pierogi

Today's the day! I have a great friend, Jo Ann, who has visions of grandeur for me! She makes me smile most of the time, but yesterday when she mentioned a "tasting" and inviting the press, I actually laughed. She's had a career in advertising, so perhaps that is why the enthusiasm!

My friend Patrick came up with the name for the product: "Old Fogie Pierogi" My choice is "The Old Lady's Pierogi". The jury is still out

Anyway, I delivered 8 dz. pierogis yesterday and today I am just not going to think about the results.

This is a Google paragraph!

Pierogi is a Polish name of the dish with dumplings. Most people love them as they have a variety of all kinds with different fillings. You can find some with meat, or white cheese, or potato, or mushrooms… If you prefer something sweet, no problem at all. Pierogi might be filled with fruits as well.
The best place to eat Pierogi are called Pierogarnia. Those are restaurants that specializes in this dish.
Pierogi with mushrooms is traditional Polish dish for Christmas time.

p.s. However, there are three dozen more tucked away in the freezer....just in case!

Today's the day!!!!!

Today is the day that I make my first eight dozen pierogi's for commercial use. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. I timed myself last night peeling 10 pounds of potatoes. 14 minutes flat! So now I know how long that part of the process takes. Whew! I also made a cabbage filling with sauteed onions in butter, salt, pepper and garlic. Pretty tasty!

Wish me luck!

A friend passes

I was honored yesterday to be asked to write and present the eulogy for my friend Marie E. Baron.

The funeral mass took place at St. Joseph's in Strongsville. As is the custom today, most people pay their respects by attending visitation at the funeral home. Afternoon and evening hours allow family and friends to take time to pay homage to the loved one.

This case was no different than all the rest that I have attended in the past. However, I strongly feel it is an obligation to give a respectful farewell to the departed. Yesterday was no different with less people in attendence at the church than attended the calling hours. I feel strongly about accompanying a friend to the grave. Prayers and flowers placed on the casket finalizes
the journey to heaven for her soul.

God speed Marie!