S&DMartin1971

LONG time since I posted

2011-03-24T09:04:00.002-05:00

I won this awesome basket of DOG GOODIES, then gave it to a dear friend 'cause she just adopted a pet rescue

follow me on Twitter

Been a long time

2010-03-22T18:12:00.002-05:00

Not Dangling participial

2009-08-18T20:26:00.002-05:00

Ribbit

2009-08-16T10:21:00.003-05:00

with color

2009-08-14T14:19:00.001-05:00

Calla Lily

2009-08-14T07:56:00.001-05:00

On a Beautiful Day 35 years ago TODAY

2009-08-10T10:38:00.004-05:00

We wedded

Happy Anniversary to you my AWESOME Husband

I love you more than LIFE

Our Fabulous Granddaughter Vivienne in your arms

Somewhere over the rainbow

2009-08-06T19:46:00.003-05:00

Night-Blooming Cereus

2009-08-04T06:32:00.002-05:00

Queen of the Night ~ Deer-Horn Cactus Peniocereus greggii (Cereus greggii)

Dragon fly

2009-08-03T09:19:00.003-05:00

Howdy to you all

2009-07-31T05:52:00.001-05:00

Remember the camp song Five little Speckled Frogs?

2009-07-19T20:00:00.005-05:00

Reflecting the First Month of Vivienne ;=)

These are Muscovy Ducks on a log in front of our home on Hackers Creek

Five green and speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log Eating the most delicious bugs Yum-yum! One jumped into the pool Where it was nice and cool Now there are four green speckled frogs. Four green and speckled frogs…

There is just something rather special about

2009-07-04T12:02:00.004-05:00

Morning dew & Sunshine

Happy 4th of July

Announcement of Grand proportions

2009-06-27T17:09:00.005-05:00

June 19, 2009

Drum Roll Please! Our first Grandchild

Vivienne was born

Box turtles

2009-06-10T09:20:00.007-05:00

Ann wants to tell you about ME - You can call me Carolina

I learned something today that I would like to share with you about the

Eastern Box Turtle

(Terrapene carolina) is one of two species of box turtles found in the United

States

Do you know what to do when you see a turtle crosses a road?

I did not know this until early 2009.

UMMMMMMMMMMM wonder who belongs to those shoes?

Moving or relocating such turtles will only result in tragedy.

If you see a turtle that must be relocated you must first be SAFE!

Pull off the road in a SAFE PLACE.

Move the turtle to the far side of the road

BUT in the direction the turtle was heading.

BE CAREFUL of traffic…your life is more important.

Sometimes land that is being cleared for development will disrupt the turtle

habitat.

Move the turtle to the nearest woodlot or pasture.

Best bet is to work to reduce urban sprawl.

I am free now to rejoin my family.

But remember!

Support the protection of wild areas and habitats where box turtles might

live.

Habitat loss and fragmentation are both severe threats to box turtle

populations.

As their habitat shrinks, the turtles will have a more difficult time finding food,

shelter, and mates.

By helping to protect their habitat, you are giving these turtles a place to live,

as well as helping other species that share the same habitat as the turtles.

Here is my story about Turkeys and Flowers

2009-05-28T07:40:00.014-05:00

Hi there it’s me ANN

With a true tale about Goldie and Slate

The Flower Bed A Blue and White Iris Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh she is Nesting

Bronze turkeys are the product of crossing domestic turkeys brought from Europe by colonists (which had been exported to Europe years before) with the Wild Turkey. These matings produced a bird that was larger and more robust than the European turkeys, and tamer than wild turkeys. Though the Bronze turkey type was created in the 18th century, the actual name was not used until the 1830s, when a strain developed in the U.S. state of Rhode Island was named the Point Judith Bronze. The name later spread to be used in reference to the breed as a whole, and was in the process simplified to just "Bronze".[2] In the British Isles, the Bronze was associated with Cambridge, and was called the Cambridge Bronze, but again this name has been simplified to just "Bronze".

But you may call me ”GOLDIE”!

Do you see SLATE?

See Slate? Blue Clematis

The Blue Slate variety is thought to have been derived from the black turkey

known as the Spanish Black in the United States and the Norfolk Black in

England.

The Slate was accepted as a standard variety by the American Poultry Association

in 1874, incidentally the same year as the Spanish Black. You may call me SLATE!

Orange Azalea

Yellow Iris

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh she is Nesting

A step back in time

2009-05-23T05:31:00.032-05:00

Today A LUNCHEON AT Adaland Mansion

http://www.vandalia.org/adaland.htm

The mansion house was built in 1870 at the end of the Civil War by Augustus

Modisett, Sheriff of Barbour County and local banker.

The brick house was constructed by local carpenters and emancipated slaves and

is an example of neo greek architecture.

The interior has been restored using 1870-1890 period wallpapers and furniture

from local sources which compliment the original walnut woodwork.

Guided historic tours are provided.

The house is open for parties, weddings, receptions, dinners, luncheons and

meetings.

Adaland Mansion is owned by the City of Philippi.

It was donated to the City of Philippi in January 1996 by Philippi Development

Inc., a division of Anker Energy.

Built by Irish settler Augustus Modisett in 1868, Adaland is set among the rolling

hills of Barbour County, with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

Guided tours of the home reveal a carefully restored house with period

wallpapers, antique furniture and period gardens.

The 1850 barn on the property, a good example of early farm post and beam

architecture, now serves as a heritage center.

The mansion house has been restored with great attention to authenticity and

features homemade brick and walnut woodwork throughout.

The barn was built approximately 1850 and has been restored and is open to the public on during tour season.

The house and land reflect the early history of West Virginia with the original

owners engaged in farming.

Emancipated slaves from the farm worked on the construction of the house.

The surrounding area is rich in civil war history with the first land battle of the

war fought in Philippi in June 1861.

This trunk is like the one I grew up with, now I know the @ age of it and wonder

which side of my family it came from. Needless to say mine has been restored to its former state.

HA HA look at YOUR keyboard now ;=)

Gardens below however the rain kept us from this jaunt.

I have been remiss in posting…BUT

2009-05-18T19:23:00.021-05:00

We are going to be first time Grandparents come mid June.

It seems obvious that the “TRIP” will linger from time to time until I finally get all the

photos that are fit to show on the Blog.

Until then I suppose the judicious thing is to again post as I began my Blog, on a day to or

every other day or so journal of life as I see it.

That being said

Let’s see what I conjure up for today!

The Baby Shower for those that do not do Face book…

It was [I heard someone say this:] elegant.

WHEW because I wanted, what Mom does not, the best for their child [ren]

I only took 149 pictures hee hee

Soon it begins

Family, Friends, Flowers, Food and FUN

OH YUMMMMMMMMMMM

Catching up on times past and times to come

some serious writing of helpful hints, or not to the Mom to be

What a range of beautiful colors

Some emotions show through, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

A whirl wind of baby fashions

Mother - in - laws are always ready to be there

Bulrushes’ and young boys on the Nile

2009-05-03T07:15:00.005-05:00

In this Series of pictures [Click here]

I mentioned I would embellish about the young boys beside our boat.

These youngsters, and there were many such young boys, had small boats that

were not the best made. There were usually two in each tiny boat; the second one

would continually bail out the excess water. The endearing quality was their

singing. As they attached themselves to the side of the boat, angel like voices sang:

“Row, row your Boat…” …IN PERFECT English.

Also on this [and the post sited above] please note the lovely CLEAR waters of the

Nile and most important the Bulrushes’.

Papyrus, or bullrush, (Cyperus papyrus) is a member of the nutsedge family.

It’s an aquatic plant that grows along slow-moving streams like the Nile

throughout north and central Africa.

Plants grow 4-8 feet tall and have dense clumps of thumb-sized stems emerging

from a below-ground clump of rhizomes.

The above-ground stems are crowned with an umbrella-shaped inflorescence

consisting of up to 100 cylindrical rays that, while technically part of the flower,

perform most of the photosynthesis for the plant.

The flowers are not ornamental in the classic way, but the plant is very graceful

and is commonly used as a tender plant in water gardens.

To the ancient Egyptians, papyrus served the same purpose as pine pulpwood

does today.

It provided paper.

The first papyrus scrolls appear to have been made in the late Old Kingdom about

2500 to 2200 BC.

The spells and incantations depicted in the Book of the Dead scrolls were copied

from the hieroglyphic symbols carved on the tomb walls of rulers during this

period.

The scrolls on display in Memphis are from the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC)

and beautifully depict the passage of the soul from a mortal life to the eternal

afterlife.

http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/papyrus_bullrush.htm

To think as we touched these plants the actual realization of the stories of Moses

had a closer meaning.

We hear about Jocheved and her daughter Miriam, and son Aaron.

However, Pharoah has decreed that all new-born male Hebrews are to be killed by

throwing them into the river Nile, so Jocheved's new-born baby, Moses is in great

danger.

In desperation, she hides him in a basket in the bullrushes of the Nile, with

Miriam keeping watch.

Baby Moses is found by Pharoah's daughter, who takes pity on him, and takes him

back to the palace to live.

Miriam offers the services of Jocheved to the princess as a wet-nurse, and Moses is

saved.

He grows up as Pharoah's son, unaware of who he is. http://www.shopjudaica.co.uk/ericas_corner_pesach.htm

TADA the Camel Ride ;) and More

2009-04-26T13:48:00.040-05:00

OK OK Which one is meant for ME?

YUP tiz MOI

Off the camel...

Nice guides

By Golly I did it

Some decided NOT to do the camel ride and waited for us at the Nubian Village

Here we come

Nice people, pretty place

Yippee more Shopping ;)

yup it is what it is

love the colors

YE GADS more shopping

the tea was good

YIKES Betsy did not want anything to do with this Live one

She was mortified

Crocodile NOT DUNDEE

but Crocodile Dee Dee

tee hee

Show off

Play pen ;)

Spices and more

such eye candy

playtime

Sigh we have to leave

We are off for the ride of a life time…

2009-04-24T13:08:00.028-05:00

To one of the Three Nubian Villages of Elephantine

Island

Enjoy the beautiful sights

Botanic Garden Aswan Egypt

Nubia

More about these youngsters

as we get closer to the Camel Ride

Elephantine Island is the largest of the Aswan area islands, and is one of the most

ancient sites in Egypt, with artifacts dating to predynastic periods. This is

probably due to its location at the first Cataract of the Nile, which provided a

natural boundary between Egypt and Nubia. As an island, it was also easily

defensible. In fact, the ancient town located in the southern part of the island was

also a fortress through much of it's history. At one time, there was a bridge from

the mainland to the island.

Elephantine Island

The Beautiful CLEAR waters of the NILE

History Site

More pictures on the next post

as we go forth on the Camel Journey

MORE BABIES

2009-04-22T13:29:00.007-05:00

Gosh I just went to the grocery and all seemed well.

I had forgotten to get fixings for a quiche to go with the Home Made Leek Soup

and the roast for this evening!

When I got home Poppa Call Duck was acting concerned for his mate…

Needed to get George, the Wonder dog back inside first…

I came back out and saw Momma feverishly looking for her wee ones…

I could hear the peeping for her.

Upon closer inspection her babies were still in the raised bed, she had just gone

out to tell her mate about the kids. They really thought Mom talked WAY TOO

LONG, I am guessing. Once Mom got back into the bed and the nest, they scurried

over to get under wing [not underfoot, hee hee] she has several eggs un -hatched

and will take a few days to hatch any remaining eggs before she takes the family

out for their first walk.

This is why this raised flower bed is not cleaned out…

had to make room for Mom ;)

This time English Call ducks birthed Just TODAY

Whooooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooooo Click here for more Information about these really neat DUCKS! Soon I will get back to Egypt and my One Mile Camel Ride…but this is too precious not to share!

A brief respite as we journey to see our daughters

2009-04-19T19:12:00.003-05:00

Saturday we get news from home that one of our ducks has bestowed upon us

ELEVEN beautiful wee ones.

Her name, the MOM is “LINEN” she is an all white Muscovy Duck [(Cairina

moschata) is a large duck which is native to Mexico, Central and South America. A

small wild population reaches into the US in the lower Rio Grande River basin in

Texas. There also are feral breeding populations in North America in and around

public parks in nearly every state of the USA and in the Canadian provinces; feral

populations also exist in Europe. Although the Muscovy Duck is a tropical bird, it

adapts to icy and snowy conditions down to –12°C (10°F) and below without ill

effects[1].

We have named the Father "Tuxedo", because he is a dapper Black and White

DUDE! Plus he has an even more special place in our lives. He survived a

motorist running over one leg. He hobbles, and is doing well. Tonight we saw

him hobble after his mate to see his new family…

The term "Muscovy" means "from the Moscow region", but these ducks are neither

native there nor were they introduced there before they became known in Western

Europe. It is not quite clear how the term came about; it very likely originated

between 1550 and 1600, but did not become widespread until somewhat later.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscovy_Duck

All Muscovy ducks have long claws on their feet and a wide flat tail. The drake

(male) is about 86 cm long and weighs 4.6-6.8 kg (10-15 lb), while the hen

(female) is much smaller, at 64 cm in length and 2.7-3.6 kg (6-8 lb) in weight;

domesticated males often weigh up to 8 kg (17 lb), and domesticated females up

to 5 kg (10 lb). One male of an Australian breed weighed about 10 kg (20 pounds).

The wild Muscovy Duck is blackish, with large white wing patches. Domesticated

birds may look similar; most are dark brown or black mixed with white,

particularly on the head[2]. Other colors such as lavender or all-white are also

seen. Both sexes have a nude black-and-red or all-red face; the drake also has

pronounced caruncles at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers.

C. moschata ducklings are mostly yellow with buff-brown markings on the tail and

wings. Some domesticated ducklings have a dark head and blue eyes, others a

light brown crown and dark markings on their nape. They are agile and speedy

precocial birds.

The drake has a low breathy call, and the hen a quiet trilling coo.

Here is the best web site telling about these wonderful ducks

http://geocities.com/MUSCOVYDUCKS/

Did you know there was a Muscovy Duck who was in world war-two ?

Here is a picture of the book. This site is totally awesome please check it out….

Next post I hope to end the Egypt tour and head to the Holy Land

Party Night on the Nile

2009-04-16T08:55:00.012-05:00

Our next to last night on the river boat and an Egyptian

Theme dinner, dancing and getting excited about my

Camel Ride in a Nubian Village.

Games

Dancing with the Bartender

Hubby was not one the trip

sigh ;(

Dress up is fun ESPECIALLY when everyone

participated!

The Mummy dressing with Toilet Paper ;)

More dancing

Back to Egypt for a tad longer

2009-04-14T10:09:00.019-05:00

The Temple of Sobek and Haroeris in Kom Ombo (also known simply as Kom

Ombo Temple) dates from about 180 BC during the Ptolemaic era, with additions

made into Roman times. It stands right on the bank of the Nile between Edfu and

Aswan, making it a convenient stop for river cruises.

In ancient times, Kom Ombo stood on an important crossroads between the

caravan route from Nubia and trails from the gold mines in the eastern desert.

During the reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor (180-145 BC), it became a training

depot for African war elephants, which were used to fight the fierce pachyderms

of the Seleucid empire.

The temple at Kom Ombo was also built at this time, under Ptolemy VI. Since this

bend in the Nile was a favored spot for crocodiles to bask in the sun and threaten

locals, it is natural that the temple would be dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile

god. But it is unusual in having a double dedication: it also honors Haroeris, a

form of the falcon-headed god Horus.

The hypostyle halls were added under Ptolemy XIII (51-47 BC); the Roman

emperor Trajan (53-117 AD) added the forecourt and outer enclosure walls.

Today, Kom Ombo is home to many Nubians who were displaced from their

ancestral homes by the rise of Lake Nasser caused by Aswan Dam. Tourism is not

the only industry in Kom Ombo: sugar cane is harvested on the river banks and

there are felucca-building yards here.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing.

2009-04-12T07:22:00.004-05:00

I stood in old Jerusalem, beside the temple there

Happy Easter

It seems fitting and proper for me to jump ahead on my Adventure to this spot. I will return to finish the tour of Egypt then on to the Holy Land. I was there and the feeling for me was good and this song resonated in my mind

and heart.

Mahalia Jackson - The HOLY City

Edfu Part I

2009-04-11T08:15:00.004-05:00

The Temple of Horus at Edfu (Idfu), buggy rides and FUN

PART I

and BEAUTIFUL sunrise

Most visitors to the temple arrive by cruise boat and then take a horse-drawn

carriage to the temple where vendors are ready to sell you all manner of

souvenirs.

Between Aswan and Luxor is located the major Ptolemaic temple of Edfu - the best

preserved major temple in Egypt. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus

and was built over a 180-year period from 237 BC to 57 BC.

Pictures inside the Temple

This is not only the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but the second largest

after Karnak. It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great

battle between Horus and Seth. Hence, the current temple was but the last in a

long series of temples build on this location. It is said that the original structure

housing a statue of Horus was a grass hut built in prehistoric times. At any rate,

there is an earlier and smaller pylon of Ramesses II which sits in a 90 degree angle

to the current building.

More about EDFU

Map of Edfu

Edfu Part ONE

2009-04-10T11:08:00.007-05:00

ummmmmmmmmmmmmm seems I need more PHOTO storage

be back soon

go figure that one

;)

The Temple of Horus at Edfu (Idfu), buggy rides and FUN

2009-04-10T09:23:00.017-05:00

Part TWO

The Temple of Horus at Edfu (Idfu),

buggy rides and FUN

You Tube explanation of this Temple

Touring downtown of Edfu

Life along the Nile

2009-04-09T12:37:00.029-05:00

Along the Banks of the NILE then Back to the River Boat

Good Link of the Vendors Our entertainment for the night was small boat vendors as we head toward Aswan Locks. These vendors would HURL goods up onto the boat and IF you touched it you BOUGHT it…

They continued to follow us until all the Cruise boats were in line to be ready to

pass through the Locks, for us it was @ 2 am, no I slept through that… As we are coming to a close of the Nile Tour there is much to look forward to as

soon we embark for the Holy Land. Picture of the Boat Vendors in the daytime

In reflection of this stint of the trip was totally fabulous and I I feel I learned a lot.

OK PUN intended ;)

Picture of the Locks.

Location of The Aswan Dam in Egypt

HAT CHEAP SUIT

2009-04-08T07:54:00.015-05:00

Our Egyptian Guide OSMAN gave us an easy way to pronounce this Queens name.

Sort of a Mnemonic device… heyya it worked ;)

After the Alabaster shop we were off to see The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut,

ancient Egypt's longest ruling female pharaoh.

Deir el-Bahri (Arabic دير البحري dayr al-baḥrī, literally meaning, "The Northern

Monastery") is a complex of mortuary temples and tombs located on the west

bank of the Nile, opposite the city of Luxor, Egypt.

Hatshepsut was an 18th-dynasty pharaoh who was one of the handfuls of female

rulers in Ancient Egypt. Her reign was the longest of all the female pharaohs, and

her funerary temple still stands as a tribute to her incredible rise to power.

Our tour today has been really harsh areas. Breathing was difficult in the dessert.

I only enjoyed this Temple from a distance…

At that point I had consumed two bottles of water and was well into draining the

third one.

Even having not gone into the temple the surroundings areas I found to be amazing

and without the crowds…

Born in the 15th century BC, Hatshepsut, daughter of Tuthmose I and Aahmes,

both of royal lineage, was the favorite of their three children. When her two

brothers died, she was in the unique position to gain the throne upon the death of

her father. To have a female pharaoh was unprecedented and probably most

definitely unheard of as well. When Tuthmose I passed away, his son by the

commoner Moutnofrit, Tuthmose II, technically ascended the throne. For the few

years of his reign, however, Hatshepsut seems to have held the reins. From

markings on his mummy, archaeologists believe Tuthmose II had a skin disease,

and he died after ruling only three or four years. Hatshepsut, his half sister and

wife, had produced no offspring with him (her daughter Nefrure was most likely

the daughter of her lover Senmut), although he had sired a son through the

commoner Isis. This son, Tuthmose III, was in line for the throne, but due to his

age Hatshepsut was allowed to reign as queen dowager.

Hatshepsut the Woman Who Was King!

Comparison with other female rulers.

More details Hey, Hey, Hatshepsut!!! Cool Song Mummy Reconstruction OH Many Vendors as we again ran the Gauntlet!!! …at the Temple of Hatshepsut Luxor Egypt

Next post on the river again back to the ship… a sunset and MOONLIGHT

After the Valley of the Kings ~ Alabaster

2009-04-07T08:12:00.010-05:00

Then Temple of Queen Hatshepsut,

ancient Egypt's longest ruling female pharaoh

will be the next posting

But FIRST SHOPPING!!!!! The use of alabaster in Egypt dates well back into the Pharaonic period of Egyptian history, and this is very evident when one visits the temples, tombs and museums in Egypt. New pieces of alabaster from ancient Egypt seem to turn up constantly.

The ancient pharaohs used this wonderful material for many purposes, including household items, ritual objects, and for a number of different funerary purposes such as sarcophaguses and canopic equipment. Some of the finest ancient artifacts made from alabaster can be found in the Tutankhamun collection of the Egyptian museum, where we find a variety of different items made from this material.

In Egypt alabaster is found in two places, a few miles behind the Valley of the Kings in Luxor (ancient Thebes) and the Malawi area . Some Alabaster factories in Luxor and Aswan prefer to get their Alabaster material from Malawi because they can use trucks for transportation, but the road to the area behind the Valley of the Kings is not good enough for trucks to transport the stone, so they still use horses or donkey drawn carts. However, each vein of alabaster has its own unique color and characteristic. It is found in nature in bulky, irregular shapes, in different sizes and at variable depths, mixed with other materials like marls or clay which protect the alabaster from other exterior agents.

Tricks about Alabaster

OUR SHOP!!!!!!

Today a Boat ride to The Valley of the Kings

2009-04-06T14:09:00.029-05:00

The Valley of the Kings in Upper Egypt contains many of the tombs of pharaohs

from the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun and Ramesses the Great.

The Valley Of The Kings is the royal necropolis known in ancient times as "the

Place Of Truth." It is located on the Western Bank with the Mountain Of Thebes

providing a natural pyramid in the background. Very few of the tombs are open to

the public and the ones that are open are only open on a rotating annual basis to

avoid extensive damage from the frequent tourist viewing and restoration work to

be done. The tombs were hune out of solid limestone and flint rock.

Not all tombs are open and officials occasionally close particular tombs for

restoration. The style of the tombs did undergo changes throughout the New

Kingdom and one should try to see examples from the span of 500 years that the

Valley was in use.

The tomb of Tuthmose III is at the far end of the East Valley and is one of the

earliest in the Valley. Its burial chamber is in the shape of a cartouche (oval-

shaped) and its inscriptions are interspersed with stick figures. The climb up the

modern metal staircase outside and then the descent into the tomb will give you a

very good physical workout - but it's worth it!

King TUTankhamun

Horemheb's tomb shows a transition through to the Ramesside-style of tombs.

Just a little further down the main path is the tomb of Ramesses III. While in a

state of ruin deep within (the burial chamber is off limits), it is definitely worth a

visit and one of the small side chambers contains the famous paintings of two

blind harpists.

Ramesses VI's tomb has a magnificent burial chamber in which lie the broken

remains of the large stone sarcophagus. Along the length of the chamber's ceiling

are two images of the sky goddess Nut which depict both the swallowing and

rebirth of the sun disc. Adjacent to Ramesses VI's tomb is that of Tutankhamun

Moonlight at the The Temple of Luxor

2009-04-05T08:35:00.011-05:00

The night sightseeing was amazing needless to say.

The moon has a special meaning to me while I am far

from my Sweetie…he will understand. ;)

Today just pictures and Links to the History of this temple. Temple of Luxor

The Egyptians oppressed under the Persian rule, welcomed Alexander the Great with open arms when he entered the country in 332 B.C. While there he visited the Oracle of Amon, at Siwa, where he was declared "the son of Amon." Exactly how this happened is unclear. One story is that either upon entering or exiting the temple he was greeted by the priest as "my son." Alexander's army and followers were not in a strategic position to see the priest and thought the words came from the god himself. However it happened, from that point on Alexander was instated as a son of god, like the pharaohs of old. Alexander initiated the building of Alexandria, but never lived to see the city. He left Egypt in 331 B.C. and left Cleomenes of Naukratis in charge of the territory. This position was later claimed by Ptolemy. When Alexander died, Ptolemy's generals divided the kingdom.

Temple of Luxor - The great pylon of Ramses II

Temple of Luxor - The great court of Ramses II

Temple of Luxor - The mosque of Sufi Shaykh Yusuf Abu al-Hajjaj

Pylon and colonnade of Amonhotep III.

Temple of Luxor - Court of Amonhotep III

Temple of Luxor - Hypostyle hall

Temple of Luxor - Alexander the Great's Chapel

Temple of Luxor - Holy of Holies - Sanctuary

Egyptian perfumery in Luxor/Tea time on Sun Deck

2009-04-03T14:05:00.005-05:00

The weather in Egypt was WONDERFUL. Having some time to sit with friends was

a wonderful treat.

We toured the Essence Place then in the evening we were ready to see

The Temple of Luxor

But first ~ we compared notes about the perfumes we now safe horde in our

suitcases.

Al Fayed's Perfumes Palace & Handicraft Glass. This is the famous Fayed family

now resident in London and owner of Harrods. His son Dodi, died with Diana in

the Paris car crash. The manager of the house sat us down and offered all a drink.

The refreshments were followed by a well-rehearsed comedy routine that

incorporated many of the essential oils and their uses. Many famous perfumes

derive from these plant and flower extracts.

After dinner we were treated to the Luxor Temple at night. The statues and columns are impressive during the daylight but are so much more dramatic when lit at night. The entrance has only one of the original obelisks in front as the other was given to the French residing in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The French had so much trouble moving it that they did not accept any additional obelisks as gifts! I liked the two colossal statues of Ramses II (The Great) and the wall detail of Alexander the Great becoming Pharaoh.

Next Post NIGHT TIME at Luxor Temple

Karnak in Thebes

2009-04-01T19:28:00.023-05:00

There is just so much History.

Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt is the world's largest religious structure and one of the oldest. Knowing I was going to Karnak made me remember Johnny Carson and his Karnak the Magnificent skits. While the real Karnak was not a comedic sketch it was Fabulous. For those who might remember CARSON here is a Skit! Carnac the Magnificent was a role played by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and later continued on Late Show with David Letterman, occasionally by Paul Shaffer. One of Carson's most well known characters, Carnac was a psychic with a large elaborate turban and a plethora of envelopes, all of which (according to Ed McMahon) were "hermetically sealed" and had been kept in "a mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnalls' porch since noon" that day. On the way to his desk after arriving on stage Carnac would invariably trip and fall. (On one memorable occasion, Carson's desk had been replaced with a balsa-wood version and he smashed right through it.)

Also here is another SPOT from this temple!

Refer to post: NEW TOY

on the SPOT

The temple of Karnak was known as Ipet-isut (Most select of places) by the ancient Egyptians. It is a city of temples built over 2000 years and dedicated to the Theben triad of Amun, Mut and Khonsu.

I found this piece of information quite interesting: The great temple at the heart of Karnak is so big, St Peter's, Milan and Notre Dame Cathedrals could be lost within its walls.

All Egyptian temples had a sacred lake, Karnak's is the largest. It was used during festivals when images of the gods would sail across it on golden barges. Karnak was also the home of a flock of geese dedicated to Amun.

Modern Luxor

More information on this LINK!

Sacred Lake Every Egyptian temple had a sacred lake, and the one at Karnak Temple was the largest. Used daily by the priests for purification, the sacred lake was also used in festivals during which images of the gods would travel across the lake in boats. The lake measures 130 x 77 meters and was surrounded by storerooms and homes of the priests.

Near the Sacred Lake was a Scarab Statue. If you walked around it X number of times it would, WELL take a look at this UTUBE site and it will be Clearer. The Sacred Scarab Statue

Karnak Part 1

with information Our Guide Osman, while not in this video was just as knowledgeable, but OUR OSMAN ROCKED! Tomorrow The Temple of Luxor

Getting ready to cruise the Nile

2009-03-31T07:40:00.015-05:00

The EVER AWESOME BLUE BUS Crew, Osman [in the black top], “Rambo” in a suit. Judi and I were “protecting “Rambo” HA HA! We met some really wonderful people!

Our floating Home the H.S. Radamis I Movenpick Mövenpick Radamis I offer a full sightseeing program in the company of an expert guide. The ancient city of Thebes offers the great temples of Luxor and Karnak on the East Bank of Luxor, while the West Bank is the site of the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queen. After sailing through the Nile lock at Esna there is a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and then Kom Ombo Temple. Aswan, in the heart of Nubian is home to the beautiful island temple of Philae and in stark contrast, the High Dam, a modern engineering feat that offers a stunning view of Lake Nasser. The Unfinished Obelisk still lies in its quarry, but had it be completed it would have been the tallest ever produced. Enjoy this beautiful region of Egypt by sailing the Nile in a traditional felucca, the ideal way to observe the abundance of flora and fauna. Seeing our new home for the first time.

WOW, what a place. Egypt is so different and the allure of the history is ever present. We were very fortunate in having for an entire week a guide that made history come alive. Granted I am into history, the prior post is surely a testament to that. Osman [a native to Luxor, Egypt] gave us so much history that most of it leaked out…

Being able to remember snippets helped as I am still pouring over articles and sites here state side. Lilli commented upon my propensity for the history and I am truly guilty there, but I full well know she was being kind. I suppose researching for me helps to instill the knowledge further into my memory banks.

So speaking of BANKS, let’s begin to enjoy the NILE!

Views from the Sun Deck of the boat of the City of Luxor

Spring time in Egypt

Arrival in Luxor

While not our ship this will give you a look at what we saw. Luxor is a truly beautiful city. Even the airport was good-looking.

As promised Giza PLUS cartouches

2009-03-29T13:43:00.020-05:00

Make your own name into Hieroglyphics

Click on the above link

In 1799 a French Officer at Fort Julien in el-Rashid in Egypt uncovered a granite rock carved with three scripts: hieroglyphs, popular Egyptian, and ancient Greek. The slab was the key to deciphering hieroglyphs - later it was called the Rosetta Stone after a local town. Scholars examining this stone called the oval enclosures "cartouches" from the French for the paper rolls or cartridges used to hold the powder for muskets, since the enclosures resembled these rolls.

A cartouche is an ancient Egyptian design, first known as a shen. The shen or cartouche, dating back some 5,000 years, is a hieroglyphic rope looped and tied at the bottom, forming a closed circle. The encircling rope symbolizes eternity with no beginning or end, often enclosing a sun, indicating the king’s rule over the cosmos. The shen is seen in many ancient Egyptian artifacts, often grasped in the talons of various avian gods, hovering protectively over a ruling king.

Around the close of the 3rd Dynasty, (circa 2575 BC) Huni used a cartouche to enclose his sovereign name. Over time the cartouche became vertically elongated to hold the cuneiform glyphs of longer royal names. A double-cartouche was sometimes used to display the royal name alongside the given, or birth name. Egyptians believed that writing down a name was important, or the soul risked being lost after death. This might explain why the cartouche appears on many royal sarcophagi.

The cartouche was such a powerful symbol that Tuthmosis III (1504 BC - 1450 BC) dictated his entire burial chamber, as discovered in the Valley of the Kings, be cartouche-shaped, along with his sarcophagus. Temple inscriptions from the Greco-Roman Period also show the cartouche holding names of gods, such as Osiris and Isis.

Today anyone can enjoy the royal blessing of a custom cartouche with his or her name in hieroglyphics. A cartouche can hang from a necklace, bracelet, or can be purchased as earrings. Custom cartouches come in many styles in both gold and silver.

Needless to say the females in our family now have one, although they have not received them YET!

Among the major tourist sites, there is only one considered to be “The major” and on top of any list - The Pyramids of Giza. Our Security Guard “Rambo” such a nice gentleman as well as our key through many security checkpoints!

There are three main Pyramids here, which were built in the 4th Dynasty (circa 4650 B.C). The Pyramids of Ancient Egypt were built as tombs for Kings (and Queens), and it was the exclusive privilege to have a Pyramid tomb. However, this tradition only applied in the Old and Middle Kingdoms. Today there are more than 93 Pyramids in Egypt; the most famous ones are those at Giza.

The outer covering of this pyramid was originally very pure white limestone which would have shone like gold in the sun. It was robbed away for use in building the modern city of Cairo in the Middle Ages. The white limestone coating is preserved only on the top of Chefren’s (Kafre's) pyramid.

Going into the inside

http://www.egyptologyonline.com/giza_plateau.htm

The Giza necropolis, situated in the immediate vicinity of the southwestern suburbs of modern Cairo is probably one of the most famous ancient sites in the world.

Yup we were REALLY there!

Many pictures of a really awesome place.

Giza after a sandstorm wow!

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a statue of a reclining lion with a human head that stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile, near modern-day Cairo, in Egypt. It is the largest monolith statue in the world, standing 73.5 m (241 ft) long, 6 m (20 ft) wide, and 20 m (65 ft) high. It is the oldest known monumental sculpture, and is commonly believed to have been built by ancient Egyptians in the third millennium BCE.[1] The Great Sphinx faces due east and houses a small temple between its paws.

Solar Boat In a pit by the Great Pyramid, archaeologists discovered a boat made of cedar wood, 142 feet long and 20 feet wide. After being built, the boat was dismantled into 1224 pieces and buried. The individual boards were not put together by nails or pegs, but holes in the boards allowed the boards to be sewn together with rope. This was a very effective method since wood expands when it is placed in water. In many cases, boats were buried on all four sides of the pyramids. They were probably intended for the pharaoh to be able to sail in any direction from the pyramid. You can see that museum in the next picture, the white building. Sadly there was no time to see this.

Khafra or Khafre (Greek Χεφρήν, Chephren) *ḫāʕaf-riʕu) was an Egyptian pharaoh of the Fourth dynasty, who had his capital at Memphis. According to some authors he was the son and successor of Khufu, but it is more commonly accepted that Djedefra was Khufu's successor and Khafra was Djedefra's. Khafra's two chief wives were Queen Meresankh III whose mastaba tomb is located at Giza and Queen Khamaerernebty I who was the mother of his successor, Menkaura.

Related Websites

The Pyramids Survey at Giza (Waseda University) Investigation of the pyramids and Sphinx using scientific technology to avoid any destruction to the site.

Excavations at Giza (University of Chicago, Oriental Institute) A report on Mark Lehner's excavations in Areas A, B and C, with site diagrams and pictures.

History of Giza (NOVA Online) A concise description of the history and construction of the pyramids.

Pyramids of Ancient Egypt (Tour Egypt) A good general description and chronology of the pyramids, with nice pictures and diagrams, as well as links to specific information about the pyramids of Cheops (Khufu), Chephren (Khafre) and the pyramid complex of Menkaure.

Giza Introduction (Egyptian Monuments) Good overview of Giza with links to more information regarding the pyramids, tombs, Sphinx and solar boat museum, illustrated with great pictures.

The Pyramids and Temples of Gizeh (Sir Flinders Petrie) An electronic version of this book recounting the most significant survey ever conducted of the Giza plateau.

Pyramids and Environs (Bluffton College) A collection of photos with descriptions with links to an Egypt index which includes photos of the Sphinx, the Valley Temple of Khafre and the funerary boat.

Cairo , Traffic, Lunch with Giza in the background

2009-03-28T07:54:00.011-05:00

Egyptian Museum

Inside the Museum when cameras were Allowed!

Cairo (Arabic: القاهرة transliteration: al-Qāhira), which means "the triumphant", is the capital and largest city in Egypt and Africa. It is the most populous metropolitan area in Egypt and is also one of the most populous in the world. It is the Arab World's largest [3] and Africa's most populous city.[4] While Al-Qahirah is the official name of the city, in Egyptian Arabic it is called by the dialect's name for the country, Masr (Egypt's first Arab capital, Fustat, was known as Misr al-Fustat, "City of the Tents").

Cairo was founded by the Fatimid caliphs as a royal enclosure. It replaced Fustat as the seat of the government. It later came under the Mamluks, was ruled by the Ottomans 1517 to 1798, and briefly occupied by Napoleon. Muhammad Ali of Egypt made Cairo the capital of his independent empire from 1805 to 1882, after which the British took control of it until Egypt attained independence in 1922.

More INFORMATION here!

Transportation in Cairo comprises an extensive road network, rail system, subway system and maritime services. Cairo is the centre of almost the entire Egyptian transportation network

Smoked Fish was awesome

So was the Lamb, yummers my favorite

A No rules place to drive YIKES! Pita bread fresh was awesome with the amazing hummus

What glorious smells wafted through the air

Relaxing with friends

Cairo Streets

Before I take you to Giza and the Pyramids I felt it worthwhile to share the TRAFFIC experience of the largest city in Africa, it is home to at least 18million people. Red lights did not necessarily mean "stop" or even "slow". Cars flooded through red lights with horns blaring to warn anyone who might consider getting in the way. Some of the horns must be equipped with on-off switches that were locked in the "on" position.

New Toy for the trip ~ Or How to TRACK from anywhere…

2009-03-27T08:09:00.009-05:00

First Stop Myrtle Beach, a brief PRE Vacation, HA HA

Hello out there!

Now for some TRACKS… tee hee

Way KEWL

See Spot, see Spot RUN SPOT Satellite Messenger and Personal Tracker… Hubby wanted this for his trips for Bear hunting and Fishing in areas that satellite Phones do not work. So I was the Official TESTER. IT WORKS whoooooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooooo With Spot Satellite Messenger you can send a message for help or tell family members, friends or the emergency responders where to find you using GPS accuracy regardless of cellular coverage. Help is just a push button away! SPOT’s message and tracking functions enable users to send messages to friends, family or emergency responders, based upon varying levels of need and to visually track the location of the SPOT Satellite Messenger: "Alert 911" button dispatches emergency responders to an exact location Ask for "Help" button sends a request for help to friends and family "Check In" button lets your contacts know where you are and that you are okay So this is the Image from the Hotel from Cairo… Enjoy Google Earth Totally awesome

What a trip

2009-03-26T14:58:00.010-05:00

Where to begin?

Gosh that is difficult, but bare with me!

I ONLY took 972 pictures…

I suppose recounting the trip is almost as exciting as having been there.

First stop Cairo, Egypt, Pyramids Park Intercontinental hotel Cairo. The Hotel

We were all so very tired from the flight.

Sleep was not difficult and the body so enjoyed being able to stretch out full

length…

We left from Myrtle Beach, S.C. at 7:15 a.m. arrived in Cairo at 9:10 the next day

Egypt Time!

Next post Mondy Bazaar and Giza and the horrendous traffic…

Mondy Bazaar was the first bazaar opened in the pyramid area, it has been open

since 1982 but the history of this bazaar doesn't start at that time. The history of

this bazaar started in the twenties when the grandfather of Mr. Mondy opened his

first bazaar in the center of Cairo and started to contact with tourists and learned

how to give the best quality and the best work. Then came Mr. Mondy's father who

opened his own shop near the Islamic monuments, which was the most popular

place for tourists at that time and he took his father's experience and developed

his own goods and shop. Then came Mr. Mondy who learned from his grandfather

and his father the secrets of how to make the customer comfortable and how to

make the best work and quality. After quite some time he saw that there were no

bazaars near the pyramid area, so he started to open the biggest bazaar in this

area and called it by his name so no one forgets it "Mondy Bazaar". And he started

to use the 60 years of experience from his father and grandfather, till he became

the most famous salesman in Egypt, and his shop went to be the first shop to make

a good Cartouche.

In Stillness there lies beauty

2009-02-20T08:55:00.003-05:00

I have not blogged much lately and I will not be able to until I return from a trip.

So see you all early April!

Awesome moon

2009-02-09T09:35:00.005-05:00

This was the moon last evening to say the least breath taking.

According to the information below we shall not be in the best location for the Eclipse. DUSKY LUNAR ECLIPSE: On Monday, Feb. 9th, the full Moon will pass through the outskirts of Earth's shadow, producing a penumbral lunar eclipse. The event will be visible to the naked eye as a dusky shading of the northern half of the Moon. Maximum eclipse occurs between the hours of 1400 and 1520 UT (6:00 am - 7:20 am PST). The timing favors observers in east Asia, Australia, Hawaii and western parts of North America. Visit http://spaceweather.com for a visibility map, animations, and more information.

Tracking 101

2009-02-04T08:29:00.007-05:00

Sweetie and I went out for a weekend experience with the Master Naturalist program.

We were involved with how to discern animal tracking.

The snow for certain help.

So here ar home, where we KNOW what critters abound, we learn to look and with that learn more.

This one was a GIVEN...

The critter that made the tracks is picture # 2 on this post.

TUNA the cat ;)

She walked with me, for sure wondering what in the world I was doing!

Deer

Nope it did not follow me ;)

Wisp of a wing impression from a bird taking off

Small bird tracks, might have been the same bird, but then this was around the bird feeder.

This is for you Sweetie

2009-02-03T19:45:00.003-05:00

Leaving On A Jet Plane - Peter, Paul and Mary

BUT you know I will be back… "Leaving on a Jet Plane" is a song written by John Denver in 1967 during a layover at an airport in Washington and recorded by the Mitchell Trio that year. The original title of the song was "Oh Babe I Hate To Go" but Denver's then producer, Milt Okun, convinced him to change the title. Denver wrote the song after his flight was delayed. Other artists recorded the song in 1967, including Spanky & Our Gang and Peter, Paul and Mary on Album 1700. It did not become a hit until Peter, Paul and Mary released it as a single in 1969. It turned out to be their biggest (and final) hit, becoming their only #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song also spent three weeks atop the easy listening chart.

More with the new camera SOON ;)

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-01T18:13:00.003-05:00

Let’s go Pittsburg Steelers!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

HALFTIME: Steelers 17, Cardinals 7

Tense second half BUT

FINAL: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23

The second half was uglier, BUT I learned a new word Alacrity… That is a plus

Snap, Crackle, Crunch [pop]

2009-01-29T10:21:00.014-05:00

I walked outside today and heard the snapping and crackling under my feet this OLD Commercial popped [hee hee] into my mind.

Snap-crackle-pop---old-rice-krispies-commercial

So beautiful outside

Just imagine

2009-01-27T20:03:00.009-05:00

Snow outside, but this day and all of these flowers it was SPRING!

The beginning prep Line the concrete container with plastic, as the H2O would otherwise leak out

mine after the first flowers, Hydrangeas

My finished product

Are the flowers not beautiful?

It was wonderful with the sunlight streaming in and the smells of SPRING were TOTALLY in that room

Hee hee Hydrangeas with no BUGS wonderful

Puppiness

2009-01-21T10:03:00.015-05:00

Hoar- Frost

2009-01-19T15:06:00.006-05:00

With the sub zero temperature here there was no doubt the high probability of seeing Hoar frost.

I wanted to take more pictures, but it was toooooooooooooooooooooo cold. I would aim at the object then my glasses would fog up and I couldn’t see what I was aiming at, HA. Then I would take the glasses off, but first had to take off my gloves, then by the time I was ready to AIM my hands were too numb to click. HA

This day the low was minus 4, not sure what it was with the wind chill factor But Tell ya what it was mighty cold. The HIGH this day was a BALMY PLUS 9

Oh well ;)

Hoar-frost first turns up in written English in 1290 as hore frost. Strictly speaking, hoar-frost is the kind of frost that turns everything it forms upon white or gray. Due to the fact that hair turns gray with age, things that are white or gray are often associated with old age and this is the original sense of hoar. Old English har and Old High German her both meant "old" or, as a secondary meaning, "venerable, august". According to Dictionary.com, the Online Etymology Dictionary says the word 'hoar', as it pertains to frost, "It is recorded in O.E. (hoar-frost is c.1290), expressing the resemblance of the white feathers of frost to an old man's beard." The word itself came from the Proto-Germanic (P.Gmc) word har meaning "grey, venerable, old". The Germans still retain this word in the form of Herr, which is a title of respect.

Under clear frosty nights in winter soft ice crystals might form on vegetation or any object that has been chilled below freezing point by radiation cooling. This deposit of ice crystals is known as hoar frost and may sometimes be so thick that it might look like snow. The interlocking ice crystals become attached to branches of trees, leafs, hedgerows and grass blades and are one of the most prominent features of a typical 'winter wonderland' day. However, the fine 'feathers', 'needles' and 'spines' might also be found on any other object that is exposed to supersaturated air below freezing temperature.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

2009-01-16T10:44:00.005-05:00

With the Wind Chill Factor is is

MINUS 13 here as of 9 am

Today’s Musings…

2009-01-11T18:19:00.002-05:00

This morning I looked at one of my Calendars

A silly one for the ‘Morning’ Room…

It is about supposed Country sayings,

1. If you want to compliment a cook, you might want to say…

Boy! That tasted like more!

Makes sense.

2. With the election behind us, this one made me chuckle:

CONGRESS ~

Getting’ a politician to do somethin’ good for our country is like tryin’

to poke a cat out from under the porch with a rope….

TEE HEE

One Last Game

2009-01-07T08:21:00.003-05:00

Yes indeed the College Bowl Games will end on Thursday with

Oklahoma vs. Florida.

Big deal ya say?

Well maybe…ya see here we have done a “Bowl” Pick for several years.

The people that choose to play simply pick their teams and submit them to the Head Counter.

This year I passed this arduous mantle to my Sweetie.

Next step is simple $5 per person, winner takes all.

In case of a tie etc it is divided.

I have won this at least once in past years.

Winning is not the most essential item for me.

Seeing how others picked, seeing the win/loss teeter- totter is even more interesting.

Speculation… [At least on my part of - “what if this team wins and this person …]

blah blah.

We are in a semi dead heat this year.

John and I [At this point] are neck and neck with John sporting 19 wins and I with 20. Thursday if John wins, he and I tie.

Frankly a tie is how I wish it to end.

It is not about the “winning” rights, it is about respect of ALL the people that

played…

For sure it is not about the Big Bucks either…

FUN; time possibly to sit in front of the TV with others in your family to watch some terrific football.

As for me I am still trying to learn what Football is all about.

So if I tie John, then it proves to ME, I am beginning to understand SOME aspects of the game…

Well Maybe ;)

Thursdays Moon

2009-01-02T08:57:00.007-05:00

Thursday night we saw the moon – which is now a waxing crescent – shines to the upper left of Venus. To the lower right of the moon and Venus, you might be able to catch the planets Jupiter and Mercury near the horizon some 45 to 60 minutes after sunset.

Cute little bud of a nose ;) http://www.earthsky.org/skywatching/moon-near-venus-the-upside-down-world

Soon outside lights will be a memory ;(

For Friday check out:

Quadrantid meteors before dawn on January 3, 4

Moon and Venus ~~ New Years Eve sky

2009-01-01T12:02:00.002-05:00

My Sweetie and I sat last evening and enjoyed this

lovely site.

The two brightest celestial bodies after the sun – the waxing crescent moon and the planet Venus – pair up together this New Year’s Eve. You’ll see them in your southwest sky at dusk and early evening. The attractive evening couple will set about 4 hours after sunset.

Thursday night we hope to see; the moon – which is now a waxing crescent – shines to the upper left of Venus. To the lower right of the moon and Venus, you might be able to catch the planets Jupiter and Mercury near the horizon some 45 to 60 minutes after sunset.

http://www.earthsky.org/skywatching/

Here we GO ~ New Years Eve Day

2009-01-01T08:45:00.004-05:00

Falcor looks out the “Morning Room” Window

Resolutions!

Ummmmmmmmmmmmm

Much to ponder

This year… Ummmmmmmmmmmm

What makes Christmas?

2008-12-27T19:56:00.008-05:00

Heck that is easy KIDS NO Matter the AGE …

While only 2 of the 4 here this year for Christmas…the Fun prevails

DO NOT TOUCH EACH Other SIT ON YOUR HANDS! Lord they dinna listen then Good thing it was FUN Kids are great no matter the age!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T10:33:00.003-05:00

SIGH

2008-12-21T09:05:00.006-05:00

Tiz been a time since I blogged… but that’s ok.

It is the season of busy things
Good busy
Enjoyable busy
Today I shall add personal thoughts to the already addressed Christmas cards.
Hard to believe I actually started this project Thanksgiving weekend.
But then making seven different cookies to share plus the Chocolate Microwave

Cake to give out did take time. I am not complaining I have enjoyed it all.

All of the gifts are wrapped, tee hee I speak about the ones that are wrap able.

More snickering

The traditional OFFICE PARTY is over, man I had a great time.
The College Bowl games have begun and all bets have been placed.
I usually spear head this venture, but this year I yielded to my Sweetie to be the
HEAD Bean Counter.
Time to kick back and listen to Christmas music…

Mannheim Steamroller - ‘Joy To The World’ How Mannheim Steamroller got its name: Chip Davis decided to call his band "Mannheim Steamroller," an amusing, "colloquial joke name" for an 18th-century musical technique known as the "Mannheim crescendo." The orchestral crescendo was pioneered by Johann Stamitz and the Mannheim Orchestra. The Mannheim sound built intensity by adding layers of sound, color, texture, other instruments—and, especially, volume. To Davis, it was like a steamroller. Hence, the name. I want to tell the WORLD my Sister in law totally ROCKS!

She sure surprised me with this fabulous gift! YUP I got to see Mannheim in concert…WOW and days after WOW Life is GOOD! The shopping she and I did was FAB as well, tee hee

This weekend

2008-12-14T19:53:00.018-05:00

Check out the classroom

Some time ago a Person donated these animals to WVU. The Long Horn was an aside as the story goes…still one awesome animal for sure.

Did you hear that? We are not forgotten…we continue to TEACH! Did you catch that odor? Ummmmmmmm wonder what it is, be back soon I am going to check it out.

UMM think it is dinner, let’s GO

Check my eyelashes, do they not look attractive?

DANG there is some dead bug on me ewwie!

Hold still I will Get it HONK HONK

My eyes are lovely don’t you agree?

ICK my tongue feels ODD…tastes like dirty socks yuk

Heyya It looks like my antlers are CLAPPING, Totally KEWL

MOOVING to be sure

Let’s see the dimensions for curtains should be about this wide

WINK WINK

I ROCK!

Wonderful information… I learned lots…and even felt good I knew lots! Always a good thing…

Learning is Wonderful.
So far all 4 session have been fabulous… people in their fields sharing their knowledge is SUPER! Topic this session was Wildlife Habitat Improvement William N. Grafton

He is the gentleman on the plaid shirt. Extension Specialist and Associate Professor

He was our Instructor. William N. Grafton, son of a West Virginia logger, was born in Fayette County, W.Va., November 20, 1938. He attended West Virginia University (WVU), earning a B.S. in forestry and wildlife management. After serving with the U.S. Army, he earned a M.S. in forest management at WVU.

Mr. Grafton then joined the WVU Extension Service as a forestry specialist in Beckley, W.Va.; later serving as director for an 11-county area in southern West Virginia. He worked closely with forest and wood industries, concentrating on forest fire prevention and helping produce “Time Is Running Out,” an award-winning film on fire prevention.

While in Beckley, he discovered the location in West Virginia of the endangered plant, “running buffalo clover.” He has become a recognized authority on the flora of West Virginia, especially in the New River Gorge area.

Throughout his Extension career, Mr. Grafton has given of his time to promote forest management education to all citizens in the state. He has been a major contributor to youth education in West Virginia, helping to organize the Youth Science Camp in Wyoming and Raleigh Counties. He has been an annual instructor at the Forest Industries Camp for high school students. Since his return to Morgantown as a wildlife specialist in the 1980s, he has worked extensively on deer herd management. He has worked with farmers, foresters and politicians, trying to find reasonable and sustainable recommendations on deer herd management in West Virginia.

Mr. Grafton has held leadership positions with the Society of American Foresters, and has been recognized by many organizations for his contributions to forest management in West Virginia. In 1993, he was enshrined as an honorary member of the West Virginia FFA. In 1994, he was honored with a faculty award by Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honors Society for Agriculture.

He has been an officer and leader in the Nature Conservancy, which promotes the protection of unique ecological sites. He has also been an officer and leader in the West Virginia Plant Society. For over 20 years, he has been a forest management instructor at the Conservation Education Camp for teachers in Webster County. He also provides information and organizational input for a similar camp held each summer at Blackwater Falls State Park.

"The bluebird carries the sky on his back." -Henry David Thoreau journal

We built bluebird houses

Sound Song a rich warbling whistle broken into short phrases: "Tu-wheet-tudu." Also a dry chatter. »listen to songs of this species

From the Love of my Life

2008-12-10T09:50:00.003-05:00

Hand/Homemade Gifts

2008-12-06T17:23:00.008-05:00

For years I have made THINGS for people that are in our lives in a non family way.

This all started when I was a kid...

The mail carrier

We live in a small town, so 6 more for all the workers at the Post Office, yup even

the cleaner upper person.
The garage mechanic, the sanitation workers
The people that I purchase gasoline from
My Florist and her staff
Friends at a couple of place I do business on a regular basis
Used to give to the children’s bus drivers…

Not money, NOPE, stuff made from hand/or by Hand

Cookies, all kinds

Soup in a jar already to add liquid…enuff for a family

Remember the Constant Comet TEA?

Spiced Tea Mix

One year I made all sorts of spices, all grown from our garden.

Another time canned veggies, like when we had a GLUT of green beans or applesauce

Still want to do infused vinegars and oils with the herbs etc from the garden,

maybe next year…Do have the bottles, bought 6 years ago on SALE

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO

Hot Cocoa Mix

Everyone will love sipping on this rich hot chocolate!

For a hot cocoa twist, try different flavored coffee creamer.
5 cups powdered milk

2 cups powdered coffee creamer

1 1/2 cups cocoa powder, sifted *

3 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar miniature marshmallows, optional

1. With a wire whisk, thoroughly mix dry ingredients together.

Stir in marshmallows.

Divide mix into containers.

2. Attach instructions to jar:

To use, fill mug one third full of cocoa mix and then stir in hot water.
* For a richer, darker cocoa mix, use Dutch cocoa.

Yields: 11 cups cocoa mix

Shades of Cub Scout days for sure!

This year something a tad different.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

1 Coffee Mug

4 tablespoons flour(that's plain flour, not self-rising)

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) some nuts (optional)

Small splash of vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.

Add the egg and mixthoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT!

(this can serve 2 if you want to share!)

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?

Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the

day or night!

December the ONTH!

2008-12-01T14:00:00.020-05:00

The Popover recipe re configured…what a bust that was!

However the Apple Pies were YUMMY

With Thanksgiving just barely over we head to the BIG ONE.

Our Thanksgiving was fabulous.

What could be more enjoyable than having family together?

Hectic, sure is BUT man the fun HECTIC makes...

puts a spring in my step to be sure.

Food smells permeated the home, homemade ice cream,

Joe’s Green beans, Sweet Potato Goodness, special YUMMM there,

gravy and dressing; store bought frozen turkey.

Still love to watch the cranberries POP…such fun in the kitchen for sure.

The ICE CREAM MAKER of ALL TIMES!

Christmas Goose is in the freezer, NO not one of ours…

Old but a tried and true recipe

Perfect Ice Cream making causes a STIR at our HOME

The Store Bought Turkey

The tree has been picked out, now to ready the PROPER location in the home. Ah the smell of fresh pine…

HEAVE HO

Lovely LIVE Bird!

Slate preforming in front of the dogs

Gentle touches

Home Sweet Home

NOW

Time to get the inside decorated and begin to surreptitiously drag out from hiding places gifts to be wrapped.

Almost Turkey Day

2008-11-26T08:19:00.005-05:00

OR Turkey day is for the BIRDS? HA HA

Slowly the SIMMER begins. YUP the excitement of having the kids home, smells wafting upwards. Checking the grocery list thrice…

Turkey will go in the oven tonight. Tomorrow morning before the kids arrive, the wondrous smells that evokes memories in us all. I bet the smells will drive the PUPS BONKERS.

WOW, come to think of it, this is Lily and Houses first Thanksgiving.

Jazz is finally settling down to a life with a real family…wonder if she will sense the difference, the excitement? Dear George, our elder dog, will be content to lie in the middle of any room where food MIGHT drop to the floor, while pools of drool surround his paws.

Amidst all of this, my car is ill…SIGH! By noon I will know why THAT light is on as well as if my muffler has a hole in it. I will be STUCK at the mechanics place until the verdict is pronounced.

The bummer about that is: people no longer are allowed to watch what they do to your car. Insurance, accidents etc have disallowed curious arm chair mechanics like I to learn. I do not like that! It’s not like I am going to open a shop of my own up! Geesh Louise!

Memories of less hectic times, YA memories of childhood… Dad taking me with him, while he hung out with his buddies that were mechanics. Looking back it was probably a treat from his weekly routine… Ummmmmmm ya think I was bugging Mom so I had to go with DAD? Probably likely actually… Those were great times…I really was no problem, that I RECALL! I did learn more than I thought…

So instead of being impatient this morning, I will TRY to sneak a look to see what they are doing to my car. As well as amending the grocery list. Let’s see, 1. Diet Coke 2. Root Beer 3. Snacks for the WVU Football game Saturday 4. Fresh flowers for the girls rooms 5. LIFE IS GOOD! AND YES dear daughters, the Pepperoni Rolls are freshly out of the oven awaiting your arrival. The Home Made Ice cream is forthcoming as well! LIFE IS GOOD!

Excitement reigns

2008-11-23T19:45:00.004-05:00

The first of Christmas GOODIES have been ordered…

The barn is decorated…the temptation is great to turn the lights on…BUT I shall wait…until after Thanksgiving

Tomorrow begin the turkey thaw, HA sounds like a weird dance…

Refrigerator Thawing: Thaw breast side up, in unopened wrapper, on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow for at least 1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey.

GADS I need a diaper for the bird SIGH

How do you diaper a 24# boid? HA very carefully I bet

20 to 24 pounds

5 to 6 days

QUIZ

And I thought I was ahead????????????????? LOL

SIGH soon the kids will be here, now I am sorry but it cannot get better than that!

~~~~~~~~~

THEN we all go out to PICK the perfect Tree LIFE IS GOOD!