Two Blogs of Note

On this first freeze of the season here in Texas, I am so glad that we do not have the weather these folks are experiencing. Check out the posts in which they have days without electricity. Thankfully they have 2 fireplaces!


In another part of the world, our troops are lacking basic necessities such as soap and toothpaste. May I suggest we provide them with a few gifts this holiday season. Most only want a letter of support.

Bet our shoe-loving Condaleeza and our administration are not wanting this season.

The Smithsonian Institute

In my previous post Junkasaurus Wrecks, I neglected to offer this tidbit of info. Shockingly, Garrett Wilkinson's whimsical creations made from discarded materials have appeared at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. and in several magazines, movies, and television programs.

I knew about the publicity of minor media but THE SMITHSONIAN!?! Wow.

Anybody Ever Heard of Albert, Texas?

This place is trying to become another Luckenbach . I don't go out to clubs anymore but a pretty Saturday drive for good music and a cold one might be fun.

Has anyone been to Albert?

Dried Bois d'arc Apple Slices

This is the photo of dried Bois d'arc fruit from Aug 1995 Texas Highways. The caption states:

"When sliced and dried in a warm oven, the bois d'arc fruit yields surprisingly colorful "flowers" like those shown at left." The article states, in reference to artisans: "They cut slices from the ball and place them in an oven on low heat. The slices soon curl into "petals" of different colors. The hues develop from the chemicals in the fruit reacting to the heat."

As mentioned in my previous post, I have never been able to get these vibrant colors. If anyone has had such luck, please share the recipe!

Bois d'arc Trees

The Bois d'arc tree is facinating. Also known as an Osage Orange, Horse Apple, and Hedgeapple, the wood of the Bois d'arc was highly prized by the Osage Indians of Arkansas and Missouri for bows. In fact, Bois d'arc wood is stronger than oak and is considered by archers to be one of the finest native North American woods for bows. It was (and is still) also used as a yellow-orange dye and insect repellent.

Before the invention of barbed wire, farmers hedged the trees for fencing as the bark contains thorns.

Commerce, Texas (the only "wet" city within a hundred mile radius of the area - for you non-Texans, that means they sell alcohol)claims to be the Bois d'arc Capital of Texas and holds an annual festival, as does Bonham, Texas and a few other locations throughout the country.

The wood is supposed to last a lifetime and for that reason it has historically been used as fence posts. Although the tree is not common in this part of the state (Hill Country) it is prevelant in North East Texas.

Last year, I decided to grow some of these trees from the seeds of the apples. It worked. I now have at least 10 one- gallon-sized trees.

I have a Bois d'arc bench that is awesome. The wood was initially a beautiful autumn orange color but is now a gray color. It sits out under an oak tree taking abuse from Longhorns and is no worse for the wear.

My brother has carved several walking sticks that have retained that beautiful fall color.

An August, 1995 edition of Texas Highways published an article about the Bois d'arc. There was a picture of sliced apples that were reddish in color. The article stated that the apples would turn "colorful" when dried in a warm oven but did not go into detail. I could not get the slices to turn red but they did dry a neat green.

I gave some of the apples to a friend that managed a local florist and they used them in wreaths. The fruit is great for decorations but has a very sticky white sap when cut. During a search, I discovered that Martha Stewart recommended them for decorating, as well. (Martha I ain't).

Texas A&M is studing the role of the Bois d'arc in treatment of Alzheimers and other diseases.

This site has pictures of the tree and fruit and here is a plethora of info.

Texas Tuesdays

A new venture in my posts: beginning today, every Tuesday I will post about Texas - trivia, little known facts, recipes, jokes, native plants, news, you name it! Thus, today's Texas Tuesday:

Years back I discovered Susie's South Forty Texas Pecan Toffee.

Coated in powdered sugar, this stuff is better than rain in August. Susie now has a number of delicious treats but the toffee remains my favorite. When a friend of mine in Midland was ill, I had the opportunity to visit Susie's shop. It is a great shop with party supplies, gift baskets, but the sampling opportunity.... The little ladies that run the place dole out sample upon sample. My girlfriend and I would go there considering it lunch. The toffee is freezable so a big box will last awhile. Check er out.

Junkasarus Wrecks

Last night was a wild time. We loaded up with friends to haul Junkasaurus Wrecks to Johnson City for the Christmas parade. (Our friends' grandfather made him from old auto parts and the ugly contraption is a staple in Bertram).

T, K & I rode under his belly doing the queen wave. The kids really love the dinosaur!

Afterward we all went to eat at The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant in Round Mountain operated by Katrina displaced folks that definitely know what they're doing! Worth the drive.

Hobbies

Many folks have interesting hobbies. I can't say that I have ever had a real hobby because seeing results of my labor is important to me; therefore it is WORK.

In Googling for a particular home improvement/repair, I ran across this little gem of a site! Guess there's a hobby for everyone.

Amosky Family Farm

A few years ago, I read about this family of 4 that lived in a tent and grew fresh-cut flowers for markets such as Central Market. Evidently they are doing well in their endeavors and I am so envious of their accomplishments! See, I want my farm to be turnkey overnight! But, I have no helpers. Check out their site and perhaps visit them. I plan to do so.

Thankfully, it's Family Time Again

Oh boy, Thanksgiving day is fast approaching. Not being much of a family person, I am thankful for a day involving a gluttonous quiet lunch followed with lying around and munching all day long. But that's not happening this year.

This year, I am obligated to attend lunch with my husband's family. They are a simple-minded, eccentric group consisting of two sisters, a brother and Mother-in-Law (Hubby's twin brother and his family will not be in attendance). Hubby can be quirky in an entertaining sort of way, but the in-laws take the prize for odd.

First there's K., she is late 40-ish and, if she were not Baptist, should have joined a convent. She has never even been on a date and is extremely naive in her views. Despite being shy, I have heard her speak a few times in the past 16 years and would think she was 12 years of age if she didn't have a full-faced beard that she shaves. Poor thing promised Granddaddy on his death bed that she would take care of Grandmother. She spent 30 some odd years doing just that and I commend her sacrifice. Granny passed last year at 98 years after having one leg, then another foot removed due to diabetes; she was a cool, feisty person.

Next is M. in his early 50's. He is the biggest user ever and I can't say anything nice (sorry to my Mother, I have to say something). He has lived with Mother-in-Law all of his life. Never married or accomplished anything that I know of. While he has worked for part of his life, his money is spent on himself and not rent or food. I've heard him complain that "Mom has not gone to the grocery store and we're out of food and Dr. Pepper."

Then there is 50-ish B. She was previously married but now lives with Mother-in-Law, too. She dislikes me due to suggesting that Hospice be called when Grandmother was on her death bed. She was being paid by Mother-in-Law to take care of Granny during the day while K. was at work and thought I was suggesting that she be replaced, thus not paid.

I'll just mention Hubby's twin brother. They are fraternal twins. Hubby is a clean-cut former Air Force man and his twin is a high school drop out covered in tattoos and earrings. MIL took care of twin's daughter (from his first marriage) from age 2 until she graduated and moved out recently. Twin never paid child support and the mother was MIA all these years.

MIL is the sweetest MIL one could have. She has never been a butt-in-er and is a soft-spoken lady. Although since Granny died, she has been an outspoken advocate for Hubby and I to be saved and accept religion into our lives. (That's another story for another time). She is the main eccentric of the bunch. The first time she met my parents, we went out to eat. She was in the back seat of parent's Town Car with Hubby and I. Parent turned around under a valet parking carport and she began to yell. Turns out she has a fear of garages, carports, bridges, underpasses - goodnight - she scared us but good. Later I discovered that she cannot tolerate riding in the back seat - gets car sick and phobic. Oh well, harmless enough. Hubby also told me that she cannot enter an airport due to fear of who knows what. (This was before Homeland Security torture tactics). She enables these losers to mooch off of her and wouldn't dream of having it any other way. Whenever she need something such as home repairs, Hubby is the one she turns to for help.

They'll spend a thousand dollars on something unneeded: a pool table, above-ground pool, etc., but Hubby must drop everything to drive 200 miles to paint their house, tend the yard.... You get the point.

Hubby, the baby, accepted said Thanksgiving invitation and told MIL, "NoMasCorporate said to tell B. not to smoke while she cooks." Relaying my conversation with him that the food always tastes terrible because B. dangles a fag from her mouth while cooking holiday meals - yuck, yuck and super yuck. I could have killed him and may yet!

So, dear readers, here's wishing you a tasty meal this holiday season and may your family behave themselves.

FOOTNOTE:
This post was cleaned-up for "Bestest Blog" so I will let you know, dear readers, that B. did indeed have a full ashtray in the kitchen and chain smoked the house to hell. For some reason Hubby tolerates this although he has never smoked and hates it.

Simple-Minded Thoughts

There are those of us who tend to over-analyze everything; there are those who see things at face value.

In preparing my somewhat "mean-streaked" Thanksgiving post for later, I have recollections of earlier years in my life.

In college, I had the priviledge of working with mentally handicapped persons. My first employment in this field was astonishing. The private facility housed 300 and I attached myself to a few of the residents.

One was a physically handicapped guy in his late teens. He was paralized when his parents had a car accident. They dropped him off and never visited him again. His mind was sharp and he shared many tormential feelings of being trapped in a chair, having "retards" to converse with and knowing that he would probably never have a girlfriend and in fact would probably never leave this facility.

Another resident at this facility was probably a savant. Having been brain damaged by forceps at birth, his grandparents attempted to raise him until he set fire to the barn. He spoke very rapidly and could name all of the presidents, their wives and years of tenure - all in about 60 seconds! Awesome.

Both of these guys had parents that took settlement money and called it quits on them. (I don't think judges were very vigilant in monitoring guardianship monies back then).

Later I went to work at a group home with 6 ladies with various degrees of simple-mindedness. Two stand out.

Little Mary was a very petite person. Her hands were toddler-size. Having been born with a severe case of Downs Syndrome to an unwed mother in the 60's, she was placed in a state hospital until adopted in her teens. The sickos that adopted her also sexually abused her. Despite that, perhaps she didn't even realize what had happened, she was so funny. One of her favorite lines in response to minor accidents on the part of others, "That's good for you." Mary went to my home for holidays many times.

Sandy was raised on a farm. Always smiling and happy, after her parents got on in age, she was placed in this least restrictive environment. Girl could grow anything and had many profusely growing Aloe Vera plants that she emptied used coffee grounds into - her "secret" ingredient.

So, on this day before Thanksgiving, I give thanks for having had these folks in my life and for my over-analyzing.

More Horses (Foals/Babies) Need To Be Rescued

I received this email from another animal lover friend. Although I do not know the first thing about horses, perhaps y'all can spread the word.

Winter has come early in Alberta—and that’s bad news for the mares and foals living on PMU ranches there. No longer needed for the production of hormone replacement therapy drugs, these equines need a place to go, and fast.

Because there is not enough grass to leave the animals on pasture, several of the PMU ranchers have decided to wean their foals at the end of the month. Any foals who have not been adopted by November 30, 2006, will be sent to auction—and an uncertain fate.

The California-based Animali Farm is working hard to find good adoptive homes for the more than 100 foals and mares facing the November 30 deadline. If you can give one of these equines a second chance, or if you would like additional information, please visit Animali Farm online
or email animali@aol.com. You can also call them directly at (805) 938-0174.

If you cannot adopt a horse, please forward this email to all of your horse friends. The only way to get these babies adopted is to get the word out to enough people, and we need your help to do it.
Thank you so much for caring.

Organic or Not?

I like to think that some of the things put into my body are healthy for me. Ya know, organic milk with my morning coffee. Now it seems organic is not necessarily what we think that it is.

Dean Foods (sells milk under the Horizon label as well as Bordon, Land-o-Lakes, Hershey etc.) has admitted to shareholders that they use non-organically raised replacement heifers. (See this report ). So what we get for the extra cost is milk that has not been exposed to non-organic feed and antibiotics for a measly 90 days.

While I do not subscribe to fanatical intentions (nor do I suggest that the following group is fanatical), it seems we need a group such as the Cornucopia Institute to monitor "organic" agri-corporations and attempt to keep the USDA in check.

Guess my milk and butter aren't so healthy after all.

Bananas Foster

My favorite cool-weather dessert was invented by chef Paul Blangé in 1951 when he was working with Brennan's in New Orleans. I would be thankful to have this Thanksgiving, but alas my Thanksgiving Day story will unfold later:

Ingredients:

- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup banana liqueur
- 4 bananas, cut in half lengthwise, then halved
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream

Directions:
Combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a flambé pan or skillet.
Place the pan over low heat either on an alcohol burner or on top of the stove, and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
Stir in the banana liqueur, then place the bananas in the pan.
When the banana sections soften and begin to brown, carefully add the rum.
Continue to cook the sauce until the rum is hot, then tip the pan slightly to ignite the rum.
When the flames subside, lift the bananas out of the pan and place four pieces over each portion of ice cream.
Generously spoon warm sauce over the top of the ice cream and serve immediately.

Note: I like to add pecans on top.

The Brothel

The madam opened the brothel door to see a rather dignified, well-dressed good looking man in his late 40s or early 50s.

"May I help you?" she asked."

I want to see Natalie," the man replied.

"Sir, Natalie is one of our most expensive ladies. Perhaps you would prefer someone else," said the madam.

"No. I must see Natalie," was the man's reply.

Just then, Natalie appeared and announced to the man that she charged $1,000 a visit. Without hesitation, the man pulled out ten one-hundred dollar bills, gave them to Natalie, and they went upstairs. After an hour, the man calmly left.

The next night, the same man appeared again, demanding to see Natalie. Natalie explained that no one had ever come back two nights in a row--too expensive--and there were no discounts. The price was still $1,000. Again the man pulled out the money, gave it to Natalie and they went upstairs. After an hour, he left.

The following night the man was there again. Everyone was astounded that he had come for the third consecutive night, but he paid Natalie and they went upstairs.

After their session, Natalie questioned the man."No one has ever used me three nights in a row. Where are you from?"

The man replied, "South Carolina."

"Really" she said. "I have family in South Carolina."

"I know," the man said. "Your father died and I am your sister's attorney. She asked me to give you your $3,000 inheritance."

The moral of the story is that three things in life are certain:
1. Death
2. Taxes
3. Being screwed by a lawyer.

Hesitance

Caring about living beings becomes difficult after so many losses. Love and loss has a tendency to harden the heart. In my younger years, people seemed invincible. Of course there was the heart break but somehow I was resilient to that younger love loss. The newness of feelings allowed me to dive right into the emotional mosh pit - over and over again. My emotional availability has eroded. No longer can I cry over the loss of a loved one and I find myself guarded in my caring. Being terrified yet craving closeness is a torture unto itself.

Many friends/babies that I really loved have stepped out of my life via moving, dislocating, or dying. Recently, a new acquaintance initiated friendship. I emotionally ran and have practically avoided her. Avoiding spending time with Hubby is easy enough; he doesn't desire my company and I have given up offering it. About 7 years ago, I thought I was very emotionally open; yet I recall being told by someone that I would not let down my wall.

My little Ceri, lying beside me now, adores me and I cannot fully reciprocate. This summer, I had rescued a Meezer (Siamese) kitty that I named Lucy. I was enamoured by her. After 9 weeks, she was killed in a golf cart accident. A few weeks later, Hubby brought me Ceri kitty. I just could not let myself love her for the longest time. Now, while I do care about her, my feelings are limited and my heart hurts for it.

With each love lost the heart loves less and takes longer to grow. I have forgotten how to love!

Check out Steve's Post

Steve brings up a good point.

Horse Rescue Organization Needs Help

This evening's post is a serious one. Hopeful Haven Equine Rescue Organization (HHERO) in Shreveport Louisiana needs a new home. Evidently, rabid racism and ignorance has closed this non-profit farm. Please, dear readers, take a look at THE POST of 11/13/06.

Another One from Bill (on Rednecks)

I was in Fyffe, Alabama last year. After the show, I went to a Waffle House. I'm not proud of it, I was hungry. And I'm eating, I'm alone and I'm reading a book, right? Waitress walks over to me:
"Hey, what you readin' for?"

Is that like the weirdest f-ing question you've ever heard? Not what am I reading, but what am I reading … for.

"Well, damn it, you stumped me. Why do I read? Hm … I guess I read for a lot of reasons, and the main one is … so I don't end up being a f-ing waffle waitress."

But then, this trucker in the next booth gets up, stands over me and goes:

"Well, looks like we got ourselves a reader."

"What the going on here? It's not like I walked into a Klan rally in a Boy George outfit, damn it. It's a book!"

Rattlesnake Rednecks

I have been meaning to post regarding a story that was relayed to me recently. In addition, Hammer mentioned "Rattlesnake Bite Jokes." Both of these topics have me thinking of rednecks, so here goes:

A local hairdresser recently told me about her husband's escapade with a rattlesnake. He and cousin Junior were just driving down the road when "oh me gosh thars a snake in the road."

"Hit it, hit it."

"Alright, man."

"Hurry, turn around. Let's get em."

"Right here, pull over."

The fool picked up the run over snake and it bit him. (I would have PAID to see that). Hell, what's a rattlesnake bite to one on a mission: gettin that there skin. No insurance carrying fool later, the hairdresser and her husband are $25,000+ in debt and he has been unable to work for weeks. But, hey man, they have a neat snake skin to show for it. Idiot rednecks.

A redneck bonus (favs copied from Here) :

You might be a redneck, if
One wall of your home is a tarp
You’ve ever bought steel-toed boots, only to remove the steel to patch a hole in your trailer
You’ve ever had a family feud over a litter of coondogs
You use a handful of creek mud as birth control
You’ve ever had to wipe your butt with a shower curtain
You’ve ever broken a pair of toenail clippers
Your brother died in a deer stand-making contest
You’ve ever lost money in a bet involving a ceiling fan
Your wallpaper is insulation and 2x4’s
You’ve ever corrected your child with a beer can
You’ve ever drove a 4-wheeler through Wal-Mart
You’ve ever delivered a baby with grill utensils
You got put in jail because of your first kiss
You’ve ever slicked your hair back with fish guts
You’ve ever put a coupon for Shake N’ Bake in the offertory plate
You’ve ever played a prank using real diarrhea
You’ve ever washed your kids in a water fountain
You’ve ever spent your birthday at the Laundromat
Your momma’s belt buckle says Hetero-Pride
You’ve ever lost your index finger in a hoedown
You’ve ever licked the freezer burn off of the unwrapped hindquarter of a deer due to a game of truth or dare
You’ve ever been the sole cause for a mosh pit to disperse
Your wedding dress was actually a pee stained bed sheet
You’ve ever freshened your breath with Lysol
You’ve ever used hairspray as deodorant
You’ve ever made chili so hot that you could see the fabric of time (I’m guilty of this!!)
You bought pantyhose from a convenience store to cover your face just before you robbed it
You’ve ever shaved with a cheese grater
You’ve ever made emergency anniversary earrings for your wife out of fishing lures
You think DNA stands for Don’t Never Again
You've ever pierced an ear with a rattlesnake tooth and a jackhammer
You’ve ever driven a car with 4 temporary spare tires on it
You’ve ever flossed a tooth clean out of socket
The hit counter on your website says –1
You think a 401K is an assault rifle
Your sister uses a feed sack as a sanitary napkin
You’ve ever used a sanitary napkin at the dinner table
You’ve ever cleaned a loaded gun
You’ve ever snorted cocaine through a rolled up food stamp
You’ve ever spent your WIC check at a titty bar
You’ve ever driven 30 miles out of the way for a one-cent per gallon discount on unleaded
You have your coondog’s name tattooed on your butt cheek
Your internet provider keeps his servers in dog houses behind his singlewide
You never could get your parents’ names right because there were so many of them
You had 7 kids with the girl you said you wouldn’t kiss if she were the last woman on earth
Your high school allowed firearms on premise (and mine had two smoking patios)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And you really might be a redneck if you capture baby rattlesnakes in an old coffee can and release them at the neighbor's property line.

Actor Jack Palance Dies

Jack Palance died yesterday. Being a fan of classics, I saw a few of his movies over the years. Yet, the one thing I remember about him is Bill Hicks' joking rant:

I'm so sick of arming the world and then sending troops over to destroy the fucking arms, you know what I mean? We keep arming these little countries, then we go and blow the shit out of them. We're like the bullies of the world, you know. We're like Jack Palance in the movie Shane, throwing the pistol at the sheep herder's feet:

"Pick it up."

"I don't wanna pick it up mister, you'll shoot me."

"Pick up the gun."

"Mister, I don't want no trouble, huh. I just came down town here to get some hard rock candy for my kids, some gingham for my wife. I don't even know what gingham is, but she goes through about 10 rolls a week of that stuff. I ain't looking for no trouble, mister."

"Pick up the gun." Boom, boom.

"You all saw him. He had a gun."

Bill was a genious and Jack wasn't bad himself.

The Eye of an Ass

Back in June of this year, my donkey developed a corner eye ulcer. Despite using a couple of environmentally friendly fly repellents on the farm, I discerned she had a bite.

One really good repellent is The Fly Bag. Containing a fly pheromone, these things get very ripe after about a week. You've never smelt anything quite this bad - you'll actually gag if you get downwind of it. It could end or start a war. And, as flies love nasty crap, they adore this stuff, climb into it and die. Once the bag is full of flies, you toss it. (I let them dry out where they hang cause I ain't putting that stuff in my trash can - NASTY.) I've often thought that if someone ever pissed me off enough, I'd pour this on their porch or better yet into the windshield wiper vents of a vehicle. They would never know what had died. Problem is, you'd have to pour the ripe concoction into a transport container and carefully get it to desired destination. Once I spilt some of the dead flies and heady pheromone on my hand - for a good week I was nauseated.

It was time to call out our local veterinarian. Doc Trampus Isom and his wife Dr. Kelli Isom are our new vets. Both in their early 20s, he is at least 6’5” tall, 300 lbs with red hair. Kelli is about 5’5, 120 lbs with blonde hair. They have a sixteen-month-old red headed baby boy that looks like a football player! They are the nicest folks.

Trampus diagnosed carcinoma and opted surgery or an alternative medication Blood Root (aka Black Root, Black Salve, Indian Root). This amazing stuff, dark chocolate in color with a consistency of gritty syrup, was applied to her eye daily for two weeks. A hard leathery scab formed over the ulcer and, magic, after weeks of wrestling a spoiled donkey to medicate the ulcer, it fell off. No mas ulcer!

More PBR Rodeo

Wow, one of my parent's bulls, Jim Dippin, has his photo in USA TODAY

Gracias to Platypus for instructing me on Html. Now I know how to reference sites via name only.

Bad Big Sister

Due to the excitement of election day, I neglected to wish my little brother a Happy 37th Birthday on this blog - so here it is, bro.
Tech note: Blogger has been acting up since last night, so I'll try to post a decent read later. g'day.

Funny Farm Dreams & Lack of Common Sense

Anthony's DeskJob has a link to dream analysis (see his Nov. 6th post). All I get is "unable to analyze your dream" no matter how I describe it. Briefly, the dream I've been having fairly frequently has to do with owning a luxury condo that has a beautiful atrium/sunroom filled with tropical plants, but I rarely go there. Every time I go to this condo my mail is overflowing and there are tons of messages on my voice mail, etc. Maybe I want to be off the farm or I'm headed to the funny farm!? Anyone care to interpret my dream?

Today's Rants:

I'm STILL pissed about Perry's re-election. Although as Keith's Blog relays in today's post, we should be hopeful due to the many firsts of our time during these past elections.

Baby Ceri went for spaying this morning at the vet's office the local animal shelter uses. (Her adoption fee included spaying which is why I took her there instead of to the vet I ordinarily use). I wasn't impressed when I dropped her off. Her appointment was at 8:30 AM and they indicated she might not have surgery until after 1 PM AND that she'd probably have to spend the night. Now for the kicker. I told the woman that Ceri has had all of her vaccinations. She also had on her rabies tag. Now the clinic called to let me know that her surgery is over, that she CAN be picked up today and that they gave her a rabies vaccination! HELLO, idiots - can we say "medical degree no common sense?" I wouldn't be so concerned if the previous rabies vaccination hadn't made her so sick for 2 days - poor baby now has to overcome surgery and fever.

Okay, done. Really I'm thankful that's all I've got to gripe about.

YeeHaw, Get Out The Vote

Depending on the local Burnet Bulletin rag to provide voting information was just too much to expect. Of course, the county residents were provided a list of people arrested during the past week.

Upon moving to the farm, Hubby and I re-registered to vote. Our cards arrived each with a different precinct number. He was able to vote at the local old school house/community center and I had to drive into town to vote.

After calling the county election administrator, I was told that Hubby's card was in error and that we should both be driving into town to vote. What the ____. The schoolhouse is only 3 miles from the farm; yet, we must drive 10 miles to another location.

Guess we will experience the run around again today because goodness knows the election admin's office won't have their crap together. They work so hard manning a couple of elections a year. Why does early voting allow one to vote at the local HEB or other local polling facility but to vote on election day requires persistence and stamina?

On another note, I am in agony over my govenor vote. While I am in support of Kinky, my vote will not count for much against Perry. So I guess I'll have to buck-up and vote for Tough Grandma since she has a better chance of beating Perry. I do not want to pay for more inconclusive special sessions.

Gone CooCoo

Back in 2002, when we were in the process of moving to the farm, I bought a Barred Rock chick in anticipation of having a new farm baby. We were still living in Whiner Ranch (tales of which I will relay at some point) so keeping a chicken wasn't really an option.

She became very tame and would come running up the deck steps to sit on my lap. My little girl also loved gardening with me. For weeks, I had been telling various people that Penny was going to be a movie star due to her smarts.

One eventful afternoon, a couple of nosy residents were walking past my front yard and spotted my chick.

"Oh my, is that a chicken?" (Duh)

"Yes, indeed. I am an animal trainer and am teaching this little girl tricks for a new Disney movie that will be filmed later this year."

Alas, it was a good lie, you must admit. I didn't want to cause a ruckus.

After a few weeks, my husband pitched a fit and I had to give Penny away. I couldn't have selected a better "resort" for her. Carol Ann adores Penny and allows her to run the farm. http://www.boggycreekfarm.com/pages/the-hen-house.php

I now have 2 hens, Winnie and Lila. Winnie is a Barred Rock that isn't quite as friendly anymore. About a month ago, a stray dog came up and hurt her. She survived but acts as if I was the evil culprit. (Hopefully, she will return to hopping onto my lap soon).

Lila hen was a rescue from a neighbor. She was attacking his other hens and he was going to put her down. Winnie doesn't tolerate being bossed and even chases the cats for fun. I love my hens!

Jellin 101

In cleaning out my "favorites," I rediscovered this educational site about the effects of various drug use. Contrary to recent news headlines, this site does not suggest that speed use leads to seeking out homosexual prostitutes. Enjoy! http://www.jellinek.nl/brain/index.html

Judge Payne Recognition - Get Out the KY Vote

FRANKFORT, Ky., Oct. 31, 2006 * Daviess County District Judge David Payne has been honored for his efforts on behalf of Kentucky's foster children. Judge Payne received a Recognition Award at the 19th Volunteer Recognition Banquet, which took place during the 2006 Citizen Foster Care Review Board State Conference (CFCRB) in Louisville Oct. 27-29. Judge Payne was nominated for this award by June D. Bell. Mrs. Bell stated in her nomination: "I believe Judge David Payne deserves this award for the work he does on behalf of the children in this district. He always presents a calm, caring demeanor no matter what the situation or the reason a child may have to appear in his court. He is never belittling toward any child or parent. He is a good listener and his knowledge of the case is proof that he really cares about the outcome and needs of those he is dealing with. He makes it a point to ask for the opinion of the individuals who best understand the needs and concerns of each child. On many occasions you will find him at community activities that are for the benefit of children and families. This proves to me that his is not an 8-4 job and he recognizes these children need the support of the entire community to make changes in their troubled lives."Judge Payne presides over Juvenile Court as part of his duties on the district bench. Juvenile Court cases often involve children who are abused or neglected. As a means of protecting children from abuse or neglect, judges must sometimes order that they be removed from their homes. If there are no suitable family members or friends available to care for these children, foster care is the only other option. When the parent successfully completes counseling or other treatment programs ordered by the court, the child can be returned to the home.The annual CFCRB awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Kentucky's foster children. Award winners are nominated by CFCRB volunteers statewide who submit nominations in the categories of judges, volunteers, staff of the Department for Community Based Services and staff of the Administrative Office of the Courts.More than 800 volunteers serve as members of the Citizen Foster CareReview Board. The Kentucky General Assembly created the CFCRB in 1982 as a way to decrease the time young people spend in foster care. Today there are 141 local boards across the state. In the last year alone, the boards reviewed case files of 8,000 children who were removed from their homes and placed into foster care. The volunteer reviewers help ensure children receive the necessary services while in alternative placement and make every effort to locate permanent homes for them. The CFCRB Conference Committee planned the 2006 banquet and the "Planning for the Future" training conference. The Dependent Children's Services Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Frankfort sponsored the event. The AOC is the administrative arm of the Kentucky Court of Justice and supports the activities of more than 3,500 court system employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks. For more information: Judge David Payne, Daviess District Court, Division 2, Owensboro, KY 270-687-7214 http://www.judgedavidpayne.org/

I know it's election time and politicians are raking our senses with mumbo jumbo; BUT, having known David since 1991, I know that he is a straight-shooter and most likely gives 'em hell there in Kentucky. Go get 'em, David - we are proud of you!
Good luck on re-election.

Election Time

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance."Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.""No problem, just let me in," says the man."Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.""Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator."I'm sorry, but we have our rules."And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St Peter is waiting for him."Now it's time to visit heaven."So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns."Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator."Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning...... Today you voted."