Thinking Back Thursday--World War I Blog

William Henry Bonser Lamin
Born in August 1887 in Awsworth Notts, to Henry and Sarah Lamin. Elder Sisters Catherine (Kate) and Agnes (Annie) and Elder brother John (Jack).

Educated at Awsworth Board School, just outside Ilkeston, Derbyshire, England.

A few weeks ago I came across a unique history blog that shares the letters of a soldier from World War I.

The blog is called World War I: Experiences of an English Soldier, and it is described like this:

This blog is made up of transcripts of Harry Lamin's letters from the first World War. The letters will be posted exactly 90 years after they were written. To find out Harry's fate, follow the blog!

The blog began in July of 2007, with an introduction by the author setting up the premise of the blog:

During his time in the army, he wrote letters home to his brother and sister. They were kept and handed down to me, his grandson.I have transcribed the letters and added commentary so that references can make sense.What has been produced is a moving and poignant account of an ordinary man's experiences in an extraordinary situation.I have edited nothing. The spellings and grammar are exactly as Harry wrote them.The intention of this blog is to publish the letters exactly 90 years after Harry wrote them. His first letter from the training camp was written on February 7th 1917. It will be published on the blog on February 7th 2007.Each letter will appear on the correct date from then on. There are gaps where no letters are available for several weeks. I have no explanations. Maybe they were lost. I have no idea.If you wish to find out Harry's fate then you'll have to access the blog as the new letters arrive. Please feel free to let me know if you are interested in following the blog. There is within, a fascinating insight into the fate of the ordinary soldier in those horrific times.

His grandson Bill Lamin found a collection of letters, and decided to post them on a blog 90 years after they were written. Blog readers are like the family members waiting to hear what has been going on in Henry's life as a WWI soldier.

According to one of the news reports you can watch on the blog, over 20,000 people read the blog each day to find out what is going to happen next.

If you enjoy history, and want a glimpse into the past of what it was like to be a World War I soldier, I suggest visiting this blog and experience a bit of history many of us have only read about.

Wildcard Wednesday--Email Woes

Gr-r-r-r-r!! For some reason, I cannot send or receive from certain email addressess.

I think it has something to do with the snow!

On Sunday, I sent my brother and sister emails, and they were returned from the System Administrator saying it was undeliverable.

My email blog notifications when I get a comment are not coming through either.

And my Google Blog Alerts have quit coming into my inbox as well.

I will need to put in a call to my Internet provider to see about them helping with the situation. I hope they can help. I have this feeling some emails are coming through, and some aren't. And the only way I know if they aren't working is if I send them one and it comes back.

So, let's hope tech support can help tomorrow.

G-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r!

Take a Picture Tuesday--Snow! Snow! Snow!

#117--My Tree--Bowing Down Its' Head

when the trees bow down their heads,The wind is passing by.

- Christina Georgina Rossetti

Media Monday--The Beatles 1

My brother Raymond Pert spent some time at our home this last summer, and realized their was a deep void in our music collection.

We did not have any of The Beatles music in our home music collection.

To rectify this obvious error of our ways, he sent us two albums on cd as a thank you gift for staying here this summer.

One of those albums was The Beatles 1, a collection of the 27 #1 hits of The Beatles.

How could we have survived this long without a Beatles' album?

I have enjoyed their music from the time I was very young. I remember we had one album at our home growing up. It was A Hard Day's Night.

I'm not sure whose album this was, either Raymond Pert's or Inland Empire Girl's.

(I'm pretty sure it wasn't Mom or Dad's album. They were more fans of Ray Conniff, Herb Albert and the Tiajuana Brass, and Roger's and Hammerstein Musicals.)

This album came out a year after I was born, in June of 1964.

Side one included:

"A Hard Day's Night"
"I Should Have Known Better"
"If I Fell"
"I'm Happy Just to Dance with You"
"And I Love Her"
"Tell Me Why"
"Can't Buy Me Love

Side two included:

"Any Time at All"
"I'll Cry Instead"
"Things We Said Today"
"When I Get Home"
"You Can't Do That"
"I'll Be Back"

I'm sure this album is still around somewhere. It is probably still over at Mom's house, unless RP or IEG grabbed it and took it with them to their house.

So I have had The Beatles' music as a part of my life, pretty much since the day I was born, either on an album, or listening to it on the radio. This music transcends time. It was popular in the 60's and early 70's, but is still just as popular today, 40 years later, as it was when the songs were released. There is something special about their sound. It is timeless.

Here is a list of the #1 hits on the The Beatles 1 album.

All songs by Lennon/McCartney, unless otherwise noted.

All songs are in stereo; except 1-3 are in mono.

1. "Love Me Do"
Released in the UK on October 5, 1962, and in the U.S. on April 27, 1964, where it reached #1 in the U.S. for 1 week on May 30. This is the version released in the U.S. with Andy White on drums and Ringo Starr on tambourine.

2. "From Me to You"
Released on April 11, 1963 in the UK and reached #1 on May 2, where it stayed for 7 weeks.

3. "She Loves You"
Released in the UK on August 23, 1963, where it stayed at #1 for 6 weeks, then again on November 28. Released in the U.S. on September 16, 1963, and went to #1 for two weeks on March 21, 1964.

4. "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
Released in the U.S. on December 26, 1963, it reached #1 for 7 weeks between February 1 and March 20, 1964. Released in the UK on November 29, 1963 and stayed at #1 for 5 weeks.

5. "Can't Buy Me Love"
Released on March 20, 1964 in the UK and on March 16, 1964 in the U.S.. The song reached #1 for three weeks in the UK on April 2, 1964. The song went to #1 in the U.S. for 5 weeks on April 4, 1964.

6. "A Hard Day's Night"
The song reached #1 in the UK for 3 weeks on July 23, 1964 and was #1 for 2 weeks in the U.S. on August 1, 1964.

7. "I Feel Fine"
The song stayed at #1 for 5 weeks in the UK starting on December 10, 1964, and reached #1 in the U.S. on December 26, 1964.

8. "Eight Days a Week"
Released on February 15, 1965 in the U.S., where it went to #1 for 2 weeks on March 13, 1965.

9. "Ticket to Ride"
The song, released there on April 9, 1965 in the UK, was #1 for 3 weeks on April 22, 1965. The song was released in the U.S. on April 19, 1965, reaching #1 for 1 week on May 22, 1965.

10. "Help!"
Released on July 23, 1965 in the UK, it reached #1 for 3 weeks on August 5, 1965. In the U.S., it was released on July 19, 1965, reaching #1 for 3 weeks on September 4, 1965.

11. "Yesterday"
The song was released on September 13, 1965 in the U.S., attaining #1 for 4 weeks on October 9, 1965.

12. "Day Tripper"
Released on December 3 in the UK, reaching #1 for 5 weeks on December 16, 1965. A tape drop-out that appears in previous stereo releases of this song has been corrected here.

13. "We Can Work It Out"
Released in the UK on December 3, 1965 and reached #1 for 5 weeks on December 16, 1965. The song was released on December 6, 1965 in the U.S., and reached #1 for 3 weeks on January 8, 1966.

14. "Paperback Writer"
Released on June 10, 1966 in the UK and on May 30, 1966 in the U.S.. The song reached #1 for 2 weeks in the UK on June 23, and for 2 weeks in the U.S. on June 25, 1966.

15. "Yellow Submarine"
The song was released on August 5, 1966 in the UK, where it reached #1 for 4 weeks on August 18.

16. "Eleanor Rigby"
Released on August 5, 1966 in the UK, reaching #1 for 4 weeks on August 18.

17. "Penny Lane"
Released on February 17, 1967 in the UK, and on February 13, 1967 in the U.S.. The song reached #1 in the U.S. on March 18 for 1 week.

18. "All You Need Is Love"
Released on July 7, 1967 in the UK, it reached #1 for 3 weeks on July 19. In the U.S., it attained #1 for 1 week on August 19, 1967.

19. "Hello, Goodbye"
Released on November 24 in the UK, it reached #1 for 7 weeks on December 6, 1967. In the U.S., the song was released on November 27, 1967, and reached #1 for 3 weeks on December 30, 1967.

20. "Lady Madonna"
Released on March 15, 1968 in the UK, reaching #1 for 2 weeks on March 27.

21. "Hey Jude"
Released on August 26, 1968 in the U.S. and on August 30 in the UK. It reached #1 in the UK for 2 weeks on September 11 and was #1 for 9 weeks in the U.S., starting on September 28, 1968.

22. "Get Back "
Released on April 11, 1969 in the UK and on May 5, 1969 in the U. S.. It reached #1 in the UK for 6 weeks on April 23, and in the U.S. for 5 weeks on May 24, 1969.

23. "The Ballad of John and Yoko"
Released in the UK on May 30, 1969 reaching #1 for 3 weeks on June 11.

24. "Something" (George Harrison)
Released on October 31, 1969 in the UK, and on October 6 in the U.S. It reached #1 for 1 week in the U.S. on November 29, 1969.

25. "Come Together"
Released on October 31, 1969 in the UK, and on October 6 in the U.S.. It reached #1 in the U.S. on November 29, and stayed there for 1 week.

26."Let It Be"

Released on March 6, 1970 in the UK, and on March 11, 1970 in the U, S., reaching #1 for 2 weeks on April 11, 1970.

27. "The Long and Winding Road"
Released in the U.S. on May 11, 1970 and reached #1 for 2 weeks on June 13, 1970. This version has the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn. Produced by Phil Spector, it is the only track not produced by George Martin.

#116--My Tree--Covered in Ice and Snow

When the ice is covered with snow, I do not suspect the wealth under my feet;

that there is as good as a mine under me wherever I go.

How many pickerel are poised on easy fin fathoms below the loaded wain!

The revolution of the seasons must be a curious phenomenon to them.

At length the sun and wind brush aside their curtain, and they see the heavens again.

- Henry David Thoreau

Sacred Sunday--The One Year Bible

One of the things that has been lacking in my life for quite some time was my early morning Bible reading. I do good for a while, then it seems as if something happens and I get out of my routine.

Last month, the Pastor at our church ordered enough The One Year Bible books so everyone in our church could have one and read it every day.

It is set up to read a portion of the Old Testament, a portion of the New Testament, a portion of Psalms and a portion of Proverbs each day. I love how it is divided up, and the amount of reading is just perfect.

It is in the New Living Translation, which makes it very easy to read, and very understandable. (which helps because I am usually reading this between 5 and 5:30 a.m. in the morning.)

Often I don't want the story to stop. Last week I was going through the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, and often I didn't want the story to end, because I knew I had to wait until the next day to continue the story. (Yes, I realize I could have read ahead, but I like reading each day the scripture made for that day.)

They also have one verse in bold that you are encouraged to either memorize or meditate on throughout the day.

Today the verse in bold was this comforting verse from Psalms 23:1:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

I so enjoy the imagery in this entire portion of Scripture. I like to picture Jesus sitting beside me as a lay down and rest in a green meadow, with a calm stream flowing not far away. After I am rested, he gently takes my arm and leads me along the paths that are the least dangerous. And, even if I do stray and I head into a dark valley, I will not be afraid because I know He is still there holding onto my arm and guiding me through this dark place. As I look into His face, His face is full of love. In response to His love, I will choose to spend the rest of my life with Him, and will live in the house of the Lord forever.

#115--My Tree--The North Wind's Masonry

Come see the north wind’s masonry.

Out of an unseen quarry evermore

Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer

Curves his white bastions with projected roof

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sibling Saturday--We Got You Again Dad!!

This week's Sibling Assignment was posed to us by Inland Empire Girl. IEG's is here, and RP's is here.

Here is this week's assignment:

" Many say what is lacking with families today is that time sitting together at the dinner table discussing the events of the day. Here is your topic: Think of a memorable time our whole family was gathered at a dinner table and your reflections on that memory."

To me one of the funniest conversations around our dinner table happened when I was in late elementary school and junior high, and my brother and sister would return home from college on either Christmas break or Spring break, and Mom, my sister and I, and sometimes my brother would get in an exciting conversation about some special people in our lives. But Dad never quite clued into who we were talking about. The conversation would go something like this:

The Family Dinner Table

Starring:

Dad: A man in his mid to late forties. He is a blue collar worker at the Zinc Plant.

Mom: A woman in her mid to late forties. She teaches second grade at a local grade school.

RP: The oldest, and only son. He is a student at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington.

IEG: The oldest daughter, and middle child. She is a student at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.

SVG: The youngest child in the family. A student in the seventh grade at Kellogg Junior High School.

The setting: A kitchen in the house at 516 W. Cameron Ave., Kellogg, Idaho. The family is sitting around the dinner table, enjoying a meal of homemade chili and freshly baked cinnamon rolls. RP and IEG are home from college on Christmas break. The family is catching up on news from the last few months.

The conversation could have been something like this.

IEG: Wasn't that sad about Tad being thrown out of the car by his dad? What a horrible father he has.

SVG: Well, he was just getting used to being with Jeff and Mary, but then she died after those creeps invaded her house. It was so sad, her being pregnant and all. But I didn't think it was ever going to end. Wasn't she up in that attic forever!! After she died, along with her unborn baby, Jeff was devistated so Ruth and Joe decided to take Thad in.

Mom: Yes, then his father did show back up, and wanted to sell him to the Martins for $15,000.

RP: Yeah, and could you believe it when he came back after they refused and he raped Ruth.

Mom: Well, she did press charges, so now he is off to jail.

IEG: And can you believe Erica finally got her clutches in Phil, the love of her life?

Mom: But it didn't last long. After they were married she got pregnant, but miscarried, and had a nervous breakdown.

SVG: Yeah, then her and Phil divorced and she started having an affair with her mom Mona's best friend Nick. Yuck!! He is way too old for her.

IEG: And what about the song he sang in his nightclub? "Summer Me...Winter Me..."

IEG and SVG burst out laughing.

Dad: Who in the world are you talking about?

SVG: Oh Dad, we're just getting caught up on what has been happening on All My Children.

Dad: Oh for Christ's sake. (rolls his eyes, goes into the living room, opens a can of Heidelberg, and sits down to watch "The Wide World of Sports".)

IEG, SVG and RP again burst out laughing.

This scenario was repeated many different times, and could have included not only All My Children, but also General Hospital or One Life To Live.

(A Few Years Later)

SVG: Hey Dad, did you hear about how Luke raped Laura in the Disco in Port Charles, and Herb Albert's song "Rise" was playing? "Do..do..do..do..do.do......(hums tune to song)

Dad: What? Oh very funny. You and your stupid soap operas. I'm going to Dick's!!

Family Friday--Rad 80's Dances

The Princess had her friends Luke and Tim over to watch some movies, and Z2 had her friend Claire over.

They all took a break from movie watching to come up and eat some dinner, which was the delicious Clam Chowder my sister IEG recently shared the recipe for on her blog here. Oh, the soup is SO GOOD!! Thanks again for sharing it IEG!!

We had a wonderful time sitting around the table with these kids talking, laughing and sharing stories. Teens often get a bad rap for being uncommunicative, disrespectful and rude. But I enjoyed spending time with these kids tonight, and having them in our home. My girls have wonderful friends, and I love it when they come over and hang out.

After dinner, The Princess got on the computer to show us Totally Rad Dances With Dancin' Kim on You Tube. Dancin' Kim shows how to do five different "popular" dances from the 80's.

Here is Dancin' Kim helping us all learn Michael Jackson's Thriller dance, here.

Dancin' Kim also teaches The Robot, here, The Cabbage Patch here, How to Dance Like The Go Go's, here, and Poppin and Lockin here.

Below, the kids are trying to be Dancin' Kim's Rad Friends.

Now, if you have stuck with this journey back to the 80's so far, I have another treat for you!! Below is a video The Princess made the other night some of her friends.

Because Girl's Just Want to Have Fun....Even Tim!!

Thinking Back Thursday--The Kellogg YMCA

Raymond Pert recently took this picture of the old Kellogg YMCA.

Different conversations I have been having recently have reminded me of some of the activities I was involved in at the Kellogg YMCA.

Many kids in Kellogg have memories playing basketball in the YMCA gym. But I'm not sure any of my YMCA memories involve that sport.

Here are some things I remember:

I took a tumbling class in the gym after school in my later grade school years. We learned how to do flips on the trampoline, do some tumbling on the mats, maybe we even did something on the horse, and the balance beam. Maybe we were all Nadia Komenich want to be's. I'm not sure. But I think I had a fun time.

The Y had a swimming pool down in the basement, a stuffy, chlorine-smelling, humid, sauna-like pool. You would travel through the gym and go to this door in the far corner and open up the door, and descend down into the basement to the pool.

When you entered the Y, there was a desk where you either showed your Y card that showed you were a member, or you paid a fee. They also sold candy at the front desk. I remember buying red rope licorice. Once you were paid up, or showed your card, they would press a button that would allow you to go through a swinging half door.

There were places in the Y that kind of scared me as a young girl. Like the stairs that headed down into the basement. I think I always thought creepy men lived down there, perhaps because sometimes they were hanging around upstairs. I have no idea what the story was on the rooms or the men, but that was my perception as a young girl.

In high school, I remember our church youth group would meet with other youth groups in the valley for volleyball or other activities.

Yes, I have memories, but I feel mine pale in comparison to many kids in the valley. Some kids lived at the Y, playing basketball, and the Y probably saved more than one kid.

It is sad seeing the building now. All boarded up, and gutted. It is probably going to become a condo or something. Who knows?

Anyone have a Kellogg YMCA story to share?

Wildcard Wednesday--Sherman Avenue...Winner of the Worst Winter Road Award

I didn't realize I was going to make this award, but after driving through Coeur d'Alene yesterday, Sherman Avenue has received the first annual Winter of 2008 Worst Winter Road Award.

Yesterday I had a meeting at North Idaho College, and got into Coeur d'Alene a little early, so I decided to drive through downtown Coeur d'Alene. Bad idea.

The road was snow packed and icy all the way, with a large snow berm down the center of the road.

The worst part was driving along, not fast at all, with my rig in four wheel drive, and, as I was approaching an intersection the light turned red. As I put on my brakes, I didn't stop, and went sailing through the intersection. Thank goodness everyone around was being cautious. (I really didn't need to have another wreck this season.)

So I creeped down Sherman Avenue, wondering the whole time why the main street through downtown Coeur d'Alene was so poorly maintained during this hard, hard winter we are experiencing?

Last Friday I drove to Spokane and none of the roads were as bad.

On Monday, I drove to Desmet, and none of the roads were as bad.

Even Kellogg has maintained their frequently traveled roads better than the frequently traveled Sherman Avenue. (Now our subdivision roads, that is a whole other story, but it isn't frequently traveled, so it doesn't count.)

So, hats off to you, Sherman Avenue. I'm not sure you are proud of the distinction, but it is yours none the less.

Congratulations!!

Take a Picture Tuesday--YBL Champs

Kiki Aru's team, the Jags, won the 5th-6th grade Youth Basketball League Championship recently. These girls, and one boy, have been playing together since 4th grade, and now also play on an AAU team together. It has been a remarkable transformation over the years to see them learn plays, shoot the ball, realize what defense means, and they are all learning to love basketball. The light is slowing beginning to come on as they realize what to do on the basketball court. Good Job, Jags!!

Media Monday--Boston Legal Season One

PKR and I have been enjoying revisiting the first season of Boston Legal with the DVD's we got for Christmas.

This is a very well written show, which borders on being very naughty at times, but it can go from being hilarious one minute, and very serious about a social issue the next minute.

William Shatner plays Denny Crane, one of the partners in the law firm of Crane, Poole and Schmidt, and Boston law firm. James Spader plays Alan Shore, who made it to this law firm because he had been a character on The Practice, and this is an spin off of that show.

It is fun to revisit the first season, and see how Denny and Alan's relationship began, and how they have changed over the years. We still enjoy watching Boston Legal today, now in its fourth season.

Over the years, you can really tell some of the issues that writer David E. Kelley believes to be important. And I have been educated and informed more than once about different issues I was completely unaware these things were happening in the U.S. and around the world.

We even have watched a few episodes we don't remember seeing, so that has been a pleasant surprise. What an enjoyable show!

Sacred Sunday--Victories Through the 21 Day Fast

Tonight our church family gathered to share the victories that happened during the last 21 days. As I mentioned last week, some of our church members were participating in a 21 day Daniel Fast.

What an encouraging time it was to sit and listen to the wonderful things God did in our midst. People were healed, miracles happened, and lives were transformed.

One couple wept as they shared how God healed the baby growing inside SF. They had gone to the doctor and didn't get a good report, so they came forward for prayer te following Sunday, and SF felt Jesus was standing before her. A week later, they had an appointment with a genetisist, and this doctor wondered why they were even there because the baby was growing and healthy. What a wonderful miracle.

In the book of Joel it talks about seeing visions and dreaming dreams. Many shared of seeing visions and special dreams they had where God revealed things to them.

A relationship between a mother and daughter was restored.

A relationship between a son and father was restored.

A marriage was restored.

During some special services over the weekend, people were told of a good future ahead, and given some exciting words from the Lord about what to expect.

There was laughing, and crying and rejoicing tonight.

People were earnestly seeking God, and wanting to hear from Him.

And they did!!!!

How Great Is Our God!!

Sibling Saturday--Silver King Memories

This week, I posed this assignment to my siblings:

In light of the collapse of Silver King School, let’s share a story involving Silver King School.

Of the three siblings, I was never a student at Silver King School. But I do remember times of being in the building throughout my growing up years.

These memories come in little snippets...I remember little things about Silver King.

Mom would go out to work in her room on the weekends, and I would go out with her. Her room was the last room on the south end of the school, on the west side. There was a coat room outside the room, and the room had lots of windows.

But I didn't spend a lot of time in her room. I spent time walking around the building exploring and playing.

Some time was spent in the gym. To get to the gym, you walked down the hallway, and made a right turn past the teacher's lounge, and went down a ramp. The ramp had carpet down the middle, but the edges had linoleum on them. Once in the gym, I could take out balls, and jumpropes and climb the rope that hung from the ceiling. But I didn't know how to turn the light on in the gym, so I remember it could get a little creepy down there if the light wasn't good.

Sometimes Mom would have to go up into the attic, which had turned from the school lunch room to a storage room. I'm not sure what she stored up there, perhaps an aquarium for a new batch of fish in her room, or a large box she used each Valentine's Day as a post office to distribute valentines.

Another room I would go to sometimes to help Mom out with work was the teacher work room. This was a small room filled with cabinets of paper, and the ditto machine. Before copy machines, teachers typed their lessons on on a purple form that was then put on a ditto machine and a handle was turned and purple inked copies came out. An important element to the whole process was the ditto fluid, which had a very distinctive smell. I often got to use the ditto machine to help Mom make copies.

Sometimes I would wander through the small library at the school and look for books to read.

Once a year, the Silver King PTA would have a chili feed to raise money for the school. I remember attending many of those dinners in the cafeteria at Silver King School.

I remember also being involved in another Silver King PTA fund-raiser, but this time it was during the summer at a celebration in Smelterville called Frontier Days. Smelterville used to have Ferd Stadium, located kind of east of where Walmart is now. Once a year, Smelterville would celebrate Frontier Days, with a carnival, parade and rodeo and demolition derby. And lots of drinking. One year I remember the PTA had a booth under the grandstands of Ferd Stadium during either a rodeo or demolition derby, and sold corn dogs. I remember helping sell for a few hours during the alloted time Mom signed up to help at the booth.

Every year, like other schools in the district, Silver King School would have a Christmas program in the gym. One year I got to go and help Mrs. Williams, the music teacher, turn pages on the music. When I got to junior high, and joined many of those students who had been a part of that Christmas program, they remembered me being there to help at the Christmas program. I'm thinking I was in fourth or fifth grade that year.

My final memories of Silver King School, are not ones I am particularly proud of. The summer after I graduated from high school, I was employed by the Kellogg School District as on of the cleaning crew. Back when the school district had money, they would hire students in the summer to help the custodians clean the different schools, and do other jobs around the district like painting or other kinds of custodial duties.

During the summer of 1981, there was a possibility that Silver King School was going to be closed, so a crew was need to go and clean the building that summer.

There were a few flaws in the whole set up of the working arrangment that summer.

The first was our hours we worked changed that summer. Instead of working 7:30-3:30 five days a week, our hours were changed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., four days a week. So I would get picked up around 5:45 a.m. each morning to go to work, which was going to Silver King School.

Unfortunately, we had no adult supervision at Silver King School. Because either the school had already been closed, or was going to be closed, so there wasn't a regular custodial crew at the school. So the powers that be at the school district decided to have one of the kids in charge of a crew of four other student workers. This was not a great idea.

So, because we had no real supervision, we would arrive at work, haul out the cots from the nurses office, and sleep until about 7 a.m. I really don't remember doing a lot of work out there. Maybe we just cleaned the floors or something. I do remember two of my fellow workers going out in the parking lot in a car at lunch time and smoking pot. Again, this was easy to do because of the lack of supervision. And Silver King was set up in such a way with a hugh window in the front that you could have someone on lookout watching for the special school district brown truck to come up the road, and when someone yelled "Brown's On", you knew you had better get to work.

I don't think we were at the school for very long that summer. One thing that sticks out in my mind is drinking Constant Comment tea that was in the faculty lounge. Everytime I see or smell that orangy smelling tea, I think of Silver King School.

Smells always seem to invoke vivid memories for me.

But now the smells are gone. The building has collapsed. I'm not sure the fate of the school, but I'm sure it isn't good. And now there are only the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of Silver King that linger in our minds.

Family Friday--Visiting with Father Tom

Rev. Thomas E. Connolly, S.J. visits with Z2 and her History Day project group at Gonzaga University today.


Today I drove Z2 and four of her friends to Gonzaga University. They had made an appointment with Father Thomas Connolly, the priest at the Sacred Heart Mission in Desmet, Idaho. He was gracious enough to talk to them about their topic.

This year's main theme for National History is Conflict and Compromise. Z2's group is producing a documentary on how moving to the reservation changed the lives of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. They are going to tell the story from the perspective of two Indian girls, and talk about how life was before the reservation and after, and one of the changes was attending the Indian Boarding School in DeSmet.

Connolly has been a priest with the Coeur d'Alene tribe for 30 years, and you can tell he loves his job. It was enjoyable listening to him tell about how things were for the tribe. He explained to the girls how, after the tribe moved to the reservation, they realized their children would need to learn English to live in the "white man's world". He explained how a group of tribal members travelled to Walla Walla, Washington to talk to the Sister of Providence to come and teach the girls in school, because, at that time, only the boys were being taught by priests and seminarians.

He explained how, in reality, the Indians were invaded and their land taken away. And, since these people now occupied their land, they would have to learn how to communicate and work the way the white man did, or they would not be able to survive.

Life became much more regimented for the children once they went to the boarding school. Since there were a large group of them at the school, they had a routine and chores, and learned domestic chores such as sewing and cooking and laundry in a different way than they were used to knowing at their homes.

One of the biggest changes was not being with their family. That was very hard on, not only the children, but the parents and grandparents as well. But they knew their children needed to be schooled.

We travel again on Monday to Desmet to visit the mission there, and meet the parish secretary who has information on the schools. I look forward to hearing what she has to share about this topic as well. What a wonderful learning experience for these girls, and me, too.

MEME from Myrtle Beach

Tag You're IT!

Tag!

I was tagged by Myrtle Beached Whale. Thanks for choosing me!

These are the rules :

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

2. A. Share 5 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.

1. We don't have any kind of TV reception at our house. Yes, we have TV's, but only to watch VHS or DVD's on.

2. I really dislike reality tv shows.

3. I love performing.

4. I don't like snakes or bats.

5. I saw Michael Jordan and the original "Dream Team" play in the Forum at the 1984 Los Angelas Olympics

B. Share the 5 top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list

1. The British Isles

2. France

3. New York City

4. Victoria, British Columbia

5. Washington, D.C.

C. Share 5 things you never pictured being in your future when you were 25 years old.

1. Cell Phones

2. Satelite TV in cars

3. School shootings

4. The Internet

5. Condomimiums in Kellogg

3. Tag a minimum of 5, maximum of 10 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

The tagees have a choice of which they want to do.

Please participate if you would like, and let me know if you do!!

Wildcard Wednesday--Love Actually

A couple of years ago I rented this movie "Love Actually", and it came up in a conversation with friends over the holidays, and so I rented it again, and watched it today. I have the Soundtrack CD, which I LOVE, and listen to a lot, and so I wanted to see the movie again.

Here are a few of my favorite scenes from the movie:

Usually I'm not a big Hugh Grant fan, but this is one of my favorite roles I've seen him perform. He plays the Prime Minister of England in this movie, and has a great dance scene below.





Wouldn't you love a friend to make this happen at your wedding?




I always love Emma Thompson in a movie, and Alan Rickman is great too. (A bit different from the roles of Professor Trelawny and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies).

Take a Picture Tuesday--How Did I Get The Nickname Pooh?

One of the first nicknames I acquired in my life was "Pooh". But I'm not sure the origin of this nickname. It could have had something to do with the cute yellow bear I am holding in the above picture.

But, I'm 44 years old, and grown men who were friends of my dad see me around town and still call me Pooh.

I like it, though. It reminds me of Dad. And I like that these old friends of dad still like to call me by that nickname. It was always used as a term of affection.

So, Raymond Pert and Inland Empire Girl, what are your memories of me getting the nickname Pooh?

Media Monday--Charlie Wilson's War

PKR and I went to the Rena Theater here in Kellogg Saturday night and watched "Charlie Wilson's War".

The subject matter was very interesting, because it was based on a true story, but I'm not sure it is a "Best Picture" contender, even though it has been nominated for Golden Globe.

Mike Nichols directed the movie, and Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay. I've enjoyed both of their work in the past, but I'm not sure this movie was a standout portrayal of either of their work. It was good, but not great.

But it did tell an intersting story, of Congressman Charlie Wilson, and his role in a covert operation in the 1980's to help the Afghans defeat the Soviet Union as they invaded their country, yet failing to help Afghanistan rebuild the country after the defeat.

And it seemed so easy to do. Perhaps it wasn't as easy as the movie portrayed, but it didn't seem like it took a whole lot to get millions of dollars appropriated through our country to finance this covert operation that the American people didn't really know was going on, or even many members of congress knew were paying for it.

The question that I came away with after watching this movie was....What movie will I be watching 10 years from now that will be telling a story about some covert operation going on right now? We never really know what is going on, now do we?

But it is just history repeating itself. This happens over and over, where things are done in secret, and we find out about them later. Sometimes I guess it is necessary. At least those in power always seem to think that is the case.

I probably could have waited to see this movie on DVD. It is worth watching for the politics, and the great acting by Philip Seymour Hoffman as the cover CIA agent.

But I'm not sure it deserves an Oscar.

Sacred Sunday--The Daniel Fast

My final new theme for the weeks ahead as I blog is Sacred Sunday. On Sundays my plan is to share some spiritual insights or truths that I may have learned or discovered throughout the week.

For the second year in a row, our church has participated in a Daniel Fast for the first 21 days of the new year.

A Daniel Fast is a specific fast during which you refrain from many of the rich foods you might enjoy throughout the year and simplify your diet. It is important to remember that the intent of any fast is to deny yourself something that you would normally do in order to focus more specifically on the Lord and prayer. In considering a dietary fast such as a "Daniel" fast, it is best for each believer to prayerfully determine what thing they will eat or not eat. The Bible does not give us details, but rather says Daniel refrained from the King's rich food, and ate vegetables and water.

Our Daniel fast includes whole grains, legumes, all fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, sprouts, water, herbal tea and dairy products.

So far, this fast has gotton me more disciplined in my morning prayer and Bible reading time, which was really lacking in my life. It has also helped us focus on some problem areas that need some work, and some focused prayer time on those specific areas.

We are having special services at church this coming weekend, and have been asked to take three days this week to completely fast, water only. Today is my first day, with water only. It was interesting this afternoon, when I went downstairs to be alone and pray, and I felt like I was alone, like I wanted to reach God, but I couldn't. It was very interesting. But I am not deterred. I will continue to pray and seek wisdom on my life.

I look forward to the week ahead, and see what God will teach me.

The concept of a Daniel fast comes from Daniel 1:8-14,

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you."

Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.”The background of the “Daniel fast” is that Daniel and his three friends had been “deported” to Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians had conquered Judah (2 Kings 24:13-14).

Daniel and his three friends were put into the Babylonian court servant “training program.” Part of the program was learning Babylonian customs, beliefs, laws, and practices. The eating habits of the Babylonians were not in complete agreement with the Mosaic law. As a result, Daniel asked if he and his three friends could be excused from eating the meat (which was likely sacrificed to Babylonian false gods and idols).

Sibling Saturday--Ten Best Media Experiences of 2007

Saturday I will attempt to post the week's sibling assignment, which is why it is now Sibling Saturday.



Raymond Pert gave this week's assignment:



Look back over the year 2007 and reflect upon photographs, blogs, books, songs, cds, dvds, movies, poems, etc. and compile a best ten sources of inspiration/learning/joy of 2007. With comments.



Here is Raymond Pert's here, and IEG's is here.


1. Slings and Arrows. A Canadian TV series that ran for three years. It is about a fictional Shakespearean festival in Canada, and the lives of the actors and people who work at the theater. A wonderfully written and acted series, that also taught me a lot about theater and Shakespeare as well. It also introduced me to the talents of Paul Gross. (see #2)


2. Paul Gross. An actor, writer, director, producer, singer from Canada who became internationally known by playing RCMP Benton Fraser on the show “Due South”. By following Gross’ career, I have watched movies and tv shows I probably never would have watched, such as "Wilby Wonderful", "Tales of the City", "Away From Her", "Married at Buffalo Jump", "Men With Brooms" and "Aspen Extreme". I have enjoyed most of them, and am starting to have a great appreciation for Canadian artists.


3. Sixth Street Theater. My association with the Sixth Street Theater in Wallace has given me many opportunities. The most exciting was having my first play produced on the stage last summer, and have my family be a part of it. As a writer, it was very exciting to see my work interpreted by the director and the actors, and I was very pleased with the performances.


4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book had a tremendous effect on me. I was very moved by her experience in India and what she learned about meditation. It made me want to learn how to meditate and have a closer, more intimate relationship with God, and make some of the sacrifices she made, because I think sacrifice is part of the key.


5. The National Art Gallery in Washington, D.C. This was unbelievable. To see how artists depicted their culture over hundred of years, and to compare and contrast the different interpretations while leisurely strolling through the museum was a highlight of my trip to Washington D.C. last summer.


6. Real Christmas. This was the Christmas program I wrote for our church’s Christmas program this year. It was fun to collaborate with friends on set design, and the technical aspects of the show, and to see the beautiful children taking the show I wrote and making into something beautiful to share with our congregation, family and friends this Christmas.


7. Windows Movie Maker. I have had such fun learning how to make videos on Windows Movie Maker. I especially enjoy taking digital images and finding the right music to create a message with the images. Some day I may upgrade to a better quality movie making program. But until then, I am quite satisfied to play around on WMM.


8. Allison Kraus. An artist and musician I have known of for many years, but I have really enjoyed her album “A Hundred Miles or More”. I think I enjoy the country folk feeling to the selections on this album.


9. Sarah Mclachlan. Another female artist that I have discovered. A few of her songs were on the “Due South” soundtracks. I always enjoyed “Angel”, but wasn’t familiar with any of her other songs. Her Christmas album, “Wintersong” was may favorite album this Christmas, and I enjoy her voice and her music.



10. Harry Potter. Both seeing the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", and reading the final book in record time, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" were both entertaining and fun to enjoy with other members of the family. It was sad to see the series come to an end, but I enjoyed hanging out with Harry and the others at Hogwarts, and look forward to seeing the final two movies when they are released.

Silver King School Collapses

Silver King School, outside of Smelterville, Idaho, collapsed under heavy snow on Friday, Jan. 11.

It was very sad waking up and looking at the morning's newspaper to find the picture above. It is a picture of Silver King School collapsed. It happened yesterday.

According to the article, the building collapsed due to heavy snow on the roof. The front part of the building, where the gym was, was totally gone. Two transportation workers were injured in the collapse while trying to escape the trailer where the transportation office is. The car of one of these workers was smashed under the rubble.

If you have been reading my blog, and my sibling's blogs over the past year, you know that Silver King School played an important part in our lives growing up. Our mother taught there for many years. My brother-in-law Kent was also a student there.

The picture is sad to look at, and they will probably have to tear the whole building down now because of the damage.

A sad, sad day.

Family Friday--The Play's The Thing

Each Friday is now Family Friday, and I will update the goings on of the members of our family.


This week, rehearsal has begun for the upcoming production at the Sixth Street Theater in Wallace. It didn't start out this way, but it has turned out that all five of us will be in this production, which is "The Miser", a French farce by Moliere.



PKR is directing and playing the lead role of Harpagon.



I will be Frosine, the matchmaker. Let's see, last spring, I had an English accent. This summer, it was an Italian accent. Now you get to hear me speak with a French accent.



The Princess will play the part of Elise, Harpagon's daughter.



Z2 and Kiki Aru are playing two servant girls, La Merluche and Brindavoine.



If you are interested in coming to a performance, the dates are:



Feb. 22, 23, 28, 29, Mar. 1, 7, 8 at 7 pm.



Feb. 24, Mar. 2, 8, 9 at 2 pm



Call 208-752-8871, or 1-877-SIXTHST.



Rumor has it two shows are already sold out, so you better get your reservations early!!

#114--My Tree--Blanketed in Snow

"Whenever this happens, my heart stops— I'm stunned, I can't catch my breath. Listen to it! Listen to his thunder, the rolling, rumbling thunder of his voice. He lets loose his lightnings from horizon to horizon, lighting up the earth from pole to pole. In their wake, the thunder echoes his voice, powerful and majestic. He lets out all the stops, he holds nothing back. No one can mistake that voice— His word thundering so wondrously, his mighty acts staggering our understanding. He orders the snow, 'Blanket the earth!' and the rain, 'Soak the whole countryside!' No one can escape the weather—it's there. And no one can escape from God. Wild animals take shelter, crawling into their dens, When blizzards roar out of the north and freezing rain crusts the land. It's God's breath that forms the ice, it's God's breath that turns lakes and rivers solid. And yes, it's God who fills clouds with rainwater and hurls lightning from them every which way. He puts them through their paces—first this way, then that— commands them to do what he says all over the world. Whether for discipline or grace or extravagant love, he makes sure they make their mark. --Job 37:1

Thinking Back Thursday--My First Silver Valley Skiing Experience

Each Thursday will now be Think Back Thursday. I will think back and share either some history of the Silver Valley, or a story I remember from growing up here.

All this snow coming down reminds me of my first two tries at downhill skiing. I think I was in third grade. A family friend, Joyce Snyder, invited myself and another kid RR to go skiing at both local ski areas.

One trip was to Lookout Ski Area. The other was to Jackass Ski Bowl.

Yes, that was the name before it was Silver Mountain. Before it was Silverhorn. The original name was Jackass Ski Bowl.

The drive up to Jackass was quite interesting...as you traveled through Wardner, then drove the winding road up the mountain. And the steep dropoff on the side of the road also made it quite an interesting trip.

From all my memories, it was a very terrifying experience. I had no lessons. I think it was basically, here are your skis, now go ski.

I remember going up to the top of the little hill, and probably sliding my way down on my bottom for most of the way. I remember you skied right toward the lodge, which seemed very daunting. And it seems as if there was some large ski equipment by the lodge that I knew I was going to run into if I kept going. Then probably most of my day was then just spent in the lodge.

The rope tow is what stands out the most in my mind on my trip to Lookout Pass. I'm sure I was just as terrified then.

I was very greatful for the two ski trips, but I don't think I got a whole lot out of them. RR seemed to have a lot of fun.

I didn't ski again until my senior year in high school. Again, at Lookout Ski Area, and it was night skiing, very icy, and not very fun.

While living in Montana, I took up cross country skiing. That was not terrifying. It was fun. Especially the two times we traveled to Yellowstone National Park to ski. That was unbelievable.

I have faced the mountain as an adult, up on Silver Mountain, and actually enjoyed it. I'm not that great at it, but I do manage to have fun.

#113--My Tree--Icicles Stand Guard

“Honesty is like an icicle; if once it melts that is the end of it”.

American proverb

Wildcard Wednesday--Luke's Must See Movies

Now on Wednesday, I get a wildcard, which means I can post on whatever topic I want to post.

Tonight, while we were at play practice, The Princess was having a conversation with her friend Luke about the movies he has not seen. He has seen quite a few since the year 2000, but she was shocked at the movies he hadn't seen before that year.

So she started making a list. It all started with "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting". (We aren't even sure Luke knows who Paul Newman and Robert Redford are...isn't that sad.)

So, here are some of the movies The Princess feels her friend Luke must see. If you have any to add to the list...please let me know. They must have come out before 2000.

1. The Sting

2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

4. The Breakfast Club

5. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

6. Young Frankenstein

7. Sneakers

8. The Fugative

9. U.S. Marshals

10. Benny and Joon

11. Edward Scissorhands

12. Shakespeare in Love

13. The Truman Show

14. You've Got Mail

15. Dead Poet's Society

16. Chariots of Fire

17. Airplane

18. The Princess Bride

19. All Alfred Hitchcock movies

20. All Mel Brooks movies

Take A Picture Tuesday--Snowy Winters

So....continuing with my new format....Tuesday is now Take A Picture Tuesday. I'll put some photos on my blog each Tuesday and talk a little about them. Some may be old, some may be new.

First, in honor of Inland Empire Girl's birthday tomorrow on January 9th, here is a picture of her and I during the big snow of 1968-1969. I saw one day on Huckleberries Online comparing this winter to that winter. I'm not sure this winter can compare quite yet. At least here in Kellogg. I was in kindergarten that year. See the picket fence in this picture. That was in the backyard. I remember the snow got so high that I could walk on the snow over the fence to the neighbors yard. Now, that was a lot of snow.

Inland Empire Girl and Silver Valley Girl make a snowman in their backyard in Kellogg during 1968-69 winter

Tonight, I took some pictures of the infamous backyard tri-color beech tree out in the snow. Here's some shots from our back deck.

#112--My Tree--Sadie in a Snow Globe

“When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels”

Media Monday--Due South

With the new year I am going to start out a new format for my blog that may help me focus a little better on writing. Each day will have a significance, which I will be revealing this week.

As you see above, Mondays will now be "Media Monday". Each Monday I will comment on DVD's, movies, books, albums or whatever else I want to share about.

Today I am going to share about a wonderful series I discovered because of watching "Slings and Arrows". The show is called "Due South".

It aired on CBS during the 1994-95, and 1995-95 seasons, but was cancelled. But Canada picked it up, and they produced two more seasons.

The premise of the show is a Canadian Mountie who lived in the Northwest Territories travelled to Chicago to find the killer of his father, who was also a mountie. The mountie is portrayed by Paul Gross (is this name starting to sound familiar?). He teams up with Chicago cop Ray Vecchio and each episode they solve another crime. It has a lot of Canadian references and humor, and is very well written. (The more I watch Canadian shows, the more I am starting to appreciate their brand of humor.)

"Due South" can be rented from Netflix. I was a good girl, and Santa gave me the whole series for Christmas to enjoy. Even after the show has been off for over 10 years, people are still nuts about the show. Fans are planning a convention in Toronto, Ontario this summer. There are websites dedicated to the show.

Below is a video from one of the episodes called "Mounty on the Bounty". The song is called "32 Down on the Robert McKenzie".





If you want a good show with quirky characters, good humor and some drama, I'd suggest you try this series.

#111--My Tree--From My Dining Room Table

In proceeding to the

dining-room,

the gentleman gives one arm to the lady he escorts

—it is unusual to offer both.

- Lewis Carroll

Gentle Reminders for the New Year

Often people make New Year's Resolutions, but find it hard to keep them.
If you had a list of gentle reminders posted on the corner of your laptop screen for 2008,

what would those gentle reminders be?

This is the sibling assignment Inland Empire Girl posed to us for the 2008. IEG's gentle reminder list is here, and Raymond Pert's gentle reminders are here.

Mine are below.

1. Start each morning with prayer and reading the Bible.

2. Walk each morning, and add strength training to my routine.

3. Concentrate more on the food I prepare for myself and my family...lower that cholesteral!!

4. Make a schedule to work on my book and finish the first draft by the end of summer.

5. Complete a knitting project each month.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day--My Favorite Christmas Carol

I gave the sibling assignment about writing your thoughts on "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day", since it is my favorite Christmas carol. I wanted to read a special story based on this carol, with a wonderful message, but couldn't figure out a good way to do it. So, here is Plan B.

Oh, and Inland Empire Girl's thoughts are here, and Raymond Pert's are here.

The words to the carol go like this:

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), 1867)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men.

"Till, ringing singing, on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

So often, we see such despair and think nothing can go right. As in the verse which says

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Some situations seem out of our control, and we don't think there is any hope at all....but then the next verse has the answer.

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.

This verse tells us there is hope, that, even if our situation seems out of our control, God is in control, and we have hope. We may not understand always why things happen or turn out the way we do, but I need to have hope and faith in something bigger than myself.

And the Creator of the Universe seems a good choice to put my faith and hope and trust in on a daily basis. It works for me!!

Last Day of Christmas Break--Playing Catch Up

It is the last day of Christmas break, and we are playing "Catch Up". Z2, above, is working on her homework assignment that is due tomorrow. Yes, and the typical "mother" words came out of my mouth, "Why are you waiting until the last day to finish this?" But, alas, I am not a very good role model in this regard. I tend to be a procrastinator as well.

I am still playing "catch up" on laundry. What a long chore that has been. But the piles are dwindling, and at least I have some clean clothes to go to work in tomorrow.

Now I have two sibling assignments I am way behind on. I just got an email from Raymond Pert, who got caught up on his. Rats! I guess it is my turn.

I have caught up on some movie watching while on break. One day, PKR watched four movies, "Hairspray", "Mission Impossible III", "Mission Impossible I", and "The Fugitive". We also watched "U.S. Marshals" one day. I finished the first season of "Due South", and also watched a series I got from Netflix called "Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City". What a wonderful series, based on a series Maupin did in a San Fransisco newspaper in the 1970's about life in San Fransisco in 1976. Lots of drug use, homosexuality, and sex, but portrayed in a way that was very interesting. (If you don't want to see two men kiss, or women frontal nudity, then this isn't for you.) It came out on PBS in about 1994 or 1995, and was very controversial. But it was very well done, and the story and acting were great. It was interesting to see a younger Thomas Gibson, who is now on one of my favorite TV shows, "Criminal Minds". You will also see Olympia Dukakis, Laura Linney, and my new favorite actor Paul Gross. They also had audio commentary on three of the episodes, and it was interesting listening to the writer talk about how he created some of the characters based on his real-life experiences. As a writer myself, this was fascinating to listen to while watching the DVD.

I also had the pleasure of watching the first season of "Slings and Arrows" with Raymond Pert while he was here. It was fun sharing this with him, since he was the one who gave it to me as a gift. I look forward to watching season 2 with him next time he is here. (Possibly in February for Blogfest 2008 on Feb. 16th).

Have also been doing some organizing around the house. PKR actually cleaned enough to get his truck put in the garage. Now that is a big accomplishment. We still have a lot of crap to get through. But we are at least making progress. (Something to keep me busy while watching all those DVD's).

So, time to focus on Sibling Assignments while I am helping Z2 finish her project. But she is making good progress, so I think she will be fine.

#110--My Tree--Through the Back Door

For the sun will shine in my back door some day.

- Richard M. Jones

#109--My Tree--Looking in on the Neighbors

A bad neighbor is as great a calamity as a good one is a great advantage.

- Hesiod

#108--My Tree--New Beginnings

What we call the beginning is often the end

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

The end is where we start from.

- T.S. (Thomas Stearns) Eliot