TUESDAY TUNES: GLAD YOU CAME

 TUESDAY TUNES  has Jason Derulo's song GLAD YOU CAME today as it rocked my exercise hour this morning..  Of all the things you could have done, I'm glad you came tonight...

Take a listen:GLAD YOU CAME

MONDAY MUSINGS: HOW SAFE ARE WE?

Do you ever think about how most of us live in a bubble where we have this false sense of security?  Wouldn't that be one of those elements provided to us by PRIVILEGE? 

This weekend in Dallas the safety issue became a reality. Both my brother's immediate family and mine were sharing a large beautiful historic home and coachhouse during a wedding weekend.

After returning from my nephew's wedding we all were either asleep or getting there when an intruder decided to crash through one of the main house's glass front doors a little past midnight.

Those in the main house awoke with the crash. My sister-in-law thought the noise was the entryway's beautiful chandelier falling to the floor.  In fact, it was so loud that neighbors also were awakened. 

The Ring camera on the front porch caught the event of the intruder ramming his body backwards through the glass pane door.

My nephew was in the first-floor bedroom and went out to investigate finding a 'high' 30-year-old male in the hallway where he yelled at the intruder to get out of the house and leave through the back door as the police had been called. The guy said he wanted some water."Get out now,"my nephew yelled at him again. The guy did leave with my nephew following to ensure the intruder left the premises.

It took a half hour for the police to arrive as they had received a previous call about this same intruder using a cinder block to break a window in a neighbor's house 2 doors down. The guy had also tried  entering the church across the street. It was scary to say the least. The police took the report and searched the grounds with their flashlights. 

Since no one except was hurt, this was a simple 'breaking and entering' and no biggie as far as the law enforcers were concerned. They were not interested in the intruder's blood drops on the floor. In fact, the patrolmen never entered the house. A neighbor supplied plywood to cover the broken door. And we all went bed to bed probably all falling asleep at different times...

All I can say this wasn't a wedding crasher anybody wants to have.

Wouldn't you agree? 

FOTO FRIDAY: CHIHULY INSPIRED

FOTO FRIDAY shows how  travel can create new projects. After a trip to St. Louis to visit the Chihuly exhibit in their Missouri Botanic Garden I knew I wanted to add glass sculpture to my Arkansas home.

Thank you Katy Remmel for providing 3 wonderful glass art pieces to don one of my living room walls. BTW those dish hangers ended up doing a great job. And the night lighting does it all justice!

TBT:BELLE MOVES TO ROCHESTER

TBT: In 2013 a regional fundraiser Light Up a Life  auctioned off local artists mannequin floor lamps to help with Down Syndrome programs. All winter long Belle du le Mississippi lived in our great room keeping toasty by the fireplace as costume jewelry was collected and used to decorate her.  That was a lot of large tubes of E6000 glue!

Her new home address ended being 'up the river' in Rochester, MN.

MIDWEEK MUSINGS:TIS THE SEASON

This fall season has been too eventful as far as health in our family. And let me add, it's not that we are sharing germs. I received a call this morning that one of the Atlanta crew, Ms. H, awoke with a cough.  It's inevitable as it's the season of colds and the flu...

Do you know the difference?

The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.

The symptoms of a cold include: 

Sneezing

Runny nose

Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

Sore throat

Coughing

Headache

Fever (uncommon)

Symptoms can last anywhere from 10 to 14 days, and usually begin a few days before infection.

 7  Cold suggestions include: 

*Drink a lot of liquids: I constantly have to remind myself to keep            drinking.

* Rest. Laying low is never easy no matter what age we are. 

* Use a room humidifier.

* Take Supplements: altho' more effective pre-cold (zinc, vitamin C)

* Moisturize nasal passages

* Avoid caffeine. ( tends to dehydrate you over time) oops.

* Limit alcohol

There is good health news with the other Atlanta grand who had ear tubes successfully put in Monday which hopefully will make his next cold not so painful and also be a big aid in his hearing and speaking. 

I wish it wasn't but 'tis the season. 

Hope you all can stay healthy!

tUESDAY tUNES: I FOUND JOY IN MY LIFE

TUESDAY TUNES this week present me with a bit of dilemma. You see, there are two new songs in this month's exercise set which stick with me throughout the day. Let's see if you have the same issue. Today I am sharing Andy Grammer's song Joy . 

Give this link a click : JOY

MONDAY MUSINGS: MUCOSITY

You may have noticed that I have taken a week off as I have truly been under the weather. I have been so lucky to have been amidst COVID and avoided it for the last couple of months. I have been wearing a mask when the world around me wasn't.  I have been in airports where masks were basically invisible.

I even had 3 innoculations at once to cover catchup at least a month ago. So I've had the newest COVID booster. Yet, I had laryngitis when I was in New Orleans for 3 days. When I returned home I took a home COVID test and was negative. I taught that day with my teaching mask and after midday started coughing. A raspy deep cough which wouldn't let up with a headache that persisted. I made sure to stay away from my 98 yo Dad. He doesn't need whatever germs I had.

Finally after a week and no relief I went in to Urgent Care. Described my symptoms and they proceeded to give me 3 tests.                          

1.COVID - Negative

 2.Strep.   - Negative

3.RSV.     - Positive

The one dang shot left I was going to get was RSV.  Well, obviously I should have already had it. I went home with 3 prescriptions which provided relief in addition to taking Tylenol for that headache. The cough persisted and can last up to 4-6 weeks. Yuckola. I do feel human again with today being the last day of meds. Being able to rest was important as was a lot of liquids.

So if I was a guessing person I assume I was exposed at a children's function where I was a helper. 2 other adults I know also tested sick after that event. One tested positive for COVID, the doc said she wasn't so sure the others didn't also have RSV.  Interesting.  

Anyhow I am here to tell you to go have that RSV shot now. You don't want what I had... It was more than just a booger of a cold. 

   

TUESDAY TUNES: KNOCKS ME OFF MY FEET

TUESDAY TUNES: Sometimes a remake still brings back the same sweet memories of the original. Here's Teddy Swims doing a Stevie Wonder cover. Just Keep a' singin'...

KNOCKS ME OFF MY FEET

FOTO FRIDAY: THE LEGS HAVE IT

FOTO FRIDAY: One sees a lot of different people on the trolley in New Orleans, a lot of tattoos and a lot of leg, sometimes more than one wants to see... This guy chose not to wear shorts. 

TBT: THE BURNING BUSH

 The caption below was in my  Memories with the End of the Rainbow's Burning Bush on this day in 2017

"Joe was on fire last night. 'Can't wait to see him today in person. 2017"

Hearing President Biden speak this week after Israel was attacked by the missile bombings, made me appreciate him being in the helm right now. If you didn't get to hear it here is a link with a synopsis: BIDEN

MIDWEEK MUSINGS: IMPORTANTANCE OF HISTORY ESPECIALLY FOR OUR LEADERS

History certainly is useful to understand why wars happen and the hatred that is left behind in the generations to follow. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to our world leaders... 

This reminder appeared on my memory feed from 2017 and I thought it would serve as a good reminder of how we, as in our country, look to others. New York Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez tells Housing Secretary Ben Carson to pass on some words from her, demanding the president get a history lesson U.S.-Puerto Rico relations.

Take a listen:PUERTO RICAN HISTORY

TUESDAY TUNES: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

TUESDAY TUNES  is a song loved by my granddaughter Ms H because her Daddy used to read/ sing this book to her as it was one of her favorites. I even sang it to her more than a couple times during my visits...

It was made famous by a very well-known talented musician, Louis Armstrong. In fact, they have even named a new musical with the very same title, What a Wonderful World, covering his life from 1901- 1971 through New Orleans, Chicago, Hollywood and NewYork. 

The musical premiered in Armstrong's hometown of New Orleans this past week.

When I learned it had a very short engagement being the first week of October before heading on to Chicago, a plane ticket was purchased to New Orleans.. After its stint in Chicago, it would be decided if the musical would go to Broadway. 

The blunder I made was that I had mistakenly fogotten a previous concert commitment with a Little Rock friend the very same day of the play . Somehow I had inadvertantly forgotten to push SAVE  the date in my online calendar. Calendars can make mistakes because humans are involved. 

I hope my buddy will forgive me as she did invite well in advance.  And we had even discussed it more than once when I went to enter the date. Now there was a non-refundable plane ticket involved besides that play ticket for a sold out performance.  My friend was gracious, a true friend ... I had screwed up.

I'll have you know the Lord works in mysterious ways as 3 unusual things affected my jaunt.

First of all,  American Airlines sent me a letter the day before my departure that stated due to severe thunderstorms in Dallas, I should consider changing my flight plans without any charge. I decided to remove the possibility of getting stuck in Dallas and delayed my departure a day. I would still have a day to enjoy NOLA before the play. Rains indeed came to Arkansas both days but it didn't affect my flights and we got much-needed rain. 

Another thing that happened was I got laryngitis for the weekend, I think that was so I couldn't sing along during the play.

 And the third strike was when we got to the theater doors, one of the tickets was missing out of the ticket envelope. I had previously seen 2 tickets in the car's console. I hoofed it back to the car checking the sidewalk and parking lot en route. As I removed the papers from that middle console, I breathed a sigh of relief as I found that second ticket. . 

The play was very polished and chronicled Armstrong's life through four women. The choreography was wonderful as were the singing very familiar music that was played in my household growing up. How can you not like a play that has such great tunes Louie Armstrong made famous?

Some tweaking may be needed but overall it is definitely Broadway worthy. In addition to having a wonderful evening those waiting at our theater entrance got to see one of its producers, Vanessa Williams, as she flitted in and out backstage pre-performance. She still looks amazing...

Oh yes, and they waited 'til the very end of the play to perform its title and I definitely could feel what we all know should appreciate  What a Wonderful World...

MONDAY MUSINGS: DOING MITZVOT

 I have written recently about doing good deeds and at this time after the recent Hamas bombings in Israel, doing mitzvahs  (good deeds) is even more poignant. 

Recently, a local Rabbi shared these words with the Jews in our community. 

" The Jewish people are all one body. What happens to one part impacts the entire body. Every mitzvah one Jew does, anywhere in the world, has a powerful influence on our fellow Jews living in Israel. One additional mitzvah, one additional act of kindness will collectively bring miraculously remarkable positive results for our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael." 

My hope is that all of us do good deeds to make this world a better place and eradicate hatred and war...

TBT: FALL IN THE COULEE

 TBT: It's the first week of October and when one lives in the Midwest that means Fall. In 2018 at this time this is what I was experiencing amidst road closures but graced with finding the silver lining with the magnificence of Fall. Here's the posting and the scene...

"Yesterday afternoon I was met by a road barricade in Stoddard where you turn onto County Hwy162 from Hwy 35 with no other info except sign saying Road Closed. I was so ready to be home but thought road repair and happy it was being done. 'Went through 1st barricade and turned at second onto Cty Hwy O going up to the ridge and back down at Kings Hill. Took 20 minutes longer to get home. Once home called County Sheriff's office to figure out where the problem area is. Turns out it was 2 miles 'past' us at T by K and 162 in Chaseburg section by old school where Depot Rd. meets the marsh, 'compromised from the 2 floods.' Eegads, how many times have we driven on that road in the last month???

 Later in the afternoon an electronic sign was placed in Stoddard at their road barriers. Oh well, one good thing of my detour was seeing fall on the ridge..." Oct. 2018

MIDWEEK MUSINGS:REMEMBERING TO TAKE CARE OF THE TREES

A microburst decided to visit closer than last April's tornado touchdown and wreaked havoc amongst my trees. BTW a microburst is defined as a sudden, powerful, localized down draft air current.

I was lucky that none of my trees decided to uproot and fall on the house but both my front and back yards were covered with debris from not only my own trees but my neighbors's as well.

I picked up as much as I could and then I contracted a tree service who had the right tools and manpower. Their chainsaws worked overtime as they fit me in amongst all their other jobs. Who knew I should have moved here to suburbia with my Huskqvarna chainsaw?

Besides the crew cleaning up the canopy and broken limbs remaining up above, the decision had to be made to cut down 6 trees that were either dead/ way too close to the house. It breaks my heart to have to remove any tree. The limbs provided shade but due to never having been pruned, they posed future damage to the house and those enjoying being in the yard, people most importantly and also plantings.

The moral of the story is 1) don't plant trees too close to your abode and 2) maintain the health of your trees by pruning... It can save you some big heartache!

These two will be removed in the front

Bye to 4 in the back 

I am looking forward to being able to have a screened back porch next year without worrying if it will be destroyed right away.

ACTION and down they fell...

TUESDAY TUNES:LUViN'YOU

Chechi Sarai, 32 from Pontiac, Michigan is a powerhouse listen to her version of  Minnie Ripperton's WOWSER!

LUVIN YOU 

Here's the blurb from the internet:

"It barely took a full song line for John and Gwen to turn around for this feather-toned songstress, and Niall and Reba weren't far behind once they heard her coast through the tender high notes of this vintage piece — and their jaws officially started hitting the floor when she dropped into a lower register and delivered some turn-worthy tones there, too. Chechi Sarai, whose family has Nigerian roots and wasn't initially sold on her decision to pursue music instead of medicine, saved the best for last with her impossible sky-high closing note that left Niall asking, "Who are you and what planet are you from?" The coaches each gave a spirited pitch to this four-chair-turner, but ultimately Gwen's promise to both guide her "perfect" vocals and protect the parts of it that make her unique won the day. "

MONDAY MUSINGS: FALL IN THE MISSOURI BOTANIC GARDEN

After an eventful bus ride starting with a sub bus driver arriving an hour and a half late, the journey to St. Louis began.  We had a stop in Wheatley to pick up some more folks with the next destination being lunch. 

I had no idea where we would be dining as I left the planning to my buddy Janet, my Master Garden mentor (class '90?) who in retirement has taken on planning some wonderful excursions and took care of the gardeners's last adventure to Canada. 

 Who knew warm rolls would be flying in the air throughout the dining area as the customers caught them at their tables? 

 Yes, it was Lambert's. known for family-style eating for the past 40 years and home of the ' throwed rolls'. The portions were humongous and besides one's choice of sides, all tables were served fried potatoes and onion from huge pots and this diner didn't refuse the fried okra either.  

My chicken fried steak topped with mashed potatoes and gravy and did not disappoint. It was so huge I cut it in half and demolished one half and the other half went towards lunch the next day.

Then it was on to St. Louis where we would spend 2 nights.  My roomie was a friend I had met in '09 when we both went with our hubbies on the first  Master Gardener's trip to New Zealand. We had a lot of catch-up to do and of course, I fell asleep while we were talking in the dark. 

The next day would be a full Fall day and we would be the first group with early access to Missouri Botanical Garden with the Chihuly exhibition which consisted of 20 installations set amongst the plantings and other sculptures. I won't post all of them here but they were all stunning...

And no matter where I see Dale Chihuly's work it always takes on a new look in the different landscapes.

Our first piece to welcome us even changed coloring during our time at the gardens due to the sunlight. Thank goodness the nearby hail storm the previous night missed the garden.

Yep, each leaf is a separate piece of glass and is assembled on-site. I certainly wouldn't want that job!

The iconic Chihuly canoe and balls took on an ethereal feel in the Japanese algae-covered pond as if we were frozen in time.

I didn't count how many of the Chihuly's sculptures I captured but I loved every single one...

Rose Garden

Lavender at its best, the color that is

My color scheme for sure but I couldn't fit them into my pack back... Drats.

I certainly enjoyed eating my leftover lunch fried steak in the glorious surroundings. 

BUT  Nothing feeds my soul more than Mother Nature and manmade art...

Midweek... I will also post some of the garden's full-time residents...