Seeking Wisdom

If you don't have time to sit and read today, I implore you to move onto another blog. I want to thank my good friend Della, she put it perfectly today on her blog. Things are weighing heavy on me...so here goes...I might have stolen the thoughts/ideas from Della...so that is why I am linking back to her. However, with that said, it-the same thoughts have been weighing heavy on me. For the record, I would never ever knowingly overstep that friendship boundary and spew hate. 

* Who would of known a year ago I would be forced to wear a mask? It seems, to me, at least, the CDC, the WHO and others can not agree. I know the truth. And I am sorry you folks who think its cool to do so, well, its not. It is creating health problems. Period.

**Contact Tracing. It seems NY will be the first in the Nation to do so. I am not very comfortable about this. With the Phases here, Contact Tracing must be done; hair salons and barbershops must keep a record of all customers. And according to my good friend Della, "I think it's just the spirit of the times, the spirit of socialism.. it's just oozing into the policies, taking away civil liberties, for "common good." I was just reading our local paper and my favorite place just was allowed to reopen; the Antique Mall. Hey guess what, NO TOUCHING of the merchandise. Say what? SO, that is the world we are living in now. Sad, ain't it.

***The common good...I have an issue with this. I am an individual and according to the Constitution, I have that right to be so. This "for the common good" sorry folks. No.its.not.

****Since I am factual person who facts checks herself a lot, it has been troubling me for a bit about the direction the USA is going in. Sure, I believe one should turn to our Lord and Savior. I also think, perhaps our Lord and Savior wants the good folks to fight for what is right. Don't think for one minute I am not praying or lifting up in prayer to the Lord. HE KNOWS ALL. PERIOD. 

*****I might not be as eloquent as most of you are in describing the walk with Jesus. Rest assured, I am and struggle with it everyday. And no, I don't think its wrong to struggle or wrestle with ones emotions or feelings. If you were here, you might just here me say, "Ok Lord, now what?" For some odd reason, I sometimes think he looks at me and goes, "Seriously, Linda? Do you really need to go there?" Yeah...its a constant battle. And I am going to call each of you out on that...because I think there is a lot of me in each of you. WE ALL STRUGGLE. PERIOD. Keep it real. Because, the worse thing one can do is keep on lying to oneself.

******So what to do? Keep on praying and calling out to the Lord. And since most of us have time on our hands, do some research to find out where all this hate and anger is coming from in regards to the riots and so on. I know, it makes you feel uncomfortable to get out of the bubble. I am firm believer that knowledge is power. Anyways, that's enough for the day. I think if more folks just admitted the uncomfortable truths that lay in front of us, the world would be a better place.

ok, another truth, with inflation, my 2 cents is probably worth a lot more. {{{grin}}}

Saturday 9

Joining in with the Saturday 9.

Saturday 9: Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey (1971)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics tell us Paul believes it's going to rain. How's the weather where you are today?

Suppose to be in the 70's and less humid.

2) Paul sings that he is sorry because he hasn't "done a bloody thing all day." What do you hope to accomplish this weekend?

As little as possible...nah, I really, really, really need to dust and get spider webs out of corners.

3) He also references butter pie, which is made primarily with potatoes (with onions and, of course, butter). That dish is not popular on this side of the Atlantic. Last time you had potatoes, how were they prepared (baked, mashed, hash browned, french fried ...)?

Hubby made homemade fries in the deep fryer. They were really good. For the record, I really like butter pie.

4) Linda McCartney is credited as co-writer and performer on this recording. Paul and Linda were partners in real life, too; married 29 years, they raised four children together. They often said they tried never to spend more than a few hours apart. Do you enjoy a lot of togetherness, or do you value your personal time? Has your experience with Covid19 and quarantine changed how you feel about this?

A little of both. We both know when we have had enough of one another. No hurt feelings etc.

5) Paul and Linda came from very different backgrounds. His family was lower middle class, lived in Liverpool's public housing and received government aid. She grew up in affluent Scarsdale, the daughter of a wealthy theatrical attorney. Do you think it's more important for a couple to share a common background, or to share common interests?

Common interests. My husband was a poor farm boy and I was the middle class girl. Both sides of the family said it would never last.

6) Paul is known for his work ethic. At age 78, he's still making music and performing live. What's your favorite Paul McCartney song?

Lucy in the Sky. Oh wait is that Beatles? If so, then I like Live and Let Die.

7) In 1971, when this song was a hit, Bobby Fischer was the world's most famous and highest-rated chess player. Do you play chess?

I use too. My game is Backgammon. Pretty darn good at it thanks to my late grandpa. He followed the Murphy Rule and during the game he would invoke the Jacoby Rule. I'll tell you, that game and RISK are the only ones I am patient at. Gosh, I miss my grandpa. He taught me a lot about gaming, horse betting and even picking locks, but that is another story for another time. {{{grin}}}

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971. The occasion was commemorated by a formal portrait, taken by celebrated fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you?

My son and it wasn't flattering.

9) Random question: Do you find it more satisfying to work with your hands, or your head?

Hmm...it depends...probably my head, although I am a visual and hands on type of learner.

Salt Rising Bread, Mrs. Meyers and Salt Potatoes

Wow! The responses, emails and IM's in regards to yesterdays post was amazing ((grin)).

I guess to answer the question "What is Salt Raising Bread" is the question that was most asked. Salt rising bread is made from wheat flour; a starter consisting of water or milk, corn, potatoes, or wheat and other minor ingredients such as salt and sugar. However, the bread is not leavened by salt nor does it taste salty. The name of the bread is that the starter was kept warm in a bed of heated salt and the salt inhibits yeast growth and provides an environment more conducive for microbes to grow. This kind of bread can be compared to the Sourdough breads. This bread is a dense white bread perhaps getting its start from Appalachia. However, it is mainly a Kentucky and New York thing. I never heard of this bread prior to moving to New York.

I first discovered Mrs. Meyers while we lived in Alabama. Sometimes the products would be on the shelves and sometime not. We didn't have internet or even cable TV (gasp! I know, right! We lived on a farm 28 miles from civilization). Mrs. Meyers is made from plant ingredients and essential oils and they do not test on animals. Just wholesome goodness and hey, why not have your cleaning products and hand soaps smell good? I usually get the lemon scented cleaning products and lavender hand soap. Unfort. with the Wuhan Virus, products are slim pickings. Like I said yesterday, the guys are not happy about the rose scented. BTW, it does smell good. For these 4 bottles I only paid like $25-$30 which included shipping and taxes. Compared to the store prices (again, slim pickings) it was cheaper to order directly from Mrs. Meyers.

So, while talking with fellow blogger Vee yesterday, I came upon the subject of Salt Potatoes. Notice, I prefer the E to be added to Potato {{grin}}. These are tiny little potatoes that you cook in ALOT of salt water. Gosh, they are wholesome goodness that melt in your mouth. Its a New York thing, again. They are from Syracuse. Again, never heard of them prior to moving here. But you know, I am like that. I embrace everything about where ever we live. In Alabama it was collard greens and fried okra {{yum!!}} and in Florida it was gator. Hey, don't judge me. lol {{big grin}}

I pleadeth the 5th. LOLOL. No co workers, but I sure would like to meet a certain governor in a dark alley. We were suppose to go to Phase 2 today. Nope, at 6pm last night he put a statement via radio. NOT NOTIFYING THE LOCAL FOLKS. Mind you, we have met the 7/7 criteria. NONSENSE.

Thankful Thursday

* For the window ac's. As it has been darn right humid and hot, in May, in the Southern Tier of NY. 

** Hopefully we will be entering Phase 2 on Friday; Barbershops and Beauty Salons, Boutiques, In store shopping will be open.

*** Mrs. Meyers came in (we use the products). They said it would take up to 6 months due to shortages. They also included a cute little note with it. Oh, I have learned to order directly from the company and not Amazon. For the record, the guys aren't happy about the Rose scented, usually I buy Lemon for the cleaning and Lavender to wash hands. I had to take what they had...which wasn't much.

**** For Salt Rising Bread. Our 85 year old landlady has had enough of "house arrest" and decided to go out to Max's in Fillmore. She asked me what would I like for her to bring back...Salt Rising Bread.

Thank you very much. I think its owned by Mennonites or the Amish. I am not sure. Nonetheless, their baked goods are awesome.

***** Thankful for some common sense these days; Patience to which is in short supply (on my part).

Nope and Other Ramblings

Have you noticed that Blogger is forcing us to change? Nope. Don't like it.

What day is this?

So confusing...just saying...and something tells me I am not the only one.

One last serious question that has been asked by the two men in this household: When did 2 weeks turn into 4 months? Way to much power giving and grabbing by these democratic governors. And you know what, it's our fault, the American citizen. I am done buying into this "What's good for the goose is also good for the gander." No.its.not. For petes sake, it was near 94* here yesterday and you want us to wear masks? NO.I'M.NOT. Done.

if I could fire each and everyone of these governors, I would and charge them with crimes.

Good Old Days Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 begun by Toni Taddeo and kept in memory of her.
This week's subject is the Good Old Days.

1. Do you know who supplied the voice of Lamb Chop, Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse? It was Shari Lewis according to Reminisce.com.
It was a very popular kids show in the 50's and 60's.

 What childhood program meant a lot to you or taught you things you feel were important to you.

Hmm...that's hard to come up with one. I remember watching Bozo the Clown. But childhood programs; probably Leave it to Beaver, Bewitched, Green Acres, My Three Sons, Bonanza, Ozzie and Harriet, I Love Lucy. I very much prefer black and white over color. Especially old movies and tv shows.

2. Is there a memory from your past that makes you feel at home, warm and nostalgic? Maybe you would share it with us. Perhaps there is  a story your parents told you that brings back good memories.

We were just discussing this. On Monday's The Five tv show on Fox there was a question about "What would you give up? Music or Books?" I would give up music. I would never ever give up books. I can remember one summer like when I was 8 or so, before my parents left to go back to Florida, my mom took me to a bookstore in Ludington and told me to pick out any book I wanted. I can remember vividly it was a mystery book store. My love of books began then. Or should I say Agatha Christie. I went back to the fish camp with a boxed set. Like I told my husband, there is nothing like holding a book.

3.Dirty Dancing was a big hit movie of the 80's. Mullet hair dos for guys and huge puffy hair for girls was a hallmark of those days.

Did you dance at school dances, Proms, etc? What kind of dancing did you enjoy?

Yes and I really don't like to dance. I would love to learn though. I really loved square dancing and was quite good at it.

4. Do you think we have passed by the good old days or do you think we will be able to look back and see these as the good old days in the future? Will your kids or grand kids think they were?

Sigh...I don't know...I really wish I had an answer for this. My son will never know the magical times spent with grandparents or at the fish camp up at Hamlin Lake/Ludington, MI. Oh, sure, we have traveled, but nothing like what I experienced and that makes me sad. I simply don't know the answer to this...truly I don't. That is a little unsettling to say the least. My husband I have done the best we could with making memories. I can though, squarely say that my son has a deep love for the USA and has a deep Patriotic and God fearing being to him. For that, I love to see.

Thanks for joining in!

Mystery Solved and Memorial Day

I know most of you saw on FB that we had a police presence at our home on Saturday due to them looking for someone whose license plate listed her address as living at our address. When the police were assured she did not and we did (for seven years) the reply was, "Yes, we know". I think it was safe to say we all were perplexed. Ok then. I am happy to report:

Our sweet landlady finally answered the perplexing question that had kept me up all night. You know; was this lady hurt? Was she is in trouble? Accident? Death? Nosy rosy I am. No, simple truth was this person had lived in our house 20+ years ago and had moved to NC., our landlady, the lady in question and police officer (our landlady's nephew) who had asked us questions are all related. Yes, the lady in question is in trouble, no, he didn't know she had moved to NC (because he was only like 10 years old at the time), her license plate had come back to this address. It is unknown at the time how he got the plate or the reasons why. Our landlady did call her nephew and cleared up the questions (she wasn't here Saturday when he / they/police came by). The Police Officer was trying to do it peaceful without alarming the lady--something about a pocket book?? Whose/What/Why ---he isn't saying. ANYWAYS--the lady was found, she is actually here visiting her sister who had knee surgery, and still has her NY license, hmm on that one. That's all we know...our 'hood has been under the microscope lately, it seems the drug house across the street had a party --a huge party in the backyard. None of my business, I /we didn't even know...all I know is, parking was unbearable that day/evening. ANYWAYS--our governor has relaxed some of the lockdown rules; 10 people can now congregate ((rolling eyes)).

We will not be attending the parade. Since NO standing on the sidewalk or streets is allowed. Must be in vehicles, however, vehicles are not allowed downtown during the parade, so there you have it. The parade is only vehicles, no marching. So, that pretty much means no spectators. Ridiculous. Total safe distancing and masks most be worn even in your car. I don't know who dictates such idiocy (Cuomo), but it is total idiocy. Same as this thought:

No walking on dry sand, but you can walk on wet sand ((??? umm... you have to cross dry sand before you can get to the wet sand, just proves my point of idiocy))

No swimming at the beaches

Churches are allowed only 10 people, 6ft apart, masks must be worn

BBQ's can only have 10 people; safe distancing is required and masks must be worn. ((UMM NOT))

and the list goes on...it is not about the virus, it is about C.O.N.T.R.O.L. I digress...Memorial Day...day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice; their lives.

I hope you can take a few moments to reflect on those who fought for our freedoms and died doing so. Now, more than ever.

Sunday Stealing

Joining in with Sunday Stealing. This time from Stacy, wink.

1. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Umm...that would be my husband, so yes.

2. What’s the closest thing to you that’s red? My coffee mug which has a Christmas tree on it.

3. Did you meet someone new today? Today? No. But yesterday, the household got a visit from the Police Dept. They were looking for someone whose license plates came back as living here. Unfort. that person has never lived here. And I haven't been able to get that person or the circumstances out of my mind. I hope that person isn't in trouble, hurt, or worse. The officers seemed really concerned.

4. What are you craving right now? Nothing.

5. What comes to mind when I say “cabbage.” Roll

6. What does your last text say? I don't text. But I did IM someone: You've been hacked.

7. Do you bite into your ice cream, or just lick it? It depends. If it has candy or chocolate, I will bite into the ice-cream.

8. Do you like your hair? Umm. No.

9. Do you like yourself? Yes and sometimes no.

10. Do you like cottage cheese? Eww

11. What are you listening to right now? The ac's turning on and off and hubby telling me he is going to his mother's to pressure wash her house.

12. Is there anything sparkly in the room where you are? Nope, sadly. Oh wait, does this count? Its hanging on the wall now.

13. How many countries have you visited? Hmm...6, I believe.

14. Are you sarcastic? Umm... can be...only if we know each other well enough. I have dry humor, so that comes across as such.

15. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yep.

Memorial Saturday 9

Good Morning! The Conley family has been up since 4 am--it is (was) so hot in the house (at midnight it said 82* in the house). The last couple of days it has been very humid here in western NY. So, the guys have been busy putting in the window ac's. ANYWAYS, here we are, the Saturday 9.

Saturday 9: Battle Hymn of the Republic (1963)

Unfamiliar with Judy Garland's rendition of this week's tune? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. 

1) On May 30, 1868, President Grant presided over the Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery. Have you ever visited Arlington Cemetery?

Yes when I was child. It is a very humbling experience.

2) On Memorial Day, it is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset. Will you be flying the flag at your home this weekend?

The flag is always flying here.

3) Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, because flowers and ribbons were left on graves of soldiers.  Do you find solace in visiting cemeteries?

No. I am actually creeped out. But we do upkeep the Conley plot. The cemetery director and I go around and around about this. We have found knocked over gravestones and the upkeep isn't very good.

4) The lyrics to this week's song were written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861. Her inspiration was a White House visit with Abraham Lincoln. In 2020, under normal circumstances, public tours of the White House are available but you must request your ticket in advance from your Member of Congress (House or Senate). When you travel, do you plan your trip weeks before you go? Or do you decide how your days will unfold once you reach your destination?

A little of both. Hotels or rental is made before hand, the rest, we play by ear.

5) Judy Garland performed this week's song before a live audience as a tribute to President Kennedy, who had been assassinated just weeks before. She knew Kennedy personally and considered this a farewell to a friend. While the performance was difficult for her -- at one point she flubs the lyrics -- she believed it was important, and could perhaps help the country heal. Tell us about a song that reminds you of someone you loved who is no longer with us.

I can't think of anything. But let me say, any Patriotic song really affects me. I can't get through the Star Spangled Banner without balling. My husband wants TAPS and Amazing Grace. I still can't get through those either.

6) John F. Kennedy served in WWII and was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps medal and a Purple Heart. His brother Joe also served and was awarded the Navy Cross, but he received his citation posthumously, having died during a flying mission over East Suffolk, England. Here at Saturday 9, we consider everyone who serves a hero and want to hear about the veterans and active military members in your life.

My husband was a military police in the Marines, my dad was a door gunner in the Army, my late fil was in the Air Force, my one bil was in the Army for 22 years, my other bil was in the National Guard, my one brother was in the Air Force.

7) Memorial Day is considered the beginning of the summer season. Will you be enjoying warm weather this weekend?

Yes and muggy too (its currently raining, but suppose to be near 90* by Monday)

8) Berries are especially popular in summer. Which is your favorite: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries?

All the above. I love berries

9) If you could attend a Memorial Day picnic with any fictional character, which would you choose?

Fictional? No. if I could, I would invite every single military member (former and present) to grand a picnic.

Friday Funny

I don't have much to say, so I will leave you with a Friday Funny.

Hodgepodging on a Thursday

I forgot about the HP yesterday, so, I am day late, what else is new? ((grin))

1. In a single sentence tell us something about your 40's. If you haven't reached that milestone yet tell us (in a single sentence) something about whatever decade you're in now.

Let's see, at age 46 we made a life changing move to here. It will be a 7 years on Monday since we moved here. I have no idea where the next 7 - 10 years will be. Scary thoughts.

2. Life begins at forty. Agree or disagree? Tell us why. And if not at forty, when?

Does it? I don't know. Life began for me 3 years ago after the life altering hysterectomy-just keeping it real. It's true though-my mother always said to watch your weight; quickly  loosing that battle and hormones (or lack of) that is a major issue. tmi

3. Share a favorite book, song, or quote with a number featured in it somewhere. 

4. A picture's worth a thousand words, a stitch in time saves nine, back to square one, catch-22, on cloud nine, my two cents...pick a number phrase and tell us how it applies to your life currently.

I know most of you have been paying attention..and get what I am saying about this Wuhan Virus.

5. Last time you drove more than 40 miles from home?

Beginning of semester.

 More than 400 miles from home? Where were you going?

Wow, been a long time since we drove that far.

Was it before or after this current season of social distancing?

Before the current season of social distancing-which is stupid, jmo.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 OKKKKKKKKKKKK you asked.

not me or hubby

I am so done and over with the mask thing. I guess the powers that be in Albany never gave it a thought of us folks who have underlying problems such as asthma. Since the weather is warming up and pollen is becoming and issue, enough. And if folks around town are any indication, they have had enough. Sorry, if you want to wear a mask, great. I support you. But don't lecture me. I am an adult who can make up her own mind, thank you very much.

Not that I take anything that WHO has to say about it. I have to laugh; Wear a mask when sneezing or coughing, seriously? Talk about germs galore. But use common sense folks. Those cloth masks do nothing to protect you, do some homework. CDC guidelines recommend it. But do not order the public to do so. Hey, here's a thought--you do know you are breathing in your germs and bad Carbon Dioxide (or whatever its called), right? Someone please educate me on this.

Yeah, that is where we are at as a society. Especially in the state of NY. I had a young man threaten yesterday, which really ticked me off. He refused me entry into a store. Then I pointed at the sign that stated, "Unless you have an underlying issue such as COPD or Asthma -you must wear a mask." Thank you very much. He did allow me in. Oh, they can't ask --due to HIPPA laws.