RECENT PHOTOS

I haven't had my camera out much lately, but this weekend, I took some time to take a few photos. Here's a sample. More to come......

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Little had I realized that the MySpace and Facebook networks were as amazingly outreaching as they are! As a result of the Facebook page of the Marietta Class of 1998, my last class I taught at Marietta High School, I am now in touch with members of that class as well as former students that I taught prior to and after the 1998 group. It's amazing!! I can honestly say that if I hadn't had this totally unexpected connection, I wouldn't have known what's happening in the life of Calvino Perrine or Josué Macatol!!

What is just a daily part of their lives has become for me the hightlight of my day! I can write on the "Walls" of my former students; I can see photos of their families; I can experience what is happening with them on a daily basis. WOW! I am amazed and in disbelief that we are still connected and live in the lives of our interconnected past like we are.

If anyone's interested, my Facebook account is www.facebook.com/tswilder and my MySpace is simply http://www.myspace.com/ (search for Senora Wilder). As more and more connections are made, I'm grateful to the world of computers/cyberspace for keeping us all connected. It's really, really amazing! And, it's a touch of "human-ness" that I had yet to connect with the world of computers.

IT MUST BE RUNNING IN THE FAMILY

When I mentioned to Samuel that I was contemplating a new "do," he sent me his latest photo, the one he's using on his graduate school applications. Thought I'd share it with all. He's always envied men who could sport a good mullet, and finally, he's convinced himself he's a good candidate. What a handsome dude!



(October Fools!)

IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE

The long, graying, straight hair has to go. It's time for a new "do"-- a new look if you will ... a makeover.

I've narrowed my choices to the "looks" below...What's your preference??????? Please let me know. I'd appreciate your ideas....Thanks, in advance..


A.

B. C.
D.

I'm leaning toward "C".

FALL EQUINOX - TODAY

Actually, the fall equinox officially arrived just over 30 minutes ago. It's officially autumn, so we can celebrate the balance of dark and light today.

Balance seems to be a great word for the day.

Happy Mabban!

PEPIN and LAIDA

My friends in Miami, Pepí and Laida, are going through it right now. Pepín has had not one, but two MAJOR heart operations in the last week to repair a congential heart defect that went unnoticed throughout his life until recently. To make a long story short, his weakened heart along with the trauma of the surgery has taxed his body tremendously, and after the first surgery last week (9/15), the heart did not respond as the MD's had hoped, and Friday (9/19), he was back in the operating room for another 7 hour surgery. He's stable now, but still in ICU and still assisted with a ventilator and other sustaining mechanisms.

At the same time, Laida's mom is in a frail state with many things happening in her body and mind. She's bedridden, unable to care for herself. Normally Laida goes to visit her every day, but Pepíns urgent situation has prevented Laida from being able to see Liana, her mom, as much recently.

I wrote this letter to Laida and Pepí yesterday. In my heart of hearts, I'd love to be there with them to assist however I could. Once again, for me, the opportunity presents itself to support from a distance, and I invite Namasté readers to hold two of my very best friends in their thoughts and meditations.

Thanks.......T.

_____________________________
September 20, 2008

Dear and beloved Laida and Pepín,

If I could wave my magic wand, I would transport the two of you to The Farm to be here with me right now on this beautiful early fall day. The sun’s bright in the sky, and huge, soft, puffy clouds slowly drift by. It’s the sort of day that began with a gentle fall chill in the air and has matured over the afternoon into a classic Indian summer day. In just a little while, I’ll go out to water my plants since there’s no rain in the forecast and they’re looking a bit thirsty.

At this very moment, a juvenile red-tail hawk is soaring over the front pasture directly in front of the house. It’s obvious he hasn’t had much experience in the upper wind currents since he lets out a squeal every time he gets caught in an updraft. The blue jays and crows are competing in a calling contest off in the distance. I’d give the crows the award for being a bit more melodious than the blue jays since their squawk carries no musicality at all. The last of the summer’s hummingbirds is checking out the feeders to see if I’ve filled them lately with sugar water they drink by the quarts. Pepín, you’d be fascinated by the yellow warblers as they flit about with their last clutch, the mom and dad teaching the young ones who’re just learning to fly the ins and outs of being airborne before leaving soon for warmer climates as fall approaches here. The yellow warblers always remind me of your canaries.

The cats sleep soundly on the deck at my feet, moving from time to time to stretch and yawn before drifting off to sleep again. They live a life of luxury here…sleeping all day, mousing all night, and occasionally chasing each other in bursts of play. The two white cats rally to swat at each other’s tails and pester lazy, lazy Hendrix as he snores on the rail. Loonis, the farm grump, keeps her distance and hisses quite nastily if anyone dares invade her special place on the deck.
Annie and Molly are beseeching me to take a walk so they can head down to the stream at the back of the field to wallow in the mud and cool off. The goldenrod’s in full bloom now, and the ironweed, a deep, pure purple flower, mixes in beautifully with the brightness of the goldenrod’s yellow. There are a lot of butterflies about now, and the dragonflies are really numerous as well. It’s so dry the grass really crunches under my feet, and in the distance, the trees show signs of reds and oranges in the tips of their leaves.

When the dogs and I go on a walk, we’re always accompanied by at least three of four cats. I talk to all of them as I would to Samuel or Eliza if they were along, and I’m always amazed by what we experience when we’re out in the fields and woods together. So many times only the animals and I have experienced really amazing things on our walks. I can’t wait for you two to spend some time with me here. It’s always quiet and peaceful at The Farm, even during the day. This afternoon, only the songs of the birds and an occasional car passing along the road in the distance interrupt the stillness of the afternoon.

At times when I’m so surrounded by certain creatures in nature, I look up the Native American lore on what they signify on the level of spirit…Today I chose to read about butterflies, dragonflies, and hummingbirds. I like what I’ve found: butterflies remind us that we are always in the process of transformation; dragonflies remind us that change in our bodies and spirits are necessary for our transformation, and hummingbirds bring us lightness of spirit to assist us as we renew the magic in our lives. As I read this today, I thought about the two of you and your process at this time. It might take a while and a good bit of patience, but on the other side of this ordeal, there will be amazing transformations, all of which will redefine your lives in the best of ways.

My prayers and those of many, many people all over the world encircle and embrace you all. I’ve called out everyone I know who has strong prayer and healing connections. I so wish I could be there in Miami with you to do whatever I could to ease the intenseness of the moment. For now, I stay connected with you in prayers and in the space of peace that The Farm offers. I send the energy of the Earth, the sunshine, the flowers, and the fields to you to deepen your breath and assist you both with strength, peace, patience, and courage.

I love you both.
Tanya

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I'm glad it's Friday.
I'm grateful I've had the afternoon, evening, and night here alone at The Farm.

ONE DAY DOWN & 180+ TO GO

One would think that after 32 years of teaching, I'd be able to sleep the night before school starts. But, oh no! The same excitement and fear of oversleeping that have woken me up anywhere between 3 - 5 AM the night before classes start struck again last evening, and I didn't sleep any after 4:35 AM. As a result, I've been in front of classes one day, and I'm already exhausted! How much longer can I do this?

My classes, thank goodness, are small, and my initial gut feeling is that my students are relatively conscientious and bright. Those who had to be in class at 8AM today had a pretty sonambulous look on their faces, but once their caffeine kicked in, they seemed to rally a bit. I, of course, was working on automatic pilot. "Hola...My name is Señora Wilder...Bienvenidos a la clase de español...It's going to be a GGRREEAT quarter, etc."

Once I get back into the routine of my schedule, I'll be fine, but for now, my heart tells me to get outside, and my body says 6:30 AM is way to early to get up.

56

September 12, 1952

About 8:00AM this morning, a rather large bird, identifed by the orinthology department of Appalachian State Teachers College as a Western North Carolina Hatching Stork, dropped a bundle of joy into the lives of Steve and Zeb Shook. Named Tanya, after a character in a book her father is reading at the moment, the new arrival weighed in at 8 lbs., give or take a few ounces. During the first hours of observation and acquaintance with their daughter, Steve and Zeb speculate she'll be a rather independent, unique sort who'll dance to the the beat of her own drum, loving life all the while.

Her birth chart reveals that little Tanya is a double Virgo. Earthy, analytical, artsy, friendly to animals, and somewhat of a perfectionist, this Virgo will test and challenge her way through life, but family and friends will be hard pressed to find anyone as faithful. One can expect a zany ride as he/she travels life's journey with this one!

CUBA: PHOTOS AFTER HURRICANE IKE

After yesterday's post and diatribe, I'll just let these photos speak for themselves.

PHOTOS FROM CUBA & A DIATRIBE

On this island less than 100 miles from our country, where the inhabitants survive on a daily basis with next to nothing...where they stand in line with ration booklets for food and water...where the government now boasts the availability of cell phone and computer access for Cubans(even though the people cannot afford the commodities and the services are hugely antiquated and/or non-functional)...where human rights activists are arbitrarily arrested and summarily tried...where the average citizen has NO access to medical or dental treatment from one of the touted "best health care systems in the world" because there is no medicine, novacaine, equipment in hospitals that works, etc...

the Cuban people now must come to grips with the results of two intense natural disasters within a week: Hurricane Gustav AND Hurricane Ike. The following photos were taken last week after Gustav passed over the island. Imagine what it's like now that Ike nailed the entire island just yesterday.

A woman examines what remains of the interior of her house. Note that she only has an old TV and a destroyed chair to examine. That's all she had inside her house.

Total destruction. This woman's house is basically two rooms in a larger house. Nothing remains.

Destruction in the local barber shop.

In Cuba, rather than get excited when there are power outages, the people celebrate when there is an "alumbrón," a time when there IS electrical power. The hurricane has eliminated the possibility of occasional electrical service completely.

I understand horrific natural disasters have occurred recently in many places across the planet...the cyclone in Myanmaar, the tsunami of a couple years back, the recent earthquake in Japan, Hurricane Katrina to name a few. It amazes me, however, that Cuba is so totally overlooked by the American press and people when it comes to the suffering that takes place on a daily basis there. Less than an hour's trip from Key West, Cubans endure life under a totalitarian regime that equals or surpasses the opression suffered by any other group of people on the planet. I am amazed at the lack of dialog / concern in our country about the plight of a nation so close to our own shore.

OK, I've vented...I'm now hopping off my soapbox to go mow.

CHECK THIS OUT...

Just another example of the creativity of one of my former students, Sara Deutsch...

www.burgesscustom.com

BENT OBJECTS VIDEO

With quick glance to my favorite blogs link on the right of Namasté, you'll find the link to Bent Objects. When I first began blogging a couple years back, I found Bent Objects on the Blogs of Note page, and I've followed the evolution of Terry Border's art and humor ever since.

Today while visiting the blog, I discovered this video and decided to post it for Namasté viewers. Off-the-wall humor is what it's all about at Bent Objects. Look for a Bent Objects book coming out in the fall of 2009!

Enjoy !!

CLASS OF 1998

The last class I taught at Marietta High School before I made the jump to post-secondary teaching at Washington State Community College celebrated their 10th year reunion this past weekend, and the majority of those who returned were former students. This group was a great one for me to "graduate" with...probably, with the exception of the class of 1986, the most fun, lively, motivated, highly intelligent group of students I've had all at one time. I taught these "kids" for 4 or 5 years, depending on whether they completed the five-year sequence we had in Spanish at that time.

(Starting from L to R, there's Sara (clothing designer, creates her own line of snowboarding clothing, lives in Jackson Hole, WY), Stephanie (works in corporate management for Victoria's Secret), Curtis (a lawyer in NYC), Christine (upper management with Honda), Michelle (management with a business in Columbus), Meera (just completed her MBA at Berkeley and will soon be employed with BAIN), Michael (Ph.D in chemistry from the University of Chicago), Señora Wilder (still teaching but NOT at the high school), Adam (behind me, an MD at Riverside Hospital in Columbus), Laura (beside Adam, a Ph.D / MD from Johns Hopkins), and Drew (a law student in Cincinnati). Missing from the group are Chuck (who's working on a Ph.D from MIT) and Mike Sieburg (who's starting graduate school at Columbia in NYC). An amazing bunch, to say the least!! I'm so proud of them.)

Being together 10 years later was as easy as if we still saw each other every day in Spanish class at Marietta High. I had forgotten that their class motto, "la luz es la verdad," came out of a cheesy play we read their senior year. I had not forgotten, however, that I was selected to hand these students their honor cords at graduation. At the time they graduated, I thought I would be returning to MHS in the fall, but along came an offer to move on, and so I left for brighter pastures. It would have been difficult to return without them around.

One of the valedictorians of the class has remained one of my best friends. Meera and I had the chance to hang out Saturday afternoon at the farm. It's been about two 1/2 years since we've been able to sit down and catch up with each other. After undergraduate school, Meera did a two-year stint in the Peace Corps in Uganda and still talks of "her village" there. She's just returned from an amazing trip to Asia and Africa, so I got to see her photos and hear of her latest adventures.

On a day to day basis, teaching can be an exhausting profession. The educational system and beaucracy never cease to mystify and puzzle me in terms of what I perceive to be a very uncreative institution with too many demands of teaching professionals. However, the reward of witnessing students grow as their lives unfolds is one of my life's great joys. I am heartened and delighted to have had the privilege and honor of knowing this group of students. They and those like them provide great hope for the future of our country and planet!! They are, indeed, some of my best friends.

EDITORIAL NOTE

I don't have the "new look" totally finished / polished yet, but I'm on the way. Can't decide if it's pretty or gaudy. Comments welcome (and they won't hurt my feelings!).

2,000 HITS

No, that's not the number of encounters I've had with intelligent, nice-looking, courteous, wealthy, artistic, honest, down-to earth available men my age....

No, that's not the number of #1 singles by my favorite group of all times.....

No, that's not the number of meteors that have banged into the earth lately....

Not, that's not the number of punches I can throw at a sparring partner in 5 minutes....

Yes, it could be (but it's not) the number of times I have to aim at a nail before I "nail it"...

Yes, it could be (but it's not) the number of times I've backed into the trash cans....

Yes, it could be (but it's not) the number of times I've swatted at a fly and missed....

2,000 hits.....

A celebration of 2,000 stop-bys on Namasté....

Thanks to all !

PS: Look for changes in the "look" of Namasté as soon as I can figure out a couple of things....

LAZY, LAZY DAY

Just the animals and I are at home today, taking it easy. A steady rain falls outside, the perfect rain that allows the earth to soak up each drop. A gentle breeze adds a slight chill to the air, and I'm watching leaves fall one by one from the maple tree outside my window, a graceful reminder that fall's just around the corner.

It's the classic "stay in bed under the covers and read" day, and that's just what I've done this morning. I saw Eliza off to school, hopped back in bed, watched "Enchanted," a cheesy but sweet Disney movie, snoozing along the way and dreaming my own version of living "happily ever after." It's a quiet day here at The Farm, the last uninterrupted day I have at home before school starts. I'm soaking in the mellowness / laziness / solitude of it all.

Don 't know that I'll accomplish much today. If it weren't raining, I'd work on making grape juice from the "fruit of the vines." I'll probably cook a bit. I might start my next knitting project, read, or do a little yoga. I'll listen to music, for sure, and maybe work on my refinishing project.

This morning shot of Cato in La-La-Land pretty much sums up the day.

I'm in love with this moment and so grateful for this day and my many blessings.

Off to do something.....or nothing.....!

REALITY SETS IN

A brief whine, similar to the one I posted about this time a year ago and the year before that....

Back to work part-time tomorrow...one class at Marietta College
Back to work full-time next Tuesday.

'Nuf said.

IDYLLIC

A close to dark evening walk to the back of the field with the dogs....The farm juvenile hawk squealing above as he floated and soared along with us....Budding goldenrod interspersed with purple ironweed and delicate Queen Ann's Lace...Two deer awaiting us at the back of the field, taking a chance on our harmlessness until instinct reminded them to dart away...Buddha's sweet smile.

Clouds rollin' in...Hoping big time for some rain.

THE DAY AFTER

After sleeping the last 24 hours as a result of anesthesia, I'm still sleepy and will probably sleep most of the day today. The extraction was no big deal, and the pain has been quite manageable with Advil. I did get a prescription for Hydrocodone, which I promptly flushed down the toilet. I'd be out for weeks if I took one of those.

I'm going to try to accomplish something today, but I've yet to decide what that might be. Perhaps I'll go thrifting....perhaps I'll work on a couple of chairs I got that need some sanding and tung oil....perhaps I'll take a stab at cleaning the inside of the house a bit.

More than likely I'll sleep.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

1. a visit from my grad school roomate, Nancy Reuter. Two days of reminiscing, reliving, laughing, catching up. A four-mile walk that turned into a "rescue" of four little kittens (who now live at the humane shelter). A really good, good time.

2. success, finally, at finding the leak in my water line. By chance, on our walk, Reuter and I ran into a guy from the water service who does fix-it jobs after hours, and he found the leak andtook care of things immediately. No more huge water bills, thank goodness! Huge gratitude to the Universe for answering my plea for assistance.

3. an unexpected call today from Juvenile Court in need of a translator. Worked two hours and will receive $130. Helped a young guy who's here illegally and could get screwed without some assistance. Makes me think I should investigate teaching a Spanish for Legal / Law Personnel course.

4. good feedback over the course of the week for a grant I'm writing for the arts and lecture series I chair at the community college. Hopefully, the Ohio Arts Council will be so kind as to send some big bucks our way.

5. teeth extraction tomorrow morning. Only two teeth have to come out. I'll be completely under sedation, come home with drugs, and sleep most of the day. Got some good movies to watch. Should be up and about tomorrow afternoon or Saturday morning.

6. 1st day of school for Eliza, who's beginning her junior year. Already swamped with homework. Has a full schedule with her dad for chemistry. Band, in and of itself, occupies all her time.

7. grapes on the vines ready to make juice. A weekend activity I think. Can't wait to squeeze the juice out of the grapes.

8. basil for pesto ready to go. House smells like garlic and basil combination.

It's been a good one! Highly recommend everyone check out Brett & Betsy's blog. Great photos, amazing adventures! And take a look at Meera's as well. She's back in Uganda.

Ciao....

REUNION IN THE MOUNTAINS

I've spent a good part of the day getting a new blog together for the for my father's family reunion.

Check out the link on my blog roll or go to www.matneygathering2009.blogspot.com

The blog's in its first hours of existence, so there's not a lot there, but I hope there'll be much more to follow.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

From many years of rebirthing....

Love brings up everything unlike itself for healing...

And, thank you, Dean, for providing the pool and breathing time night before last. It was a tremendous gift of love.

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina at this very moment, nestled down in the valley here in Boone and surrounded by the majesty of the mountains. A visit with Grandma Shook, my aunts, Mabel, Audrey, and Mildred... Supper at the house with Mom, her sister, Hal, my cousin, Bobby, and Uncle Frank, Aunt Lera, and Richard, long time family members, Mildred and Ken..Time with Samuel...a good book...an almost completed scarf...fresh peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes...a trip to the Farmer's Market...and clear skies with a cool, humidless mountain breeze.

I'm home in NC, and it feels pretty darn good. Sending my greetings....T.

NONE THE WISER

So, since the infection in my jaw wasn't getting better at a swift pace, I saw the dentist yesterday who took an X-ray of the suspect area and confirmed that I do indeed have an infection, caused by an impacted wisdom tooth! Earlier in the year, he discovered I have a second wisdom tooth on the bottom left side of my jaw, and now we know I have another on the upper right side that's causing considerable pressure against the back tooth. Both wisdom teeth lie parallel to the jaw bone (see photo as to horizontal placement), are as impacted as they can get and have to come out. When I get to the oral surgeon, we'll find out if there are two other newcomers to round out the two we've discovered.

La Mala Racha seems to be continuing. The high thought, I suppose, is that I can get the extractions taken out before school starts and that I'll be the oldest person for wisdom teeth extraction the new surgeon has ever worked on. What an honor! Maybe I'll get to occupy the recovery area with a group of adolescents / teenagers and their parents!

I asked if there was a special discount for one who had previously undergone this surgery 30 years ago. Alas! No such deal. The receptionist did say the office personnel would treat me specially since I hold the honor of a second set of wisdom teeth and I'm 55. Wow, I feel so special!!

Oh well, I'm off to NC in just a little while for a week. Just learned this morning that there was a nasty wreck involving a chemical spill on I-77 south of Charleston that closed both lanes in both directions for 15 hours yesterday. Glad I wasn't traveling then. After learning about the impending oral surgery, it would have taken me over the top.

Cheers and love to all...Keeping on the sunny side and eager to get to the mountains....

FARM FAMILY -SUMMER UPDATE-2008 (ABBREVIATED VERSION)

The farm family is scattered all over the world, so here's a "catch-up" with where we all are:

BRETT & BETSY - married June 7th in what had to be the most beautiful wedding ever in Minnesota-I couldn't attend in body, but in spirit, the farm was present on every energetic level possible - Betsy takes the cake for most beautiful bride in the world! - Currently in Oxford, England and visiting Paris, these two are off to Bulgaria in the not to distant future to teach abroad for two years. Follow them via their blog link on the right.

DANA & JAMES - getting ready for the December arrival of Wendilynn (sp.?) - decorating the nursery, continuing with teaching and editorial positions at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. I'm betting on Wendy's arrival as December 13th, Samuel's arrival date - James has a blog link in my blog roll as well.

(NOTE: Blogger photo upload problems from here on out...Photos to come when I can figure out the glitch...*&^%!! From what I understand, many bloggers are having photo posting problems. I wish blogger. com would get to the root of this problem).


LORI BETH - in Vancouver, BC, at the moment, living the life of the rich and famous with the Kruegers of Nickelback fame - Click on the link at the right to enter her new blog: Story Lori.
Awaiting many great tales of her jet-setting life.


JOE - back in Logan, UT, after our trip to Vermont and his subsequent trip to Eugene, OR - Preparing for a new semester - Hands in the clay, as always.


MEERA - off on the trip of a lifetime to Vietnam, Thailand, Dubai, and other exotic places after finishing her MBA at Berkeley - See her blog link on the right for details. I'm hoping the last leg of her trip will be to Marietta for her 10-year class reunion in August. Will you be here, girl?


ANDREW - Spending the summer at a kids' camp in Maine - Getting ready for his senior year at The College of Wooster - Kayaking every morning - Having a great summer.


BOBBI & ISABELLA - living life to the fullest in Philadelphia - Spending weekends at the beach in Avalon, NJ - expending enough energy for the rest of the family - Doing well.


SAMUEL - graduated in May from Appalachian State University - Living in Boone, NC - Working at Black Bear Books - Attended a writer's seminar at Antioch College in July - Met Dave Chappell - Had his work chosen as part of the seminar's showcase - Hangin' out with sweet Megan - Lovin' life.


ELIZA - 16 & beautiful - Into band & color guard in the big way - Driving - Enjoying an over the top social life - Learning the realities of gas money, spending money, etc. - Lovin' her life, as well.

TANYA - Holdin' down the fort at The Farm - Working outside a lot - Keeping up with the house - Nursing sick cats - Enjoying the summer to the max! Movin' at her own pace & lovin' it. Tryin' to get blogger photos to work!

Hope this finds all well....Peace from The Farm.

WHAT NEXT?

Eliza woke up with a urinary tract infection....

Clousseau, the cat, is losing all his hair from a snake bite....

The fleas haven't totally disappeared (although we're holding them at bay)...

And I look like I've been sucker-punched on my right jaw from either an infection in my cheek or tooth...Can't figure out which...

¡CACA!

FEISTY, FUN, & FULL OF LIFE!

At this very moment as I sit here at my computer, there are territorial wars and feeder stakeouts in full force outside. The hummingbirds darting around my porch by my bedroom are out in full force for their morning feeding, and the whirling and buzzing as they swoop down to the feeder and then zip away can be heard all over the house. (Like Grandma Shook, I have about 7 or 8 feeders for them to choose from.)

I've noticed the little creatures are more than just a little protective of their feeders. Sometimes it seems to me they spend more time dive bombing each other away from the feeder than actually feeding. When they do their ritual-like hummingbird dance, zipping up and down and up and down, they sometimes bump into each other (purposely I think) and have to light on a branch for a moment to regain their senses.

Another thing I've noticed is that they come let me know when they're back in the spring. They'll hover around my windows as if to say, "OK, we're back, we've flown a long way, and we'd like some nectar. Get to it! Now, please!!" They peek in on me when I'm at the computer and chatter at me from a branch right outside the window while I do my work. In fact, two are watching me at this moment. Oops, make that one. The male just dove at his rival at the feeder. And, when the sugar water in the feeders is low or stale, several follow me around when I'm outside to remind me to take care of their food. They're persistent and quite honestly, rather demanding --sweetly so. Yesterday, I thought one was going to drill me in the ear until I came to take care of the feeders! (I buy more sugar in the summer than I do all year since my flock of hummies eats about 8 cups of nectar every two days...make that 10 cups.)

According to Jamie Sams and David Carson in their medicine card book, hummingbird medicine is "one of love, an opening of the heart... They're a reminder that life is a delight, shying away from disharmony. People with hummingbird medicine love life and its joys. The hummies bring laughter, a flash of spirit, and a strange new burst of energy. If you're around hummingbirds, you will filled with joy and experience the magic of living."

One can't beat that! I'm off to fill the feeders!

THE MOUNTAIN FOLK WILL GATHER

At my father's funeral, several relatives mentioned how wonderful it would be if all the Shook (paternal)/ Michael (maternal) relatives could come together for a reunion other than at a funeral. I think the last time Daddy's family had a reunion, he was in charge. That would have been a good while back, maybe some thirty years ago. (I have come across photos of an earlier reunion that must have been 52 or so years ago because I'm little in the photo and obviously more into playing than looking at the camera.)

So, in honor of Papa, I've taken it upon myself to be the organizer of a huge gathering that will take place on July 4th, 2009, in Matney, NC, a little spot in the road below Banner Elk and Pigeon Roost, NC. The mountains will be a-crawlin' with many folks who still remain in the area and those who come from places as far away as Japan (hopefully),

Here's a tidbit...Papa's mom and her sister (Ruth & Ada) married two brothers (Hoyle & Tom). Both the girls and guys had one other sibling, so there's a bunch of folks to bring together. In all the information gathering I've done, I've also discovered that Papa's grandmother was married once before she married my great-grandfather. That means there's a side of the family I never knew (most of whom have to be ancient by now) to contact. Additionally, my grandmother's father had 7 siblings who lived to adulthood, so there's the possibility some of them might attend. Something tells me this reunion would make a great PBS documentary since the family is huge and all rooted in the Appalachian Mountains and traditions.

Daddy was the oldest of 10 children. I think this photo is the only one in existence of all ten of

them together with their parents. My mother probably took the picture around 1944. Of the ten children, eight still are living, as is Grandma Ruth (age 106). (Grandma's key to longevity: tell the truth and don't trust doctors! )

The other photos are of my great-grandparents, Green & Etta Beard Michael. Grandma was a good 6 inches taller than Grandpa and a sister to Granny Clampett. :0) :0)

MOOSE CROSSING!

Eliza fortunately had her camera by her side as she, Bella, and her friend, Ashleigh, were on their way to a waterfall to swim not far from the house where we stayed in Vermont. According to her report, she was driving along, saw this huge "something" saunter across the road, and realized that she was close to having an encounter with a MOOSE! She got uber excited and failed to zoom in before she took the photo. Nonetheless, she captured proof of her sighting, and that's all it that matters. Yeah, Eliza!!

(I think this guy/gal's a juvenile, but regardless, it's a huge, stilty-legged moose!)

BELLA

Isabella Rose Tighe melts my heart. She was my best friend and buddy in Vermont, and we did some great hangin' out. She's an amazing child...an old soul in a beautiful, energetic, loving little 8-year old body.

I taught her to knit; she really learned fast and stayed with it the entire week. We did some great imaginary play in the pond, splashing about while she played the "surfer" on her raft. I was the rather slow but reliable "motor boat," pulling her along from my inner tube. We laughed and laughed as we watched "Cheaper by the Dozen 2," and only we were privy to the silly pictures we drew of the family in our sketchbooks (Bella's rendition of her mom was GREAT!).

At night,as we slept together, we snuggled in real close and told secrets and stories. Her little body next to mine took me back to nights with Samuel and Eliza in the bed with me, and her breath as she slept was gentle and peaceful like a baby's.

I'm in love with her.....such a bright, curious, wise, spirited, fearless, sensitive, loving child...

...my Isabella Rose

PARADISE

A week in Danville, VT...no cell phone reception...no TV...amazing vacation house...daily skinny dips in the pond...showers in the waterfall...majestic mountains (very much like NC)...sacred, love-packed family time...great meals...very, very friendly
people...moose (Eliza has the photo)...kayaking...good walks...naps...good reading...good knitting time...lots of laughter...it couldn't have been better! Joe kept saying over and over that he felt like we were in paradise. I totally concur!

OFF TO VERMONT

Joe's home and ready to go...Eliza's packed...I haven't begun yet...

We're off this afternoon for a week of family vee-cation, as Eliza used to say...

Not sure which route we're taking....

Not sure where we'll spend the night tonight....

Totally free-formin' it....

Meeting Bobbi and Isabella tomorrow at the farmhouse in Vermont...

No cell phone service at the farm....

No TV.....

Lots of music, books, lakes, kayaks, canoes, ponds, loons, flowers, farmers' markets....

Don't plan on doing much connecting with the Mid-Ohio Valley except to check in with Alex, the housesitter....

Wishing all love, peace, and lots of laughter....

T.

LOOK WHAT THE CAT--OOPS!! I MEAN ELIZA--DRUG IN

Following in the footsteps of her beloved older brother (who brought home not only one, but a mama with four babies--a mama cat who happened to get pregnant AGAIN before I could get her spayed), and knowing that her beloved mother would not turn away an abandoned baby in need of food and water, Eliza, now known as The Most Recent Good Samaritan to Felines, rescued this adorable little bundle of fleas and poop last evening on her way home from spending the day with friends, John and Desiree.

To add insult to injury, Eliza's big sister and partner in crime, LoriBeth, who's in from Maui and won't be here to assist in kitten care, joined in the pitiful chorus of "Oh, we have to find him a home, a place like HERE! Can we please, please, please keep him??"

The firm response to their pleas is a resounding NO WAY!! Eight cats are already pushing the limit, and an additional one, no matter how cute, pitiful, adorable, loving, etc., is out of the question!!!!! (Note Lori's look of disbelief when I held firm to not letting the kitty become the next farm kitty.)

(I must concede, however, that the idea of taking this little fellow to the Humane Society is more than I can deal with, especially since our last experience there was not one that made me feel like the animals were not in good health and not well-cared for.)

DILEMMA!!! WHAT TO DO?? We're leaving on vacation to Vermont in two days, and we have to find a place for Finn (yes, he does have a name) by then.

Any volunteers?? I'll be glad to ship him free of charge to any pet loving individual or family in the continental US who will open his/her/their hearts to sweet, adorable FINN....I'll even throw in a worming from the vet.....

AWAY...HOME...AWAY

The holiday weekend found Eliza and me on the road to Boone for a visit with Mom, my Uncle John's memorial service, visits with friends and family, and a trip to Pigeon Roost to see Grandma Shook and my Uncle Bradley and Aunt Mabel. How great to re-connect with our Russell Road neighborhood family, the Harrills, have dinner with the Randalls, and have some hang out time around the house!! Laughter and good times abounded in Boone...yet another reminder of our family's many blessings!

Prior to going , I busted "arse" around the farm, trying to get things in shape for a week's absence. Thanks to my excellent housesitter, Alex, everything, excluding the grass and weeds (which had to have grown 6" in 5 days) around The Farm's in good shape. I have to keep in mind that the chore list has an additional 500 things to add now that summer's in full bloom, but so far, I'm pretty much at ease with this summer as an exception to the rule in terms of outside accomplishments. Give me another year, and I'll be at it full pace again.

The good news at The Farm is that Clousseau, the very sick white cat, is now at home after an extended stay at the vet's, and is quite OK...The car seems to be fixed and happy with all its new parts and battery...We've had enough rain to do me for a while, but at least, we're not in the throes of a drought like last year, and soggy soil makes for easier weeding.... I did find my debit card after whining about it in my last post. At the moment, things are calm and uneventful here....¡¡GRACIAS A DIOS!!

As always, some of my most meaningful moments while in Boone were spent with my grandmother, now 106 1/2. Grandma was alert with me. She knew me immediately, and she told me to "go to the kitchen and get a bite to eat." When I asked her if she was hungry, she told me no, but then told me she'd like a pancake, so we got her one that was left over from her breakfast. I slathered it up good with some blackberry jelly and fed it to her. She ate the whole thing and drank a glass of chocolate milk as well. (I think she associates me with food!!) When I told her she looked "purty," she looked at me with a smile and said, "Am I purtier than you?" Then I told her she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she replied, "That does make me purtier than you, don't it?" She looked at Eliza and told her, "You're an awful purty girl, too." When she looked at Mom, she said, "You're Steve, Zeb's Steve." Other than those little exchanges, she was pretty quiet, just asking over and over if we were going to stay with her.

I know she won't remember our being there, but it always makes my day when I hear her say she loves me...She still has that twinkle in her eye and warmth in her hand as it rests in mine.

Here are a couple of photos I took while away...Again, Blogger is being cantankerous with posting ones other than these, so I'll keep trying. For the moment enjoy...

a glorious red lily....

and a rhododendron blossom, just a day or so before opening.

In two days, Eliza, Joe Davis, and I take off to Vermont for a week with Bobbi and Isabella. I think I'll have computer access there, so I'll try to post a few photos from there.

Happy summer to all, wherever you are, and as always, thanks for checking in with Namasté!

THE LAST TWO DAYS = FRUSTRATION

Cleaning, sorting, organizing downstairs...
Cleaning, sorting, organizing upstairs...

Pause for a Major Interruption...

A sick, white cat requiring a late night trip to the vet..
A sick, white cat requiring an early morning trip to the vet...
A sick, white cat who's spending the night at the vet's office...
A sick, white cat who's going to cost me close to $500....


Cleaning, sorting, organizing again...
Cleaning, sorting, organizing...


Pause for an Interruption....


A sneezy, snotty, wheezing orange cat...
A sneezy, snotty, wheezing orange cat who needs to go to the vet...
A sneezy, snotty, wheezing orange cat who's going to have to wait to go to the vet
because the very sick white cat is already there.


A trip to the mechanics shop on Monday...
A trip to the mechanics shop on Tuesday...
A car that still smells like burning something or another when it's driven...


A lost debit card...
A found debit card...

A lost for the second time debit card...
A not found second time lost debit card...

Irritation, exasperation, frustration..
burn out with losing stuff...

Irritation, exasperation, frustration...
burn out with cat yak...

Irritation, exasperation, frustration...
burn out with car repairs...


I'm done, done, done with this spell of crazy energy,
bad luck...
whatever you want to call it.

I announce,
I pronounce,
and
I send forth to the Universe with every cell in my body...


I'M DONE WITH THIS RUN OF "MALA RACHA" ....I'VE HAD ENOUGH....GO AWAY AND NEVER COME BACK!!!!!


So mote it be!

EXPERIMENTS

(1)

(2)

(3)

I welcome comments / feedback. I'm (again) playing with the camera (rather than getting chores done), and learning some new things about color adaptations, etc. Your thoughts?

Gracias....