Unintended

It is day 13 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "Unintended".  Visit Nicky's post to see what the others never intended to do.

I think he's too stressed.

It was a long restless night as I tossed and turned with words and phrases spinning their way through my head like a whirling dervish, spitting out snippets of stories that will never be written.  I guess that's what happens when writers try to wring out wrinkled words like a well worn dish rag.

I had thought of writing about when Dood moved inside to live with us, an unintended addition to our family.

Then there was the dream I had while pondering this dilemma where my mom and I were shopping at a mall.  We were walking and talking and were several stores away when I realized I was still carrying a dress that I hadn't paid for.  Since it was quite a walk back, I told her to sit and wait while I returned it.  Unintended shoplifting.

But none of these seemed worthy of the challenge, so feeling the pressure of this mind-numbing insanity, I tossed and turned some more as the hour of dawn approached.

Disclaimer:  When I entered this challenge, it was never my intention to present such drivel for public view.

Hello Mr. President

It is day 12 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "The Day I Met Abraham Lincoln".  Visit Nicky's post to see more creative stories.

The year was 1863, and President Lincoln was about to make a speech that would be known forever more as the "Gettysburg Address."


150 years later...

Ready as I'll ever be so here goes
Press start
Set date to 1863
Turn dial clockwise to 150
Press launch and close eyes
Count to 5
Open eyes

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States."

This is truly amazing.  It worked.  I don't believe it. Well, I always knew it was possible. At least I thought it was possible.  I hoped it was possible.

Oh the doors this could open. We have the chance to relive history, to right wrongs, and to learn what we should have learned the first time.  We can prevent diseases, save lives, and maybe even prevent wars.  

As I look around I see a crowd gathering.  Abraham Lincoln is taking the stage.  I am about to witness the famous Gettysburg Address.  This is terrific, huge, earth shattering, but as with much technology today, in the wrong hands this could be dangerous. 

As I study the crowd, one thing I didn't think about is my appearance.  I stick out like a sore thumb.  All the women we were wearing long dresses and bonnets.  The men were dressed in suits and hats.  The plain and the fashionable alike had turned out to hear their President, and here I stood in my 21st century clothes with my mouth agape, staring like some deranged fool.  That should raise some eyebrows.

Fortunately, for the moment all eyes were on Lincoln.  His speech was important and everyone was riveted.  "Four score and seven years ago..."  It sent chills up and down my spine.  I'm standing in the middle of one of the most written about periods in our history.  I had to pinch myself to believe I was really here.

All the years of research, late nights and testing paid off, and now, like the rest of the audience, I stood with eyes glued to the stage.  Only unlike the others, I had future knowledge of where the country was headed and how hard the next years would be.  A shattered country, continued war, loss and years of rebuilding afterward.

He finished speaking and amid thunderous applause he walked out into the crowd, shaking hands and speaking with constituents.  Then he noticed me standing there still staring like a crazy person, my eyes following his every move and my camera case hanging from my shoulder.

"I say there madame I don't believe you are from around here.  Might I ask where you are from?" 

As he approaches me, I'm thinking this is fantastic...no wait, it's a disaster.  I could be in real trouble here.  I put all my efforts into getting here, with little thought to what I'd do after I got here so I can't explain my presence.

"Hello Mr. President", I said, "I don't think you would believe me if I told you."

And that is how I met Abraham Lincoln.

Quote of the Week

It is day 11 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "Road Trip".  Visit Nicky's page to see where everyone else is going.
 

The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land.   - G.K. Chesterton

The world is full of amazing places, and we often seek out the foreign and exotic, yet some of our greatest adventures are right in our backyard.  A road trip is a great way to see your own country through fresh eyes.

This was taken in Cherokee, NC last fall.  I believe this is the Hiawassee River, which is a tributary of the Tennessee River.

The Mayors of Winston-Salem

It is day 10 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "The Mayor".  Visit Nicky's page to see what the other long-suffering participants have written.

Winston and Salem merged into Winston-Salem and was officially incorporated in 1913.  Oscar Eaton was elected as the Mayor of Winston before the incorporation, and he served until 1917.  Until then there were mayors for both Winston and Salem.

Oscar B. Eaton

During Mayor Eaton's tenure, a lot was done to bring Winston-Salem into the 20th century such as the paving of First Street and the opening of the Salem Water Plant.  Also the Public Works department was established, and in 1915 the first police cars were purchased.

During our official 100-year history, Winston-Salem has had 18 mayors.  Of those 18, George Coan served two non-consecutive terms during 1929-1935 and 1943-1945.  There were two who served one-year terms.  R. J. Reynolds (I think you'll recognize that name) from 1941-1942, and J. Wilbur Crews from 1942-1943.

There were two mayors who served for 12 years each, Marshall Kerfees 1949-1961 and Wayne Corpening, 1977-1989.

The current mayor, Allen Joines has been in office since 2001.  The majoral election is coming up later this year, and Joines is seeking a fourth term.

Image Source:  Winston-Salem Mayors' Biographies.

The not-so-15-Minute Shower

It is day 9 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "15 minutes".  Visit Nicky's page to see what the other long-suffering participants have written.

It is Saturday morning, and like most mornings I woke up hungry.  Only this morning is different.  Not only am I hungry (we usually go out for breakfast on Saturdays), but I have nothing to offer for today's prompt.  Hubby asks if it's okay if he grabs a 15-minute shower - he's playing to the prompt you see.  I say fine.  

Now there is something you need to know, but would probably rather not because it borders on TMI, but here goes anyway.  Hubby is not known for short showers, nor is he known for starting those showers upon entrance to the bathroom.  If you've ever heard the expression "reading room", you have your answer, but there's more.

Are you gonna brush me?

Enter Sophie.  Yes, the cat, or more appropriately, his cat.  That is where she likes to spend quality time with her Daddy.  He brushes her.  Her little pink hair brush sits next to the wastebasket, and it's not unusual to find copious amounts of Sophie hair in there after brushing session.

Back to the present.  I am sitting on the bed with my notebook and tablet (and my cat) struggling to come up with something read-worthy on the subject of 15 minutes. I set the stopwatch function on my phone and after 25 minutes I had not heard the water start.  Because he can't hear me over the fans, I get up to move things along.  I say, "You said you were going to take a 15-minute shower and it's been over 25 minutes and you haven't even started."  

Hubby:  "Well, now you've got your story"

Conclusion:  He finally got his shower in the time it took me to write this, which proves he can shower in under 15 minutes, and this is what you get when I've got nothing to give.

Le modèle français

Image source: Ammar Abd Rabbo

It is day 8 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "French".  Visit Nicky's page to see what the other long-suffering participants have written.

The plane landed in Paris, and after a long flight,  Sylvie was tired and longed for a hot bath.  Awed by the ornate fixtures, she checked into her five-star hotel.

"Bonjour Madame, comment allez-vous?"

"Je vais bien, merci.  Et vous?"

"Sera Mademoiselle besoin d'une clé ou deux?"

"Une, S'il vous plaît.  Sylvie followed the bellman to her room.  "Merci monsieur."  She tipped him and closed the door.   The years of French lessons she had taken in preparation for this had paid off.

After drawing a hot bath, she poured a glass of the chilled champagne that had been waiting for her.   She slipped into the tub, luxuriating in the steaming lavender scented water.  As she soaked she thought about what brought her to Paris.

She was participating in Fashion Week, and her boyfriend would be arriving tomorrow, hence the champagne she was enjoying.  This was the opportunity of a lifetime.  At the last minute Monique was struck with appendicitis, and required emergency surgery.   Although models are usually very competitive, Sylvie was genuinely sorry for her friend.

After two years of serving as backup, she finally got her chance.  She would impress them with her grace and poise.  She would pause at the end of the runway, turn and throw a dazzling smile at her boyfriend, her very rich boyfriend, Francois.

Afterward they would stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées...one of the most romantic places in Paris.  They would stop beneath the lamp post, the soft glow adding to the ambiance.  He turned, his dark eyes searching her face.  "Sylvie, voulez-vous..."

Her cell phone was ringing, drawing her away from her thoughts.

"Bonjour?"

"Sylvia, where are you?  Wait, did you just say 'bonjour'?  Did you forget our bridge game?  Howard is already here."

Sylvia yawned and shook her head.  "I'm sorry Jan, I must have fallen asleep on the couch.  I just had the oddest dream.   It was so real. "

Texting

 It is day 7 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "Texting".  For me it was more like a test I didn't study for.  Visit Nicky's page to see what the other long-suffering participants have written.

Way back in the dark ages before smart phones and home computers there was shorthand.  The Gregg version was invented by John Robert Gregg in 1888.  I took it in high school, (more recently than 1888) and it was probably my favorite class.  All the letters and sounds of the alphabet are represented, but the key to shorthand are brief forms.  Brief forms are words or phrases represented by one symbol, which increased efficiency.

After learning the alphabet and brief forms, we took dictation.  This was the fun part.  We started out at around 40-60 words per minute, and worked up.  I think my max rate was 140 words per minute.  We had to take and successfully transcribe 120 wpm to pass.  The funny thing was that after taking it at 110 or 120, going back to 90 or 100 was actually harder.  I think it was because we were used to the higher speed and had to recalibrate.

Thanks to modern technology, shorthand is a dying art.  Now we have computers and automated dictation equipment.  So how does all this tie in to texting?  Although serving different purposes, the brief forms used in shorthand are similar to the shortened words and phrases used in texting.  This new language allows us to convey our thoughts in 160 characters or less.  That's important when we're typing with just our thumbs.

We've actually used abbreviations like these for years such as FYI, BYOB, ASAP.  BTW, there are enough out there to MEGO.  I'll leave you with this list of shortcuts so you can tune up your texting skills.  TAFN.  CUL8R.

PS - What are some of your favorite texting short cuts?

PPS - Did anyone else take shorthand?

Raven Haven

 It is day 6 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  This is written for the prompt "Haven".  For more great stories, check out the list on Nicky's post.

Big Pinnacle in Pilot Mountain State Park in North Carolina is the nesting site of the Common Raven.  They are on a watch list which means they are considered rare but not in danger from a conservation standpoint.  On a walk around the base of the pinnacle, they can be seen soaring high above the trees.  Even though they are part of the crow family, they soar and perform aerial acrobatics like the hawks.

The Big Pinnacle has been closed to the public since the late 70s.  The old staircase by which one reached the summit finally fell apart and was removed.  

I remember climbing that staircase.  It was back in the 60s and I think I was about 5 years old.  It's not something I would do now, but I'm glad to have had the experience - even if my memories are vague.

Not only is Big Pinnacle a haven for rare birds such as the Raven, as well as Falcons, Woodpeckers and Turkey Vultures, it's 4 acres contain rare ecological features not normally found in this area.  Among these is a rare oak called the Bear Oak, which is on the Threatened list and found in only four locations in the state.  For these reasons, the Big Pinnacle will remain closed in order to preserve our treasures.

Some Raven facts:

• Ravens are the largest bird in the crow family.
• They weigh around 3 pounds.
• They have a wing span of over 3 feet.
• They are intelligent, with the ability to learn a series of tasks to reach a goal.
• The Raven's call can express a wide range of emotions.
• They live from the desert to the coniferous forest to coastal cliffs.

For more information on Pilot Mountain and the Big Pinnacle read here. 

Speaking of Ravens, congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens on winning the Super Bowl.

Putting Out

It is day 5 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  This is written for the prompt "You better put out".  Don't be put out, check out the list on Nicky's post for more stories.

I am the keeper of all things time, date and place related in our family. 

"What time are we supposed to be there?"  It's my job to remember who's house the party is at and what time we are supposed to show up.

"Do we have shows tonight?" This is a phrase often heard at our dinner table.  I am also the human TV Guide, knowing what's on, when and what channel.  

Image Source:  Markus Merz

I take it all in stride, rinse and repeat as necessary.  I also delegate!

"Hey, tomorrow is Wednesday, you better put out the trash!  

"Recycles too?"

"Nope, they're next week."

Quote of the Week

It is day 4 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  This is written for the prompt "Friendship".  Check out the list on Nicky's post for more friendly posts.

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked. "I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you."

"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte.  "That in itself is a tremendous thing."
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web


The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
― Henry David Thoreau

Friendship is more about being than doing.   

How Doth the Time Pass

It is day 3 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of  We Work For Cheese.  This is written for the prompt "And the next thing I knew". 

msimuri.deviantart.com

Time is a funny thing.  Sometimes it passes so slowly you are certain the entire Redwood forest will be petrified before you advance to first in line at the checkout.  The girl with pink hair and enough body piercings to rival a punk rocker gives you a surly look, then calls someone from the cosmetic department to determine whether the brand of lip gloss you are purchasing is actually the one on sale.

What does this have to do with today's prompt you ask?  Well, it is all about how fast or slowly time passes in relation to a particular event.  This challenge was announced on January 12, giving the industrious person ample time to prepare.  I read the prompts and assured myself I would have several posts pre-written  so I wouldn't be always be writing by the seat of my pants.  I mulled, pondered, ruminated, cogitated and ultimately procrastinated.  I've got plenty of time.  Well, time has a way of speeding up at all the wrong times, and the next thing I knew it was January 31.  Oops!  I had nothing, nada, zilch.  So here it is day three, and yep, I'm writing by the seat of my pants...again!

Check out the list on Nicky's post for some good reads.

Hold On

It is day 2 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of  We Work For Cheese.  This is written for the prompt "Hold On".  Check out the list on Nicky's post to see who else is holding on.

Hold on

to your dreams

to your beliefs

to your goals

to yourself

Let go

of your fears

of your worries

of your problems

of yourself

Embrace

your talents

your uniqueness

your imagination

yourself

Cheesy Fun

Today marks the first day of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  For more cheesy goodness, please read all the other talented participants.  Now let's get started! 

I had no cheesy pictures, nor cheesy tales to tell
And long upon this I did dwell.
So for you lovely folks
I leave this bunch of cheesy jokes.
 

Image Source: Zebedee Zebedee

What happened after an explosion at a French cheese factory?
All that was left was de brie.

What do you call cheese that is sad?
Blue cheese.

How do you get a mouse to smile?
Say cheese!


What do you call cheese that isn't yours?
Nacho Cheese!

What dance do cheese makers do every Halloween?
The muenster mash!

What did the Cheese salesman say?
That cheese may be Gouda, but this one is Feta! 

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

When cheese gets its picture taken what does it say?  

And last but not least.

Mexican, Englishman, American
A Mexican, Englishman, and an American are in a bar having drinks.
When a gorgeous woman comes up to them and says:

Whoever can use the words ‘liver’ and ‘cheese’ in a creative sentence can date me for tonight.

The Englishman says:  I love liver and cheese!

The woman says:  That’s not good enough!

The American says:  I hate liver and cheese!

The woman says:  That’s not creative!

The Mexican says:  Liver alone, cheese mine!
 

Cheesy jokes courtesy of Jokes4Us.com

Up a Tree

This picture makes me happy!

Rosie will be 16 years old in June.  As you know, he has been struggling with diabetes for several years now, and he is currently on insulin about twice a day depending on his blood sugar levels when we test him.  In addition, he suffers from allergies, chronic sinus issues and ear and skin conditions which cause him to cough, sneeze and scratch.  He goes to the vet regularly for shots to control his symptoms.  These shots in turn raise his blood sugar.  

In spite of all this, Rosie is still a happy cat, or as we like to say "an awesome cat".  He still loves life.  However, he has good days, and not so good days. 

So why does this picture make me happy?  This was one of his very best days lately.  He loves Sophie and he was chasing her around the house.  But amid chase, Sophie went up her tree.  Uncharacteristically, Rosie followed - at least to the first perch.  He's feeling good, and that makes me happy!

On top of the world.

Sophie is the only one who uses the cat tree.  It is her escape and a good place to oversee the outside, or just catch a few uninterrupted zzz's.  Occasionally, Rosie will lay on the base and soak up a few rays.

It's nappy time!

Quote of the Week

You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.  - Michael Pritchard

 

If laughter keeps you young, then we are in good shape.  Sophie is always good for a laugh.  This is the bag I use for food when we're going on vacation.  I should have known this wasn't a good idea.  Bags, boxes, they're all fair game where Sophie is concerned. 

Pelican Party

As you know, we love to go to Florida.  That is where I recharge my internal batteries, and let life take a slower pace for a while.  Every so often we like to visit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.  This is a wonderful place where all sorts of injured birds are rehabilitated and released.    For some release is not possible, and they live out their days here in relative peace.  I say relative, because anywhere you have a bunch of birds, it is seldom quiet.

The Sanctuary is located in Indian Shores, about 15 minutes from where we stay in Madeira Beach.  It is between Gulf Blvd. and the Gulf of Mexico.  This sign welcomes beach goers and beckons them to visit the birds and the gift shop.  Visiting is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

 This handsome fellow (No, I'm not sure of his/her gender) looks like he is standing guard.

A large number of the birds you will find here are pelicans of all ages and varieties.  There are several large areas dedicated to them, each with their own swimming pool.  Below you will see what a grand time they have splashing around.

For more information, visit their website - Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

You'll never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking what sort of impression you make. - C. S. Lewis

Too much effort toward making a good impression can work against you. People may notice and wonder why you feel the need to try so hard. Stop worrying about how people perceive you. Being yourself and letting your own light shine through makes the best impression of all.

First Snow of the Winter

Well, we finally got it.  The white stuff fell for a few hours last night after several days of rain.  While we didn't get a great deal of snow, since everything was saturated from all the rain, hubby's car doors were frozen shut when the temperature fell into the 20s. 

This is what it looked like just before dark last night.  We even had a few rumbles of thunder during the snow.

A snowy sunrise.  The sun shining through the snow covered trees is so pretty.

The snow plow spreading salt.

This is a different view of the pond in our ditch, which was frozen over this morning.

A icy look down the street.

By now the the sun is out bright, the temperatures are rising and the snow and ice will soon be a thing of the past.  A typical snow in our area.

Nothing

Image Source: Wikipedia

What do you do when the inside of your brain is as glum and dreary as the day is outside?  Like all the rain has soaked in and drowned your last two brain cells.  I guess you could sit slumped in front of your computer with your head in your hands, pretending to be "the thinker" until the muscles in your neck permanently freeze into that position, leaving you with much more in common with the thinker than you thought possible. That's way too much thinking!

Or you could do what I do.  Nothing!  Except in telling you about doing nothing, I am actually doing something.  Except that the something is really nothing.  

Now you can see why I have nothing to offer.

Quote of the Week

 

 

Image Source:  Wikipedia

Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws. - Plato (427-347 B.C.)

 

 

Plato lived over 2300 years ago.  He was a philosopher and his writings have been used to teach philosophy, logic and ethics.  

 

Mankind had the same issues then that we have today. 

It has been the same throughout history.  So what does this say to us?  People have always known right from wrong, but bad people don't care, and don't respect the laws.