Thursday, May 7, 2009

Titanic - The Legos' version, my son's creation


My son has a new fascination-The story of the Titanic. He built a Lego version of it. It's quite clever. (Okay, I realize that sounds like a brag, but Nathan is 9 and has autism, and some profound learning disabilities, so this is a celebration I want to share with all of you!)

Notice the life boat on the side, the four steam funnels, and the captain in the crow's nest. lol.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Local Honey / allergy experiment update

The locally harvested honey has worked very well this season for allergies. Many are complaining of quite bad symptoms, and I'm not saying I have none, but they are minor.

I take 2 teaspoons a day. I got my locally harvested honey at a farm market down the road, for about $4 for about a 2-3 month supply, and also a nearby health food store. Sometimes I mix it in a smoothie, some milk with a scoop of protein powder, and a banana or strawberries. Also good mixed in tea.

Also I experience no side effects that I can tell. Sometimes it just seems just too sweet. But, washing it down with O.J. makes it fine.

I'm really glad I tried it, and plan on taking it until frost, usually Sept or Oct.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Humor-science, math, spiritual

Quick note and update:
I've been considering this topic, because I get joy from little silly things in life. I've researched comedy, and engaged in my own pranks/hijinxs.

Now, I explore the nature of humor at the place where I engage life as I perceive it as it really IS.

Read and respond. I LOVE that.

3 more weeks of school this semester. AHHH!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Bird Calls Getting me Out of Bed


A strange and beautiful thing has been happening to me, a consummate night owl. Birds are singing me awake in the a.m.. One day it was a turtle dove saying what sounded like, "Come one, Come one!" and I was beckoned to get up for my morning walk. This walk is wonderful. I examine my dreams, I pray (thanking God, praise him for his world, and lifting up others on my mind). I really have never been a morning person, and I still don't think I am, but this new habit is very refreshing. 

I'm starting to really be captivated by the calls of the birds I hear as I walk. They are so busy in the morning. I heard a woodpecker this week as he was getting breakfast out of a tree. I may have to start studying the bird calls of local birds. I think they might be talking about me, or maybe they have important things to say that I should know. : )

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Morning Fog Rising

Today I took an early morning walk. I'm not a morning person. I've been trying to get out for exercise.

Today was particularly cold, but beautiful with an encompassing fog hovering over the path I walked. I could hear many birds busy singing in their day, which I haven't been nearly well-enough aware of, though spring is fully here.

I thought about the beauty of the morning that I'm too cooped up in my home to witness most days, because I am too tired, and feel too busy to join in. And I walk the around the forgiving gravel of the nearby cemetery, which is easier on my joints than pavement. This course choice pulls into perspective the brevity of existence, and hones my priorities, just before my hectic day begins. It all helps lift me from my fog.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

new gnome site

I'll broken off the random escapade gnome adventuring enterprise "Into the Great Un-gnome" to a new site dedicated to that purpose. Hope you check out the fun. Keep those cards, and gnomes coming! Thanks for the support.

Monday, April 6, 2009

"Into the Great Un-Gnome Enterprises" answers FAQ

What is "INTO the GREAT UN-GNOME ENTERPRISES" ?

q: Is this some kind of a joke, or will you seriously travel around with statues, and take pictures? 
a: Into the Great Un-Gnome Enterprises provides a way for people to experience the pleasure of a vicarious adventure by sending a garden gnome friend to us for a unique experience we will capture on camera and chronicle on Facebook and this blog.

q: Why did you start this?

a: The short answer is to have some fun. But, this idea, in general, is not new. Wikipedia details this movement in this article. The award-winning French film Amélie featured this idea also. Travel service Travelocity uses a gnome as its mascot. Apparently, gnomes, once free from forced labor gardening, enjoy adventures and world travel.

q: What does it cost to send a gnome on an adventure with you?
a: It costs nothing, but really the fun and enjoyment you'll have is priceless. 

q: Can I choose the adventure, trip, or activity for my gnome?
a: Our modest financial abilities do not allow this possibility at present. Gnomes arriving  without financial wherewithal are surprised with the next available adventure, be it a modest or extravagant one.

q: If I want to see a gnome I send you go on an adventure, what should I do?
a: You should carefully pack your gnome, and mail him to Gnome Handlers Services c/o Ovation Enterprises 49 S. 2nd St. Cressona, Pa 17929.

q: Will my gnome be returned?
a: No.

q: Do you accept trolls, elves, pixies, fairies, dwarfs, and the like?
a: Not at this time. However, special exceptions may accepted upon request.

q: If I find a gnome, can I send it?
a: Not, if it doesn't belong to you. That's what is typically referred to as stealing, and we do not condone that. 

q: What if I don't have a gnome, but I want to send one?
a: See if the owner of a nearby gnome is agreeable to the adventure, or purchase one of your own. mastergardening.com is where we got our first gnome Trevor (seen in photo) for only about 12$. 

q: Will this make me famous or make my gnome famous?
a: Maybe. We will only use your first name when referencing your gnome story, unless you specify otherwise. We will reveal whatever details you give us about your gnome that we feel are appropriate, and details about his adventure.

q: You keep saying "him", don't you accept female gnomes?
a: Not at this time. Our gnome told us they are all male, and reproduce by magic. He said any known female gnomes are a farce. (He may have told us a fib to get away with something!)

If you have any questions about this venture, please leave your comments.
Thanks for your support. 
Keep those cards, letters, and gnomes coming.