2008/11/03 0640 EST Mornin JD Sr.

Morning young'uns. Welcome home, dear hearts, welcome home. Here, give me a hug and get in here. I know it is cold out there...Grab some coffee..Breakfast is almost ready. Scrambled fresh eggs, sausage cakes, fried taters, and TA DAH! pecan pancakes, blueberry syrup, and lots of butter! Not supposed to be any calories in this good stuff but I'd check on the counter to be sure. lolol

Well, if Newbie and I manage to make it thru this next year, it will be a miracle! The boy is cute, cuddly, sweet natured, and oh so bright! It takes a bit to outsmart the emom but he does it on a daily basis! Sheesh, last nite, he ate the last roll of tpaper in the package, one of my strawberry guest soaps, and then the basket the strawberries were in. I scold...he comes up to me...puts chin on my knee...and worst of all, looks at me with those pitiful big brown eyes...licks my hand and I just melt! What's an emom to do?

Hey all, check out Keenkat49's blog on the SECRET SOCIETY...A funny look at modern appliances..a good read.

GaryJames is taking us on another adventuresome ROAD TRIP through the USA. Check it out in the ROAD TRIP group page...A good read for all you arm chair traveler's.

Read 'Choose friends carefully' in the NATIVE AMERICAN'S FOR ALL. A type of Native American zodiac...I am a deer! Lots of fun to figure out who is what in our friends' list.

The emom asks that you keep her good friend and pal, LittleJake, (VNV) in your thoughts. He is not well and is undergoing treatment. LJ is one of mine, a good man and a Vietnam vet; his wife, Carol, is a saint! Hugs and much love to you both. I will be in touch.

Ah yes, now to the Marvin! I have created a monster with this boy! He is back home after a mini-vacation trip. Since he owes me a lobster din din with all the trimmings, he tried to email lobster. When that failed, he decided to ship frozen critter to KY by bus! No return address on package...Anybody interested in taking in a nice lil ol lady (with 6 dogs) who is on the run from a very irate bus company complete with passengers. I think I am in trouble here.

Later all of mine...go in safety, the emom

Here is the entire list of Native American Animal Symbols. I am a BEAVER by the way! LOL ~KK

Otter: Jan 20 - Feb 18
A little quirky, and unorthodox, the Otter is a hard one to figure sometimes. Perceived as unconventional, the Otter methods aren't the first ones chosen to get the job done. This is a big mistake on the part of others – because although unconventional, the Otter's methods are usually quite effective. Yes, the Otter has unusual way of looking at things, but he/she is equipped with a brilliant imagination and intelligence, allowing him/her an edge over every one else. Often very perceptive and intuitive, the Otter makes a very good friend, and can be very attentive. In a nurturing environment the Otter is sensitive, sympathetic, courageous, and honest.

Wolf: Feb 19 – Mar 20
Deeply emotional, and wholly passionate, the Wolf is the lover of the zodiac in both the physical and philosophical sense of the word. The Wolf understands that all we need is love, and is fully capable of providing it. Juxtaposed with his/her fierce independence – this Native American animal symbol is a bit of a contradiction in terms. Needing his/her freedom, yet still being quite gentle and compassionate – we get the picture of the "lone wolf" with this sign. In a nurturing environment the Wolf is intensely passionate, generous, deeply affectionate, and gentle.

Falcon: Mar 21 – Apr 19
A natural born leader, the Falcon can always be looked upon for clear judgment in sticky situations. Furthermore, the characteristics for this Native American animal symbol never wastes time, rather he/she strikes while the iron is hot, and takes action in what must be done. Ever persistent, and always taking the initiative, the Falcon is a gem of a personality to have for projects or team sports. The Falcon can be a little on the conceited side – but he/she is usually right in his/her opinions – so a little arrogance is understood. In a supportive environmental the Falcon "soars" in his/her ability to maintain passion and fire in relationships, and always remaining compassionate.

Beaver: Apr 20 – May 20
Take charge, adapt, overcome – this is the Beaver motto. Mostly business, the Beaver is gets the job at hand done with maximum efficiency and aplomb. Strategic, and cunning the Beaver is a force to be reckoned with in matters of business and combat. One might also think twice about engaging the Beaver in a match of wits – as his/her mental acuity is razor sharp. The Beaver has everything going for him/her – however tendencies toward "my way or the highway" get them in trouble. Yes, they are usually right, but the bearer of this Native American animal symbol may need to work on tact. In a nurturing environment the Beaver can be compassionate, generous, helpful, and loyal.

Deer: May 21 – Jun 20
This Native American animal symbol is the muse of the zodiac. The Deer is inspiring lively and quick-witted. With a tailor-made humor, the Deer has a tendency to get a laugh out of anyone. Excellent ability for vocalizing, the Deer is a consummate conversationalist. This combined with his/her natural intelligence make the Deer a must-have guest at dinner parties. Always aware of his/her surroundings, and even more aware of his/her appearance, the Deer can be a bit self-involved. However, the Deer's narcissism is overlooked because of his/her congeniality and affability. In a supportive environment the Deer's natural liveliness and sparkly personality radiate even more. He/she is an inspiring force in any nurturing relationship.

Woodpecker: Jun 21 – Jul 21
Woodpeckers are usually the most nurturing of all the Native American animal symbols. The consummate listener, totally empathic and understanding, the Woodpecker is the one to have on your side when you need support. Of course, they make wonderful parents, and equally wonderful friends and partners. Another proverbial feather in the Woodpeckers cap is the tendency to be naturally frugal, resourceful, and organized. In a nurturing environment the Woodpecker is of course caring, devoted, and very romantic.

Salmon: Jul 22 – Aug 21
Electric, focused, intuitive, and wholly creative, the Salmon is a real live-wire. His/her energy is palpable. A natural motivator, the Salmon's confidence and enthusiasm is easily infectious. Soon, everybody is onboard with the Salmon – even if the idea seems too hair-brained to work. Generous, intelligent, and intuitive, it's no wonder why the Salmon has no shortage of friends. This Native American animal symbol expresses a need for purpose and goals, and has no trouble finding volunteers for his/her personal crusades. In a supportive environment, the Salmon is stable, calm, sensual, and giving.

Bear: Aug 22 – Sep 21
Pragmatic, and methodical the Bear is the one to call when a steady hand is needed. The Bear's practicality and level-headedness makes him/her an excellent business partner. Usually the voice of reason in most scenarios, the Bear is a good balance for Owls. The Bear is also gifted with an enormous heart, and a penchant for generosity. However, one might not know it as the Bear tends to be very modest, and a bit shy. In a loving environment this Native American animal symbol showers love and generosity in return. Further, the Bear has a capacity for patience and temperance, which makes him/her excellent teachers & mentors.

Crow/Raven: Sep 22 – Oct 22
Highly enthusiastic, and a natural entrepreneur, the Crow is quite a charmer. But he/she doesn't have to work at being charming – it comes easily. Everyone recognizes the Crow's easy energy, and everyone turns to the Crow for his/her ideas and opinions. This is because the Crow is both idealistic and diplomatic and is quite ingenious. In nurturing environments this Native American animal symbol is easy-going, can be romantic, and soft-spoken. Further, the crow can be quite patient, and intuitive in relationships.

Snake/Serpent: Oct 23 – Nov 22
Most shamans are born under this Native American animal symbol. The Snake is a natural in all matters of spirit. Easily attuned to the ethereal realm the Snake makes an excellent spiritual leader. Also respected for his/her healing capacities, the Snake also excels in medical professions. The Snake's preoccupation with matters intangible often lead others to view them as mysterious, and sometimes frightening. True, the Snake can be secretive, and a bit dark – he/she is also quite sensitive, and caring. In a supportive relationship the cool Snake can be passionate, inspiring, humorous, and helpful.

Owl: Nov 23 – Dec 21
Changeable and mutable as the wind, the Owl is a tough one to pin down. Warm, natural, with an easy-going nature, the Owl is friend to the world. The bearer of this Native American animal symbol is notorious for engaging in life at full speed, and whole-hearted loves adventure. This can be to his/her detriment as the Owl can be reckless, careless, and thoughtless. Owls make great artists, teachers, and conservationists. However, due to his/her adaptability and versatility – the Owl would likely excel in any occupation. In a supportive, nurturing environment the Owl is sensitive, enthusiastic, and an attentive listener.

Goose: Dec 22 – Jan 19
If you want something done – give it to the Goose. Persevering, dogged, and ambitious to a fault, the Goose sets goals for accomplishment, and always obtains them. The goose is determined to succeed at all cost – not for the approval of other – but those with this Native American animal symbol competes with his/her own internal foe. Driven is the watchword for the Goose's dominating personality trait – which makes them excellent in business and competitive sports. When tempered with supportive, nurturing family and friends, the Goose excels in all things he/she attempts. In a loving environment the Goose can be very passionate, humorous, gregarious, and even sensual.

Goats like lemon cookies, words to live by! lol
Yes, Groovy Granny you can call me Gary.....at your own risk! ;-)

2008/15/03 1100 EST Mornin' JD Sr

Wowser, guys and gals! Welcome home dear ones, welcome home! Come on in, grab some coffee and set a spell!

I already have the giffles this morning, managed to lose a lovely comment and gotten chewed out twice...once for not being awake, once for not having the News ready for anonymous to read! My cup runneth over...lololol

If this isn't the darndest place I've ever lived! Road scraper came thru several times yesterday. The gravel road no longer has gravel! Just what I needed! A slimy wet orange clay surface to drive on...a whole mile's worth to the black top! Getting down the mountain is no problem...Stopping at the bottom is a whole different thing! I don't even want to think about the uphill journey and the two bad curves just below the house. The curved section is banked the wrong way on each curve. Slope is to the drop off side instead of toward the safe or mountain side of the road. Ah, what do I know any way?

Before I forget again...Be sure to read Goldie55's article in VNV reference 'Stimulus Payments'. The monies that Government is allegedly sending to all good people to help jump start the economy.

Your gonna love this...Grasscutter brought out the critter feed late yesterday. I showed him my abstract paintings...Flash of Scarlet and Blue Streak...lolol First thing out of his mouth, "They ain't done yet!" I cracked up...lolol It was too cute and too funny.

And I did have to tell him about the "joke". Told him the joke first...and he started laffing...when I told him I didn't get joke, he absolutely got hysterical... went out the door with tears running! Then I got tickled. I've never seen the man laff so hard ever! I have known him and his family for almost ten years. Well, there goes my reputation again! More fun!

Never did get the kitchen floor done yesterday...give it another go today. Maybe, just maybe I might get it done today.

I am outa here for now. Go in safety all of mine. Hugs and much love from the overworked under paid emom lolol

2008/16/03 0800 EST Mornin' JD Sr....

Hey all! Welcome home, dear hearts, welcome home..Did you climb through the cloud deck this morning? Ceiling is zero even on the flat lands below? Kinda figured it might be. I'd like to say something about all the rain but I wouldn't dare! With the drought last summer, I'll take all the rain I can get!

Oh dear...The Newbie has been at it again! Trying to get to sleep last nite was a real struggle. Newbie emptied a pop carton, carried it into hall way and then began to play with it. The Spud wouldn't let him into bedroom.. had some serious growling going on...Newbie starting to seriously challenge Spud for Alpha male postition. Spud guards bed with his life.. I get walked on, jumped on and bruised! Bury self under blankets, pillows and comforters... Does not help. Might just as well be housing a herd of stampeding elephants..Finally had to use the magic word, GUN! before they would settle down.

One of my favorite songs, Amazing Grace, is part of the featured native American music in Native Americans for All as posted by MistyBlue57. Might want to check it out. It's a quite lovely rendition.

THE HOUSE OF THE GARDEN SPIDER



In Ohio, I had a very small back yard. I enclosed it with stockade fencing. Planted ornamental trees..had a large pond and a small holding pond. Cobblestone edgings and street brick pathways. Ground covers of different varieties of ivy...Queen Anne cherry trees...Oh, it was wonderful..no grass to cut. Could go out back to sit and watch the critters...Frogs, irredescent Koi, birds, a hawk, box turtles and even a couple of garter snakes. I also had a Japanese lantern in a bed of perennials.

Now, in this Japanese lantern, there lived a very busy garden spider...never did give him a name. Spider and I lived in peaceful harmony.

Poor spider, sometimes I disturbed him when the bed needed weeding. I started weeding...no problem. However, I brushed against his web three separate times in one afternoon...This was too much for Spider! He came roaring out of lantern.. ran up my arm and bit me. I had to laff! It was too funny! Enough was enough! No, I didn't swat him...I just waited patiently until he cooled off.. coaxed him onto my hand then put him back in his house. I often think of him and his offspring living happily by the pond. I smile.

Guess I best be getting busy...Grocery trip today... Grasscutter is taking me and will do all the packing and toting... Huggies and much love to all of mine, go in safety..the emom

2008/21/03 0700 EST Mornin JD Sr.

Welcome home, dear hearts, welcome home. Come on in here and get warmed. A bit chilly out there this morning and I do see frost covering everything. I hear some serious rumors about snow this week end...Supposed to be sunny today and warm...I sure hope so. We need a few sunny days.

The dogs have been out/in and are now zonked out all over the house...Even the Newby is sleeping. Amazing! He is never still...Shhhhhh Don't wake him...let him sleep.

Not much going on around here. It is the quiet time in the mountains... The farmers are gearing up for planting but must wait till the fields dry some...There is a lot of clay in this area and it does hold the water. I guess El and Anna will plant 'bakker' again this year. Meems will be planting trees..Especially around the pond...more shade for the fish. Might even set some tomatoes out and see what happens.

Oh, I did have a strange visitor yesterday...lolol A junk collector...goes around and looks for metal and things to sell. Wanted to know if I had anything to get rid of...wanted to come in and look. Was very charming. lolol Big red dog didn't like him at all...Spud wasn't sure what to think and I was polite. I was outside without my pistol. I know better but I did it anyway.
Never go out without a weapon! Absolutely not safe here to do that.

Well, I called Anna and boy, did I get an earful! Sheesh, the guy is a real baddy and related to the idiot up the road. My cup runneth over again! I had to laff tho, according to Anna, he likes to 'take' older women for everything they have and will steal anything not tied down. Gee whiz, the only things I don't have tied down are the dogs...I don't think anybody wants to mess with big red and Spud...Newbie is still learning...but he too is getting the idea.

I saw my crow family out in the coop with the chickyducks yesterday. Interesting too...Chickyducks stood back and let the crows eat...I never realize how large a crow really is until I compare them with the chickens. Really big critters! I saw a hawk flying yesterday too...It was having a rough time against the wind.

I just looked out the window...The sun is not up above the mountain yet. I see my flyguys up there this morning already...one is coming right over the house heading west. Yesss! I wish that I could be up there...just once. "to touch the face of God".

Well, guys, I am off to get into my usual amount of trouble...why bother to deny it...I am always into something.

Later all of mine...hugs, much love and go in safety.
the emom

2008/22/03 1130 est Good mornin' JD Sr.

Gee whiz, that is the coldest 50° I have felt in a long time... Get in here...It's brunch today...I know, I know but you all don't know what kind of day I've had already!

Guess who ate my address book, the other half of the throw rug and another roll of paper towels? Well Ratz! How did I give it away? Was it something that sounded familiar?

Already told KK about memory lapse...JR stopped out at least two weeks ago...Dropped off two turkey callers...wants them painted with a spring scenes...Well, I put them up...and promptly forgot all about them! Now, that means that sometime today I must get those two things done...give up nap...turn grumpy...be meaner than usual...grumble and snap at dogs!

Napanag has been giving this poor lil ol lady a hard time in TLS! However, the word smith don't know who him playing with! My attic may be jumbled but the files are still up there somewhere...

And the Boss man? Well I mentioned the Easter elves being out today...to use due caution when driving...EE's only come out twice a year, at Easter and Christmas...a blessing in itself...Doing their last minute shoppings before the big day. Peeking under steering wheel, driving 20 miles less per hour than posted limit..However, meems is not one of them...Meems has it floor boarded all the way there and back...Don't get in front of meems...will get run over or down. lolol

Just a reminder...we all post things we wish we hadn't. Well, go to your local manager or moderator to ask that the item be removed. Most will do that for you...

Let me see, that's about it... nope, one more thing...

When I went to feed and gather yesterday, I discovered I have a whole section out back that is like a carpet.. A green and blue Forget Me Not carpet sprinkled with wild violets. So soft and beautiful...Carpeting at its best!

Keeping it short today...much work to get done and it is late...

Welcome home dear ones, be at ease, relax, enjoy the company and the hot coffee...hugs and much love from the emom...go in safety all of mine...

2008/23/03 1030 EST Mornin' JD Sr.

Welcome home, dear hearts, welcome home! Sheesh, it's 'eat thru you' kind of weather out there today. Get in here and get warmed up. Food's hot and the coffee is fresh. Been up since 0730 and still not awake..I'm trying tho.

A HAPPY EASTER BUNNY DAY TO ALL! Meems been out looking for bunny eggs already and haven't found a one yet...no bunny nor egg! Meems must have been bad (Oh yeah) this last year...Well, there's always next year! lolol

Oh dear me, I seem to have uncovered another monster here on eons...lolol I rec'd the funniest comment yesterday and one today from vtol..the Smothers Bros. (vtol and Marvin) and the happiness fairy...they are too funny...I really must have been bad in a past life to deserve this treatment! What DID I do? Any way, check those two out on my profile page...

Speaking of what did I do, the Napanag and I have been having a fun battle of wits on The Lighter Side...Napa, it seems is 'witless' and losing at the game...However, I must give him credit for his terrible pun! A real groaner but really swift..He must have gotten it from his wife! gotcha NN...lolol

On the negative side of these skirmishes, sits KK. From what I can gather from her, NN and I are driving her to the vanilla bottle! Poor soul, she is my good friend... but I think with two of us fighting the good fight, she is slightly overwhelmed...Said something about having nose buried in dictionary and thesaurus...buying more reference books at the local drug store...lolol Gotcha KK!

Rec'd a message from LittleJake...he's not been able to contact me through my new address... first part is now emom101...the rest stays the same...emom101@prtcnet.org
Any one else having problems with my add...pm me please and let me know...

Meems is so far behind in my work, I'll never get caught up...Meems is gonna try tho...therefore...

Catch ya all later...stay out of trouble and enjoy today.
Be at ease all of mine...go in safety...hugs and much love ... the emom

2008/24/03 0600 EST Mornin JD Sr.

Welcome home, my dear hearts, welcome home. Today is a new day...Spring is officially here...Where here is tho, I am not sure! Get in here and get warm...Help self to the buffet and coffee...

Not much gossip lately...Did hear there are law suits starting in the next county over. Somethin' about drilling for natural gas and wrong people getting the money... If it ain't one thing, it's another. Nobody I know has been put in jail recently. But, we are about due for another triple homicide...every year about this time.. Gossip said we were going to have snow this last week end and that didn't happen...Ya pays your dime and takes your chances around here...daily!

Oh yeah, several of the brats have discovered they can leave little remarks on the emom's comment field, (see profile) If you want to take the time to read them, have at it. lololol a lot of back and forthing between profiles...

Napanag has been featured on the home page...Good lookin hossie...lolol...what you get tho, when you click on his name, is a wanted poster! gotcha again nn lololol Boy will just NOT LEARN to mess with the emom!

KK has been squalling for help monitoring the ongoing battles in TLS...I see that no one has volunteered to jump in and help...smart people out there. lolol Never, and I do mean never, get caught in the line of fire between Napa and the emom.

YES! Marvin's new tv is fixed...I hope...sheesh! his tv problem has been almost as bad as my email/spam thing. Wouldn't wish that on anybody...lolol Nope, sure wouldn't.

Hey, DispDeb...Heard that you injured your leg/knee... Gots to stay away from that green beer they tell me... it can be dangerous. Take care of yourself and get well soon...hugs.

Surprise, surprise...Newbie didn't eat any more of the kitchen furniture over nite! Wonders will never cease. The boy does keep busy tho...anybody else going outside, he goes with them. Watches over all the other dogs and guards them well. Him gonna make a fine friend to the emom.

Meems has another busy day scheduled...hope to get more work done on the paintings. More framing and varnishing too...later all of mine, my dear ones, incountry. Take care, go in safety, love and many hugs from the emom

ALL RIGHT KK! gotcha NN ...KK did a big gotcha! lololol

2008/25/2008 0600 EST Morning JD SR

Welcome home, dear ones, welcome home....

THERE WILL BE NO EDITIONS OF THE MOUNTAIN NEWS FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS....

No real problems here, but I must get caught up on work.
I will check or be on line in the evenings only for the time being.

Hugs to all of mine and much love...go in safety, dear hearts.

Paula, emom, meems and mmm all in one.

Boss, that is the most beautiful and thoughtful gift I have ever received... The meems thanks you so very much...