Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Hold the presses.

In the Sunday Book Review of the New York Times, Bill Keller, the executive editor of the New York Times, reviewed the biography, "Publisher." The life and times of Henry Luce who founded Time magazine. Look, and Life magazines during the 1940's and 50's.

Keller writes:

"Whatever else you think of Luce, he never dived down-market. Whenever his publications flagged, Luce insisted that the way to invigorate them was to make them better, not dumber, more populist, more sensational or more cynical."

It seems to me that much of today's media, magazines, newspapers and cable TV stations subscribe to the dumber and more sensational point of view. The public thereby is less informed and looses out on enlightened discussion.

One paragraph in particular struck a chord with me in Keller's review,

"But it is probably fair to say that the cacophony of today’s media — in which rumor and invective often outpace truth-testing, in which shouting heads drown out sober reflection, in which it is possible for people to feel fully informed without ever encountering an opinion that contradicts their prejudices — plays some role in the polarizing of our politics, the dysfunction of our political system and the increased cynicism of the American electorate."

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

There IS a God

Hooray.. In fact Hip Hip Hooray.

Tiger did not win the Masters

Phil Mickelson Won !

Hooray for Phil.

Phil M has been off the tour. Not because of a bimbo erruption. HIs wife and mother have just completed treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. Both for breast cancer. His wife was recuperating in Augusta, Ga. In bed until the last day when she felt well enough to watch her husband come onto number 18 and win the Masters.

Congratulations Phil and family.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

The Masters

Masters Week


Some years back before my hubby retired we were privileged to attend the Masters each year. This was because the business he was affiliated with did work for Augusta National and the club provided him with clubhouse passes with access to all the tournament events

What a grand time this was. We drove into Augusta National up the driveway known as "Magnolia Lane". A sense of history enveloped us on those beautiful April mornings.

We were invited into the antebellum house that served as the clubhouse and onto the patio and lawn outside which overlooked the magnificent green course. Some mornings we had a full southern breakfast in the dining room at the clubhouse. And several times we had dinner there too. We enjoyed drinks while relaxing at tables underneath magnificant old oak trees.

We walked the course with the crowds of avid golf fans. The stillness and quiet while one of the players was teeing off and especially as they putted was silent as a pin dropping.

It is said that nowhere on earth do golf fans behave in such a genteel manner as at the Masters. Tickets are ao hard to come by no one wants to take a chance of losing their tickets permanently by misbehaving. Tickets are in such demand that the waiting list has been closed for decades.


"'The main driveway leading from Washington Road to the course's clubhouse. The lane is flanked on either side by 61 magnolia trees, each grown from seeds planted by the Berckmans family in the 1850s. Magnolia Lane is 330 yards (300 m) long and was paved in 1947."

The Big Oak Tree"
"The big oak tree" is on the golf course side of the clubhouse and is approximately 150-160 years old. The tree was planted in the 1850s

"Augusta National is regarded as one of the most revered golf courses on the PGA Tour. Since the Masters is held at the same venue every year, patrons have the unique opportunity to become familiar with the course, something the other three rotating majors do not afford. The club itself invites a select few members to join each year, but it is not possible to request a membership directly.

The course is well known for its botanic beauty, being lined with stunning azaleas and hundred year old trees. As the Masters is held on the first weekend following the first full week in April, the trees and shrubs bordering the course are always in full bloom during the tournament. Each hole on the course is named after the tree or shrub with which it has become associated:

Hole # Name Par Yards Meters
1 Tea Olive 4 455 416
2 Pink Dogwood 5 575 526
3 Flowering Peach 4 350 320
4 Flowering Crab Apple 3 240 219
5 Magnolia 4 455 416
6 Juniper 3 180 165
7 Pampas 4 450 411
8 Yellow Jasmine 5 570 521
9 Carolina Cherry "

Friday, March 19, 2010

Oh No

Did you see the movie "The Blind Side"

Sandra Bullock won the best actress award for her role as the young southern mother in this film.I loved her in this movie.

"The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family."

Now just a few weeks after winning the Oscar, Sandra's world is falling apart and she has moved out of the home she shared with her husband, Jesse James. One of his former mistresses, the one with the head to toe tattoos and the blimp sized implants is claiming Jesse is carrying on with her. Sandra is mad as a wet hen. She even canceled her scheduled appearance at the London premier of "The Blind Side"

What a jerk Jesse James is.
Why did Sandra Bullock ever marry him?

Thursday, March 11, 2010

House guest dog and cat.

Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By blog is moving to Portland, Oregon as soon as she sells her home in Maine. She has a cat with a mind of his own,as most cats do, and she writes about some of "Oliver's attempts to sabotage the move. Here is a comment by a reader of her blog

"Poor Ollie; he knows something is up. You are not obeying him and he is going to show you who is boss, by trying to sabotage the move."

This reminded me of my week. We are keeping our daughter's cute little five year old Havanese doggie and also the cat while she and her family are on spring break from school.

Buddy, our 8 month old cavalier puppy seems to get along fine with Bella, the guest dog, but he is definetly not enchanted with having his spot as "only dog" usurped this week.

This is what Buddy, who is normally well behaved, has done in the last few days:

Peed on MY BED. right on trhe side where I sleep. Had to wash the blanket sheets and bed pad.

Pooped twice in the dining room
Pooped in living room

Dragged nice pillows off living room sofa and started chewing on them (I caught him just in time so no damage.)

Started to chew up door mat at front door.

There were other instances but I have a mental block and that is all I could remember.

Wish us luck as we count the days until Sunday.

(Buddy says Amen to that.)

Saturday, February 27, 2010

This and that

We just got back from the nearby Whole Foods. Bought my grown daughter a lovely purple orchid, The kind that has the long curving stem and lots of smallish blooms. Tomorrow is her birthday so we will take it over to her then and wish her a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

While at Whole Foods we got a quiche for supper. Turkey and cheese. Their quich are good and enough for two meals. That with a mixed salad we created while there sehould make a yummy meal.

Oh Yes. The apple/walnut crumble pie (very small slice of course) will complete the meal with iced tea.

I don't do Whole Foods often but it is a nice treat. Not cooking is always good.

Buddy and I are relaxing on the computer. Buddy sleeping on the twin bed nearby. Mr C is out golfing with son in law and 13 year old grandson. Grandson just got a new set of big guy clubs and he is hitting the ball like a pro. Right down the middle and 200 yards.

BTW grandson had to buy a new golf hat. He is so disgusted with Tiger Woods that he has tossed his TW golf cap way up in the attic.

Have a good weekend.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Relax to this

You tube music video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVTi7g5MQyI


Click on post title to link to music video.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Party Time

Buddy went to his "first" birthday party today at the dog park in our townhouse community. Mr C took him as I am still recovering from my minor surgery. One of the gals here has a Cavalier spaniel who just turned 4. She has no children, and is about 38 years old and unmarried so this was a fun time for her.

They had doggie birthday cake and treats and about 6 dogs attended with their owners. A tiny terrier tried to beat up on Buddy. Buddy is a lover not a fighter so he hid under Mr C's bench.

A 5 year old little boy got bitten slightlyon the face by another small dog.

Buddy came home after about an hour dragging and whipped.

He had fun but he has decided this is his last birthday party. Too many rowdy dogs.

Buddy is definitely NOT a PARTY ANIMAL...:)

Recovery

My minor surgery went well and I am healing nicely. I get the stitches out on Wednesday. My dermatologist is a wonder. She is Asian, small, gentle, accomplished "seamstress" so I will look none the worse for wear with the 15 stitches I had in my nose and cheek.

I wanted a "new nose" but just got a revised one.

Cheers :)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Today

Here I sit in my guest room which is also my computer room. Buddy has joined me and he is sleeping soundly on one of the twin beds. Dreaming sweet dreams I am sure. He likes to follow me around the house. I enjoy his company too. He is now 7 months old and fast becoming sweeter and well behaved. He almost has the potty training down pat and this is a blessing. My husband and I often wonder that we did with out time and what we talked about before Buddy joined our lives.

Today, here in Atlanta is beautiful and sunny after a cold early morning. We got up very early since I had to visit the dermatoligist for minor surgery on my nose. Basel cell carcinoma in two places. The Mohs surgery took 4 hours as the doctor takes off some and then biopsies it(about 45 minutes) to make sure she got it all. Then she sews and bandages it

I have never had any basel cell before. I am very careful with sunscreen especially on my face and neck. As a teen ager I had x ray for acne so that and sun could have caused this.

Anyway it is fine now except for the healing process.

Moral of this post

Always wear sunscreen and get any weird looking bumps checked out.

Buddy, our Cavalier Spaniel, is a great comfort in times of distress. That is what these dogs were bred for.

I am fine and dandy now and will be better tomorrow when the bandage comes off.

Moral of this story:

Always wear sunscreen and get any strange looking bumps checked out.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

FRIENDS

FRIENDS' ANNIVERSARY DINNERS

A group of 40 years old buddies discussed where they should meet for dinner.

Finally it was agreed upon that they should meet at the Ocean View
restaurant because the waitress's there had low cut blouses and were
very young.

10 years later at 50 years of age, the group once again discussed
where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they
should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the food there was
very good and the wine selection was good also.

10 years later at 60 years of age, the group once again discussed
where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they
should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because they could eat there
in peace and quiet and the restaurant had a beautiful view of the
ocean.

10 years later, at 70 years of age, the group once again discussed
where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they
should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the restaurant was
wheel chair accessible and they even had an elevator.

10 years later, at 80 years of age, the group once again discussed
where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they
should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because they had never been
there before.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Spam

I hate to do this because it means inconvenience for trusted users but this blog is being inundated with so much spam recently that I must enable the anti-spam thingy.

Cheers from me and Buddy.

PS: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day Tuesday, which means six more weeks of winter.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Forever Young

In light of my recent "big event" the sentiment expressed in these lyrics rings even truer. The secret to eternal youth is not in creams and potions but in attitude. :)





"FOREVER YOUNG

BOB DYLAN

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young."

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Report

Hi All
It's me reporting in from the other side...the other side of 80 that is.

December 17 came and went and all is well. My family took me out for a lovely birthday dinner at the downtown Capital City Club which was festive with Christmas decorations,huge tree and all. Complimentary eggnog in the "parlor" with finger sandwiches and pastries. We had a small private dining room for our group which numbered 10 including 4 grandchildren. I had black grouper, Belgium endive salad and ...hold on to your hats...gingerbread cheese cake. It was all delicious especially the cheese cake. A few sips of champagne for the happy birthday toasts and a wee bit of wine.

So another year has passed and I am now working toward 81. Somehow or other it feels liberating to have reached this grand old age. If I need to take my hand carved wooden cane with me when I go out walking or shopping I feel I am entitled. When I told the young man who did not stop his car in the crosswalk at the shopping center, " You are supposed to stop at the marked cross walk, he just smiled and said he was sorry and then he wished me a 'Merry Christmas". I bought this special cane on sale over 25 years ago at Neiman Marcus. Back then I did not need a cane but could not resist it's beauty.

Since November 22, our 58th wedding anniversary, then my birthday on December 17, on to Christmas Day, most of my special days come in a little more than one month, so I am celebrated out.

I am more than ready for some black eyed peas, turnip greens, cornbread, rice, (hopping John). Good old plain Southern food.

We always drop a dime(the same one, a 1935 Lady Liberty dime) in the blackeyed peas for good luck in the New Year. The dime cooks in the peas and the challenge is finding the dime before someone chomps down on it.

The turnip greens are supposed to bring prosperity. the green leafy texture I suppose.

Oh, and Buddy is growing like a weed and getting smarter every day. I don't know what we did with ourselves before we got him. I am convinced he will keep us young at heart.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.

Thanks for reading my blog
and

A great big THANKS for commenting.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Update

Buddy made it through his surgery (nip and tuck) just fine. We checked him out of the vet's office yesterday morning and he has been his old self ever since arriving back home.. You could tell he was overjoyed to be back with his own bed, toys, treats.

He has no restrictions on diet or exercize so he is raring to go for some good long walks. He also wants to play catch up with his game of chasing tennis balls down the hall here at home.

He had gained a whole pound since the last vet visit. 11 pounds and 11 ounces. I don't want him to grow too big so am considering putting a book on his head.
I want to order Buddy this cute, and useful yellow slicker raincoat with a hood attached. (He HATES GOING OUT IN THE RAIN) to take care of business. Mr C. thinks putting the raincoat on Buddy might take too long and the deed would already be done.

I think I will order it anyway.
What do you think?

Monday, November 30, 2009

Buddy progress report

Buddy is growing like a weed. Last routine trip to the vet, he weighed 10 lbs 14 ounces. Long legs and strong body. He is almost getting the hang of potty training..."almost" but at least it is better now that when we first brought him home. His worst bad habit is picking up sticks and tree bark outside and chewing on it. Bad for digestion I think. I sprayed bitter apple on sticks today and he spit stick out so maybe that will work.

Buddy is in here with me at the computer. He is carrying around an old pair of my white socks and exploring under the bed. His favorite TV program is "Football. Any team with red on their uniforms. I think he is watching football on TV to prove he is macho like Mr C. If Buddy breaks out a beer and starts scratching himself I will restrict his TV.

I am typing this real "QUIETLY" so Buddy won't be alarmed. Next Monday, December 7, "Pearl Harbor Day" Buddy is scheduled for a "SNIP" He will stay overnight at the vet and return home early the next day.


EXCERPTS FROM A DOG' S DAILY DIARY
8:00 am - Oh Boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9:30 am - Oh Boy! A car ride! My favorite
9:40 am - Oh Boy! A walk! My favorite!
10:30 am - Oh Boy! A car ride! My favorite!
11:30 am - Oh Boy! Dog food! My favorite!
12:00 noon - Oh Boy! Kids! My favorite!
1:00 pm - Oh Boy! The garden! My favorite!
4:00 pm - Oh Boy! Kids! My favorite!
5:00 pm - Oh Boy! Dog food! My favorite!
5:30 pm - Oh Boy! Mom! My favorite!
6:00 pm - Oh Boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6:30 pm - Oh Boy! Sleeping in moms bed! My favorite

Friday, November 06, 2009

Western Union

I had a humorous experience with Western Union back in the '60's
A friend of mine entered the Pilsbury Bake Off Contest. Her recipe was for "Batter-Up Beef Pie" made with canned Dinty Moore Beef Stew and Pilsbury flour and so on.

She had my husband and I over to taste test it and it was not bad but we did not think she had a chance of winning.

Lo and behold Caroline did win the regional bake off and won a trip to Los angeles for the nation wide "Bake-Off. We were frankly surprised. One reason being Caroline looked like Eva Gabor and was very glamorous. Not your typical picture of a bake off winner.

The day of the Bake Off, we sent Caroline a dozen roses and a telegram saying:"Everything's coming up roses. Good luck.

"The next day, after losing the Bake Off, Caroline called Western Union to reply and said:"Roses dead. So is Stew"

The shocked Western Union Operator interrupted and said:"Oh I am so sorry. How did they die?"

(Easier to communicate in writing than over the telephone :))

Caroline did win a new stove and the trip to LA.....

My Buddy

I will be eighty years old on December 17 this year. WOW !!

I never dreamed of still being around this long. As a teen ager I used to count up and marvel at the year 2000 when I would be seventy-one. but EIGHTY ...That seemed hard to imagine.

But here I am and God willing and "the creek don't rise" I will make it as an octogenarian in December.

So what is an appropriate present for one who has achieved this milestone?

A diamond ring? No. Already have one. A new car. No, my ten year old Mercedes is still ticking along just fine. Fur coat? No. Too warm in Atlanta for the fur I already have.

Humm
What would be a swell present ?

Well,.... I don't have a puppy.

And "happiness is a warm puppy"

So enter "Buddy" my new friend.

He is an almost 4 month old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Light brown (red) and white. Blenheim. And just precious.

We got him two weeks ago and my life has been a whirlwind of housebreaking and learning the habits of a puppy after 18 years of life without a pet.

At times during the last two weeks I have thought of having my head examined for wanting a pet to raise at my age. But the pleasure of his company has more than balanced out the bother and messes that come with puppydom.

And Buddy makes me feel young at heart again .:)

Mr. Chancy and I are more than content with this new member of our family.

Buddy likes us just fine too.

Read about the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel breed here

http://www.terrificpets.com/dog_breeds/cavalier_king_charles_spaniel.asp