tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209113422024-03-05T12:42:37.835-06:00Grey-Haired CoedI'm 68 years old and still wondering what I will be when I grow up...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-74792309279565846312011-11-05T23:50:00.003-05:002011-11-05T23:50:37.430-05:00Classes for Old People?<b>There should be classes for people to learn how to age gracefully. They should include:</b><br />
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1. Proper diet to maintain bodily functions without getting FAT!<br />
2. How to keep in contact with friends and family without spending a fortune on long distance. I know, cell phones.... but what if you can't afford the monthly fee for the cell phone? Hmmm???<br />
3. What to do with yourself in the evenings when you can no longer drive at night. Yes, night blindness has reared it's ugly head! It's bad enough that I am terribly nearsighted, have cataracts forming, but not being able to ever drive to anything at night eliminates a lot of social opportunities.<br />
4. Community education classes in the afternoons would be nice.<br />
5. More alternatives ... not just sleeping, eating, and cleaning house. <br />
6. When arthritis limits a person's physical activity there should be a list of activities that you CAN do!<br />
7. I can sew. And I DO sew for many people. It's a small business that gives me some spending money, and I also sew for charity. 300 baby quilts for Project Linus so far, and every year, bags of receiving blankets, wash clothes, nightgowns and little jackets for Lutheran World Relief. It feels good to make things that children can use!<br />
8. And how do you make new friends when you can no longer get around as you would like????<br />
9. Facebook and email help a lot. <br />
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But I want more.....<br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-73709468103002877552011-11-02T20:45:00.002-05:002011-11-02T20:45:24.144-05:00I'm still hooked on facebook. But it's fun to be able to 'catch up' on what friends are doing.<br />
I don't get out much anymore, so facebook, email, and the telephone keep me connected with friends and family.<br />
I'm still sewing for people. Thank heavens there are a lot of people who never learned how to sew! My little sewing account keeps growing!<br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-51641041825986341612011-10-28T16:42:00.003-05:002011-10-28T16:42:42.526-05:00Apparently facebook doesn't like me anymore... I can read other's posts, but cannot comment or post anything.<br />
Just letting you know, folks. <br />
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-58086704938559304402011-09-25T03:24:00.004-05:002011-09-25T03:24:50.830-05:00I think I am DONE with facebook!!! Too many changes, it's making me crazy!<br />
I hope to spend more time on here! <br />
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-70733739643554494142011-04-14T05:28:00.002-05:002011-04-14T05:34:26.609-05:00So Sad...My name is Sharon and I'm hooked on facebook. I admit it. I need help!<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I love facebook! I have been able to connect with SO many friends and family that I just don't get to see anymore. It's wonderful!<br /><br />But, you knew there would be a 'but' right?, I spend TOO much time on facebook! I need to get busy with some other things. Like spring cleaning!!!!! Especially my sewing room! Lint, bits of thread, dirty windows and walls, shelves bulging with fabric shoved here and there, my desk piled with things that need to be filed, (yes, I have a filing cabinet right next to the desk). Let's face it folks, the rest of the house may look fine, but my sewing room is in sad shape!<br /><br />I have neglected this blog because of facebook! I don't read other people's blogs as much as I used to...<br /><br />My spring resolution is to #1- clean my sewing room thoroughly!<br /><br />Check back later for an update if you dare...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-70318855094029395072010-12-03T11:48:00.002-06:002010-12-03T11:54:30.400-06:00My Candy Man!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52aw8XXub4XMajmRV39bCSgbso_Xp-2T1eztI4-Bw0Cqf1HKtxqRnhKA5Y7Ux3RATEs35Nmf_K5Q81ynniZC4J7KlbFk1iFqhc4afRBF1v5c1ThO5LPb-B9UmzlY1pyXW5JOSCQ/s1600/PeanutBrittle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52aw8XXub4XMajmRV39bCSgbso_Xp-2T1eztI4-Bw0Cqf1HKtxqRnhKA5Y7Ux3RATEs35Nmf_K5Q81ynniZC4J7KlbFk1iFqhc4afRBF1v5c1ThO5LPb-B9UmzlY1pyXW5JOSCQ/s400/PeanutBrittle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546515666269717474" border="0" /></a>The first batch of peanut brittle!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjectmUOtyRjGsY7MoR4HQtkPfeMVgOhIiOfa_WK6s-8J9TkgGycmn4YVZ2AitpC-ahRZwaul3VuyAUbIQ0dF-Bp4d-IaRj2xybhJn5wsRPf-e9mn519_PH_5lszQIGDB6xSs5Jyg/s1600/CandyMan.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjectmUOtyRjGsY7MoR4HQtkPfeMVgOhIiOfa_WK6s-8J9TkgGycmn4YVZ2AitpC-ahRZwaul3VuyAUbIQ0dF-Bp4d-IaRj2xybhJn5wsRPf-e9mn519_PH_5lszQIGDB6xSs5Jyg/s400/CandyMan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546515089073574322" border="0" /></a>Dale is busy today making three batches of peanut brittle! <br />He makes the absolute BEST peanut brittle!<br /></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-79788082618967645912010-11-25T17:11:00.002-06:002010-11-25T17:19:39.962-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmxpGVdSllEf86MXHWNCzwfYh8w2MF55GwQR2lqO9m9x4UYUITuHokBXffAfhByuhXEwO_uiC8UAKHo8eDEHrQ6eJPsFn1HIJpXPGKFOM9o24ELcbVKBry2DRPITgPMsVxtvbug/s1600/Snow.2.24.06.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmxpGVdSllEf86MXHWNCzwfYh8w2MF55GwQR2lqO9m9x4UYUITuHokBXffAfhByuhXEwO_uiC8UAKHo8eDEHrQ6eJPsFn1HIJpXPGKFOM9o24ELcbVKBry2DRPITgPMsVxtvbug/s400/Snow.2.24.06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543630633573820482" border="0" /></a>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-30502343823242274712010-10-31T17:31:00.003-05:002010-10-31T17:36:15.003-05:002010 Pepper Harvest...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U-DSeIhONLc/TM3vL1wzKqI/AAAAAAAAAxg/patcX-ZvckQ/s1600/PepperHarvest.2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U-DSeIhONLc/TM3vL1wzKqI/AAAAAAAAAxg/patcX-ZvckQ/s400/PepperHarvest.2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534342503797566114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">This is it.<br /></span></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-42228989008516744292010-10-23T20:52:00.002-05:002010-10-23T20:54:16.899-05:00Are You Ready For This?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW7aVUVmRMACRQPwHsyxSWNnmRFV2JgTb5e95Vnj4D4w7QP6TcjcQkEbOXic6XgzaebSlGbTO8vxPi8Q3mso-4aKsoJUlmY9bAX5k8hfPoWij9Iiw0ziH4XYP2ofOkyHmMUGLxA/s1600/DSC02303.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW7aVUVmRMACRQPwHsyxSWNnmRFV2JgTb5e95Vnj4D4w7QP6TcjcQkEbOXic6XgzaebSlGbTO8vxPi8Q3mso-4aKsoJUlmY9bAX5k8hfPoWij9Iiw0ziH4XYP2ofOkyHmMUGLxA/s400/DSC02303.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531424828247346338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">My new glasses!</span><br /></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-66637773023123439622010-10-22T08:33:00.000-05:002010-10-22T08:34:20.924-05:00History Can Teach Us So Much!<pre wrap="">In today's excerpt - twenty-eight year old Abraham Lincoln's speech to the Young<br />Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois. Titled "The Perpetuation of our Political<br />Institutions," Lincoln's 1838 comments addressed the rampant lynchings that followed<br />the Emancipation Act of 1833, and his belief that America's greatest dangers came<br />not from abroad but from within:<br />"We find ourselves in the peaceful possession of the fairest portion of the earth,<br />as regards extent of territory, fertility of soil, and salubrity of climate. ...<br />At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify<br />against it? Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant, to step the Ocean,<br />and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined,<br />with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with<br />a Buonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or<br />make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years.<br />"At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever<br />reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction<br />be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. ...<br />"I hope I am over wary; but if I am not, there is, even now, something of ill-omen<br />amongst us. I mean the increasing disregard for law which pervades the country;<br />the growing disposition to substitute the wild and furious passions, in lieu of<br />the sober judgment of Courts; and the worse than savage mobs, for the executive<br />minister of justice. ... Accounts of outrages committed by mobs form the everyday<br />news of the times. ...<br />"When men take it in their heads to day, to hang gamblers, or burn murderers, they<br />should recollect, that, in the confusion usually attending such transactions, they<br />will be as likely to hang or burn someone, who is neither a gambler nor a murderer<br />as one who is; and that, acting upon the example they set, the mob of to-morrow,<br />may, and probably will, hang or burn some of them, by the very same mistake. And<br />not only so; the innocent, those who have ever set their faces against violation<br />of law in every shape, alike with the guilty, fall victims to the ravages of mob<br />law; and thus it goes on, step by step, till all the walls erected for the defense<br />of the persons and property of individuals, are trodden down, and disregarded. <br />But all this even, is not the full extent of the evil. By such examples, by instances<br />of the perpetrators of such acts going unpunished, the lawless in spirit, are encouraged<br />to become lawless in practice; and having been used to restraint, but dread of punishment,<br />they thus become, absolute unrestrained. ... Thus, then, by the operation of this<br />mobocratic spirit, which all must admit is now abroad in the land, the strongest<br />bulwark of any Government, and particularly of those constituted like ours, may<br />effectually be broken down and destroyed ... [and] this Government cannot last.<br /> ...<br />"The question recurs, 'how shall we fortify against it?' The answer is simple. <br />Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity,<br />swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular,<br />the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others. As the<br />patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so<br />to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every man remember that to violate<br />the law, is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the character of<br />his own, and his children's liberty. ... In short, let it become the political<br />religion of the nation; and let the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the<br />brave and the gay, of all sexes and tongues, and colors and conditions, sacrifice<br />unceasingly upon its altars.<br />"The scenes of the revolution are not now or ever will be entirely forgotten; but<br />that like everything else, they must fade upon the memory of the world, and grow<br />more and more dim by the lapse of time. ... They were the pillars of the temple<br />of liberty; and now, that they have crumbled away, that temple must fall, unless<br />we, their descendants, supply their places with other pillars, hewn from the solid<br />quarry of sober reason. Passion has helped us; but can do so no more. It will<br />in future be our enemy. Reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason must furnish<br />all the materials for our future support and defense. Let those materials be molded<br />into general intelligence, sound morality and, in particular, a reverence for the<br />constitution and laws. ...<br />"Upon these let the proud fabric of freedom rest, as the rock of its basis; and<br />as truly as has been said of the only greater institution, 'the gates of hell shall<br />not prevail against it.' "<br />Author: Abraham Lincoln<br />Title: "The Perpetuation of our Political Institutions"<br />Date: January 1838<br />Tags: Speeches, Presidents, Lynching<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></pre>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-17619290514095996042010-10-18T20:53:00.002-05:002010-10-18T20:58:48.613-05:00Book Bags...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75pQuNC7gBsQp21amR95Dr6kCLYyY4HKBe5TtMw2jdsvGDpjS3xXtmVTNwe9tzqfhigS3Js0exIlfeFuvNBMlXkfvDPmerbkpzv48jgAhQ3N0g4QhsqtBDM4CT9Vsh5QPIFqXtQ/s1600/Bookbags.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75pQuNC7gBsQp21amR95Dr6kCLYyY4HKBe5TtMw2jdsvGDpjS3xXtmVTNwe9tzqfhigS3Js0exIlfeFuvNBMlXkfvDPmerbkpzv48jgAhQ3N0g4QhsqtBDM4CT9Vsh5QPIFqXtQ/s400/Bookbags.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529569990617540242" border="0" /></a>These are the first ten book bags I made for Walker's 'Friends of the Library". They will sell them so that they have more funds to purchase new books for the library.<br />They were fun to make! We will see how they sell, and if they need more I will make more.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-20585558675097427702010-10-15T08:33:00.000-05:002010-10-15T08:34:16.313-05:00Punctuation...<div class="episode_title" style="text-align: center;"> <h2>On Punctuation</h2> <p class="author">by <a href="http://www.elabs7.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=fj6,ngqu,dv,bxs7,4jo7,843y,cqvm">Elizabeth Austen</a></p> </div> <p> not for me the dogma of the period<br />preaching order and a sure conclusion<br />and no not for me the prissy<br />formality or tight-lipped fence<br />of the colon and as for the semi-<br />colon call it what it is<br />a period slumming<br />with the commas<br />a poser at the bar<br />feigning liberation with one hand<br />tightening the leash with the other<br />oh give me the headlong run-on<br />fragment dangling its feet<br />over the edge give me the sly<br />comma with its come-hither<br />wave teasing all the characters<br />on either side give me ellipses<br />not just a gang of periods<br />a trail of possibilities<br />or give me the sweet interrupting dash<br />the running leaping joining dash all the voices<br />gleeing out over one another<br />oh if I must<br />punctuate<br />give me the YIPPEE<br />of the exclamation point<br />give me give me the curling<br />cupping curve mounting the period<br />with voluptuous uncertainty </p> "On Punctuation" by Elizabeth Austen, from <em>The Girl Who Goes Alone</em>. © Floating Bridge Press, 2010. Reprinted with permission.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-86600070406920432802010-10-05T16:27:00.001-05:002010-10-05T16:30:29.123-05:00Maynard...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dtdXJX88nk4iBV8gG5lda-0YaOFQIFlS2ksBKrREZ6knz0z2QWhduUIh16GLMhM3_Mnst72bQqIZaZ0Uv8I6SzyAyRZ9AyzgM6QTyBTIX7kVNy7popquegXOIXjoNDfzV7Eg3w/s1600/Maynard&Fanny.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dtdXJX88nk4iBV8gG5lda-0YaOFQIFlS2ksBKrREZ6knz0z2QWhduUIh16GLMhM3_Mnst72bQqIZaZ0Uv8I6SzyAyRZ9AyzgM6QTyBTIX7kVNy7popquegXOIXjoNDfzV7Eg3w/s400/Maynard&Fanny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524677155695767954" border="0" /></a><br />Every once in a while I get lucky when I take a quick snapshot. This is one of those times!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-91098425023819214662010-10-02T09:53:00.003-05:002010-10-02T10:14:17.718-05:00A Day in My World...It started early today... the pain... I cleaned up the kitchen, washed breakfast dishes, emptied waste baskets, then took the garbage out ... I made it out there, but the pain began in my left knee and right hip. No cane or crutch with me, I tried to lean on the large garbage pail that we collect everything in before taking it all to the 'big' metal garbage can. However, the one I was leaning on was plastic. Heavy-duty plastic, but not strong enough for me to put much weight on it as I struggled to get back to the house.<br /><br />I would take a few steps, then stand and wait till I dared to put any weight on the left leg again. My progress was halting, at best. Tears began to flow. Swear words formed in my mouth. Another couple of steps, rest, repeat. If it hadn't been so terribly painful, I would have laughed!<br /><br />What a sight I must have been, this old, fat, gray-haired lady limping and inching my way through the fallen leaves. My husband was on the tractor-mower, bagging leaves. My son was using the leaf blower at the edges of our huge yard. (With goggles, a dust mask over his nose and mouth, and industrial sound-blocking ear (muffs?)<br /><br />During one of my many pauses to catch my breath and cry, my son must have noticed that I was having problems. He was by my side, offering his strong arm. He slowly walked me back to the house, waiting until I made it safely up the steps of the deck. My husband noticed what was going on, and stopped to say, "Why didn't you let us do that?" Because I thought I could do it! I've been doing it a couple times a week for some time.<br /><br />Bless their hearts... they watch out for me, do SO much of the housework, grocery shopping, all the yard work, etc. They tell me not to worry, that they don't mind... BUT I DO!!! So many times, I just feel useless! Maybe that is one of the reasons that I sew so much. It is something I CAN DO!!!<br /><br />Well, the pain pill I took is already beginning to work. It's time to sew...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-39947502739684772452010-09-14T08:05:00.001-05:002010-09-14T08:07:17.007-05:00Birthday of our national anthem...This is from "The Writer's Almanac" by Garrison Keillor:<br /> <div class="note"><p><span class="note_intro">It was on this day</span> in 1814 that <strong>Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became "<a href="http://www.elabs7.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=fj6,mzjd,dv,5pju,jzrd,843y,cqvm" target="_blank">The Star-Spangled Banner</a>."</strong></p> <p>The British had invaded and captured Washington on August 24th. After successfully destroying the White House, the Capitol building, and a lot of Washington, the British moved on to Baltimore, and had no interest in occupying it — they just hoped to destroy as much as possible, as a symbolic victory. </p> <p>The British made their headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and took over the plantation of the town doctor, Dr. William Beanes, who was elderly and well-liked. A young lawyer, Francis Scott Key, was incensed when he heard that Beanes had been captured and was being held on a ship, so he set off to rescue him.</p> <p>Key was accompanied by John S. Skinner, an agent for prisoner release whom President Madison had sent along. The British commander, General Robert Ross, finally agreed to release Beanes after the Americans showed them some letters written by wounded British prisoners saying that Dr. Beanes was taking good care of them. But he wouldn't let the three men leave until after the attack on Baltimore. They had to get on a sloop behind the British fleet and wait to see what would happen.</p> <p>At Fort McHenry in Baltimore, there was a huge flag, 30 feet by 42 feet, easily visible from the British ships. Each of the 15 stars measured two feet between the points, and the stripes were two feet wide. A Baltimore seamstress and her 13-year-old daughter had sewn the flag by spreading it all out on the malthouse floor of a local brewery. </p> <p>The British attacked Baltimore throughout the day on September 13th, and that night they sent more than 1,500 bombs, rockets, and cannon balls across the water at Fort McHenry. But Baltimore had been preparing for war for the past year, and it was well defended. Suddenly, the British stopped firing. From their boat, Francis Scott Key and the other men had no idea whether the British had succeeded or given up and retreated, and they could no longer see the harbor now that the sky was dark. So they had to wait all night, until the sky was light enough to see which flag was flying over the fort. And of course, the next morning the American flag was there. </p> <p>Francis Scott Key scribbled down some ideas for a poem on the back of a letter that he was carrying. He was released later that day, and the next day, September 14th, he finished writing "Defense of Fort M'Henry," which would later become the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner," in a room at the Indian Queen Hotel.</p> <p>Within five days, the poem was printed and circulated all over Baltimore with the directions that it should be sung to the tune of an English song, "To Anacreon in Heaven." No one is sure exactly who figured out that the lyrics fit the tune of this popular drinking song. A well-known actor, Ferdinand Durang, stood on a chair and belted it out to an appreciative crowd at Captain McCauley's tavern and became the first person to publicly sing what is now the national anthem of the United States.</p></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-79915005708638688892010-09-12T06:55:00.001-05:002010-09-12T06:57:35.456-05:00Where Have I Been???I'm ashamed of myself! Have been spending too much time on facebook, and absolutely NONE on my blog!<br /><br />I came here today to change my age... yes, I'm 'older than dirt'!<br /><br />I promise I will have an interesting blog post up soon!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-47365366698136420522010-07-31T17:35:00.002-05:002010-07-31T17:44:38.017-05:00Lutheran World Relief<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yfCiUpWvYy0e57_NanYU8_7X8LYMWN-HgXs9WUHNZmyMo1Kfs2EOLdzgABo-BdSJjz175BGfi8jo49g_RRyLkLZBObQKgZdclOWHop1XGNWtEVoD6WwGZaKLefqX75dwm-TVcg/s1600/LWRjacketsjpg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yfCiUpWvYy0e57_NanYU8_7X8LYMWN-HgXs9WUHNZmyMo1Kfs2EOLdzgABo-BdSJjz175BGfi8jo49g_RRyLkLZBObQKgZdclOWHop1XGNWtEVoD6WwGZaKLefqX75dwm-TVcg/s400/LWRjacketsjpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500203261102759618" border="0" /></a><br />I just finished putting two large bags together for Lutheran World Relief. They distribute layettes to mothers with new babies all over the world. I try to put together as many of the items they need at least once a year.<br /><br />Each layette contains: 1 washcloth, 4 diapers, 1 blanket, 2 nightgowns, and 1 jacket or sweater<br /><br />I am really proud of these little jackets I made. Used fabric from: bottom legs of some jeans I hand-embroidered a long time ago, fabric from two dresses I found at a rummage sale, and two fancy jackets also from a rummage sale! The trims also came from rummage sales.<br /><br />Just because a new mother is too poor to buy things for her new baby, there is no reason that she shouldn't get cute things, right?Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-32324079614396809642010-07-09T20:11:00.002-05:002010-07-09T20:19:37.208-05:00Correction!Donations can be made to our local Northern Minnesota chapter.<br />Our chapter coordinator is :<br /><br /><strong>Northern Minnesota</strong><br /> Contact: Jonette<br /> <img src="http://www.projectlinus.org/images/spacer.png" border="0" height="1" width="15" />(218) 835-4453<br /> <img src="http://www.projectlinus.org/images/spacer.png" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="15" /><a href="mailto:jonette@blackduck.net">jonette@blackduck.net</a><br /><br />Jonette covers a lot of miles delivering the blankets to so many hospitals.<br />Also, she must bear the cost of labels and such. She buys a lot of fabric herself<br />for the annual 'Make a Blanket Day'.<br /><br />So if you have some extra money and would like to support a worthy cause, here it is!<br />Thanks!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-81421626103188876922010-07-09T16:35:00.004-05:002010-07-09T16:48:33.337-05:00QUILT NUMBER 300!!!!!!!!!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt09Yp2IJXNuG417XPjQ90z99SZ9k8Yn71d2Zxc-X8H6m41KIgxAKTX7-DP_llG6YymQ6wgjAHM8BeYJbJggQQCumyFH4FY1iOx6lSvnfpjGH7AAHU1keagh0slgvxZpG9fztesw/s1600/Number300.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt09Yp2IJXNuG417XPjQ90z99SZ9k8Yn71d2Zxc-X8H6m41KIgxAKTX7-DP_llG6YymQ6wgjAHM8BeYJbJggQQCumyFH4FY1iOx6lSvnfpjGH7AAHU1keagh0slgvxZpG9fztesw/s400/Number300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492024017233072754" border="0" /></a>When I started making quilts and fleece blankets for <a href="http://www.projectlinus.org/index.html">'Project Linus'</a> , I never dreamed that it would become such a labor of love. I started four years ago with fabric that I had left over from other sewing projects.<br /><br />Soon I was hooked. I used the money I made from doing sewing for others to buy more fabric! And so, it seemed to mushroom.<br /> <br />The quilts and blankets that I have made are distributed by our coordinator, Jonette Anderson, who covers the northwest region of Minnesota. She sews the official 'Project Linus' label on each one, then attaches the name and address of the maker of the quilt. She takes them to hospitals in Bemidji, Deer River, Grand Rapids, Rosseau, and Thief River Falls.<br /><br />If YOU want to get involved, but don't sew, you can donate to the main office. There is a link on their site.<br /><br />These blankets and quilts are given to children in crisis situations. Imagine being a small child, who has been hurt in some kind of accident, or are really, really sick. Hospitals are pretty scary to everyone, but especially to a child. Now, a nurse comes to your bed and asks if you would like a blanket to cuddle with... <br /><br />I have received thank you notes from parents and grandparents who say that once their child received my blanket, they were much calmer, and one even told her mother, "I can be brave now, Mommy." That one really got to me...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-17783850348016024862010-07-06T20:36:00.002-05:002010-07-06T20:44:32.485-05:00Busy, busy, busy...I actually feel as if I accomplished a lot today. Made a trip into town to deliver some completed sewing, and pick up another batch that needs doing. Picked up prescriptions at the drug store, then went to grocery store for a few things. Still TONS of vacationers in town, AND in the grocery store! So even though I had a small list, it took forever to get around the store! My knee was SO sore!<br /><br />Did two loads of laundry, gave Dale and Colin haircuts, trimmed Maynard's toenails, answered emails, did a search of the internet for images of a Polish Santa for a customer who wants me to make an outfit for a Santa doll. Washed two batches of dishes, emptied wastebaskets, tried to take a nap but couldn't fall asleep.<br /><br />I hope I'm so tired tonight that I can sleep, sleep, sleep!<br /><br />And that was MY day!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-76205253573380630392010-07-03T18:04:00.000-05:002010-07-03T18:05:41.351-05:00Too Hot!!It is WAY TOO HOT! Praying for cooler temps and some nice breezes...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-81091507578421507262010-06-21T18:59:00.001-05:002010-06-21T19:03:33.034-05:00New Design...Blogger now offers a wide range of new designs! What do you think of this one? I tried some others, but they made everything so slow.<br /><br />Having a 'down' time right now. Can't elaborate here, but keep a good thought that this will turn out alright...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-57455372677322794222010-06-10T19:08:00.007-05:002010-06-10T19:26:27.686-05:00Something Different...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99zD8NMh40Ta1v4unH9Di4ML1yqY8Te7uXjWAC8RjxbY-xSqUHheVqWNMQ1N8XL5RHTuRBsWuJnCUYj2P57yYVqMFTCNSoHQnmTNGupZUuwZjxL7nMSXd_j0PqOhIX_hXccyMlw/s1600/SpringFlowers2010+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99zD8NMh40Ta1v4unH9Di4ML1yqY8Te7uXjWAC8RjxbY-xSqUHheVqWNMQ1N8XL5RHTuRBsWuJnCUYj2P57yYVqMFTCNSoHQnmTNGupZUuwZjxL7nMSXd_j0PqOhIX_hXccyMlw/s400/SpringFlowers2010+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481305225569766674" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX73raRyjbHnGX9Ic59fkSQ6ReIeji-lKb8iA7pnCQ2qe7uGlqCAVSR8jjMHT8jtQAad13zXGy8jN62heo14J7vHy0cYZGTPv6EFlaVmJCGAEx9ljgR_JcvtFGjH-Kxg4F6zm2Q/s1600/SpringFlowers2010+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX73raRyjbHnGX9Ic59fkSQ6ReIeji-lKb8iA7pnCQ2qe7uGlqCAVSR8jjMHT8jtQAad13zXGy8jN62heo14J7vHy0cYZGTPv6EFlaVmJCGAEx9ljgR_JcvtFGjH-Kxg4F6zm2Q/s400/SpringFlowers2010+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481304647019657618" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I need to post something other than my pain problems, right?<br /><br />We have had a cool, wet spring so far. Apparently, it is just right for the grass and flowerbeds! Everything is growing so nicely, blooming like crazy, and offering such a pretty picture! The climbing roses have buds! I can hardly wait to see what they will look like! After two disastrous attempts, it looks like this year these new plants are going to make it after all!<br /><br />The clematis is growing very nicely, and has had HUGE blooms! Tulips and daffodils are done for the season, and now the lilies are starting to open. Irises are still in full bloom, a lovely purple color.<br /><br />I will try to add a picture so you can see what I'm talking about.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-67814511221727589312010-06-03T16:36:00.002-05:002010-06-03T16:44:50.843-05:00Pain, pain, pain, pain... it's an old refrain.....What did I do so far today? I met with a young lady for a fitting. She will be a bridesmaid in TWO upcoming weddings! She is a childhood friend of our daughter, and she is a married lady now with three beautiful (and well-behaved) young children. It was great catching up with her!<br /><br />Maynard was a PILL! She barked and barked at her and her kids! I had to put her upstairs, and she still kept barking! If anyone knows how to stop this obnoxious behavior, please let me know!<br /><br />I watered all my plants on the deck, took a large pitcher of water out to the bird bath (which was totally dry!) Cleaned up dog poo in the back yard, and took out the garbage. Took a completed sewing job to my car for delivery tomorrow. And I was up and down the stairs several times doing laundry.<br /><br />Now, what's wrong with this picture? Nothing, you say? Well, apparently the gods of pain and discomfort thought it was an AWESOME time to tell me that I shouldn't be doing stairs more than once a day. Additionally, I shouldn't walk around on uneven ground... maybe, just maybe, I shouldn't even try to walk anymore!!!! Yah, try that for even half a day and see what it gets you!<br /><br />So, I've taken a pain pill, and plan to sew for the rest of this evening. <br /><br />I wonder if I'll ever be able to dance again..........Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20911342.post-66020851911843193072010-05-24T17:01:00.004-05:002010-05-24T17:10:53.637-05:00Trip to the Doctor...First of all, I have to say it was an interesting trip to Bemidji. Started softly raining, which was nice as we need the moisture. Then about half way between Cass Lake and Bemidji the 'heavens opened up' and we were deluged with rain. Yes, I said DELUGED!!!!!!!!!!<br /> I could hardly see the road. I slowed down, and everyone else on the road did also. IT WAS NOT FUN!!<br /> My son was along, he had questions for the dr., and he suggested turning off the highway and going into Bemidji on the south side. Good choice. Traffic was slower and I could see better. It finally let up as we got to the drs. office.<br /> There was a short interview with the dr., then an X-ray of the left knee. Then another conference with the dr. His opinion? "Your knee isn't as bad as it could get."<br /> Hmmmm.... living on pain pills, not being able to walk for any distance without my cane or BOTH crutches, not being able to work in my flower beds, or go up and down stairs more than once or twice a day, lying awake ALL FRIGGING night with pain (even WITH) a pain pill....<br /><br />MY QUESTION IS THIS - HOW UNBELIEVABLY HORRIBLE AND PAINFUL AND GUT WRENCHINGLY BAD DOES IT HAVE TO BE???????? HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM??????<br /><br /> He concluded by giving me a cortisone injection in the knee. That makes, oh I don't know, maybe number 27 total over the last 12 years...........<br /><br /> So pardon me all to heck if I'm mad, and in pain, and just want to slap someone!!!!!!!!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858081254533496596noreply@blogger.com0