A Welcome Distraction

I went for a hot walk on the weekend. I walked by a neighbour's garage sale. She was giving away a large Sony TV. It was a nice set, it would've cost a lot of money when it was new. She said it was working. Someone had said he would come by to take it later on.

I decided to go by the library. I enjoyed reading 'Shopaholic and Sister' by Sophie Kinsella and thought I might borrow another one in that series of books. Unfortunately the library was not yet open. A man and his son were outside and asked if I had any idea where to drop some garbage off. It seems their green compost bin had been broken into or something. I couldn't advise them where to go.

Walking down Main Street, there was a man playing guitar, and singing what sounded like a Blue Rodeo country song. He was good. I noticed he had his guitar case open on the ground for donations. He had a partner playing keyboard.

Further down the road, a bride, groom and 3 bridesmaids dressed in purple were eating ice cream cones.

Then I passed by a hot red antique looking car, except it looked brand new. K would've liked it.

Well, it was in interesting eventful walk, every day is different! I was actually pondering upon how fast my kids are growing up and it was a little sad. In fact L will be back at school in another month. I now have to start thinking of getting K into College (and hoping his marks will be good enough). M has a persistent cough lingering from a cold but is enjoying the Olympics. The walk provided a welcome distraction.

Blogger Beware

'Blogger Beware: You CAN Get
Sued For Using Photos You
Don't Own on Your Blog'

My sister sent me this article and I thought I had better spread the word. Wow!

According to the author of this article:

You are violating copyright unless you have express permission from the owner.
Linking back to the source, disclaimers, claiming innocence, non-commercial use, do not release you from liability.  I urge you to read the article for further information.

The Long and Winding Road

I watched some of the Olympic swimming last night, it is awesome, the precision, the power of the swimmers.

For Creative Tuesdays' 'Beatles Song' theme, I've done an acrylic on a post-it note.  It's based on a photo I saw on Google.  I chose to do The long and winding road', a sad kind of song.

Also linking to Sunday Sketches!

Please stop by the other participants in these fun art co-ops!

Recipes for a good marriage

Here are a few good laughs for you today:

RED SKELTON'S 13 RECIPES FOR A GOOD MARRIAGE

For those of you old enough to remember Red Skelton, I think you will enjoy this e-mail. For those of you not old enough you will see what you missed. Either way, his humor was always clean and he was a great entertainer. A re-run of great 'one liner's' from the man who was known for his clean humor. I hope you get a chuckle or two reading them once more. . . 1. Two times a week we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays; I go on Fridays.. 2. We also sleep in separate beds. Hers is in California , and mine is in Texas .. 3. I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back.. 4. I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary. "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said. So I suggested the kitchen.. 5. We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.. 6. She has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker. She said "There are too many gadgets, and no place to sit down!" So I bought her an electric chair.. 7. My wife told me the car wasn't running well because there was water in the carburetor. I asked where the car was. She told me, "In the lake.".. 8. She got a mud pack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.. 9. She ran after the garbage truck, yelling, "Am I too late for the garbage?" The driver said, "No, jump in!".. 10. Remember: Marriage is the number one cause of divorce.. 11. I married Miss Right. I just didn't know her first name was 'Always'.. 12. I haven't spoken to my wife in 18 months. I don't like to interrupt her.. 13. The last fight was my fault though. My wife asked, "What's on the TV?" I said, "Dust!"..  Can't you just hear him say all of these?         I love it........these were the good old days when humor didn't have to start with a four letter word. It was just clean and simple fun. And he always ended his programs with the words... "God Bless" with a big smile on his face.  : )

 

 

Beach Sunset

For Paint Party Friday, I've done a beach sunset on a post-it note.  It was inspired by a photo I saw on Pinterest and I added the quote for good measure.

Please visit the other participants in this popular art co-op!

Too Soon Old

This poem is circulating the internet in various forms and fabrications but I found it quite moving:

Written by Dave Griffith of Fort Worth, Texas 

Too Soon Old

What do you see nurses? . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, . .  .  .  . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . . and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . .. . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . .. lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .  . you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am, . . .. . . as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . as I eat at your will
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . . . who love one another

A young boy of Sixteen .. . with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty. . . . . .My heart gives a leap.
Remembering the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . .. . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me .

Dark days are upon me . ... My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years … And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . . . and nature is cruel.
‘Tis jest to make old age. . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . grace and vigor depart.
There is now a stone . . . . . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . open and see..
Not a crabby old man Look closer . . see . . . ME!!

Quinoa Mac N’ Cheese

I found this recipe on Pinterest and I intend to try it at some point:
(I've simplified the recipe for my own use)

Serving Size: 6-8

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
1 onion chopped
1/2 cup tomato chopped
1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
good pinch of salt
a few grinds of seasoning salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups of water (or stock)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
Optional- Bread crumbs for topping


Directions

Heat oil, add onions and tomatoes. Stir in quinoa and garlic.  Add 3 cups water (or stock) and season with salt and the Seasoning Salt ( Lawry's or Everyday Seasoning). Cover and simmer 15-20 mins until most liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 mins.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 13x9 inch dish with parchment paper. Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese. Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt.

Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Bread crumbs, add now. You can also sprinkle a bit more cheese on now if you prefer for topping. Bake 25-35 mins, (or until browned around edges.)

:Approx  339 Calories per serving.