Texas bound for sister's week

Monday, March7th

The start of my driving trip to Texas!

Why did I wait until the gas prices skyrocketed? First free month in a long time!

Julie

Denim Rug

Start with a doubled over piece of material for the rug 'backing', sewn with nice edges. Draw vertical lines every 1 1/2 inches on the 2' x 3' backing, starting in the center. Cut a 'million' 3" x 3" squares of used denim. For my rug, about 50 squares fit in a row.  I was able to fit 14 rows on my backing. I guess that was only 700 or so squares, felt like a million. Fold the squares into a triangle and start sewing from the middle of the fold to the 'point' which you will line up on the lines. Place another square on every 1/2 inch or so. Make them all the same distance apart for consistency. And start with the middle row as shown below.

Sew (so) many rows..................and when you are done, DO NOT WASH AT HOME. Please go to the laundromat!!!  It sheds --  lots of threads -- that clog up washing machines, even at the laundromat. But it will last forever!!!  I love mine.

 

 

Hot Air Balloon Event

I have always had a fascination with hot air balloons. When my boys were little, I would make up stories about us flying over the land and what we could see by being above it all in the quiet, between heaven and earth.  Those are some good memories. I read about the Thurston Classic, a hot air balloon event held in Meadville - about 40 miles north of Barkeyville and wanted to see what it was all about. This year was the 24th Annual Event.  I asked my nephew Martin if he would like to go with me and we could celebrate his 28th birthday at the same time.  It was a date!  We jumped in the car, beat feet to Meadville and got there early enough for a good parking spot.  With a blanket and water, we headed to the field where the event took place.  The ground was a bit hard for comfortable sitting,  but we survived by thinking about the sites we would soon see.  When the wind calmed down enough to enable the balloonists to inflate and then fly, they filled their balloons quickly and were off.  It was a successful evening and a one of a kind experience. The photos below are of the balloon called "Movin' Magic".

It is what is is!

I have been busy this June...so far.  We had a horrible rainy first weekend this June 2012. But, with rain followed by sunshine, comes rainbows! In between rain showers, Will and Jammie had a shish kebob cookout at their home in Fredonia. During the evening, a DOUBLE RAINBOW appeared in the evening sky. It was gorgeous and memorable. My friend, Darlene Hanna, caught her very own view of a double rainbow this week! What a perfect photo!

Tuesday, June 5th, was the second anniversary of Todd's trip to heaven - I still miss him.  The Peace Lily that my siblings provided for the funeral home is blooming this week - isn't it awesome!

Friday evening, Darlene came on over to my "house" for a heart to heart girl talk. We sat in my "front yard" on lawn chairs. The markings of where the house will be were behind us AND the view out the front was awesome!! I cannot wait to have a real covered front porch, landscaping done and a warm fuzzy feeling inside. But who knows when that might be....as far as the house progress, we are still awaiting the completed survey to start the next step.  My motto now...."it is what it is".

Saturday, I attended Strawberry Days in Grove City with my friend, Mo, her sister Patty and niece Elizabeth. It was a good day! The weather was not too bad for walking around and checking out the craft goods displays. What did I buy?  The Amish had a couple of booths; I stopped at both of them. I now am the proud owner of a woven 'market' basket, homemade by the Detweiler family from outside of Clintonville AND the cinnamon sugar donut was delicious!  Lunch was a hot sausage sandwich from the Kof C food booth, doesn't it all look so good?

Saturday night, the Barkeyville Coffee House was attended by many musicians and music lovers. I visited with an old classmate from grade school and high school; Tom Walter. Karen and Paul Douds stopped in from New Castle and of course, the Hanna gang. The variety and styles of music were a good combination for the evening of entertainment.

Learning and doing

(Workers were on vacation this week.)

My brother Rick was teaching my boys about transits and the land grade; I was trimming trees. The boys usually stop after work each day. They are helping with whatever they can. We have the digging area marked with the white lines. My cabin will be SMALL.  But, it will be cute and just for me. (Still waiting on survey to get permits)

I borrowed Rick's extension pruner

(mine is in Cody's shed for safe keeping).

24 x 30 is not a very big place but it really will be

40 x 30 with 8 foot covered porches on the front and back!

The Mailbox

My brothers Darren and Rick helped me put up the mailbox today. I have the best brothers in the world.  I must run to town to get my address/house numbers. Maybe tonight. I am so tired today.  But the post went in after the hole was dug and then the box was installed.  I hope we did it to the USPS specifications.

I have given my blessings for Rick to be in charge of the building of my garage and house; I am in way over my head with decision making and I know Rick will do it right. I remember long ago giving him rides so he could attend Community College of Allegheny County for carpenter school. He earned his two year degree and then was a journeyman carpenter before he went out on his own with Coast Construction. I wish he was in better health to do the work himself; but he cannot even finish his own building needs until he feels better. He feels he can handle being my agent when needed for the construction phase of my cabin.

Happy Birthday Todd!!

Sure do miss you still. Happy 54th Birthday.
You would laugh at the email I got today from Kawasaki:

Hello Day-dreamer,

We at Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums would like to wish you a happy birthday today!

Little reminders are always popping up in my life,
you are dearly remembered and missed.
Keep on laughing!
Your jelly bean, Julie

21 Years

Has it really been that long? I still wish Dad were here to bounce ideas off of and get his opinion on certain things in life. He died too young, that is for sure.  April 27th, 1991 was the day dad was finishing up pruning some of the orchard and mowing. He came in to the house to take a rest and never got back up. We think he died peacefully, after a hard day's work. The apple trees blossomed for his funeral and mom used those budding branches instead of fussy flowers; that would have pleased dad.

Flower Buds...

Wednesday -- I took off!!!

I planted some bulbs last fall of these beautiful pink tulips - they are gorgeous.

I had a lot to do that did not fit into any of my weekend days or my free short mornings or evenings, so I took the day off with my team leader's permission. Thanks, Adam for finding me a replacement. I got a lot accomplished. 

I was able to finish up the burn pile that Cody did last night. Freddie the well-driller was there and helped me too. He has found a good lot of water at 115 feet but wants to go a little deeper. I helped Rick clean the upstairs of his home, which is unfinished. I will be moving there soon. I have turned in my 30 day notice here at the apartment and will be out by Mother's Day in May. This will save me money and will put me close to my house build so I can help when needed. It will all work out.

I finally saw the survey pins today. Here is one in the back of my little piece of heaven.

GOD IS GOOD
ALL THE TIME

Easter Sunday

We had a beautiful Easter Sunday here in Pennsylvania. The weather got colder as the day progressed; but it was sunny most of the afternoon, after a short bout of sprinkles. Cody, Amanda, Tyler, Dean King, Rick, Barb and I had a downhome garage buffet of good food and good times.  We worked on the property a bit after our food digested. The surveyors came and spent a few hours doing a preliminary check of Rick's property pins. If the weather permits, they will be back Monday evening after their day jobs. I have been lucky with people squeezing me in to their busy schedules.

God is Good.
All the Time.

Jim Hibbard Surveying and his worker, John Messina.

Another Saturday done!

Amanda, Cody, Will and Tyler enjoying pizza and bottled

water at the end of our work day, about 3 p.m.

Amanda helps, too!

Will, Julie and Cody....

I am so proud of my boys; they are getting so much done for me

that I could never do myself. I am not able to keep up with them

at their young ages - Will turns 28 and Cody 26 in August.

Where, oh where, do the years go?

Hard at work dragging logs to sell to the sawmill.

Tomorrow is another day. Easter dinner will be at

Rick and Barb's; I am taking ham, bbq meatballs,

7-layer salad, cheesy hashbrowns, spinach dip, rolls

and cookies.  That is what I have been doing today,

before and after helping with the wood cutting.

Food preparation is so much more fun....?

Moonlight Towers in Austin, Texas

Moonlight towers in Austin, Texas

Moonlight Towers
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
A moonlight tower at night
Location:	Austin and vicinity
Nearest city:	Austin, Texas
Architect:	Fort Wayne Electric Co.
NRHP Reference#:	76002071
Added to NRHP:	July 12, 1976

Austin, Texas is the only city in the world known to still operate a system. The towers are 165 feet (50 m) tall and have a 15 feet (4.6 m) foundation. This type of tower was manufactured in Indiana by Fort Wayne Electric Company and assembled onsite.^[1] In 1894, the City of Austin purchased 31 used lighting towers from Detroit. A single tower cast light from six carbon arc lamps, illuminating a 1,500 feet (460 m) radius circle brightly enough to read a watch.^[2]
The Austin Moonlight Towers were erected, at least partially, in response to the actions of the Servant Girl Annihilator.^[3]
When first installed, the towers were connected to their own electric generators at the Austin dam (on the site of present day Tom Miller Dam). Over the years they were switched from their original carbon-arc lamps (which were exceedingly bright and time consuming to maintain) to incandescent lamps in the 1920s, and mercury vapor lamps in the 1930s. Mercury vapor lighting allowed the installation of a switch at each tower's base. During World War II, a central switch was installed, allowing citywide blackouts in case of air raids.
1970 saw the towers officially recognized as Texas State Landmarks. This was followed by the 17 remaining towers being listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 12, 1976. At this time, only 6 are in their original locations as established by the Board of Public Works and City Council in 1895. Additional designation was given them as State Archeological Landmarks in 1986.
The City of Austin has ordinances in place to protect the towers from demolition; however, since 2004 two of the remaining 17 towers have been taken down from their locations. The towers at 4th & Nueces and 1st & Trinity have been removed due to new construction. It is unclear whether the towers will be replaced, or erected elsewhere.
In 1993 the city of Austin dismantled the towers and restored every bolt, turnbuckle and guy-wire as part of a $1.3 million project, the completion of which was celebrated in 1995 with a city-wide festival.
One of the towers was prominently featured in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused as the site of a high-school keg party, in which the character played by Matthew McConaughey exclaims, "Party at the moon tower."

Moonlight tower in Austin, Texas

Historical marker text

The following is text appears on the historical marker placed by the Texas Historical Commission.

This is one of 17 that remain out of 31 towers erected 1894-95 and in continuous use since. Their carbon arc lights then illuminated the entire city. Now mercury vapor lamps provide beacons for many miles on roads and airway, from dusk to dawn. Austin is said to be unique in this dramatic method of lighting.^[4]

Note: Two of the towers were taken down due to traffic accident and construction, with no announced plans to restore them to their previous locations

Green Parakeets of Austin, TX

Our first day in Austin, Friday - November 18 for a week-long visit with Jenn, we stopped at the post office and sighted these beautiful colorful birds.  An internet research netted the following:

According to John Kelly of the Travis Audubon Society, there are about 720 Monk Parakeets living in the Austin area.

"Monk Parakeets are the only parrots which build free-standing nests (all other parrots build their nests in tree cavities and similar places)," says Kelly. "Some of those nests can be impressively large and one in South America weighed almost a ton. Local nests are never that big, but they're still pretty sturdy. The parakeets' actual living space lies in the middle of a bushel or more of twigs, so when really cold weather hits, they've got a nice, cozy home to retreat to."

Kelly adds that Monk Parakeets got their name because as far as parrots and parakeets go, they have relatively unflashy plummage. But he adds, "When the birds fly, you might be able to catch a glimpse of blue in the wings."

An excerpt from Erik Huebner's web site about the Austin Monks:
Monk Parakeets have been sighted or are established in several Texas cities including Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Waxahachie (Rappole and Blacklock, 1994). They are now included on the Official Texas State List. In the Austin area they have been established since the 1970’s. A large number of the Austin population may have come from a release of 19 birds in 1991 by Austinite Janet Giles in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood (Gandara, 1995). These releases of “unwanted pets” and escapes by wild breeders (birds that were captured in the wild for breeding purposes) are the main source of feral populations.

Exact numbers of Monk's in the wild are unknown since little research has been conducted. John Herron from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports that only 2 percent of the agency’s budget go to urban and non-game programs (Personal Communication). Monk Parakeets are included in the Audubon Society’s Annual Christmas bird counts. The numbers vary since some ignore exotics and survey routes may not include urban habitats. The 1995 Christmas count put the population at 87 birds. In previous years the number has been as low as 24 in 1992.

The first reported colony of Monk Parakeets in Austin was at the Paggi House restaurant at Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard (Gandara, 1995). From there the birds have dispersed and now inhabit the tall light poles in the parks around Town Lake. They construct their large stick nests atop the tallest light poles in softball fields. The Monks seem to prefer the tallest poles, about 60 feet, although some nests are found on lower telephone poles (personal observation). One nest can be seen in a tall tree on the west side of Barton Creek at Lou Neff Point. The nests are constructed mainly of Willow (Salix spp.) branches, but may include rope, carpet, newspaper, and cloth (personal observation). Nests are shared, and the aggressive parakeet has even been seen stealing nest material from other nests in the colony. Their diet consists chiefly of berries, tree buds and seeds, in particular Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) and American Elm (Ulmus americanus) (personal observation).

The impact of Monk Parakeets in the Austin area is yet to be understood. With an increase in reported parrot sightings in Texas, including Red-crowned Parrots and Green Parakeets, which are Mexican species as well as South Texas residents (Click here for Harlingen, Texas Birding Site), we may have a second invasion of Psittaciforms by way of expanding range. It is logical to assume that the space they are taking is at the expense of native species, but is their presence causing a decline in populations of other birds? Further research will have to be done. They have no known predators and they are well established and flourishing. There has been no history of eradication in Austin and it is doubtful that there will be. The Monk Parakeet is probably here to stay.

Established in Austin in the early 1970s from escaped caged birds, Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) also known as Quaker parrots, are native to the temperate and subtropical regions of Argentina and surrounding countries in South America. "Monks" are often heard before they are seen, as their call is a loud and throaty chap(-yee), or quak quaki quak-wi quarr, and their sometimes startling screeches sound like skveet! They have grown in numbers by being able to survive our mild winters, and as such have now been included on the official list of accepted Texas bird species.
A colorful bird with bright green upper parts, pale gray forehead and breast with darker scalloped edges, and very light green to yellow under parts, Monks also have an orange bill, stiff dark blue flight feathers and a long tapered tail. Technically a parrot, it is this tail that makes them a parakeet, which is a term for small- to medium-sized species of parrots that generally have long tail feathers.
Monks are the only parrots that build a stick nest, either in a tall tree or manmade structure, rather than using an existing hole in a tree. They often breed in colonies, building a single large nest that has separate entrance holes for each pair. In the wild these colonies can become quite large, with communal nests reaching the size of a small automobile.
Also unusual for a parrot, these birds occasionally have "helper individuals," typically grown offspring, who assist in feeding the young. Highly intelligent and social birds, Monks can live anywhere from 15 to 30 years, and like parrots kept as pets, they develop a large vocabulary.
Monk parakeets readily adapt to urban neighborhoods, as they are an open woodland species. A recent informal survey found more than 65 nests in Austin, mostly in cellphone towers, tall telephone poles and sports facility light poles.
Even if the nests are cleared out, many colonies return to the same place to rebuild their nest. While mainly constructed out of willow branches, these nests might include manmade items such as rope, carpet, newspaper and scraps of cloth. The Monks' diet consists of berries, tree buds and seeds, all of which can be plentiful in native and nonnative tree species common in the Austin area.
The exact number of wild Monks in our area is unknown, and evidence of harm by feral colonies of Monks is disputed. While they can be agricultural pests by eating fruits, grains and other crops, they also can benefit local economies through birdwatching-based ecotourism. It is also important to remember that tens of millions of parrots have been removed from the wild worldwide, and have been traded in greater numbers and for far longer than any other group of wild animals. Many parrot species are still threatened by this trade, as well as by habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and hunting for food or feathers.
As such, let's respect their existence and enjoy our parakeets.

Remembering the Good Times

I made it through one year! Memories sure do help pass the time - as I lay in bed last night, I let my mind wander over all of the happy times Todd and I spent together through our 15 1/2 years. We started dating in October 1994, married in July 1996. He grabbed Jesus' hand on June 5th, 2010.  All those time in between were life at its best...and like the song says, "those were the best days of my life".

• our first 'date' to a Halloween party at Eau Claire Fire Hall
• Ghost Riders in Butler
• his old car, the brown Caprice and his favorite vehicle, his Bronco
• fishing, camping, bike riding, family reunions, swimming, gardening
• Little League games
• school outings with the kids, he loved being a step-dad
• fun times with the younger nieces and nephews
• entertaining at home in our spacious yard
• horseshoes, Frisbee, ball games with simple rubber balls
• target shooting and cleaning guns
• drinking coffee in the early mornings
• birdwatching in our little piece of paradise
• singing together in the car
• Coffee House in Barkeyville
• visiting Willie in North Carolina while he was in college
• eating out too much -  King's, Family Tradition, Benjamin's
• mowing, mowing and more mowing at home, mom's and grandma's
• walking up our lane together for the mail
• discussing what our next home improvement project would be
• playing Scrabble and spoons and Huckle Buckle Bean Stalk
• doing the crossword puzzles together
• craft day at Grove Manor with Grandma Russell
• 'parking' at the Grove City Sportsman's Club while dating
• visiting Washington, DC as a family
• our romantic trip to Niagara Falls in October 2001
• visiting farm markets for sweet corn, strawberries, plants and flowers
• making chili sauce, spaghetti sauce, green tomato relish
• making Escalloped Oysters for the Miller Christmas
• dreaming of sitting on the porch together when we 'are' old...

It was a great ride Todd, I will miss you and love you forever! Enjoy heaven!

April - Photos of my apartment...finally

 This is what you see when you come in the door, comfy cozy living room!

 The  TV stand with my wonderfully round 'wormy chestnut' mirror that Cody and Will helped me pick out at Lowe's, they do have nice things! I also got my sun clock there....in the outdoor section.

 Of course, the loo! Notice the heater on the vanity? There is NO heat in the bathroom!

 The home computer side of my office, pink and black...my girly girl office!!  I took the lily photo hanging on the wall to the right. It fits perfectly with my theme.

 The WORK side of my office, as you can see, I am a bit messy when I work!

 I LOVE my bedroom. I love my headboard, Regis Brick Antiques found this for me...I asked him to look for a GIANT headboard and he did not disappoint me!

The patio will look nice after I get some plants, flowers, vines and ground cover going, soon!!

 Grandma Russell's kitchen table has a nice home again! And I took the photo of the beautiful flowers!

 Showing off my red cookware, can you tell red is my 'accent' color.

The living room goes into the dining room...the dining room goes into the kitchen, the kitchen goes into the hall, the hall opens to the bathroom, bedroom, office, utility room and then also to the living room/dining room...sounds like farmer in the dell. I do believe my apartment is bigger than my mobile home and it is very nice here!!

Help Me Please

At weigh in today, I have lost a total of 8 lbs. This week I tried extra hard with the mindset which I think helped immensely. This week alone, I lost 4.6 lbs. With cut up veggies in the fridge, all 'bad for me' food GONE from the house and just a general feeling of "I know this will work". Is that WILLPOWER?


Having a buddy to keep you on track and it works.
Eating sensibly for each meal/snack and it works.
Lose the weight and the energy comes!
Put your mind to the task at hand and it works.
                ---
Make time for yourself.
Enjoy each moment of each day.
                ---
Prepare for unforseen circumstances.
Leave some food on your plate.
Early to bed and early to rise.
Activites, activities, activities
Sleep 8 hours every night.
Eat what you like but control your portions.
---
I CAN DO THIS!!!

Lifestyle Changes

My New Ten "Commandments"
1. eat more fresh vegetables
2. eat smaller portions
3. be conscious of what goes into my body
4. only eat what is good for me
5. enjoy my meals, savor the flavor
6. faithfully exercise every day
7. use the buddy system
8. try different recipes and different foods
9. don't eat in front of the TV !!
10. set a goal for my reward

Week 2 - I am down 3.4 pounds so far. It is a start!

Changes and Memories

I have been thinking about Todd a lot these past few weeks. Memories of our shared times come to me out of the blue and I pause and let the feelings come over me in waves. When I lay my head down at night, I always give the Teddy bear a hug so I can smell Todd;  I breathe deep and soak up the smell of his cologne; his presence seems so near. I so miss him and will always be so thankful he was part of my life; he was so good for me!

Now - for the lifestyle changes; a new home (apartment) was just what I needed to start my creative juices flowing. All who come through the door say that I have made such a cozy spot here on Flower Avenue in Grove City. I have repurposed some pieces of furniture and rethought what is important in my life. A little change here and a bright color there and Voila! Life at my new apartment feels so much like home.

And today, there is veggie soup simmering on the stove with chicken broth, broccoli, cabbage, celery, onions, carrots, tomatoes and zuchinni - all blending together to make a delicious smelling soup somewhat like the Weight Watchers recipe for Zero Point soup. It is a good 'filler' for when hunger strikes and you want something warm and filling.

Last Sunday, Linda and I skipped church and went to a flea market near Youngstown, OH - Four Meadows I think. We had so much fun; shopping, laughing and looking. Produce and Avon were purchased and Spinach salad at Rachel's was enjoyed on our way home. We will do it again! I attended church this Sunday and sat with Sis Barton; it was our monthly dinner and Sis had prepared such good dishes. All of the food was scrumptious.

What will this week bring? The weather is so chilly - but today the sun is shining! Come on Spring - warm up and let us dig into the earth and beautify the world again!

Almost Spring

What have  you been doing? What have I been doing? I am trying to walk and made a change in eating habits. It helps to have a friend doing it as well. Linda and I are both widows.  Linda for a year and one month, me for 9 1/2 months; both new at this widow's life. We will get through this phase of life together. We need each other. We have been friends for a long time and our husbands were friends. We met through the husbands...life is funny, isn't it?

Today is St. Patrick's Day - I don't really like this holiday - I have had two bad things happen on this day in the past.
1983 - miscarriage 
1993 - official divorce date but turned into good 'cause I met Todd and married him!
But it is what it is. Green beer - Kiss me I'm Irish - Wearing of the green.

I tried the restaurant Jordan's in downtown Grove City again with Linda - we had the Greek pizza; we split a 6 inch personal pizza and it was very filling and delicious. There are many dishes to try so we will keep going back and splitting other dishes.

Tomorrow night, I am having a small dinner party for our book club; we read The Secret Life of Bees and will watch the movie. I loved the book - did not want it to end! It will be my first official get together in my new apartment. Should be fun!

Gotta work - many hours to still put in - many cases to still review - many investigators to still call this week.  Until next time...