Life In Bama

10:03:09 AM CDT
Hearing We didn't start the fire ~ Billy Joel

Everyone knows you can't control your dreams. You dream what you dream...

Last week while sleeping, I dreamed....  and it was a muscial. I do that sometimes. I can't remember the content, but I do remember thinking, "Oh! Another muscial!"  Of course, I do know I was the star!

Question of the entry: Do you ever dream in a special way?

Here is a part of one of my favorite muscials...

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10:28:50 PM CDT

This summer is sliding by faster than me on a pair of roller skates. I have about two weeks left before I actually have to report for duty. I'll play this week, and make a few appearances next week, and work the next (... no comment... <grin>).

This year, the powers-that-be decided to add an additional class to ours. Our class will have approximately 31 kids. Then, the same powers-that-be moved one of my aides. Should be interesting, to say the least.

Since this is my last 'play' week, I decided to make another trip up to see Cousin and her hubby. Besides, Charter is not providing the services I need in order to make entries, write e-mails or even IM with anyone. Other day, the second tech came to the house. I was just thrilled because, for once, the service wasn't working when someone was there. I go running out to meet him and in a rather frantic mode tell him to hurry up while it's not working. He just grins and says, 'Are you afraid it'll start before I get in there?'  LOL... yeah, as a matter of fact.... <grin>

The phone & internet service only works at certain times. My friend Bo told me I lived to far out and I needed to get a pole like they had on 'Green Acres' because that was going to be the only way I was going to be able to talk to anyone. He is about right because I had no service up until the time I left to come to Cousin's. However, the tech with the cute answer (see previous paragraph) gave me his supervisor's name and cell number. He only asked me to wait until Tuesday before I phone. I have a feeling I will be phoning as soon as I walk into the house. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, in addition to having very little phone service, I rarely get a cell phone to work there. Bo just sighs... and tells me to get a pole. Again. <grin>

Here's to the last of the summer fun. Hopefully, we'll all have a little enjoyment!  

 

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10:30:43 AM CDT

As many of you might know, I am a reader of Jimmy at Jimmy's Journal. Jimmy makes daily entries with the exception of the weekend (He is usually re-couping from his Friday night antics.... ooopppsss... did I type that out loud?? ) However, during the week, readers have been encouraged to nominate people for the CAT award (you need to read his journal for specifics) for those lovely people who screw up. ROYALLY, that is. Just recently, I read his journal about a man who, looking out for his neighbor, decided to at least wound these would-be robbers. And I nominated this man for the TAC award. The only problem is, there wasn't a TAC (Thanks Alot Citizen) award. Until now. It came into view yesterday with the first awards being myself and Rose of 'Roses are Read'.

And now, I would like to thank Jimmy for the award by sending him a southern salute!

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10:59:17 AM CDT The Star-Spangled Banner The National Anthem of the United States of America
by Francis Scott Key, 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

This past weekend, I went to a funeral with Bo and his family. The man was a WWII vet and he received a military service, complete with the US flag draped over the coffin. Of course, with that goes the folding of the flag ceremony, playing of 'Taps' and flag presentation. Afterwards, I was sitting with Louis and Lillian (Bo's parents). Louis (who is also a WWII vet and recently got to go to D.C. to see the military monuments) began to tell us each fold of the flag represents 'something', but he didn't know what they were. I looked it up and with today being July 4th (no, July 4th doesn't just mean bbq, beer and parties...), I thought I would share. I'm also going to print it for Louis and drop it by today. After all, tomorrow is his 86th birthday!

Flag Folding Ceremony

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and KingSolomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

http://www.ushistory.org/Betsy/more/folds.htm

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11:20:33 AM CDT
Feeling Excited

The buddy list re-appeared! Now the screen is balanced once again!

Yesterday's entry was so grim I forgot to add that my co-teacher is the proud father of a bouncing baby boy, weighing in at 7.13 & 21"!! Sawyer was born yesterday afternoon (July 2) at 1:40....  If he is anything like his dad, he'll be playing Auburn football in about 18 years! WAR EAGLE!

That's all for now!

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7:31:39 PM CDT
Feeling Cranky
Hearing 100.3: The River

OK, there are just a few things tonight. Should I list them??  Probably. I'm good at that.

1. Chuck passed away last night. At least he isn't suffering anymore, but I'll miss his entries, that's for sure. 

2. Not long ago, I mentioned Adobe Flash Player won't load. It still won't load and I've done everything except take a baseball bat to the memory cards. That might be next.   

3. I lost my buddy list. I mean, it's just totally gone. Not that it's a huge thing, but it did fit just perfectly on the right side of the screen and made a perfect balance with the AOL Welcome when it's all tucked in. I've searched for it and can't find it. It's MIA and there is nothing up on the tool bar anymore that says, "Hey Jack-Ass, here I am!"

If you find it, please return it ASAP.  

4. You always hear about 'Hot-Flashes'.... does anyone out there suffer from 'cold-flashes'? You know the ones. They kinda creep in on you, make you feel like you're in a deep-freeze. For hours. In the summer??? WTF??  

5. At the end of May, I ordered 'Bundled Services' from Charter Communications. I have had both internet and cable with them for years. I've always had great service from them, limited interruptions, etc. Up until I added the additional services. Cable/phone/internet has all been a real pain in the asp since June 11. Part and really, most of the reason you've not heard from me so much lately. I have had 4 different guys come out and try to figure out why I keep dropping calls (and no, it doesn't have anything to do with cold-flash!)  And today, a new guy. I was glad to see him driving a Charter truck and not a flunky-service on retainer.  I also told them to get rid of the direct line to the Philippines and India. These poor people just can't understand the phrase, "Fix it or get your shit outta my house!"     

 

And now, for a much better list:

1. Monday, I'll be making a trip to TN to see "Dr. Bobby: Computer Proctologist" to take care of #3 & #4 from above.  He is my favorite doctor for many reasons. One, he won't be practicing proctology on me.  

And second, he is my longest-friend person I know!     I might need someone to hold my hand...

2. The Charter guy that came out today said for sure the problem wasn't in my wiring. It's coming from the road. He also said he reported it. We'll see how long it takes to get repaired, or those international lines will be heating up! 

 

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10:48:31 PM CDT
Feeling Sad

I was going to write this to my friend Mary, but I thought I'd just share with everyone.

My friend, Chuck, from Dribble is dying of cancer. I chatted with his daughter, Kate, earlier this evening. He is now bedridden and going in/out a lot. I've been crying since she told me.

I will miss him and his stories about all sorts of things from his printer that has a mind of it's own, his family, his experiences in the 'old-folk's home' and so many other varied subjects. He is also the one who urged me to begin writing when I was just a 'lurker' amongst all the journals. He is also a past special ed teacher. He advised me in difficult situations and made me laugh.

Thanks for everything, Chuck!!  I'll miss you!!

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7:02:36 PM CDT
Feeling Sympathetic

I don't often ask favors of my on-line friends, but I would appreciate it if you guys would stop by Chuck's journal, Dribble  and say hello. He is in his late 80's, and loves to blog. However, he is not feeling well these days and is taking a lot of medication. He loves to get comments in his journal. I'm sure it would help make his day to have a few new readers and comments to read!!

Thanks!

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4:23:10 PM CDT
Feeling Cheerful

Yes, it's been a while. In fact, it's been so long since I've made an entry that I was just tickled to find AOL has added a lot of new 'moods' to choose from. Most of the time in the past, I would just skip that part because you were either just happy as a clam or pissed off at the world. Most of the time, I generally fall in the middle of those two, somewhere between 'just happy to be here' and 'madder'n hell'. 

I have had a gentle hint by a couple of people that I've not made an entry lately. In fact, over a month??  How could that be? Well, I gotta tell ya.... I've been on the road again!  Actually, not just once.... not just twice, but three times!

The first trip was to GA to see my friend Susan and her pit bull (who, thank goodness, just loves me to death!), Winder. As I mentioned, Winder is a pit bull who thinks I'm just great. I'll take that. Hey, after all, she is lovable. Did I mention, pit bull?? We had a great time. I almost bought a great rocking chair, but being Memorial Day Weekend, the store was tightly locked. Except for the chairs sitting out in front of the store. But, I gotta tell you, no rocking chair is worth the consequences.

The second trip was to NYC. One of the local schools had a surprise opening for the trip just prior to school being out. I jumped on it, because I will never get another deal like this one. The deposits had been paid, etc. We left out on Monday morning around 5:30 AM (ugh... not a morning person here...) and got there about 16 hours later. Yep, you got it. We didn't fly. Did you know the 'Big Apple' was that far from the foothills of the Appalachians? It doesn't look that far on the map! BTW, Virginia is a huge state to drive through!  OK, enough geography. Back to the story. I like NY better than I thought I would. After all, where I live the biggest store is the Piggly Wiggly and it's not even one of the largest.  We did the usual tourist route and went to see The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. And there's a little side-story to that.  I like to call it: "Bubba Goes to the Big City". Well, all of us pile upon our bus (no, not a school bus!) and arrive at the ferry dock. When you enter, you have to take off your belt, put your purse and pocket 'stuff' in a tub just like at the airports. As many of you might (or might not) know, all 'Bubbas' carry a pocket-knife with them. It's a tradition. My dad always did and so do most of the men around here. Well, Bubba kinda freaks out. The rule in these places is you don't get it back. Period. No debate. Most of the 'bubba's' I know are sentimental about their pocket-knives. You just never know when you need to cut something. Bubba and wife are saying stuff like they didn't know about that, etc. Well, Bubba finally found someone to take his knife and he passed inspection. All was well. 

In addition to SoL and Ellis Island, we saw Ground Zero, the sphere found during clean-up after 9-11. I couldn't help but think about Jimmy, from Stupid Too when we saw all those things. He actually experienced 9-11. I just can't imagine. I did get to see Donald Trump in person, the MET Museum  of Art, Central Park, Top of the Rock, a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium, and Times Square. There was a whole lot of walking and I enjoyed every step.  In fact, I ate all week and lost a couple of pounds. Go figure. We got back home on Saturday morning  around 10:00 AM. Whew! What a whirl-wind trip! It was a great trip!

The next week, I worked at school some. They are adding a new class to ours and I'm getting a much larger room! YIPPEE!! It will be great when it's ready.

Then, last week, I went to Birmingham (AL) for a week-long workshop on Autism. I learned some new stuff and reviewed some old stuff. What can I say?  I was sure glad to get myself home!!  I don't see many more trips this summer, except maybe up to see Cousin and her family. That is always fun, especially when the kids are down from Indiana.

*I was going to load some pictures of my NYC trip, but alas, I am having loading issues. I guess that means a trip up to TN to see my computer specialist, Bobby from high school. Stupid computer.

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3:49:52 PM CDT
Feeling Quiet

As I mowed the grass today, I had plenty of time to reflect upon this past year. This upcoming Monday is the graduation for our classroom. A year ago, my back was so out of whack that the weekend before graduation I was taking all kinds of medications and almost non-mobile. In fact, I called a few of my friends and left messages. One friend called back just so I could hear my message. "Don't bother," I told him. "I do remember when I left it I had to replay what I had said because I lost track of what I was talking about!" Another friend just said, "Yep, she's taking meds!"

A year later, I am push-mowing the grass when I could almost not get to the bathroom. That, I feel, is an improvement! Also, last year, I was so grieving my mom's death. I had a few pity parties while on those meds, too. I still miss her, but at least I can get through most days without crying for her.

I know I've been lax about reading/commenting on your journal entries. It's not because I don't care (yeah, I'm sending the luv...)... I've just not been home very much. The weekend after St. Augustine, my friend Bo and I went down to Orange Beach. His wife's family has a house down there. It's nice and only about a 1/4 mile from the Bama-Flora line. Last weekend, I went up to Indiana with cousin and her hubby to see family. Great Trip!! (Thanks, T for the food, fun and family!) That Friday night after we all had dinner and the other part of the family went home, we played Wii. There were 5 of us girls aged 40-60ish playing. What a hoot!

I had planned to put some pics in for you, but just after I finished editing, AOL had other plans and poof. They were gone. I'm not loading them back up again today. Maybe next week.

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