Posts
Can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted. The time has flown by. My daughter and granddaughters were here from Missouri and we had a July 4 event at my oldest grandchild's home - that is the beautiful Anna that was on Good Morning Dallas, Channel 8, recently. I love to look at the old snapshots of Miss Anna. As a baby, she did hand-painted silk scarves and even had her own label. She was a joy to watch as she would pick up a brush, put it back, contemplate which of the others to choose, then finally grab one and begin painting. Many of us still have our scarves and ties.
Anna also worked in my office when she was a little girl - she filed, straightened up the desk, threw items into the trash can, those types of tasks. I paid her by check and then cashed the checks for her. She loved sitting at the desk as a business person. She would pick up the phone and pretend to talk.
Rox and Lene are getting so grown - I hardly recognized them. They are doing very well in their school in Missouri - both play sports. I just can't get over how grown they seem.
It was great to see my daughter Krisy, especially to enjoy a steak dinner at a local restaurant. Krisy has always been a steak lover and we had a great time. I try to call her Kristina when in her presence, but she will always be Krisy to me.
Some of us who taught together at Silberstein Elementary and Gonzalez Elementary Schools in Dallas (2002 through my final year 2007-2008) recently enjoyed an evening together, along with families, at the Asian Buffet in Mesquite. The place is huge and had lots of different dishes, including steak and sushi.
It was super to see everyone. I do miss the teachers and the kids. There are truly some of the world's best people associated with Dallas ISD.
I'm hoping on Monday, Aug. 9 that we can do this again and that more of our friends can join us. I put the info on my Facebook page and this is not last minute, so hopefully I'll get to see lots of the terrific people I miss. The Aug. 9 event is right before the teachers return for the 2010-2011 year.
Now, my changes complaint - when I set up a program, I like to be proactive, to think of all possible ramifications, effects, etc., and only THEN draw up my plans and documents. Lately, it seems I'm involved in situations in which the opposite happens - we get into something, act on information we've received, then we're told the policies have changed. That is difficult for me, especially AFTER I've acted on the previous information.
It will be quite a nuisance to constantly ask, "Are you sure you want to do it this way?" or "Are you sure these are the guidelines we use" and other questions. It will be easier to just withdraw from all that and do my own program. Maybe this and maybe that is a right-brain way of thinking and it works extremely well when one is an artist, writer, entertainer, and in many other professions that require creativity. It just doesn't work well for some of us when rules are made and then constantly changed once we're in the program.
I try to be balanced, using both left and right brain - left brain for step-by-step activities, balancing checkbook, being accountable, keeping my calendar up to date and right brain for all the creative activities I truly enjoy. I just like my actions to be "grandfathered" in, IF I've already been completing things and someone decides to change the requirements. I do understand reasons for the changes and, in many cases, applaud the need for them. I just don't accept that changes should be made in the middle of a project.
I seem to be quite a misfit these days. I am going with the flow of that to the greatest extent I'm capable. Of course, I'll absolutely be more careful in the future about activities in those groups. I don't like feeling frustrated or irritated. I wonder how many people really enjoy those emotions?
I've asked myself, "Why is this happening to you?" I've answered, "Maybe I need the lesson." Therefore, I will become much more careful to be 100% authentic and up-front with people with whom I'm involved in any project, association, business venture, etc. This isn't always easy for me in the sense that I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where we were taught to always be polite and sweet, no matter what was happening. I learned from that to not always express myself when something bothers me. I need to improve in the area of letting others more clearly become aware of my dislike.
Life is growth and I do think, as long as we're on this planet, there is more opportunity to learn. My desire is to become the very best person I can be. The recent frustrations are giving me a nudge toward being more objective.
That's all for today - will try to get back to this soon. On Wednesday, I'll be working more volunteer hours at Kirby Creek in Grand Prairie as I earn my Master Composter certification. Also, need to pick up worms in GP. The worms are for Thursday when I'm doing a 2-hour program at the Ellis County 4-H camp. This is through the Master Gardeners association. We're making Worm Towers as one of our parts of the program. The kids always love anything that includes red wigglers.
Will let you know how that turns out and, as always, I'm glad to know your thoughts.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Another mis-speak - comes down to lack of respect, in my opinion
General McChrystal and some of his aids gave an interview to Rolling Stone magazine. Unfortunately, a number of statements were made that showed immense disrespect for the administration in Washington (President Obama and Vice President Biden, for example) plus comments on where we are in the war effort.
The General's aid that set up the interview already has been fired.
I know from PERSONAL experience that when I don't respect someone, I am apt to make statements that show my disdain.
I think General McChrystal is simply one of the many of us who think President Obama, for all of his academic intelligence, is in way over his head regarding the practical management of this country and, especially, the military and wars. When this is the situation, it is hard for some of us to keep shut our mouths and avoid stating our opinions regarding operations and where they are leading us down a wrong path.
One of two things happened with Barach Obama. Either he is a puppet of George Soros and out to consciously transform this country into a socialist nation OR he is smart, thought President Bush was doing a lousy job, and thought he (Obama) could do better. I think I know which, but will avoid saying. However, regardless of the reason he became president, he simply wasn't prepared, in my opinion. Unfortunately, none of us truly knows how difficult things can be until we "walk in the shoes of those in command." I don't think President Obama had or has now a clue how to run the country, but he did run a great campaign. Being a Mayor, Governor, or other government administrator could have helped him greatly to be ready to be President.
When I was with Dallas ISD, there were times I disagreed with my principal. It was only after earning my Masters degree in Educational Leadership and doing all the hands-on activities required that I realized what a big job it is to lead a school, its faculty and staff, its students, and ALL the stakeholders, while following the practices of the district. I gained a great deal more respect for my principal once I moved into the Academic Coordinator position.
We do not know what General McChrystal is going through every day in the war zone. Certainly, President Obama may visit there, but until he puts on a uniform, picks up a gun, and fights for his life over there, he doesn't truly understand what is going on. I think this is true of any of us. We get it WHEN we walk in those shoes.
I think General McChrystal probably will lose his job over this. He should not have spoken out against the administration. As I told my students many, many, many times - you can think what you want to, but be careful what you say. Sometimes, however, we are just bursting with frustration and we "poop" from the mouth. So, I think I understand what was going on - sort of the same thing as General MacArthur in Japan at the end of World War II - just had to say what he thought - just couldn't contain his irritation anymore. The sad thing is, this is just another example of the mess we are in that seems to show people in the rest of the world that things in America are out of control.
I've been working outside today as well as filing photos on my computer. In a few minutes, I'll clean up and go vote. At least we still can do that in this country.
NEWS FLASH - Judge ruled against Obama administration regarding moratorium on Gulf drilling.
Lee Asks: Does this mean those 150,000 jobs won't be lost and those companies won't abandon the rigs in the Gulf and move to other, more friendly nations? I hope so. I don't like paying $3.09 a gallon for gasoline for the Audi and $2.79 for the Focus. I certainly don't want to pay more than that.
Finally, I have a Twitter follower who is a dear friend and one of the finest teachers and people I have ever known. I just have to now figure out how to use Twitter AND keep what I say to 160 characters. Oh PLEASE! I am so thankful for this free blog on which I can say all I want.
The General's aid that set up the interview already has been fired.
I know from PERSONAL experience that when I don't respect someone, I am apt to make statements that show my disdain.
I think General McChrystal is simply one of the many of us who think President Obama, for all of his academic intelligence, is in way over his head regarding the practical management of this country and, especially, the military and wars. When this is the situation, it is hard for some of us to keep shut our mouths and avoid stating our opinions regarding operations and where they are leading us down a wrong path.
One of two things happened with Barach Obama. Either he is a puppet of George Soros and out to consciously transform this country into a socialist nation OR he is smart, thought President Bush was doing a lousy job, and thought he (Obama) could do better. I think I know which, but will avoid saying. However, regardless of the reason he became president, he simply wasn't prepared, in my opinion. Unfortunately, none of us truly knows how difficult things can be until we "walk in the shoes of those in command." I don't think President Obama had or has now a clue how to run the country, but he did run a great campaign. Being a Mayor, Governor, or other government administrator could have helped him greatly to be ready to be President.
When I was with Dallas ISD, there were times I disagreed with my principal. It was only after earning my Masters degree in Educational Leadership and doing all the hands-on activities required that I realized what a big job it is to lead a school, its faculty and staff, its students, and ALL the stakeholders, while following the practices of the district. I gained a great deal more respect for my principal once I moved into the Academic Coordinator position.
We do not know what General McChrystal is going through every day in the war zone. Certainly, President Obama may visit there, but until he puts on a uniform, picks up a gun, and fights for his life over there, he doesn't truly understand what is going on. I think this is true of any of us. We get it WHEN we walk in those shoes.
I think General McChrystal probably will lose his job over this. He should not have spoken out against the administration. As I told my students many, many, many times - you can think what you want to, but be careful what you say. Sometimes, however, we are just bursting with frustration and we "poop" from the mouth. So, I think I understand what was going on - sort of the same thing as General MacArthur in Japan at the end of World War II - just had to say what he thought - just couldn't contain his irritation anymore. The sad thing is, this is just another example of the mess we are in that seems to show people in the rest of the world that things in America are out of control.
I've been working outside today as well as filing photos on my computer. In a few minutes, I'll clean up and go vote. At least we still can do that in this country.
NEWS FLASH - Judge ruled against Obama administration regarding moratorium on Gulf drilling.
Lee Asks: Does this mean those 150,000 jobs won't be lost and those companies won't abandon the rigs in the Gulf and move to other, more friendly nations? I hope so. I don't like paying $3.09 a gallon for gasoline for the Audi and $2.79 for the Focus. I certainly don't want to pay more than that.
Finally, I have a Twitter follower who is a dear friend and one of the finest teachers and people I have ever known. I just have to now figure out how to use Twitter AND keep what I say to 160 characters. Oh PLEASE! I am so thankful for this free blog on which I can say all I want.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
I am supporting Brian Birdwell for Texas State Senate
So, where was David Sibley during the recent Republican Convention in Dallas? I didn't see him anywhere and I constantly heard other Republicans asking the same thing. However, I did see Brian talking to everyone, explaining his viewpoints on the issues.
Apparently Sibley is and has been for some time supporting Democrats with donations. Because I am pro-life, I can't support the Democratic Party. Why would a Republican support Democratic candidates against Republican candidates? I don't have a good guess about that.
What I do know is that I received a mailout the other day from Sibley campaign stating, if elected, he would introduce a bill to limit property tax increase to maximum of 5% a year. The mailout stated Brian Birdwell has spoken at a Republican Women's meeting and supported a max of 10% a year increase.
Lee Asks, did Sibley sandbag Birdwell? I don't know. I wasn't at the Republican Women's meeting, so I didn't hear the actual statement. I have emailed Brian for clarification. Could it be somebody asked a question and an answer was given offering a maximum, then this was construed as "support?"
At the convention, I did tell one of Brian's supporters that I am not swayed emotionally by his service to the U.S. and his injuries when the Pentagon was hit by terrorists on 9-11. I appreciate his service and feel compassion regarding the damage caused to him by that attack. But, when I vote in an election, it is over issues and character, not just that someone suffered. Is the candidate honest, dependable, responsible for what he/she does, maintain integrity and consistency, and how does he/she treat the "little people" ? (woops - got to watch that phrase now after the Chairman of the Board at BP used "small people" to explain the company is going to be responsible to those damaged by the oil spill.)
For decades of my life, I've interpreted the phrase "little people" to mean those of us who are not rich and cannot donate massive sums of money to campaigns. I support candidates who listen to me and other middle and lower class people as well as those who donate a lot. I consider myself one of the "little people," although certainly no longer in physical size - love all that chocolate, banana pudding, and ice cream TOOOOOOOO MUUUUUUCHHHH.
Money alone does not make one intelligent. Education is great, but so is life experience and hands-on work.
I liked the fact that Brian Birdwell, at the convention, stood and listened to people I know who are plain middle class (and fixed income now) citizens who CARE about the direction in which our country is moving. It so happens that I agree with Brian on the issues. His website is http://brianbirdwell.net/. Of course, I always suggest people study BOTH or ALL candidates for an office and make up their own minds. That is what I do and I think that shows respect for the fact that God gave us very advanced brains with which to analyze, reason, and implement action.
One more thing - and this goes out to my dear friends - if you are NOT voting, I really don't want to hear your opinion about what is wrong with our country. But then, you know that, because I say it often. If you don't care enough to vote, you just don't care.SM
April 22 is the election day for the Republican Senate Seat for Texas District 22, which is quite a few counties. That is this coming TUESDAY! PLEASE VOTE. Now, I'm going to email my Republican friends just to make sure they are voting Tuesday!
Apparently Sibley is and has been for some time supporting Democrats with donations. Because I am pro-life, I can't support the Democratic Party. Why would a Republican support Democratic candidates against Republican candidates? I don't have a good guess about that.
What I do know is that I received a mailout the other day from Sibley campaign stating, if elected, he would introduce a bill to limit property tax increase to maximum of 5% a year. The mailout stated Brian Birdwell has spoken at a Republican Women's meeting and supported a max of 10% a year increase.
Lee Asks, did Sibley sandbag Birdwell? I don't know. I wasn't at the Republican Women's meeting, so I didn't hear the actual statement. I have emailed Brian for clarification. Could it be somebody asked a question and an answer was given offering a maximum, then this was construed as "support?"
At the convention, I did tell one of Brian's supporters that I am not swayed emotionally by his service to the U.S. and his injuries when the Pentagon was hit by terrorists on 9-11. I appreciate his service and feel compassion regarding the damage caused to him by that attack. But, when I vote in an election, it is over issues and character, not just that someone suffered. Is the candidate honest, dependable, responsible for what he/she does, maintain integrity and consistency, and how does he/she treat the "little people" ? (woops - got to watch that phrase now after the Chairman of the Board at BP used "small people" to explain the company is going to be responsible to those damaged by the oil spill.)
For decades of my life, I've interpreted the phrase "little people" to mean those of us who are not rich and cannot donate massive sums of money to campaigns. I support candidates who listen to me and other middle and lower class people as well as those who donate a lot. I consider myself one of the "little people," although certainly no longer in physical size - love all that chocolate, banana pudding, and ice cream TOOOOOOOO MUUUUUUCHHHH.
Money alone does not make one intelligent. Education is great, but so is life experience and hands-on work.
I liked the fact that Brian Birdwell, at the convention, stood and listened to people I know who are plain middle class (and fixed income now) citizens who CARE about the direction in which our country is moving. It so happens that I agree with Brian on the issues. His website is http://brianbirdwell.net/. Of course, I always suggest people study BOTH or ALL candidates for an office and make up their own minds. That is what I do and I think that shows respect for the fact that God gave us very advanced brains with which to analyze, reason, and implement action.
One more thing - and this goes out to my dear friends - if you are NOT voting, I really don't want to hear your opinion about what is wrong with our country. But then, you know that, because I say it often. If you don't care enough to vote, you just don't care.SM
April 22 is the election day for the Republican Senate Seat for Texas District 22, which is quite a few counties. That is this coming TUESDAY! PLEASE VOTE. Now, I'm going to email my Republican friends just to make sure they are voting Tuesday!
Bill O'Reilly Says He Doesn't Care
I watch news on all stations, especially Fox on Cable, since they usually are first with breaking stories. I also get emails from all over the world regarding news and events there and, especially, economics and politics.
My U. S. Congressional Representative, Joe Barton, made the statement during the Congressional hearing of British Petroleum's CEO Tony Hayward that he apologized to BP for President Obama's "shakedown" for forcing BP to put $20 billion into an escrow account. I don't think Rep. Barton was apologizing for the fact that BP set aside the money, only in the manner in which it was done, which apparently was the Obama administration's saying, "we are filing criminal charges against you, if you don't do this." Making such a faux pas is unusual for Rep. Barton, since he normailly is right on top of issues. Of course, the Republican Party then forced Rep. Barton to apologize or lose his seat on the powerful committee. To me, it is a shame this BP issue has become so politicized when it is having such a negative effect on people and the ecology. All this talk and finger-pointing is NOT solving the problem.
Anyway, in talking about this story, Bill O'Reilly said on his program (repeated again today) that "I don't care how Obama did this." Another mis-speak, I HOPE. I would not like to think that anyone on Fox Cable News has the opinion that whatever someone in government does to achieve an action is OK. I would like to think Bill means, "in this case, I don't care." He didn't say that. We all mis-speak by commission or omission. To me, the only point of the BP situation AT THIS TIME should be getting the spill stopped and financially supporting those people who are losing income NOW.
The sad situation about the latter is that some of those fisherpeople and other workers took cash monies over the past years and did not claim all the monies on their taxes. Therefore, they can't provide the requested tax return copies to prove their income was the amount they are now trying to get BP to pay. I know it is tempting to avoid paying taxes on all the money one makes, but it is those taxes that keep our military strong, keep our government running, keep highways paved, pay for Medicaid to help people who need help, pay for Social Security benefits to those people who have only that income upon which to live, etc. For all its faults, this is still the greatest nation IN THE WORLD and we do more to help others than any other nation I know of. For me, paying taxes is an honor, even though I don't agree with the way Congress always spends the money, and certainly not the out-of-control spending now being done. I love this county and the CONSTITUTION which limits executive power, gives me freedom of speech and the right to protect myself and myfamily, gives us freedom of religion, makes our nation great, etc.
Regarding the immigration law in Arizona, I've been watching the teacher in LA who is sponsoring a trip of his students to travel to Arizona and protest the new law. It is correct for young people to get involved and, especially, to understand BOTH SIDES of an issue so they can make up their own minds. In this situation, what if the teacher and kids were traveling to that section of Arizona about which the U.S. Government states Americans should NOT visit because it is dangerous due to the drug cartel people with their automatic weapons. Should the kids go there? I think not. However, if the teacher took them to that area, would they all understand how desperate Arizona citizens (Hispanics as well as non-Hispanics) feel. Not all Hispanics are against the new law. Some of the supporters are Hispanics who entered America legally or were born in America. Also, for many decades, ALL aliens have been, by federal law, required to carry citizenship papers with them at all times. I certainly carry my driver's license, car insurance, and auto registration info when I travel. The issue in this case is protecting the border. Arizona citizens have a right to that and we, in Texas, have a right to protect our border also. The shame is not doing this in a smart way (years ago) so that it isn't an issue not that is splitting our country and causing a lot of good people such grief. And one more point, we have yet to see how the law enforcers in Arizona will apply the law. To assume all of them will do racial profiling is an insult to the good people who put their lives on the line daily to protect and serve the people. Yes, there probably will be a few jerks, but they are the minority and it is up to the people in Arizona to stop them and CONVICT them of their wrongs.
And how awful that the Governor of Arizona had to learn from an interview in Ecuador of Sec. of State Hillary Clinton that the U.S. Government is suing Arizona over this law (which doesn't go into effect until the end of July). I guess another change of President Obama is for the White House and Attorney General's office to no longer give courtesy calls to governors regarding issues that relate directly to them.
I absolutely understand the thinking of my dear friends who voted for Obama in order to achieve the changes he touted in his campaign. However, the changes I am seeing are not the ones he spoke of - more transparancy, etc. I can only say I'm such a realist about politics, since I've been involved in issues since I was a kid, that is was obvious Obama couldn't do what he said he could do. He is a brillian Academic, but not a practical person or realist. As Gov. Huckabee said, "he has never even operated a lemon stand." Being a community activist does not give one the management and business experience to operate this big country.
I used to joke that I supported "Miss Piggy for President." It seems to me a lot of what is happening is just as bizarre.
I hope SOON we get back to the REAL problems: putting Americans to work, stopping the huge deficit that can potentially destroy and bankrupt us, stopping the spill in the Gulf and getting the spill cleaned up as soon as possible (where are those Dutch ships and Saudi tankers that the federal government stopped from coming to the Gulf to help?), and much more.
My U. S. Congressional Representative, Joe Barton, made the statement during the Congressional hearing of British Petroleum's CEO Tony Hayward that he apologized to BP for President Obama's "shakedown" for forcing BP to put $20 billion into an escrow account. I don't think Rep. Barton was apologizing for the fact that BP set aside the money, only in the manner in which it was done, which apparently was the Obama administration's saying, "we are filing criminal charges against you, if you don't do this." Making such a faux pas is unusual for Rep. Barton, since he normailly is right on top of issues. Of course, the Republican Party then forced Rep. Barton to apologize or lose his seat on the powerful committee. To me, it is a shame this BP issue has become so politicized when it is having such a negative effect on people and the ecology. All this talk and finger-pointing is NOT solving the problem.
Anyway, in talking about this story, Bill O'Reilly said on his program (repeated again today) that "I don't care how Obama did this." Another mis-speak, I HOPE. I would not like to think that anyone on Fox Cable News has the opinion that whatever someone in government does to achieve an action is OK. I would like to think Bill means, "in this case, I don't care." He didn't say that. We all mis-speak by commission or omission. To me, the only point of the BP situation AT THIS TIME should be getting the spill stopped and financially supporting those people who are losing income NOW.
The sad situation about the latter is that some of those fisherpeople and other workers took cash monies over the past years and did not claim all the monies on their taxes. Therefore, they can't provide the requested tax return copies to prove their income was the amount they are now trying to get BP to pay. I know it is tempting to avoid paying taxes on all the money one makes, but it is those taxes that keep our military strong, keep our government running, keep highways paved, pay for Medicaid to help people who need help, pay for Social Security benefits to those people who have only that income upon which to live, etc. For all its faults, this is still the greatest nation IN THE WORLD and we do more to help others than any other nation I know of. For me, paying taxes is an honor, even though I don't agree with the way Congress always spends the money, and certainly not the out-of-control spending now being done. I love this county and the CONSTITUTION which limits executive power, gives me freedom of speech and the right to protect myself and myfamily, gives us freedom of religion, makes our nation great, etc.
Regarding the immigration law in Arizona, I've been watching the teacher in LA who is sponsoring a trip of his students to travel to Arizona and protest the new law. It is correct for young people to get involved and, especially, to understand BOTH SIDES of an issue so they can make up their own minds. In this situation, what if the teacher and kids were traveling to that section of Arizona about which the U.S. Government states Americans should NOT visit because it is dangerous due to the drug cartel people with their automatic weapons. Should the kids go there? I think not. However, if the teacher took them to that area, would they all understand how desperate Arizona citizens (Hispanics as well as non-Hispanics) feel. Not all Hispanics are against the new law. Some of the supporters are Hispanics who entered America legally or were born in America. Also, for many decades, ALL aliens have been, by federal law, required to carry citizenship papers with them at all times. I certainly carry my driver's license, car insurance, and auto registration info when I travel. The issue in this case is protecting the border. Arizona citizens have a right to that and we, in Texas, have a right to protect our border also. The shame is not doing this in a smart way (years ago) so that it isn't an issue not that is splitting our country and causing a lot of good people such grief. And one more point, we have yet to see how the law enforcers in Arizona will apply the law. To assume all of them will do racial profiling is an insult to the good people who put their lives on the line daily to protect and serve the people. Yes, there probably will be a few jerks, but they are the minority and it is up to the people in Arizona to stop them and CONVICT them of their wrongs.
And how awful that the Governor of Arizona had to learn from an interview in Ecuador of Sec. of State Hillary Clinton that the U.S. Government is suing Arizona over this law (which doesn't go into effect until the end of July). I guess another change of President Obama is for the White House and Attorney General's office to no longer give courtesy calls to governors regarding issues that relate directly to them.
I absolutely understand the thinking of my dear friends who voted for Obama in order to achieve the changes he touted in his campaign. However, the changes I am seeing are not the ones he spoke of - more transparancy, etc. I can only say I'm such a realist about politics, since I've been involved in issues since I was a kid, that is was obvious Obama couldn't do what he said he could do. He is a brillian Academic, but not a practical person or realist. As Gov. Huckabee said, "he has never even operated a lemon stand." Being a community activist does not give one the management and business experience to operate this big country.
I used to joke that I supported "Miss Piggy for President." It seems to me a lot of what is happening is just as bizarre.
I hope SOON we get back to the REAL problems: putting Americans to work, stopping the huge deficit that can potentially destroy and bankrupt us, stopping the spill in the Gulf and getting the spill cleaned up as soon as possible (where are those Dutch ships and Saudi tankers that the federal government stopped from coming to the Gulf to help?), and much more.
Composting and Community Gardening and a Mentor Party
Miss Margaret and I went Saturday to work at Kirby Creek in Grand Prairie. We are doing our volunteer service hours in order to become certified Master Composters. It was HOT, but a great day. It is wonderful to see local people come to the garden to weed, water, compost, pick veggies, mow, etc. Glenda was out the other day to water and Vijit waters often. We appreciate his leadership at the garden. Enjoyed seeing Ameeta (Vijit's wife) again. The squash bus seemed to have lessened. We started 2 new bins. The greens were cut down as the guys (Vijit, Bruce, and Earl) cut the honeysuckle to free the A-frames on which the butter beans could be twined. Bob and Billy had mad the frames and they are great. We also were able to get grass clippings when Earl and Margaret mowed. Bruce did a lot of weedeating and pulling weeds. Liz and Glenda really spruced up the veggies and sunflowers. Vijit and Ameeta did some of everything. I work too, but always impressed with how much the others can accomplish. Our rest and eat time was delicious. We enjoyed chips and sala, bean dip, quesadillas, and chutney. Hands-on is really the best way to master gardening and composting.
From Kirby Creek, we went to Miss Margaret's (actually, that is a Mrs., but we just call each "Miss" as though we are teens living a century ago) beautiful home where we showered and changed. Then we went to Ginger and George's home for the Master Gardener Mentor event. As always, everything was perfect. Ginger gave a tour of her garden, hen and goat pen, bee keeping area, etc. She is Mother Earth personified.
Being in Master Gardeners and Master Composters is truly a blessing to me. The people are great and I love learning so much and getting back to nature.
From Kirby Creek, we went to Miss Margaret's (actually, that is a Mrs., but we just call each "Miss" as though we are teens living a century ago) beautiful home where we showered and changed. Then we went to Ginger and George's home for the Master Gardener Mentor event. As always, everything was perfect. Ginger gave a tour of her garden, hen and goat pen, bee keeping area, etc. She is Mother Earth personified.
Being in Master Gardeners and Master Composters is truly a blessing to me. The people are great and I love learning so much and getting back to nature.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Remembering someone who disappeared in the Vietnam War
On Mother's Day this year, I had the privilege of visiting the traveling Vietnam War wall while it was in Ennis, TX. It was heart-breaking to see all the names and know these 58,000 plus lives were cut so short by that war. I looked up three people - one I knew growing up, one the person who crashed with my friend in 1970, and one the MIA-POW I "adopted" in the 1990s and about whom I added information on a website I published during that decade about these three young men.
All three of these young men became MIA-POWs and a symbol is next to their names on the Wall indicating remains were never recovered.
After coming home on Mother's Day, I wrote an article about the visit and about my friend and his buddy. The newspaper in the buddy's hometown, Prophetstown, ILL., published the article and someone in the area who read it, cut it out and sent it to the sister-in-law of that buddy of my friend.
That sister-in-law, Judy, emailed me and gave me information about her late husband's brother and it was very good to know more about him. It was wonderful to hear from her and to know my words touched people and let them know there are people who still remember those who gave of themselves in the Vietnam War.
I am so grateful that my parents taught me to appreciate service people and to study and enjoy history. Growing up in Atlanta, GA, the Revolutionary War and Civil War (known there as "The War of Northern Aggression" or "The War for Southern Independence") were a major topic during my youth. It was wonderful to be taken to the many battlefields and those trips gave me a lot of knowledge and appreciation of those who died for us, over many, many decades.
Also, my maternal and paternal ancestors came to America shortly after Jamestown and were active in various wars. One, John Langston (my maiden name is Langston) was a member of the House of burgesses and participated in Bacon's Rebellion, which was the first rebellion against the British.
I must have military in my genes because this is always an issue in which I remain active - especially the MIA-POW issue. We do not have an accounting of everyone and a wonderful journalist wrote an article on the 10 reasons we may still have service people in captivity in Vietnam and surrounding countries. If you, the reader, is interested in learning more about this, you can Google "MIA-POW" and find some of the wonderful associations who stay involved with this issue.
Our service people have in the past and continue to give their all for us. It is such an honor to be an American, even with all the problems that now seem to be at the forefront of our psyche. Thank God for our military and God bless each of them and America. I pray God also will bless all those family members of those three young men whose names I stared at on the Wall.
All three of these young men became MIA-POWs and a symbol is next to their names on the Wall indicating remains were never recovered.
After coming home on Mother's Day, I wrote an article about the visit and about my friend and his buddy. The newspaper in the buddy's hometown, Prophetstown, ILL., published the article and someone in the area who read it, cut it out and sent it to the sister-in-law of that buddy of my friend.
That sister-in-law, Judy, emailed me and gave me information about her late husband's brother and it was very good to know more about him. It was wonderful to hear from her and to know my words touched people and let them know there are people who still remember those who gave of themselves in the Vietnam War.
I am so grateful that my parents taught me to appreciate service people and to study and enjoy history. Growing up in Atlanta, GA, the Revolutionary War and Civil War (known there as "The War of Northern Aggression" or "The War for Southern Independence") were a major topic during my youth. It was wonderful to be taken to the many battlefields and those trips gave me a lot of knowledge and appreciation of those who died for us, over many, many decades.
Also, my maternal and paternal ancestors came to America shortly after Jamestown and were active in various wars. One, John Langston (my maiden name is Langston) was a member of the House of burgesses and participated in Bacon's Rebellion, which was the first rebellion against the British.
I must have military in my genes because this is always an issue in which I remain active - especially the MIA-POW issue. We do not have an accounting of everyone and a wonderful journalist wrote an article on the 10 reasons we may still have service people in captivity in Vietnam and surrounding countries. If you, the reader, is interested in learning more about this, you can Google "MIA-POW" and find some of the wonderful associations who stay involved with this issue.
Our service people have in the past and continue to give their all for us. It is such an honor to be an American, even with all the problems that now seem to be at the forefront of our psyche. Thank God for our military and God bless each of them and America. I pray God also will bless all those family members of those three young men whose names I stared at on the Wall.
Working at Kirby Creek Community Garden in Grand Prairie
Saturday the 19th will be fun since we are having "salsa day" as we take a break from the gardening and composting tasks.
About a dozen of us showed up Wednesday June 16th to work. Many of us are working on our volunteer/service hours in order to earn our certification as Master Composters and to receive the Shepherd's Compost bin with aerator insert.
At the garden, the plants that looked wonderful the Wednesday before looked pretty bad today, either from lack of water or chlorosis or a fungus. The leaves had turned yellow and mottled and a few plants just looked deadish. We are checking to determine exactly what caused the problem.
Squash bugs had really taken over the squash plants. We washed them off, trying to drown them, but they are survivors!
We weeded, pruned damaged leaves, mulched, and did other tasks to make the garden better. Vijit and Tracy have been watering, but that takes a long time with as many beds as there are. Hopefully, the city will be able to fix the irrigation system so that the veggie beds will be watered through drip irrigation instead of hand watering. As we learned in Master Gardening, drip irrigation is always superior.
There were lots of cherry tomatoes and we had those at our "rest and eat" time. Liz brought the zucchini quiche and it was delicious. We enjoyed the cherry tomatoes with the chutney Viit brought that his wife made. Margaret brought strawberries and blackberries - it was a fun break and we got to hear more about Billy's document that lists all the planting dates, harvesting dates, etc., on one page. Vijit is going to make a copy for each of us.
Looking at the two tiny cantaloupes (one golf ball size, one tennis ball size), Billy pointed to a flower and the bee pollinated it and said a new cantaloupe may grow there. This was very interesting to me.
Saturday, we're also going to cut away vines that are growing around two more bean/cucumber frames and move those so that the butter beans can grow upward. Some of the cucumber vines were growing horizontal along the ground under those frames currently in place in the cuke bed and Billy and I weaved the extensions into the fencing on the frames so they will grow upright and, hopefully, the squash bugs won't get into the cukes.
We discussed placing Savin around the perimeter of the cuke bed to kill baby squash bugs and a more toxic insecticide around the perimeter to kill adult squash bugs. However, we decided not to do that, since the insecticide would be sucked into the roots of the cukes, thus negating the organic emphases of the garden.
We are going to plant pumpkin, zucchini, and watermelon Saturday. We pulled weeds from beds with nothing growing in order to prepare for planting. There is a gas tiller that can be used to till those beds, but if we do a lasagna garden in one or more, we won't need to till that/those.
We also know to plant radishes at random among plants. I checked resources and nasturtiums and some marigolds also help. This is called "companion planting."
All in all, an interesting day - not much breeze and hot, but it feels good to learn.
We may experiment with one bed by doing it as a lasagna garden, as suggested by Liz.
We are hoping to see the grass, both in the bedded area as well as around the outside of the fence, mowed so that we can rake up clippings and start a second compost bin soon plus add more browns and greens to the one there now. There is a fenced in area in the SW corner of the community garden that contains lots of leaves.
Another task for Saturday is to do something with the triple wood slat compost bins that have been ignored for a long time.
We did harvest beans, squash, peppers, and there are a few eggplants growing (we didn't harvest the latter).
Community gardens are becomming more and more popular and one great advantage to working in one is learning from experienced vegetable gardeners. I appreciate everything I'm learning. Having been a city girl all my life and leading a non-domestic type life, I am really graining an appreciation of the basics and pratical tasks that can make us feel terrific as we succeed at them.
About a dozen of us showed up Wednesday June 16th to work. Many of us are working on our volunteer/service hours in order to earn our certification as Master Composters and to receive the Shepherd's Compost bin with aerator insert.
At the garden, the plants that looked wonderful the Wednesday before looked pretty bad today, either from lack of water or chlorosis or a fungus. The leaves had turned yellow and mottled and a few plants just looked deadish. We are checking to determine exactly what caused the problem.
Squash bugs had really taken over the squash plants. We washed them off, trying to drown them, but they are survivors!
We weeded, pruned damaged leaves, mulched, and did other tasks to make the garden better. Vijit and Tracy have been watering, but that takes a long time with as many beds as there are. Hopefully, the city will be able to fix the irrigation system so that the veggie beds will be watered through drip irrigation instead of hand watering. As we learned in Master Gardening, drip irrigation is always superior.
There were lots of cherry tomatoes and we had those at our "rest and eat" time. Liz brought the zucchini quiche and it was delicious. We enjoyed the cherry tomatoes with the chutney Viit brought that his wife made. Margaret brought strawberries and blackberries - it was a fun break and we got to hear more about Billy's document that lists all the planting dates, harvesting dates, etc., on one page. Vijit is going to make a copy for each of us.
Looking at the two tiny cantaloupes (one golf ball size, one tennis ball size), Billy pointed to a flower and the bee pollinated it and said a new cantaloupe may grow there. This was very interesting to me.
Saturday, we're also going to cut away vines that are growing around two more bean/cucumber frames and move those so that the butter beans can grow upward. Some of the cucumber vines were growing horizontal along the ground under those frames currently in place in the cuke bed and Billy and I weaved the extensions into the fencing on the frames so they will grow upright and, hopefully, the squash bugs won't get into the cukes.
We discussed placing Savin around the perimeter of the cuke bed to kill baby squash bugs and a more toxic insecticide around the perimeter to kill adult squash bugs. However, we decided not to do that, since the insecticide would be sucked into the roots of the cukes, thus negating the organic emphases of the garden.
We are going to plant pumpkin, zucchini, and watermelon Saturday. We pulled weeds from beds with nothing growing in order to prepare for planting. There is a gas tiller that can be used to till those beds, but if we do a lasagna garden in one or more, we won't need to till that/those.
We also know to plant radishes at random among plants. I checked resources and nasturtiums and some marigolds also help. This is called "companion planting."
All in all, an interesting day - not much breeze and hot, but it feels good to learn.
We may experiment with one bed by doing it as a lasagna garden, as suggested by Liz.
We are hoping to see the grass, both in the bedded area as well as around the outside of the fence, mowed so that we can rake up clippings and start a second compost bin soon plus add more browns and greens to the one there now. There is a fenced in area in the SW corner of the community garden that contains lots of leaves.
Another task for Saturday is to do something with the triple wood slat compost bins that have been ignored for a long time.
We did harvest beans, squash, peppers, and there are a few eggplants growing (we didn't harvest the latter).
Community gardens are becomming more and more popular and one great advantage to working in one is learning from experienced vegetable gardeners. I appreciate everything I'm learning. Having been a city girl all my life and leading a non-domestic type life, I am really graining an appreciation of the basics and pratical tasks that can make us feel terrific as we succeed at them.
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