A 'NEW YEAR' OF SNOW

We didn't have a white Christmas this year. It snowed a little the day after Christmas, but this week we got hit with two rounds of heavy snow. The first round was mainly ice since the temperature went up just a little, and then back down to freeze everything.

Some guys came to shovel after the freeze, but didn't do a very good job, because the driveway was not clear and I was sliding on the ice just to get to the truck. But I had to get to a store.

We had a heavy snow Friday, and Saturday it snowed again. The guys who shovel don't work on the weekends, so I've been stuck inside since Friday. I can hint about the snow, but no one takes the hint. I am hoping the guys show up Monday and shovel me out. Approximately five driveways on my street are shoveled clean, but the three single senior ladies driveways are still snow covered and we are home-bound.

The New Year is going to have a white start. I just hope it's not a sign of a bad winter to come for 2013. At this rate, even with snow hints and requests for shoveling help, I'll be hibernating a lot in the next couple months. My yard will continue to look like this:

FORMER BIKER CHICK

Someone recently told me he joined a motorcycle club in the area. Why, I asked. He doesn't own a bike, and to my knowledge, hasn't owned a bike ever, or in many, many years. Motorcycle enthusiasts and owners usually join clubs to share biking experiences and ride together.

I would have been a better candidate for a motorcycle club, because of my past personal experiences, but, hey, I wasn't asked.

My first motorcycle was a Honda 175 that I used to ride back and forth to work in Charleston, South Carolina. My second bike (shown here) was a Honda 400 and I loved to "dress it out" with saddle bags, windshield, and a sign on the side that said "Motorcycle Mama."

Once I moved back to Ohio, I owned a Honda 650, later sold it and bought a Virago 650 (shown here), which I loved, but it had gas tank leakage problems that the dealer couldn't seem to solve. The dealer bought it back from me and I went to a Suzuki dealer and bought a new Suzuki 650 (shown below). It was a beautiful thing to ride. It was somewhat heavier than any of the others and harder to hold up straight after my two knee surgeries. That's when someone told me I needed to give up riding because of my knees. I figured his ulterior motive was because of my age. I don't think there's an age limit on motorcycle riding. Safety is the issue.

I loved riding and now I'm sorry I gave it up. But I do have many good memories of my riding days and photos to remind me of the 'good ole days.'

Me and my Virago.

SCARY THOUGHT

I read an article today about the Los Angeles gun buyback program held recently. I was surprised to learn they took in two rocket launchers from people giving up their bad weapons. The LAPD had so many guns turned in, they were running short of the gift cards for the exchange. The owners could remain anonymous.

They also collected 75 assault weapons. Handguns were exchanged for $100 gift cards; $200 for assault weapons. A total of 901 handguns, 698 rifles, and 363 shotguns will be destroyed as a result of this buyback, according to the article.

Why in the world would a private citizen have a military rocket launcher in their possession? A scary thought, for sure.

I wish more cities would hold these buyback programs and get all or most of the assault weapons off the streets of this country. No one hunts deer or squirrel with an assault weapon. Only people are killed by such terrible weapons in the hands of non-military personnel. Only the military should be allowed to possess assault weapons of any kind.

I am not an NRA member, I believe in the Second Amendment, but I do believe in banning assault weapons for the average citizen, and large magazine clips. A small clip for a regular handgun will do whatever damage the shooter intends. I support the assault weapons ban and large clip ban that is being brought before Congress soon - and as the article said, so do most law abiding Americans!

MY OLD TREE

During my trip down memory lane recently, I went to the house where I was born and raised. I'll write about the house itself in a future blog. From where I parked on the street, I could see the huge tree in the backyard. That tree brought back many memories of my childhood.

My father planted that tree (little at the time) when I was born. It was in the center of the rear of the yard near the garage. As a young teen, I remember the tree very well - I grew up with it. Here's how I remembered it many years ago, in this photo.

Today, after many years of growth, it was almost unrecognizable. The base is huge in circumference and it is so tall now. It has grown as I have aged. It is not the same tree that was planted when I was born, and I am not the same person I was as a kid growing up with that familiar tree in my yard.

Times change - people change, and trees grow and change as well. Nothing ever stays the same, and we might as well get used to that fact of life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM FIRE TO POLICE

On my recent trip down the memory lane of home, I learned some history of a familiar place.

In 1925, the city administration of Cleveland Heights recognized the need to increase the number of personnel in the local fire department. Six firemen were added to the department in 1925, and four firemen were added in 1926, bringing the personnel to one chief, one assistant chief, one captain, one lieutenant, and twenty-one firemen.

In March of 1928, the city contracted for a new fire station to be built on the northeast corner of Monticello Blvd and Noble Road. It was designed in the English Tudor revival style. The basement for the new structure had to be blasted out of solid rock. Fire Station No. 2, located at 2595 Noble Road (seen here), was dedicated and opened with one 1000 gpm American La France combination chemical pumper and hose apparatus. Six new firemen were also hired at that time.

For over fifty years the building housed firefighters and increasingly sophisticated engines until the reorganization of the Cleveland Heights Fire Department in 1982. The building was then closed.

In 1990, the building was reopened as a Class A Police Academy. Three complete courses are offered each year, each one involving 380 hours of classroom training by Cleveland Heights police in cooperation with the Cuyahoga Community College. The Academy now has a national reputation.

To prepare the building for the school, instead of a fire house, members of the police department undertook an extensive restoration program, doing most of the work themselves except for the new boiler and roof. With the original architectural plans in hand, they worked to the 1928 specification, plastering ceilings, rather than using drywall.

The living room was restored to the original look with a beamed ceiling, chandelier, and working fireplace. One of the classrooms was originally a garage for fire engines.

On February 16, 1959, Martin G. Lentz was hired as a police officer in Cleveland Heights. He had a 51 year career with the police department, 36 years as the city's police chief. On December 2, 2010, Lentz retired as a revered and distinguished officer. At his retirement celebration at City Hall, it was announced that the Cleveland Heights Police Academy was being renamed the Martin G. Lentz Police Academy. The new name can be seen on the sign above the old fire engine doors (in the picture above).

Thus, the fire department that I knew from my school days in 1959, became a police academy in 1990. Things sure do change as time marches on.

NOSTALGIC DRIVE

For my mental health day, I decided to visit the past. We all came from somewhere and I wanted to revisit my memories.

On Tuesday, I drove to Willoughby, Ohio to visit an old high school friend. Then today, Wednesday, was my nostalgic drive to my early life. Of course, my ever present companion and side-kick, my dog, came along with me, as she always does. The cat had to stay home!

I drove by many places from my old stomping grounds, but today I will just mention my schools and church.

I attended Noble Road Elementary School, and it still stands today, with a new addition off the back of the school, with a playground added. I remember walking to school every day - we didn't have school buses in those days, unless you lived over a mile or so away. Rain - shine - or snow - we walked!

The church where my family went for a while is just a block away from the elementary school. The library was next door, then the church on Noble Road - Noble Road Presbyterian Church still stands.

Then I drove about the same distance on the south side of the house where I grew up to visit my junior high school. Now Monticello Junior High School is known as Monticello Middle School. I remember walking there every day when I started seventh grade.

My drive brought back memories of the 'good ole days' gone by that will never be seen again. The area has changed somewhat, but those same buildings remain, gathering memories for the students who walk those halls today, getting a different kind of education than we did in the past. The past will forever be - the past.

BREAK TIME

I'm taking a break - I needed a 'mental health' day or two. This is a rough time of the year. Be back soon.

THE ROOF IS FIXED

When a roof leaks, it must be fixed. Buckets and trash cans can be placed around the kitchen, but that only buys time, not a new roof.

As in the living room ceiling blog a few days ago, it took four attempts to find a local company that would do responsible work. The roof repair day finally arrived. It is a small kitchen area, and since it's flat, roll roofing will work well for the fix.

Two men put the new roof on the kitchen and the leaks stopped. However, one mishap was encountered during the repair work. The helper-worker stepped on an area that had not yet been secured and his foot went through the roofing, thus busting out the tile above the basement stairway. The repair on that "foot work" will be the responsibility of the restoration company!

The company called in his dry wall repairman and patched the hole and the repair was done - inside and out, so the kitchen is now dry and safe. Another accomplished goal to make John's house better - inside and out.

DREAM ON

NOW I KNOW

HEAVY FOOT

I was at John's house some time ago and, while sitting in the living room, I noticed something caught my eye from the ceiling. I looked up and saw a hole in the ceiling the size of a foot. Of course, I HAD to ask.

The explanation was simple - he went into the attic, the foot slipped off the beam, and the heavy foot went through the attic floor and came through the living room ceiling.

Oh boy, that will be a fun repair. I searched for a drywall repairman and after four tries, I finally found someone who could fix it.

The area was cut out, new drywall was installed, the ceiling was re-textured around the area, and now looks like normal again.

I have also told John - no more attic ventures! He can't afford it (and neither can I now).

ANOTHER CHARLIE BROWN TREE

Wednesday I stopped by a friend's house and noticed garland and lights on the front porch railing decorated for the holidays. But what really caught my eye was the sad, lonely tree in the front yard.

Since I am a big Charlie Brown fan, I immediately thought of Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree. I thought - if only that sad little bare tree had a string of lights or a couple ornaments to adorn it, it could be loved more.

I can only hope the little tree gets some attention before the snow falls.

VEGGIE SOUP

Saturday I had the urge to make some homemade vegetable soup. I used to cook more, but found that just for myself, it's easier to fix light smaller meals. I use my crockpot more now for single or two-day meals.

I was at the grocery Thursday and picked up a few things I needed for my soup. At the last minute, I had to change the name to Chicken Vegetable Soup. I decided to add two cans of chicken breast meat to the veggies.

My soup had fresh broccoli, cauliflower, pearl onions, carrots, and peas, with added Swanson Chicken Broth and water. It simmered on the stove for about three hours before the aroma woke my hunger pains. It was good soup and now I have enough for the next couple days.

I was going to share with someone, but since I am no longer in the loop of information as in the past, the person was not available to share with. His loss for sure, because when I do cook, IT'S GOOD!

KID RUSSELL

I acquired this statue of C.M. Russell at an auction and began to research it. I learned it was half of a set so will now look for other piece; maybe it will show up at some auction. The other piece is called "I Rode Him" (bull with horns in the picture below).

Charles M. Russell (March 19, 1864-October 24, 1926) was known as “Kid Russell” and an artist of the Old American West. He created more than 2000 paintings of cowboys, Indians, and landscapes of the old west. He was known as a cowboy artist and also did bronze sculptures.

The C.M. Russell Museum is located in Great Falls, Montana. Russell grew up in Missouri, but at the age of 16, left school and moved to Montana to work on a sheep ranch with a deep love of the West and art. He spent the rest of his life in Montana painting and sculpting.

WHAT'S IMPORTANT?

This is a funny video. It says it all about how the public thinks. Watching this is worth your while.

THE WEEKEND IS HERE

HAPPY TIME

OZ LIVES

This evening The Great Oz granted audience, by sending the Ozzie-Munchkin - who appeared to solve the Valley of Hose's tears.

I am greatful to The Great Oz, after being silent for three days, for showing mercy upon the closed water closet room.

In other words, my son showed up after work and put the new hose on the water tank and FIXED THE DAMN THING! I can now use my main bathroom and all is grand in OZ.

No more walking through the fields of flowers (my kitchen) to the Worker Room to utilize the spare (see yesterday's blog for more meaning).

I'm thankful that job is now done and we can move on to other busy work. The next household project to be tackled is the repair of my ice maker in the freezer. Yesterday I found the book (manual) that came with the old refrigerator, and the installation instructions for the ice maker. Therefore, I now know the part number and name for the item I need to order from Sears. AND, I now have someone who knows how to put the part in - so next month the repair will be done! (This repair item is something Santa was asked last year, but, the wish he was unable to grant.)

I look forward to getting ice and cold water out of the freezer door dispenser once again. Maybe my New Year is looking up afterall! I'll KEEP SMILING!

MY FABLE OF OZ

Once upon a time a young gal lived in a place called Plumberville (a place where real plumbers are expensive). A lot of Munchkins (workers) also live in Plumberville. A few Munchkins were so talented and smart, they were elevated to the level of Ozzie-Munchkins (so knighted by The Great Oz). These Ozzies handled all the tasks that the younger and less experienced Munchkins couldn't do.

One day the gal had a problem and called one of the Munchkins to fix the water valve in her closet (water closet to you seadogs). An Ozzie-Munchkin appeared at her door and, with one hand tied behind his back, attempted to replace the valve.

This particular Ozzie-Munchkin was such a busy, talented urchin that his time is always limited because he wears so many hats. He was foretold to be a communication-Ozzie, but sometimes forgets to be communicative. He used to be a fire-Ozzie, but that hat has been put on the back of the shelf for a more technical hat of late.

After the gal's closet was checked, she later found the drips of tears running down the Valley of Hose. If you've never been to the Valley of Hose, she can tell you it's a place of a white road with a grey celestial sky and a silver tip (the hose that connects the water outlet to the tank). It's not a place she can go by herself, because doing so causes pancake-itis (flattened boob lying across the seat to reach the tank bottom). She learned this once and won't return.

While the gal waits patiently for the Ozzie to control and prioritize the six lives within himself right now, the tears no longer drip because she was smart enough to seal the closet from all comers and seers. She banished herself to the Workers (laundry) Room awaiting a sign from above that the Great Oz has granted her audience – that she might witness the transformation of tears to the sounds of gentle smiles and cool running lakes (the toilet flushing again).

She can but dream, and dream she does, because time is precious and pancake-itis will be no more.

The moral of this fable be: Oh Great Son Oz, FIX THE DAMN THING!

(P.S. For all who wonder: The laundry room also has the spare toilet in the house.)

JUST FOR YOU

The Beatles are on my mind tonight. The following two songs are for one special person. You know who you are. For all my other readers, just enjoy the songs and ride the wave with me. I'm enjoying the smile on my face!

BO MUST APPROVE

First Dog, Bo Obama, made the news and YouTube when he inspected the holiday decorations at the White House recently. Watch one of my favorite dogs check out the trees, decorations, and large likeness of himself. The music fits the video so well!

HEALTH MYTHS

I have my cholesterol checked every three to six months, when I see my doctor. After reading a health website today, I learned that cholesterol isn't all bad. I learned that cholesterol is not important to insurance companies, and the following myths I've listed are just not true.

"Life insurance companies know a surprising secret about cholesterol that most doctors never tell patients: When it comes to rating your risk for a fatal heart attack, the least important cholesterol number is your level of LDL (bad) cholesterol. In fact, life insurance actuaries don’t even look at LDL levels, because large studies show it’s the worst predictor of heart attack risk.

Instead, life insurance companies use a simple math formula to rate your heart attack risk: They divide your total cholesterol by the level of HDL (good) cholesterol.

If the ratio is below three, and there’s no inflammation in your arteries, you’re practically bulletproof against heart attacks and strokes, even if your LDL is high.

Myths:

1. Cholesterol is evil

You couldn’t survive without cholesterol, since this waxy substance produced by the liver plays many essential roles in our body, from waterproofing cell membranes to helping produce vitamin D, bile acids that help you digest fat, and sex hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

2. Low cholesterol is a sign of good health

Although low levels of LDL cholesterol are usually healthy, a new study reports that people who develop cancer typically have lower LDL in the years prior to diagnosis than those who don’t get cancer.

3. High LDL leads to heart attacks

Nearly 75 percent of people hospitalized for a heart attack have LDL (bad) cholesterol levels that fall within current recommended targets, and close to half have “optimal” levels, according to a national study. The researchers also reported that levels of protective HDL (good) cholesterol have dropped in heart attack patients over the last several years, probably due to the rise in obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Only 2 percent of the patients studied had ideal levels of both LDL and HDL.

4. Triglycerides trigger heart disease

Triglycerides, a type of blood fat, don’t invade the artery wall and form plaque, the study says. However, high triglycerides mark another huge problem: insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition that is the root cause of 70 percent of heart attacks. High triglycerides are also one of the warning signs of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of abnormalities that multiply risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

5. Eggs clog arteries

It’s true that eggs are high in dietary cholesterol, mainly in the yolk. Research shows, however, that eating three or more eggs a day boosts blood concentrations of both good and bad cholesterol. Most people’s bodies handle cholesterol from eggs in a way that’s unlikely to harm the heart."

A SPECIAL DAY

Today is Saturday, December 1st, and a very special day for John. And for me. It's John birthday. Happy birthday to a special son.

The story is different, the story is unusual, but to me a very heartwarming circumstance.

John and I have been close since before the year 2000. That year he became my mentor and teacher as I took my EMT training with the Fayette County Life Squad. I passed the State test, and held my EMT license for six years. He was my support system, along with the woman who encouraged me to get into the training - Connie. Connie is a paramedic and still works for the FCLS.

John lost his mother, then his father, over the past several years, and went through some trying times. I was there for him all the way. Then in 2008, at Christmas, my life took a drastic and devastating turn. I lost my biological son. That was a very hard time for me and John stepped in and filled the shoes that I thought were gone forever. He has been the most special person ever in my life.

John stepped in and took care of me, saw me through many difficult times these past few years. We bonded even more. I adopted him as my son, and he adopted me as Mom. I am there for him; he is there for me; anytime; anywhere. For example, in 2004 and 2006, I had two knee surgeries and John took me to the hospital (and back home) both times, and was there for me, when my family was not.

Since most of my family is gone now, (except a cousin, a niece, and a nephew) John IS my family. I couldn't ask for a smarter, more talented, special person to fill that important void in my life, lost to me forever a few years ago.

So a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to JOHN today. I may not get to see him today, because his girlfriend called "dibs" on him for the day, before I had a chance to say anything. And, also because he will be in the scheduled Christmas Parade, which also takes place this evening at 6pm, since he is a member of the local fire department. The lineup starts early, and all the local departments and law enforcement vehicles must be gathered up - and he plays traffic director and more. His girlfriend will be riding in the big fire truck in the parade, so I'm sure things will be fine without me.

I won't be going to the parade this year; it's a photographer's nightmare again. When the parade was held at 2pm and 4pm in the past, spectators could SEE the participants and take good photos. However, at 6pm, it's dark and all you can see is bright lights, NO people, and one can hardly see the floats. I tried last year, but found the time and darkness to be a hindrance. Therefore, I will stay home and send my birthday vibes to him the best I can.

Have a special day today my son, I know you will be a very busy person with all the things on your schedule today. Just know that I am thinking of you and loving you.

HEART SHOT

I recently read a health website and found some good news about flu shots:

"If you’re tempted to skip your flu shot, consider this: Getting vaccinated cuts risk for a heart attack or stroke by up to 50 percent. Those who got the flu shot were 50 percent less likely to suffer major cardiac events (such as heart attacks or strokes) and 40 percent less likely to die of cardiac causes. Similar trends were found in patients with and without previous heart disease. The findings suggest “that flu vaccine is a heart vaccine.”

Researchers report that up to 91,000 Americans a year die from heart attacks and strokes triggered by flu. This grim statistic prompted the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology to issue guidelines recommending vaccination for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Sadly, fewer than half of Americans with high-risk conditions like heart disease get the shot, leaving themselves dangerously unprotected against both flu complications and cardiovascular events.

Inflammation, which has recently been shown to actually cause heart attacks, is what lights the match, causing plaque to explosively rupture through the arterial wall.

When a plaque rupture tears the blood vessel lining, the body tries to heal the injury by forming a blood clot. If the clot obstructs a coronary artery, it can trigger a heart attack, while a clot that travels to the brain could ignite an ischemic stroke. It’s a myth that plaque buildup alone sparks heart attacks, since numerous studies have shown that what chokes off flow to the heart is a clot.

Another surprising benefit of getting a flu shot is reduced risk for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) and deep vein thrombosis (a clot in the legs)."

I'm sure glad I got my flu and pneumonia shot this year. So many times, a serious case of the flu can escalate into pneumonia. Therefore, I got my "heart shot" and should feel better for it!

RESCUED

My superman came to the rescue Monday evening. I didn't have to do any ladder climbing afterall. (See my blog from Monday.)

The attic fan got disconnected. The attic space was closed off from the cold air.

The garden hose was disconnected and the reel placed on the porch and covered for winter.

My (blanket) curtain was hung at the back door to stop the cold air draft from the porch.

Finally, my superman is also a plumber of sorts. He installed the new water valve in my toilet tank so the water could be turned back on without spraying all over.

All the last minute items that would prepare me (and my house) for the coming winter weather have now been completed.

The good news is that I didn't fall off any ladder or step stool to get the work done. As predicted, when I woke up Tuesday morning, a light dusting of snow was found on the ground and roof tops in my area. And it was COLD. The nice part of the day was when the sun came out and by noon, all the snow was melted.

I love my son, my superman, and rescuer. Because I really don't like climbing ladders!

THE GREAT LINCOLN

If you are thinking about seeing the new movie LINCOLN, I can help you say yes. Here are some scenes that were posted to promote the movie; each is short, but well worth your time. Which one do you like best?

Self-Evident

Madame President

Unite

Lincoln Trailer

ABE

I have not been to a movie theater in more than ten years. I'm not a big movie buff. But now and then, a subject will peak my interest. If that happens, I usually just wait a few months and the movie will eventually be on TV.

However, when I heard about the newly released move about Abe Lincoln, I knew I had to see it.

Sunday afternoon my friend Ann and I went to Chillicothe to see LINCOLN. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, and Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens, and others.

It is a very good movie. It portrays the president during the Civil War era and his fight with the House of Representatives to pass legislation (already passed in the Senate) for the abolition of slavery in this country, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

Three men played the parts of lobbyists who promised favors to legislators for votes on the Bill in the House. (Sounds like the tradition has continued from 1865 to today!)

I saw Sally Field on the Jay Leno Show recently and she told how she had to fight to get the part of Mary by steadily lobbying Steven Spielberg, the director. She portrayed the part well.

David Strathairn played Secretary of State William Seward, once a Lincoln rival who later became Lincoln's friend and advisor.

Jared Harris was Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant who was shown meeting with Lincoln right before accepting the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox.

The story was well presented, from the war, through the House vote on the abolition Bill, to the end of the war. It is a movie worth watching. Lincoln was a wise man who knew how to get things done for the times.

TIME TO DO

Each day has ups and downs, some days are ups, some days are downs. I can have both at the same time.

This morning I had to turn off the water to the hose that feeds the toilet tank in my bathroom. The tank guts decided to go haywire, so now I have a dead water closet in my shower room.

I have added my dead tank to the list of tasks that must be completed by Friday - the end of the month. Four other items are screaming to get done this week, because the weatherman said snow is coming our way soon. For one thing, the fan that cools the attic in the summer is still connected. The hot weather is long gone for this year. So unless superman appears to save the day, I will be up on the ladder in my garage to disconnect the electric cord and make sure the attic is closed for the winter.

I will also attempt to hang the curtain at the back door to keep the heat in and the cold out. The wind can be fierce in the back yard, and the kitchen gets cold. My winter curtain helps stop the breezes, as the temperatures have already hit the low 30s at night.

Looks like my work is cut out for me this week. Time to get 'up in the world' - on my step stool and on my tall ladder, because my 'to do' list won't wait until Saturday. Saturday is a special birthday, but it will pass without me. It is also the date set for the town Christmas parade. Again, the planners scheduled a photographer's nightmare. An afternoon parade makes for great photos of the participants. A night parade makes for bright lights, but no subject material. This year I will not be attending the event.

J.R. IS GONE

It is with great sadness that today (Saturday) I learned of the death of Larry Hagman, the star of Dallas (series starting in 1978) and I Dream of Jennie (series starting in 1965). I was a big fan of both shows.

I was especially fond of the Dallas series, his most famous role, and watched it for years. I was glad to see the reprisal of the Dallas gang on their new TNT show this year. The show focused on the sons of the Ewing brothers, J.R. and Bobby, with Bobby and Sue Ellen returning to their old Ewing roles.

Larry, born in Texas, was the son of Peter Pan's Mary Martin, and his father was a lawyer. After being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 1995, he underwent a liver transplant and quit smoking.

Larry died on Friday at a Dallas, Texas hospital at the age of 81, while battling throat cancer. Larry, you will be missed, R.I.P. J.R.

SHOP SMALL

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day dedicated to all small businesses nationwide. Small Business Saturday promotes shopping local in your town, instead of large national chain stores.

I am not a Black Friday shopper. I stay away from the mad crowds with the pushing and shoving. The only place I went on Black Friday was the dollar store and it was not busier than normal when I was there.

Supporting local businesses helps the economy especially in small towns like mine, according to the reports I read. Fortunately for me, I don't have any shopping to do today. I have over 90% of my shopping done and my next step is wrapping. My gift list is much smaller than it was a few years ago, which for me is a good thing. With finances getting tighter and tighter, there is less $$$ to go around.

Many people wait until Thanksgiving time to start their Christmas shopping. I like to have 90% of my shopping done by Thanksgiving. Therefore, in the next few days, I will start sorting and wrapping the few items I need to get ready for the big day. I have a few items to mail and those come first. I also want to avoid the postal rush. Someone I know, I'm sure, wonders why I save packing boxes so often, but they sure come in handy at this time of year.

So shop till you drop; fight the crowds; while I stay home and wrap my purchases in leisure. What I didn't purchase here in town, I ordered online and has been - or will be - delivered in the next few days. I try to do things the efficient way so I have more time for other things - like keeping warm by staying home.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

MY NEW SHELF

I had one book shelf loaded with Jimmie Johnson items. Then I loaded another book shelf with Dale Jr. and Sr. items. Recently, I have had to remove books from my office bedroom (similar to the other two) book shelf to use it for my NASCAR collection. I have put more Dale Jr/Sr items on the third shelf, along with other driver's items on this additional space.

I am very proud of my large collection and know it will be worth something someday to my heir. It gives me pleasure and that's what counts for now. I am a major NASCAR fan, as sports go, with a minor in professional football, STEELERS AND BENGALS.

I so wanted Johnson to win the race last Sunday, and he was in a good position to do so...until ONE pit crew member screwed up his life. One lug nut left off a wheel on his last pit stop was a violation and Johnson had to re-enter pit road to have it replaced. It was then his fate was sealed - he went from leading and winning, to losing the race and the yearly championship. As Johnson said, better luck next year. I wonder if that pit crew member will be chastised and or fired. One lug nut just lost him the #6 Sprint Cup Championship. ONE NUT! I wonder what Johnson is calling that crew member now?

THE GUEST ROOM

I recently cleaned my 'guest room' to make it available for overnight invited company. There are no more stacks of boxes, and the bed was cleaned off. I also hung the new Dale Jr/Sr. photos I picked up at an auction, and the Jimmie Johnson plaques I've had on hand. The floor is open and I'm no longer using that room to 'store' things out of the way.

My next venture is to once again clean out the closet in that room and donate more items that I no longer wear. Since the weather is turning colder, I have my 'to do' list at the ready. Now to get my tired body to cooperate with my ambition. This recent bout of bronchitis lasting six days so far is slowly easing up and the path to health is getting closer.

A HUG

1. The little dog I rescued from the roadside was put to sleep yesterday at the vet's office. Due to a broken back, he could not be saved. I'm sad.

2. Sometimes if your feelings are hurt, a hug can help the heart heal, if the hug would come.

3. Even in sickness or in pain, I think about others first. It's a part of love.

4. When I'm sick and in pain, my dog is sensitive enough to know that a kiss (in her case a lick) on my hand or my chin can make me smile. Dogs love unconditionally.

5. When a person is sick or in pain, sometimes just holding their hand can ease the suffering.

I MISS YOU

It was 39 years ago today I lost the best Dad; I was his youngest, and the only girl. I still think of you Dad, and miss you each time this date comes in November.

RESCUED

A friend and I were driving down U.S. 22 near the fairgrounds this afternoon when we saw this little dog on the side of the roadway, suffering, trying to get up, and bleeding. Since I had already passed the scene with the flow of traffic, I turned around soon and drove back to the area. Another car had already stopped and the lady was sitting on the ground with the dog. She was on the phone with the Fayette County Humane Society.

I asked the lady what they said, and, since it was after noon time, the Humane office was closed. I offered to take the little dog to the vet for immediate care. I grabbed an old sweatshirt that was in my truck to throw away and wrapped the little dog up in it. My friend held the dog and we took off for Dr. Junk's office.

The little dog had a large red collar on, with a large locking mechanism on it. A key access could be seen. The collar was too tight for the little dog's neck.

We went as quickly as possible in heavy traffic. I took the little dog into Dr. Junk and explained that it had been hit by a car and was bleeding, would he please take care of it. (I didn't have time to check to see if it was a male or female.)

Dr. Junk took the little thing and was going to x-ray to see what part of his hind quarters were damaged. I thought maybe a broken leg was possible the way it acted.

I will call Dr. Junk's office tomorrow to find out how the little thing is doing. It acted like it was in some pain, for sure. I sure hope it's ok. I would guess a Cockapoo.

I posted a picture of the little thing on Facebook to see if a Washington Court House owner could be found. So far no response. I'll keep hoping.

SHRED IT

Recently, the Merchants Bank here in town had another SHRED IT day. The last event had me cleaning out old paperwork netting several tote boxes full of papers to be destroyed.

I still had a file cabinet to empty, so I got busy and went through all my files and came up with four full white trash bags of old paperwork. I now have lots of empty file folders to reuse, and a clean cabinet.

I pulled into the bank lot and was first in line. The truck had not even arrived when I got there. Soon many others started to get in line, and before long, as I looked in my rear view mirror, there were 15 cars in line as the truck arrived. Many more were arriving as I left. The bank had volunteers to help unload, so it only took me a few minutes to pull up to the truck, the guys got my four bags, and off I drove. The line moved quickly and I'm sure kept the truck busy as I heard the shredder motor grinding away as I drove off.

If the bank has this event twice again next year (like this year), I'll clean out last year's receipts and eventually only have one year of filing at a time. Maybe I won't need that extra filing cabinet now!

TO ALL VETERANS

Happy Veteran's Day, and thank you all for your service. God Bless America.