Tepee Rings

The road from our ranch to the highway wound down the mountain side. Just about a fourth of the way down the road passed by a meadow with a little spring.  It was fun to play there.  I would make chains out of what we called Russian horse tails. The sections fit together to fashion all kinds of jewelry for a girl.
But there was something even better in that meadow.  Almost hidden by age and grass were tepee rings.  We would pretend that we were wild Indians, hunting for deer or carrying water from the spring. These rocks were reminders of the people who had passed through this area years ago. The Shoshone Indians, who, along with other Native American groups such as the Lakota, Crow and Northern Cheyenne used available rocks to weigh down the edges of their tipis. When the camp moved, the tipis (tepees) were taken down and moved with the camp. But of course, the people left the rocks behind, resulting in a series of stone circles on the ground. Archaeological evidence suggests that the presence of Indian tribes in the area extends back at least 8,000 years. The forest provided an abundance of game meat, wood products, and shelter during the winter months from the more exposed high plains to the east. Portions of the more mountainous regions were frequented by the Shoshone, Crow and Sioux (Lakota people) for spiritual healing and vision quests. What a fun place to grow up with the wind whispering the voices of those ancient people telling us of their mighty adventures.

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things this week

Remembering John--passed on to Heaven on the 21st.

I received this lovely box of teas from Marcia from In Stillness and Simplicity . It was a giveaway prize.  She also included a bag of mini tags. Thank you so much Marcia

Then on my birthday, I received this box of wonderfulness from by blogging secret sister.

It was a birthday in a box with balloons, a star glow stick, a candle,  a bag of chocolates, and wonderful gifts--a stationary box with French notes, a bag of honeydew wax cubes, a sweet bird's nest with three robin eggs. a lavender sachet, two decorated clothespins, and a wonderful crocheted doily.  I truly enjoyed this party!  Thank you BSS.

Daughter and SIL putting new roof on my patio--their birthday gift to me

Ended the day with a surprise birthday dinner at  Raul and Theresa's Mexican Restaurant, celebrating with son, daughters and their family, grandkids, and my youngest's MIL and FIL

Each week, Hilary at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at feelingbeachie@gmail.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! 

This week’s statements:

 1.       I loved _art___as a kid and still do.

2.       I drive_an old Ford Contour, before that a Chevy S10 truck, a MGB convertible, and others.  My first car was a 1948 Nash _

3.       I am currently reading _Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Stewart--_The letters begin in 1909, apparently right after a homestead act made it possible for the author, Elinore Pruitt Stewart, to claim a homestead of 160 acres in Wyoming. Ms. Stewart is a very resourceful woman as well as a wonderful story-teller. 

4.       I wish I could instantly have a body just like __Kim Basinger.  She still looks great at 59.  If I can't have a body like hers, I'll settle for the car._

Pondering with a Purpose

This Week's prompt: Blogging
  If you weren't spending so much time writing and reading blogs, what do you think you'd be doing with your time? I know that most anything can take over your life if you let it.  For some people it is gambling, or drinking, gaming or blogging.  For me the time I spend blogging is as Goldilocks said "Just right".  I spend an hour or so in the morning reading and writing.  It puts me in the mood to then get busy with the chores of the day.  If I weren't blogging, I would probably just enjoy my coffee, read a bit and then start my chores.  I feel that the time that I spend blogging enriches my day, gives me a few giggles, and often inspires me.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's the last job you did that required elbow grease?

This past weekend, I scrubbed my patio, to get it ready for the makeover, which is almost finished.

2. March Madness, aka the men's Division I basketball championship, is nearing an end. What sort of 'madness' has your house seen this month?

Getting my house ready to refinance.  The inspector will be here soon.

3. What's your favorite shop for browsing?

I am not a browser.  I go in, get it and get out.  I do like to browse at museums and art shows.

4. Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?

Yes, if all possibilities have been exhausted, and after prayer and a sense of peace, it often is time to move on.

5. What's a song you love that contains the name of a city, state or country in its title?

(Mute the inbeded player before enjoying this old ballad.)

6. When did you first begin using a computer?
Over twenty years ago.  I was in Oregon, and began doing my sister's bookkeeping.  That was back in the days of DOS.

7. Did you buy girl scout cookies this year? What's your favorite?
I didn't buy cookies this year, but my favorite is Thin Mints.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I just got back from a funeral for the husband of one of my good friends.  He died suddenly leaving a restaurant.  It reminded me how very fleeting that life is and how we should live each day to the fullest, as we don't know what tomorrow holds.

Cattle Auction

Once in a while Daddy would let one of us go with him to the cattle auction in Powell. Here he would hope for good prices for his Hereford breeding stock, or maybe bid on a new milk cow.  Before the auction we would stand on the rails of the wooden pens, checking out all the animals, noting lot numbers of worthwhile stock.  

Then the stands, shaded by a tin roof would fill with ranchers all dressed in their worn Levis, western shirts, cowboy hats and boots. Ranchers caught up on the latest news from their neighbors spreads, swapping stories and needs. With a bang of the gavel it was time for the action to begin. Horses, cows, pigs and all kinds of livestock passed through the arena, accompanied by the rapid fire chant of the auctioneer.  

Rattlesnake Bits

There was a concession stand that sold the usual hot dogs and fries, but also deep fried rattlesnake bits and mountain oysters. 

Rocky Mountain Oysters

It was an exciting day for a kid, and as we would head home, the sun shining through the dusty afternoon, making a rosy haze we would talk of all the special things of the day.  But most special, a day spent with Daddy.

Meet Me on Monday

1. What movie or movies do you have to watch when they are on TV? (submitted by@rndmcrftyGAgrl)

I really don't watch movies on TV--I hate the commercials.  When they come out on DVD, I will sometimes buy them.

2. When you have out of town visitors, what fun places do you take them to in your town?  (Or where do you play tourist in your own town?)

In Phoenix, I like to take them to the Indian Art at the Heard Museum, Rustlers Roost to Eat--a totally western place. Then there is the Phoenix Art Museum, South Mountain at night so you can overlook the city.
3. What was the first album, CD, Download you ever bought?

Probably something by George Strait--the early years, Merle Haggard, or perhaps Chubby Checker.
4. Do you speak more than one language and which ones?  If not, what language would you like to know?

I speak English, it would be handy to speak Spanish considering where I live, however, I believe that all Americans should speak English.

5. What is your dream job? 

I am retired, but I would like to open an art studio and teach art.

Sunday's Meditation--Face Lift

It seems in this day and age that there are so many ads for face lifts.  Everyone seems to want to look younger.  For some these wrinkles hurt their image at work, for some they are a psychologically handicap that makes then feel inferior. They consider wrinkles a burden. 
There is an easy answer for those who are wrinkled with burden.
Are you wrinkled with burden??? Come to God for a faith lift.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)

Terrible Sound of Spring

About this time of year, as the earth warms and nature is awakening, growing up we were all sat down and Mom and Dad would give us stern warning.  Not only were the flowers starting to grow, the little animals starting to show up, but also rattlesnakes were waking, and with the warmer days, they emerged from their dens and started to shed their skins.  At this time they were particularly dangerous, as they were almost blind, and very cranky.  We always had to carry a stick and make plenty of noise, because they would rather run than fight.  The only time they would strike is if they felt threatened.  It was a fact that we learned to live with.

The summer kitchen was at the back of our house, and the back door was shaded by a huge lilac bush that Mom had planted.  I remember one spring, she opened the back door and started to step out when she heard the telltale sound of the rattle.  Quickly she got the shovel and disposed of that snake.  She had nightmares thinking what would of happened if one of the little children had been the ones to step outside.  But that chance came with living on the side of mountain and this was the land she loved.

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things this week

After the rain

There is always a silver lining

Sunny end of a rainy day

Lavender Pansies loving the sun

Orange and yellow faces lifted to the sun

Each week, Hilary at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at feelingbeachie@gmail.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! 

This week’s statements:

1.       I love _a large hot latte_ when I need a pick me up. Smelling the enticing aroma, and tasting the rich flavor, just makes me feel so much better.

2.       No matter how hard I try, I just can’t _figure out how to tat. So I will just have to get over it.  I can do all other sort of things, so I guess that I'm not a complete failure.

3.       Little puppies and grandkids hugs_ make me feel all warm and fuzzy

4.       I can’t resist a sale on _art supplies.  I can always us a new brush or fancy patterned paper.  Soon I am going to have to build a second story on my studio.

Pondering with a Purpose-Communication

This Week's prompt: Letters? Email? Phone call? Chat Room? Text?
Which method of communication do you prefer?And is it the one that you find you are using the most?


My mother used to write the most interesting letters.  They went way beyond the  usual "How are you, I am fine" variety.  In them she would tell of interesting things that happened, unusual things that she saw, problems that were laying heavy on her mind.  Some times she would include a recipe for a favorite dish she had just discovered, or she might send a small swatch of fabric for the dress that she was making.  The questions she asked were thoughtful, and showed that she really was interested in me and what I was doing.


Unfortunately, that gift for the most part has been lost on the current generation.  Now communications consists of "How r u? wl c u sn" sent on a smart phone.  About the only thing we get in the mail are bills, and those ads that are good for lining the puppies' kennel.  And I fear, that I am guilty also.  I was trying to remember the last time I sent a letter by post.  Almost all my communication is by e-mail.  


I do regularly send handmade cards with a short handwritten greeting.  And I know that when I receive a card I have a special connection with that person.  I often will display it on a shelf in my kitchen so I can enjoy it often.  Written communications can be savored over time. Whereas e-mails may be saved, but often after answering they are either filed away or go the way of the delete button.  I know that in our busy lives we are always finding ways to save time and money, but it's too bad that letter writing is a victim. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The first day of spring is here...do you enjoy working in the yard? Weeding, raking, mowing, planting-your favorite springtime garden chore? How about your least favorite?

I love working outside, and planting flowers is the thing I like best, Least favorite picking up after the dogs, but that is a year round chore.

2. What puts a spring in your step?
Money in the bank a day before payday.


3. Describe a time when you had to spring into action?
As the only action taker in my family, I have been called up many times.  Most recently, when my grandson had his accident, I had to take control and make sure he got to the best hospital, coordinate information with all the family. My Christmas Miracle

4. We're having carrots for dinner...would you prefer yours raw or cooked?
I love them either way--cooked with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon, raw for a crunchy snack.


5. Do you take the shampoos and other sundries from your hotel room when its time to check out?
Yes.  Any unopened ones, I donate to charitable organizations that help the homeless.

6. What's the most enjoyable team or club you've belonged to and what was it that made it so?
I am not a team person, but I have belonged to several clubs.  My favorite was Small World Miniature Club. We met once a month and worked on scale miniature projects, sponsored several charities, and had a city wide miniature show every spring.  It was fun to work together and not only make nice things for yourselves, but also be able to help others.


7. Is cloning a sign of progress?
I think that it is basically an anomaly.  Some grain crops may benefit and it might help with organ replacement, but when you mess with genetics, you can never be sure of the final outcome. Cloning creates identical genes, thus hampering the diversity in genes. While lessening the diversity in genes, we weaken our ability of adaptation. Cloning is also detrimental to the beauty that lies in diversity.


8. Insert your own random thought here.
This weekend I am getting a new roof for my back patio.  I am so excited.  The one I have now is made of fiberglass panels, and the strong winds have torn several of them off, and it is not pleasant to sit out.  My daughter and son-in-law with my valued comments are doing the work.

The Garage

Since my childhood home was built on the side of a mountain, the logical place for the garage was under the house.  The family car could be parked there in winter to protect it from the cold blasts of weather.  In the back of the garage was our root cellar, and storage for canned goods.  But there was also room for other things–unused furniture, spare parts for various equipment, and a secret stash of magazines–National Geographic.  Shhhh

We would steal away and look at the pictures of exotic birds and wildlife and of course the people from various countries, including the almost naked folk from Africa or some faraway land. We were sure these were forbidden magazines, because of those photographs. We would read the stories of how these people lived, examine the maps and then memorize the exotic names of the countries.  Only later did I find out that Mom had already read them, and thought them just too nice to throw away, and was planning to donate them to the school.

Meet Me on Monday

Heather presents Meet me on Monday

Here are today's Questions:

1. How do you like your eggs?

I usually order scrambled, cause I can't eat one if the white is runny.  Except when I have pancakes, I like to make a sandwich with an easy over egg in the middle.

2. Who is the last person you spoke to on the phone?

My daughter in Prescott, she called to tell me they had 7" of snow on the ground and may have another 7 by morning. This is the view from her kitchen window.

3. Do you have a place you keep 'junk' in your home?

I hate to reveal this but I have a gremlin who follows me around and is always leaving a trail of my things, That has got to be it, since I live alone, and I couldn't be the one who is making the mess.  I go after that little fella and try to put the junk away either in the garbage or more likely in my studio, you just never know when you might need it.

4. What is on your 'spring cleaning' list?

I like to get the windows washed before summer, but pretty much try to keep up with the other big chores through out the year.

5. What blog post have you written recently that you'd like more people to know about? (don't forget to link it up) 

Awhile back I wrote about a mean little boy that went to my country school.  The scene was burned into my mind.  Still after 60 years I can remember it like it happened just yesterday.  In this day where bullying is so commonplace I would like everyone to remember what effect they have on others. Lessons from Yesteryear.

 

Sunday's Meditation--Lesson of the Rocking Chair

I received this farmhouse rocking chair from my mother-in-law.  She said that her father, a farmer with a gift of wood-working, had made it. So it is well over a hundred years old. It is oak, its seat has springs and horse hair stuffing.  I recovered the seat over the original material that was tattered and torn.  The arms have been repaired with screws, but it is sturdy. Many times I rocked my youngest baby in this chair.  This old farmhouse rocker is a valued treasure.
I asked myself, could this rocking chair teach me a lesson and decided that worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. But we love to hold on to it.

Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT)

Book of Life

I have often been asked when I started writing.  The answer--probably as soon as I was able to hold a pencil. I loved to read; by fifth grade I had read all the books in our school library, and I think that writing was a natural progression.  I remember that sometimes I was unhappy with the way a story ended. 

One time  I brought a book home from the library. It was the story of romance between a young lady and a cowboy. They had their usual problems, and in the end he rode away. I recall crying and was so unhappy, that I carefully cut the last chapter from the book, and rewrote it with the couple living happily ever after. I glued this better ending in. Then returned it to the library, very pleased with myself.
I enjoy chronicling the world of my youth--sharing the times and problems that we encountered, being careful to not to make a better ending.  


My life is naturally divided into three periods--youth, marriage and children, and retirement years.  Each section is about the equal length of time.  So I see three books in my future.


******
The winner for my 100 follower giveaway is Diana at Nana Diana takes a Break. Please e-mail me with your address. Congratulatins

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 129
Result:
18