My Friend, CC ~ PPG ~ Charlene

CC, Charlene gave me permission to post this picture, it is just prior to a John Prine concert, geez, could she look any happier?

Her husband, Bill is next to her - their daughters - Courtney and Amber. Rumbleshorts, I think took the picture.

Prine On, Prine Proudly.

My Neighbor

May I introduce my fine neighbor, Chris. Chris is a wild man, tends to border on crazy and has great lunatic abilities.

The picture of Chris and I was taken next to our family tree. Our family tree consists of slabs of pine beetle wood. Each grandkid wrote their name, outlined their handprint. The wood is from our land, it is pinebeetle wood. You can see from the picture the outline of blue where the beetle infested. ah, not to worry folks in the USA, the pine beetle will be gracing and flocking in to your territory, it is a gift from Canada.

I was speaking with Chris early this morning, he was going hunting - moose hunting. I told him this is not hunting season - he wailed up on me - 'I am a status indian, I can hunt anytime I want'. Okay, friend - go for it. He replies to me, I have a box of beer, enough pot for the day, and a loaded gun. I am thankful he is hunting up the mountain.

Do not get me wrong here, Chris has good qualities when he is not potted, medicated, or brown bottled up. When Gary was hospitalized he came to see if I was ok - everyday. I did appreciate that very much.

My noisemaker - well, he has left for the hospital/doctor appointment. His blood pressure this morning was, once again, in stroke range. 202/116. It is very frustrating for him to see the numbers rising. I know with the events of the day, it is not going to go down. All you can do is, hope for the best, expect the worse, and then find some true medium - like the pencil F2 1/2.

Jeffrey Foucault

Recently, I have heard much about this young fellow. He currently has a new cd out Shoot The Moon Right Between The Eyes (see http://www.jeffreyfoucault.com/music.html). Jeffrey Foucault Sings The Songs Of John Prine.

My friend, CC {PPG - Prine Pendant Gal (Charlene)} went to see him the other night at the Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson, I await her review. I'd bet it is a good one.

Speaking of eyes - Jeffrey - well, he is fairly easy on the eyes. Nice view.

Neil Young News: Canada-U.S. Tour Dates for Neil Young

Neil Young News: Canada-U.S. Tour Dates for Neil Young

Long May You Run, Neil

Orange Crush Cake

I think it was on Monday night in the jpshrine chat room (http://www.jpshrine.org/) that a discussion took place on Orange Crush Cake. I remembered it today and found the following recipe.

Orange Crush Cake

1 cup Orange Crush soda
1 small package Orange Jello
1 small package Vanilla Instant Pudding
1 Orange Cake Mix
1 (4 oz.) carton Cool Whip

Bake cake as directed on the package in a 9 x 13 pan. As soon as it is out of the oven, poke holes in it with a fork and pour over the following mixture:

1 package Orange Jello dissolved in 1 cup boiling water, add 1 cup Orange Crush soda and stir well.

Chill for one hour. Mix pudding as directed on package. Fold in Cool Whip and frost the chilled cake. Refrigerate 2 hours. Keep covered and serve at your next Packers game! Serves 12

Nice To Be Around ~ Paul Williams

For about three days I have been humming this song, not singing the words - humming the last notes of the song. It is a beautiful love song.

Nice To Be Around - Paul Williams

Hello, such a simple way to start a love affair
Should I jump right in and say how much I care
Would you take me for a mad man or a simple hearted clown
Hello, with affection from a sentimental fool
To a little girl whose broken every rule
One who brings me up when all the others seem to let me down
One whose nice to be around

Should I say that is a blue world without you, nice words
I remember from an old love song, but all wrong
Cause I never called it love before
This feelings new, this came with you

And I know that the nicest things that never seem to last
That we're both a bit embarrassed by our past
But I think there's something special in the feelings that we found
And you're nice to be around
And you're nice to be around

Noisemaker Update

Oh my, my - my noisemakers' blood pressure is going beyond. For three days now it (the first number) has been over 200 ~ the bottom number is in mid 90's. Yikers! I fear he is going to burst, have a stroke. I will be so glad to have him see the doctor on Monday and hopefully at that time, he will have the staples removed. It is very frustrating for him, seeing the numbers rise. I guess the assumption was made that after surgery and returning home - the road to recovery would begin. I think the road to recovery has many potholes, the blasted gravel is flying everywhere. I hope the road becomes somewhat smoother soon.

Big Black Horse And The Cherry Tree - K.T.Tunstall

On Tuesday night, I watch a television program called Wild Horses. It is filmed in and around Calgary, Alberta. It is a good show, I enjoy it. I also enjoy the music that is on the show. The theme song to the show is a damn good song. It is titled BIG BLACK HORSE AND THE CHERRY TREE by K. T. Tunstall. (see http://www.kttunstall.com/music/) from the cd Eye To The Telescope

Big Black Horse And The Cherry Tree

My heart knows me better than I know myself
So I'm gonna let it do all the talking
I came across a place in the middle of nowhere
With a big black horse and a cherry tree

I felt a little fear upon my back
I said don't look back just keep on walking
But the big black horse said look this way
He said, 'hey lady will you marry me?'

But I said, no no
You're not the one for me

My heart hit a problem in the early hours
So I stopped it dead for a beat or two
But I cut some cord and I shouldn't have done it
And it won't forgive me after all these years

So I sent to a place in the middle of nowhere
With a big black horse and a cherry tree
But it won't come back coz it's oh so happy
And now I've got a hole for the world to see

It said no no
You're not the one for me
Big black horse and a cherry tree
I can't quite get there coz my hearts' forsaken me

The Countdown

The countdown is ON. The countdown is a gift from me to two fine Prine friends who will be attending the John Prine concert in Morrison, Colorado - Redrocks. Skunkeyejan and CC. CC (Charlene) is the lady who makes all the John Prine Pendants - the Prine Pendant Gal. Skunkeyejan makes angel rocks (...make me an angel that flies from Montgomery). They will meet on June 13th, 2009 in Redrocks for the first time. I will be joining up with them in mind and heart. Redrocks may never be the same. . .

2008.07.19

On July 19th, 2008 we attended the wedding ceremony of my nephew. He married a young lady from the Province of Urdu in India. To say the least, Gary and I were educated quickly as to their culture, their beliefs, and their music!

The bottom picture is my nephew and I (not the nephew that was wedding, his brother). I had the job, with love, of placing the boutineers on the fellows in the wedding party. The wedding took place at the Temple - women have to cover their heads, hence the pink wrap you see.

The picture below is just prior to the western style reception, oh, it was great fun. I am not a dress up person, I do not wear high heels well. However, my nephew (hopefully) only weds once - so dress up was in order.

About halfway into the dance segment of the reception, I said to myself - to hell with this - I cannot dance, I cannot wear these shoes from hell - I am going to change. I went upstairs and decked myself out in my finest John Prine t-shirt, blue jeans, mocassins and went to dance. The picture is of yours truly, dancing with my brother (the letter carrier/the John Prine Fan, not the father of the groom), it was great moments~a great day!

As this must be for you folks. Let me introduce myself - my name is Beverlee.

Lone Butte

This is the Lone Butte - you pronounce Butte - beaut. Not but-te or butt. Beaut - as in the first part of Beaut-i-ful!

The Lone Butte is an unusual geological formation whose creation is still a matter for speculation.

Less than a mile from the Butte is our post office, where I receive parcels that do not fit in the rural post box we have near our residence. We live about 50 miles away from the Butte/The Post Office.

Hope you are all enjoying my pictures.
~~geez, she finds something new and just runs with it~~can't catch me now!

Glorious, Glorious Wood

Oh Lordy, now that I have the saving and uploading of picture knowledge, I am going to be picturing forever. (I had to look up picturing to make certain it is an actual word - it is).
This is last years wood pile. Four deep and approximately at mid 6 feet high. Prior to the wood reaching this stage; the trees are dropped, bucked, and split. All the branches go to the fire pit. The wood is stacked as such in the picture. After it has seasoned, usually over the winter, it is loaded into the woodshed. Generally speaking you always have a two year supply of wood. We are considerably less this year and will probably have to call for help with the woodchopping. My stepsons are good at tree dropping, bucking, and splitting. I do not partake in those tasks. I do a bit of stacking but because of my height I cannot go very high. See, there is a benefit to being on the side of short ~ you do not have to stack much wood!

John Prine Sun Catcher

I am so pleased that I have this saving and uploading down to a fine art.
This is the John Prine Sun Catcher. You know, for the life of me, I stared at this picture and I could not figure out what the little squiggles were on the right hand side of the disc. ah, then it came to me - it is the reflection from the fan that sits above the kitchen table.
You hang the sun catcher outside and with a slight breeze Prine will spin around and you can see the colors of the rainbow in it, just like you can here.
A kitchen table full of Prine!

Update On The Noisemaker

My noisemaker, Gary he is progressing everyday. Today he walked up the path and back, an important step to get outside and take in the country air. Yesterday, I knew he was getting better as I heard this string of curse words and thought - ah, yes - my noisemaker is in fine form, he has returned.

I am still having to do wood and I will have to continue as Gary cannot lift much. I load up the wood stack every morning. I bring in about 12, two at a time - it takes me forever, but I get it done. When it is fire time, I bring 2 pieces to the woodstove. Noisemaker hovers over me, making certain I am positioning the pieces correctly. Then, he steps into place with his papers and lighter - poof - there is fire!

He enjoys to do that and it makes him feel like he is making a contribution to our little home. Trust me, he is making a major contribution to our home!

At the end of the month, Gary will have to return to the hospital for a check up/recall. I don't know how we will get there as he cannot drive; so I may have to pull out my broom and launch us into orbit. Beware!

John Prine Autograph

Finally, I have a firm grip on 'saving' and uploading pictures. *as she smiles and does the wave*.

This is my John Prine Autograph dated
August 5th, 2005. John Prine wrote -
Thank You
J P Paradise
John Prine

In the middle I chicken stratched the songs he sang in concert and at the bottom is a note from Jason Wilber.

Makes me feel like I am right there, shaking Mr. Prine's hand, hugging. Oh god, it was a truly delightful Prine moment. A treasure.

What Is Wrong With This Picture?

This is just too funny - the other day I was walking down the path and I noticed that our seasonal neighbors' chimney seemed to be on a slant. I went outside a few hours later and, yes, the chimney is sitting at near a 90 degree slant. I called up to the noisemaker (Gary) and asked did he think he could make it outside to have a look. He did and could not believe his eyes.

As you can see in the picture (look in the middle of the picture on the roof top - looks like the end of a cannon) the chimney is near laying on the roof of the cabin. With the weight of the snow the chimney did not stand a chance to remain in an upright position.

I emailed my neighbor who lives a six hour drive south and told him his chimney is not in good standing with our small community. I explained further and this afternoon the neigbhor shows up ready to dismantle the chimney. All is well in chimney land. A new chimney will be erected come summer.

Two Of My Buddies

I am still learning about uploading pictures, well make that, I am trying to learn. I cannot seem to load up anything to do with John Prine but eh, I have no problem uploading my two buddies -
Sheridan and Deka.

Happy St. Patrick's Day/Update Gary

May you always walk in sunshine
May your never want for more
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door


Gary is progressing each day, we walked up the path and back yesterday. It is nice to have him home, recovery is far better at home than in a hospital.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and well wishes.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Red Flag - Jim Connell

The poem I was referring to in previous post is The Red Flag - Jim Connell

The people's flag is deepest red
It shrouded oft our martyred dead
And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold
Their hearts blood dyed its every fold

Then raise the scarlet standard high
Within its shade we'll live and die
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer
We'll keep the red flag flying here

Look round, the frenchman loves its blaze
The sturdy german chants its praise
In Moscow's vaults its hymns are sung
Chicago swells the surging throng

It waved above our infant might
When all ahead seemed dark as night
It witnessed many a deed and vow
We must not change its color now

It well recalls the triumphs past
It gives the hope of peace at last
The banner bright, the symbol plain
Of human right and human gain

It suits today the weak and base
Whose minds are fixed on pelf and place
To cringe before the rich man's frown
And haul the sacred emblem down

With heads uncovered swear we all
To bear it onward till we fall
Come dungeons dark or gallows grim
This song shall be our parting hymn

March 14th, 2009

I am posting a day early here, because the events of tomorrow, I know I will be busy.

1920, March 14th - my father was born, I look back on his life. He was a man true to his word, if my Dad thought he was right he would fight for it. My Dad was a plumber/pipefitter instrumental in forming UA238 located in northern British Columbia. The years in his union, proved not only educational for him but for his wife and children.

After a lengthy illness, my Dad was gainfully searching for work to provide for his family. He was on the 'list' at the local union hall. It was to no avail. On a Tuesday morning, my Mom went off to happily join up with her bowling league. As soon as she made her departure, my Dad went to the tool shed. He made a sign out of plywood - I cannot recall the words he painted - something like...LU On Strike...Unfair. He took it down to the union hall and began he one man picketed line.

My brother and I came home from school to make our own lunch. The radio was always on...we hear on the 1 o'clock newsmaker of the hour is *8s0 I3x83-+. My brother looked at me, I shooked my head. We headed off back to school.

My Mom came home from her bowling to a ringing telephone, a strike sign sitting just outside the back door. Remember, we are northern British Columbia. Vancouver was calling - my Mom had no idea what my Dad had done.

My Dad had struck his own union.

As I looked back on it; I think to myself - My Dad, you had strength unknown to others.

Years later, my Dad telephoned me asking me to contact his union office. He wanted the new stickers and to let it be know he was still alive. I did. I spoke with several gentlemen that I am sure thought they were the big door prize of the UA. One kind soul knew of my Dad, he said he would send me stickers, the new of the UA Magazine, a new pin.

I received a special delivery parcel, Monday morning from the UA Washington - the international union.

Unfortunately, my Dad had already passed away. I read everything they sent - it was like a rap sheet for all the sh*t my Dad caused his union.

I took his union pin, his new stickers and a poem. I placed all in the left shirt pocket and said goodbye.

Happy 89 Birthday, Dad!
Love Your Daughter

I Am Getting Excited

I have decided on a pot roast cooked in the slow cooker - the best way to cook a pot roast - complete with the trimmings, vegetables, and of course, lemon pie. Gary will not be too mobile for sometime, but it will be nice to hear his noisemakin' instead of all the sounds I have heard at night. Let me tell you I had every Casper ghost in the radius of 500 miles come to visit me. One night I had the tv going, the cd music player on, the radio and still those ghosts were here.

My fine neighbor, Chris has paid me daily visits. Several people here have called once they were told Gary was hospitalized. Many have offered assistance for when Gary is back home. We will need it - I cannot lift the water jug, it weighs 40 pounds. It is going to be frustrating for Gary to see me continue to stack the (curse words) wood, but thems the breaks. It takes me forever to do the wood, I can only handle two pieces at one time, but I do get it done. I hope Gary will finally teach how to use that (curse words) lever thing on the woodstove. I have been leftin' and rightin' that thing like I was doing some jig dance.

To everyone, I thank you. Gary does too. He would never admit to it, but I know he wondered...geez, how in the hell is she going to make it here on her own...wood, fire, shovelling, Chris. But I did and I am proud of it!

Gary Will Be Home Soon

Happy Days - Gary will be discharged from hospital tomorrow.

Now the fun begins.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and well wishes, very much appreciated.

Uploading Photographs, Update Gary

I have come to the conclusion it is just too damn cold for the uploading of pictures, I will wait for the months of summer.

I am currently listening to one of John Prine's best - All The Way With You. It is a romantic song....
Love gives
Love takes
It takes a lot
Of lucky breaks
Lucky strikes
Lucky stars
I don't how
I got this far
Who knows where it's coming from
Or where it's going to
Can I go all the way with you

From the cd - Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings ~ John Prine

Gary is now completely off any pain medications and I soon anticipate a date of discharge. I am going to make a date with him, cook his favorite meal - bake him a Lemon Pie - maybe even sing him a John Prine tune!

His home recovery will be a few months. I do not have a degree in nursing, but I can pretend - real well. I do however, have a tiara and a beautiful banner which I received March 2nd, 2009. I was crowned the queen of fire building. I soon hope to hand off, gladly, my title, my tiara and my banner to the resident expert of fire building, my husband, Gary. I hope Gary burns the tiara and the banner - but holds the title.

Progress, Prine Mobile

Good progress for hub is once again made. He had all his tubes removed last night and was given some liquids. The doctor was to call this morning but I guess he thought Gary was in such great shape, he could deal with the wife!

I had a terrible night. I heard sounds forever, I turned on the television set - turned on the radio - nothing work. At 4:30 a.m. I made fire - it was cold -27C, I made a good fire.

All my ice chunks from the driveway magically disappeared. Poof, gone! I was to call the fellow who does the plow blade this afternoon. I walked up thinking maybe I could smash a few chunks away and it was all done. I must bake up some butter or cherry tarts up for him, so kind and thoughtful and he has no idea who is John Prine is. Good folks are good folks.

Later, I was cleaning my territory (the computer, the cd rack, the bookcase). I came across my new Prine Mobile. Geez, with all that has been going on, I put it away and forgot about it. Prine Mobile, well that does not mean John Prine is mobile. Yes, I mean John Prine is mobile. Oh lord, I am getting in deeper here. The mobile is the letter 'P' made out of foam rubber. In the center is a burned out cd. To the left is the word - PRINE. It can be used a sun catcher inside or outside, a mobile. I shall try to post a picture of it. I have not had much luck with posting pictures recently, but I will keep trying. It is good, even at my age to keep learning.

Update, Upbeat!

At my scheduled time to call the hospital, I did. I spoke with the nurse in charge, Gary is progressing, doing well, and very positive. She went on to say that Gary has been a fabulous patient, does everything he is told to do. I hesitated in the conversation - the nurse replied - happens to us all the time. The wives are in disbelief. It was uplifting to hear the news (although it did not place me in the range of bra wearing). The nurse then patched me through to speak with Gary. Honestly, I was not speaking with the same man I did yesterday. He was upbeat, very positive - wondered how all was doing on the home front. Hopefully, today Gary's doctor will pay him a visit - they do not work Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If the doctor is in agreement with the head nurses' recommendation, Gary will be moved to a regular ward.

I heard noises in the night, I awoke with a blast at 3:30 but was too frighten to be moving around. I checked the outside {peeked through the curtain} - nothing. Checked the inside, nothing. My fire had died but I was too afraid to make fire, so I turned on the secondary - baseboard heat. At 4:30 a.m. I made new fire and it went well. At first light, I went to shovel snow and bring in more wood to the stack.

The foxes came to visit, their fur is beautiful. Two dogs paid a visit also - one was full of it - played and jumped in the snow. His pal was nudging me, kind of herding me. I thought of the dog we once had. I sat in the snow, petted my dog buddy, sang a song, and told him about my best buddy. I had to pay them a pet as I was cold - I had to go inside to warm.

I received two telephone calls from neighbors up the road, wondering how was Gary and how was I. Very heart warming.

My Prine friends are now coming down from their own mountain top, all still in a glow of the concert held in Milwaukee last Friday. It is a treasure to read all their posts. How special it is when friends on-line actually get to meet one another. Hell, if I was to do that - I would dawn a bra and get on Oprah! Not really as I do not par-take in Oprah nor have inbreastments in any bra factory.

Prine Friend - Amy C. ~ thank you for your comment, much appreciated.

Progress Last 24 Hours ~

My husband has made excellent progress in the last 24 hours. He was able to get up and walk 3 times, eat some ice chunks, and have a bath. Perhaps later this afternoon they are going to remove him from the step down unit into a permanent ward. Today, when I spoke with the nurse from the step down unit she said; would you like to speak with him - I said sure. Gary and I were able to have a few words. Gary wanted to know how I was doing building fires, snow shovelling, and keeping the heathens at bay. I did not want to elevate his blood pressure so I just told him, I am doing my best, everything was ok.

And, that is what it is - just ok. I am on the curve of learning as Gary is the fire builder. I do shovel much snow and I really should be out there doing it but I would rather be here.

All my Prine friends had a great time in Milwaukee. They bring a big smile to my face, reading their posts. You can read them at www.jpshrine.org . It is such a John Prine family we have, I am so very glad to have found them. It is very heart warming to have such treasures - of course, like the man himself, John Prine.

John Prine Milwaukee - Gary's Progress - My Driving Skills

I was able to speak with Gary this morning. The kind nurse at the hospital patched me through. Gary was able to stand on his own and take a few steps. I was so thankful to hear of that. I told Gary all the little steps are going to add up and before you know it you will be back home. Gary can worry unnecessarily most of the time - he starts talking how he did not think he would be able to chop wood. I replied, no problem I'll do it!

In that regard, everything will work out.

My major step of the day was to drive. I made it down to the general store and back in one piece. I did not go in the ditch but god almighty was I nervous. I thought I could well end up in the hospital with Gary as my heart was pounding, my back muscles were in knots - but I made it! I made it! In speaking with Gary I told him my driving winter skills have improved 100% - yep, Gary I made it to the general store and back. I think Gary was in somewhat disbelief.

So, progress has been made twofold.

My Prine friends should be nearing Milwaukee. What a concert it is going to be. They will be in my thoughts and around 8:00 p.m. (my time) I shall sport my new John Prine Prinzee thing, insert a beverage and toast our Johnny and all the John Prine Family (they're golden).

Gary Is Recovering

Gary is now in the process of recovery. The surgery went as planned.

Everything is cool.

Everything is ok.

Gary - Surgery

Happy Days! They have a bed for Gary, I just received the telephone call. He will be scheduled for surgery this afternoon around 1 p.m. (my time). I am relieved, it is progress - good progress.
I am to call the hospital around 7 p.m. tonight for an update.

Geez, it sure has been days of up and down. I am doing my best on the side of the mountain. Yesterday, I contacted a lady who lives far down the road (she has a telephone). It was nice to speak with her, regained my confidence. I knew the confidence I had was slowly slipping away.

My Prine friends should be flocking into Milwaukee soon. The big event is tomorrow. Although I have been wrapped up in a trap of Gary; I have been thinking about them. I give them all my little wave tomorrow evening.

Thanks everyone - I appreciate your caring support, you all thinking of me - it warms my heart.

Yikes, I Am Scared.

Unsettling this is to me. I was on the computer doing Prine time - the computer room I cannot see out. I moved my ass out only to find the wood shed door is wide opened. The woodshed door does not opened on itself. A human has to open it.

I contacted our local Citizens on Patrol, explained about my situation with Gary - and I am scared. Good grief, it is broad daylight.

I received instructions for what I must do and I will follow them to the tee. I will not putter. The lady I spoke with is a widow, her husband died recently.

We have guns, and yes - I will use them.

Damn, I just wish I was more secure. I am not. I am afraid.

The News Is Not Good

After extensive testing, the doctors in charge of Gary have said that his kidneys are out of place, probably he was born that way. His doctor has requested immediate surgery, god I hope it is tonight or tomorrow, but there are no beds available at present. The doctor went to the Chief Administrator pleading for a bed, for Gary.

Keeping my fingers crossed. Wishin' and Hopin'.

Long Days and Nights/Milwaukee

Geez, it is quiet here - I cannot believe how much noise Gary made. I did speak with the nurse in charge today and also to Gary. The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning - however, there is no guarantee that it will happen. I cannot understand this damn system, I am only trying to work with it. The surgery itself is common and for Gary, right now, the safest place for him is in the hospital. If the aneurysmn (sp) burst - well, even in the hospital his chance of survival is 50%. Makes you sit and ponder how precious life is.

Milwaukee on Friday for my John Prine friends. That brings a big smile to my face. I cannot believe they are all going to meet each other and I too, wish I could meet them all. They are very special folks. All Priners/Prinettes are very special folks.

Charlene, Crusher, and Rumbleshorts will all be there. Charlene will be swinging her newest pendant - Illegal Smiles. I anticipate there will be a few Illegal Smiles (not the pendant type) in the audience on Friday night. They are all meeting up at Rudy's prior to the concert for beverages and snacks. One heck of a concert it is going to be. I'll be thinking about them and in my heart, Prining Peacefully. I'll do my wave.

Hopefully, tomorrow Gary will have his surgery - god, I hope and I hope he does not die on me. I still need him.

Thank you everyone for your wishes and thoughts - I appreciate them all.

Cheers, Beers, and Hugs.

My Friends, Thank You.

Six letter word -

Thanks!

John Prine Pendant - Long Monday ~ Milwaukee

Long Monday
Created and Made by Charlene Stevenson
Madison, Wisconsin
Inspired by Long Monday - John Prine

Too funny, I have to had email Charlene four or five times, please send me what this is in relation to a John Prine song. I just kept drawing blanks, she replied. I even wrote it down on a paper, lost the paper.

Long Monday - I got it - twofold - today. My husband and his son just left for the hospital. I hope all goes well and Gary will be admitted, have the surgery, and come back home. I have had some folks inquire why I did not go. When you live rural - you have to keep the fire going. I am keeping the fire going.

This Friday, John Prine concerts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Of course, Charlene will be there swinging her John Prine pendants, new boots on her feet, and some sort of a new t-shirt. Crusher will be there. I think he has reservations or such for near 45 folks. Rumbleshorts will be in attendance. It is a very exciting time for Prine Fans. I will be there also joining my Canadian polecat, Skunkeye. We will be there in spirit and mind.

"You and me
Sitting in the back of my memory
Like a honeybee
Buzzin' 'round a glass of sweet Chablis...

It's gonna be a long Monday
Sittin' all alone on a mountain
By a river (creek) that has no end
It's gonna be a long Monday
Stuck like the tick of a clock
That's come unwound again"
~John Prine~

Pardon me, folks - in my little realm of only thinking about the problems of our home, I neglected to mention what a day/morning it was for my community, Sunday - March 1st.

Our Global TV newscast has a segment, titled - small Town BC. About two weeks ago, I suggested to the Weather Lady, the place to which I live. She returned email, to say, our small community would be featured, today.

Being as I was the one to put for our community, my name was mentioned - our community was mentioned several times and also the surrounding communities. It brings the community, somewhat, together to have the acknowledgement of the provincial tv news broadcast.

Tomorrow, Gary travels to Kamloops - it is with hope, surgery will be performed.

I will be fine - I keep telling myself this - I am strong. Trust me, if the lunatics of small community come forth and want to pay my land a visit, they will have a fight on their hands. Geez, I do very well in chasing cows, but can I chase a prowler, a stalker, or a thief?

You bet I can.