Get Well Soon, SkunkeyeJan

One of my followers, SkunkeyeJan has been strickened by a bad, bad infection. Viral menigitus (could be spelled incorrectly). Janis is in hospital now, hopefully progressing each day. I knew from her daily emails she was running her tank on empty, maybe she was just running on fumes.

I had not received any emails from her and began to wonder what, now, had gone wrong. I had decided that if I had no word, I would call the next day. That night around 7 p.m. the telephone rang. I answered, it is a mans' voice...saying his name...skunkeye's husband. Good grief, when all that registered on my brain, I did think the worse. Not to be, thank god. She'll return home soon and now must take steps to learn not to skate on thin ice. Rest when rest is required.

Poppies are her favorite flower. Janis these poppies are for you.

Get Well Soon.

My Day Must Get Better

Smucksville, I have not had a very good morning. I had a major tanglement with the woodstove this morning. Noisemaker had built a fire just after midnight, so this morning I did not have to build until around 6:30 a.m. I placed the wood in the woodstove, as I always do - normally. The third piece of wood was too heavy for me (using one hand), I knew this piece was going to cause me nothing but grieve. However, I proceeded with my day and my lady bug chores. Great christ - the next thing I knew the woodstove is in bloody rage, lord I thought it was going to explode. I ran and awoke noisemaker....I should have been singing noisemaker, noisemaker, I have a complaint - The woodstove is too hot and coolin' down, it ain't.

Noisemaker calmed me. It took about two hours to cool it down. I should never have placed the third piece of wood in the woodstove. You live and learn. I am on the big curve of learning about wood and woodstoves.

Now I must go to shovel the flakes that the snowgod left overnight for me. We have near 200' of shovelling area (god, help me). I was about 3/4 through when noisemaker came to my rescue, he finished it off.

I had a letter to post so I walked up to the postbox and here comes the plough boys, two of them doing about 80 miles an hour. The snow is flying everywhere, lord they are going to drown me. I launched, near went airborne and wedge myself by the mailbox. After they passed by, I went full blasting down the road, arms waving, lips flapping - I was cursing up a storm. I had thoughts they had buried my driveway.

But eh, oh no - they were blasting up the snow off my driveway, my dear plough boys!

I start my walk to get home...some guy driving a ski-doo, wearing a Daniel Boone hat (I am thinking to myself...lord, have mercy on my soul). He has launched, he is way up their near the clouds. I have no time for this, I want to get home. Then, I see my next venture of the day, my fine, fine neighbor Chris. He asks do I have a cigarette (I do not)...do I have any beer (I do not)...Chris, I said - look I have not had a great morning, leave me alone now, I need peace. Happy New Year - I am going home.

Home is where I am, I am calm now - all is well.

Happy Birthday Florida John

Happy Birthday Florida John:

Cheers and Beers!

photo credits: Mrs. Florida John via http://www.jpshrine.org

The rose and - if you can see the two fishing hooks under the card were for John Prine. Florida John was en route to a John Prine concert.

(side note - could be his birthday tomorrow or the 31st - no matter - wishes are extended just the same. May your birthday be as special as you are, Florida John

Hockey Night In Canada (my way)

Growing up in Canada means growing up with Hockey Night in Canada (Saturday). I grew up with the original six teams, not like it is today - heck I cannot keep track of the teams - let alone who is winning.



One of my favorite players was Guy Lafleur #10 of the Montreal Canadians! He was a flame on the ice.

The best flame on the ice was by far, Yvan Cournoyer - #12, the captain of the Montreal Canadians.

To Note: My Mom's day ended at 5 p.m. every Saturday night throughout the

winter months, for years. She loved hockey.

My favorite hockey player, by far - my brother, Wesley.

The original six:
Montreal Canadians
Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston Bruins
Chicago Black Hawks
Detroit Reg Wings
New York Rangers

Hockey - World Juniors

A Canadian tradition between Christmas and New Years' is to watch the World Juniors'. Geez, that is some great hockey.

In the final games, my guess - certain to see Team Canada, Team USA, and a Wildcard. . .

Christmas Baking Boxes

I make up christmas baking boxes for a few of my neighbors here on the mountain side. I generally include butter tarts, various cookies (chocolate chip, peanut butter, and sugar cookies with icing and decorative sugars). I add candies and a card. The box is well received. I have two more boxes to deliver tomorrow and then my christmas baking delivery is done.

For those who do not fancy to make butter tarts - here is a recipe for Butter Tart Squares.

1 cup Flour
1/4 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Butter, room temperature (do not use margarine)

TOPPING

2 tbsp Butter, melted
2 Eggs
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 tbsp Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Vanilla
Pinch of Salt
1 cup Raisins/Currants
1/2 cup Nuts (pecans/walnuts or a combination of)

In bowl combine flour, sugar, and butter. Press into cake 8"/9" cake pan.

Topping: Mix together butter and eggs. Blend in sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir in raisins/currants and nuts. Bake 350F for 20-25 minutes. Makes 16 squares. Freezes well. Enjoy!

A Christmas Paradise

Merry Christmas to you and yours from the
mountain side.

We're A-Leapin'

For two mornings in a row when I have gone outside for my morning cigarette and coffee, a new friend comes to visit. A coyote. Lord, have mercy on my soul, scares the heck out of me. First morning he (well, it could be a she for all I know) leaped up onto the deck. I leaped into the house.

This morning I go out and about three minutes into my morning ritual, appears the coyote. I whispered to him that it is ok, do not worry. He leaped off the deck and I leaped back into the house.

I am not secure with coyotes...yet. I do better with foxes, only because the ones that come to visit here know me. They know my voice so all is well. I search for the coyote (I must think of a name) during daylight hours, to no avail. I must research coyotes - see what omen they are trying to send me. . .

On The Side Of Short

December 21st - the shortest day of the year. I can relate to this date, however, I am short all year 'round, not just one day - everyday!

Today I felt super short. We had a major snowfall last night. First light, this morning I went out to shovel. Good lord, the snow was so heavy for me, there was a solid 4". It was all I could do to lift it on to the snow bank.

Noisemaker and I now change positions - I go to tidy up and Noisemaker does the major shovel.

Speaking of short, oh how it irritates me when I grocery shop and I need something from the top shelf. I cannot get there....I wait until some tall person strolls down the aisle and then I do the dance of pounce. I do a leap...please, can you help me? Kind of like when I pounced and leaped at John Prine in August of 2005. 2009, I did not do the pounce dance, oh teehee, I was quite calm - hahaha!

Thank you to those who come to read my blog. I appreciate you doing so. Merry Christmas!

Paradise Valley

I was just cleaning up my items to recycle and I came across a box, I noted the word Paradise. I lifted it out only to find it was a box that comforted my cd from Mr. Skunkeye and his Mrs.

Paradise Valley All Natural Mash Potatoes. When SE does mail she even includes cardboard Prine!

I read on the box this product is natural - no preservations or chemicals. I would post further but I am reading the french side of the box and it is not computing. Big box item - 108 servings; 18 packets. Can be purchased at Costco.

Looks like a great product from:
Paradise Valley
One Potato Place
Winnemucca, Nevada
89445

See: http://www.usfds.com/

Birthday Greetings

Birthday Greetings Abound!

A couple of my Prine friends are having birthdays today.

Happy Birthday Scarlette

Happy Birthday Al

May your day be as special as you are

Merry Christmas

We are one week from Christmas Day. I am not truly a christmas person.

I do enjoy a good meal, we purchased a little turkey so I will be on kitchen/cooking duties forever as will every good food provider. Also the baker of butter tarts, I love them.

The mountain side is very quiet at Christmas time, many folks depart and spend time with their families.

I reflect today and think ~ oh my god ~ I saw John Prine this year *she paradise waves and giggles*.

Photo: http://www.annetaintor.com

Rosanne Cash - The List

Wow - what a cd this is! Rosanne is at her best, no question.

The songs she sings on the cd 'The List' - several my Dad and I once sang together. One of my Dad's favorite songs was Sea Of Heartbreak, he would sing that song everytime he shaved his whiskers. I would watch him shave and we would sing together, Sea of Heartbreak *tears come to her eyes*. We also sang 500 Miles and Take These Chains From My Heart. I solo with Long Black Veil and She's Got You.

To note: Rosanne Cash and Bruce Springsteen are nominated for a Grammy for the duet - Sea Of Heartbreak.

For Rosanne to opt to duet with Bruce Springsteen, well - that is just a bonus to me.

Cd - Mr. Skunkeye and his Mrs.
See more: http://www.rosannecash.com

So Sad, Smucksville

Good grief, Noisemaker and I were watching the Waltons (we always watch the Waltons), when we heard a thug...a thug like a blast from a shotgun. I raced to the window only to find feathers, a bird had hit the window full force. I cannot deal with such. Noisemaker ran outside, the bird had already passed, it was a grouse. Its' mate was in a frenzy.

After all was said and done, I went outside - the mate was still there. I spoke to him/her and told you must go on your way now. It flew.

Peace. It is nature and it is mighty sad.

It's A Heat Wave

We have gone from -40 to +40F in hours. It is melting outside - I like it! All the folks on the mountain side are out walking, cross country skiing, and some like me, are just out there chatting.

Only ten more days until Christmas. We have a very quiet Christmas, we generally always have. Noisemaker and I - and of course, my four legged love when he was alive. I do cook up a turkey on the 24th - it last us a long time, I then make up a homemade turkey soup.

We have a small table top tree, some outdoor lights (we leave them up all year), and a cute little moose that hangs between the doors of french - we call here Madalynn.

It Is Cold - Many Curses

Near -40 here this morning...smucksville that is damn cold. For those of you who cannot relate to Canadian temperatures... -40 and -40 - it is the same.

My great neighbor, Chris is causing me nothing me grief. I will tell him next time I see him - Chris, people experience grief when someone passes away; you give me nothing but grief and pooff - here you are. He called this morning, early - 7 a.m. ~ all potted up like some spring flower. He was on the road elsewhere and needed wood placed into his woodstove. I have no time for this; I give the telephone to the noisemaker.

Lord have mercy - it is loonville - full throttle. Only difference is - one of them is sober - that being the noisemaker. I have not time for this. I wait for first light - I go to shovel those flakes that feel the need to fall on the mountain side.

It is cold, damn cold - I cannot take. I enter up on the porch - regain - and proceed.

I baked up some sugar cookies - just to have the oven on for extra heat - my tupperWare measuring spoon broke in the measurement process. I have the understanding Tu*perware does have a no break policy.

For the love of god, I check on line - I connect to the telephone to Asia Land.

Check in tomorrow because now I am off to place wood in the fire - figure how I should be awarded the correct numbers in lotto to enable me to get the * out of here and, once again visit http://www.jpshrine.org/

Ladies Of The Mountain

A photo of the Ladies Of The Mountain - our christmas party. It was great fun, I have not laughed that hard in a long, long time.

Lots of food, merriment, and chatter. A good time was had by all.

Merry Christmas from the ladies of the mountain.

Van Morrison

Wild Night, is calling.

Lesley Gore

Lesley Gore
Then and Now


She's A Fool
Run Bobby Run
You Don't Own Me

Lesley belted them out.

Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

Smucksville - I am sitting here listening to Gnarls Barkley - Crazy - decided I would check the boys out

***** Five Star

Storm Windows

One of my favorite John Prine songs. I have many. This is true to me.

Storm Windows - John Prine

I can hear the wheels of the automobiles
So far away
Just moving along through the drifting snow
It's times like these
When the temperatures freeze
I sit alone
Looking at the world through a storm window
And down on the beach
The sandman sleeps
Time don't fly
It bounds and leaps
And a country band
That plays for keeps
They play it so slow

Chorus -
Don't let your baby down
X3

Well the spirits were high
'Til the well went dry
For so long
The raven at my window
Was only a crow
I bought the rights
To the inside fights
And watched a man
Just beating his hand
Against a storm window
While miles away
O'er hills and streams
A candle burns

A witch's dreams
And silence is golden
'Til is screams
Right through your bones

Chorus
Storm windows
Gee but I'm getting old
Storm Windows
Keep away the cold

How this song touched my mind/heart - well, I grew up with plastic storm windows.

Now I am sitting mountain side and I am thrilled when an automobile passes by.

To Those Born Today

Folks having a birthday today include Gregg Allman, Jim Morrison, David Carradine, Teri Hatcher and me!

I am going to have the noisemaker go down to the general store and pick me up a box of beer so I can have a cheer or two when I play some John Prine. I have Clay Pigeons in my head this morning.

I am remembering John Lennon today - 29 years ago years ago he was shot dead. I can still recall exactly what I was doing when I received the news of his death. I was bowling with the Bandits.

I'll be continuing my cheer tomorrow evening; when I get together with the ladies of the mountain to celebrate our christmas cheer.

Holy Hunksville

Bruce Springsteen flanked by Robert DeNiro and President Barack Obama
~Kennedy Center Honorees.

"I'm the President, but he's still the Boss" - President Barack Obama

Photo Credit -
Mandel Ngan
AFP/Getty Images

Geez, I hope I have done the photo credit correctly - but it was such a good photo, I could not resist. Bruce, he looks so proud.

To Note: Bruce was also nominated for four grammys - one for Best Pop Collaboration - Sea Of A Heartbreak with Roseanne Cash.

Red Velvet - Duncan Hines

I am still in the glory of winning a slight bit of the lotto - geez, I am thrilled.

Our ladies auxiliary is having the annual christmas party this coming Wednesday - oh it is great fun! We eat, drink, and be merry. The wine is free and let me tell ya, them ladies can drink it like it is bubbling up from a fountain. I am not a wine drinker; so I take a few cans of beer - being the lil bit of a lumberjack I am.

There is lots of food, we sing carols and have a gift exchange -we play a few games and everyone wins a prize. Everyone brings a donation of canned goods to which is loaded up and distributed to families in need in our local area.

This year for the party, I am going to bring Red Velvet Cupcakes (thanks for the mixes, SE) with a butter cream icing and sprinkles will abound! I love that butter cream, it is like whipped cream (industrial strength), you can just eat it straight from the bowl, you really do not need a cupcake :) The cupcake is just a nice addition.

HO HO HO and Holy Smucksville!

Holy Smucksville is right. Every Saturday night our lotto is drawn - well, low and be jesus hold - we won $1,000.00 last night. I could not believe it when I went to check the numbers this morning. I was in such disbelief, I checked four different sites to be sure we won.

Too funny, yesterday I said to noisemaker - he must start to be a bit more positive on the aspect of living. For instance, I said - like tonight we will win lotto. I raised my hands up like some preacher man giving a sermon and yelled out we will win lotto.

Oh good grief, I could barely contained myself this morning; but I did. When noisemaker finally woke up, I calmly went next to him and said, remember yesterday I was telling you about being positive and that we will win the lotto - holy smucksville - we did noisemaker, we did. $1,000.00

Noisemaker, honestly I thought he was going to have the big one; he could not believe it. I let him get a cup of coffee while I went on line to, once again, verify the numbers. He came to look and gave a great big holy smucksville smile!

Happy Days!

Letter From Santa

Dear (child's name)

Thank you very much (child's name) for your letter. Mrs. Claus gets very excited each day she goes to pick up the mail.

We note, once again, you have been a very good (boy or girl) and Mommy and Daddy are thankful you have done all your chores.

The elves have been so busy this year; we have a new department - the computer department. That covers all computer games, ipods, cellphones, email, e-everything!

I hear Mrs. Claus calling me for supper - she has made my favorites (here put in anything your children/grandchildren do not eat) Meatloaf and Green Bean Casserole.

Make certain to leave treats for my Reindeer - Dancer is always trying to outdo Prancer - Rudolph is always trying to keep them in a straight line, as in Santa!

HO! HO! HO! ~ Merry Christmas (childs' name)

Love Santa and Mrs. Claus

Busy, Busy Busy

Smucksville, I think I have now become the resident snow shovelerette! I have shovelled the white stuff far too much. Today noisemaker went out to 'tidy up' as he says.

I have been busy with a new project - sewing! I have not sewn anything for over twenty years, maybe thirty. However, everything old regains strength and bursts through like a super nova!

When my Dad died, I had recently purchased him two new shirts. He liked the short sleeved, plaid ones. When all was settled my brother sent me one of the shirts; the other shirt - my Dad was laid to burn in. I did not know what to do with the shirt; it came to me - I shall sew up something. I am making coasters. The top half of the coaster is the material from the shirt, the bottom half is denim from a pair of my levis. It is a family affair. I shall give a set for my brother, he'll be touched - his family will be touched.

In the midst of this, I am a Santa Claus writer. I write letters to the grandkids from Santa. Their Mom's give me a list of what their wishes are, I - in turn, write each child a letter from Santa. The damn printer broke so Santa has now reached the computer age and is doing email! I email the Mom's - they print it - cut it (so you do not see the address), slip it in an envelope and viola - once again - as if by *magic or remote control* - Santa and Mrs. Claus ring true.

*Sins of Memphisto - John Prine*