The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 12:17PM CST I just got notice...I have a check over draft. That was the last of my money to pay the phone bill. I'm in trouble : ( Any donations???

Posted by: racefan on October 13, 2009 12:25PM CST Sure there is some stimulus money out there to help. With me job search and only some freelance work only. Bills are very hard to pay somedays. Losing hope that it will get any better soon.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 12:35PM CST Doom and gloom for sure. I'm gonna sell a couple things at a rummage sale this weekend just to pay my phone bill. Anybody need a Cello? A Vanity?

Posted by: MC on October 13, 2009 12:36PM CST GK - I'll try a prayer for you. Maybe some "pennys from heaven" might show up. Keep the faith.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 12:38PM CST The sad thing is the bill was $18 and now I owe $30!!!!

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 1:13PM CST Gonna bake peanut butter cookies this afternoon. Hey, maybe I could have a bake sale too! As soon as the self cleaning oven time thingy is up. I swear it's taken over three hours already. Didn't realize there was a couple of different settings you could adjust it to, darn it.

Posted by: Little Foot on October 13, 2009 2:32PM CST I can't wait for boards to be over and life to begin again, i can't believe the journal times blogs are my study break

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 2:43PM CST I finially got the oven cleaning thing to stop geez, it took about 5 hours. Now to wipe it down and whip up some cookies!!

Posted by: Sassa on October 13, 2009 4:23PM CST What does someone do when they need a couple of dollars just to survive til next month? What if you have nowhere to go and live? What do you do with all your things? I'm not there yet but just give me a few more months and then.....! Can you run away? Where would you go? I'm too old to 'walk the streets' for $$. A thought...do something wrong and get arrested then I'd have a place to stay at least. If I need $$ there, too bad. What would a person do in those circumstances? WOW!!!!!!

Posted by: algernon on October 13, 2009 4:24PM CST A huge black crow came to my birdbath. It is directly under the apple tree. I don't know if the crow had a piece of apple in his mouth, or something else, but it was red. Anyway, he parks himself on the edge of the birdbath, carefully puts whatever is in his mouth on the rim, drinks some water, puts the red thing back in his mouth, and flys away. I thought it interesting that he saved a small piece of apple (if indeed that's what it was) when the tree is loaded with apples. A thrifty crow. Wouldn't you say?

Posted by: AWBC on October 13, 2009 4:30PM CST Somebody is letting their dog crap in my yard and not picking it up. I'm picking the crap up and putting it in a bucket. As soon as I find out who is doing it, I'm going to take the bucket of crap and dump it on their front porch.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 4:54PM CST Ha, ha AWBC thanks for the laugh! It's not funny really though. Ya know algernon, a crow comes to our birdbath and drops food in it to moisten it up I think. One day there was a hunk of a carcass in the bath. Sassa, I think you'll have to go somewhere atleast where it's warm. It's not funny at all. I'm in the same boat. Sad but true.

Posted by: Little Foot on October 13, 2009 5:31PM CST I have two friends who have gone to school in SC and both there husbands are here living with friends because they can't find jobs down south.... I never thought that i would see my friends in that situation and feel so helpless. It drives me to donate more and give my time not just money to things

Posted by: AWBC on October 13, 2009 5:35PM CST Why don't people get roommates?

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 5:40PM CST My friend just came home in a pissy mood saying they can't meet the ends to their needs anymore. I want to hide somewhere.

Posted by: Dr. Awkward on October 13, 2009 7:02PM CST AWBC - That. Is. AWESOME! I don't have pets for a reason, and it really irks me when I am forced to put up with the unpleasant aspects of them from other people's animals without even the benefit of of the nice aspects of having them. It may be better yet to knock on the door and return it to them face-to-face. "Your dog has been leaving this in my yard, so I just wanted to return it to you." That way they have to actually respond. Ever consider one of those motion-activated cameras for hunting?

Posted by: Edge Distance on October 13, 2009 7:18PM CST AWBC & DA, Both great ideas! The lady who let her dog go on my yard pretended she was picking it up. I saw it when I mowed. It's happened several times since. I do have a Golden Retreiver, but I take care of it and she stays in the fenced back yard. Some people are just rude.

Posted by: Leighton on October 13, 2009 7:21PM CST Make a copy of this blog and send it to the President, the Congressmen, (state and federal) and to Doyle, whomever else, if you have enough stamps. A couple months ago a man came to the door, said he was out of work, and did we have something he could do, for pay. I sympathized, but said 'no' because we really didn't. I'ts bothered me ever since, and I'm wondering if he'd have just accepted a 'donation' to his 'cause.' People have so much pride sometimes, you don't want to offend them. If that happens again, I guess I'll just offer something and he can refuse it, if it does't sit right with him. And at least I'll know I tried. The reason the incident bothers me was because I really hadn't thought of what it would be like to be out of work. I sure have given it a lot of thought since then.

Posted by: Leighton on October 13, 2009 7:28PM CST The 'animal' blogs came in between the 'sad' posts and in my post. I meant : Send a copy of the blog so our politicians would be aware of how hard it is for so many people.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 7:54PM CST U F'ing spammers can go to .....

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 13, 2009 7:55PM CST MC, Leighton is a spammer. Warning.

Posted by: Leighton on October 13, 2009 11:42PM CST Sorry Gray Kitty. I don't understand. ??

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 14, 2009 8:10AM CST I don't understand you. You aren't making much sense. It sounds like your rambling on. A trait similar to a spammer, my apologies if you're not.

Posted by: Leighton on October 14, 2009 9:20AM CST Good Grief! What is so difficult to understand about my post? So many bloggers were telling how difficult it was financially trying to make ends meet I thought it would be an idea to let the political leaders actually see from this blog what people are going through. Then I related about the out of work man who was looking for any thing that he he could do to make a few bucks, and how bad I felt for him. It was all connected to the bad economy we're in, but Not wanting to get into politic per se. What is so difficult to understand?

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 14, 2009 9:36AM CST I guess you don't take many breaths between your sentences. Sorry for anything I said that might have upset you. I don't think mailing this blog to anyone will help anyones situation though. It was a nice thought though.

Posted by: algernon on October 14, 2009 9:41AM CST Leighton, If it's any comfort for you, I understood everything you said. The political leaders are only interested in themselves, so I don't see how a copy of this blog would make them more aware of the troubles people are experiencing. But, you never know. Some of these politicians are coming up for re-election in 2010, so they might want to get started with their phony interest now. Good blog MC, nice for folks to air their concerns.

Posted by: Leighton on October 14, 2009 10:28AM CST Of course, I don't think mailing it would actually change anything either. I do resent being called an "f ing" anything, and certainly never expected it from you. I'm not as eloquent as Algernon but I've never been accused of anything as you have done. I've been on this blog for maybe 4+ years or so with out a problem. You havn't upset me, but you certainly have surprised and dissapointed me.

Posted by: Leighton on October 14, 2009 10:35AM CST Thank you Algernon. I had my last post going and sent it befor reading yours. Hope you don't mind my refering to your way with words. I alway feel that you should be a writer/author, you write so well. And yes MC, great post (until I seemed to screw it up) . Sorry.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 14, 2009 11:21AM CST Well, I am sorry again Leighton, honestly. I guess I was seeing so many spammers a couple of days ago, I was imagining things. I don't usually say f'ing. It's not like me at all. I don't know what got into me. Last thing I want to do is rub anyone the wrong way. I rarely express any kind of opinion on the JT in fear people will jump on me or be disappointed. I once said I appreciated the way someone phrased their words ( House Divided ) before realizing they were swearing at someone constantly. I spoke too soon then and I believe a couple people thought I was cool with their foul launguage.

Posted by: algernon on October 14, 2009 11:53AM CST Leighton, Thank you so much for the compliment. I think you are a wonderful writer, and you certainly didn't deserve the comment you received from GK. But, as she has said, perhaps she was upset with so many spammers. I can't imagine why people would post a comment in another language. But they do, and many of them are long!

Posted by: algernon on October 14, 2009 12:04PM CST Hey MC, As long as this is a "box of Chocolates, I wrote a verse about hunting season, which is almost upon us. And I hate it! I love all animals, and living way up here in northern Wisconsin, there are many beautiful animals and lots of hunters eager to kill them. Anyway, here it is. Killing Time God's sunrise signal grouse in the treetops rabbits yawn and stretch, pushing away the dew. A beaver rolls over the log he captured yesterday, and a cayote searches for breakfast. A slight breeze moves the colored leaves whispering to the deer grazing in the meadow. While the hunter still asleep dreams of his trophy. algernon

Posted by: Leighton on October 14, 2009 12:37PM CST So beautiful I can feel it Algernon! Thank you. And Gray Kitty, I do accept your apology unconditionally.

Posted by: ButtonBoy on October 14, 2009 12:42PM CST Algernon is a treasure. Thanks for the poem.

Posted by: MC on October 14, 2009 1:10PM CST This blog IS going well if I say so myself and I believe the key is no politics. Let's keep it that way.

Posted by: algernon on October 14, 2009 1:12PM CST Thank you Leighton and Button Boy. You folks are great! You never know what you're going to get when you open a box of chocolates. HA!

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 14, 2009 1:15PM CST Thank you Leighton.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 14, 2009 4:00PM CST I messed up the icons on the top of my computer and I can't figure out how to get them back the way they were. Any advice? I'm stuck.

Posted by: Leighton on October 14, 2009 8:09PM CST Have you tried 'click and drag'?

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 15, 2009 7:49AM CST It was a little more complicated than that. The icons got hidden and other stuff was up that I'd never seen before. My roommate fixed it when they got home. Thanks though.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 15, 2009 7:50AM CST I am craving chocolate. Wish I had some hot cocoa.

Posted by: Sassa on October 15, 2009 10:47AM CST Hey Algernon...nice poem on such a gloomy day (Thursday). Thanks for a smile! BTW why does this blog ask if I want them to remember me ....and they don't? Frustrating. I forget what I am going to type by the time I put in all that info. Don't forget I am old! LOL Also BTW I have icons on my desk top that I have NO idea what they are. But I have one that says unused icons so I put some of them there.

Posted by: algernon on October 15, 2009 11:36AM CST Hi Sassa, Glad you liked my poem. Yeah, it's a gloomy day--so early for snow; a lot like Thanksgiving weather and deer hunting season. Guess that's what prompted me to share my poem with you guys. As for being old, I'm right there with ya.

Posted by: MC on October 15, 2009 12:42PM CST As yet another "old" guy, I'm not sure if I should feel guilty being here where it is 81 right now instead of being in Racine where apparently it is snowing. Guilty or not I am happy about not owning a snow shovel any more. GK - I'm eating a Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Nugget (with almonds) right now. More guilty feelings. :)

Posted by: algernon on October 15, 2009 2:11PM CST MC, where are you? Florida?

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 15, 2009 3:21PM CST Man MC.... Thanks for sharing the chocolate and the nice temps!

Posted by: MC on October 15, 2009 3:23PM CST alge - Jacksonville, Florida - go Packers.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 15, 2009 4:04PM CST I have a couple dilemmas... I bite my tongue almost everytime I sneeze, plus... I love Justin Timberlake....

Posted by: Sassa on October 15, 2009 4:29PM CST Hey I got a poem. Stolen of course. Something told the wild geese It was time to go Though the fields lay golden Something whispered, "Snow".

Posted by: algernon on October 15, 2009 5:14PM CST Sassa, I love it!!!

Posted by: Leighton on October 16, 2009 12:15AM CST ...Leaves were green and stirring, berries luster- glossed, but beneath warm feathers, Something cautioned...Frost

Posted by: Leighton on October 16, 2009 12:49AM CST I don't know about copywrite restrictions on this poem, so I'll credit the author: Rachel Field 1884-1942

Posted by: ButtonBoy on October 16, 2009 6:10AM CST Well guys, I am off to Cabo next week. We are sure to have an interesting time with Hurricane Rick menacing us until Wednesday. If he gets too close for comfort, it may be a short trip!

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 16, 2009 7:19AM CST Where is Cabo? Hey there's a spammer writing his own blog in Arabic, wonder how long that will stay up : ) Happy Friday!!

Posted by: ButtonBoy on October 16, 2009 8:11AM CST Cabo is on the very tip of the California Baja, in Mexico.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 16, 2009 8:45AM CST Well, I hope the weather isn't bad for ya BB. Pray to the sun gods!

Posted by: algernon on October 16, 2009 9:02AM CST Enjoy your trip Button Boy. Stay safe. I will miss you on the blog.

Posted by: ButtonBoy on October 16, 2009 10:17AM CST Well, I will have my laptop with, so if it's rainy and gusty, I'll be in touch here and there. Maybe you could write me a poem about a maelstrom.

Posted by: StormyKnight on October 16, 2009 10:18AM CST Have a good time BB! Keep your wallet in your front pocket!

Posted by: Leighton on October 16, 2009 11:51AM CST Maelstrom: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes." -- Andy Rooney

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 16, 2009 10:40PM CST Hi Algie (and everyone) - great poetry on this blog. BB, hope you have a really nice trip. Are you going to get a chance to see the stone arches out in the water?

Posted by: AWBC on October 17, 2009 6:24AM CST El Arco is visible from our resort. We had been hoping to kayak or jetski over to the small beach at El Arco, but the weather may prevent that. Looks like the hurricane is likely to strike there on Thursday, with days of rough weather prior to. But we'll see. Hopefully, I'll have a good story to share along the way. If we have power and internet, I might blog while we are hunkered down.

Posted by: Dr. Awkward on October 17, 2009 12:50PM CST Huh. That's strange.

Posted by: AWBC on October 17, 2009 5:33PM CST Bwaahhhh....I got you, DA! Just threw the line out there and hooked you! Consider yourself PUNKED!

Posted by: maryellen on October 17, 2009 10:52PM CST are you all getting the swine flu vacinne?

Posted by: Dr. Awkward on October 17, 2009 11:20PM CST Riiiiiight. Punked. One would have to be a punk to buy that one. My, what a tangled web we weave…

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 18, 2009 11:46AM CST Los Arcos is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. A few years ago, my husband and I took a cruise, and we woke up in the morning and looked out our window and there were the arches. It was was a beautiful day - all blue sky and fluffy white clouds - it was truly glorious. I feel VERY fortunate to have seen this. It was something I have always wanted to do, ever since I saw a picture of this on, of all things, a free calendar!

Posted by: maryellen on October 18, 2009 10:52PM CST are any of you having the new swine flu vaccine?

Posted by: algernon on October 19, 2009 8:00AM CST Not me.

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 19, 2009 8:34AM CST I am, if I can find it. Not available at any of the places where I "doctor" yet.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 19, 2009 8:55PM CST It's getting dark way too early, and it's depressing.

Posted by: algernon on October 20, 2009 5:46PM CST gray kitty, make a kettle of soup, bake some cookies, cozy up your house with some good smelling candles, find a good book to read. Have you read the Mitford series by Jan Karon? Good, easy read. One can lose oneself in those books. One doesn't even have to think. Not a depressing sentence in it. BTW, it is dark early for all of us, just be thankful if you, and those you love, have good health. I'll be thinking about ya.

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 20, 2009 8:35PM CST Hey Algie - excellent advice. I'm takin' it even if GK doesn't!

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 20, 2009 8:36PM CST MC - This is such a good blog, why don't you re-post it? Let's keep it going!

Posted by: MC on October 20, 2009 11:44PM CST 10-4

Posted by: algernon on October 21, 2009 8:47AM CST Yes MC- It's the best blog on here. I'm so happy you took DDD's advice and reposted it!

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 21, 2009 9:13AM CST MC - Thanks! This is one of the best blogs ever.....Algie, how about another poem or some more poetic advice like you gave to Gray Kitty? BTW - I followed your advice on the gray day, and although I made Mexican dinner, it was still cozy and the house smelled really good. I'm like you about the days closing in. At first, it is nice to snuggle in and cook something really hearty and that smells good, like veggie soup. If you can cook something all day, that's a bonus. So is an apple pie. HA! After a while, like in March, it gets old, but by then, we can look outside and remark on how much longer the days are getting! Aren't we all weird, always wanting what we can't have?

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 21, 2009 9:14AM CST BTW, Algie, whatcha makin' today?

Posted by: Sassa on October 21, 2009 9:29AM CST This is neat! Another gloomy day but the gold on the trees makes it look like the sun is shining. It looks like from all the comments that everyone is in a chatty mood and some of us have $$ problems. I am not getting the flu shot. Was offered it at the doctors office and at the bakery for $10.....but NO. I feel like I am living on the edge and for a little old lady it is exciting. LOL

Posted by: algernon on October 21, 2009 9:52AM CST Yes DDD, we are weird in lots of ways. But I think it's human nature to want what we can't have. And few of us like to wait. We long for spring when it is winter, and on the hot days of summer, we long for fall. I have learned to roll with all of it, and believe me when I say every day is precious when one gets to be my age. Your Mexican food sounds good. Today I'm making oatmeal, raisin cookies. It's rainy and dark in north Wi this morning, so it's a good thing to keep busy. Also, I need to read a little this afternoon. I'm reading Walt Whitman's biography "Song of Myself". I wrote the following poem a few years ago, and curiously it won a prize. I was thinking when I wrote it, about all of the lonely children in the world whose parents both work and have little time for them. Talk To Me Mama give me some time Mama before i lay down my head talk about old days when you put me to bed i know you are tired the day has been long you don't have to sing your voice isn't strong but talk to me Mama your words are my song. algernon I'm not a poet, by a long shot! But I like to write my thoughts, and hope people will relate to them somehow.

Posted by: algernon on October 21, 2009 9:56AM CST Sassa, The gold on the trees IS really beautiful. I have a huge, white birch tree on the edge of my garden, and with the white bark and yellow leaves, it is just wonderful!

Posted by: Leighton on October 21, 2009 10:12AM CST This is an exceptionally lovely piece Alge! You are not just a poet, you are an artist.

Posted by: Leighton on October 21, 2009 10:16AM CST I am referring to "Talk to Me Mama".

Posted by: algernon on October 21, 2009 11:02AM CST Well, thak you Leighton. That's very kind of you.

Posted by: algernon on October 21, 2009 11:03AM CST I meant to say thank you--left out the "n". Ha!

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 21, 2009 1:50PM CST Great writing, as usual, Algie. You have a real talent, in m opinion. We are lucky here in Racine today. Blue skies, sunny and 70 degrees. Its like summer.

Posted by: Why Not? on October 21, 2009 2:17PM CST Great poem Algie, really makes me feel blessed that I can stay home with my baby girls and have time to talk to them. Made me tear up a little.. This blog makes me smile.. I like that people can actually talk to each other without getting mean. lovely =)

Posted by: algernon on October 21, 2009 3:47PM CST Thanks DDD and Why Not. I'm happy you have such great weather in Racine today. And Why Not, you ARE blessed that you are able to stay home with your baby girls. I'm sure many mothers feel awful when they have to drop their babies off at day care so they can go to work and help out with the income. Most of the time it is necessary, but then, lots of mothers go to work because they don't want to be "stay at home Mom's".

Posted by: Dr. Awkward on October 21, 2009 4:01PM CST Don't forget algernon, some fathers feel that way too. I turn down all optional overtime, regardless of what it pays. We make enough to cover all of our needs and a few of our wants, but every minute I'm at work I wish I was at home with my family. No matter how much we are together, it never feels like enough. I can't imagine how people with families can stand being "married to their job."

Posted by: algernon on October 21, 2009 5:36PM CST Dr. Awkward, Your family is indeed lucky to have a good dad like you

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 21, 2009 7:08PM CST Loving parents help mold us. Thanks Dr. Ackward and Algernon and all you loving parents out there for being "there" for your kids. ( padding myself on the back too )

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 21, 2009 8:38PM CST There is no doubt that parenting is the most important job a person can do. Those of us who never had kids can still recognize this, probably because we have great parents. My mom and dad did everything for us kids and they sacrificed a lot. Dr. A and Algie and GK and others here on this blog are good examples of what makes for great families in my opinion. As a recipient of such good parenting, I say thanks to you all from your kids!

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 22, 2009 5:36AM CST Good morning MC and all. Hope that BB isn't caught in the hurricane Rick. I think Algie should tell us a story today about how it was in the olden days. It would be really interesting to read how she spent a typical fall day as a child. What was fun? What was gruesome? How about it, Alge? Can we hear from you?

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 22, 2009 10:17AM CST I was watching the price is right this morning, it went into a commercial break and this Pupperoni ( dog treats ) commercial just played 5 times in a row, opps, someone wasn't paying attention.

Posted by: algernon on October 22, 2009 10:26AM CST Well Dobber, there are lots of stories. and a typical fall day, or any season, for that matter, was probably no different than the children experience now. We all had to go to school and the difference in a day in my childhood was we had to walk! I know most people don't believe that we had to walk a mile or more to school, but it is the truth. Also, before we went to school, we had to help carry in wood for the heater and the cookstove, so Mom could cook and bake while we were gone. Sometimes she would bake 8 or 9 loaves of bread, depending on how much flour she had. We also had to carry water for drinking and washing clothes. Quite a difference from the experiences of children today. Perhaps in third world countries they experience the same today. We were poor, because it was depression, and I used to sit in school sometimes and worry about my mother. I worried she would die and where would we be? I guess it doesn't pay to worry, because she lived until she was 100. If she had lived for three more months, she would have lived in three centuries! I remember Halloween. Not a good thing in our home. Mom said it was about witches and the devil and spiders. I hate all three to this day. I give candy to all children who come to my door on Hallowen, but I still hate it. We carried our sandwich in a paper sack to scool. Most of the time it was peanut butter or jam my mother had made. Sometimes both, but I never liked the combination, so I had just peanut butter or just jam. I really remember when they started hot lunches in school, because it seems I was always hungry. Sometimes it was just cornmeal mush, but I loved it. Later, they started to cook soup and we could smell it cooking all over the building. I love soup, any kind, to this day. We spent the summers preparing for fall and winter. We picked berries,and helped Mom in the garden. She canned everything. I received the best gift anyone could ever get from parents and that was my faith in God. Dad never liked to go to church, but he was adamant that we attend with Mom. Hope this doesn't bore everyone.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 22, 2009 11:00AM CST I enjoyed reading your memories, not boring in the least. Thanks Algernon.

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 22, 2009 12:33PM CST Thanks so much, Algie. I really like to read or listen to true history. I have an aunt who is a civil war buff and although she didn't live thru it (obviously) she has a knack of bringing it alive. Reading about your experiences Algie is really interesting to me. Did you have electricity? Indoor plumbing? I guess not if you carried water. My dad used to live up north during the same era and he said that it didn't rain for three summers. Do you remember that? Perhaps he exaggerated a bit. They were fortunate in living on a river bank though so they watered their garden from the river. I think they also caught and ate a lot of fish. He had a pet deer who would come into the kitchen!

Posted by: algernon on October 22, 2009 1:53PM CST No Dobber, We had no electricity until I was about 12 years old. And certainly no indoor plumbing. I remember the drought very well. Ninety thirty six was the worst year of my life. Your dad was right. We had no rain for three years, and we had to carry water from an old pump on the old school grounds. The school had burned and the only thing left standing was the pump. Thank the good Lord for that. We were not lucky enough to have lived on a river. I can remember my mother telling us "girls, if you don't carry water to help me save the garden, we won't have anything to eat when winter comes". I can remember carrying water until I ached all over. But we saved the garden so she could can the vegetables. It was HOT! Over the middle ninetys every day, and there were locusts flying around over our heads. Terrible bugs! I guess they come when there isn't any rain. Years later when I read "The Grapes Of Wrath", I could certainly relate to that book. My grandfather lived about a mile out of town on his little farm and he raised chickens. My little sister and I would walk there to get eggs. One day that summer, he asked my sister and I to pick off the potato bugs which were eating the vines. He gave us an old lard can half full of kerosene, and we picked potato bugs all day long in the heat. At the end of the day he took out his little coin purse and gave us each a nickle. We thought we were rich, and saved that nickle until the end of August when the tent show came to town and we could go and see the show. That winter was very cold. We had sub zero temps for a whole month every night. It took a lot of chopping, splitting and carrying wood, to keep us warm. Obviously there was no insulation in our house. It hadn't even been heard of then I don't think. My dad hunted and fished a lot, so we were raised on wild game and vegetables from the garden. The only fruit we had were the berries we picked in the woods. I often tell people I got my religion in the berry patch, for my mother would encourage us to sing, very loud," What A Friend We Have In Jesus" to scare the bears away as we picked the berries. It was hard to do our homework, for we only had kerosene lamps. But I always read a lot. When I read there were people in the world who were not poor, but had it good, I made up my mind I would have it good someday. All 11 of us worked hard, in school and summer jobs. Not all were able to go to college, but one sister became a teacher and a brother a chemical engineer. The rest of us got our own small business and all successful. I always loved to read, and provided the time and privacy for my children to do the same. They could go to their room, close the door, and read as much as they wanted to. I never interrupted them like I was. Every time I wanted to read, it seemed it was time to carry water, wood, or pick clothes off the line. Lots of jobs. I'll bet your dad really enjoyed the pet deer. It came into the kitchen?

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 22, 2009 9:11PM CST Yes, Algie, the deer would come into the kitchen of the house where my grandma would give it some food. Dad said its favorite treat was a cigarette! To eat, not smoke! Ha! Thanks again for sharing your stories. You are a terrific writer and should think about fleshing out your stories and write a book!!! I would buy it!

Posted by: Dr. Awkward on October 23, 2009 10:33AM CST Thank you for the kind words. I hope I live up to them. I enjoyed your stories, algernon.

Posted by: algernon on October 23, 2009 6:05PM CST Thanks DDD, but I'm not a writer. I have lots of stories in this old head. Perhaps a ghost writer? Hey, are any of you getting this snow? We are in a winter snowstorm here in north Wi. It started about 4 o'clock, and now at six o'clock the trees are all white, our driveway is covered and it's still snowing! Really, it's quite beautiful, but I worry about the people on the roads tonight. They can get pretty slick. I'm a worry person, so guess I'll have a cup of tea, play a litle Mozart and relax a little.

Posted by: algernon on October 24, 2009 6:41PM CST I hope I haven't chased everyone off this blog with my long stories. I think it is wonderful to have open line like this. Thanks M.C.

Posted by: MC on October 24, 2009 10:11PM CST alge - it is amazing how civil and interesting these blogs can be when you leave politics and religion out of them. And you're welcome.

Posted by: algernon on October 25, 2009 9:23AM CST It IS truly amazing! But what I find most amazing is the lack of interest for a blog like this from EK,BF,GG,HUck and others. One would think they would appreciate a thread like this where there would be no worry about any "attacks". Anyway MC, thanks again. The weather here in North Wi is so cold and rainy. I'll bet you are happy to be in sunny Florida.

Posted by: MC on October 25, 2009 1:07PM CST alge - I truly do miss Wisconsin in general and many good friends there after 43 years, but I will NEVER miss snow shoveling, salty roads, rusting out cars and temps below 40 deg. Do miss snowmobiling alittle. It's 76 here right now - SWEEEET.

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 25, 2009 4:00PM CST HI MC - glad you are having nice weather. It is really nice here in Racine today, too. Sunny, probably in the high 60's, blue sky. Whatcha cooking up today, Algie? Yesterday I followed your advice to make it "cozy" and baked a blueberry pie, my husband's favorite. He has been kinda extra special nice to me lately, since I haven't been feeling real well. I copied your posts and pasted them into a permanent place in my documents. They are truly wonderful stories. Tell me, what is the one thing you admired most about your mother? I know from what you said that she was a really hard worker, and that she raised a lot of children on less than a shoestring...quite a woman!

Posted by: algernon on October 25, 2009 7:49PM CST Hi DD, That blueberry pie sounds real good. And it's never a mistake to please one's husband, especially if he is good to you. You asked about my Mother. Tough question, because there are so many things I admired about her. I admired her strength, but not until much later. Perhaps it was when I became a mother myself. I admired the way she held herself. She would dress for church in the most meager dress and always looked so pretty. And she always wore a hat that my grandmother purchased for her. She was a tall woman and a proud person with a huge heart. I can remember when she would take her last ingredients and bake a devils food cake to give to a family who had a death in the family or some sickness. She was so immaculate, not only about her person, but her home and her heart. I have never witnessed a person with such faith in God in all of my life. She used to tell us stories about the olden days at bedtime. I think that is where I got the inspiration for my poem on this blog. But the one thing I remember now, and it took years for me to realize is when we all sat down to supper, my Mother didn't sit with us. We asked her why she didn't come sit down and eat and her reply was "I still have work to do in the kitchen". When I realized the truth I cried and have cried when I think about it since. She wanted to make sure that we ALL had enough to eat before she ate herself. Growing up in the depression was really hard, and Mom had it harder than any of us. Can you imagine the effort it took to figure out what she was going to feed her family every day with hardly any food in the house? But she took each day as it came and somehow got through it. Years later when we had all grown and showered her with gifts---pretty clothes and jewelry, she always said "Oh My". When she died at age 100 years, 5 months and 29 days, all the grandchildren, at the advice of my 2 daughters, purchased a beautiful lighted cross for the church in her name. It is a huge cross, making it's way down to almost touch the top of the front door of the church. At night it lights the whole area around the church. It almost seems to say, "I am Alma, and I am still here with all of you." A great tribute to my Mother. May God bless her soul always.

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 26, 2009 8:15AM CST Wow -Algie, I had no idea I would be rewarded with such a lovely story. You must be a wonderful person to admire your mother like that, and she must have been a wonderful person as well. Awe-inspiring! I'm gonna urge you again to do some writing. You are already a poet, and that's way harder than writing short stories or essays. I would love to read the story of your life. I bet others would too. And I agree, may God bless her soul always. Did you know that her name, Alma, means soul in Spanish?

Posted by: algernon on October 26, 2009 9:08AM CST No I didn't know Alma meant soul in Spanish. Whew!

Posted by: algernon on October 26, 2009 9:18AM CST DDD, I appreciate your interest in the story of my life, but I would like to hear the life stories of you and others on this blog. How about it gray kitty, Dr. Awkward, Leighton, MC and the rest of you bloggers? It would not only be interesting but would help us all to understand each other more.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 26, 2009 10:13AM CST I grew up in Racine. 2 brothers and a sister. We were very poor. Not much support from my family. Didn't interact with any relatives. Had a very disfuntional home. Lots of argueing. My father left when I was 6 and moved to California, only saw him twice as an adult, he was a jerk. My mom struggled with alcohol for years until I was 17, then she quit. I traveled a lot from 18-22 then had a child, moved to Madison with my son when he was 1 and have been here for the last 24 yrs. Not all that exciting or eventful of a life.

Posted by: algernon on October 26, 2009 11:49AM CST Gray Kitty, I am sorry life was not kinder to you. But as I indicated on this blog, one of the things I admired about my Mother was her strength. And it appears you have that same kind of strength. Mom used to tell us that God would never allow us to endure anything more than we could handle. And He does know His sheep! I never did mention that my dad had a drinking problem also, one more thing my Mother had to endure. But many times she felt sorry for him and when he was coming down from a binge she would spoon feed him chicken soup. Gray Kitty, you have been blessed with a wonderful son, and a love for your fellow man. I admire your affection for your gray kitty (all kitties) for it is a sign of good character when one shows love and concern for helpless animals. Also, I love your sense of humor on these blogs. It is fresh air for all of us. I wish you all the best.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 26, 2009 12:20PM CST Algernon, I vouched to never have the same upbringing for my child. I have always been there for my son whenever he needed anything. It has made my heart very open. I am a people person for sure ( I hug a lot ) and an animal person too : ) I am thankful for everything I have. There's a new gray kitty ( aside from Fella ) that comes to my backyard now for attention. I call her "Gorilla Kitty" cause she reminds me of a gorilla for some reason. She's naughty though, she disabled a chipmunk this morning : (

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 26, 2009 12:31PM CST Algernon, thanks for your kind words BTW. I appreciate your presence here : ) I carved a huge pumpkin yesterday. It took about 2 and a half hours. I made a clown face. I lit a candle in it last night on the front porch, it looks very cool. I wish I had a way to show it to you guys here.

Posted by: MC on October 26, 2009 12:44PM CST Alge - thanks for the interest in my "story". I was always reluctant to talk much about myself or my childhood, because I felt it was sort of boastful or vain - but that is just me. I have enjoyed the stories here and I don't hold those feelings toward others who are willing to tell their stories. How much do you tell. How much detail do you go into. How long do you make it. Maybe you should open a new blog asking people here to tell their story if they want to. Bet it would be very successful and as you say informative. Maybe then I could better understand Dr. Awk. :)

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 26, 2009 12:55PM CST MC, I'd like to hear about your upbringing. It wouldn't be in vain since we're curious : ) And I hope you're not mad at me for the words we exchanged for the other day.

Posted by: MC on October 26, 2009 1:32PM CST No problem GK - here today, gone tomorrow. I am going to wait for Alge's new blog to tell my story.

Posted by: Gray Kitty on October 26, 2009 2:19PM CST Good to know we're still cool : ) PS- I got some chocolate the other day to take care of my craving. Digging into the Halloween candy. Oh-oh!

Posted by: algernon on October 26, 2009 3:01PM CST Hi MC, I wish I knew how to do a blog, but I don't. In fact my computer skills are very limited. I never owned a computer and one day my son came with a computer, put it on a desk and said "Mom, you need this; you are going to like this. You can read the news and we can email each other". So, that's the size of it. Perhaps you could start a story blog MC? I would love to hear your story and others. One of the great things about being old, is that our pride vanishes like the wind.

Posted by: DobberDeeDee on October 26, 2009 6:00PM CST Hi Algie - I will start a blog for you right now. I'll just set it up and you post the "guidlines" in the first comment box, OK?

Posted by: algernon on October 26, 2009 6:07PM CST DDD, O.K. Thanks