President Nixon ~ On His 100th

An Invitation

An Invitation

I knew a little girl, years ago, that was infatuated with Richard Nixon.  Maybe it was because it was the first time she was aware of this thing called “politics” or a presidential election?  Maybe it was simply because her teacher held a class election and she loved that feeling of voting and having a say in the future.  Perhaps it was his smile.  Regardless, she followed his life closely.  But not without questions, denial and disappointments.

She wrote a poem for him once.  She couldn’t recall all the words to it, but part of them were:

“Dear Mr. President Nixon, I hope that you’re not a fixin’,

To give in to those Watergate freaks, I think they should just go take a leap……”

well I guess the rest is history on that subject.

Cigarettes

Cigarettes

She mailed him several letters and never got a response.  But through it all she focused on the good he had accomplished:   His dealings in foreign relations;  The phasing out of drafting our young American men;  Pollution; Equal funding for female sports.

Richard Nixon died with his family by his side on April 22, 1994.  I don’t think it was a coincidence that his funeral service was on this little girl’s birthday.  She was 34 by now….but had never forgotten the attachment she held for her 37th President.  For she had learned from him about equality, competition, the environment, conspiracy, devotion and family.  As she watched his service that day, she prayed for his daughters, and hoped that he knew that he was still special to many hearts.  His life made a difference.

Happy 100th Birthday, President Nixon.  May you rest in peace ♥

A collection

A collection

nixon 004

(and this little girl will remove any negative comments today….just saying!)  🙂

Posted in appreciation, Forgiveness, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

What I Order On-Line and an Onion Story

My new supply of vitamins came in the mail yesterday for hubby and I.  And for our dogs.   I wanted to take a minute to  share these companies with you. wow~ they should totally pay me!  First ~  Entirely Pets:

Entirely Pets

Entirely Pets

For our almost seven (or is it eight?) year old pups, they take  Glyco-Flex III.  Baby, the slightly bigger and bossier sister, woke up one morning and could not move.  When she tried, she would just plop back down, shaking and crying.  I immediately took her to our vet who gave her a shot and said, “It’s arthritis”.  She then told me about Glyco-Flex III and I bought some from the vet for $75.00 for a small package.  UGH.  I know.  I went home and went to my favorite on-line pet supply company and they sold me a package of 120 for $32.00.  My shipments have always arrived in 2-3 days AND if you google coupons, you can almost always find a coupon code for either free shipping or 10% off of purchase.  Baby has not been “down” since starting this “treat”!  And I give a 1/2 to her sister for good measure.

My parents recommended Swanson Health Products to us.  Our orders have ALWAYS been delivered in 2-3 days AND their live customer service is amazing!  I was in shock at how helpful and pleasant they were! Swanson also has coupon codes they will either send you via e-mail or a catalog.  You can also google for coupon codes.  We take regular multi-vitamins, but the most important dailys we take are Probitotics and Ubiquinol.  Read about them.  They might just be for you, too.

Swanson Vitamins

Swanson Vitamins

Now….about that ONION! Hubby got this from someone on his fb page.  It was credited to Pamela Stone Bunker, and my friend  Paula Acton also posted something similar on her page.  I have no idea as I have not had an illness to try this…it may be a total farce….but I do know that since reading this, I have quit “half using” onions and just start with a fresh one and toss the old!!!  You cannot be too safe!!

Here’s to Better Health!!  Happy Day, Friends ♥

.”.. I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put it into an empty jar, and place the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs…sure enough it happened just like that…the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. 

This is the other note. Lots of times when we have stomach problems we don’t know what to blame. Maybe it’s the onions that are to blame. Onions absorb bacteria is the reason they are so good at preventing us from getting colds and flu and is the very reason we shouldn’t eat an onion that has been sitting for a time after it has been cut open.

LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS 
 
Ed says that, when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the ‘victim’ last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it’s not the mayonnaise (as long as it’s not homemade mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It’s probably the ONIONS, and if not the onions, it’s the POTATOES.

He explained onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. He says it’s not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator. 
 
Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions.    
Please pass this on to all you love and care about.”
— with Adonain Danny Rivera.

Posted in Dogs, Food, Health care, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Thanks Guys!

This says it ALL!The WordPress Annual Report for 2012 was sent out several days ago.  A couple of weeks shy of a year, it was fun to see the details. but boring to you! To keep it short….31,000 views from 115 countries.  Pretty awesome in my books!  Thanks to each of you who gave Stuff I Tell My Sister moments of your precious time!

I’m learning that when you blog you have those that follow and comment and those that read, but choose not to comment.  WordPress shared a few details with me….and I want to give you a shout out of gratitude!

1. Paper Keeper  ~ I have loved getting to know Bonnie this past year!  She shares much wisdom and has a great sense of humor.  I think this California girl would make a good Okie!

2. Fly Away Home ~ Maggie was my new author of 2012.  I have learned much about strength and adapting to change from Maggie.  The more I get to know her, the more her book touches my heart.

3. Eff Stop ~ If ever there were a photographer to follow, Lorri is it!  PLUS….she resides in the beautiful Ozarks….so it’s a WIN, WIN! Her story writing is also amazing AND she loves dogs! 🙂  Visit her!

4.  Talk to Diana ~ Diana is full of kindness.  She shares wisdom from experience.  She is all about Paying It Forward and it simply warms my heart to know her.

5. Breezy Books ~  Maddie and I are “newer” friends that hit it off.  She is so funny and loves pizza and challenges and stalking other bloggers.  Maddie is my “new” author for 2013 and I can’t wait to tell you more about that!

6.  Help Me Rhonda ~ Humor, Sincerity, Vulgarity, Life Experience.  It’s a new day everyday with Rhonda….and she’s a dear worth knowing!

As for my non-blogging supporters?  Renae, my sister was #1.  AS SHE BETTER BE! 🙂 and my Arizona friend Delores was right after her.  By the Way….Delores just celebrated her eighty-something birthday!!!  Happy Birthday to YOU, Delores!

My silent and usually silent stalkers???  Mary, Hubby, Debbie/John, Darla 8, Dara, my folks, Aunt Betty…..there are more. So here’s your challenge.  Read….and then talk to me! But you don’t have to if you don’t want to ~ 🙂

Thanks Guys!  Have a great Monday and Be Nice To Each Other!!!

Posted in appreciation, Delores, Friends, Friendships, Ramblings, Thankful | Tagged , , , , | 30 Comments

HaPPy Sunday ~ 2013

HaPPy Winter ~ Downtown Tulsa

HaPPy Winter ~ Downtown Tulsa

snowfest1

HaPPy Sunday to each of You! Be nice to people…..and pay it forward.

Posted in Oklahoma, Tulsa, Tulsa. Oklahoma | Tagged , , , , , | 28 Comments

Visiting Small Town America ~ Barnsdall, Oklahoma

New Year’s Day was a gloomy one in our little part of Oklahoma. No sunshine. Cold. But hubby and I forced each other out of the house and went for our first little road trip of the year. There was no destination in mind as we drove out of town, but we ended up in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. Here’s a little of what we saw along the way. The snow began to fall a bit into our journey, and for a little while, the sun was not missed.
New Years Day 005 New Years Day 045 New New Years Day 037 New Years Day 039 New Years Day 027 New Years Day 009 New Years Day 014 New Years Day 022 New Years Day 018 New Years Day 028 New Years New Years ny drive
We never saw a soul while we were in Barnsdall. But it still felt like a warm and friendly Oklahoma town.  We stopped and snapped this pic as we were leaving.  Maybe we will return?barnsdall sign

p.s. Thinking of my hubby’s brother today. Eldon Clark, yes, named after Clark Gable! Today is his birthday. We think about him and miss him everyday. Here’s what he would say to you, I’m pretty sure…”Life is Short, Peace is Sweet.” Indeed. ♥

Posted in Curiosity, photos, travel, Uncategorized, Visiting Small Town America | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

It’s a New Day ~ Everyday!

Rain is falling in the heartland of Oklahoma today. Even though it is chilly and gloomy outside, this is a welcome sight given our drought situation. It is the perfect gift for closing out 2012.

A slow rain and a little ice on the tree.

A slow rain and a little ice on the tree.

Come on rain!

Come on rain!

I have been reading many posts on the upcoming new year, congress battles, changes, and varied resolutions folks are making. I have never really been one to make  stick with resolutions, but I am a “list” maker. And I do believe in new challenges, big or small, to improve my mind and life. Plans. Goal setting. Call it whatever you like.  I want to take steps toward the positive, for there is always room for improvement. Everyday. Not just at the first of the year! George really nailed it on his blog posting, Have a Plan, Not a Resolution. This is a wonderful short read with great direction!

After hubby and I awake from our wild New Year’s Eve party tomorrow morning…..:) we will cook a batch of black-eyed peas for New Year’s Day.  Neither of us like them.  But when I was shopping the other day, the display of black-eye peas caught my eye.  Then I thought of my Grandma’s tradition.  She ALWAYS no matter what ALWAYS cooked black-eyed peas at the first of the year for good luck.  My parents and sister follow this trad and mom asks me each year, “Did you have your black-eyed peas today?” Isn’t it amazing, all the thoughts that go through one’s mind at the grocery store!  So maybe I am just cooking these things for memories sake….regardless, I’d say that’s some pretty good vibes sent our way already!  (and check out this recipe for pulled pork!  I made it for my kids the other evening.  So simple. yes, I know I don’t eat pork, but still  It will go well with those peas!!)

Black eye peas ~ for good luck?

Black eye peas ~ for good luck?

Easy pulled pork recipe! Made in the crock pot.

Easy pulled pork recipe! Made in the crock pot.

I have been blessed to be surrounded by strong women in my life.  My grandmothers, my mother, my sisters ~(♥ Mary), aunts, many friends.  Obstacle after obstacle.  Never giving up. Facing struggles head on. They keep getting up again no matter what.  And when they rise…it is with a plan. So here’s to all the wonderful people in my life…..and to each and every woman.  You are stronger than you think you are.  You can do this.  Thank you for being in my life and for setting the example that you do! ♥

♪ ♫ ♪ Happy New Year ♪ ♫ ♪ !!!  And I’ll call ya at midnight! 😉

Paula ♥

p.s. Read Help-me-Rhonda’s post….it will give you chills and great direction for whatever day you choose to start your new year.

Posted in Friends, Friendships, Oklahoma, photos, ponderings, Ramblings, Reflections, Relationships, Thankful, Uncategorized, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

The Kayak Visit

Seems it’s always exciting around our house when the kids come for a visit. The younger set came a few days before Christmas, kayak in tow. I didn’t think twice about my suggestion they just park in the garage so they wouldn’t have to unstrap it from their vehicle. Until, well……you know the song about “what goes up, must come down”….so it is with a visiting kayak.  And a driveway with an incline.

What was I thinking?

What was I thinking?

Ok~Dad you pull the rope down while I back up.  Really?

Ok~Dad you pull the rope down while I back up. Really?

Yep ~ pretty close

Yep ~ pretty close

Almost out ~

Almost out ~

Mission accomplished....whew!

Mission accomplished….whew!

HaPPy Weekend, people! Be nice to each other ♥

Disclaimer: It is with great restraint I refrain from further commenting on this subject! 🙂

Posted in Curiosity, Humor, photos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Christmas Puppy Request ~ (Julie!)

If you saw yesterday’s post, Reindeer Stuffing, you may have read a request from my friend, Julie B. She wanted to see her favorite pic of “the girls”. First let me explain. Our kids originally adopted Sugar and Baby from the Joplin Humane Society when the pups were just a few weeks old. They were sisters and they hated to see them separated. The smaller one, it turns out, had parvo, but we noticed the signs early enough, that her sister was put on a preventative med while she was spent time in the hospital. They both kicked it! Shortly after this, our kids sold their house much quicker than anticipated and they ended up living with other relatives while waiting for their new house. And THAT is how the pups ended up with us. Temporarily mind you. they are now almost 7 years old..

The pics to follow were when they were just about six or seven months old. I was determined to have Christmas photos of the girls, and this is what we got.

Baby's favorite sun "spot".

Baby’s favorite sun “spot”.

Where did that squirrel go this time?!?

Where did that squirrel go this time?!?

Would you just give us the treat, already?!?

Would you just give us the treat, already?!?

No, this hat is MINE!

No, this hat is MINE!

Here ya go Julie, your favorite!

To quote Bob Barker ~ “Have your pets spayed or neutered!”  And remember all the babies out there waiting to be rescued.  🙂

Posted in Christmas, Dogs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Reindeer Stuffing ~

The quiet ones are always the ones you need to keep your eye on ~

The quiet ones are always the ones you need to keep your eye on ~


Presents!

Presents!

I will get every last stuffing outta this reindeer~

I will get every last stuffing outta this reindeer~

christmas dogs 2012 5

I'm bored. What can we do now, sister?

I’m bored. What can we do now, sister?

Game on!

Game on!

I think I got it all out! Time for a nap ~

I think I got it all out! Time for a nap ~

Posted in Dogs, photos | Tagged , , , , , | 35 Comments

Merry Christmas ~

linus2We grew up going to a tiny little church where me, my sisters, and a handful of others kids had no choice but to “be” the Christmas program. I didn’t like being in that spotlight. It made me extremely nervous and I was certain I would forget what my lines were or when I was supposed to walk onto the stage.  One particular Christmas, I was given a portion of Luke 2, to read. They were the same lines that Linus spoke to explain Christmas to Charlie Brown. I did not stutter or pause that day….for the words were in my heart. This was also the only Christmas program that I ever recall my Grandpa visiting.  He said that he came to hear me. I don’t really know why he was there that Sunday, but when I stood on the stage that morning, I was speaking to Grandpa. He told me later in the day that I did a good job. And this time~ I decided to believe that I did.

Charlie Brown: Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'” 
[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]
Linus Van Pelt: That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.linus linus3

A Very Merry Christmas to you, my friends ! ! ! ♥

Posted in Christmas, Oklahoma, ponderings, Ramblings, random photos, Reflections, Relationships | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments