Success

                                 

                                 AND THAT MY FRIENDS, PRETTY MUCH SUMS IT UP.

Banking on it.....

They have National banks, blood banks, food banks and even sperm banks but only we have eagle banks.  My pleas for food for our resident eagle family have been heard and rewarded.  The town highway departments keep an (eagle) eye out for roadkill, spotters juts driving to and fro call me with sightings and even a "deer" friend had one in her backyard.....seriously.  So, with everybody pitching in and Jess hauling (deer) ass, our feathered friends should be happy, healthy and full.  Without access to the lake and their winter meals of fish, there was a bit of concern that they would go elsewhere for dinner and build new digs... They normally lay their eggs in March (sometimes April) depending on the temps.  Well Millard and Abigail, Saturday is March... I can't wait until I can get down to my perch watching spot and make sure they have returned to their nest. I'm 99% sure we're good to go! I'm keeping my eagle eye on them!!!

I love Love:-)

Every day I feel a little older.  It takes a second longer to rise from the recliner after sitting for a show, I blink a few more times to focus before I can actually read something on TV or my computer and every day I grasp for the right word or someone's name.  It's a little scary and if I dwell on it too much, I'm sad and kind of scared.  We visited Mom this morning and it always serves me a big helping of There but for the grace of God go I.  But then there are days like last Friday when I tuned into a show and who's there but my old friends, The Beach Boys! I ♥ Mike Love! I've seen him many times in concert.  He moves a little slower but makes my heart race a little faster. He'll be 73 on the ides of March.  Wow:-) One time after a concert, he passed us in the hall...with cane in hand! I wonder if he knows how much his going that extra mile for his fans makes them feel just a tiny bit younger for those 2 hours. Amazing what powers music has. (My Mom's happiest times now are when she's listening to music) So I've decided that when my time comes there won't be any Amazing Grace or Onward Christian Soldiers. There won't be prayers that God will be welcoming me home (or wherever I may land.) There will be "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Wouldn't it be Nice" and one great big rendition of "GOD Only Knows!"   And lots and lots of LOVE!!!

Born in Los Angeles, California on March 15, 1941, Michael Edward Love, is the oldest in a family of six. Growing up in Southern California, Mike's childhood years exposed him to music, sports, and the iconic environment of Southern California. These influences provided the inspiration to form the now legendary group, The Beach Boys, which first consisted of Mike and his cousins, Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson. Beginning their singing careers as teenagers, Mike and the Wilson brothers sang frequently at family get-togethers and holiday gatherings.

In 1961, Mike's professional music career began alongside the Wilson brothers and friend Al Jardine, when The Beach Boys officially formed and were signed by Capitol Records. Mike is recognized as the lead singer and MC of the group, in addition to being responsible for many of the concepts, lyrics, and hooks on the majority of songs that are still regarded as some of the most performed and most played songs in modern music history. Among these hits are, "Good Vibrations", "Kokomo", "Fun, Fun, Fun", "I Get Around", "Surfin' Safari", "Help Me Rhonda","Do It Again", and "California Girls".

In 1988, Mike and the other members of The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This same year, Mike had the pleasure of co-writing the #1 hit "Kokomo", with John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas, an amazing 22 years after Mike and his cousin Brian co-authored the Beach Boys' #1 hit of the 60's, "Good Vibrations", marking the longest span of time between number one records of any artist in music history. Both "Good Vibrations" and "Kokomo" were nominated for Grammys. "Kokomo" was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

In December of 1967, the Beach Boys were invited to Paris to perform at a GALA for UNICEF. It was there where Mike first encountered Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, at the time accompanied by John Lennon and George Harrison. The group was invited afterwards to learn the TM (transcendental meditation) technique initiated by Maharishi himself. Mike was profoundly affected by the first meditation, stating, "...it was so simple that anyone could learn it, and if enough people were to practice [TM], the World would be a better place."

Mike later attended a Maharishi lecture at the Harvard Law forum. It was at this event, in Boston, where Maharishi invited Mike to come to India to participate in a TM teachers training course. At that time, Mike recalls, "I didn't realize it was a teacher training course. Nor did I know that the Beatles, Donovan, and Mia Farrow would be there too." Mike has led a blessed life, however one not without challenges. "TM has really enabled me to avoid some of the excesses that are all too easy to get seduced by."

In 1985, Love had an idea to perform a show on July 4^th in Washington D.C. That day, the group played live at the Washington Monument in front of an audience of more than 1 million people, still the largest audience to ever assemble for a single live musical event.

Throughout his career, Mike has co-authored more than a dozen Top 10 Singles, making Beach Boys history along with The Beatles and Michael Jackson, as the only artists to have produced twelve Top 10 Singles, within 5 years time. Currently, as the lead singer and founding member of the Beach Boys, Mike continues doing what he loves most, performing the legendary music of The Beach Boys, in sold out concerts worldwide.

Mike is happily married and has 8 children, and spends the majority of his downtime at his homes in Southern California and Lake Tahoe. He is also the proud uncle of NBA all-star, Kevin Love and continues to enjoy touring and performing in many parts of the world! 

Looooong Week

Well it's been a long week....  It all began with no heat....again... We'll get this hang of this fancy boiler yet and we will never again be a sailor on the maiden voyage of a new product.  When it's good though, it's very, very good.... and toasty, warm heat.  Next, we had no Internet....the cable company fixed that ASAP and we were back surfing.  Then the Internet and TV were history....Thank God it had warmed up a bit and I wasn't the only one having issues.  I had an entire night and day with out my technology so I cleaned files and organized the rest of our tax info.  I started to shake about 3 p.m. and the withdrawals were tough but Hallelujah.. I was back online and had TV by 4 p.m.  Once again...SCCC came through and we were able to watch S.U. LOSE at 7p.m. (to Boston College no less...really?)  On top of all this my favorite necklace chain broke and I'm very superstitious about wearing it... What next?

With all of those downs came ups.  I love "Ups!"  Bailee is on vacation so we headed to one of our favorite spots and soaked in the heat and warm water....Cascades Indoor Water Park.  Swimming outside in the 30 degree weather was fun but then, almost anything with B is fun!  Yesterday we took in a movie, ate hot dogs, popcorn, bubble soda and froyo with M&M's, sprinkles and Nutella (frozen yogurt.)  On the way home she confessed her tummy hurt... really?  Tonight Papa escapes to Florida and B will fill his spot in bed... Sleepovers are always the best...especially when we have sundaes in bed!!! Looking forward to an MCS boy's basketball win tonight.  It always does my heart good to see the community support their teams.  We're pretty lucky to live right here in Moravia in wintry, upstate NY. My eagles have survived the winter and are still using their old digs.  I have seen both Millard and Abigail and their fledgling and we've done out part to keep them fed.  I did see one of the adults fly to the nest yesterday!!!  That's a very good thing! I have my fingers crossed for a few more "ups" in the near future but once again, superstition has me keeping mum.

So, all in all, we're still hopping along on our Pogo stick.... some ups, some downs but we're still plugging along and thankful for that...  One more week of dreary February and it will be time to turn our clocks ahead and complain about the mud.  I do see some green grass!!!!

I'm Going Home

Fingers crossed!

Hearts of My Heart

Today is always an extra special day... 35 years ago (today) we brought Jeff home.  He was ours forever and ever..............whether he liked it or not!!  I'm pretty sure he's liked it.

♥1979♥

This morning, Mother Nature allowed us some extra Valentine family time... I stopped to see my other Valentines and share a few goodies.

♥♥

Braids for her girls

And the beat goes on

My Valentine

Heart braids♥

This morning I opened my card from Lee.....................................It was filled with "heartfelt emotion"..It was also the same card I got him...  If we start lookin' like each other....I'm outa here!

Global Warming

Winter in North Carolina

Where's Al Gore when you need him?  Probably sunning himself on a beach in Jamaica....Strange weather as the U.S. is in the midst of its 15th winter storm and the Olympics are melting at 60 degrees in Russia.  North Carolina and as far south as the panhandle in Florida has seen measurable snow this winter.  Our schools have been closed for the cold! Today, it's 21 and darn near balmy.  Although the snow is beginning to fall and the storm that dumped on the south is now adding a fresh coat for us, we go about our daily routine and "deal about it" (as Bailee would say.)  Just another day in upstate New York.... Remember folks......it's winter!

Winter in New York

Charlotte road conditions

No plows, no sand, no cars...........NC

Free the Slaves

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln.  205 years ago, our 16th president was born Hodgenville, Kentucky. I doubt his humble parents even dared imagine the greatness this man would bring to an entire nation. He led the United States through its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional and political crisis.  The leadership of this tall, strong and often quiet giant preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened our national government and began the modernizing of our economy. The modernizing included banks, canals, railroads and even meager taxes to encourage the building of factories.  Lincoln's greatest accomplishments included the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the passing of the 13th Amendment which permanently outlawed slavery.....Let me repeat.. permanently outlawed slavery!!!  It's possible that someone needs to step up and explain to our illustrious government of today that slavery is indeed..OVER!  Especially at tax time, I feel more and more like a slave to our inept government.  Rampant spending, unfunded mandates of epic proportions and the mere fact that we work nearly 1/2 a year just to pay our huge portfolio of taxes. (sales, property, school, tire, hotel, income, inheritance, and on and on and on) makes us modern day slaves.   Please would somebody just shoot me!!!!!

And so it happened, ironically of all days, April 15, 1865

!

Go Ahead, Make My Day

I am neither impressed nor unimpressed with the stars and glitter of Hollywood.  I've been to the corner of Hollywood and Vine, The Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  I saw the Hollywood sign, Disneyland and Rodeo Drive.  I've seen a few "movie stars" and a few "celebrities' all of whom left me less than star-struck.  I guess I like the laid back, no frills "kind a guys" like Clint Eastwood.  A man of few words.........but words you remember.


Like:


"Go ahead, make my day"


"You've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky". Well do ya punk"


"I tried being reasonable. I didn't like it!"


"I have a very strict gun control policy.  If there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it!"


"They say marriages are made in heaven. But so is thunder and lightening."


I thoroughly enjoy (and concur) with his recent reflections!

 

My Twilight Years ~ Clint Eastwood

 

As I enjoy my twilight years, I am often struck by the inevitability that the party must end.

 

There will be a clear, cold morning when there isn't any "more."

 

No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat.

 

It seems to me that one of the important things to do before that morning comes,

 

is to let every one of your family and friends know that you care for them by finding simple ways

 

to let them know your heartfelt beliefs and the guiding principles of your life so they can always say,

 

"He was my friend, and I know where he stood."

 

So, just in case I'm gone tomorrow, please   know this  ........

   

I voted against that incompetent, lying, flip-flopping, insincere, double-talking, radical socialist, terrorist excusing, bleeding heart, narcissistic, scientific and economic moron currently in the White House !

 AND  

 

Participating in a gun buy back program because you think that criminals have too   many guns is like having yourself castrated because you think your neighbors have too many kids...

Yesterday.........

Yesterday, well last night, I enjoyed 2 1/2 hours of some of the best TV in a long time (minus football of course.) It was a cold, snowy night and we had just finished a yummy steak supper and settled in for some good TV.  Lee watching his in the living room and I watching mine in the den...that's just the way we roll here at EIEIO. Thankfully, we're not part of any reality show although if Honey Boo Boo and Sex Sent Me to the ER are any gauge of what makes reality TV successful, we have a shot!

The Grammy Tribute to the Beatles was awesome.  Singers from all genres and generations performed Beatles songs culminating with a few by Ringo, a few by Paul and ending with the duo on stage together.  I performed in my chair. I sang.  I clapped in unison. I even wiggled around a bit and waved my arms in the air... Enjoyable at it's best, pathetic at it's worst but I had a great 2 1/2 hours ! I shared my joy on Face Book with...well, Joy and others who appreciate songs you can understand.

Yesterday afternoon Jess helped me sort record albums.  She was treated (in my opinion) to a little stroll (vocals by me) down memory lane.  I had albums from Glenn Miller to Mitch Miller, The Smothers Brothers to the Gibb Brothers (BeeGees) and even the Crickets and the Beatles.  We even saved a Foster Brooks album that I'm hoping she will think is as funny as we always did.... although our family is dotted with our very own versions of Foster Brooks(es)???

Bailee's been introduced to Show tunes, Holiday albums, Beach Boys and her favorite by Sam De Sham and the Pharaohs...Woolly Bully!  Now it's time to serve her a "Little Help From my Friends", "She Loves You", "I Saw her Standing There" and a helping of "Sergeant Pepper" with a side of "Yellow Submarine."  Hey, if I have to deal with "Blurred Lines" and "What Does the Fox Say,"
 she can mellow with some yellow!

It's the little things♥

It's really just the little things in life that make it worth the visit here....and let me be perfectly honest and clear, this appears to be only a stop and it's often shorter than we think.

Yesterday three little things happened during my day....but to me, there was nothing little about them.


In yesterday's mail was a "thank you" card from my nursery mate (yes, we shared the same nursery nearly 62 years ago) and good friend.  We recently had a movie date and she was expressing her thanks for the invite and the time we spent together ♥

Later that morning, I received a phone call from another amazing friend apologizing for not calling me to confirm our lunch date for this week.............................This wonderful woman horrifically lost her husband on Monday (3 days prior) in a tragic farm accident. ♥♥ Who does that?


In the afternoon while perusing Face Book, I saw a post from my daughter thanking me for just doing what Moms do.  I wouldn't have it any other way♥♥♥

So, if you're waiting to win the lottery or the Publisher's Clearing House or even Money Mania, forget it.  Most of us wouldn't trade the little things we receive for all the tea in China....chocolate........... maybe♥♥♥♥ !

Nesting

I know I'm like a mama (or grandma) with a new baby...I just have to show "it" off.  Yesterday, amidst a snow storm, I was enjoying watching one of my eagles grab some venison while a few crows were being a nuisance.  Just as I set down my camera, the crows flew away and Abigail appeared.  This is the first time I had seen the two together, other than in the nest last spring.  Seeing each alone, it's hard to tell the male from the female but together, Abigail is a tad smaller in stature than Millard.  Also, Abigail was definitely giving Millard some pointers in scavenging while not lifting a talon to help.  She was eagle nagging..I could tell....... from experience.  Pretty much the rest of my morning was history.  I took tens of photos, a short video and posted them for my nature lovers to see.  I love that so many of my friends enjoy the glimpses of nature that EIEIO provides me/us. I know we have several more weeks (maybe months) of winter ahead of us but the observing of Abigail and Millard still here together, allows me to think we may enjoy another spring of nesting and chicks. They do mate forever!!  I really do need my own perch by the inlet to observe and photograph..............stranger things have happened:-0  Here are some of yesterday's shots!

Let it Snow.....

Guess what folks?  It's snowing.  That's what it does in the winter in upstate New York. If you're out of bread or milk or beer and you don't like to drive in the snow, too bad...they've predicted this for 48 hours. If you don't like it, move!  If you have to go to work, leave early and drive slowly. It's not rocket science!  Make sure your head AND taillights are clean, use your signals, don't tailgate and you should be fine.  If you don't have to head to work and snow driving unnerves you, stay home, work on your taxes, watch a Lifetime movie, clean your closet, read a book or make something scrumptious for supper or dessert.... after all, they say we could get up to ..................................................wait for it.......................

Levity..thank goodness

The last 24 hours have been a bit stressful.    Life is full of tragedies.  Thankfully, the comedies in life are present too and we often have to dig them out of our everyday life just to keep us going.

The phone just rang and the ID was "The Groton Nursing Home."  My heart always jumps a touch to see the words.  Today was one of those little comedies we reach for.  "I just wanted to let you know that we had a little incident this morning with your Mom."  Oh boy, I thought... "Has she pulled the fire alarm again?"  "No, but another resident ran over her feet with their wheel chair...she has tread marks on her big toe.  Nothing appears to be broken but we'll have the Dr. check when he gets in!"  I assured her it was "ok" and said I knew they often rolled over each other as they shuffled along.  She said, "Well actually this was an electric chair!" "An electric chair!?!", I said.....You have a resident that was so bad you put them in an electric chair?!"  This poor nurse was already frazzled at having to report a hit and run and now she was a bit speechless and not sure how to take my comments. (shocker!)  Once again, I reassured her that there would be no pending lawsuits and I was most happy with Mom's care and appreciative of all they do for her.  I think from now on,they might be calling those chairs....motorized :-)

Sports at their finest.

Well, all of the anticipated hype of the week-end didn't let me down.  The Moravia Blue Devils blew out Southern Cayuga on Friday night with a wonderful intermission to recognize the seniors on the team.  It was a 3 point shooting fest for Brett Denman.

Saturday night was one of (if not the) the greatest collegiate basketball games I've ever seen.  I caught myself actually holding my breath!  Thankfully, I was in the theater and could jump up and down, regress to my cheerleading days and act like a FANatic with no repercussions from ...................anyone!

A full day to recover was a blessing as I returned to the scene of the prime time win to witness another spectacular victory.... This time a blowout!  While so many were switching channels and decrying the lack of a real game, I was reveling in each interception, kick off return, safety and touchdown.  I AM a Seahawks fan.... at the beginning of the season and the end!