On Remodeling I

We love our home; it was built in the 1910's, with hardwood floors and old electrical. We are not really remodeling the house, we are returning it to it's former Edwardian era glory. So naturally I spend a lot of time researching and finding reproduction hardware sites. Downstairs rooms have 10 foot ceilings which have been lowered, and we are going to rip out, if everything goes well I am going to put up a tin ceiling in the living room. Everything is lathe and plaster, which is in great shape and we are keeping intact. Because of the lathe and plaster walls, we also have picture rails. Of course plaster walls provide some challenges for having the rewiring done, but it is worth it. Every room downstairs (except the bathroom) is paneled....Yes, even the kitchen is paneled! So that is the first thing that comes out! I have been taking before, during (in some cases), and after pictures, so as I talk in future posts about the changes I will include some of the pics.....I have included a few pictures of some of the miscellaneous things in the house that we love.......More to come soon...

Here's a picture to ponder........Can you guess what it is?
Here's a picture of some of the light fixtures in the house........

On Christopher Lee

I don't watch 'Reality' shows, and I don't normally follow the lives of Actors and Actresses; I do have my own life. However, there is one actor that I do admire and respect very much.
Mr. Christopher Lee.
So I thought I would spend a minute and chat about him in honour of his Birthday.

Every write up/blog/interview/movie website I have ever found on the Internet, basically regurgitates the same information about Mr. Lee, so I won't. (If you want to know his biography/filmography; you can Google him, Wikipedia, or visit his website; there are no shortages of sources).

So what is so fascinating about Christopher Lee that I would blog about him? Lot's of things, but I won't bore you with recounting all of it. But before I start, for those of you not familiar with him, here are some of the more recent characters he has portrayed in film: 'Saruman' from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, 'Count Dooku' from Star Wars, and 'Death' (Voice of) from The Colour of Magic. Below is a montage I created a few years ago, featuring a number of characters Mr. Lee had portrayed in films.....
I have one of his biographies (The Lord of Misrule), and I have watched many of his movies, not all, but those where the storyline interested me, and I could actually get my hands on a copy. Movies which gave me a glimpse of his diverse abilities be it drama, horror, historical, comedy, or fantasy. I have a number of CD’s where he has collaborated with different artists in different music genres; these have highlighted Mr. Lee as a ‘multi-faceted’ performer. Though I have gleaned quite a bit of information, I know there is still so much more to this gentleman.

Mr. Lee is more than just a great actor; he is accomplished in literary ventures with published poetry and three books to his credit. Mr. Lee has also provided a number of narrations for various audio books, and has provided his voice for a number of recent computer games. Mr. Lee has donated a picture, a short note and the pen he wrote with, to the charity for the ‘Wipe out Illiteracy’. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are also very active in Children's Charities; including UNICEF.

Mr. Lee has performed at various times over the years in the music industry, not only releasing singles and albums (One of which went ‘Platinum’ in the UK; recently) and singing opera, but also; narrations to Stravinsky’s ‘A Soldiers Tale’ (Where he did ALL of the different characters!), narrations to The Tolkien Ensembles ‘Dawn at Rivendell’, and narrations to the Italian Group Rhapsody of Fire ‘The Dark Secret’.
I am not a 'Heavy Metal' Fan, but because of Mr. Lee's collaboration with the group Rhapsody of Fire, I got the albums and absolutely love them! Mr. Lee has performed songs with Rhapsody of Fire and recorded one album in 4 different languages (One of the songs/video off the album (English Version), and my favorite is embedded at the bottom of the page). On that note, Mr. Lee speaks seven languages and has traveled the world, bridging cultural and generational gaps with his wonderful personality and talent.

I hadn't thought about Christopher Lee in years; I remember seeing him in various films (1984; Police Academy; etc), but who he was never 'clicked' with me until Dave and I went to see the 'Lord of the Rings'. There was this actor; the perfect 'Saruman'; the Saruman I had always mentally pictured when I read the books. Then the credits, and who should it be.......none other than the 'Christopher Lee'; whom I hadn't thought about in years. I have now been a member of his website since 2004; and have not only learned a lot about him, but have also met (virtually in most cases; except one close friend that I did have the chance to meet on one of our trips to London) other people who consider Mr. Lee the iconic personality he is........

There are many of the members who have personally met Mr. Lee and they are great about sharing their experiences meeting him. Through other channels (of which I will not elaborate on; because of 'TRUST' ), I have learned many funny and wonderful (true) stories about Mr. Lee, which have given me a glimpse into his personality.

Mr. Lee will be 87 on Wednesday, 27 May 2009, but he still stays busy! He has a number of completed films that will be out this year, and he also has a number of films that he is currently working on. One special project due out this year is a CD/DVD called Emperor Charlemagne. It is touted as "the epic story of Emperor Charlemagne narrated and sung by the legendary actor Christopher Lee, who will be joined by guest stars from the movie world....". So patiently we wait for its release!

Also, word in cyberspace is that Mr. Lee will portray the 'Jabberwock' in Tim Burton's New 'Alice in Wonderland'. I will be interested to see what Tim Burton has in mind for Lewis Carroll's stories. Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass are two books that I have read over and over again throughout the years, never tire of, and still Love to read!

Well, I promised not to go on and on, so I will end this blog post wishing Christopher Lee a Very Happy Birthday, with many more to come!

Cheers.

Flowers and More Flowers

There may be a lot of 'conveniences' that aren't available where we live, but we have a wonderful local nursery. We went shopping today and got some more flowers for my garden, some herbs and 2 tomato plants. The one item that the greenhouse excels in are hanging baskets! I bought two today for our front porch.

This year I am trying some new flowers; and they are turning out to be my new favorites! I have a beautiful white Hydrangea, and some Dahlia's, that are so pretty.

Below are some pictures of our new flowers......

On Memorial Day

Memorial Day.

What is Memorial Day?

A three day weekend? A day off from Work or School? A time to have bbq's with friends and family? The start of summer fun? Well, in a way yes; all of these are associated with Memorial Day.

But is that it? How many know and understand today what Memorial Day is; where it comes from and why it is a National Holiday?

Being a veteran, being married to a veteran, having father's, relatives and friends that are veterans, it is easy for us to remember what this 'Day of Remembrance' stands for. Today, with the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, half a world away, and so many who have died during these wars for OUR Country; Memorial Day as a 'Day of Remembrance' should be foremost in our minds and hearts.

I was looking around the web to see what information was available on Memorial day, and I was saddened to come across the following statement....

"Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
(Quoted from: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html).


Because of this sad state,in the year 2000 the following was established:

"The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans." (http://www.remember.gov/).


Dave came home from work with a Red Poppy today.............

Next question:

What is the significance of the 'Red Poppy'? Why is it always around right before Memorial Day?


"Inspired by a poem entitled, “In Flanders Fields”, the poppy has become the flower symbol for the Memorial Day Holiday.The poppy was first recognized as the Memorial Day flower in 1915 when a woman by the name of Moina Michael began to sell poppies in an effort to encourage further recognition of the day.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

This blog post is my tribute/contribution to the 'Moment of Remembrance' and Memorial Day. If only one person reading this observes the minute of silence on Memorial Day (at 3pm local time), it will be one more person who knows and remembers those who have fallen in honour, in the service of our Country.
As a final note to this blog; it doesn't matter if you support the current wars or not. It is your RIGHT to have and express your opinion under the US Constitution. But Please keep this close to your heart..... You have that right because of the men and women throughout our history who have fought to protect your rights; to protect OUR US Constitution.

Don't turn your back on our Servicemen (women), and don't cheapen the memory of those who have died fighting for OUR freedom.
I don't know how many who may read this have served in the US Military; but I thought I would share with you 'The OATH of Enlistment' for the US NAVY. I would like you to know what faith these Sailors (and all branches of the Military) are placing on our Country and on us:

The Oath of Enlistment

I, ___________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

I hope you have a safe and happy Memorial Day.
A Moment of Remembrance.
A Day of Remembrance.

On Gato

Gato absolutely loves boxes; she sleeps in them and jumps in and out of them.....Don't bother with cat toys! A box or a crumpled piece of paper keeps her happy....As well as 'treats'....She knows her basket has toys and treats in it....

One cat, ready to ship! (Just kidding; we couldn't live without her!).

On Spring and Gardening

The temperatures are finally warming up to the mid to upper 70's! I have spent the last 2 weekends getting my flower gardens in order and also doing basic yard work.
We have 3 huge Englemann Spruce in our backyard

(along with 2 apple trees) which dump a ton of needles and
pine cones every year.....Here are some pics of the backyard
garden (I still have a bunch of plants to put in) and the apple
trees that are in bloom.






Dave got a new BBQ which we absolutely love (it has a 'smoker' section to it)....I have included a pic of his new summer toy.....

Watermelon is a sure sign of spring/summer and we got a great deal on one of those small, seedless ones. Unfortunately, we can never eat ANYTHING by ourselves...Gato always has to have some...And even though this watermelon is sweet (didn't think cats liked sweet); Gato loves the juice and to gnaw on the watermelon flesh........We swear she thinks she is a person and doesn't realize that she is a cat!


This weekend the lettuce, cherry tomato, and bell pepper seedlings will be transfered to their earth boxes (these are really cool gardening pots).......More to come later.......

Here's a story to make you smile!

I have chatted before on how much we love London, England; especially the people there. Here's a story that was posted on the BBC website; that brought a smile....It not only shows how cute the elderly can be, but how good-hearted the royal family can be.......

Catherine Masters(of Oxfordshire, England), a 109 year old woman, wrote to Queen Elizabeth complaining that the last 5 birthday cards sent to her, the Queen wore the same dress.

Prince William surprised Ms. Masters with a visit and had tea with her. Ms. Masters told Prince William that the Queen needed to obtain some new outfits and Prince William responded telling Ms. masters that his grandmother 'would change her outfit this year'.

Just cute....

Here are the BBC links if you are interested and have the time.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8046886.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/8045654.stm


Happy Birthday Catherine Masters!

Another Great Horned Owl Update!

I hope I am not boring you, but these creatures are so beautiful, and I have never seen them this close...Usually it is at 'binocular' distance! So........This morning I was able to see all three 'fluff balls'. Two of them were on branches and the third was still in the nest. After 'mom' went to hunt for mice, I took these pics!

Great Horned Owls Update

We discovered this morning that there are actually 3 fledgling Great Horned Owls! Two of the 'fluff balls' were out on the branches this morning. The third is still in the nest and I couldn't get a good picture of it........I took pictures of the two 'fluff balls' this morning! They are just so beautiful!
I hope you enjoy!

Great Horned Owls

Spring has sprung in Colorado....We have lots of wildlife around the area. Last week we discovered a Great Horned Owl nest in one of the trees at work. There is one fledgling which had fallen out of it's nest; but one of our 'Firemen' climbed up the tree and returned it to the nest. I managed to get a couple of pictures of the mom and baby this morning. They are beautiful birds, so I thought I would share the pics with you!
Remember you can click on the pic to enlarge it....

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

In celebration of all 'mom's' I decided to share some (smiles and) quotes on motherhood by Erma Bombeck. She has always been one of my favorite humourists.....Ever since I read the book 'The Grass is always greener over the septic tank'.

I also want to send special wishes to my mom, my mom-in-law, and my aunt; three women who are an important part of my life. I Love you all! Have a Very Happy Mother's Day!

Erma Bombeck on Motherhood:

“One thing they never tell you about child raising is that for the rest of your life, at the drop of a hat, you are expected to know your child's name and how old he or she is.”

"No self-respecting mother would run out of intimidations on the eve of a major holiday."

"Everyone is guilty at one time or another of throwing out questions that beg to be ignored, but mothers seem to have a market on the supply. "Do you want a spanking or do you want to go to bed?" Don't you want to save some of the pizza for your brother?" Wasn't there any change?"

"Mothers have to remember what food each child likes or dislikes, which one is allergic to penicillin and hamster fur, who gets carsick and who isn't kidding when he stands outside the bathroom door and tells you what's going to happen if he doesn't get in right away. It's tough.
If they all have the same hair color they tend to run together."

"When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it's a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway. "

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Well Cinco de Mayo is upon us. Living in a mostly Hispanic area, we have lots of great Mexican restaurants. Hatch chili's (from New Mexico) are the best green chili's! They are great roasted and added to almost any dish. We like to eat hamburgers with strips of roaste green chilis, or chopped up and covering scrambled eggs! Roasted green chili's are great stored in the freezer; for use any time of year. One word of warning though.....The longer the chili is stored in the freezer, the hotter it gets! (This from a University Extension on Chili Peppers; and I believe it!).

I thought I would share a couple of simple (but tasty) recipes in celebration of this day. The Stuffed Jalepeno Pepper recipe is from a friend of ours at work. Gene makes these for almost every potluck at work, and there are never any left over. I make them at least once a month or twice if we can stand the heat! We love them!
I hope you enjoy these recipes.......Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Fun with Photoshop CS3

I have been learning and playing with Photoshop in my spare time. I have been having a great time making backgrounds for this blog....Actually, I probably should work on the blog posts more than the backgrounds....

I thought I would share some of the backgrounds; you may or may not see them in the future....I have reduced them down in size so as to keep the blog happy........

I hope you enjoy! Remember you can click on the picture to see it a bit larger!

The Weekend

This is a fairly nice weekend so far..... We had a threat of rain, but it never materialized. We do have a chance of snow tonight, but we are hoping that doesn't materialize! It was a bit chilly to do yard work, so it was time to sort through the closets and drawers and swap sweaters for T-shirts. Of course with the precaution of keeping at least one or two sweaters, in case the weather decides not to cooperate. We shall see.....I will leave you with a few pictures of the mountains (our view from the backyard)......