Family Discussions

Over the past weekend I had the opportunity to share some of my personal views on various issues with my family.  One of the topics we discussed was "abortion, right or wrong?"
Generally, I personally do not support abortion.  I believe that life begins at conception.
I especially do not support abortion as a form of birth control.  I think that if you're old enough to participate in sex, then you should also be adult enough to handle the consequences.  You make the decision for any unwanted results when you participate in sex.  There are so many ways to prevent contraception: no sex, female birth control, or male condoms.  Should pregnancy occur, unwanted children can also be adopted or under the Baby Moses law, left at a recognized safe place with no questions asked.
I also think a mother should be saved if there is a choice between the life of the mother and baby.  A mother is needed if there are already children in the family.

This excerpt is from the article at this website: http://pregnancy.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Medical_Reasons_for_Abortion

Health of the Mother

Although most women are able to successfully carry a pregnancy to term with no risk to their own health, there are some women who have medical conditions that make it difficult or dangerous to give birth. When faced with a pregnancy under these circumstances, abortion is one option that may be considered.

Examples of some of the conditions that can complicate a pregnancy include:  Cancer, Heart disease, Diabetes, Autoimmune disorders, HIV, AIDS, and Certain other sexually transmitted diseases.

Abortions done to preserve the mental health of the mother, such as when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, may also be classified as one of the valid medical reasons for abortion. Women who choose to have abortions when the pregnancy is the result of an abusive relationship may also be considered to fall into this category.

I have mixed thoughts on a child that results from rape of incest.  I was interested in the rate of pregnancy resulting from rape. Part of me thinks the baby should be carried to term, another part sides with the victim.  She didn't ask to become pregnant, let alone raped.  Some women have little choices when faced with forced sexual relations or cultural/religious norms.
I grew up when abortion was illegal.  I remember the coat hanger abortions and procedures performed by unqualified persons.  I don't want to go back to those times.  

The following paragraphs are taken from this link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnancy_from_rape 

[Below taken from Wikipedia article]
Rape-pregnancy incidence

Any female capable of ovulation may become pregnant after rape by a fertile male.

Estimates of the numbers of pregnancies from rape vary widely.  Recent estimate suggest that rape conception happens between 25,000 and 32,000 times each year in the U.S. In a 1996 three-year longitudinal study of 4,000 American women, physician Melisa Holmes estimated from data from her study that forced sexual intercourse causes over 32,000 pregnancies in the United States each year.  Physician Felicia H. Stewart and economist James Trussell estimated that the 333,000 assaults and rapes reported in the US in 1998 caused about 25,000 pregnancies, and up to 22,000 of those pregnancies could have been prevented by prompt medical treatment, such as emergency contraception.

Rape can cause difficulties during and after pregnancy, with potential negative consequences for both mother and child. Medical treatment following a rape includes testing for, preventing, and managing pregnancy. A woman who becomes pregnant after a rape may face a decision about whether to have an abortion, give the child up for adoption, or raise it. In some countries where abortion is illegal after rape and incest, over 90% of pregnancies in girls age 15 and under are due to rape by family members.

The false belief that pregnancy can almost never result from rape was widespread for centuries. In Europe, from medieval times well into the 1700s a man could use a woman's pregnancy as a legal defense to "prove" that he could not have raped her, since her pregnancy was thought to mean that she had enjoyed the sex and therefore consented to it. In recent decades, some pro-life politicians and organizations (such as Todd Akin) who oppose legal abortion in cases of rape have advanced claims that pregnancy very rarely arises from rape, and that the practical relevance of such exceptions to abortion law is therefore limited or non-existent.

Rate

A 1996 study of 34 cases of rape-related pregnancy estimated that in the United States, the pregnancy rate is 5.0% per rape among victims of reproductive age (aged 12 to 45).   A 1987 study also found a 5% pregnancy rate from rape among 18- to 24-year-old college students in the US.  A 2005 study placed the rape-related pregnancy rate at around 3–5%.

In the United States, 1 percent of 1,900 women questioned in 1987 listed rape or incest as the reason for having an abortion; of these, 95 percent named other reasons as well.  A 1996 study of thousands of US women showed that, of pregnancies resulting from rape, 50% were aborted, 12% resulted in miscarriage, and 38% were brought to term and either given up for adoption or raised.  Peer-reviewed studies have reported from 38% of American women to 90% of Peruvian adolescents carrying the pregnancy to term.  In Lima, Peru, where abortion is illegal, 90% of girls aged 12 to 16 who became pregnant through rape carried the child to term.  Of all children born, 1% are put up for adoption; the number of children conceived from rape who are given up for adoption was found to be about 6% in one study and 26% in another.  When a mother commits neonaticide, killing an infant younger than 24 hours old, the child's birth being the result of rape is a main cause, although other psychological and situational factors are generally present.  Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional trauma after a rape; use of these during pregnancy can harm the fetus.

Children of rape

For a mother who raises a rape-conceived child, both the traumatic effect of the rape and the child's blood relationship to the rapist can create significant psychological problems for both mother and child.  If a woman decides to keep and raise the child, she may have difficulty accepting it, and both mother and child face ostracism in some societies.

Mothers may also face legal difficulties. In most US states, the rapist maintains parental rights.  Research by legal scholar Shauna Prewitt indicates that the resulting continued contact with the rapist is damaging for women who keep the child.  She wrote in 2012 that in the US, 31 states allow rapists to assert custody and visitation rights over children conceived through rape.

I have come to the realization that the issue of abortion is many faceted.  I want to say that I have no personal experience with the need or use of abortion. I do, however, personally know women who have had abortions.  I can't honestly say how I would feel should I find myself in an unwanted pregnancy situation, especially if under-aged, raped, or molested through incest.
I was surprised to learn that over one half of the US states allow rapists to assert custody and visitation rights over children conceived through rape.  Talk about a nightmare!
I don't judge any woman who has had an abortion.  I just believe that abortion ends a life.

To All the Snow I Missed Before

To all the snow I  missed before.  To all the snow that came in and out my door....
Here's a big fluffy hello to my friends and family who are enjoying their latest snow storm.

This is from Steve Breslin, posted on The Weather Channel website today:  A powerful Winter Storm Selene hammered the Rockies, Plains and Midwest Wednesday and Thursday, bringing an entire region to a halt, both on the ground and in the air.

In Colorado, the state's National Guard resources were deployed to assist with rescue missions as every major highway leading out of Denver was closed, making travel nearly impossible Wednesday afternoon. More than 1,300 flights were canceled Wednesday at Denver International Airport, and officials were forced to halt all operations for several hours due to the severe wintry conditions. Once the roadway leading to the airport was cleared, the airport reopened at 7 p.m. Wednesday night.

More than 30 inches of snow fell from this storm alone in parts of Colorado; when the snow stopped, DIA officially reported 13.1 inches. Further east, the snow continued to fall Thursday on the Upper Midwest.

Storm beverage cooler

Here’s the latest from this winter storm.

Wisconsin

Top snowfall total: 13 inches, multiple locations

Most major roadways across central Wisconsin were either snow- or ice-covered Thursday morning, complicating travel. A few incidents were reported, but all major roadways were open Thursday morning.  Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency in a statement as Winter Storm Selene moved into the Badger State.  This storm "may cause dangerous drifting and blowing snow as well as limited visibility on roads and highways, causing treacherous driving conditions," Walker announced. "As a precautionary measure, we want to ensure all state resources are available and ready, if needed.  We urge all Wisconsinites to be cautious of the weather conditions and remain safe while outside or driving.”  Walker called upon members of the Wisconsin National Guard to active duty to help authorities as needed, according to the Associated Press.  Many schools will be closed Thursday as the state deals with this winter storm.

Minnesota

Top snowfall total: 12 inches, multiple locations

In south-central Minnesota, authorities advised residents to stay off roads unless travel was necessary Wednesday night into Thursday, the AP reported.  Over 100 flights both departing and arriving into Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport were canceled Wednesday, according to FlightAware. On Thursday morning, cancellations were minimal.  Many Minnesota school districts are closed Thursday.

South Dakota

Top snowfall total: 14.3 inches, near North Sioux City

Southeastern South Dakota was hit hardest by Selene, and the effects of the storm were still being felt Thursday morning. A portion of Interstate 29 was closed Thursday from Sioux City, Iowa, to Highway 50. Wednesday afternoon and evening, thundersnow was reported in this part of the Mount Rushmore State as the storm moved through.  In Rapid City, additional snow-removal crews were brought in overnight Wednesday to battle the storm, and Ellsworth Air Force Base permitted non-essential personnel to report late, the AP also said.  Some school districts will remain closed.

Iowa

Top snowfall total: 17 inches, near Sioux City (social media report)

More than a foot of snow fell in parts of northern Iowa from Selene, and officials warned motorists to be careful on roadways if they needed to travel at all. Areas north and east of I-29 were especially hazardous.  Schools have been closed in parts of the state due to the weather.

Nebraska

Top snowfall total: 15 inches, near Wakefield

Several highways in Nebraska were closed by Selene, including a stretch of more than 100 miles of I-80 from Brule to the Wyoming state line. Many trucks opted to stop traveling through the state and wait out the winter storm, Becky Buda, a clerk at the Sapp Bros. Travel Center off I-80 in Sidney, told the AP. On Thursday morning, I-80 reopened across the entire state.  A snow alert was declared for the city.

Scot Crawford Photography: "Frozenberry"

Colorado

Top snowfall total: Up to 31.6 inches, near Pinecliffe

A very dangerous situation unfolded Wednesday when relentless snowfall covered roadways and gusty winds brought visibilities down to unsafe levels for travel. Officials were forced to close Interstates 25, 70 and 76 in all directions out of Denver when the snow became too heavy for the nearly 500 plows to keep up.  "There are many accidents," Colorado State Police Trooper Nate Reid told the Denver Post. "I would never be able to give you a number."  Thursday morning, all interstates reopened except I-70, which remained closed from east of Denver all the way to the Kansas state line.  A "very large number of patients" have been admitted into the University of Colorado Hospital's emergency department as a result of snow-related car accidents, said hospital spokesperson Dan Weaver. "That's been the main cause of patient transports to the hospital (Wednesday)."

WOW! is all I can say.  Here in Wichita, KS, spring is busting out all over!!!
We're taking Steve's truck out to Colorado.  That should give us better traction and ability to get through the snow.  I was just driving through Colorado and western Kansas a few days ago!
It's hard to imagine all that snow and bad weather when you're sitting in glorious sunshine, warm temperatures, and seeing green everywhere.

Are you planning to dye eggs for Easter? Tired of the same old colors?  Here's a guide to use to make new colors.

 You will need 1 cup of boiling water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar for EACH final color.  For example, for deep purple you will need 1 cup boiling water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 7 drops of blue food coloring and 3 drops of pink food coloring in your egg dying container. Place hard boiled egg in colored water and leave until desired color appears.

You can use a white or yellow crayon to write names or messages or draw pictures on hard boiled eggs BEFORE coloring them, also.

NOTE:  In checking over the color chart, (at left) I'm not sure that mixing green and pink will get you apricot; especially since the caps of the dye bottles are red and yellow.  Let me know if it works for you.

For more egg coloring ideas, check out these links:   http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/more-holidays/dye-easter-eggs OR  http://www.marthastewart.com/275626/egg-dyeing-101

Eating at Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich

Look for this logo

I had lunch out today.  I stopped at the Chick-Fil-A on 21st Street here in Wichita. (There are 4 stores in Wichita.)  I had been introduced to the delicious chicken sandwiches when I was out in Colorado and wanted to eat one again.  Believe it or not, I had never patronized the chicken food diner before.  I will say Chick-Fil-A does indeed make the best tasting chicken sandwich I have ever eaten!  What I like is that there's not all that goop on it like other places. (only if you ask for it and there's a condiment table available)  When I placed my order I mentioned off-handedly that I had never been to this Chic-Fil-A before.  When I went to pay, I was told that because it was my first time at their diner, my meal was free! BONUS!  The frozen coffee they are offering for a limited time is really good, too  It's like a frappe.  I know Chick-fil-A has been in the news since 2012 about their anti-same-sex marriage views and they still remain strong in their stand.  They also are not open on Sundays. (neither is Hobby-Lobby or Fareway Stores)  Everyone is entitled to their opinion.  So be it, their chicken sandwiches taste good!

From the Church of England

May our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and people of Brussels, Belgium.
When will this senseless killing end?

Here is a link to more prayers of peace from the Church of England:  https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topical-prayers/prayers-for-peace.aspx

+ Dear Father, Hear our prayers.

In a few days I head back to Colorado, this time with Steve!  We are going to help our grandson celebrate his 3rd birthday.  He's sharing the party with his cousin, Nora, who will be 5-years-old.  Lynne and Dave are going to be there also.  Steve and I are staying in a Colorado hotel.  Our dog girls will be staying in the "Auburn Hills Animal Hotel" in KS.  We'll be watching the weather, both in Kansas and Colorado.  Storm warnings are posted in both states, plus Nebraska and Iowa.

Until we meet again.....

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

The snow started lightly falling yesterday and continued through the night.  This morning there were several inches of the white stuff to welcome us! I hadn't seen this much snow for a long time!
But did that stop me from going to the Harmony Library Book Sale here in Fort Collins?!?  No sir-ree!  Marie had cased out the book selection yesterday when she and Sam went to the library for a visit.  She told me that there were a number of Harry Potter books available.  I was missing a few volumes.  Yes, I bought some books. I was also able to purchase a copy of Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski for my Newbery Award Winners collection.  I am always on the look-out for 1st edition books, author-signed copies and older copies that might be valuable.  Marie picked up some books for Sam, too.

Cast of "The Outsiders"

Last night I accompanied Marie to The Wild Boar, a coffee shop and cafe in Fort Collins.  It's one of our favorite places.  Then we went home where Marie, Jeff, and I watched the 1983 movie, The Outsiders.  The movie cast included Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Emilio Estevez and Diane Lane (not pictured).  Many of the actors went on to star in popular movies.  You remember reading the book by S.E. Hinton, right?  Hinton was 16 and a junior in high school when she finished the coming-of-age novel.  It was published in 1967.  (Feel old?)


I'd like to welcome the newest addition to the family!  Congratulations to our niece Leandra and her husband, Daniel and daughter, Sophie on the birth of Riley Kay on 11-MAR-2016.  What a beautiful child.
In June, another nephew, Adam and his wife, Debraun, and daughters will welcome their new baby.

In other count-downs we are crossing off the days until Lynne and Dave's wedding in April.  Things seem to be falling into place.

Stan Update: My Dad goes in for the artery procedure today.  He was scheduled to go in at noon, GA time) but there was an emergency at the hospital so he's still waiting (4 hours later).  Hopefully it won't be much longer!!!!

Closing today with these thoughts...

Rocky Mountain High!

There's a lot of news to share with you all....
Yes, I made it to Colorado.  Finally!  It's always such a long trip from Kansas to Colorado.  I keep in touch with Steve via texting and phone calls along the way (not while I'm driving, of course!)  When I saw the mountains, I texted Steve.  He was jealous.  I got here after dark and the traffic was terrible!  It was bumper-to-bumper with frequent stops.  When I arrived at Marie & Jeff's house, Lynne's fiance had already left for his bachelor party in Denver.  I got see him on Sunday.

On Saturday we did indeed go to the St. Patrick's Day Parade!  The day started out chilly but really warmed up in the afternoon.  Lucky Joe's, a pub here in Ft. Collins, sponsored the parade.  A pipe band started the almost 100 units in the parade rolling down the street! There was a huge Guinness truck, Irish dancers, military patrols - you know, the usual.  When we arrived for the festivities, Sam commented, "Mama, there's a lot of green here!"  The Mountain View Christian Church served free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies to parade-goers.  They even opened up their restrooms for the public.  Jeff's parents (Marie's husband) joined for the morning activities.

On Sunday, I drove to Longmont, CO, to meet up with Dave so he could pick up Lynne and head back to NM.  Later that evening I, along with Marie and her family, were supper guests of Jeff's parents in Loveland, CO,  I enjoyed a tour of their new home. (It's beautiful!)  They have a nice little backyard, too.  We were treated to an Irish supper of corned beef brisket, cabbage, boiled potatoes, and apple pie with ice cream.  Jim and Julie have recently moved to CO from Nebraska.  Little Sam goes to Nana and Bumpa's house every week for the day.  Jim and Julie met while students at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

On Tuesday, I joined Jeff's grandparents, James & Harriet, for coffee at their usual kaffe klache spot in FC.  They and a number of their friends gather on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I look forward to meeting with them.  Whenever I am in Fort Collins, I try to attend one  (or more) of their get-togethers.   I have been sharing fellowship with the group for about 5 years.  There's one fellow, Earl, who grew up in Iowa.  He calls me, "that Iowa girl."  I guess I get to be the "girl" or "young lady" because I am the youngest! (They are all older than me.)  Many of the group members have retired in CO from other states.  Sometimes the face and name changes, but that's the fun of it.  And they have the best stories!

I told Steve that I was heading home on Saturday or Sunday.  There's 31 degrees and snow predicted for Friday in Fort Collins followed by more cold temps, but sunny on Saturday.  The sun should help to melt the snow.  It's supposed to get up to 51 degrees in Wichita on Saturday.

Don't forget to wear your green tomorrow!

Stomp Trump!

OK.  I don't want to start a political fight.  But IMHO and not so humble opinion, I think that Donald Trump has gone too far.
While I will agree that he is aggressive, I think he is way over the top!  His supporters are saying "he's only voicing what the US people want."  Do we really want his brand of blatant hate against ethic groups, sexes, immigrants, and religions?  The disrespect he shows toward those who disagree with him?  His vulgar attitude?  This American citizen doesn't!!!

Women, immigrants, Mexicans, ugly or overweight people, BEWARE! And that's just a start of the list.  Instead of me filling up lots of space with examples, just click this link:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/18-real-things-donald-trump-has-said-about-women_us_55d356a8e4b07addcb442023  OR  http://www.refinery29.com/2015/08/91867/donald-trump-offensive-quotes#slide-17  -  I DARE YOU!

Donald Trump

I can't make this stuff up!  If he treats his fellow Americans like this,what finesse will he use to work with our foreign neighbors?  I can just imagine what our fellow world neighbors are saying?!?
He IS NOT Presidential material.  He's a bully!  In the schools, we have in place programs AGAINST bullying.  What a wonderful role model he'll make!  In case you didn't notice, that was satire!

Marco Rubio

Now, you're asking - If not Donald Trump, then who?  Sadly, I don't know!  I'll be honest, I'm leaning toward Bernie Sanders or Marco Rubio.  I always cheer for the underdogs. I just know that I don't want my next US President to be Donald Trump! 

Bernie Sanders

There's not much time left!  In the end it will probably come down to choosing between Donald Trump and Hillary Rodham Clinton for president. Who to vote for?
I don't believe that ever before has this American voter been faced with such a dilema when choosing a Presidential candidate. Really, there is something I don't like about EACH candidate.
I look forward to your comments and insights.

+ May God guide the voters, the candidates, and the United States in the months to come. +

I'm getting excited for St. Patrick's Day...

Until next time.....

AAAHHH! I'm Shrinking!

I had my 3 month regular doctor appointment.  I'm shrinking!  I'm down to 5 feet, 2 1/2 inches.  I've always listed my height as 5 feet 4 inches.  The doctor said it could be partly blamed on the back injuries I received in the car accident in 2014.  Remember that 1981 movie with Lilly Tomlin called The Incredible Shrinking Woman?  I feel like her. Well, that's an extreme!  In other news my psoriasis is getting worse and I'm getting set up with a dermatologist for further care. It is spreading to my face and returning to my legs. My back is covered with the plaque scabs and it really itches.  Steve puts medicated cream on it and that helps for awhile.

Tomorrow I head out to Colorado to visit Marie, Jeff & Sam.  Lynne and Dave are going to be there also.   Marie tells me that we're going to a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Fort Collins.  I bought us all shamrock headboppers.  I got Marie a green sash that says, "Kiss Me I'm Irish" and Sam a shamrock glow stick, some beads,  and green sunglasses.  Lynne can wear the green boa.  Since I AM 14% IRISH, I'll also be wearing some green. My headband says "Irish Princess."  Maybe I'll make an Irish supper of potato soup, soda bread, and Guinness cake.  Mom always served us green pancakes for breakfast on St. Patrick's Day.  I remember Steve's grandmother, Marion Boyle Wiese, always celebrated this holiday, before she passed away.


SOAP BOX ALERT: I really get tired of all the drunken Irish jokes.  So I don't use anything with a beer mug or drinking slogan on it for St. Pat's Day.  I know, I know, Guinness is a national drink of Ireland and Jameson Whiskey is too.  I guess it's a good thing I don't like the taste of either!  I do lift a glass of green beer to our Irish ancestors though.  Slainte!  (Pronounced as slawn-cha)  To your health!  Note: Use orange colored beer if your ancestors are from Northern Ireland or Ulster!
 
I got a St. Patrick's Day card from my sister Tina.  I need to send my cards out too.  I don't want to forget my friend, Terri McAtkinson!

I'm sending Get-Well wishes out for my Aunt Mary Margaret Beasley who is recuperating from cancer surgery on her face. Please say a prayer for her and keep her in your thoughts.  She says she will need plastic surgery when the stitches come out.

I've Died And Gone To Heaven!!!

There is a DAV Thrift Store in Wichita that sells nothing but BOOKS! (and DVD's, CD's & some magazines)  On the first Saturday of the month all their books are 3 for $1.00!  That includes hardbacks, paperbacks, vintage, fiction, non-fiction, spirals, color books - you name it!
I went there today and ONLY spent $20.00!  Yes, that equals 60+ new-to-me books!  I did buy some books for the church library and my Dad, BTW.  :)  I was able to get 11 books to add to my Newbery & Caldecott collections  = less than $4.00.  The books are in pretty good condition, too!
Regularly books sell for $2.00 for hardbacks and 20-50 cents for paperbacks.  There are shopping carts for you pleasure. (Imagine that!)  I saw several cart loads of books leaving the building.
I only got through 2 rooms before Steve told it was time to go. There were 2 other rooms AND a warehouse.  Steve said the warehouse was full of tables loaded with boxes of books plus boxes below the tables!  Like I said, I never did get to the warehouse.  :(  One of the cashiers told me that sometimes there are people waiting for them to unlock the doors so that they can get in.  Almost like a Book Black Friday!

I was also able to purchase a 25th anniversary promotional brochure about John Denver (1943-1997).  It contains pictures and facts about him.  I regret to this day not going to see him in concert in 1975 in Sioux Falls, SD.  It cost only $8.00!  What was I thinking?!?  Hey, Loren, why didn't we go to that concert?  I really miss JD's music.  He made some good movies too.  I always liked to watch PBS on TV when they did their money donation marathon because one night they would feature John Denver.

I'd like to give a shout out to my cousin Sandy in IL!  Thanks for reading my blog.  I always like to hear from people who enjoy the blog or who have a comment.

Tomorrow I work in the church library after the first church service (8:30 am until 9:00 am) then Steve and I will go out for breakfast probably at Jimmy's Egg on West Street.  The West Street J's E diner is Steve's favorite one in all of Wichita.  We go there so often that they know us!

Well, here's my final thought.  Have a special day until we meet again!

MARCH!

It's Friday!!!  TGIF!  It may be the last weekday, but I think the week still goes by so quickly. It the older I get the faster time flies!

This past week I've been working at the church library processing books.  I am impressed with the  many quality donations given to support the collection. I even donated some books!

For those wondering, my Dad goes through his 3rd procedure next week,  It will be the artery procedure.  After the treatment and recovery he will be deciding whether he will stay living with Tim or return to Iowa to live in assisted living.  Either way we will all gather to help him move out of the Milford house sometime this spring.
He says he's been busy reading his western genre books. Trudy sent him 3 small boxes full of books to read.  Dad says he reads a  new one every few days. I'll have to get him some news titles. He'll take any westerns or historical non-fiction you care to share.

Next week, Lynne, Dave, and I travel to Colorado to visit Marie, Jeff and Sam.  I can't wait!  Dave is going to a Bachelor Party.  Marie, Lynne, and I are going shopping for wedding clothes and working on wedding plans.  I get to see my boy, Sam.  I plan to drive over so we'll have an extra car to use.

OK, who remembers the old prediction describing March weather, "In like a lion, out like a lamb?"  When I was living in Iowa it was easy to tell the answer to that.  Here in Kansas, the weather is so mild.  The thermometer reached 70 degrees last week and has remained above 45 degrees.  I even have a sedum plant sprouting.  I hope the nice temperatures aren't an indication of bad weather to come!

Here's some leprechaun fun!  What's your Leprechaun Name?  Mine is Sprinkles McWoozy McKnob!  Read the directions!

 

The Luck of the Irish

Anyone who knows me knows how much I enjoy celebrating Saint Patrick's Day, Irish culture, and being Irish!  So I'm starting my 17 Days of Irish Love - TODAY!
When I had my DNA analyzed it came back 14% Irish. Ireland is one culture group that makes up the Celts.   Celtic heritage takes in ancestors from Ireland, Cornwall-England, Isle of Man, Brittany-France, Scotland, Wales, and Galicia-Spain.  I also have genetic traces from Great Britain (7%), Iberian Peninsula (8%) and Western Europe (62%).  
Of course, Steve probably has more Irish blood than me,  He can trace his GGG-father Patrick Boyle to Strabane-County Tyrone-Ireland who married Alice Boyle from Ardee-Couthy Louth-Ireland.
Steve and I were so lucky to visit both Ardee and Strabane when we were in Ireland last year.  We had such a grand time on the green isle!

I already have St. Patrick's Day decorations up around the house. This week I'll mail out my SP'sD cards. Now I need to get the green and orange clothes and the shamrock designed socks out!  I always try to wear both green and orange because the Republic of Ireland has green, orange and white in it's flag.  Of course, Northern Ireland or Ulster flies the British flag.  I'll have my usual Irish Supper complete with potato soup, soda bread, rasher, cabbage and whiskey or Bailey's Irish Cream.  Want to come?

Miss Shamrock 1979

Every year Emmetsburg, Iowa, celebrates its Irish heritage with a St. Patrick's Day week-long celebration. The city was given the name "Emmetsburg" in honor of Irish patriot Robert Emmet.  The celebration has been going on since 1961.
The St. Patrick's Miss Shamrock Pageant is held on the Sunday before the celebration week and is open to area high school women. This pageant is a gateway to scholarships and further competition in the Miss Iowa and Miss America pageants.  
Back in 1979 my youngest sister, Trudy, competed in the pageant and was crowned Miss Shamrock. Trudy went on to compete in the Miss Iowa Pageant. (Look at the size of that trophy!)
Miss Shamrock represents Emmetsburg and the St. Patrick's Association in area parades.
For more info about Emmetburg's Celebration go here:  http://www.emmetsburgirishgifts.com/st_pats_events.htm



Well, my final thought for the day....