Bits and Pieces of Randomness

A LITTLE KNOWN STORY FROM 9/11 - THE PENTAGON

2011-09-09T16:28:00.001-04:00

This was emailed to me today from a pretty reliable source. I wonder how many stories there are that we never heard about?

**********************************************************************************

During a visit with a fellow chaplain, who happened to be assigned to the Pentagon, I had a chance to hear a first-hand account of an incident that happened right after Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.

The chaplain told me what happened at a daycare center near where the impact occurred. This daycare had many children, including infants who were in heavy cribs. The daycare supervisor, looking at all the children they needed to evacuate, was in a panic over what they could do. There were many children, mostly toddlers, as well as the infants that would need to be taken out with the cribs. There was no time to try to bundle them into carriers and strollers.

Just then a young Marine came running into the center and asked what they needed. After hearing what the
center director was trying to do, he ran back out into the hallway and disappeared. The director thought, 'Well, here we are-on our own.'

About 2 minutes later, that Marine returned with 40 other Marines in tow.

Each of them grabbed a crib with a child, and the rest started gathering up toddlers. The director and her staff then helped them take all the children out of the center and down toward the park near the Potomac and the Pentagon.

Once they got about 3/4 of a mile outside the building, the Marines stopped in the park, and then did a fabulous thing - they formed a circle with the cribs, which were quite sturdy and heavy, like the covered wagons in the Old West. Inside this circle of cribs, they put the toddlers, to keep them from wandering off. Outside this circle were the 40 Marines, forming a perimeter around the children and waiting for instructions. There they remained until the parents could be notified and come get their children.

The chaplain then said, "I don't think any of us saw nor heard of this on any of the news stories of the day. It was an incredible story of our men there. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. The thought of those Marines and what they did and how fast they reacted; could we expect any less from them? It was one of the most touching stories from the Pentagon."

Remember Ronald Reagan's great compliment: "Most of us wonder if our lives made any difference. Marines don't have that problem."

God Bless the USA , our troops, and you.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the military, please pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

********************************************************************************

This photo was taken a week ago ... Arlington National Cemetery ... just a reminder of those who have given their all - for us!

Thank you Google and Redgage for allowing people to voice their opinions.

http://www.redgage.com/c-mggnb

WHAT IS IN OUR MAKEUP??

2011-08-19T11:33:00.001-04:00

As I was chopping vegetables for homemade soup I was watching/listening to the "Doctors" television show. I was glad I did as it was all about the ingredients in makeup.

I thought it was just another "let's sensationalize" something - interesting but nothing that would have any effect on me. However, having a little time on my hands, I decided to go to the website they talked about and check out some of the ingredients in the makeup I have in my medicine cabinet. I'm glad I did. I suggest you do the same. The website is www.ewg.org/skindeep.

One of the main reasons wanted to check it out is because a friend of mine discovered the horrible rash she kept getting on her face was due to her nail polish. That's right - nail polish! After much testing and some very high doctor bills, it was discovered she was highly allergic to formaldehyde. Nail polish often contains formaldehyde. When I heard this, I looked at each of my nail polish bottles - throwing out all bottles that contained formaldehyde.

Today I learned from the show that the letters DMDM means formaldehyde. Now more of the nail polish has gone in the trash. Then I discovered some of my makeup has DMDM listed as one of the ingredients! Move over nail polish, liquid makeup is on it's way.

After the nail polish was in the trash, I looked at the ingredients in the Youth Code Day Lotion I've been using.

The website gives each ingredient a rating. The higher the rating the more dangerous the ingredient is. The rating grades are, a low hazard 0-2, a medium hazard 3-6 and a high hazard 7-10. However, I discovered even ingredients with a 3 can have some heavy duty concerns.

The day lotion only has 4 active ingredients - with ratings of one 2, two 3's and one 4. All of them appear to be synthetic sunscreens. One of them (the first ingredient listed) breaks down in sunlight. Another ingredient is a weak hormone disruptor and can enhance penetration of a toxic herbicide.

It doesn't get any better, so I decided it had to go. Now it too is sharing space with the nail polish.

I urge you to check all the bottles, jars and containers you have stashed and to read labels.

Have I thrown everything out? Absolutely not! Could I? Probably, but now I am able to make a more informed choice of what I will or will not put on my face.

I guess I could revert to what my father told me to use when I was a little girl - alcohol to clean my face and mayonnaise to moisturize it - but I doubt I'll go that far.

Have fun!

Thanks to Redgage - the site where I post lots of photos.

Here is my photo of the day:

http://www.redgage.com/c-mggnb

HELP FOR POWDERY MILDEW ON YOUR PLANTS

2011-07-12T13:54:00.003-04:00

I don't know about you, but I do NOT have a green thumb; however, there are a couple of plants that I have managed not to kill. One of them is the Jade plant - it thrives on neglect, I think. The other is Bird of Paradise - this one I'm sure is just an accident.

Personally, I love the Bird of Paradise ... and the only thing I have to occasionally do to keep it healthy is treat it for Powdery Mildew.

My beautiful plant was healthy one day and it seemed like the next I discovered its leaves covered on the front with white spots and on the back a thick gray, powdery film. I was horrified, but I was determined not to lose it to something that seemed as simple to cure as washing the leaves off. So I got the hose out and washed each and every one of its leaves. I was so proud of myself and thought I had overcome the problem.

The next day I found out I was wrong! All my scrubbing had no effect on the seemingly delicate powder.

I started researching the problem, found out what it was called and ordered a book (Backyard Problem Solver by Jerry Baker). When it arrived, I read it from cover to cover and even though he doesn't mention the Bird of Paradise specifically, when he wrote about Powdery Mildew, the symptoms he mentioned fit what I was seeing.

I decided to try his Timely Tonic - what more harm could it do? My gorgeous plant was going to die if I didn't do something. I'd tried consulting the personnel at the garden center and was told to dig it up - "It's a goner."

The next day, early, before the sun was beating down on the plant I brought out my freshly made tonic and started applying it to each leave - front and back. I scrubbed and scrubbed. When I finally finished, I sighed - hoping my scrubbing didn't do more damage than the disease.

When I checked the plant the next day, there were no new white spots AND the gray was mostly gone from the backs of the leaves. Each day I could see the plant gain a little strength until one day I realized it was producing the stalks that hold its flowers. I had won the battle! My plant survived.

This incident happened many years ago and the plant is still healthy. In fact, a couple of years ago we divided it and placed one of the divisions on another corner of the house. It has been doing well, even giving us a couple of blooms this year. But a week or so ago, I thought it looked droopy. When I walked over to inspect it, I discovered my enemy, the dreaded Powdery Mildew. This morning I was out early, tonic and scrubber in hand. Time will tell, but I'm sure Mr. Baker's Timely Tonic has once again saved the day.

If you are having a problem with this dreaded scourge, Powdery Mildew, try this simple tonic. Remember, if you do nothing you are going to lose that plant you love so much.

TIMELY TONIC (from Jerry Baker's book Backyard Problem Solver.)
(also known as Powdery Mildew Control Tonic)

4 Tbsp. of baking soda
2 Tbsp. of Murphy's Oil Soap
1 gal. of warm water

Mix well and pour into a handheld mist sprayer. Apply liberally when you see the telltale white spots on your plants or even before!

That's all there is to it! Really ... just the tonic and a little effort.

Here's my favorite flower for the day .... Thank you RedGage!

http://www.redgage.com/c-ljaxd

HOW TO DEAL WITH SMOKE

2011-06-23T10:23:00.001-04:00

Many people are having to live with smoke night and day, due to fires burning in their areas. I’ve gathered some hints that might make breathing a little easier.

We’re told to stay home, but is your home totally airtight? Mine isn’t and most homes aren’t. The smoke is going to find the smallest air leak and creep in, so before you start coughing start looking for those leaks.

Here are some suggestions of where to look and what you can do once you find a leak.

- The doors that lead outside (even to the garage) are a primary source. Do you have a gap anywhere around the door? Most of us do. Take some of the old towels, washcloths and/or rags and push them into the gaps. You won’t be able to push them in with your fingers, but a dull knife, nail file or needle-nose pliers work just fine … depending on the size of the gap. Of course, if it’s a door you can live without using (like that second door out of the garage) you can always use duct tape or masking tape. However, you always run the chance of taking the paint off when it’s removed – and rags won’t cost you anything. If the smoke is really bad you can wet the rags to stop smoke penetration even more.

- Double hung windows that don’t latch (and seal) properly are another place the smoke will find. If you can’t fix the window, rags will work here too. Even if your windows aren't double hung, check for gaps.

- The garage can let in smoke as well, so if you can roll the trash can out the smaller door, don’t open that big overhead door. If you intend to keep it closed, check for gaps around its edges and seal them.

We all have to go out of the house at some point in time….you will run out of milk and bread eventually. Here are some suggestions you can try so your lungs are a little protected.

First of all, when in your car turn the RECIRCULATE AIR function on. This will keep your ventilation system from pulling in smoke. Plus keep your windows shut.

Second, when walking (no running right now – go to a gym if you must run) use one of the following:

- SCARVES - Many women have those old, smallish neck-scarves stashed away. You know the ones I mean, the ones that the cowboys wore around their necks in case of a dust storm. Drag them out and tie one around your neck. The other day the air in Wal-Mart was almost as bad as the air outside so I pulled it up over my nose. Did people look at me? Sure, but most of them gave me a nod of approval. Oh, the young girls didn’t – not stylish enough for them, but style goes out the window when your health is at stake. Men can use their “biker” scarves.

- MASKS – You can go to the drug store and buy a surgical mask for about $3 or you can go into your garage (or your work truck) and pull out a painters mask. Besides, they are cheaper to buy and they actually filter out finer particles than the surgical mask does.

Note: In Japan people wear surgical masks all the time and it’s considered normal and polite, it’s not normal in the US so I suggest pulling the mask or scarf off when you go into a store so they don’t think you’re a robber.

Will these suggestions totally eliminate the effects of smoke on your lungs – no, but it will cut the amount of smoke particles going into your lungs significantly.

Lets all pray for the firefighters and for a lot of rain!

http://www.redgage.com/rene

Thank you RedGage .... here is my flower for the day:

http://www.redgage.com/rene#rf:/photos/rene/ready-to-bloom-flower-for-june-23.html

WOOD IS JUST WOOD …. Or is it?

2011-06-22T14:46:00.001-04:00

While looking at used (antique?) furniture recently I discovered a whole new world I knew nothing about.

I’ve always asked, “Is this solid wood?” followed by “What kind of wood is it?” Since I knew nothing about wood, I now realize that without some knowledge of what you’re dealing with, how silly those questions are - when negotiating the value of an object.

I was thinking about getting something different for a coffee table so I was scouring the “antique” shops. One man I spoke with seemed well versed in wood, but our conversation left me with more questions than I started with.

I was told the table was probably made of Huanghuali – a rare wood from China. I decided I needed more information before I spent any money.

I left, having not purchased anything (because I was sorely lacking in knowledge) and after arriving home did a little research. I “Googled” Huanghuali and was presented with more information than I thought possible. I’m sharing some of what I found on the internet.

Chinese antique furniture is usually of exquisite design, unique workmanship and careful carving. It has been the rare treasure and one of the most splendid parts of Oriental culture.

Huanghuali – is also known as Yellow Rosewood.

With its outstanding rough grain and natural brownish-yellow to purplish-red wood, the term huanghuali literally means “yellow flowering pear.” The principle wood used during the mid-Ming to early Qing Dynasties, the finest examples of this wood have a translucent, shimmering surface with abstractly figured patterns and colors that range from a reddish-brown to a golden-yellow.

The finest huanghuali has a translucent shimmering surface with abstractly figured patterns that delight the eye--those appearing like ghost faces were highly prized. The color can range from reddish-brown to golden-yellow. Today, huanghuali is considered extinct; consequently, pieces built from this wood are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Somehow I don’t think the table is made of Huanghuali …. He wasn’t asking enough money for it.

However, it could be Elm (Yumu, Northern Elm) as it is traditionally the most common softwood used in the manufacture of furniture in Northern China. The sapwood tends to be yellowish-brown (kind of like Yellow Rosewood) with the heartwood being more typically chestnut brown; both have a wave-like grain.

Could this large table have found its way from Northern China to the little shop on the East coast of the US?

Then I came across Beech (Jumu, Southern Elm). It is also a popular wood for making furniture in China. Furniture made from Beech is widely distributed throughout China as well as Korea and Japan. It, too, comes in colors ranging from yellowish-brown to coffee-brown.

Could this table have been made in China and then shipped to Korea or Japan where some American soldier bought it and shipped it home?

How would I ever be able to find out its history?

I don’t know that I care any more. My head is pounding, and I’ve learned enough to know it’s too much for me to comprehend.

However, I did learn some things.

I’ve learned that not all wood is the same, how incomplete my two questions were and how ignorant I was about wood.

I’ve learned that Americans categorize wood differently than Asian cultures (they don’t use the terms deciduous or conifer).

I also learned that deciduous trees (hardwood) have leaves while conifer trees (softwood) have needles.

I’ve learned a lot …. And I’ve decided to stick with the nice, plain coffee table I already have. Mine is probably fake wood, but it’s functional.

However, that carved table was and is still beautiful – for the right person. (I found this picture on eBay. It’s similar to the one I was looking at.)

Now you know (as I do) – all wood is not the same. Do a little homework before you spend any of your hard-earned money on “real wood” furniture.

http://www.redgage.com/rene

Here is my flower pick for the day … Thank you, Redgage.

http://www.redgage.com/rene#rf:/photos/rene/white-flower-for-june-22.html

ARE YOU A CRAFTER?

2011-06-17T16:48:00.000-04:00

You may not realize it, but if you knit, crochet, weave, quilt, embroider or even “just plain sew” - you’re not just a crafter, you’re considered an ARTISAN.

Artisans create with a sense of utility while artists create more with beauty in mind. There is a goodly amount of creativity and beauty in many pieces we craft, but most are very utilitarian.

I’ve kept myself busy during quiet times creating useful things – and never thought much about it. In fact, I’ve created so much, my family became “crafted” out and I had to look for other outlets. You may be in the same situation.

Then there is the matter of leftover materials …. I ALWAYS have things leftover …. yarn, thread, cloth …. something! In fact, I had so much of it stored here and there; my husband (out of fear of being buried alive one day, I’m sure) converted a small closet for the storage of my crafts. If you’re a crafter, you’re thrifty and have the attitude “I’ll be able to use that one day” so you don’t throw those items out. If you’re a crafter I know you are guilty of this.

The day has arrived when you will be able to start using up that “stash.”

I finally found places that always need small (or large) items. Items such as lap throws, hand/arm warmers, shawls, scarves, wash cloths, etc.

These places are found nearly everywhere, no matter how small the community. Really!

You say you’ve looked and there is no one in your community you can even GIVE your work to.

How about hospice or the local day care center?

I admit the day care center in the “good” section of town didn’t even want to talk to me; however, the one on the “other side of town” did. They take all I can make.

The hospice with patients in-house didn’t either, but then I stumbled upon a minister who goes to hospice patients who remain at home. She was overjoyed at my “gifts.”

Both these organizations (and the people receiving the crafts) didn’t care if the items were 100% perfect. They didn’t care if the scarves were multicolored or the lap throws were of different types of yarn. They were grateful.

I wasn’t looking for gratitude. I just wanted to be able to keep my hands busy.

Now I can go to Goodwill and take all the inexpensive mismatched yarn they have, keep my hands busy and donate all my work! I can once again shop the sales and scoop up all the odds and ends that have been marked down over and over.

I used to feel guilty spending money on yarn with no purpose in mind, but now that feeling is gone! I feel good about what I’m crafting and I’m happy!

So, if any of you ARTISANS out there are in the same predicament that I was, make a few phone calls and set yourself free to create to your hearts content.

http://www.redgage.com/rene

Here is my flower for the day ... Pink Crepe Myrtle - thank you RedGage.

http://www.redgage.com/c-ldhph

HOMELESS

2011-06-10T10:54:00.004-04:00

The Subway

Who would have thought the subway would become so important to me?

Who would have thought I’d be homeless and grateful to be living in a city that had a subway?

I was a highly paid account rep with an expense account, pricey condo and a fancy sports car, but that was six months ago.

Then my company had a major downsizing and I was let go.

Before long I couldn’t pay the rent on the condo or the lease on the car.

I’d never been evicted before. I’d never had a car repossessed. I was in denial and ashamed.

I went through the meager savings I had.

I had to learn how to use the subway so I could make job interviews. I rented a large storage locker and put everything I owned in it.

When I could no longer afford that locker I sold my furniture and got the smallest locker they offered. In it went my clothes. I needed them so I could be presentable for job interviews.

I stayed with friends until I wore out my welcome.

One day I realized had to make a choice. I could either pay the rent on the small storage locker and keep clothes I would probably never need again, or eat.

I finally admitted to myself that I was homeless.

I was sitting at a subway stop late one day, when another homeless man asked me if I had a place to stay. I didn’t. He showed me where the entrances were for the subway maintenance tunnels and then told me where the safest places were located. He was a good man, sharing his knowledge of living on the streets.

Once I’d never thought about using the subway and now it had become my home.

I’m not working and wonder if I ever will again.

My unemployment is deposited on a government issued debit card. It’s my only existence. I can’t let anyone know I have it or it would be taken from me.

Each day I come up from the tunnels, take a token from my worn pocket and ride the subway to the Labor Department.

They used to welcome me, but now that I have no clean clothes to wear and probably smell, they quickly usher me out the door. They aren’t rude but they want me gone so they handle my case expeditiously.

I’m discouraged. How will I break this cycle?

It’s lunch time so I head to the park outside the building where I used to work hoping to run into an old friend who might have a job for me. Any job would be enough to get me out of the subway. Today I get a free sandwich from a nice girl. I smile, thinking just six months ago I wouldn’t have given her the time of day and here she is keeping me from going hungry.

I enjoy the sun for a few minutes while I gobble down the gift, but then move on. The police don’t take kindly to homeless people, especially in this part of town.

Slowly I walk to the nearest subway entrance and disappear into its depths. I now know all the places to rest and where kind people will give me a bit of their loose change.

Six months ago I wouldn’t have given a homeless person enough for a cup of coffee and now I’m one of those people.

I would never have imagined the subway would become my transportation, home, workplace, my life.

When I get back on my feet, if I do, I vow I’ll treat people differently. I’ll have more respect for them and what they’re going through.

I still have hope – for them and for me.

I hope those who are working ... whether it be online with Redgage, in an office or digging ditches. Take a minute to think about the newly homeless and how easily it can happen.

http://rdonnalson.blogspot.com/2011/06/homeless.html

Bicycles and the people riding them

2011-06-02T11:17:00.001-04:00

Bicycles are not the problem ....as a whole, none of them go out on the road by themselves, but some of the people riding them are less than experienced.

We all know (or should know) the rules for driving a car apply to people "driving" a bicycle and yet ....
- do you see ALL bicyclists stopping for STOP signs?
- do you see them stopping or even slowing down for people in crosswalks?

I don't know about you, but I have a great desire to keep living and I know if I, as a bicyclist, have a run-in with a motor vehicle (no matter how small), I AM going to lose! Apparently not all people know this.

Just the thought of running into or being run into causes my body to throb.

I've had several dumb accidents while riding a bicycle .... like the first time I rode a bike with hand operated brakes. (Note: Bicycles have not always had these kind of brakes. Originally brakes were operated with your feet ... by pushing the pedals backwards, instead of forward.) I was pulling into my driveway - remembered my feet no longer stopped my bike and clamped hard on the left hand brake! The next thing that happened is I flew over the handle bars and saw the tail pipe of my car looming before my face. I was still grasping the handle bars of the bike. There must have been enough drag to pull me back just enough to keep the tail pipe from impaling my face; however, my legs were skinned - from my ankles to my knees.

This happened on a Sunday, so you know I looked positively professional when I went to work the next day. A week or so later, I realized I'd done something very bad to one knee.

Anyway, I digress .....

If I were riding on the open road (I only ride around my sub-division where there is a lot of grass to land on.) I would be sure to learn and practice the rules of the road.

Bicycles DON'T have the right of way automatically.
Bicycles ARE NOT supposed to be riding on the pedestrian walk way
Bicycles ARE NOT supposed to wind in and out of cars waiting at a traffic light

Remember an old saying when riding your bicycle - The life you save may be your own.

www.redgage.com/rene

Driving today

2011-05-18T11:05:00.002-04:00

Driving used to be fun. People followed the rules - usually - and were polite (for the most part).

I do realize I've gotten older, but now it appears that lawlessness is the order of the day. It's not unusual for people to:
- turn left when they have a RED arrow for their turning lane,
- go through red lights - slowly - not even bothering to speed up to "beat" the light,
- make turns from center lanes,
- eat (messy things), read newspapers, shave (normally men), put on make-up, get dressed (yes, I've seen this more than once) and almost anything else you can think of that should have been done at home BEFORE the car was started.

My all time favorite is the newspaper lady who must have been behind schedule because she was diligently folding her papers and inserting them in their clear plastic sleeves while driving.

The best part was she'd somehow attached the packet of sleeves to the driver side sunvisor, making it a simply process to insert each paper after it was folded. However, the sleeves were hanging directly in front of her face - while she was driving!

Can you picture this? She's driving. The sleeves are hanging down from sunvisior which is folded down. She's using one hand (sometimes two) to fold the papers that are apparently sitting in the passenger seat.

What is wrong with this picture?

I'm following her, along with a lot of other vehicles. We're all holding back, giving her a wide berth because she's wandering all over the two lane road. Finally she finishes her folding. She removes the sleeve packet off the visor and speeds off - probably to deliver the papers.

I realize the use of cell phones can be dangerous and that texting is even worse, but what about newspaper folding?

Then there is the total disregard for YIELD signs. Does anyone really know what yield means? One of the various meanings (never have said English is an easy language) is to surrender or relinguish.

In plain words, this means to STOP if there is 1) someone or something in the cross walk, or 2) a vehicle in the lane you would like to merge into.

Where I live, any intersection with a YIELD sign is one to watch out for, because no one stops or even looks.

Doesn't anyone have to follow rules anymore? Don't they test new drivers on what the rules of the road are? Aren't law enforcement officers supposed to give tickets to people who violate the rules of the road?

We've all done stupid things behind the wheel, but normally we are aware of what we've done. If we survive our stupidity we vow we'll be more careful and apply a little common sense and/or follow the rules.

However, now it appears that people no longer fear dying so they just don't care. Not caring about life or limb results in lawlessness on the road.

www.redgage.com/rene