tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32358802012-01-15T11:30:05.055-06:00Reflections on humanity, random news & my lifeCarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.comBlogger904125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-89851996126483369792012-01-13T15:18:00.000-06:002012-01-13T15:18:45.250-06:002012-01-13T15:18:45.250-06:00

The is the latest I've ever written a year's end review...but this time I do have a reason. I was sick, sick, sick for a couple weeks, starting on New Year's Eve night. It was my first illness since late DH died, and while truly awful, at least I learned a lot about how to cope alone. The main lesson was not to wait till I'm too sick to get myself to a doctor, which is what happened. My sisters

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-84020244777567190292011-11-27T13:04:00.001-06:002011-11-27T13:59:25.456-06:002011-11-27T13:59:25.456-06:00

Bad as I hate to admit it, seems I can only update this blog about once a month. Lately it's not even that nothing is happening, I just can't seem to get in the writing mood. And oh how I always loved writing; it was the heart and soul of myself. I'm not sure how it came to this: rarely any writing. I guess it's due to not "just doing it" ... instead of procrastinating, writing in my mind, not

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-60744182314022053552011-10-06T14:49:00.003-05:002011-10-14T07:45:40.719-05:002011-10-14T07:45:40.719-05:00

Greetings! Yours truly updated my photo to the right, taken around noon today on my back porch. That's an almost-60 woman looking back at you, so try to take that into consideration.And at long last, I'm writing a post. I wish I had an excuse for not posting, but nothing extraordinary has been happening. And I can't complain, because being content is a nice way to live! However, it's somewhat

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-38609581537190364802011-08-11T13:38:00.002-05:002011-08-11T13:40:31.658-05:002011-08-11T13:40:31.658-05:00

This an interesting video, and something to keep in mind if you are ever without electricty for a prolonged time. I know it would have been great to have this easy-to-make fridge during the extended time I was without electricity. It can be ready for food in 12 hours, which would allow you to save some of your freezer stock.

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-68077827676223942292011-08-07T18:46:00.001-05:002011-08-07T18:49:16.547-05:002011-08-07T18:49:16.547-05:00

Here's something many young people today do not understand: the stock market is basically a gambling casino. I knew that when I had stocks, and glad I sold out before all the turmoil lately. What is happening NOW is nothing new; it's happened before and here's a video that aptly shows where we're headed by NOT learning the lessons of history.

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-18433877914125462782011-07-22T22:21:00.004-05:002011-07-22T23:14:41.993-05:002011-07-22T23:14:41.993-05:00

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-8595458296040514792011-07-02T18:22:00.001-05:002011-07-02T18:23:24.279-05:002011-07-02T18:23:24.279-05:00

One of my all-time favorite patriotic songs...might surprise you. But I absolutely LOVE this song/video by Waylon Jennings!Happy July 4th everyone!

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-67534377552064514292011-06-27T15:39:00.004-05:002011-06-27T15:43:42.179-05:002011-06-27T15:43:42.179-05:00

I found this incredible video on YouTube which shows a map with red-line for the path of the tornados through Cullman County, including the city. Also, there are people talking about their personal experience as well as incredible images of the damage from one end of the county to the other.Just wanted to post this, in case anyone would like to see it -- and as a reminder for myself in the future

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-52661032663377293302011-06-09T10:45:00.005-05:002011-06-09T15:49:53.125-05:002011-06-09T15:49:53.125-05:00

Below the Mason Dixon line, the temperature leaped from mild spring to blistering hot summer. And it's not even officially summer yet! The past couple of years there's been extreme weather all over the world; and while many might not consider this ominous, I do. Call it climate change, global warming -- there is no denying weather patterns have changed, possibly getting more extreme in the future

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-72247713218956522422011-05-29T10:04:00.007-05:002011-05-29T10:42:56.577-05:002011-05-29T10:42:56.577-05:00

Finally, a much-needed fun trip with sister, her hubby & my nephew. They picked me up yesterday a bit after noon; we went out for some lunch at a deli, then headed about 40 miles north to Point Mallard park in Decatur. Nice drive, good to get out of Dodge for awhile.There was a big crowd gathering for the hot air balloon show, and though it was hot, we were able to set up our chairs near a wooded

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-44895413096682653422011-05-18T15:11:00.016-05:002011-05-18T18:27:02.798-05:002011-05-18T18:27:02.798-05:00

First, I'm not complaining. At least the loud noises are due to clean-up crews and on-going efforts to clear tons of debris from the streets. However, it is difficult to get accustomed to, since this was a quiet neighborhood, very little traffic.Our city contracted with FEMA/Army Corp of Engineers to assist with debris removal, and the huge trucks started routes over the weekend. Many of the

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-25100560257472057252011-05-15T08:42:00.006-05:002011-05-15T14:18:44.467-05:002011-05-15T14:18:44.467-05:00

I wanted to post several videos of the tornadoes -- there was actually three tornadoes touching down off and on that day, April 27. The large center vortice is what came directly over my neighborhood, but I am located at the outer edge and apparently it was lifting as it crossed over my house. Otherwise I might not be writing/posting this; it was a ferocious monster system!As you watch this, be

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-91229052542153204812011-05-14T09:03:00.017-05:002011-05-14T09:58:10.768-05:002011-05-14T09:58:10.768-05:00

Late yesterday afternoon I lost internet/cable for a couple hours, and it was no big deal. I went out on the back porch, watched my indoor cats enjoying the outdoors. Two of the outside cats, Mister Mister and Sore Paw, ventured over the fence, and though all four never got close to each other, they sniffed around and eyed each other warily. Interesting. I also read a novel; the weather has

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-85624692453250447002011-05-13T12:10:00.004-05:002011-05-13T12:37:39.911-05:002011-05-13T12:37:39.911-05:00

May 9, 2011 MondayYesterday morning it was finally quiet, no heavy trucks/equipment, chainsaws, sirens. What a relief! Loud noises have upset me ever since I had that car wreck two years ago. And after experiencing the roar of a tornado, every sound seems amplified. At times, I find myself jumping at an unexpected, loud noise. Even when the dogs bark. Of course, what I thought would be a peaceful

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-86885195489126857572011-05-07T12:56:00.003-05:002011-05-14T16:51:39.199-05:002011-05-14T16:51:39.199-05:00

NOTE: I am posting this via my sister's computer; I still don't have Internet access, and don't know when I will. A major fiber-optic line was destroyed during the tornado. I am doing okay, considering what I've been through...still emotionally shaken, of course. I have been writing steadily on my laptop, and the following says it all...April 29, 2011So, it's the day after the worst outbreak of

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-30304499547747164612011-04-25T14:22:00.018-05:002011-04-25T19:27:52.470-05:002011-04-25T19:27:52.470-05:00

Looks like I mostly post once a month with a recap of the events that happened. So let's get started: it was a mostly good month, nothing bad occurred (in my world, that makes it notable).The weather, as usual for spring in the south, was wild and unpredictable. Luckily for our area, only minor damage from high winds/tornadoes, and none at all in my city/neighborhood.Most of the month was mild

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-47794964537854954572011-03-30T15:49:00.010-05:002011-03-30T19:08:03.747-05:002011-03-30T19:08:03.747-05:00

What else? We've had wild weather: highs in the 80s one week, lows down in the 30s, and now a full week of thunderstorms and rain. Rain, rain, rain! Don't get me wrong, I love a rainy day, but after a week or so, the clouds and rain start to make me gloomy.However, I must say I've used the rainy days well: lots of batch cooking. Now my freezer is full of delicious veggie individual servings.

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-36292658957558071942011-03-22T14:33:00.005-05:002011-03-22T14:57:54.235-05:002011-03-22T14:57:54.235-05:00

Yep, it's true: dogwoods and daffodils are blooming. Bees are zinging/buzzing around, the sun is shining except when rolling purple clouds skitter through the sky. Critters are restless, even my two indoor cats want out into the backyard in the evening, then roll in the grass or climb the trees. Birds are searching for nesting sites, the squirrels play tag through the tree limbs. Wonderful time

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-58843873436635271882011-03-07T16:19:00.002-06:002011-03-07T16:29:18.862-06:002011-03-07T16:29:18.862-06:00

Since DH died, I have had two recurring dreams: I lose my visa debit card and a thief makes enormous charges on it before I realize what has happened.And the other dream is that DH comes back, we are so happy once again...until I realize that we will have to repay all the pension funds I've received since he died. I go into a panic and then wake up.What does this mean? Psychology dreams, I think.

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-35424276632570512772011-02-22T15:20:00.010-06:002011-02-22T19:40:38.335-06:002011-02-22T19:40:38.335-06:00

After the snowfalls, the deep-freeze here in the South, I'm so glad the last week or so has been gorgeous and warm. I suppose you never know how much you are a "warm-weather" person until you get a real dose of cold and snow. I like some snow, it's beautiful, but honestly? I want it to melt off soon, and life to get back to normal. And I hate being stuck indoors when getting outside means a

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-48557769263691389082011-02-10T16:17:00.006-06:002011-02-10T16:46:45.940-06:002011-02-10T16:46:45.940-06:00

We had snow again last night, woke to about two inches. As usual, the entire county was thrown into a fit of shutdowns. Yet by noon the streets were clear, and by two o'clock, all snow virtually gone.I did some batch veggie cooking this morning, then took the dogs on a very long walk in the 45 degree sunshine. Gave the dogs a bath when we returned home. Very productive day.Here's some pictures of

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-43040464308833307582011-02-04T14:25:00.007-06:002011-02-04T14:53:39.420-06:002011-02-04T14:53:39.420-06:00

I hate to complain (not really) but hey, Mother Nature is being a real b!tch this year. I guess that old adage, "Don't mess with Mother Nature," has a grain of truth in it. She can't be happy with the pollution we humans have been dishing out on the earth far too long now. At any rate, here in the South, like elsewhere in the country and world, weather has been topsy-turvy. As a Southerner, I am

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-81491716339655104802011-01-10T12:37:00.010-06:002011-01-12T13:45:00.218-06:002011-01-12T13:45:00.218-06:00

Since last Thursday, the local weather forecasters have been in a frenzy, predicting almost a blizzard for most of the South. Of course, relatively speaking, what qualifies as a blizzard here is any snowfall over a couple inches. Or sleet/ice on top of it.All the grocery stores were emptied out of milk, bread, other essentials, depending on what you consider necessities. In my case, I always keep

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-36086846534630618212010-12-29T15:21:00.005-06:002010-12-29T16:09:27.415-06:002010-12-29T16:09:27.415-06:00

I'm sitting on my back porch in balmy 60 degree weather, enjoying the sunny breeze, typing on my QuickPad. Just this past weekend, snow was on the ground and temperatures hovered at near 18 degrees. Welcome to climate change, or for the disbelieving, unwashed masses, just the normal ups/downs of weather.Earlier I took the dogs on another long walk, and enjoyed the weather. Rain on the way

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235880.post-20952911736314034432010-12-26T14:36:00.007-06:002010-12-26T14:48:32.123-06:002010-12-26T14:48:32.123-06:00

Woke to more snow flurries, but by noon, occasional sunbursts. Bundled up the dogs in their new coats (gift from sister), put on my heavy coat, and we went for a walk! Since the wind had picked up, it cleared the streets of snow, no danger of icy spots. Brisk walk, but nice to get out of the house for awhile.Pictures from the day:Oscar models his new snug coat!Rambo models his new coat!Slinky &

Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03061381516154992999noreply@blogger.com0