Dr. West Assesses Stevie Wren's Menopausal Murkiness

Stevie's Brain

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Lavinia Ladyslipper has heroically left her Birdbath's unattended so that she could drag Stevie Wren, aka Stevie the Wren, kicking and screaming into the offices of Dr. West for an assessment of the damage caused to her brain cells by a case of moribund menopause. Stevie, being somewhat delusional, feels that her pre-meno brain was very much as illustrated in the above diagram. Right.

Stevie's Brain on No Drugs Whatsoever

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And Stevie feels her current state is best illustrated by the breakfast of perfectly made scrambled eggs she has stolen from Lavinia.(Did you at least remember to take some oregano along with you?)

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Dr. West first took note of Stevie's attire, and recommended that she loosen the laces on her yellow Hi-Top tennis shoes. He also suggested that she stop wearing babushka's. In public. He noted that today's choice, mauve with likenesses of all the Fist Ladies is tied so tightly under Stevie's chin that her eyes are looking glassy.

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The floaters she has complained incessantly about will be relieved
if she will perhaps consider a hairnet in place of the babushka's which by the way are causing pain in Lavinia's eyes as well.

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The cause of the problems Stevie is experiencing, according to the good Doctor, is constriction of her brain by an overflow of blood that would be better served if allowed to move loosely about in her writing/drawing/cutting/gluing/painting/egg stealing hand.

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This constriction of the brain, mainly in the stem and frontal lobe are causing Stevie to feel wispy and vaporous - which is not to be confused with flatulence, although there's that too.

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The fastest method, and one he highly recommends for de-constriction, is

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Lavinia holding a leech

an application of leeches to the temple. Lavinia is holding a leech for demonstration purposes only. These are not recommended for human consumption.

The next suggestion is copious doses of laudanum. However, the drug cupboard is bare. Dr. West has been dispensing laudanum like soup to the likes of Debby, Betsy, Renee, Martha and Mim and has just the one pint left which he has reserved for Blicky Kitty.

The affected bodily humors, quashed by the constricted blood into a pile of rancid lipids, are the main cause of Stevie's emotional difficulties. These would be best diffused by a lightening up of the overall mood. Dr. West feels that the simple change from the boring box of Spearmint Tic-Tacs that keep rattling around in Stevies voluminous Chinese Red Imitation Coach Bag to one of these

Tweety Bird Pez dispensers may release the humors and bring Stevie back to a state of mind that she (and we) are willing to live with.

Monday Misc.

Mmmm! What Shall I Have?

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The Mister and I were enjoying breakfast at the Lucky Dill many moons ago. A woman at a nearby table kept looking over our way. She was also writing something - perhaps making a grocery list. After she left, the waitperson picked up a piece of paper she had left behind. Looked at it several times, looked at me several times, and then handed it to me. I think this must be yours, she said. It was this lovely drawing of the Mister and I perusing the menu.
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The Family Wagon

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Betsy of My Five Men posted Norman Rockwell pictures of the family station wagon today. Her post reminded me of the succession family wagons my dad had as we were growing up. We looked much like the Norman Rockwell pictures - sometimes the last second one- both coming and going. My assigned station was the window seat behind the driver. Brother Joe sat on the right, next to me and someone - I don't remember who sat in the middle - maybe no one. We did, after all, have seniority, Joe and I. Three little nippers sat in the back and the reigning baby either sat up front on Mom's lap- or in a contraption of a baby seat that nowadays would seem so dangerous as to be related to the guillotine.

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The seat was made of an open box frame of metal that hooked over the front seat. A plastic seat - not padded - with leg holes was slung over the frame and supported the child. There was a hard plastic steering wheel with a little horn in the middle on the frame. Baby could beep the horn every second and a half for however many hours we were jammed in the non- air conditioned car. I tried to find a picture of this type of vintage car seat, but could not. The manufacturer probably just has bad memories and no pics and is thankful each and every day that today's litigious society were the ones sitting in those infant seats - not old enough to call a lawyer referral service every time their little heads bounced off the plastic steering wheel.

There we were, the nine of us, barreling down the highway with nary a seat belt, airbag, reinforced frame or anti locking brake in site. The only containment device was the infant seat, which could have doubled as a Popeil Slicer Dicer had we had the misfortune of being in a collision.

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A Picture For Stellan

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A Thorn Among Roses posted a request for prayer for baby Stellan who's mom blogs at My Charming Kids. Stellen is very ill with serious heart problems. Today's news sounds just a little more hopeful. Stellan's Mom also has a site called Stellan's Name Gallery. This amazing and touching site holds hundreds of pictures from people around the world who have taken a picture with Stellan's name in it. It is just a joy to see the creativity! His name is written in the snow, sand, on a fighter jet and the sky, it's spelled out with everything imaginable from spaghetti noodles to marshmallows. You must stop by and see this ever growing outpouring of love that is giving this family hope. The site includes an e-mail address for sending Stellan's Name pictures. I e-mailed the Stellan orange tree picture this morning. Please join in on this incredible project!

Saturday Salubrious Signs - Gemini

GEMINI

As a Gemini, you possess an amazing ability to see dualities -- the pros and cons of situations as change approaches -- and to quickly and efficiently think them through before making any decisions. In 2009, you dare to look deeply into your desires, regenerate self-awareness and recognize psychological ambiguities. This will bring balance into your home and family life. Pay attention to the details as you bring your inner and outer life into harmony. And be sure to enjoy the changes occurring within you!

As you come to terms with yourself, you are able to see a more fulfilling purpose in life, and your field of experience broadens. Focus on matters that affect you most deeply and, like magic, your life will become easier and things will seem to take care of themselves. You have all the necessary resources and motivation to make tangible changes and achieve results this year.
Toward the end of the year, you'll have time to enjoy yourself, and to bask in a great sense of accomplishment. With the expansive and idealistic energy flowing throughout 2009, Gemini is very comfortable in this age of new awareness and high-mindedness.

Kick up your heels, Gemini. Things don't look all that bad for you. It seems like no matter what happens for 90% of the year things will pan out for you come December. Just in time to put up that tree and go Christmas shopping.

Give your dual personalities a lift - two for one during happy hour is just the ticket for you Gemini's

But don't forget to eat your vegetables.

Chew gum during times of stress. There's a special brand just for Gemini's, plus a perky little jingle you can sing while you chew. Just don't throw that wrapper on the ground. A Taurus will appear out of nowhere and and threaten to wipe that smile off your face if you don't pick it up and dispose of it in a proper receptacle - like your left ear.

Your tendency for the vintage and old fashioned is always a challenge when it comes to accessorizing your already questionable wardrobe. Time to lose that Holly Hobby look and kiss that bi-centennial hairdo goodbye. And by the way, that dual personality thingie that the horoscopes tend to gloss over? You really should look into some medication for that because it's driving the rest of us signs to distraction. Quit saying "We are not amused" because I can assure you that the rest of us are NOT amused.

We ARE amused, however, by the fact that you always seem to think you've gotten a deal when you buy a pair of shoes, a double burger, are two sheets to the wind or are challenged to a duel. That's spelled d-u-e-l, not d-u-a-l. Big difference.

The rest of us are on to you so don't you and yourself try to gang up on us

Postcard Friendship Friday #8

New Tuller Hotel, Detroit, Michigan

Today's postcard features a picture of the New Tuller Hotel in Detroit Michigan located at Bagley and Grand Circus Park. It was one of 4 hotels built by Lew Tuller in 1905. Tuller lost control of the hotels during the depression, and the Tuller was sold. Although in disrepair for many years it remained open until 1976.

The message, postmarked May 23, 1917 reads:

Mrs. Clara Thompson

19th Ave

Haverhille Mass

Dear Clara,

I have been waiting for the letter that you promised me but in vain. I presume you are very busy all the time. Do you work in the hat shop yet and do you have lots of work. I have always had boarders ever since I have been here but I am not going to have any more dlman (?) made me let them go so I am just going to let my rooms which will pay my rent which is $40 a month. I have 8 large rooms and attic. We sleep in the attic and I let my 4 chambers. I am lonesome and not much money in it now that things are so high. I would just love to see you Clara. I hope you will write soon. from Mrs. Ellison

Tuller Hotel Sign as it appeared in 1986

The Tuller Hotel was demolished in 1992

This may have been the "attic" that Mrs. Ellison spoke of

This Singer doesn't sing anymore

The Ballroom

The Back Story:

Mrs. Ellison bears more than a little resemblance to Lizzy Borden. The boarders, of whom she speaks, mostly aged and single gentlemen of modest means were dispatched without fanfare after paying 6 months advance rent plus a small deposit to cover china breakage and wear and tear. The well appointed parlor contained burgundy velvet sofas and settees stuffed with horse hair and adorned with finely crocheted antimacassars. Parlor palms, a facade Vernice style fireplace and a Victrola were at the disposal of these gentleman. Spirits were strictly forbidden as was cigar smoking and guests of the fair sex. A light breakfast was served promptly at 8:00 am, luncheon at 1:00 and dinner at 7:00. It was expected that everyone would retire by 9:00 and all lights extinguished by 10:00.

The borders frequently inquired about scraping and banging noises heard after 10:00 PM. Mrs. Ellison explained that she often used the dumb waiter as there was much to do after everyone else was abed. When borders inquired about a certain Mr. So and So who failed to appear at breakfast, Mrs. Ellison would create a believable tale about a sudden death or illness in the family. The boarders would nod their heads, sigh deeply and then continue spooning out perfectly made soft boiled eggs served in lovely egg cups adorned with violets and small yellow butterflies.

Mrs, Clara Thompson suspected the comings and goings of her friend's boarders were questionable as similar disappearances occurred in her own home in Haverville while Mrs. Ellison vacationed with her one summer. Mrs. Thompson delayed making inquiries or searching about on her property because the upside of her friend's visit and her generous offer to "turn over" the garden plot was the most bountiful vegetable garden east of the Mohawk Valley. She would certainly NOT, however, encourage their friendship by answering her letters and postcards.

For more Postcard Friendship Friday fun, stop by and visit Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards!

Look What's Blooming Now!

The orchids are continuing with their spring show. Several phalaenopsis are in bud and these beauties are in flower. The flowers last for weeks, and these mature orchids will continue to bloom for months. Although not noticeable in the picture, there are many flower spikes on each of these. The flowering spikes are called inflorescence.

Phalaenopsis is a good "starter" orchid. You'll find them for sale at Lowe's and Home Depot, and even in the grocery store. As long as the leaves and any visible roots look healthy it should be fine. They do best in clay orchid pots with orchid bark rather than in soil or sphagnum moss. Look for flowering spikes that still have buds on them so you can enjoy a long season of flowers.

This dendrobium blooms after it sheds the leaves on the cane. Each cane blooms just once, and then produces side shoots that grow into mature canes for the following year. The delicate flowers have no scent and do not last very long but are well worth waiting for each spring.

This hybrid BLC is called Apple Blossom. The scent is very reminiscent of apple trees in bloom. It is very hardy and produces plenty of new growth each year. I've shared this plant with many friends.

This Ludisia is one of just a few orchids that have pattered leaves. It is also known as a jewel orchid. These are the easiest to grow and thrive on standard houseplant care. New growth can be cut from the plant and will root easily. These bloom just once a year, and the tiny white flowers are not scented

And this handsome little specimen is my newest Grandnephew, Aedan! He was born March 16 and weighed in at (ouch!) eight lbs 10 oz and 22.5 inches long. He has a lovely baby scent and his color varies from day to day. This is his blue day...are those butterflies on that little outfit???

God bless you Aedan!

Oh Deer! It's Raining!

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It rained this morning for the first time in weeks. I stepped out on the lanai to listen and smell the raindrops and saw a deer across the pond.
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She was kind enough to wait while I dashed back inside and got my camera. I managed to get these shots before she disappeared into the foliage. You should be able to enlarge these for a better look.
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There are two mallard ducks in the picture for Sandy and Shelly. I would say by their activities (the duck's - not Sandy and Shelly)earlier this morning that they are a couple. As my daughter once told me, the ducks were doing no-no.
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A Quirky Meme

The only housekeeping quirk I have is that I actually do clean once in a while.

Lavinia, at The Birdbath Chronicles tagged eight of her buds to tell a housekeeping quirk. She admitted one of her own in this original Meme of hers.

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I gave this some thought and came up as empty as my scrub bucket. I asked the Mister for some of his valuable input and the only thing he came up with was "You mean like "lack of"? So, other than walking into my doorwalls after I wash them, I have nothing of quirky value to share. Pop over and visit Lavinia - perhaps her other tagee's have something of quirky to share. I will also tag eight bloggy buddies, and they are:

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Kalianne of Bygone Beauty - I'm sure she has something quirky to say - like having a neighbor's pet kangaroo stop by to help with the windows.

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Bibi - A Yankee in Belgrade give us a should be able to give us a photographic perspective - if not of her own, then on of her unsuspecting photo subjects.

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Jeanne of The Raisin Chronicles - just may have something quirky to add here - she's the one with the "swimming pool" in her upstairs bathroom.

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Soulbrush's Senita and Joe are a great help with the prickly work of de-cobwebation

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Debra Kay of Beam Me Up Scotty will perhaps have a quirk or two to tell about cleaning with Oliver serenading in the background

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Blicky Kitty - I do believe there is something quirky to add from the Blick's perspective

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Marie of Voila! Vintage Postcards should be able to share something quirky about keeping her quirky postcards in order
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Sparky's ( of My Thoughts Exactly) house sparkles, I''m sure, so I'm tagging her to see what you can do for the quirk-o-meter

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Rudee, the Knitting Nurse is settling in to her new home and perhaps has a moving/cleaning quirk to share.

Thank You!

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Cynthia of The Oasis Writing Link presented me with a Sisterhood Award this weekend. Thank you so much! I love this award! I have a matching pair now- the more pockets filled with Sistahs the better I say! I will wear it proudly! I shared the previous one with the Orient Express Adventurers and I shall keep this new one all to myself, if I may! Stop by Cynthia's wonderful blog of her life and adventures in Puerto Rico!

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Dollar Car Wash

My church held a $1 car wash yesterday at a local gas station. There's a recession going on and things are tough. So why not offer to wash cars for the folks in our community?

As we finished each car, the driver had a $5 or $10.00 bill - or more - ready to hand to us. Which we refused. Instead, we gave the driver a dollar and a book mark with a short message about Jesus.

It took some convincing before our customers grasped the idea that that we were giving them a dollar for the privilege of washing their car. Doing practical things for our neighbors. Many argued for a while about who was to pay whom the money. One guy understood - he got another car and came back through again. We got to wash 2 for the price of one.

One fellow said "I can't accept this, I'm Jewish.

Chad replied, " Jesus was Jewish."

The fellow said "And a darn good one, too!" and accepted the $.

We washed a total of 63 cars, got wet, dirty and sweaty, and enjoyed every minute of it.

This project, and many others that we are working on are enlightening. We are beginning to get a better sense of "what can we do, as a community church, for others in our community" rather than "it's all about the Sunday service", and "what's in it for me?"

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BTW - If you haven't noticed, Kalianne of Bygone Beauty is back on line, having had electricity and internet connected in her new home in the wilderness of Australia! We are in for some exciting pictures and stories - stop by and say Good Day with your best Aussie accent.

Saturday Salubrious Signs - Capricorn

CAPRICORN

Year 2009 Overview
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In order for Capricorn to accomplish their goals in 2009, intelligent brainstorming is a must. Connecting with others satisfies your mind, and friends are a source of stimulation and inspiration, adding to the scientific developments you like to explore. That said, be sure to take time for yourself. You don't have to master everything in a day.

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.Hang out with your friends - those of a like mind - like the Queen of all Capricorns - Nanny Goats In Panties and her posse.

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Money is an issue this year. Capricorns are naturally frugal. Use that to your advantage. At the same time your generosity makes it difficult to say no. Balance your giving with your own needs.

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You thrive on making new discoveries and developing opportunities. Call upon your inner guidance to help get the job done more efficiently. If you feel any uncertainty, other people are there to confirm your ideas, and allowing yourself to explore your inner thoughts will help you align yourself with a greater sense of awareness and meaningfulness

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Capricorn rarely shies away from highly concentrated work, and you are able to meet challenges as they come up in 2009. This is a time of great self-discovery and transformation for you

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The Sky's Limit, Capricorn. Have At It

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As you work to manifest your best possible self, you will see things from a deeper perspective than ever before. Hidden beneath your desire to work hard is the key to making your life easier. In other words, you won't have to strain as much if you surrender to a higher knowing. Using your powers of concentration to tune into universal knowledge will help you manifest your highest dreams.

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Your Get Real Horoscope
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Sounds like a lot of overzealous work, planning and enough thinking to hurt your brain stem. Before you make a move, take yourself a little tropical vacation.
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Go out for dinner with friends, but not the ones who are going to be hitting you up for cash. Hit them up for cash. At least say you left your credit card at home.

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Get yourself a nice Capricorn hobby. Maybe collect postcards. Herds of them. With pictures of goats on 'em.

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Pay attention to the part about watching your finances. Do whatever you need to do, but selling your kids is no longer an option. Maybe get them a job at a petting zoo. The tips are good and they get free meals.

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I'm glad to see you are all paying attention.

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Don't you make faces at me, you impudent little goat!

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You'll be an appetizer before you can say lickity split!

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday #8!

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Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! Today's postcard was mailed from Key West, Florida to Dearborn, Michigan on January 17, 1947. The picture is of the home that is on "the most southern extreme point of the United States and occupied by Thelma Strabel"

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Author, Thelma Strabel, was born in Pennsylvania and sold her first story at the tender age of ten years old. She worked as an advertising copy writer following her graduation from college and later became a fashion reporter in Paris. While convalescing from an illness in Switzerland, she returned to the world of fiction. Finding the position conducive to her creativity, she continued to write sitting up in bed for the rest of her career. She wrote many

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novels set in exotic locales ranging from Caribbean islands to the jungles of Peru. Her best known story, Reap the Wild Wind, is a romantic saga of the wreckers in and around Key West, Florida. Strabel was so enamored of Key West and its unique history that she built a house there following the sale of the story to The Saturday Evening Post in 1940. She moved into her new home

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on December 7th of that same year. The house, located at 400 South Street, is the southernmost house in the United States and remains a popular sight for visitors to the island today. The story was made into a film in 1942 by Cecil B. DeMille, who also wrote the foreword to the book edition released later that year.

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The message on the postcard reads:

Dearest Momie,

Honey, wrote you a nice letter, but it is in Clearwater. Forgot to mail it. Will mail it when we get back. Having a swell time down here. Wish you were here. Write me. How is Nonie. Tell her to write - we are going to Cuba tomorrow. Are down here with 4 other couples from Phil. Charlie said tell you he loves you.

Love Faye.

The mailing address, in Dearborn Michigan (The Automobile Capitol of the World) no longer exists. It was probably razed to make way for the widening of Telegraph Road. Prior to I-75 this was a main thoroughfare for traveling to the south.

The Back Story:

Fay and Charlie (the big spender) have gone off on another one of their lavish vacations. Charlie has hit it big in advertising, now that the war is over and there are things to advertise about. His latest ad "9 out of 10 Doctors recommend Philip Morris Cigarettes" has gotten him another one of those big bonuses Fay's always bragging about. Bess just wishes they would come home to Dearborn once in a while.

She has to do all her own canning now that Faye is married. Faye used to do the green beans just so - standing them up in the jars like soldiers. Bess let Nonie do them this year and they're just floating around in the jars like a bunch of little alligators. The lids look a bit puffy too......

Letter my $#^&@! Faye always says she forgot to mail a letter in her postcards. At least Bess has something to show off at the next meeting of the Ladies Guild.

Cuba? Why in the world are they going to Cuba? They don't even speak Spanish. How are they going to eat? They could starve to death and get lost.

They keep flying around the country on those hoity toity aero-planes. Why, Bess and her late husband were perfectly content taking a cottage in Brighton Michigan for two weeks in the summer. She hopes Faye will at least see her way clear to coming up for a while in the spring. The peonies need dividing. And what about a few grandchildren???? They need to settle down and start a family!

For More Postcard Friendship Friday Fun, visit Marie at http://www.cpaphilblog.com/Voila, Vintage Postcards!