What is the Matter with People?

I told myself when I first started blogging that I would not do sad or mad posts. Well, I lied. I am mad. I am mad at some very young people in my community. And some not so young, you'll understand.

The other night my mom and I were driving around town. We came up to a stop sign and saw a group of young people gathered looking at something. As I pulled forward, I could see a body laying in the street. The crowd started to disperse. I yelled out my window to a young girl, "has anyone called 911?" She shrugged her shoulders carelessly and lazily said, "yah". Her whole demeanor told me something bad had happened. Aside from having to "wait" on a young man to SLOWLY move his butt out of the street, we rushed to the PD, which was only 2 blocks away. An officer was running out the door as I went inside. I yelled to him, "I hope you are headed to J------ Street". He quickly nodded. A young man from the scene was arriving on foot. I yelled to another officer, "I think you need to talk to that guy, he was running from the scene". The young man yelled back to me that he was NOT running from the scene he was headed to the PD. Yeah, okay, I may give him that.

I was furious all night thinking about all of the people I observed. I seriously thought about writing a letter to the newspaper telling the citizens of my small community how disappointed I am in the young, careless people who live or "hang out" here and failed to help someone in need. I changed my mind. I changed my mind because I believed I had no idea what really happened. Even though I could just feel it in my bones, I had no idea what happened.

Today at work, I heard a little of what happened. The young man was arrested for Assault 2nd. However, the PD changed their paperwork to Involuntary Manslaughter because the old man died. The old man died. All of those &#9*@ young people didn't do a darn thing. Too many of them were walking away as I pulled past the stop sign. Obviously the man had been there a minute because his grown blonde lab was pacing around his body. Why do we tolerate things like we do? That young girl who shrugged at me and the gangly jerk who wouldn't get out of my way on the street. What's wrong with them? Why do we owe them? Why do these people get away without taking any responsibility for anything? I couldn't get over the number of people

I find it appalling that we tolerate seeing grown men "sagging" with their pants hanging below their buttocks. I find it appalling that they cannot walk correctly because their pants are sagging. I find it appalling that children talk back to their parents or anyone in charge for that matter. I find it appalling it is easier to walk away from anything difficult than it is to face the truth. I find it appalling for people who have morals and a conscience do not get heard.

Like I said before I do not know the whole story to this incident. I gather there had been a fight. A fight between a 59 year old man and a 28 year old man. People have the right to disagree about anything. People do not have the right to lay a hand on anyone for any reason (unless you force your way into my home while I'm there, game's on). Why do we tolerate stuff? Does anyone know? I know what some will say, "it's all how they were raised, it's their environment", well blah blah blah. Those excuses don't last long with me anymore. Everyone has to go to school. Oh I forgot. Some parents have raised such a stink, some teachers can't teach anything but books anymore. Unfortunately for those kids, that's the only place they had an opportunity to learn ANYTHING. I made the decision years ago not to have kids because I believed I would not be a good parent. I'll be darn. I don't think I could've done any worse than some. (Trust me, it's refreshing to see parents blogging about their children and the things they've done. I really do appreciate that. So please know I'm not talking about you, I hope not anyway.)

Enough for a bad post. I hope this is the last one. I do not (did not) have high blood pressure, but the more I thought about this incident for the past few days, the more I felt like I was in a futuristic trance. I never thought I'd see this behavior in my small community. Guess what? Times are changin'.

Hello Fall?

From Toni's talented collection.

Fall. Where do I begin? I'll start with this. The older I get the more I appreciate Fall. Do you have any idea how long it's taken me to come to this point? Believe it or not, until recently, I've really, truly hated Fall. I believe I suffer from seasonal depression like my dad. There have been certain "routine events" in my lifetime forewarning me Fall was on the horizon. One is the Bevier Homecoming. Two is school starting. The last is the sun growing higher in the sky. These three things seem to take place chronologically. In the order of only a few weeks. As soon as homecoming was over, we prepared for school to begin. During that same time the sun slowly floated higher in the sky. It was almost as if it were trying to trick me into not noticing. But I did. (I do.) Even as a child, I knew what time it was. Time for Fall. Time for the sun to release itself from my fingertips. Pulling to a threatening gravity I could not see. Not for months. Time for things to change from wonderful bright, cheery colors, warm breezes and hot days. Time to dissolve to dull, dark, dying days. Once the days would become cold, my spirit lifted. Almost automatically. Once the dying of green grasses finally faded to brown, I was good. But not until then. I can't really put it in words. It's just something my body and spirit detected (detects). I could not appreciate the beauty of what I would then call, "the dying season". My spirit deflated. Going into hiding until March 1st when all doubt surrenders to the hope of spring. The rebirth of my spirit.

So now since everyone knows exactly how I felt (feel) about Fall, it's time to move on. As I've gotten older and wiser, I've come to appreciate the fact that life seems to slow down a bit more in the fall. Maybe it doesn't die? Maybe it just hibernates for a time? Maybe, just like me, nature needs a nap now and then? Hmmm... did I just tell you I was wiser? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I need a good stiff banana daiquiri that I've been threatening to make for over 7 months but haven't. Fall isn't really a time for daiquiris. Not unless I was sitting on a sunny deck in Florida. ( I promise I will be wishing for that in approximately 2-3 weeks. )

Finally. 20 things I love about Fall. I've seen other ladies post about this very topic. The first one I saw, I immediately thought, "how difficult". So I got to thinking. Do you know what? It's a challenge that really isn't that difficult. So, I'm going to give it a try. "I must make it to 20. I must make it to 20. I must make it to 20..."

1. Decorating. My house glows with fall decorations and lights. I don't do this in the spring. Just doesn't feel right.
2. Thanksgiving, it's my favorite holiday.
3. Candles, lots and lots of spicy candles.
4. The crunching of leaves.
5. Cooking/baking, fall just puts me in the mood. I think you know what I mean.
6. Sweatshirts. Other than jammies, nothing better to keep the chill off than a cozy sweatshirt.
7. Pumpkins. I love pumpkins and fall berries.
8. Cool breezes of early autumn.
9. I don't let myself feel guilty for staying in for the evening.
10. caramel apples, not that I've had one for years, but I love the idea.
11. Craft shows and festivals begin.
12. Airing out my house. The breath of fresh fall air.
13. The little kiddies dressed up for Halloween.
14. Good long books I wish would never end.
15. The scent of a warm house.
16. The World Series
17. Getting into a warm vehicle after being out in the cool air.
18. Autumn rain, it's so much more peaceful than any other rain.
19. Stocking up on grocery sales for future bad weather.
20. My own personal heater named "hubby".

Now I'm going to add one more. My friend Gayla asked me once if I had ever snuck outside to look in my windows on a fall or winter evening. At first I thought she drank too much Earl Grey Tea. "No", I replied. I knew exactly how my home looked inside and out. Why would I waste my time? She told me it was one of her favorite things to do. She did it when no one inside knew what she was doing. She felt like there was nothing more heartwarming than looking into your own cozy home watching what was going on inside. I must admit. There is something to this. I remember "sneaking" outside to watch inside for the first time. The "future" hubby was "boxing" with my Boxer Frankie Beans. He was laughing. Frankie was in his element putting up a good bout. This went on for a minute or two. The "future" hubby got tired and sat down. Frankie didn't give up. He continued his end of the match until he realized "future" hubby was down for the count. Frankie padded into another room then returned with a ball. "Future" hubby threw it and continued to watch TV. Don't ask me why I remember this first "peek" into my home with the "future" hubby, but I do. It's just, well it's just, just heartwarming...

Pumpkin Season

Every Fall we feel the need to make Pumpkin Mousse. I believe this may be an old Weight Watcher Recipe, but don't let that fool you. It's very tasty and fairly healthy. I thought some of you might like to try this.

Pumpkin Mousse

2 Small pkgs. sugar free vanilla pudding (or butterscotch some people use one of each)

3 Cups skim milk

1 Can Pumpkin (14oz.)

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix all of these ingredients together with your mixer until smooth (oops, some prefer to whisk).

Fold in 1 Cup Cool Whip (sugar free, fat free, it's all good). Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Serve like pudding/mousse or it's great in a pie crust or graham cracker crust too. YUMMY!!

Happy Fall Everyone!!

Where's Tom & WHO Told Me THAT?

Dancing with the Stars premieres tonight on ABC. I've never watched the whole show from the first episode until the winners are announced. For some reason, mainly due to a short attention span, I catch a few here and there. And, sometimes I see the very last show. My hopes were high earlier this summer when the rumors "swooned" me. I thought Tom Selleck was going to take the stage. I looked forward to Tom taking the stage shaking what his mama gave him. Now I just want to know, WHO IN THE WORLD STARTED THAT RUMOR? HELLO? Come on, don't do that to me! Instead I get Cloris Leatchman. Okay, I kinda like Cloris in a zany, goofy sort of way. BUT SHE IS NOT TOM SELLECK!! I'll watch tonight's show, but my heart aches in desire to see Tom Selleck shake his thang. Come dance Tom!!!

Shelter Gardens

I could've stood here all day. I don't think I've ever seen a statue that has taken my breath away like this beauty draped in roses. As we entered the garden, I could see the very top of her head in the distance. I could not wait to see her. It was as if she were whispering my name. I had to find her...

Today we made a trip to Columbia. After going to Lowe's, we headed to Shelter Gardens. This is a beautiful area behind Shelter Insurance. It really hasn't

been the best summer for flowered beauty due to all the rain. However, even though some plants were washed out, especially in the cactus garden, I thought it was beautiful. My pictures really don't do the garden justice. Take a look...

Any idea what this is? We loved the berries on this plant. Another one follows shortly with all dark colored berries.

The roses were beautiful here. After I took this picture a family walked up...

Miko and his Ashton Kutcher look-a-like owner were caught strolling the park...

I love these leaves...

Must be Missouri Bamboo?

A sundial..

The Newcomer School, this was fantastic. A step back in time...Rows of desks. We were surprised to see someone studying when we walked inside. Apparently a young man dressed like security personnel found a quiet spot to nurture his intelligence...

Rows of antique hooks.

Newcomer School from the side...

A Vietnam Memorial sits in quiet observance...

as a babbling brook and waterfall...

sing the praises...

to the beauty...

of nature...

Peep at This

Have you seen these? The calorie conscience will probably never look. However, those who are should "peep" at these. Peeps are the thing these days. A year or two ago, I found sugar-free peeps. Who woulda thought? I must say, I was NEVER a fan of any kind of Peep. But when I saw the sugar-free Peeps I had to bite. Literally. Not bad either. The hubby and I found pumpkin peeps tonight at Walgreens. I bought 2 because they'll be gone in no time. Seems like every holiday/season, there's Peeps for a reason. So, for you sugar inhibited souls, live on the edge and give 'em a try. They really are better than sugar filled Peeps.

Along the same line, I was listening to Paul Harvey last week on the way to work (something I hate is to listen to people "talk" on the radio, but the hubby likes it & he drives so he chooses what we listen to, that's the rule, the driver picks the station). Sometimes I just tolerate the ordinary, routine droan of his broadcast and sometimes I learn from it. Last week I hope I learned from it.

Being a diabetic, a particular broadcast reeled me in from my daydream on the way to work. Whoever was filling in for him was talking about mice being treated and possibly being on the rebound from diabetes and it's ill affects. Two particular drugs are used for experimentation. I attempted to look up this info on PH's website and then decided to email the University of Texas Southwestern. Really, I didn't expect a response. Just emailing in the wind so to speak. I'm a firm believer the government is making entirely too much money off of people like me who HAVE to have medicines to survive. The hubby disagrees, but it's still my opinion and I think I'm right. Anyway, the UTS answered my email. The nice lady even sent me a link so I could get a better understanding of PH's broadcast. The drug is called Leptin and appears to be reversing diabetes in mice. More research must be completed. Hey, that's more than I've heard about type I diabetes in all my years of being diabetic. (Everything now a day appears to be geared toward type II.) I probably won't live to see a cure, but at least I know some 84 year old dedicated doctor and his staff in Texas are working on a cure. AND may be getting closer.

For now at least there is Splenda, a very versatile sweetener that does not cause "anal leakage". Ha Ha. I had to throw that in. Remember when the fat free ingredient "Olean" was added to make potato chips semi-healthy? The quote was actually printed on the back of the package. Men everywhere began squeezing their butt cheeks together as soon as someone read that quote from the label. Really they did. I remember the sergeant in the housing unit where I was working had this look of panic on his face after he ate a handful while reading the bag. It still makes me laugh. As I was saying...

...for now at least there is Splenda and Sugar-Free Peeps.

Some of the Last Scenes of Summer

Let's take a look back at summer...

the hubby using a Real Reel Mower...the neighbors wanted to know if he needed to borrow their gas mower...

weeping cherry...

a perfect rose cabbage...

a beautiful door decoration guarded by an ever faithful angel...

a country road...

wildflowers...

a young park ranger obeying....

the speed limit...

big city parade and a colorful clown...

a summer filled with rain... an attic filled with water...

a wild eyed naked girl...

a new baby...turned into...

a grown upPunkin Pus...

Patriot Day

May we never forget...

Time To Get the Pumpkins Out

Last year I started a collection of pumpkins/jack-0-lanterns. I've never been a big Halloweenie decorator, but I do love the pumpkins. And, fortunately for me and the ever patient hubby, I found some cute ones after season last year.

Due to the little Turkey-Butt you see above, I have yet to decorate my fall tree. Everything is a toy for him. Doesn't he even look a little evil? I've forgotten what it's like to have a little kittencat around. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my Christmas tree. Maybe hang it from my ceiling?