71 years ago I was heading out for a night of square dancing with my boyfriend. We had TV— 71 years ago—how about that? I was only fifteen. Then........
James is still here but really leaning and getting thinner. He is doing his best to glow in the Autumn chill today!
James is now twelve years old and aging fast! He was carved by a friend just learning how to do it after cutting down the magnificent Blue Spruce tree, and the result was perfect and wonderful. You see, I had shown the carver a photo and asked him to create the face of my maternal great-grandfather but have it a bit whimsical. He did just that! The beautiful pine tree had to be cut down as it was badly infected with spider mites according to the arborist. I had him check to see why it was dying. The fact that a pine tree stump has lasted this long is unusual. Yes, bees, ants and worms have all established homes inside of him. He is picked on by woodpeckers as well. There is no keeping up now with his internal damage so I'll go on dressing him with garlands and honor as long as he stands. James is the "Spiritual Guardian of Cabin Tranquillity."
April 2010
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| James Marshall Folkner and wife Malinda Ann The name James means "supplanter." Supplanter means someone or something that takes the place of another. The name Marshall means "steward." Steward means manager or someone who acts in the stead of another. James Marshall Folkner is my maternal Great Grandfather. "James, Spiritual Guardian of Cabin Tranquillity," is named after him, in honor of my Mother's Grandfather, her mother's father. He even looks a bit like him. |
In 1972 it was moved with us into Cabin Tranquillity. It is used several times daily. Today it is 37 years old and still completely functioning. My title here is Eureka because the oven lamp burned out a second time and I immediately went to GE to get another replacement. There were none available for that particular model and year. I wasn't surprised so I pursued further with internet searches with the part# and found one! It was $4.00 with no s/h and came in just a couple of days. I replaced it and am back in business.
I tell you this because I have always found it important to keep records of appliances and it has enabled me to know exactly what numbers and models, etc. would be needed for replacement parts.
I highly recommend this site: Certified Parts.com 909-667-2787. Link below.
There is so much waste today and being frugal, in my way of thinking, is being sensible and economical.
Well, While in the shower this morning I had a big laugh on myself at the end. I threw the washcloth to the sink so I could rinse it out and hang to dry in the living room for extra humidity. This is what is done here! Wouldn't you know that my aim was off and it landed on the new mega roll of TP. We cannot have that! The incident prompted me to write this. Silly me.
Anyway, it made me think of how and why I live like this. By that I mean that sometimes it's a big compromise. Yet....
Who the heck writes about their shower stall? I DO. This old tin thing was installed here in the early 60's and it most likely was a used-before item. That's how my dad got deals and steals. To this day it is functional, but has had repairs and caulking around the interior floor edges as the enameled tin rusts. The shower head might be the one installed in the 60's as well - I don't know that. What I do know is that it is about 1.5" in diameter and the holes are clogging more and more every day with minerals. We have well water here - not filtered. The Mister used to fill a shot glass with CLR and hold it up, submerging the head for several minutes. Then he would poke the holes in the head with a straightened paper clip and it would spray nicer for a few months. He tried many times to twist it off of the pipe but it is frozen there. I simply cannot keep my balance and use my good arm to reach it. A plumber would be needed for that process!
Anyway, more here... My showers last as long as the hot water does. Who cares? I do! I love hot showers especially on my damaged shoulder. I am able - without supports, rails, bench or helpers get the job done and let me tell you I am VERY careful not to fall. Nope! Not gonna! I've figured out how to hang on to the doorway edges without getting water on the floor. I do bring the landline phone in and place it on the hamper within easy reach IF I should need it, but I don't answer calls. I have had visions of falling, not being able to get up, and the hot water running out and the cold water freezing me —you know what would be next. Not gonna fall!
I am thankful to have a shower stall, hot water, and an electric wall heater for the time I use them; also clean towels, clothes, shampoo, and more. I have a toilet lid to sit on when drying and getting dressed. Just think of people who don't have a home or water or warmth, or a bathroom. Think HARD!
One of my friends said she is keeping an old blanket from when she was a child and doesn't know why. I think I know why. Our childhood treasures remind us of the past in a good way. Her note prompted me to check out two items that I have and treasure them as well. So, I dug deep, took them out of their protective wraps and - lo and behold - they are still in great condition! (I do not know how to get wrinkles out of old muslin that was washed and put away a long time ago, though.)
The first is this muslin candlewick coverlet that my mother made for me either before or soon after I was born. I'm not sure of the date. She did tell me that it kept her busy learning how to design it. It measures 42" x 66" and might have shrunk when it was washed. Nice pattern, don't you think?
This is a re-post from nine years ago. I must remember how hard it was then and how much easier it is now to keep warm. Just click on the link below.
The years flew by…
Birth to age 15 - Lots of physical activities and book reading. Many friends, all ages, all races, all religions. Musical involvement; choirs, bands, orchestra. Arts and crafts. Horses.
Age 15-20 - Boyfriends, modeling, horses, marriage and first child.
Age 20-25 - Pain, frustration, rebellion, three more children, divorce.
Age 25-35 - Marriage, two more children, horses, friends, motorcycle and snowmobile trips, physical and emotional injuries. Betrayal.
Age 35-62 - Satisfied, productive, healed, new friends, new experiences, beach, retirement. Loss of family members and friends. New family members.
Age 62-80 - Productive in crafts, baking, cooking, new friends, sharing. Happy. More new family members, more friends died.
Age 80-85 - More new family members. Loss of more friends. Unsettled, self sufficient and responsible, less social, less independent, less motivated, more accepting, more judgmental.
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| 1937 |
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| 1918 |
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| 1918 |
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| 1918 |
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| 1914 |
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| 1910 Please click on image to view larger |
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| Tiny green pond covered with weed! |
