Brrrrrrr!!!

Can we say cold? It's 3º here with a -25º wind chill. And tomorrow is Monday and I can't hide under the covers from the cold here with the girls and go to work too. Sigh. I need June...

A Step Back in Time

Most all these girls' dresses were made from flour sacks...

THE FLOUR SACK

BY COLLEEN B. HUBERT

IN THAT LONG AGO TIME WHEN THINGS WERE SAVED,

WHEN ROADS WERE GRAVELED AND BARRELS WERE STAVED,

WHEN WORN-OUT CLOTHING WAS USED AS RAGS,

AND THERE WERE NO PLASTIC WRAP OR BAGS,

AND THE WELL AND THE PUMP WERE WAY OUT BACK,

A VERSITILE ITEM, WAS THE FLOUR SACK.

PILLSBURY'S BEST, MOTHER'S AND GOLD MEDAL, TOO

STAMPED THEIR NAMES PROUDLY IN PURPLE AND BLUE.

THE STRING SEWN ON TOP WAS PULLED AND KEPT;

THE FLOUR EMPTIED AND SPILLS WERE SWEPT.

THE BAG WAS FOLDED AND STORED IN A SACK

THAT DURABLE, PRACTICAL FLOUR SACK.

THE SACK COULD BE FILLED WITH FEATHERS AND DOWN,

FOR A PILLOW, OR T'WOULD MAKE A NICE SLEEPING GOWN.

IT COULD CARRY A BOOK AND BE A SCHOOL BAG,

OR BECOME A MAIL SACK S LUNG OVER A NAG.

IT MADE A VERY CONVENIENT PACK,

THAT ADAPTABLE, COTTON FLOUR SACK.

BLEACHED AND SEWN, IT WAS DUTIFULLY WORN

AS BIBS, DIAPERS, OR KERCHIEF ADORNED.

IT WAS MADE INTO SKIRTS, BLOUSES AND SLIPS.

AND MOM BRAIDED RUGS FROM ONE HUNDRED STRIPS

SHE MADE RUFFLED CURTAINS FOR THE HOUSE OR SHACK,

FROM THAT HUMBLE BUT TREASURED FLOUR SACK!

AS A STRAINER FOR MILK OR APPLE JUICE,

TO WAVE MEN IN, IT WAS A VERY GOOD USE,

AS A SLING FOR A SPRAINED WRIST OR A BREAK,

TO HELP MOTHER ROLL UP A JELLY CAKE,

AS A WINDOW SHADE OR TO STUFF A CRACK,

WE USED A STURDY, COMMON FLOUR SACK!

AS DISH TOWELS, EMBROIDERED OR NOT,

THEY COVERED UP DOUGH, HELPED PASS PANS SO HOT,

TIED UP DISHES FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED,

AND FOR MEN OUT IN THE FIELD TO SEED.

THEY DRIED DISHES FROM PAN, NOT RACK

THAT ABSORBENT, HANDY FLOUR SACK!

WE POLISHED AND CLEANED STOVE AND TABLE,

SCOURED AND SCRUBBED FROM CELLAR TO GABLE,

WE DUSTED THE BUREAU AND OAK BED POST,

MADE COSTUMES FOR OCTOBER (A SCARY GHOST)

AND A PARACHUTE FOR A CAT NAMED JACK.

FROM THAT LOWLY, USEFUL OLD FLOUR SACK!

SO NOW MY FRIENDS, WHEN THEY ASK YOU

AS CURIOUS YOUNGSTERS OFTEN DO,

'BEFORE PLASTIC WRAP, ELMERS GLUE

AND PAPER TOWELS, WHAT DID YOU DO?

'TELL THEM LOUDLY AND WITH PRIDE DON'T LACK,

'MOTHER' HAD THAT WONDERFUL FLOUR SACK!'

Good Housekeeping Tip Number 1

Always keep several get well cards on the mantle... So if unexpected guests arrive, they will think you've been sick and unable to clean.

Hoping....

I am hoping that all of my blogger friends that were near or in the path of those horrible storms have come out unscathed. I just could not believe the destruction. I am so sorry for the loss of lives... the loss of homes, churches, schools... and thankful that there weren't more people killed. I have come to care about all of the people whose blogs I read every day. They are very special people.

Black History Month

Piecing US Together

Unlike any place before it, the United States of America is made up of people who come from every corner of the world. The unique contributions of African Americans are highlighted during Black History Month. Here's what's coming up in Southeast Michigan.

The Henry Ford hosts Quilting Genius 2: The Improvisational Quilts of Susana Allen Hunter. Opening Friday, Feb. 15, the new exhibit will showcase 30 colorful and intriguing quilts created by Susana Allen Hunter from her experiences in the segregated South. The public is also invited to a the Quilting Genius Forum March 15, where a panel of experts will discuss the artistic expression of African-American quilters and the history their works preserve.

At The Henry Ford, take time to explore With Liberty & Justice for All, a groundbreaking exhibit that explores the proud and often painful evolution of America freedom from the Revolutionary War through the struggle for civil rights.

Making Prints, Telling Stories - The Artistry of Margaret Burroughs This exhibition features a selection of evocative prints by renowned artist Margaret Burroughs. Often characterized as examples of "social realism," the works affectionately capture the essence of Africa and the African Diaspora. While at the museum, you'll want to visit "And Still We Rise," the spectacular $12 million permanent exhibit that details in life-size displays the African American experience. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is open Wednesdays through Sundays in February.

Black History Month at the DIA Celebrate Black History Month with great art, live music, poetry, storytelling and more at the New DIA. You'll find special programs, including a drop-in workshop, information for educators and big-screen films. Explore African American themed events, gallery tours, performances and activities Wednesdays through Sundays in February at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The E. Azalia Hackley Concert The 64th Annual Hackley Concert presents the artistry of lyric baritone Robert Sims. Known for his moving interpretations of African American spirituals, Mr. Sims has appeared in operas and recitals throughout the United States. He performs Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library.

Classical Roots Celebration IV This concert series celebrates African contributions to classical music. With resident conductor Thomas Wilkins and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, the program features Exegisis, a work by African-American composer Augustus Hill, Berlioz's Cleopatra and Detroit's own Brazeal Dennard Chorale. Performance is Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.

Grandma's Pharmacy This documentary highlights the life of Elizabeth Wize, the first African American woman to own a chain of pharmacies in Michigan. Today, she is 91 years young and still runs the business from Detroit's Medical district. The film was created by Elizabeth Greene, a Wayne State University graduate. Screens Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Annual African American Film Festival This inaugural film festival concentrates on classics of the big screen, featuring historical African American moving pictures from the 1930s and 40s. The films include "Emperor Jones" (starring Paul Robeson, photo), "Dirty Gertie from Harlem" and "The Green Pastures." Screenings Saturdays, Feb. 9 through Feb. 23, at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center.

Let My People Go! A Spiritual Journey Along the Underground Railroad The story of escaped slaves risking their lives for freedom comes to life through music, dance and storytelling. Presented by Rackham Symphony Choir with the Marygrove College Chorale and the Hartford Memorial Bach Choir, Donald McCullough's masterwork explores the coded language hidden within the spirituals that helped slaves escape. Performances Friday, Feb. 29 and Saturday, March 1, at Marygrove College.

For more Black History Month events, click here. We will update the GreatStuff special section as we receive more information in the coming month.

From GreatStuff
Michigan holds a special place in the African American experience. Automotive pioneer Henry Ford was the first American industrialist to offer blacks work and pay comparable to whites, a fundamental part of economic and social equality. Get the details in "Working Side by Side," an article from Michigan History magazine by University of Michigan professor David L. Lewis. The image at left of the Ford Rouge Plant is by American photographer Charles Sheeler. Click here or on the title above to read the article.

The nation's Black History Month is not just for discovering the story of African Americans. It is the story of Michigan and the story of America. It is our story.

Your Chuckle For The Day...

A man had 50 yard line tickets for the Super Bowl. As he sits down, a man comes down and asked the man if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him. "No," he said, "the seat is empty."

"This is incredible," said the man. "Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sport event in the world, and not use it?”

Somberly, the man says, "Well... the seat actually belongs to me. I was supposed to come here with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Super Bowl we have not been together since we got married in 1967."

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else - a friend or relative or even a neighbor to take the seat?"

"The man shakes his head, "No. They're all at the funeral."

Time For Tea

My friend Carol wrote about tea the other day. I saw this picture by Penny Parker that I had in my little stash of graphics and thought of her. I often use if for "wallpaper" (or background) on the computer.

Xs and Os to Sissy. I just found out today that my sister reads my blog! Thanks, Mikey!

A Little Knowledge...

From my friend, Carol!

Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.

(Who volunteers for this stuff?)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and always falls over on its right side when intoxicated. (From drinking little bottles of???)

(Did the government pay for this research??)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Butterflies taste with their feet.

(Ah, geez.)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

(I know some people like that.)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Starfish don't have brains.

(I know some people like that, too.)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

And, the best for last?

Turtles can breathe through their butts.

(And I thought I had bad breath in the morning!)

Family

For those who have been wanting a picture -- here it is. This is from around 2005. The wonderful people sitting are my sister Ruby (Sissy to me) and my brother-in-law Johnny. The two gentlemen standing are Bob (on the left) and Mike (on the right) who are my nephews. The old lady in the middle is me (I used to be skinny until I got older). My sister is 22 years older than I. My brother-in-law passed away in 2006 just after their 56th wedding anniversary. Throughout his life he would forget and introduce me to people as his daughter. I loved it! My nephews are more like my brothers because I was born first, then Mike (a year and 10 months later) and then Bob (two years and two months after Mike). We grew up together. We are very close to this day.

I Can Identify...

Cowboy Boots

(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this one!)

Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet." She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on.

She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet. He then announced, "....These aren't my boots." She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, "Why didn't you say so?", like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear 'em." Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked,"Now, where are your mittens?"

He said, "I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots."

She will be eligible for parole in three years.

Maxine

Love that Maxine!

Dust

I think this says it all!

Proven Medical Test

How to tell if your feet stink!

Is It Just Me?

I changed my mind. It's a woman's prerogative, you know. I had posted something about just getting into the weekend and then realizing that tomorrow is Monday when something caught my attention on the News. Now, correct me if I'm wrong here... but I just don't get this Kwame Kilpatrick thing. I realize that Clinton did it.... but come on! Detroit is having a hard enough time without this. I know I shouldn't post something so political, but to me it isn't political. It's a matter of ethics. And there doesn't appear to be any here.

Snow

As I am sitting here reading through my emails, I happened to look up. Outside my window a beautiful, big-flaked, gentle snow is falling. It is so pretty! It kind of puts a "muffler" on the noise of everyday life.

and....

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Michigan.

Don't Mess With Old Ladies!

Compliments of my friend, Carol.

Enjoy the laugh...

An older lady gets pulled over for speeding...

Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer?

Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding.

Older Woman: Oh, I see.

Officer: Can I see your license please?

Older Woman: I'd give it to you but I don't have one.

Officer: Don't have one?

Older Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for drunk driving.

Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please.

Older Woman: I can't do that.

Officer: Why not?

Older Woman: I stole this car.

Officer: Stole it?

Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.

Officer: You what?

Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to see.

The Officer looks at the woman and slowly backs away to his car and calls for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car. A senior officer slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun.

Officer 2: Ma'am, could you step out of your vehicle please!

The woman steps out of her vehicle.

Older woman: Is there a problem sir?

Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner.

Older Woman: Murdered the owner?

Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk of your car, please.

The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk.

Officer 2: Is this your car, ma'am?

Older Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers.

The officer is quite stunned.

Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not have a driving license.

The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it to the officer. The officer examines the license. He looks quite puzzled.

Officer 2: Thank you ma'am, one of my officers told me you didn't have a license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the owner.

Older Woman: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.

Twice as Nice

Oh joy! Oh happy day! "Chuck" is not only new, it is on TWICE tonight! Wahoo!!!

A Little Laughter

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies

1. If you're choking on an ice cube, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.

2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you chop.

3. Avoid arguments with the females about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure on your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you'll be afraid to cough.

7. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

8. Remember - everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

9. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

DAILY THOUGHT: Some people are like Slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

A Deep Sadness

I cannot fathom the depth of sorrow that a mother suffers in the loss of her son. I have a friend whose son, in his twenties, passed away in his sleep last night. He still lived at home. Needless to say, she is totally devastated. If you would keep her in your prayers, I would greatly appreciate it.

I have known him and his two sisters from the moment they were born. He was a very nice young man. Always took the time to say hello when he saw me. Would take time out of whatever it was he was doing to chat over the fence. He had even cut my lawn a time or two and even cleaned my sidewalk after a snow and wouldn't take anything for it. He had his problems. Most young people today do. But, he was good to his mother and loved his little niece (his youngest sister's little girl) and the newest nephew (his older sister's little boy). He loved classic cars. He liked to sit on the front porch and watch the world go by. He loved dogs. I will miss him.

Brooklyn Parrots

I visit a website called Brooklyn Parrots (http://www.brooklynparrots.com/).

I love those little birds. Please visit their site, if you are interested, to read about the issue in Yacolt.

There is cruelty going on with these lovely little birds in Yacolt, Washington. It is total cruelty and major uncaring by the big utility company there. I have posted a "Letter" below that will enable you to sign a REAL petition to try to stop their cruelty. After you visit the site and read you can sign the petition through that site or come back here and sign it through this one. It doesn't matter which way you choose just as long as you take a moment to sign. I copied this letter from a confirmation email I received from the Petition Online people. Thank you for your time.

Dear Friends,

I have just read and signed the online petition: "Stop Clark Public Utility's Killing of Monk Parakeets" hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition service, at: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/YacoltOP/

I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might agree, too. If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider signing yourself.

Best wishes, Sandra McIntire

A Michigan Winter Story For You

WINTER BLONDE

As a trucker stops for a red light, a blonde catches up. She jumps out of her car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door. The trucker lowers the window, and she says 'Hi, my name is Heather and you are losing some of your load.'

The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street. When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of her car, runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly, 'Hi my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!'

Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down the street. At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck door. The trucker rolls down the window. Again she says 'Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!'

When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light. When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs back to the blonde. He knocks on her window, and after she lowers it, he says...

'Hi, my name is Kevin, it's winter in Michigan and I'm driving the SALT TRUCK!'