Winter's Last Cone

Oh single cone how long will you stay,     
Through Winter's night and cold sunny day?  
The last cone I spy, as you hang alone,  
And wait for the time when you will de-throne. 

There on the ground a place among others. 
Is mother, father, sisters and brothers. 
Their death will now feed the coming green fern, 
For Spring's happy season before your return. 



This is the last day to vote for the song you like the best... on my "Battle of The Bands" blog. You do not have to join this blog hop to vote or leave a comment. Thank you.

dcrelief ~ Battle of the Bands

You too can be a pirate!

Arrrg - righty then.
It's a late Saturday and my nap is over. Let's play a tune. But what?
You read the post title, right? You saw the  magnificent wave above?

Take it away you scurvie pirate, you...

"Cast off the wotcha ma-doodles, mates! Hoist the thinga ma-bob!

Yes, the plank has to be pulled inside the ship before we set sail. (rolls eyes)"

(I don't know what to think about these modern day pirate wannabes.)

"You know how I hate five o'clock traffic!"

Aye cap'ain!

Winter ~ a gift

An old fashioned Winter with footprints in snow  
The lights of the house are all shining ~ full glow    

This evening is quiet the birds settled down   
No wind is out playing ~ no flakes swirling 'round 

An old fashioned Winter with old fashioned love
I hold dear this moment ~  a gift from above

dcrelief ~ Celebrate the Small Things

It's great to be back after a two month sabbatical from this bloghop! I'm excited to read about your celebrations. Before I share mine with you ~ here are some changes. 

Welcome to our new sponsor  ~ 

Lexa Cain

Welcome to our co- hosts ~

LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge 

Katie @ TheCyborg Mom

What am I celebrating? I thought you'd never ask...

1 ~ I have finally baked a successful apple cobbler.With this baking stuff, ingredients have to be accurate. Have a slice...

2 ~ Looking for adventure - I joined a music blog hop! Twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th, we do a "Battle of the Bands." Come over and listen to my two song choices. You can vote for the one you like best. (Yes, I'm promoting me, why not?) Look for my button in the right-hand margin that says: "dcrelief ~ I like Sax."  Go ahead... push that!

Alex J. Cavanaugh ~ mini ninja captain

3 ~ I'm celebrating Alex J. Cavanaugh's special site for Dragon of the Stars..."What Are the "Kargrandes?"  Every Monday morning, Alex will give us a new clue. A piece of the puzzle will fall into place, all the way up until the day before Dragon’s release... April 7, 2015! There's a button in the right-hand margin. Push it to get the newest clue!

I hope everyone has a fun celebration day. Thank you for hopping over here! And now ~  the linky vehicle we travel on...

Early, early wrap up ~ details below

The rain will surely go,
are we expecting snow?
Weather channel says ice.
No rain, isn't that nice?

'Tis ice, oh what a shame.
My blanket calls my name.
Let's stay in bed all day.
And skip the blog, hooray!


Oh no, we have blog hops.
You know those things don't stop?
The posting zone won't wait.
You can't reset the date.

Now go to bed and dream.
Of lovely words to stream.
Of things you want to say.
And post them on their day.


"dcrelief ~ Battle of the Bands" will post on Thursday, January 15, 2015. A newly opened blog.

"dcrelief - Celebrate the Small Things" will post here on Friday, January 16, 2015. 

"an artful blogger" will remain on it's normal comedic-chaotic schedule.

You know this means no airport visit, right? Teddy? Teddy? zzzzz...zzz

Is this you?

Once upon a time I felt I had to "help" someone see the light... no subject was taboo. It became burdensome because some people refused to "see"... then they'd certainly not agree... with me. What's wrong with these people? Don't they have "half a brain"?

So the time arrived when I no longer posted on political newspaper articles, and instead I went to bed. Yes, you can still find me leaving comments on blogs and other sites, but I do it for different reasons today. I'm happier without the drama. Lately several places are involved in topics I would have jumped in on, in the past. But that's just it... I read about these same topics many years ago and have watched them come full circle... still no solutions. Maybe you've experienced the same thing I have?

Are you one to bang away at your computer or other equipment, and try to "help" someone see the light? Are you right? Are you sure? Do zombies really exist? (Ha! Just threw that in to see if you're paying attention.) Is the madcap of drama something to think about or would you rather see a post on my apple cobbler?(smile)

The recipe for the cookies... and Mark Gungor Returns!

Two requests received ~

Post the cookie recipe

Re-post Mark Gungor




Butter Cookies - makes 48 cookies

8 ounces unsalted butter
3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 1⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk
2 cups all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS
Beat the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
Mix in the egg yolk until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl at least once.
Add the flour and mix just until incorporated.
Scrape onto a lightly floured board and knead a few times, just until the dough smooths out.
Turn onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log, wrap up and refrigerate for several hours or freeze.
Before baking, preheat the oven to 325°F.
Line your baking sheets with parchment.
Slice the dough into slices about 1/8" thick and place them on the sheets about an inch apart (they won't be spreading very much, but they need air room around each cookie).
Bake until JUST beginning to turn golden around the edges, about 16-18 minutes.

Note: you can do many things with these cookies.
You could roll the dough out and cut shapes.
You could slice them even thinner and sandwich them with chocolate or jam or lemon curd.
You could make them and then dip them halfway into chocolate.
You could just make them and eat them, which is my favorite.

Mark Gungor's funny video #1 last 2:56 mins. "Meaning of Words".

 

Video #2 10:04 mins. "How Men and Women Keep Score."

To cease the sailing of destiny ~

Along a sea of blue, we sailed on endlessly ~            
Having dreams that others, would join our sailing too.     
The thoughts we share so seamlessly ~       
Give rise to all we do.                           

Along a 'see' of life, and of it's destiny ~
As we are moving faster, than light would have us know.  
A treasure offered you and me ~           
Completed long ago.

Shadows casting darkly, on rocky shoals below ~
We need not fear the presence or absence of life.
To cease in all the worlds we know ~
We cease with all the strife.

~ Or if you prefer... a song ~

Late night tune - get your earplugs!

It's warmer than last night, but not by much. Yes, I'm whining! I want to kick back and daydream of a tropical isle, but Bruce Springsteen keeps getting in my way. Do you ever get a song stuck in your head, and it goes round and round? Tonight I have that problem. Since I can't get to sleep.... I decided to post it on here. Maybe I'll play it over and over, and overdose on Bruce.

Teddy doesn't care. He's copacetic staring at the fire. Do you think Teddy is real? Oh never mind - another story - another time. Back to Bruce. Now, he's real. I even thought I'd find a song about cold weather, and it might shut Bruce up... in my head. No.

I think what got me thinking about this song, was a comment from my friend, Dezmond. We were talking about radiator heaters. I recalled living in an apartment building which had them, which reminded me of living on the top floor, which reminded me of the many times I would play Bruce Springsteen... whew! Okay, that sounds a bit insane...

Let's just hope I get sleepy soon. You don't want to know my second choice. Not tonight! Maybe I'll run up and down the basement steps a few times. After all, I was, Born to Run!

Thursday wrap up ~ a red letter date!

Don't you love red roses?









Another week, and no visit to the "airport overlook" to watch the airplanes. We so miss those adventures, and the lady who sells roasted marshmallows. But it's too cold!! We'll have to be content to watch them fly over the house. When Teddy and I woke up at 6 a.m., it was 13 degrees F/ -11 C outside. That nice warm fire had left some cozy embers, which spoke to me: "Stir me, stir me, add some wood, I'll live again!" I promptly obeyed. And before some of you say to me, "Oh, that's not cold... we were down to -114 last night...  let me say, "lucky you!"

Okay ~ this is indeed a red letter date! For once dcrelief has a New Year's resolution. You heard me; one I think I can finally keep. Here it is -  wotcha think?

Rambling on ~ I love red coats. I began to think my current coat might be a bit out of date. So Teddy and I took a trip online, and what we saw changed our minds. My goodness, I bought this same coat five years ago for $2.79. It was an 'end of winter' coat sale at Goodwill. Here it was posted as a 1960's Vintage corduroy - in red! (40 bucks!) What? I've been popping that thing in the washer/dryer every year! It's in great shape. So I'll continue wrapping up in this... I figure I'm so far out of date, I'm almost current again!

Lastly ~ This has been one of those weeks of frustration over itty-bitty stuff. The big stuff somehow gets resolved, but the small stuff...sigh.  So I'm sharing a cute little 'pithy saying' with photo. Right now I'm using it as a screensaver. Every time I look at the child's face, I wonder, "who decided to use a child for this saying, and why?" Think about it... all of their stuff seems itty-bitty to the adults... but not to them. ~And, if they're watching to see how adults handle issues? Go ahead, and insert your own child's photo. Make it your screensaver. It might make you think twice about how to wrap up the little stuff! Or help them to wrap up theirs.(smile).

Come on Theodore ~ back to the lovely fireplace. The peanut butter cookies are up! Everybody sing, "Off we go into the wild blue yonder... flying high, into the sky...". Milk, Teddy?

it's a teddy night

Teddy and I love the warm glow of the fire.
We stare into the flames and imaginations soar.
Our dreams take us higher, and still higher.
While we remain ever grounded on the floor.

We wish you warmth in your heart.
A good friend who likes to share.
Laughter that plays a special part.
And sweet dreams without a care.

Bruce Hornsby - The Way It Is

Learn to live... so you can live to learn... so you can learn to live...

Another place...

There was a big shake up for me this week. It caught me totally off guard and unprepared. It shocked me, it saddened me, and for a moment it even angered me. Since attitude is everything, I figured I might as well get over it. In fact, I think it upset more of 'them' than it did me.

What happened? The homeless shelter where I volunteer is operated by three different churches. Their policy requires you to be a member of one of them in order to participate as a volunteer. So when I withdrew my membership at one of the churches,  it disqualified me. I simply did not realize that would happen. It's not something I even thought about.

The more I think about it, though the better I feel about it. I'll simply state that my life has been leading me to this point for the last three years. I cannot be someone else definition of church or religion. Though I am Christian, I have a different understanding, and would never wish anyone ill. I will always love them but I cannot remain with them. And I don't want to turn this into some topic of Church vs anything else. There are other places where I might find the kingdom of my Creator. He's the only one that knows people's hearts... knows what they do and don't want. He knows me... and still loves me. There will be another shelter or volunteer place, or something.

Now I'm going to let it go... "This too, shall pass"...  be that cannonball I wrote about yesterday. I'm also going to play one of my favorite songs. I don't remember much about the movie it came from, but the song was a parental favorite. I seemed to have inherited their love for it... and it's not about cold weather - yay!

Thanks for reading, as this is not something I normally touch on.

Or if you want to see something amazing... watch this!

To fly like a cannonball - there's a concept

All of us go through things we'd rather not go through. We want to run and hide but that's a temporary fix. The answer comes in the form of release from the pain. A solution to the problem standing before us, but we don't see it... yet.  We travel on and keep our chin up, best we can. Some of us have friends or family that help. Some of us have the interactions we experience on a blog or web site. Some of us spend great moments soul-searching. Some of say prayers - the kind that are willing to help us... let go... let the pain, let the problem... fly.

Lea Michele, of the TV show, "Glee" has a song that speaks straight to me. Many times I want a painful moment or problem to get off of me. I let it go... because I want to fly like cannonball... a fast and definitive healing! I know I'm ready and nothing can stop me. Enjoy the song! 

Ode to cornbread ~

Oh cornbread ~ oh cornbread ~
I love you like crazy...
You make me feel happy, my fat butt gets lazy.
A bowl of fine beans or roast pork on top...
I promise, dear cornbread my love will not stop.

Your size doesn't matter, each crumb is so sweet...
I gave up my dog who sat at my feet.
He ate all the droppings and made me so mad...
No sprinkles for chili, 'weren't none' to be had.

I listen to music and what people mutter...
it rolls off their tongues like you, with some butter.
Forgive me for loving the vision I see...
I think there's still time for pan # 3.

Do I want you with steak, or with fish broiled just right?
Will the pork loin be tender with gravy'd delight?
Will the chili bring sighs on a cold winter's night?
Just go make the cornbread before morning's light ~

Now!

a dream for the new year's meal... past

The peas were busy soaking,
The collard greens were too.
The pork was in the oven,
and waiting just for you.

You brought banana pudding.
Your deviled eggs were so sublime.
The napkins were so lovely.
You showed up just in time.

The lemon pie was tasty.
I didn't waste a crumb.
The peas that you consumed,
would make a body numb.

We laughed and laughed 'til dawn.
Then early morning light,
revealed that you weren't here,
and never in my sight.

But I had heard your voice,
and your laughter, a soothing balm.
A lonely thought emerged,
then disappeared into the calm.


(My cell phone is ringing - it might be you!
No, wait. It's the alarm I set in case I fell asleep.
Was that a dream?
What a strange dream.)

2015 - rambling thoughts - ideas - wishes

Did you know that elephants eat Christmas trees? What if we sent all of our trees overseas to the countries with elephants? That's what I call going green.

A friend and I used to collect trees off the road after Christmas and make candle holders. Don't laugh. We'd glue on flowers and ornaments - sold for $25.00 a piece!

There's a nice skating rink at the NASCAR hall of fame, in my home town. It used to be fun but I don't do it anymore.

I've never understood why people wear funny hats at New Years parties. Reminds me of a few birthdays I had as a child.

Fireworks allover the city. I love to watch them, but my favorite thing to do is driving around to look at Christmas lights.

It's 2015 here. What a strange sounding number! I really hope you find peace about your life, or any situation that's still hanging over from 2014. It was bitter cold today, but I understand the shelter had 65 out of 75 beds filled. I suspect some of the men don't wish to be separated from their wives and children... it is after all, a holiday.

Thank you for visiting me during 2014! I've laughed, I've cried, and some of you really know how to throw a comma around!! Too many names to mention, and I'd probably forget someone.
Blessings to you all, with love,
 
Dixie @dcrelief, @an artful blogger, and @battle of the bands.

Wrapping the week - the year - the body - it's cold!

Of course, once again, visiting the airport is out. I did get a bit scared today when a plane flew over the house kind of sideways(?) Maybe it was going back around to land - not sure - but I felt the need to talk to the Creator about it.  The plane disappeared into the clouds and I went on about the day's business.

I've had so much fun playing you songs (those favorite tunes of mine). I hope you had a chance to listen to some of them. Which reminds me - to tell you - I've joined a group that plays, "Battle of the Bands." We post twice a month and you're welcome to come over and listen to the new blog I've opened up to post on. Hey, you're welcome to join us! You pick one song, done in two different versions. Everybody votes for their favorite of the two (tell me why you liked the one you voted for). Then I come back a week later, add my vote, and give the results. Come on now!! 

The men's shelter has been full for the last few days due to the cold temps here. That means the shelter I volunteer with is going to be full capacity tonight! I understand a three piece trio will play tunes. Though I'm excused for the month of December, I'll still send goodies. They need an extra breakfast casserole - no problem - I'm on it! All of that lovely ham I got on sale before Christmas, has purpose after all(smile).

A niece gave me some lovely, pink flannel scarves for Christmas. They are so warm and appreciated. Also got a penguin hat - complete with ear covers(and little balls!).

How about  a year end song for us - dcrelief  is nothing without the Creator above, and lovely people here below! I know you know that(smile).

In memory of my Mom and Dad, and for my little Love Bird friend, Brisbane... all Sinatra fans. (And you too Billy Pilgrim!)

Goodbye 2014 ~ Hello 2015

As the last couple of days of 2014 leave us, I hope you can claim that your goals were met. I hope every challenge has been satisfied - and whatever that 2014 resolution was - can finally be written off at last. Meanwhile, here's a poem:

2010 - 2014
I made a resolution, while having no solution ~
Instead I said a prayer.
Time was moving slowly, my heart was sinking lowly ~
I refused to feel despair.
Then the realization, of my true consolation ~
Provided strength and light to share.
The problem disappeared, and no more have I feared ~
Instead I've learned to care.


Happy 2015 to the ones who've "joined my journey," and to the readers that just happened by. Know that your comments are always welcome, always appreciated, and more than often - teach me something about myself or the place we all call home.

Taking a walk down memory lane with this song. Love the saxophone!
Maybe you remember Dan Folgelberg: August 13, 1951 - December 16, 2007

Brisbane home ~ power off ~ Spinach Quiche

Which end is up today?













Sunday evening I delivered Brisbane to his home. His owner, my neighbor, had stopped for take out - he bought spaghetti dinners for both of us. (Talk about a nice surprise.) I think it turned out to be a good transition for the bird. Either that or he was completely confused?! He kept flying from one to the other.  But it didn't take him long to remember where he belonged. Yay Brisbane!

Today I was trying to get caught up on things pushed aside from the holidays, and the bird babysitting extravaganza. You know how you get on a roll... great momentum... "nothing's gonna stop me now?" I was up and down the basement stairs to do laundry - it is THAT day! While waiting, for the machines to finish, I'm checking out possible menus for the week. The computer is humming along while I also catch up on reading blogs! Suddenly - no power!  Everything in the house is off. But I'm thinking like Martha Stewart: this could be a good thing. (Not) Well I know the bill is paid up, so help! I stepped outside and there sits the power truck, replacing a thingy. (I don't know what they're called - transformer?) They're going to have me back in business in 15 minutes. If it'd been an hour I'd have taken a nap. Oh well.

Thinking of what to make that's hot, cheesy and easy? Something I might even eat cold, besides peanut butter cookies, which I made the night before. Freezer diving came up with a bag of frozen spinach. Ah-ha! No milk - no problem - I'll substitute some cottage cheese. Ooh, and I also have a third cup of cream of mushroom soup left from Saturday's meatloaf. (For some reason, if I can taste it in my mind, I know it'll taste good when made - don't ask.) About the time I got accustomed to the ambiance of all quiet  - the power cames back on.

Time to move on again. Come on momentum! I know - how about a tune?