Interesting August
hot beautiful desert days
praying for rain.
All right, I couldn't resist writing one more haiku in August. September begins at midnight and September always brings back intriguing memories from my childhood. Labor Day is always a day to remember my grandparents and Blackwell, Oklahoma.
Monday, August 31, 2009
On the last Day of August 2009
Kamál (Perfection), 12 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Monday, August 31, 2009 about 6:41 AM Pacific Time
On the last day of August 2009, I'm remembering Grandma Newland and applesauce. I opened a can of applesauce for breakfast this morning. The applesauce brought my Grandmother to mind because she made her own applesauce.
When Grandma made applesauce, she would peel the apples, core them and then cut them into slices. After preparing the apples in this way, she would put them in a large boiler, add sugar, and cover them with water. I'm sure Grandma added sugar, I also think she add ground cinnamon. I don't remember how much sugar or cinnamon Grandma added.
After the applesauce finished cooking, Grandma would let each of her grandchildren have a small bowl of hot applesauce. I will eat homemade applesauce hot; however, when I open a can of store bought applesauce I want it cold.
On the last day of August 2009, I'm remembering Grandma Newland and applesauce. I opened a can of applesauce for breakfast this morning. The applesauce brought my Grandmother to mind because she made her own applesauce.
When Grandma made applesauce, she would peel the apples, core them and then cut them into slices. After preparing the apples in this way, she would put them in a large boiler, add sugar, and cover them with water. I'm sure Grandma added sugar, I also think she add ground cinnamon. I don't remember how much sugar or cinnamon Grandma added.
After the applesauce finished cooking, Grandma would let each of her grandchildren have a small bowl of hot applesauce. I will eat homemade applesauce hot; however, when I open a can of store bought applesauce I want it cold.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A windy Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Sunday, August 30, 2009 about 1:44 PM Pacific Time
It's a windy Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. The wind is blowing the limbs on the two pine trees that remain in the yard. The moving limbs cast shadows on my living room wall. I catch the movement out of the corner of my eye and see the shadows of the pine trees dancing on the pale blue wall.
The oleanders in the back yard are waving in the wind. I don't have to go outside for anything so I can enjoy watching the movement of the trees and oleanders without worry about my allergy to the oleander pollen. I wash two loads of cloths today and brought the cloths in just as the wind started.
The wind in the trees
carry a message of peace
beautiful August.
It's a windy Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. The wind is blowing the limbs on the two pine trees that remain in the yard. The moving limbs cast shadows on my living room wall. I catch the movement out of the corner of my eye and see the shadows of the pine trees dancing on the pale blue wall.
The oleanders in the back yard are waving in the wind. I don't have to go outside for anything so I can enjoy watching the movement of the trees and oleanders without worry about my allergy to the oleander pollen. I wash two loads of cloths today and brought the cloths in just as the wind started.
The wind in the trees
carry a message of peace
beautiful August.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Four months left in 2009
Jalál (Glory), 10 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Saturday, August 29, 2009 about 4:04 PM Pacific Time
There's about four months left in 2009, it seems the older I get the faster the year passes. When I was young a year seemed to go on forever. Now a year passes in the blink of an eye. It seems that the year just began and now it's more then half over.
The year is a hare
racing toward the future
yesterday a dream.
There's about four months left in 2009, it seems the older I get the faster the year passes. When I was young a year seemed to go on forever. Now a year passes in the blink of an eye. It seems that the year just began and now it's more then half over.
The year is a hare
racing toward the future
yesterday a dream.
Friday, August 28, 2009
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast
Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Friday, August 28, 2009 about 8:00 AM Pacific Time
It's time for breakfast, I took my thyroid table over an hour ago now it's time to eat. This morning, I'm fixing one or two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat. I still don't have denture adhesive in the house I can use. However, I'm not going to let that stop me from enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
It's been a difficult morning, so I need a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Babying myself because my lower denture plate moves around in my mouth when I eat isn't going to make the morning or the day less difficult. This morning, I'll make myself two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, one sandwich with grape jelly and one with strawberry preserves.
It's time for breakfast, I took my thyroid table over an hour ago now it's time to eat. This morning, I'm fixing one or two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat. I still don't have denture adhesive in the house I can use. However, I'm not going to let that stop me from enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
It's been a difficult morning, so I need a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Babying myself because my lower denture plate moves around in my mouth when I eat isn't going to make the morning or the day less difficult. This morning, I'll make myself two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, one sandwich with grape jelly and one with strawberry preserves.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A beautiful Thursday in Las Vegas
Istijlál (Majesty), 8 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Thursday, August 27, 2009 6:39 PM Pacific Time
At the end of a beautiful Thursday in Las Vegas, I am thankful for the nice weather lately. It rained over the last weekend. Today felt cooler and it was nice to get out of the house this afternoon.
At the end of a beautiful Thursday in Las Vegas, I am thankful that I live in Las Vegas. It's an international city, when I go out I meet people from all over the world. It's nice to live in a city with so many interesting citizens.
At the end of a beautiful Thursday in Las Vegas, I am thankful for the nice weather lately. It rained over the last weekend. Today felt cooler and it was nice to get out of the house this afternoon.
At the end of a beautiful Thursday in Las Vegas, I am thankful that I live in Las Vegas. It's an international city, when I go out I meet people from all over the world. It's nice to live in a city with so many interesting citizens.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Just when I’ve decided to give up I get an e-mail
From time to time, the stress gets to me and I decide I'm going to give up writing and blogging. Today was one of those days. It doesn't matter what made me want to decide to give up. What does matter is that I received an e-mail, which changed my mind.
The e-mail was from the Blog Action Day team. The e-mail contained a link to a survey that ask for my input about the theme. I clicked on the link and responded to the survey. I can't give up blogging until after Blog Acton Day on October 15.
Blog Action Day began two years ago. I've participated in it every year so I have to participate in it again this year. Since I can't give up blogging until after October 15, I can give up writing either. Writing is blogging.
The e-mail was from the Blog Action Day team. The e-mail contained a link to a survey that ask for my input about the theme. I clicked on the link and responded to the survey. I can't give up blogging until after Blog Acton Day on October 15.
Blog Action Day began two years ago. I've participated in it every year so I have to participate in it again this year. Since I can't give up blogging until after October 15, I can give up writing either. Writing is blogging.
Midweek reflections on my Dentures
‘Idál (Justice), 7 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Wednesday, August 26, 2009 about 8:31 AM Pacific Time
It's Wednesday and time for midweek reflections. Time to review the past three days to see what changes are required. It's been a stressful three days, I expect the next three days to be just as stressful. My stomach and/or ulcer hasn't acted up for three days, I'm beginning to suspect the problem isn't my ulcer.
The past three days I haven't used the denture adhesive to prevent my teeth from moving around in my mouth. The bottom plate gives me a problem when I eat because it moves and slips. I have eaten almost anything I want, but I've had to take my bottom plate out.
I can't continue taking the bottom plate out when I eat. At home that's fine, but when I go out to eat it's a problem. I can't use the denture adhesive I have because it causes me to feel ill. My stomach hurts after I've had the adhesive in for a while. I'm going to have to figure out someway to keep my bottom plate from slipping when I chew without using the adhesive.
It's Wednesday and time for midweek reflections. Time to review the past three days to see what changes are required. It's been a stressful three days, I expect the next three days to be just as stressful. My stomach and/or ulcer hasn't acted up for three days, I'm beginning to suspect the problem isn't my ulcer.
The past three days I haven't used the denture adhesive to prevent my teeth from moving around in my mouth. The bottom plate gives me a problem when I eat because it moves and slips. I have eaten almost anything I want, but I've had to take my bottom plate out.
I can't continue taking the bottom plate out when I eat. At home that's fine, but when I go out to eat it's a problem. I can't use the denture adhesive I have because it causes me to feel ill. My stomach hurts after I've had the adhesive in for a while. I'm going to have to figure out someway to keep my bottom plate from slipping when I chew without using the adhesive.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I need to get the sowing machine fixed
I need to get the sowing machine fixed. I moved it out of the spare room and put it in Mom's bedroom. It turns out some of the parts are missing. The missing parts have to do with holding the thread. I'm not sure what happened to those parts because no one in the house has used the machine since 2007.
I think Mom used it two or three months before she went into the hospital in March of 2007. The sowing machine has set in the spare room ever since, waiting for someone to use it. The first thing to do is look in the spare room and see if the parts are in there. Even if I find the parts, I'm going to have to have the machine serviced.
I think Mom used it two or three months before she went into the hospital in March of 2007. The sowing machine has set in the spare room ever since, waiting for someone to use it. The first thing to do is look in the spare room and see if the parts are in there. Even if I find the parts, I'm going to have to have the machine serviced.
Wednesday is trash pick up day in my neighborhood
Fidál (Grace), 6 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Tuesday, August 25, 2009 about 10:01 AM Pacific Time
Wednesday, August 26, the Republic Service trucks come through my neighborhood. They start there run through my section of town about 7:00 AM. Sometimes they empty the trashcans along our curb between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, other times the can set there until afternoon waiting for them to empty it. Once or twice in the past ten years, they missed our block.
Anyway, today I'm going to have to go through the house and find all the indoor trash baskets and empty them. I suspect I'll miss on trash basket today because I always miss one. Republic Services does a better job of emptying the trashcans along the curb then I do emptying the indoor trashcans.
I think my problem with the trash basket has to do with one getting moved. There are two people living in my house. One of us moves the trash basket periodically, I think that's why I miss one every week. Fortunately, the trash basket I miss is one that doesn't have garbage with an odor. My goal is to get every trash basket in the house emptied either on Tuesday or Friday, so I can take the stuff to the curb the next morning.
Wednesday, August 26, the Republic Service trucks come through my neighborhood. They start there run through my section of town about 7:00 AM. Sometimes they empty the trashcans along our curb between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, other times the can set there until afternoon waiting for them to empty it. Once or twice in the past ten years, they missed our block.
Anyway, today I'm going to have to go through the house and find all the indoor trash baskets and empty them. I suspect I'll miss on trash basket today because I always miss one. Republic Services does a better job of emptying the trashcans along the curb then I do emptying the indoor trashcans.
I think my problem with the trash basket has to do with one getting moved. There are two people living in my house. One of us moves the trash basket periodically, I think that's why I miss one every week. Fortunately, the trash basket I miss is one that doesn't have garbage with an odor. My goal is to get every trash basket in the house emptied either on Tuesday or Friday, so I can take the stuff to the curb the next morning.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Hanging out Cloths
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Monday, August 24, 2009 about 6:57 PM Pacific Time
We did laundry today and Mom helped me hang the cloths out. Mom enjoys hanging cloths on the line. Mom said she likes the smell of cloths when they dry outside. I don't know about Mom, but hanging cloths out brings back memories of my childhood.
I've waited two days to do one load of laundry because Saturday it rained and Sunday it looked like rain. That's one of the disadvantages of hanging cloths outside to dry. The only time you can do laundry is when it's not raining and the sky is partly cloudy.
The advantage of living in Las Vegas is most of the time it doesn't rain. Laundry hanging on the line is an interesting sight. I like to look at the kitchen window at the laundry drying. I must get that from my grandmother because she liked to see cloths hanging on the line.
Cloths on the line hang
limp when there is no wind to
blow the line around.
We did laundry today and Mom helped me hang the cloths out. Mom enjoys hanging cloths on the line. Mom said she likes the smell of cloths when they dry outside. I don't know about Mom, but hanging cloths out brings back memories of my childhood.
I've waited two days to do one load of laundry because Saturday it rained and Sunday it looked like rain. That's one of the disadvantages of hanging cloths outside to dry. The only time you can do laundry is when it's not raining and the sky is partly cloudy.
The advantage of living in Las Vegas is most of the time it doesn't rain. Laundry hanging on the line is an interesting sight. I like to look at the kitchen window at the laundry drying. I must get that from my grandmother because she liked to see cloths hanging on the line.
Cloths on the line hang
limp when there is no wind to
blow the line around.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The first Sunday after Labor Day
In 2009, Grandparents' Day falls on September 13. Marian McQuade (1917-2008) championed the idea. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter declared the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents' Day.
I always remember my grandparents because the helped Mom raise us. I have two brothers and one sister. My mother has (I think) ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mom and I are going to celebrate, but I don't know what we're going to do. I'll have to check the local events to see what's going on locally.
I always remember my grandparents because the helped Mom raise us. I have two brothers and one sister. My mother has (I think) ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mom and I are going to celebrate, but I don't know what we're going to do. I'll have to check the local events to see what's going on locally.
It Rained in Las Vegas today
Jalál (Glory), 3 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Saturday, August 22, 2009 5:05 PM Pacific Time
It rained in my Las Vegas neighborhood today, I'm not sure about the rest to the city. I'm not even sure if the rain we received was official. Las Vegas is a huge, spread out city and it can rain in one section of town and not other. If it rains a McCarran air port, where the official rain gage is then the rains is official.
Gray cloud covered sky
promised rain in the morning
an afternoon shower.
I didn't know it rained until I went outside this afternoon to bring the trashcan back from the curb. When I took the can to the curb this morning, the sky was covered with rain clouds. Since sun didn't peek through the clouds, I didn't do laundry today. When I brought the can back to the garage, there were puddles in my driveway and I felt raindrops on my arms.
Raindrops on my arms
Oklahoma memories
gentle summer rain.
It rained in my Las Vegas neighborhood today, I'm not sure about the rest to the city. I'm not even sure if the rain we received was official. Las Vegas is a huge, spread out city and it can rain in one section of town and not other. If it rains a McCarran air port, where the official rain gage is then the rains is official.
Gray cloud covered sky
promised rain in the morning
an afternoon shower.
I didn't know it rained until I went outside this afternoon to bring the trashcan back from the curb. When I took the can to the curb this morning, the sky was covered with rain clouds. Since sun didn't peek through the clouds, I didn't do laundry today. When I brought the can back to the garage, there were puddles in my driveway and I felt raindrops on my arms.
Raindrops on my arms
Oklahoma memories
gentle summer rain.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Afternoon nap
Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Friday, August 21, 2009 about 4:30 PM Pacific Time
I took a nap. It wasn't a long nap just about an hour, but I feel refreshed. Before the nap, I was sitting at the computer and I could hardly keep my eyes open. So I turned the computer off, took my teeth out and went to bed. Before I went to sleep, I said prayers.
I'm not sure whether I dreamed or not. I suspect I probably, but I don't remember the dreams. Sometimes, I remember the dreams that accompany my afternoon naps and sometimes I don't. I suppose if I took a nap more often I'd remember my dreams.
I have to go put my teeth in again. When I woke up I came directly to the computer without stopping to put my teeth in my mouth. I always took my teeth out when I lay down for a nap or when I go to sleep at night.
Sometimes I set on the couch or love seat and doze. I don't take my teeth out then because I don't sleep for more then five minutes. However, laying down for an afternoon nap is different because I usually sleep for more then thirty minutes. My afternoon naps usually last about an hour, perhaps a little more. I think today's nap lasted about an hour and a half.
Sleep refreshes the
mind and body like prayer
refreshes the soul.
An afternoon nap
allows my mind to relax
the day goes better.
I took a nap. It wasn't a long nap just about an hour, but I feel refreshed. Before the nap, I was sitting at the computer and I could hardly keep my eyes open. So I turned the computer off, took my teeth out and went to bed. Before I went to sleep, I said prayers.
I'm not sure whether I dreamed or not. I suspect I probably, but I don't remember the dreams. Sometimes, I remember the dreams that accompany my afternoon naps and sometimes I don't. I suppose if I took a nap more often I'd remember my dreams.
I have to go put my teeth in again. When I woke up I came directly to the computer without stopping to put my teeth in my mouth. I always took my teeth out when I lay down for a nap or when I go to sleep at night.
Sometimes I set on the couch or love seat and doze. I don't take my teeth out then because I don't sleep for more then five minutes. However, laying down for an afternoon nap is different because I usually sleep for more then thirty minutes. My afternoon naps usually last about an hour, perhaps a little more. I think today's nap lasted about an hour and a half.
Sleep refreshes the
mind and body like prayer
refreshes the soul.
An afternoon nap
allows my mind to relax
the day goes better.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
My Grandmother Canned Fruit and Vegetables
For breakfast today, I had a strawberry preserves sandwich. As I was eating the sandwich, I remembered my grandmother canning vegetables and fruit. Grandma would make jelly out of the fruit and then put the jelly into clear jars. The vegetables she would peel, cook and then put into clear jars.
After canning the food, she would store the jars in a root cellar. I always liked to go down to the cellar and look at the jars of food. The food always looked colorful and beautiful. I couldn't wait for Grandma or Mom to open the jars so I could enjoy their contents. When winter came and we needed fruit or vegetables for a meal, then either Grandma or Mom would go down to the cellar and get a jar of vegetables or fruit.
Windows into love
jars of food in the cellar
winter's survival.
After canning the food, she would store the jars in a root cellar. I always liked to go down to the cellar and look at the jars of food. The food always looked colorful and beautiful. I couldn't wait for Grandma or Mom to open the jars so I could enjoy their contents. When winter came and we needed fruit or vegetables for a meal, then either Grandma or Mom would go down to the cellar and get a jar of vegetables or fruit.
Windows into love
jars of food in the cellar
winter's survival.
The Feast of Names
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Asmá’ (Names), 166 BE – Thursday, August 20, 2009 about 9:43 AM Pacific Time
It's a beautiful warm day in Las Vegas. My mother and I attended the Feast of Asmá’, the Feast of Names, last night at the Baha'i Center. The nineteen-day Feast was spiritual and refreshing. I feel renewed and optimistic this morning.
I woke up about 6:36 AM a bit later then usually. I normally wake up between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. Since I attended, Feast last night the day started out good. Already in Asmá’ I have written two poems, one for a contest on writing.com and the other about the Feast of Names.
Joy reverberates
across my soul echoing
the Feast memory.
It's a beautiful warm day in Las Vegas. My mother and I attended the Feast of Asmá’, the Feast of Names, last night at the Baha'i Center. The nineteen-day Feast was spiritual and refreshing. I feel renewed and optimistic this morning.
I woke up about 6:36 AM a bit later then usually. I normally wake up between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. Since I attended, Feast last night the day started out good. Already in Asmá’ I have written two poems, one for a contest on writing.com and the other about the Feast of Names.
Joy reverberates
across my soul echoing
the Feast memory.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
: Midweek reflections on the last day of Kamal
‘Idál (Justice), 19 Kamál (Perfection), 166 BE – Wednesday, August 19, 2009 about 9:43 AM Pacific Time
Monday I went to United Blood Service and gave blood. Tuesday I did one load of cloths and cleaned out the refrigerator. I've written over 100 poem in Kamal and submitted 27 items.
Tonight I'm planning on going to the Feast of Asma (Names). Tomorrow is Thankful Thursday, I had planned to go pick up some food, but I think I'll hold off on that until Friday. I fixed beans yesterday and I have leftover beans in the fridge, so I want to eat them up before I get any more food. My fridge is too small to keep a lot of items in. If the leftovers get pushed to the back of a shelf they are forgotten until the fridge is cleaned out again about nineteen days from now.
I think I'm going to have to put the leftovers on the top shelf. Mom usually puts away the leftovers and she can't reach the top shelf, but using any other shelf hides the leftovers behind something.
Monday I went to United Blood Service and gave blood. Tuesday I did one load of cloths and cleaned out the refrigerator. I've written over 100 poem in Kamal and submitted 27 items.
Tonight I'm planning on going to the Feast of Asma (Names). Tomorrow is Thankful Thursday, I had planned to go pick up some food, but I think I'll hold off on that until Friday. I fixed beans yesterday and I have leftover beans in the fridge, so I want to eat them up before I get any more food. My fridge is too small to keep a lot of items in. If the leftovers get pushed to the back of a shelf they are forgotten until the fridge is cleaned out again about nineteen days from now.
I think I'm going to have to put the leftovers on the top shelf. Mom usually puts away the leftovers and she can't reach the top shelf, but using any other shelf hides the leftovers behind something.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Kamal is drawing to a close
Fidál (Grace), 18 Kamál (Perfection), 166 BE – Tuesday, August 18, 2009 about 12:48 PM Pacific Time
The Feast of Asma (Names) is Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM. The month of Kamal 166 BE is ending. I have written over 90 poems so far this month. My poetry journal contains 90 poems, but I know I've written more because I've post poems to my blogs that I haven't put in the poetry journal.
I have did a lot of writing this month because I know I've submitted about 27 items to contests on writing.com. I completed the August fantasy newsletter on Sunday and submitted it. Now I have to decide on a subject for my edition of the September newsletter. However, I think I'll let the newsletter subject rest for a while and focus on other things.
Right now, I'm tired. I think it's because I gave blood yesterday and I just need to build myself up again. Today we're having beans, I hope that helps build up my iron count. Since I'm not scheduled to give blood again until December I'm not going to worry about the iron count and just eat what I want for a few days. Today I want beans, seasoned with pigs feet. Tomorrow I may want something else.
The Feast of Asma (Names) is Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM. The month of Kamal 166 BE is ending. I have written over 90 poems so far this month. My poetry journal contains 90 poems, but I know I've written more because I've post poems to my blogs that I haven't put in the poetry journal.
I have did a lot of writing this month because I know I've submitted about 27 items to contests on writing.com. I completed the August fantasy newsletter on Sunday and submitted it. Now I have to decide on a subject for my edition of the September newsletter. However, I think I'll let the newsletter subject rest for a while and focus on other things.
Right now, I'm tired. I think it's because I gave blood yesterday and I just need to build myself up again. Today we're having beans, I hope that helps build up my iron count. Since I'm not scheduled to give blood again until December I'm not going to worry about the iron count and just eat what I want for a few days. Today I want beans, seasoned with pigs feet. Tomorrow I may want something else.
Monday, August 17, 2009
I went to United Blood Services today
My iron count was up high enough for me to donate blood today. I know it's the results of eating more meat in the past few days. Sunday morning we had hamburgers and eggs. Today we had hamburgers and eggs. I have avoided the cheese and milk for the past three or four days. Since I donated today, I won't be able to donate again until December.
For someone who is afraid of needles, I enjoy giving blood. I think it's the wonderful people working for United Blood Services. They are friendly and helpful, they explain the entire process of the blood donation. After donating, I remained in the office, ate chocolate chip cookies and drink grape juice. I came home with a purple bandage around my arm.
For someone who is afraid of needles, I enjoy giving blood. I think it's the wonderful people working for United Blood Services. They are friendly and helpful, they explain the entire process of the blood donation. After donating, I remained in the office, ate chocolate chip cookies and drink grape juice. I came home with a purple bandage around my arm.
Midway through August
Kamál (Perfection), 17 Kamál (Perfection), 166 BE – Monday, August 17, 2009 about 7:26 AM Pacific Time
It's midway through August,
I want crisp bacon
and over easy eggs for breakfast,
I will settle for
hamburger patties and over easy eggs.
It's midway through August,
I want crisp bacon
and over easy eggs for breakfast,
I will settle for
hamburger patties and over easy eggs.
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