So Much To Blog And So Little Time!

Remember to click the posted images to enlarge them to see with more clarity.

Do you see that bench in this picture? I spent last Saturday afternoon building it and Friday (the first day of the sale!)the silly thing sold. So yesterday the first thing I had to do was get back down to the Rebuilding Center and get more material to build another one. The Rebuilding Center is a building materials recycling center of sorts. You kind of have to watch out for old nails but the wood is a lot cheaper and often still usuable. Here is what I chose for starters. Anyway, in what my wife (whip in hand) tells me was about 5 hours, I had another bench ready for Monticello Antique Marketplace.

Today after church, we brought it down to the store and set it up in all of the glory that you can see here.

Yesterday, while I'm out in the rain struggling with recycled wood, some guy from the neighborhood came by with his lawn mower and asked to do our lawn. I told him that I had a kid who was supposed to mow last week but somehow it never got done. Weather permitting, it will be mowed tomorrow. I had two requests to mow yesterday and one was a kid on a bicycle. If the neighborhood kids can see that the lawn needs mowing then it probably really needs it.

After restocking Monticello, I went to the store with Jon and bought some ingredients for the grill. I decided to do some chicken and a lovely assortment of vegetables. Man, either we were really hungry, or it was really good.Would you look at that!

Now to end this post, I caught Riley checking his facebook yesterday. Fortunately, I've got him beat by about 190 lbs and got my computer back. I changed the password so this won't happen again!

What Is That Sound In My Head?

Do you want to know what lyrics were running through my head as I loaded and unloaded my oxygen racks today? It is funny but sometimes I work to a cadence played in my head. And sometimes, I sing and create my own cadence. The room has a high ceiling and is concrete and cinder blocks on all four walls. It has the best "hall" sound. I love to whistle and sing in that kind of room. Ok, you're dying to know the song. No more waiting. Here it is.

O That Will Be Glory

When all my labors and trials are over,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain

O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me,
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.

Refrain

When, by the gift of His infinite grace,
I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain

Friends will be there I have loved long ago;
Joy like a river around me will flow;
Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Now granted, I didn't remember all of the verses but the first verse and the chorus were running through my head all day long long...literally. You know, it provided a great cadence to work to. Try it sometime!

You are probably aware that I have taken up cooking as some kind of therapy. Tonight the recipe came from Rachel Ray. Have you ever heard of her? Check out http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/chicken-turkey-recipes/marsala-chicken-and-mushroom-casserole/article.html

I tried this recipe out of the magazine which was purchased by Jonathan because he wanted to try the perfect popcorn recipe. Wow! It turned out great! It was consumed by Debbie and myself since mushrooms are on Jon's black list but did he miss out. This is certainly a dish you'll enjoy.

I Loved This Video!

Let me just tell you something about myself that is kind of embarrassing. I can be brought to tears for some of the weirdest things. For instance, when a physically challenged person crosses the finish line in a difficult race or sporting event. Or when a blind person reaches the peak of a mountain or perhaps when someone with a mental challenge accomplishes some sort of feat with their brain that you or I might find simple but was an extreme challenge for them. A "tear jerker" movie is always going to get my sleeves wet. Well, I heard something on the radio tonight that peaked my interest and heard that this could be watched on YouTube. I am also a sucker for the "little guy".

Now you've heard of American Idol and Simon Cowell and if you've ever watched him at work, you know how awful he can be to some contestants. This actually happened on a show called Britains Got Talent. Perhaps you have already heard about this or seen this video but just in case click the link below. Make sure you see it! You absolutely will enjoy it even if you don't get overwhelmed emotionally.

YouTube Link

I was just trying to relax tonight after a difficult though rather normal day at work and all of a sudden I find that there is hardly enough room in this chair for me. What is that about? These cats can sit in my chair all day long but instead they decide to sit in it when I want to sit in it.

Just so you don't think I'm a push over, I kicked them off my chair and now they are lying in someone else's lap. I like that much better!

He is Risen!

The angels said to them,"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.'" And they remembered His words. Luke 24:5-8

He Lives!

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today,
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer.
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He Lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way
He Lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me How I know He lives?
HE LIVES WITHIN MY HEART.


In all the world around me, I see his loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary, I never will despair
I know that He is leading thru all the stormy blast,
The day of his appearing will come at last.

He Lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way
He Lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me How I know He lives?
HE LIVES WITHIN MY HEART.


Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He Lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way
He Lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me How I know He lives?
HE LIVES WITHIN MY HEART.

Alfred H. Ackley

My Stimulus Plan Tastes Sooo Good!

In these difficult times someone has got to take the initiative and stimulate the economy. Tonight we decided to take it upon ourselves and do our part. We had a quick errand to perform at Monticello Antique Marketplace so as soon as I got home from work and was able to change into a more comfortable set of clothes, we headed back out to Monticello to "fluff" up our space. From there we drove to the library to return some books and dvd discs that were due back. As soon as those responsibilities were completed, we decided to suck it up and do our part to help out the local economy. We determined that tonight's mission was to visit Red Robin for dinner. Fortunately, it was still a bit early and the parking lot wasn't completely full. We were able to park within close proximity to the entrance to the establishment. Two salads were ordered and a hamburger along with beverages to complete the mission. As we were nearing the end of our time there it was determined that a little "extra" bit of stimulation was needed so a single Mountain High Mud Pie was added to the order. Poor Debbie was unable to assist with the Mud Pie so it was up to Jonathan and myself to complete the mission. As you can see from the included images, we were able to accomplish our mission. I am chagrined to report that I couldn't lick the plate like I might have had we been at home.Once at home I experienced something for which I have waited over forty years. I got the first season of the Rat Patrol. I remember kids, when I was in grade school, asking if I saw last nights episode of Rat Patrol. I always had to say that I had missed it. Well, I got the dvd of the first season from Netflix. I love shows that are about the second world war as I believe that the men that fought back then were truly brave and probably realized that the good of the many is greater then the good of the one. I haven't completely finished the disc yet but I am enjoying it so far. I'll bet my father-in-law would like them because there is a certain amount of German that is spoken without subtitles. I would imagine that it is fun to hear one's native tongue spoken during these shows even though the allies always win the conficts in these types of shows.

Does This Speak To You?

When I was a little kid, my maternal grandmother used to quote this poem. I suppose it was her way of teaching us important life lessons. See if there is a message here for you.

Mary Howitt (1799-1888)


The Spider And The Fly

"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly;
"'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you may spy.
The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,
And I have many curious things to show when you are there."
"Oh no, no," said the little fly; "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high.
Well you rest upon my little bed?" said the spider to the fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest a while, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
"Oh no, no," said the little fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning spider to the fly: "Dear friend, what can I do
To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome - will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little fly; "kind sir, that cannot be:
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the spider, "you're witty and you're wise;
How handsome are your gauzy wings; how brilliant are your eyes!
I have a little looking-glass upon my parlor shelf;
If you'd step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you're pleased to say,
And, bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready to dine upon the fly;
Then came out to his door again and merrily did sing:
"Come hither, hither, pretty fly, with pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple; there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer grew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes and green and purple hue,
Thinking only of her crested head. Poor, foolish thing! at last
Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held her fast;
He dragged her up his winding stair, into the dismal den -
Within his little parlor - but she ne'er came out again!

And now, dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words I pray you ne'er give heed;
Unto an evil counselor close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale of the spider and the fly.

Oh What a Beautiful Day!

Every day is the day that the Lord has made but today it wasn't hard to remember. What an amazingly beautiful day! I even had to keep the door to my cave open so that I could take in the sunshine. I don't have any windows in my area but there are two doors to the outside and one of them is a double wide door. When that door is open, I can see a lot of what is outside. Anyway, it was a great day to keep the door open and so I did.

When I got home, everybody was ready for a great meal and nothing was prepared. Enter the master. I went right to work. The recipe was out of "A Taste Of Home" and was call baked Chimichangas. I was a little short on the salsa but had everything else in abundance. I added a couple of secret ingredients in order to make up for the salsa shortage. This recipe has been a hit in past and it did the trick tonight as well. Take a look at this dish!

Six Days Shalt Thou Labor

Five days of the week this blogger gives to his day job employer. On the sixth day, Saturday, he works for himself, (or his wife), it depends on one's perspective. Anyway, the Saturday job starts early in the morning by checking out various websites to determine which listed estate sales are most likely to produce the kind of booty that we like to decorate with, collect and/or sell. We try to figure out an efficient route and arrive at each sale ready to compete with an aggressive group of professionals. It is like sports with elements of victory and sometimes the agony of defeat.

This weekend wasn't the most productive when it came to sales. We stopped at five or six but didn't purchase much. It was just a tough week.

I suppose you're wondering what we do with all of the junk that we buy at estate sales. Even if you're not, I'm going to tell you. We have a space at Monticello Antique Marketplace and it is our job to keep it supplied with interesting and beautiful antiques and collectibles. Generally, we are able to sustain a certain look and are also able to sell enough of the stuff to afford to continue to go out each Saturday and dig through other people's junk in search for the special items that we usually are able to buy.

We often sneak off to Monticello after church to see if anything has sold or to "fluff" up the space a bit. Today, however, we spent a large portion of the afternoon completely re-working the booth. It was what one might call a major re-vamp. I wish I could have shown what the "before" space looked like, but I certainly am able to show you what it looked like after we were through. The picture is "clickable". If you click on it, it will enlarge so you can see more easily what kinds of things we have in our space. I hope you liked it!

Till next time, Bob

Well I did something tonight that I've been putting off for three months. I just hate doing tax returns. Even though we overpay each year and there is some sort of refund due us, I just hate going through the process. This year was a bit more complicated with multiple W-2 forms and unemployment benefits but since we use Intuit's TurboTax, the return was still basically painless. You know something? I am so glad that it's over! If I never had to deal with the government again it would be far too soon.

Hey let's celebrate and go somewhere we've never been before! How about I share with you a favorite poem. I am kind of a closet lover of old poetry. Weird huh? Well here goes. This one is by someone named Joseph C. Lincoln and was written prior to March 1944 which is when the poor guy died.

“Sister’s Best Feller”

My sister’s best feller is ‘most six-foot-three,
And handsome and strong as a feller can be;
And Sis, she’s so little, and slender, and small,
You never would think she could boss him at all;
But, my jing!
She don’t do a thing
But make him jump ‘round, like he worked with a string!
It jest made me ‘shamed of him sometimes, you know,
To think that he’ll let a girl bully him so.

He goes to walk with her and carries her muff
And coat and umbrella, and that kind of stuff;
She loads him with things that must weigh ‘most a ton;
And, honest, he likes it,--as if it was fun!
And, oh, say!
When they go to a play,
He’ll sit in the parlor and fidget away,
And she won’t come down till it’s quarter past eight,
And then she’ll scold him ‘cause they get there so late.

He spends heaps of money a-buyin’ her things,
Like candy, and flowers, and presents, and rings;
And all he’s got for ‘em’s a handkerchief case--.
A fussed-up concern, made of ribbons and lace;
But, my land! He thinks it’s just grand,
“’Cause she made it,” he says, “with her own little hand”;
He calls her “an angel”—I heard him –and “saint,”
And “beautif’lest bein’ on earth”—but she ain’t.

‘Fore I go on an errand for her any time,
I just make her coax me and give me a dime;
But that great big silly—why, honest and true—
He’d run forty miles if she wanted him to.
Oh, gee whiz!
I tell you what ‘tis!
I jest think it’s awful—those actions of his.
I won’t fall in love, when I’m grown—no sir-ee!
My sister’s best feller’s a warnin’ to me!

Now isn't that a fun piece of poetry? I hope you enjoyed it. OK till next time, Bob