Tidbits from San Francisco....

This is one of the three seagulls that I fed my lunch to; I named him Jonathon Livingston. I was sitting on the wharf eating my shrimp salad with oyster crackers when three seagulls walked up to me and started squawing at me. It reminded me of the movie "Finding Nemo" where the seagulls were saying "mine, mine, mine." So I started tossing them each a shrimp. I noticed that each of them had a different sound and pitch when they squawked so I started alternating the sequence in which I tossed and noticed I was creating a chorus sound. When my salad was gone, (I didn't get to eat much) they left. I felt blessed to have experienced the interaction I had with these creatures.

If you look through the fence and through the arch you will see Alcatraz Island. I took this picture with my cell phone so you can't see the island very well but I thought it was an interesting shot to get a picture of a prison which is now a National Park.

This is a submarine which is docked at Fisherman's Wharf; it is now a museum. I didn't have time to go through it as I was on my lunch hour and had already fed the 'seagull choir.'

I was able to go to the airport and retrieve my misplaced baggage so when I get my film developed I will post more pictures and tell you all about my adventures that I had on my quick three day trip.

Jo

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What Does Your Name Mean?

What Jolene Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Mike's Family.....

I spent Saturday in Lander with Mike's family; this is the first time all three brothers have been together in years. I had a really good visit with everyone and enjoyed myself. It was nice being with a warm loving family who is rallying around their Mother in her last days.

From left to right is Dennis the eldest son. He is the principal at the Elementary School. He remembered Ellie and her family and asked me to tell them all hello for him.

Next to Dennis is Doug, they live in South Carolina where he in an executive in a large printing company. Doug is the youngest brother of the three.

Then it is Ted, the Father of the family. He was the Chief of Police for many years, very compassionate and a man that shows that he loves his family.

Last but not least is Mike. Mike is the middle child and has the skills of one that I recognize so well. Mike brought me back home this morning so I can get ready to leave for San Francisco tomorrow.

This is Mike and me with Sandy. She is so sweet and loving and accepted me with open arms. In many ways, she reminds me of my own sweet mother so I felt an instant connection with her. She has a great attitude and spirit. I took her a box of Dove chocolates because she loves them and the doctor told her she could eat whatever she wants. She opened them up right away and ate several. She cried when I told her goodbye.

Well, tomorrow I am off on another adventure. I will let you know about Frisco and my travel adventures there!

Love as always,

Jo

Who is Mike?

I am in Cheyenne this week and have sorely neglected my blogging responsibilities but I thought I would take a little time this morning and tell you all about Mike. I have a good picture of him but can't download it on my work computer. For now, I will tell you all about him.

Mike is my new "Special Friend." I met him on Eharmony. He was born and raised in Lander, WY and his father was the Chief of Police in Lander at the same time my Dad was a Game Warden in Pinedale. We like the same things and have the same goals in life. He is kind, compassionate and makes me laugh. He has been through some of the same hardships of life that I have so he is understanding. Mike is four months older than I am and three inches shorter; not that it matters. Mike comes from a family of three boys; he is the middle button as I am. Mike gets along well with one third of his siblings as I do. LOL

Mike is retired as he sold his two KOA campgrounds that he owned for 30 years after his wife died suddenly two years ago. Now it is Mike's dream to travel and see the USA.

Mike's folks are still alive and live in Lander. I am traveling there this weekend to meet them and his brothers.

Next week I will be in San Francisco for a few days so when I return I will be able to get back to my blogging routine. See you all on the flipside!
Love,
Jo

Wow... is all I can say!

Someone I was talking to this week told me that I was spoiled; they meant it to be an insult.
Today, I must agree.... I am spoiled. My friend Mike from Lander had these sent to me today. I was shocked and delighted..... wouldn't you be?

Happy Valentines Day!

I like Valentines Day; it is one of my favorite holidays. History tells us that it was a pagan holiday and blah, blah, blah ... but for me it is a special time to express our love and appreciation to our friends and family. Even though I don't have a special "sweetie" this year, I know he is out there somewhere and maybe by this time next year, he will have appeared in my life. (You know me, the eternal optimist.)

Happy Valentines Day to all of my blogger family and friends!

Jo

The View From My Window......

In just a few hours time, the view from my window changes. I love living in Wyoming but I am soooooo ready for spring! In need some flowers!

A tribute to you Mother.... It's your birthday.

M - is for the million things she gave me

O - means that she's only growing old

T - is for the tears she shed to save me

H - is for her hands that made a home

E - is for her everlasting love

R - means RIGHT and right she'll always be

Put them all together, they spell MOTHER, a word that means the world to me.

This is a song that I learned when I was in Blue Birds and sang for our mothers at our Mother's Day Tea when I was in the second grade.

We all had to dress up in a costume for our pagent. I can remember Mother attaching some tea bags to a pair of her clip-on earrings which she let me wear and then she hung tea bags on my apron and dress; I carried her tea pot.

I can still remember the audience clapping and cheering as I strolled out and modeled my tea bag costume. I was so proud when I won "The Most Original Costume Award."

Mother always had a great smile and an uplifting attitude. She went through a lot of hardships in her life but always was positive. Her motto for life was "Think Pink."

I miss you Mom. Rest in Peace. I love you!

Jo

Nature at its rawest:

I received this in an email; I don't know who took the pictures or where the originals originated from because I would certainly give them credit!


"This is Brooks Falls just upstream from where the Brooks River flows into Naknek Lake in the Katami National Monument, Alaska. Have you ever seen a Wolf fish for salmon?"

A lesson from Geese....

When you see Geese heading south for the winter flying along in the "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way.

It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Quite similar to people who are part of a group and share a common direction get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the trust of one another and lift each other up along the way.

Whenever a Goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the flock. If we have as much sense as a Goose, we will stay in formation and share information with those who are headed the same way that we are going.

When the lead Goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another Goose takes over. The Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed. Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue. It is important that our honking be encouraging. Otherwise it's just - well honking!

Finally, when a Goose gets sick or is wounded by a gunshot and falls out, two Geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he dies, and then they launch out with another formation to catch up with their group. If we have the sense of a Goose, we will stand by each other when things get rough. We will stay in formation with those headed where we want to go.

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title:

This is from San's blog:

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Her Royal Highness Jolene the Insubstantial of Lower Wombleshire Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Quirks

I borrowed this from Chewy's blog.

THE RULES:
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

My Quirks and/or Habits:
1. I prefer to go barefoot; in the winter I wear sockies.
2. I never let my gas tank go below 1/2 full.
3. I sleep with pillows banked around me and one between my knees.
4. I have a phobia about dentists.
5. I wake up cheerful and stay that way.
6. I drink creamer in my coffee or I can't drink it.

Now I'm supposed to tag 6 people, but I prefer not to.
If anyone wants to play along please do.