I just finished reading an interesting book in a genre I had never heard of before - alternate history or uchronia. It is a fictional genre in which a few true historical facts are altered yielding a completely different story. The book I read was "The Year of the Hangman" by Gary Blackwood, an excellent read! For more information about this genre and a list of over 3100 novels, stories, etc., visit Uchronia: The Alternate History List.
Everyone knows the real story of the American Revolution - that the colonies defeated the British and became an independent country, the United States of America. Blackman wrote a story about what might have happened if the British won and the colonists were pursued and hung as the traitors they were.
I won't give away the story but it made me think bout how different life would have been for our founding fathers. Many of them were landowners of considerable wealth. What if they lost everything and had to flee for their life? Ben Franklin invented many things (bifocals and the lightning rod, to name a few), established our first lending library and fire station, and founded the first nonreligious college (University of Pennsylvania) as well as helped establish our government. What would have happened if he moved to France when trouble between the colonies arose? George Washington became the Father of our country and shaped the office of the president. What if he had instead died a traitor?
And if all that happened, how different would our lives be over 200 years later? I might be enjoying a cuppa (tea, not coffee!) and scone (not muffin) as I anxiously awaited news of the new Royal Baby. Interesting to ponder...
Wednesday, July 31
Saturday, July 20
something you'll want to catch
We recently watched an episode of "The Middle" (airs Wednesdays on ABC) where Sue, the middle child and only girl in the family, must come up with a hypothesis for her high school science class and then test and evaluate her findings. To add to the drama, Sue's teacher seems to dislike her immensely.
Sue, played by Eden Sher, is the epitome of the socially awkward high school girl - friendly and sweet to everyone but definitely dances to her own drum. While the other students in her science class have hypotheses that would rival those of biochemistry doctoral students, Sue's is more of the 5th grade science fair caliber - "Smiles are contagious."
I won't give away any more of the show but it got me to think about whether or not smiles ARE contagious. After all, yawns are. And laughing seems to be. So I conducted my own definitely unscientific experiment.
One very hot day in July, I went to the post office (some would say the crankiest place in town!), the bank, the gas station, Target and the grocery store. I smiled at every person I either had direct contact with (the bank teller, for example) or merely passed in an aisle or saw from afar (like at the gas station) and recorded whether or not they smiled back. When I tallied the results, I was both surprised and not surprised.
My results were both different and consistent with Sue's but you'll have to watch the episode to find out how. Out of 53 (yes, that's fifty-three!) people I smiled at, all but seven smiled back at me. Of the seven who did not, one was an elderly man who seemed pretty cranky (his wife did smile back, though) and six were young teenagers who looked at me like I was crazy - I definitely detected some eye-rolling! The 46 people who returned my smile ranged in age from toddlers to elderly, more females than males (although I did not keep track of gender for an accurate count).
I was not surprised that an overwhelming majority (87%) smiled back at me. I do believe that smiles are contagious and that the simple act of a smile can cheer someone up, turn their frown upside down or just let them know you noticed them. What did surprise me was that I encountered 53 people in the course of doing a few errands one afternoon. Wow! Fifty-three opportunities to possibly make a difference in someone's life, to let them know they were noticed.
This experiment has made me determined to be more aware of people around me (it's easy to withdraw into myself and not even notice people) and to smile at them. And I noticed that I was blessed when they smiled back - we had a brief moment of connection. In my book, that's a win-win situation!
Sue, played by Eden Sher, is the epitome of the socially awkward high school girl - friendly and sweet to everyone but definitely dances to her own drum. While the other students in her science class have hypotheses that would rival those of biochemistry doctoral students, Sue's is more of the 5th grade science fair caliber - "Smiles are contagious."
I won't give away any more of the show but it got me to think about whether or not smiles ARE contagious. After all, yawns are. And laughing seems to be. So I conducted my own definitely unscientific experiment.
One very hot day in July, I went to the post office (some would say the crankiest place in town!), the bank, the gas station, Target and the grocery store. I smiled at every person I either had direct contact with (the bank teller, for example) or merely passed in an aisle or saw from afar (like at the gas station) and recorded whether or not they smiled back. When I tallied the results, I was both surprised and not surprised.
My results were both different and consistent with Sue's but you'll have to watch the episode to find out how. Out of 53 (yes, that's fifty-three!) people I smiled at, all but seven smiled back at me. Of the seven who did not, one was an elderly man who seemed pretty cranky (his wife did smile back, though) and six were young teenagers who looked at me like I was crazy - I definitely detected some eye-rolling! The 46 people who returned my smile ranged in age from toddlers to elderly, more females than males (although I did not keep track of gender for an accurate count).
I was not surprised that an overwhelming majority (87%) smiled back at me. I do believe that smiles are contagious and that the simple act of a smile can cheer someone up, turn their frown upside down or just let them know you noticed them. What did surprise me was that I encountered 53 people in the course of doing a few errands one afternoon. Wow! Fifty-three opportunities to possibly make a difference in someone's life, to let them know they were noticed.
And I bet YOU smiled just looking at all these sweet smiles!
This experiment has made me determined to be more aware of people around me (it's easy to withdraw into myself and not even notice people) and to smile at them. And I noticed that I was blessed when they smiled back - we had a brief moment of connection. In my book, that's a win-win situation!
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:13
Thursday, July 18
lovin' summer #7
Scientists make precise calculations to determine the summer solstice and autumnal equinox - or the first day of summer and the first day of fall for us lay persons. In 2013, summer began on June 21st and autumn begins on September 22nd. But conventional wisdom has summer beginning on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day. And using that definition of summer, there are four official (according to the United States Flag Code) summer flag-flying days.
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a day for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the US Armed Forces. Once known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War to commemorate Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that war as a means to unify the nation. Later, all Americans who died while serving their country were included.
Flag Day, June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 establishing June 14th as Flag Day.
Independence Day, July 4th, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain.
And finally, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.
Businesses and government buildings, of course, fly their flags every day. We fly our flag almost every day as do a few people in our neighborhood. But most people fly their flags only on the official flag-flying days. I love driving through our neighborhood and seeing so many flags flying. It is a visible sign that although we may differ in many things (race, ethnicity, politics, religion, age, moral beliefs and income to name a few), we are united in our love for our country. And I get to witness it four times in just over three months during the summer!
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a day for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the US Armed Forces. Once known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War to commemorate Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that war as a means to unify the nation. Later, all Americans who died while serving their country were included.
Flag Day, June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 establishing June 14th as Flag Day.
Independence Day, July 4th, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain.
And finally, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.
Businesses and government buildings, of course, fly their flags every day. We fly our flag almost every day as do a few people in our neighborhood. But most people fly their flags only on the official flag-flying days. I love driving through our neighborhood and seeing so many flags flying. It is a visible sign that although we may differ in many things (race, ethnicity, politics, religion, age, moral beliefs and income to name a few), we are united in our love for our country. And I get to witness it four times in just over three months during the summer!
I LOVE SUMMER!!!
Wednesday, July 17
lovin' summer #6
It started innocently enough three years ago. We spent 4th of July, 2011 in Payson with our MR KLUD friends. Doug and Ursi brought some Peeps and their BB/pellet gun. Mike and Richard set up a board on top of two saw horses while Doug got the "blind" ready. Then they arranged the Peeps on the board, assigned point values to them and we were ready. We played guys against gals (Laurie, Ursi and Kristin) and the gals won by a landslide! And they did the following year, too!
What started as just something to do while we were waiting for the fireworks that evening has turned into an annual competition. It prompted Mike and Richard to purchase their own BB/pellet guns so each couple can sight their own. Some people have even practiced during the year. And we all eagerly await the Annual Peep Shoot each summer on the 4th of July. After all, what is more patriotic than exercising our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms??
This year, during the 3rd Annual Peep Shoot, Mike and Laurie's son and daughter-in-law (Matt and Danielle) joined in the festivities. But despite having another good shot on our team, the guys claimed the title for the first time. Will there be a rematch next year? Absolutely!! In fact, Peep purchasing may have already begun...
What started as just something to do while we were waiting for the fireworks that evening has turned into an annual competition. It prompted Mike and Richard to purchase their own BB/pellet guns so each couple can sight their own. Some people have even practiced during the year. And we all eagerly await the Annual Peep Shoot each summer on the 4th of July. After all, what is more patriotic than exercising our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms??
This year, during the 3rd Annual Peep Shoot, Mike and Laurie's son and daughter-in-law (Matt and Danielle) joined in the festivities. But despite having another good shot on our team, the guys claimed the title for the first time. Will there be a rematch next year? Absolutely!! In fact, Peep purchasing may have already begun...
The Third Annual Peep Shoot ~ July 4, 2013
To make things even more interesting this year, Doug threaded Peeps on a long thread, then tied the thread between the saw horse and a lawn mower handle (3rd photo down on the left). These Peeps moved in the wind and were much harder to shoot. They were also worth more points.
I LOVE SUMMER!!!
Monday, July 8
lovin' summer #5
Every child in elementary school in Arizona learns the 5 C's that Arizona is known for - cotton, cattle, citrus, copper and climate. I think a sixth one should be added - corn!
When I was growing up in the valley, I remember lots and lots of cotton fields and citrus orchards... but not many corn fields. Ironically, corn was grown in what is now Arizona by Native Americans centuries ago but as the country expanded westward, corn production slowed dramatically. In more recent times, corn production in Arizona has picked up although the state is not by any means a major producer. However, fields near our home that only ten or fifteen years ago were growing cotton are now growing corn. And I, for one, am loving it!
Local sweet corn is available at farmer's markets, vegetable stands and some grocery stores. My new favorite way to cook it is on the grill.
When I was growing up in the valley, I remember lots and lots of cotton fields and citrus orchards... but not many corn fields. Ironically, corn was grown in what is now Arizona by Native Americans centuries ago but as the country expanded westward, corn production slowed dramatically. In more recent times, corn production in Arizona has picked up although the state is not by any means a major producer. However, fields near our home that only ten or fifteen years ago were growing cotton are now growing corn. And I, for one, am loving it!
Local sweet corn is available at farmer's markets, vegetable stands and some grocery stores. My new favorite way to cook it is on the grill.
I enjoy the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth corn on the cob as often as I can during the summer because once summer's over, the corn is too!
I LOVE SUMMER!!!
Monday, July 1
lovin' summer #4
I used to think that growing roses were for "real gardeners," not an amateur like me. After I finally planted a rose bush several years ago, I realized that if you choose a hardy variety, growing roses is pretty fool-proof. It is a lovely surprise every summer when it blooms throughout the hot months - or at least the one I have does.
What a pretty bouquet!
This past week, an explosion of roses greeted me every time I passed my rose bush. I love seeing the colorful flowers in the summer - it gives the illusion of being cooler.
I LOVE SUMMER!!!
I LOVE SUMMER!!!
Sunday, June 30
50 shades of summer - june
June brought some unexpected challenges but I still was able to knock off eleven things on my 50 Shades of Summer list. Three involved cooking (#10, #13 and #19) and three more were movie watching (#18, #20 and #25). The remaining five were stand alone solo items (#11, #15, #29, #38 and #39).
Summer fun!
Planting my herb garden was the first thing I did because I wanted the plants to be established before the extreme heat hit. My basil, parsley, chives and mint are thriving and I am enjoying having fresh herbs when I need them. I also got great local produce at the Gilbert Farmer's Market. I will be going back often for "peaches and cream" (also called bi-colored) corn!
I have wanted to try homemade popsicles for some time. After purchasing a popsicle mold from Amazon and reading some recipes online I was ready to try my own - blueberry, peach, banana with vanilla yogurt. Oy vey! How could something good for you also taste soooo good?! Avocado seems to be a popular flavor - I may try those next just because it seems like an unlikely popsicle flavor. We had gazpacho, a cold vegetable soup of Mexican origin, on a hot evening - very refreshing! And I made avocado chicken salad (a new recipe!) to go with it. I will definitely be making that again!
I listened to a lot of great music (and some not so great!) deciding what to include in my "Summertime Playlist." I selected 17 tunes ranging from Frank Sinatra's "Summer Wind" to the Beatles "Here Comes the Sun" and Kenny Chesney's "Summertime." It is my new favorite playlist! Watching a live performance (Big Pete Pearson) at the Desert Botanical Garden reminded me how much I enjoy jazz and the corn fritters at Gertrude's before the concert were delicious.It was our first concert at the Garden but I'm quite sure it won't be our last!
The summer blockbuster, Jaws, was released on June 20, 1975 and we watched it again 38 years later on June 20th. Did you know that the most often quoted line of the movie ("We're gonna need a bigger boat!") was ad libbed by Roy Scheider who played Brody? And the movie was just as suspenseful this time as it was decades ago on the big screen! We were surprised to find a packed house when we saw Stories We Tell, a documentary, at the Camelview Theater and a considerably less than full house when we saw Man of Steel. I enjoyed both movies but thought Stories We Tell was a little slow.
I was surprised I only made it to one of the four coffee shops on my list. Grove Coffee is on the campus of The Grove Church on Gilbert Road. The coffee shop is cute, quiet, inviting and serves great coffee drinks. It's open seven days a week and is a well-kept secret!
That was June. I can't wait to see what fun things July brings...
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