By Tina~in_utWhen I moved to Utah in August of 1993, I was unaware that Utah had its very own holiday in July. I thought it odd when, after the 4th of July, all the firework stands remained, and re-opened around the 20th of July. I had heard the terms Days of ’47 and Pioneer Day, but had no idea what they meant. July 24th is Pioneer Day. It is a state holiday. For the first couple of years, I thought it was the day that Utah became a state. I went blissfully along on my merry way thinking how nice it was that this State celebrated its statehood. California sure didn’t do that.
One day, a group of us at work were discussing religion. Somehow the Days of ’47 came up. Someone was telling us about the parade and about the Mormon’s finally arriving in “Zion”. That’s when it dawned on me. California did not become a state until 1850 and Utah some time after that. There was no way Utah could have become a state in 1847! I said that out loud and everyone looked at me funny and started laughing. They realized I had no idea that Pioneer Day is a celebration of Brigham Young leading the Mormon followers into the Salt Lake Valley to their new “earthly Zion.” I was flabbergasted. I could not believe that our “State” holiday was actually a religious holiday. What happened to separation of church and state?
I went home that day and told my husband all about it. He looked at me like I had grown a third arm. He knew and just assumed that I knew too. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to celebrate it. I didn’t think it was right. As a Catholic, I “celebrate” All Saints Day, but the state doesn’t shut down for the day. Since then, I have tried my best to be out of state on July 24th. If we stayed home, we would have to at least have fireworks for the kids. It is too hard to explain to them the reason for the holiday and the reason I don’t want to celebrate it. They just wouldn’t understand the whole “separation of Church and State” thing. This year we will be in Hawaii. Last year, we were in California. The year before that, it was Greece……and so on. This is how neurotic I am. Once, we were driving home from the Tetons on the 24th and I asked my husband if we could drive the long way home…….thru Yellowstone National Park! We did and arrived home well after midnight on the 25th!
I never understood why the celebration on the 24th was so much bigger than the 4th! Now it all made sense. In a day and age when we are not allowed to say the Pledge of Allegiance because the word God is in it, or we can’t put a Nativity Scene in front of City Hall, why are we shutting down a state for a day to celebrate Pioneer Day? To me it’s just crazy. Are there any unusual celebrations or holidays in your neck of the woods or am I the only lunatic in town?
104 comments:
first yea
Hi Dianne
I wanted to see who was in the nest.
Congrats on first Dianne. Where did you go?
I have never ever been first...how exciting except it means I am up too early.
Good Morning Owls. I hope everyone has a good day today. The sun is shining and it is 62 outside and suppose to go up to 95.
I am picking up my two granddaughters this morning and my friend brought hers' to work for me to pick up so the girls can spend the day together. It seemed like a good idea last week..guess I should have made it later in the day--:)
MEK and I had a fun day on Tuesday. We went to lunch in the mountains, as I thought maybe she was missing them in Arizona. We were lucky to go to a place that put us in a big window (facing mtns) room alone and didn't care how long we stayed. We kind of wondered if we looked like trouble when we came in because they never put anyone back with us the whole 4 hours!!! We came down the mountain and found a Happy Hour so we could take the "good" pictures. They are all on MEK's camera and she doesn't have computer access until she gets home on Friday to post them. It was fun to meet my second blog friend and we sure did a lot of laughing and just getting to know each other..I wish I could go to your house EBJ for the blog bbq as it sure sounds like fun.
Ok...long post and I have to get dressed and go play with 9 year olds!! (I still can't believe I was first)!!!
I will feed my little ones and come back and read my friend Tina's blog. Time to get up little owls.
Now I see. You were typing. Now you are no longer a "first"
virgin. Dianne. I will be back to read your long comment.
Morning TINK!! I was writing my novel for the day. I can't stay and have breakfast with you today as I am running late since I thought I needed to get on the computer before I got ready to leave. Here....I will drink a quick oj with you and toast in the day for good things in all our lives...cheers....gulp.....okay, gotta go!
Good morning!
Tina your blog was fascinating! I have never heard of your holiday, had no idea what it was.
I feel so smart, I've learned something new today!
I don't think we have any holidays here that are unusual. We did have the Brentwood Corn Festival last weekend, tho! haha!!
Dianne congrats on your first first!
So glad you got to meet MEK, she is a riot huh? I can't wait to see her next month, and wish you could come to the bbq too!
Hi Tinka!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day. I will check back later when I get home from work!
One more thing---great blog today TINA. I can't think of any holidays Colorado celebrates different from the rest of the country. We tried to make it a holiday when we won the Super Bowl back to back but they wouldn't go for it--spoil sports!! It is interesting to read about Utah's holiday. I am guessing offices are closed, etc?
Dianne - Congrats on # 10 too.
Good Morning East Bay J. - Hope you are fine this morning.
It is going to take me a while to read the blog and Dianne's novels but I will be back when I have finished reading them.
Good Morning Owls!
I'm not aware of any unusual celebrations or holidays in my town or state. We didn't even have our 4th of July fireworks celebration this year because of the flooding.
Tina: I understand the point you're making about Pioneer Day, and I too am surprised it's a state holiday. Interesting blog!
Dianne: Congrats on your first 1st! Glad you and MEK had a great time!
Hi Tinka and EBJ!
From yesterday's comments:
Birdee: My pleasure! Thanks for the sweet comment!
Sandie: If they just started Ippuni on the Vetmedin, I hope it works as well for him as it has for Buffy. The difference has been amazing! {{Hugs}} for you both.
Hello to everyone!
Have a terrific Thursday!
Good Morning Hooters!!
Congrat dianne on 1st! Are you smoking a cig now that your cherry has been popped???
Great blog tina~ I am pretty damn sure that you are NOT THE ONLY LUNATIC in town. LOL
Lets see- there is a Heidi festival in New Glarus, a small Swiss town near here. I took a lot of GRIEF for that my entire life.
Monroe, has Cheese Days- a town of 10,000 that gets 100,000 for parade day. Best damn drink-a-thon, cheese curd eating, partying until you drop jagerbombs kind of thing for the young folk. Again steeped in Swiss Heritage, so you also have the singers and Alpine Horn blowers.
There is also a cow chip tossing festival- yes, throwing cow poop.
But no weird holidays.
I hope everyone has a good day- hi to Tink, EBJ this morning. Thanks for sharing your lunch with MEK with us dianne
Hi Amicus!!
Just a little little chuckle for the day...
THIS WILL MAKE YOU SMILE..........
1. My husband and I divorced over religious differences
He thought he was God and I didn't.
2.. I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
3.. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.
4.. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
5.. Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.
6.. You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me
7.. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
8.. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.
9.. I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are just missing.
10.. Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.
11. NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning medicine.
12.. God must love stupid people; He made so many.
13.. The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
14.. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
Goldie: Hi! Thanks for the morning laugh! I especially loved the first one. :)
Back to work for me. Have fun, Owls!
Tina - I don't know much about American laws but that does sound strange to me that Utah is allowed to make a state holiday for religious reasons. I have never heard of that before. Twenty years ago we started each school day we the "Lord's Prayer" and a section of the bible that was assigned by the school board to read that day. Then they said we could no longer say the "Lord's Prayer" and then a few years later we were no longer allowed to read the bible. That was to respect the non Christians. I used to like these customs because it was a very settling ritual for the children. It "started our day". I accepted the reasons and we moved on. Then a few years before I retired we were no longer allowed to have Christmas concerts. That one hurt. I loved my Christmas concerts because I was always was in charge of them. I always ended them with the Nativity scene. The lights would change from red to yellow and finally to blue as we sang "Silent Night". There were always a few out of several hundred children who did not participate in the carols but they would join in with the holiday songs. Then we were instructed to change our Christmas concerts to Winter Festivals and were no longer allowed to sing Christmas carols. There just could not be any religion in the schools and the carols fit into that category. When I hear of a place where the State shuts down for a religious holiday I am quite amazed. There must be some law in Utah that permits that but it is beyond my comprehension. I wish no offense to any Mormons reading my opinion. Everyone has the right to their own beliefs. As you say Tina, it's the combination of religion and state that is baffling to me.
Morning Glories!
Dianne got first!!! I loved your post about lunch with MEK! How fun.
Tina interesting blog! Ummm you live in Utah and from what I understand that is a Mormon strong hold! LOL
I did not realize that they closed down for a whole day tho. I can hear the Mr. Lynn D lecture now if I asked him about this. He would say it would depend on how their state constitution is set up and how it is written, and then I would hear blah blah blah.
Lately I have noticed quite a bit of blurring when it comes to seperation of church and state and I have to say I am not happy about it one bit. But I won't get into this on the blog today. I just don't have the energy.
I guess you could argue that all of the states shut down for xmas day. I know we don't call it a national holiday but come on! Winter break same thing.
Oh and our schools here in Yelm and Rainier, still say the pledge of allegience as written.
I can't think of any extra day that our state shuts down for. It does seem each community has some type of event in the summer but again they usually are on the weekend or if it starts mid week you have to take a day off to go.
Good morning Tinka and Goldie and Amicus and EBJ!
Good Morning Amicus and Goldie. Nice to see you in the nest early. I will read your comments and be right back.
Dianne - Have fun with your grandchildren. Aren't grandchildren the most precious gifts from God. Just when you think you have an empty nest, it gets filled up with grandchildren. I love it.
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Good Morning Lynn - I missed you while I was typing. Now to read the comments.
Dianne - I forgot to mention how much fun it was to read about your visit with Mek. I hope to meet more blog buddies soon.
Dianne - Thanks for sharing in my morning ritual of sipping a tall glass of orange juice. If I run out of Tropicana, my day is ruined. (I am still waiting for Tropicana to see my love of their product and to send me some of their delicious juice) I can dream can't I?
East Bay J - I learned something new too. They say if you can learn just one new thing a day then the day has been successful. So it is a yellow day today.
Amicus - I love how we have you to go to with our animal questions. It's like having our own vet/trainer on the blog. If you don't know the answer, you always know where to look.
Goldie - I loved your description of your festivals and your 'chuckle for the day'.
Lynn - Does Mr. Lynn ever read the blog? He would love to see you quote him "blah, blah, blah". LOL
I must have used the word "LOVE" at least 8 times in my last post. I am turning into
Pollyanna. Yikes!!!!
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Look, Look, Look and See.
See who got # 25.
The retired school teacher that's who.
I think the nest has emptied. I am going to check out area 51 to see if I missed anything. Then I am going to have breakfast.
GOOD MORNING TO ALL OWLS WHO ENTER THIS NEST TODAY.
from area 51 -
Donna Jean - I can't wait until you get a puppy so we can hear all about him. Bichons don't shed. If you need a non-shedding dog you have to be careful that all the breeds in the puppy are non-shedding. If one breed is and one isn't you may end up getting a puppy with the shedding genes. I think that's what happens with the labradoodles. If the hair gets the lab genes then you have a poodle that sheds. I had a Black Lab with very short hair and a Golden Retriever. I would find some long hairs but I was constantly vacuuming up mounds of short black hair. Over night her bed would be black with short hair that she shed. I loved those dogs. I still miss them.
Jodi - The only result of Tia sneaking those muffins was that I didn't get to enjoy them.
She was given 'time-out' for that act. She's so cute though it's hard to be strict.
Whabbear - I see you were up late last night. I bet you are still sleeping now.
Maureen and Birdee - I see you were up really early. You should have stayed in the nest a little while longer and then you would have been first. That would be a shame, however, to deprive our dear Dianne of being First for the First Time.
Off for breakfast. Have a great day everyone.
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Tina: I love your blog. I think I would have done the same thing and left town during that celebration! I agree that we have many Catholic celebrations that don't require the entire town (state?) to shut down!
I noticed that Iteach mentioned "Casmire Polaski Day" in her status that we have here in Illinois. (There is a huge Polish population in Chicago that is bigger than the city of Warsaw)! We didn't have school on that day. (He was a Polish soldier that helped fight in the American Revolution). However, now we traded that day for the day before Thanksgiving so it would give people more time to travel (as a lot of people would be gone on that day anyway)!
In Dixon, there is the Petunia Festival. They plant petunias along the 2 busy roads in Dixon and have a carnival all week (during the 4th of July week). They never have fireworks on the 4th, but have them on Sunday to end the festival. There are always events going on all week (and there is usually a country music show....but as you may guess, I have never gone to that)! : ) At least it is related to the 4th of July. (They have their paraded on Sunday too and then end in the evening with the fireworks).
Goldie: We have cow-chip BINGO here! LOL!!! You bet on which square the cow with drop his load on! (I always felt sorry for the cow who has all these people watching and waiting for him to poop)!
Dianne: Congrats on no longer being a first virgin (as Tink so eloquently said)! LOL! Tink you never fail to amuse me!
Morning to:
Tink, EBJ, Amicus, Goldie, and LynnD!
Dianne, I think that is cool that you and MEK had such a good time!
Goldie: I love the laughs for today! I esp. love "beauty is in the eye of the beer holder" and " the gene pool could use some chlorine"! Those were great!
Well, it is almost 11:00 AM and Katie is STILL sleeping!!! We did have to get up "early" yesterday and she was up by 8:30 AM! (I think I need to start having her in bed early or her body will be in SHOCK by the time school starts)!
Have a good day everyone!
Good Morning Jennifer!
Tinka: I think I have been married so long that my forehead flashes Blah Blah Blah when he goes into lecture mode. LOL He can always tell and says "Are you listening to me?" "ARE you listening to me?" I just robotically nod. I just wanted the short answer not the college lecture! LMAO
goldie several of those jokes apply to me! Crap reads like a personality profile! LOL
2.. I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
3.. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.
This is especially true when I am in hormone flux!
4.. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
10.. Out of my mind. Back in five minutes. That is how long it takes for me to find my meds.
14.. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
There are more that apply but I am getting scared or scarred! LOL
Good Morning Jennifer - Have a great day with Katie.
I find with my MacBook, which is on my kitchen table right now, I can eat breakfast, watch Regis and Kelly and keep an eye on who lands in the nest. Wow, that is multi-tasking at its best. I love it now that I use the mouse with it.
Jennifer - I always had to slowly change my children's sleeping habits the last two weeks of the summer holidays. They loved to stay up until dark and sleep in. For the last two weeks I would get them up 15 minutes earlier each day until finally on the first day of school they were accustomed to getting up at six. Otherwise it's a big shock to the system. Our schools go back the Tuesday after Labour Day so we still have a lot of holidays left. This year it is Sept. 2nd but it can be as late as Sept. 8.
Good Morning Lynn - You are a hoot this morning. Very funny and very creative. You must feel well today. It shows.
HAPPY DANCE-HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!
The grandbabies are coming to visit next weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now back to your regular programming....
Actually Tinka I am moving very slow this morning. Well my body is anyway!
Yay for goldie grandkids coming!!!
Goldie - I am happy for you that your grandbabies are coming. My son was going to bring my baby Saturday and I had already agreed to go to dinner and a movie with Dave. I would much rather have stayed home with the baby but I can't cancel. My son said he would come the following Saturday while his wife was at work. She is a nurse and does shift work. When she works on the weekend my son is Mr. Mom and he makes the trip down here. I wish they lived as close as my other two grandchildren. I guess I should thank God for the time I do get to see them.
Lynn - You sound perky to me today.
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thanks Tink- and lynn
I will admit that I am not above bribery and that is what I used!
I offered to pay their gas and tickets to go see the World of Outlaws Sprint racing while they were here.
My logic in this is that the gas money is the same if we drive there, and the cost of tickets is about equal to one nights hotel stay. And since we never go for less then 3 days- I am getting a deal! Plus they go off for an evening and Papa and I get those babies all to ourselves. AND I dont have to ride in the car for 7 hours each way.
We are all going to be staying in our camper at the lake- so it will be cozy---- My son will be a fishing fool and I can take the babies to the beach and get ice cream, etc.
Did I mention that I have not told Mr. Goldie any of this yet???
Happy Thursday Owls.
Interesting blog today, Tina. California entered into the Union on September 9, 1950 and all the state offices were closed on that day, until sometime in the 80s (I think) when the powers that be, decided to exchange that day for the day after Thanksgiving. Even when we had the day off, though, I don't remember having big celebrations to mark the event. And city/county offices did not close on that day.
Hey Mo, don't work too hard today. Hope to see you back here later.
Dianne_not_a_virgin_in_Denver: So glad you and MEK got to spend so much time together on Tuesday.
Amicus: I ushered for Sweeney Todd on Tuesday and for a play called Sylvia last night. It was a very cute story about a man who brings home a stray dog (played by a cute young actress) and the conflict that ensues with his wife. It was very funny.
Donna Jean & Donna Jo: At my mani/pedi yesterday we had the whole discussion about the carp and the ped egg...more than I ever wanted to know. I would not put my nekked feet in water with a bunch of fish and I don't think I want to shave my feet either.
Goldie: I love #7. It gives me hope.
LynnD: LOL @ Mr. Lynn, blah blah, blah.
Jennifer: Do you hire out to fix fences?
EBJ: We finally have blue sky again. I think all the fires are out.
I hope all our Texas Owls are safe from Dolly.
Carol: I hope all is well with you today. (((HUGS)))
I am in a cleaning frenzy today because I haven't been home enough lately. So now I have to play catch-up. Have a great day everyone. BBL
Waving a wing to all who land after me.
When I lived in Austin we had SPAMARAMA http://www.spamarama.org/
The two most memorable "recipes" I ever tried there were SPAM-PERS, a mustard-colored spam dip served in a diaper, and SPAM-ATO, which was a drink made with SPAM blended into Clamato juice.
I used to go with my neighbor and best friend from high school and we drank drink icy-cold Rolling Rock beer all day which I swear was delicious when combined with the summer heat and those incredible SPAM dishes but it's really kinda nasty.
We also enjoyed the annual Chili Cookoff, the River Raft and Rubber Duckie races, Austin Aqua Festival which was a 10-day event that had cultural theme nights and multiple stages playing all genres of music, and Riverfest, where I saw Stevie Ray Vaughan perform in the late 80's.
Okay so none of these are holidays and some have changed drastically over the years but they were all huge events back in the day. Hmmm, can you TELL where I grew up and spent most of my younger years?
Hello to all and have a great day my fine feathered friends. I hope our Texas birds are staying dry. Today is my last day at work until the end of August so maybe I'll find more time to visit the nest rather than just doing my usual flyovers.
SacBarb: I think my fence building days are done! I don't want to look at another fence again!!! LOL!!!!
Tink: I wish we started that late! (As August is usually the hottest month of the summer and we DON'T have air-conditioning in our schools)!
Lynn D: I love how you describe the "blah blah" when the MR. starts to talk! LOL!!! (It actually reminds me of my dad...he was...and still is...good at giving an hour lecture on a question that one would hope could be answered in a sentence or two)! LOL!!!
Today I have to mow MY yard (as I mowed my friend's yesterday). Then Katie and I are going to waste the day somehow...just enjoying our time together!
I might have to post my new "fence" on my myspace! (I actually have pictures of my OLD one too). I could do before and after shots!
HI Outatune! You must have been posting when I was writing!
Off I go!
Goldie - I think you made a smart move. I am not above bribery either if it gets you what you want. Sounds like you are going to have fun.
Shout out to SacBarb and outatuune - I enjoyed your posts this morning.
See you all this afternoon.
Hey...I just uploaded some pictures to my myspace of the before and after pictures of my fence. Most of it was done last year and then we had a set back (which was big tree roots preventing us from putting in the last post so I could finish screwing in the boards). My cousin Jack finally helped me so I could get it finished! It is such a satisfying thing to build something yourself (well with the help of Jack putting in the posts and the rails so all I had to do were the boards).
OK...I need to get going!
Oh...what the heck....48...
....49....
...and 50!!!!
G'day, owls! Caryn, you party animal you!
I have some observations on the religious holiday/separation of church and state issue (what a surprise!), but I'll have to wait until after work...
I was going to say HI GUYS!! But in our paper today they had a discussion on how waiters and waitresses address everyone this way...and how irritating it is to women customers. Really?? I always thought it was just a nice casual greeting. Anyhow, I guess I'll go back to my usual "Good Afternoon Everyone!!"...dang and I was hoping to change it up a bit!!
TINA: Great Blog!! As with your "Normandy" blog, I've learned something new today. I had never heard on Pioneer Day, or knew that Utah shut down to celebrate this as a religious state holiday. From what I understand..and I do not understand much, Arizona had written into it's constitution that the state could only celebrate so many paid holidays a year. If you added one, you have to get rid of another. I don't know if this has been changed or not...and it's too hot to Google it.
I wonder how people of other religions feel on "Pioneer Day"? Do they feel left out?? I think I kinda would if I lived in Utah. Especially if I was a child. Then again...they may just be glad to get another day off!
Thanks again TINA for learnin' me something!!
DIANNE: Congrats on FIRST!! I always thought you looked so incredibly virginal! I'm glad you had so much fun with MEK!
TINKA: I love that you used the word "love"...it describes you perfectly. :)
AMICUS: What did you think of TDK?? I might have missed your post about it, if so, sorry and could you tell me again???
EBJ: I just checked my email...YAY!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
GOLDIE: LOL thanks for including me in your list...I'm #9!!
JENNIFER: My mom use to celebrate Fausnaught Day..it was the day before Lent and everyone got to eat as many donuts as they wanted!! I believe it too was a Polish holiday. Oh, and I think I owe you a thank you for helping me corral the nekkid men under the waterfall the other day..so..THANK YOU!!! ;)
LYNND: In my house it's Mr Z's forehead that flashes "Blah blah blah"!! I think I've turned toward him quickly enough a couple of times in time to see it!! It's written in RED!! LOL
OUTATUNE: The SPAM drink is gonna give me nightmares!!! ;)
WHABBEAR: Mr Z wants me to shave his back again..says he's tired of being a Bear...LOL!!
Sorry for being so chatty...I had a migraine yesterday, and feel better today. All the words from yesterday are pouring out today on top of the words from today. Hope that made sense. ;)
Dianne_up_too_early_in_Denver Hey, Congrats on your first first! I, too, am glad you and MEK had such a nice visit. I got the book today! Thank you very much. :)
Tina Great blog today. I find it AMAZING that they made that day a State holiday.
Zona I'm so glad you are feeling better. Three cheers for meds!!!
Jennifer Kudos to you for building the fence.
Zona-my Baby - I LOVE to see you feeling well and posting today. I was trying to think about the day before Lent and then it hit me. Isn't that Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day to some? I think every nationality had a word that meant "eat anything you want today because tomorrow we start our famine." I am not sure as I just woke up from a beautiful nap and I only have my eyes half open. I have been up just long enough to continue snipping a little of my lavender. I was going to do just so much each day but I think I had better speed up or it will be going to seed. I could have the Gardener do it but then I would miss the beautiful scent as I do it.
Jennifer - I want to see pictures of your fence. I know you have worked hard at it and I bet it is beautiful.
Whabbear - I can't wait to see your post on church versus state. I just know it will be interesting.
Just_Lin - Any holidays planned in the near future????
VIG phoned from up-island and she said to send her best to all blog buddies. She will be home on Sunday night. She was about to get a manicure and a pedicure which is funny because I am just about to leave the house for the same reason. I guess great minds do think alike.
Dianne - I hope you are having fun with your grand children. Lucky you.
I must get something done. Does anyone besides me worry about making the house presentable before you leave, just in case something might happen to you while you are out? I guess I have had a couple of experiences where I have been rushed to hospital and then someone brings me home later. Even if you are not well, it is embarrassing if the kitchen isn't tidy or the beds aren't made. I am neurotic about it now.
Have a great afternoon. It is paradise here today after a cloudy Wednesday. I must be rushing off. Ta Ta For Now or is that supposed to be TTFN?
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Zona: I'm sorry about your migraine! I can certainly empathize with you (as I get them too)! Not fun, are they?! I'm glad you are doing better now!
Glad you had fun with the Nekkid guys at the waterfall! (Hhhmm...perhaps too much fun gave you your migraine)! Just a thought! ; )
Hi Whabbear! I would love to hear your position. You always amaze me with your intelligence!
Just Lin: Thanks for your compliments on the fence! I'm just so glad to be finished!
Tink: I did put pictures of my fence in my photos on myspace.
Well, I need to get out and mow that @#%^$!! yard! (I took a nap instead)!
Talk to you all soon!
BTW: Zona, I always say hey 'guys' too! Guess I'll have to be more "politically correct" in my greetings! ; )
TINA - Great blog!! I don't know of any state holiday like that here. And I can understand your reluctance to not be around for it.
In the next town over they celebrate Syttende Mai. The words "Syttende Mai" are Norwegian for "seventeen May", and is celebrated on the weekend closest to May 17. On that day in 1814, the Norwegian Constitution was signed, giving Norway independence from its 500 year union with Denmark. Stoughton's Syttende Mai celebration dates back as far as 1868, when Norwegian immigration to this part of Wisconsin was reaching its peak. It's a fun folk festival including a parade (which my husband's family has participated in with the Belgian Horses), rosmaling demonstrations, and of course a plethora of Norwegian goodies. My great-grandfather is from Norway, so we always have gone. I was even born in that small town.
DIANE-NO-LONGER-A-FIRST-VIRGIN!!! Congrats on first. :D
TURTLE & TINA - Sounds like it was a good time had by all at TURTLE'S BBQ last night!!
JENNIFER - Your fence is great....congrats on a fine job!!!
ITEACH - ((((HUGS)))) to you!!
ZONA - Got your message.....get off the stinkin' phone!!!
TINKA - Glad Tia didn't get a sick tummy from the muffins!!
SACBARB: I don't know how I missed you pretty lady, please forgive me!! You must have been bent over cleaning under the table, or I had sweat dripping in my eyes!! ;)
TINKA: My mom loved lavender. She would make sachets and put them in everyone's drawers...wait that doesn't sound right!! ;)
VIG: Hope you are having fun..beware the odd fencepost and horny skunk!! ;)
JENNIFER: Nah..let's not conform.."hey guys" it is!! :) I thought the nekkid guys would get rid of the headaches..that's what TINA always says!!
JODI: I'm off! I'm off!!!
J/LIN: LOL! Three cheers..three times!!! :)
Hi owls!
Congrats on your first "first" Dianne!
I think I can smell the lavender from here, Tinka! Yummmm
Thanks, Amicus, I hope it helps him, too.
Goldie, so glad your grandkids are coming! Hey, parenting is all about bribery. ;)
sacbarb, how did those cards turn out?
Jennifer, love the fence!
When I moved here to the "Bible Belt" I was amazed at how different things were! They still celebrate Christmas in schools, but I have a feeling that's changing in our county. Also, everywhere you go, people say, "Have a blessed day." It's rather nice.
In honor of ZONA, Hi Guys!!!
I say "guys" all the time, and no one gets offended. I think sometimes that the early 70's Women's Movement, although certainly needed to change some things, actually set things back some. I would dearly LOVE for someone to hold the door open for me, call me "madame", or better yet, "Miss", etc. But I digress now from my earlier thoughts!
I just returned home from a wonderful morning/afternoon with my grandchildren, Jake and Janee, 10 & 8. They have a "media" room, with a 6ft screen, and a sound system that is amazing. We shut all the doors, and it got really dark, and watched Raiders of The Lost Ark. I haven't seen that one in so many years, it was such fun. Just like being in a theatre!
DIANNE~ you and I both had good times today with our grandchildren, how fun!
And your lunch with MEK sounded like a riot. You should come to the BABB! We are only a 2hr flight away, and most of us are staying at the same Hotel, it will be like one big slumber party!
GOLDIE~ have fun with your grandbabies next week! How cool to be staying at a lake, wish I could come visit you!
TINA~ your Blog today sure brought up alot of discussion. I think Utah is a State totally unto themselves! They allow things there that other states wouldn't even consider. It is a beautiful state, though.
And it sounds like alot of you have lots of fun festivals etc. in your towns. I think though, I will pass on the SpamArama! Hey TURTLE, isn't Spam Hawaii's National Meat??
You are all invited to the Sonoma County Harvest Fair held in early October! We have a grape crushing contest, lots of great Jazz music, and all the local wineries show off their very best vintages with wine tastings! (Forget snobby Napa County, come to my neck of the woods, Sonoma County).
TINKA~ Thanks for the advice regarding the doggies. I am pretty sure I am sticking with a Maltese/Poodle breed. It may take awhile to find the right one for our little family, but as soon as we get the surgery over with, we will be three in the household instead of two! I can't wait! Your Tia and Tango are so adorable! Remember when Kathie Lee was on "Regis" and she would talk about her doggies Chardonnay and Chablis? They were little Bichon's too.
SACBARB~ Did I misread your comment? Did you mean California
joined the Union in 1850, not 1950? I just toured the Capitol in May,and I think California has
the most beautiful Capitol building I have ever seen!
I am sure your conversation at the Nail Salon was hilarious! I am so with you, girlfriend, no tiny fishies are going to nibble my toes, unless I am in Hawaii snorkeling! Hey that sounds like fun!
LYNN and GOLDIE~ you two made me laugh so much today! I love those jokes. Unfortunately for me, too many of them REALLY apply!
Well, I just wanted to say HI to everyone who posted before me, Dianne, Tinka, EBJ, Tina's Blog, Amicus, Goldie, Lynn D, Jennifer, SacBarb, OutaTune, Zona, Whabbear, Just_Lin, Jodi & Sandie! My trusty #2 was sharp and ready!
Oh since I don't have MySpace, I can't see everyone's photos, :( ,
so I can't see Dianne and MEK's reunion.
If any of you would like my personal email, (I never check the gmail account) I am going to let Carol know that it is OK to give it to you. I hope to hear and "see" photos from all of you!
Oh, has anyone heard from Dreama or ronniegirl? Sure hope that they are OK and that they didn't receive much damage from Dolly.
OK, another NOVEL from Donna Jean. Sorry.
Till later, DJean
66 for DIANNE and MEK
67 for TINA and KGRL
68 no one wants that...lol...
69 for DIANNE, MEK, TINA and KGRL!!!
Zona: I like that you're a "non-conformist"! I'll "hi guys" with ya! LOL@ what Tina told you! ; )
Sandie and Jodi: Thanks for liking my "handi-work"! I hope this teaches Katie that she can do anything she puts her mind to!
Hi to Donna Jean and Laurie! Glad you are having a good day! : )
Christmas in July is on on QVC! I know, I'm such a dork..but I LOVE watching this! It's 110 here today, and this show gives me hope for cooler weather and the excitement of the holidays!!
Hey guys,
Sorry could not resist. I just wanted to say that my home is a bit bruised by Dolly but can be repaired in a day's time.
David's Mom isn't doing very well. I guess it's her age. She is 85. Maybe she can turn around. We just don't know. That is the saddest news.
I have a ton of e-mail and phone calls.I just got my power back. I appreciate it all. I am sorry that I am too exhausted to answer all of the e-mails and text messages and phone calls. I have to get in touch with all of our relatives. I'm worn out as one might imagine so I hope you all get this message on here.
Thank you everyone.xoxoxo
Dreama: So sorry to hear all your bad news! Glad to know that Dolly didn't do worse! So sorry to hear the news of David's mom. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Iteach: Sending you hugs as well!
JENNIFER - I'm a non-conformist,too...so I'll just stick with Hey HO's!!! :P
Carol:
I have told you personally how much I enjoy the blogs that you provide for everyone. I should say this publicly. Your efforts and hard work are very much appreciated and I enjoy reading them as does my family and even David at times. LOL
Wabbear:
pertaining to area 51 about Trey. Leave my Trey alone. I adopted him as my brother and he can grow hair out of his ears and I would still think he's handsome. LOL. You go back to that chat room and tell my Trey I said that! :0)I promised I'd make Trey chocolate chip pecan cookies and mail to him next time around now that I perfected making them. :0)
Renee Eve
OMG girl. So good to see you return. Jigglin Jax. OMG again.
Good evening everyone.
Tina, Mr Mary hated Utah. He is a smoker. Does that tell you something lol! We stayed at a motel there once, he said never again!
I know the west coast celebrates a Holiday that we don't, that is Presidents Day. I had no idea they did until we were visiting Vegas on that week end. Man was the place crowded! The whole town was sold out. We were told it was because of Presidents Day.All we do is close down the Federal businesses.
I have been having a lot of trouble with my bum knee. Too much running around. Sitting in a chair typing cuts off my circulation, so I have put my laptop on my kitchen counter.
EastBay. I am sooo excited about the BABBQ! I still have a few questions and will myspace them soon.Right now I will check other sites and put my feet up.
Later "gals" & "guys" :=]
MARY/MI: Sorry 'bout your bum knee causing you problems, I can relate!
LOL @ "gals" and "guys".
JODI...or is it HODI??: You make me laugh every day...SWAK!!
SACBARB: LOL...still!!! :)
DJEAN: When I get called Ma'am..I actually look around...they can't possibly be talking to me!! :)
Two hours into the QVC Christmas in July show..nothing purchased yet. Back to sitting with my dorky self and watching...
Zona, I'm bored, can I bring my dorky self over and watch tv with you? I have some great Sangria!
Dreama: OMG! Trey would laugh if he read your comment here in the nest. I'm the biggest advocate of him keeping his goatee of all! He looks fabulous with it! Way better than without it!
Dreama, I almost forgot.. Glad Dolly didn't hang around too long. Hate when we lose power!
Diane, you brave lady you! I am way too old to entertain youngsters lol!
Hoot Hoot Owls...I am still so excited to be first but I sure hope that I'm not tomorrow..I would much rather sleep now that I have lost my virginity in such a public place!!Yes GOLDIE, I "smoked" all day..one cig!
ZONA: Thanks for including me on your 69 dedication.
TINK: Did you read the post from your daughter ADMITTING she was at the lake with those nekked guys at the picnic last Saturday? I told you!!! I was reading one of your posts when you said you were snipping lavender and thought you said you were "sipping"...I had to look again to see what you were sipping! Guess you didn't notice what I put in our OJ this morning!
JUST/LIN: I'm glad you received the book and yes that chapter is probably the one I read over and over!!
I had a nice time with the kids and their friend today..8,9, 10 year old girls. I love to listen to them talk. They were discussing who they were going to vote for this year for President. We took a Sonic picnic to the park and it was very hot but they love to make up things to play there...like teenager (whatever that is)!!
GOLDIE: Have you told your husband yet about your company that is coming? Bribery works well with grandkids too!! So glad you are going to get to have a visit so soon.
I don't know about you DONNA JEAN but I am tired and yes MARY/MI, I am old but find a nice shady place to watch them with my newspaper.
It has been a busy week and I am so ready to get some sleep and rest. I have carried my oxygen tank with me everyday----on the floor of my car. It does wonders for me there!!!
HI Guys! I hope everyone is having a fun night.
Jennifer - Your fence is fantastic. I read the whole story of the fence on your myspace. I am very impressed.
Donna Jean - I think your choice of maltese/poodle is a good one. Neither breed sheds and they are so cute. If I didn't have Bichons, that would be my second choice. They are like little dust mops. Oh now I want one too. Would my babies ever be jealous. Yes I remember Kathie Lee's Bichons. Before she had Cody that's all she talked about. The trouble with them was the fact that they were over-weight. I remember her saying they weighed 20 and 22 lbs when they were supposed to be 15. Do you remember why they were over-weight? It had something to do with geese that were always on their grounds. I will say no more. I remember one was killed by a fox and Kathie Lee was so upset.
Jodi - I think Tia gained a pound from eating those two muffins. She goes to the groomers on Monday. She is also the breeder and notices if Tia or Tango gain an ounce. I feel like I am taking them to Weight Watchers to be weighed in.
ZonaBaby - I love watching Christmas re-runs on a hot day in July. They always look so appealing. I wonder if I can get QVC? I think our shopping network is Canadian.
Carol - I love your new "About Me" at the beginning of the blog. It makes a lot of sense to me.
Whabbear - I guess I am going to have to wait until morning to hear what you have to say about church versus state. I am just about ready to go to bed.
Mary - Are you at my daughter's yet watching T.V. and drinking Sangria? Please don't keep her up too late. I like her in bed by eleven please. And no scary shows; she gets night mares.
Dianne - Have you recovered from the shock of no longer being a "First Virgin"? I may beat you tomorrow. Then again maybe Joey will be first.
Birdee - I am going to look for a pretty lullaby to help you sleep.
BonO - My thoughts are with you tonight. ((((Hugs)))))
Well guys, I am going to check out myspace to see who is hanging around and then I am off to bed. It's been such a busy day and I am not sure what I accomplished. Good Night all Owls. Sweet Dreams.
Love, Tinka
85
Today's blog was interesting to me on many levels. I'll title my two cents worth "A tale of Tina and Tinka".
On the one hand, we have Tina. Tina, you're clearly very opposed to a government holiday recognizing a particular religious event. So opposed, in fact, that you typically makes it your business to be out of state on the day this recognition takes place.
A little later this morning, Tinka followed up with a very interesting piece of her own, about some of her feelings concerning the consequences of the enforcement of the separation of church and state up north. Tinka described a number of school-related observances and activities in connection with another religious event, Christmas, that have gradually been eliminated from Canadian schools. Tinka expressed regret over these eliminations, as they took away some very positive experiences for her and her students.
Tinka, I totally resonated to your comments! One of the highlights of my Christmas every year is a long-standing ritual whereby my extended family gathers around my Mom and the piano, and we all sing a collection of traditional Christmas carols.
The truth is, I love Christmas, and all the rituals and traditions that accompany it.
I'll bet Tina does, too.
And yet, I believe, as Tina does, in strong church/state separation. So doesn't that mean that we both have to oppose the official government holiday on December 25th every bit as strongly as the official Utah holiday?
I'm afraid that it does. But part of me is not happy with that conclusion. Part of me wants to hold on to the whole Christmas routine, including the holiday, as hard as I possibly can.
Maybe that's the crux of this matter. I'm more positively predisposed to Christmas because it's MY religious background, and Christmas activities are the ones that I, personally, have an emotional attachment to. But that doesn't mean that December 25 deserves a privileged status relative to any other religious-based holiday.
Even though I regret my own stance!
What is the name of that song,
"I'm tired and I want to go home, I had a little drink about an bour ago and it went straight to my head" They were singing it right before the Shark came on Jaws.
Anyway, I am so tired I am going to bed before 8:30! So is Miss Laurie.
No drinking involved today, just Grandma tiredness!
This weekend, though, I may just have a few!
Sweet Dreams to All,
DJean
DonnaJean: Oops, You are so right. It was 1850. i should really proof read before I publish.
Sandie: The card class was OK. I'm such a novice at this. I'm not too impressed with my cards, though.
DonnaJean: 'Show me the Way to Go Home' is the name of that song.
JODI: Well, I knew YOU were a nonconformist! LOL! You HO! ; )
Tink, thanks for the compliment of my fence. I am a bit proud of the work I did on it! (Can you tell?)!
Whabbear: I do agree with what you are saying. Perhaps at the time when states made these laws there were more Christians than non and that is why this happened (and now that there are just as many non-Christians, things are changing). I guess the best thing is to do what Tina does and just leave town when a holiday happens that we don't agree with (as it would be a shame for them to start taking away the ones so many of us do cherish).
So there's my 2 cents! : )
Thanks Whabbear for your comments. I sure enjoy hearing what you have to say! : )
Hi All! It's after midnight here in Ohio, so it's officially TGIF!!!!
Yesterday (Thursday) I went out of town shopping with my mom & my daughter. (No malls in this little town.) That's why you didn't see me around. We had a fabulous time. My 72 yr old mother can outshop me any day! She even outshopped my daughter this time!
We did our Back-to-School shopping and, since I work at a school, that included me as well. You'll never guess what I found...and bought. A shirt for myself with an owl on the front! I was thinking of all of you when I saw it and I HAD TO HAVE IT! :)
Dreama: So glad to hear you're okay after the hurricane.
Tina: GREAT blog! I've never heard of that holiday. I enjoyed Bear's comments about it as well.
Heading to bed now. Will check back in sometime on Friday.
Peace!!!
Well, I am up an hour later than I intended! I know, I am NO PARTY ANIMAL!!!
Well, maybe at the BABB!
SACBARB~ Yes, that is the name of that song! I sing it all the time when I am tired and I am around family and friends, and they think I am NUTS!!
DREAMA~So glad that you are OK, and that the damage Dolly dealt you is not too extensive! Still sending well wishes to David's mom, and hoping she will recover soon.
We still haven't heard from RONNIEGIRL. Please let us know how you are, if you have any electricity or internet connection! We are all worried about you.
OK, seriously, I am saying Good Night and Sweet Dreams to all here now and those that will be up until God knows how long! Have fun between yourselves, and I will read all about it tomorrow!
Peace and Love, DJean
See you all on Friday!
I know this is late, but...
TINA...I didn't know about your Pioneer Day either. I can understand how you feel about it. But there are other religious holidays that are celebrated globally in the US...like Easter and Christmas. Since Easter always falls on a Sunday, it makes perfect sense that offices are closed...I don't know if they would be if it fell on random days. As a non-Catholic, I am totally NOT offended by it. In fact, I get angry at the stores that remain open on Easter Sunday.
Growing up in a predominatly Jewish neighborhood, the local school districts closed for the High Holy holidays...Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashona. There were so many students (many non-Jews became Jewish those days!!!) and staff absent on those days, they just closed the schools. But that was by district...not by state.
Where I live now, we have an International festival the first weekend in August...Twins Days. It is attended by twins, triplets, quads...from all over the world! It is fun to be out in the community those days and see double and triple wherever you look!! The little tiny children and the elderly are the cutest to see!!!!
Wishing EVERYONE a safe, sunny and happy day today.
Good morning MO!!!
DONNA JO - Luv your Watermelon Owl!!! You need to post a pic of your new shirt...how fun. :D
left, left, left, right, left!!!
Missing Eunice.....skip, skip, skip to my do!!!
left, left, left, right, left!!!
left, left, left, right, left!!!
100!!!
Good morning HO's....a fresh pot of coffee is on the counter along with several boxes of Glazer Donuts!!! Enjoy!!!
Hi HOdi!! MMmmm, coffee and donuts! Yummo. I promise to leave some for the other owls that land!
MO - Do you have to work twice today? I have today off but work both Saturday and Sunday....such is the life of working retail.
Hodi...no, only once today. But again on Sunday. And if I dont get my piggy ass moving, I am going to be totally late!
BYE for now!
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