Elvis Presley - Merry Christmas Baby - HD with lyrics

Merry Christmas.... Baby.

Oh...My.

: )

Spent the day...Diggin'...Christmas.

Spent....Yesterday, fixin'...'Broken'.

<3

Long...long, story.

Looks like a 'Christmas Bomb'...went off, in the House.

; )

I've got Mountains....of Christmas.....Blowin' The Walls Out!!!

oh...my. 

; ) 

Thankfully, I've been listening to Christmas Jazz, and...The Blues, all....day.

This, is the first year, in 20, I've pulled 'Christmas'...together, all by myself.

Last year....was the first Christmas, since I was 15....didn't put up a Tree.

: (

That,  was an Ugly....Ugly, Christmas.

: ( : ( : ( 

Don't like climbin' up....HIGH!

oh...dear.

But, I did.

That Old Bell....Had to be Hung.

<3 <3 <3 

Got about a Thousand....lights, on The Tree.

Have, about a Thousand, to go.

: )

Hundreds....and, Hundreds....

of Ornaments, too.

; )

oh.....My!

; )

<3 

John, would be Rollin' his Eyes.

<3 <3 <3 

{He, always....did!}

Hahahahahaha!

but,

 John knew...how, very important 'Christmas' is.

<3 <3 <3 

Stay Tuned....

; )

Love....to Ya.

Barb C.

Happy Thanksgiving....to All!!!

Wishing Everyone....

A

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

<3 <3 <3
Remember....
There's Always...always, something to be
Thankful For.
: )  

Hope...You Eat Way Too Much!!

: )

Love...to You, and Yours!!!

Barb C. 

Soggy Bottom Boys- I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow

O Brother Where Art Thou(I've spoken my peace and counted to three)

Oh....my.

Sunday, and Monday....

were very busy days.

Wanted to catch up, with Friend, and Neighbor, Kathy....

She'd sent some Lovely...Vintage Ornaments with me, to Junk Jubilee Jingles, and a Gnarly Tree....

that, I wanted to settle up with her, on.

She didn't want anything for them....and, That....was just...silly.

I sold many of them...they were Beautiful....and, I appreciated her sending them.

: ) <3

So...put the money under a weight, on her table...and walked away.

: )

As I was leaving...I pointed out the darling 'Heart'.

Told her how much I liked it....and, of Course, she Insisted...I take it.

<3 <3 <3 

Kathy, Made...that Darling....little Heart.

I, will Treasure It...Always.

Then, as I was heading home, I saw there was a car, by Scout's pasture.

: )

These Folks...were visiting him.

<3 

They'd brought apples, for Scout.

He's a School Bus Driver, and visits Scout....every day, on his route.

<3 

He told me...how Much, he...and the School Kids, enjoy saying "Hello', and how Scout puts on a Show...for them.

<3

He brought his Grand Nephews, Sunday afternoon, to visit Scout.

Priceless.

Then, as we were visiting, with Scout....Neighbor, Bob...popped over.

He Loves Scout.

<3 

Brought him an ear of corn.

<3 <3 <3 

Then, Finally....Sunday afternoon, I visited Grandsons.

Keeden, Kyler...and, Kaycen.

<3 <3 <3 

I'd missed Kyler's 2nd. Birthday, as I was in Des Moines, doing Junk Jubilee Jingles.

: (

The Wonderful...Wonderful...Energy, these Children have....is Absolutely Priceless.

<3 

It was Very Good, spending a little time, with 'Children'. 

Adults, make me Crazy.

{Most...of them. <3 }

Now, I know why...Dad, Always sat at the 'Kids' Table....at Holiday Gatherings.

<3 <3 <3 

{I, do it...too. }

Then...Monday, rolled around.

oh my.

Had the meeting with the IDOT.

They were both very nice Men.

It's difficult, for me...to discuss this entire situation...

and, go over the same....facts, again...and, again.

It's like they are reading from a text book, and....aren't 'hearing', or....thinking of any options, except....what they've been programmed to say.

Make, no mistake....

I, wouldn't want their jobs.

They, too...were very sympathetic....to all of this.

But, I...don't want 'Sympathy', I want them to show me the Safety Studies, and...help me to understand, Why....they came up with the designs they have.

Common sense, isn't being considered. 

Without it, there will be much loss.

Monetarily, and...as I told them....with 'Lives'....as well.

I did my best....to get the facts out, without losing myself.

It, didn't work...the best.

{The first Man, I visited with, told me last week, he'd have a couple of hours, to go over everything. Then, when he arrived, on Monday....said he couldn't stay long, because he had another appointment.

I, said....guess, he'd be coming back, then, because...he said, he'd give me some Time.

He, wound up staying.}

He promised he'd send the safety study. : )

I learned, that the bridge in front of our home...is going to be completely  changed, and in doing so...the ditch, that was put in 20 years ago, for Vehicle Safety, is going to be Filled. {Trail}

So, the highway will be level with our Home. 

Not....Good.

Vehicles will have a straight shot, into our home.

Also, our gray waterline...is there. 

Looks like, it's going to have to be moved.

{They were surprised to see it. They were 20 years ago...too, when they destroyed it, with the last project. }

We didn't know it was broken....until we had a water leak, and the drain couldn't drain....because the IDOT had crushed the tile, in the Summer, but....when our basement flooded, in January, of the next year...the ground was frozen. It was -40, as I stood outside with the IDOT, and a hired, by us...Excavator.

The IDOT stood there, and said...

"If that's Orangeburg Tile...we aren't paying."

It Wasn't. 

They, still...didn't pay. Our Insurance Company did.

: ( : ( : ( 

The Man, in the Excavator, said...in front of us all....it was obvious, the IDOT's Equipment Crushed that tile.

{We'd shown it to The IDOT, back then, too. }

To see, how Surprised....the Two Men, were...on Monday, concerning that tile, after I'd reminded the Contractor....the IDOT Acquisition Folks, and... have it in our paperwork, from our Lawyer, concerning that tile, was rather disappointing.

: (

The Man, who was in charge, on Monday....said they are trying to do Everything, to prevent the Maple from coming down.

Said the Pine, where our Beloved Pets, are buried....won't be bothered.

: ) 

The problem is, The Massive Culvert, they are putting in, because of a Bridge, that's Huge, to accept Pedestrians....is causing this Entire...Mess. 

Stallman Drive, is another story.

That's... going to be a Circus.

I, told them so.

Told them, they keep sayin' "Safety is Priority One"....

Not from where I'm standing.

Of course, I've only lived here....nearly 40 years.

: )

What could I possibly know, about how 'these' roads work.

The Man said... "To move that new drive, the IDOT approved, a couple of months ago, {that...they shouldn't have put, where they did...}

to connect with Stallman, 

{and make it Much safer}

they'd have to acquire some land, to the West. 

{Nothing is there, but...dirt, it was a Farm Field, until July...of this year.}"

I, said...

 "Do It."

It was o.k. for the IDOT to come 'West', and come 12 feet from our home, for a Trail...No One, should Ever...walk on. 

Those Folks...wouldn't even lose a tree. 

If...'Safety'...is Truly.... 'Priority One'.

Do It. 

Oh...my. 

Told them, I know....the IDOT is going to do what it wants, but....whatever they decide, they need to remember, what I said. 

Like the Gal said...in ' O Brother Where Out Thou'

"I've spoken my Peace....and, Counted to Three." 

<3 <3 <3 

Just trying to save Lives....here. 

Lives, are Very....Important. 

I'll be anxious to see that 'Safety Study', as promised....for that new Drive.

Love to ya...

Barb C. 

{This....Drains me. 

I, sure wouldn't their jobs.

Bless their Hearts.

<3 <3 <3 }

{Just was thinking, as I was headed into Town. 

The Stallman Drive intersection, {Where the rabbit hole, is.} 

Even as irregular, as it is.... has never, to my knowledge....ever had an accident. 

One, of few...in Fairfax, that can say that. 

Yet, That's the One...the IDOT wants to Completely, 'redesign'. 

oh...my. }

If you've never seen the Movie,
'O Brother Where Out Thou'
watch it.
It's...Great.
<3

Jo Dee Messina - Because You Love Me (Official Music Video)

Blessings.

Went to the grocery store....a couple of nights ago.

As I was checking out....I saw a huge display of Roses, that had been discounted.

I, instantly thought of my Mom.

<3 <3 <3 

Her name...was Rose.

<3 <3 <3 

When I'd see Roses, or....anything, I thought Mom, would enjoy....

that, I could afford, I'd get them for Mom.

<3 <3 <3 

Surprise her....: ) 

I, couldn't help...but buy a couple of dozen, in Memory...of Mom.

<3 <3 <3 

I carried the Roses inside, before...anything else, when I got home.

Clipped their stems....and gave them a much needed drink.

: )

There's been an old Pitcher, on the counter, since Gold Rush, back in August.

While doing the show....a Fellow Dealer motioned for me to come to his booth, as I was making my way towards mine, when the show was opening.

He reached under his table, and handed the Old...Pitcher, to me.

: )

He said.... 

"As I was unpacking, I found this pitcher...in transport, the handle was broken. 

I saved it back, for you...rather than pitch it. I knew you'd appreciate it, even broken."

<3 <3 <3 

Oh, Yes....I do.

{I, sit...filled with emotion....as I write, this morning.

My mind, and...spirit, has been so consumed, seems it takes me forever...to catch up with

'Emotions', anymore.

I, should've shed these tears of Gratitude, when he handed the old....pitcher, to me.

Seems, I have to stay...so Focused, on each task...at hand, to get through them, without stumbling....

I, can't let anything....touch me, until each mountain is conquered. 

: ( 

That, makes me...very....sad.

I'm so Sorry, if I Haven't...Thanked YOU.

If, You are one of those Wonderful, Caring...Loving, People...

that, I've stood  before, 'Numb', and.... 'Emotionless', 

when You, have shown me Love, Support, and...Kindness,

I'm...so Very, Very....Sorry. 

: ( : ( : ( 

Please Know....I Am So, So....Grateful, for You. 

Don't....ever doubt that. 

<3 <3 <3 

Sadly, the pitcher has been sitting, and waiting for me to mend it, for months.

The Friend, who gifted the pitcher, to me...had carefully placed it's handle...inside.

so...after I got Mom's Roses, situated....

I, sat down, and repaired the old...Pitcher.

: )

It was so Proud, to hold....Mom's Roses. <3

The Rose's....were a bit forlorn, as well.

That's probably why, they were discounted, so.

But...within moments, of being 'touched', they Opened Up....

in the Old...Pitcher, and couldn't have been More...Beautiful.

<3 <3 <3 

Still...are.

Mom, would've Loved Them.

<3 <3 <3 

I, took them....and the Beautiful, Old...Pitcher,, my Friend, had given to me...

 and placed them next to Mom's Ashes.

{and, John's... <3 <3 <3

 He, Loved...Roses, too. : ) <3 }

I will always treasure, that Old...Pitcher.

Not, so much....because of it's age, and...beauty.

but...

because of the Kind Man, who thought of me, and saved it. 

: ) 

Broken Things, that live on...are very special.

The Pitcher, means far more....to me, 'broken', than...had it been 'perfect'.

<3 

Love, to Ya...

Barb C.

Below, are images concerning the walking trail, the IDOT, and Fairfax....are planning.

I'm meeting with the IDOT, tomorrow morning.

I wanted these images, close at hand.

Please, Pray....about this horrible plan of theirs.

Pray, that they will come to their senses.

Please...Pray, that I can find the strength....to carry on, with this battle.

I intend to go to the Powers that Be, at The Capitol....

Insisting, that No Trail, can be placed next to a Federal Highway, {or, Anywhere}, without First, having an Independent Safety Study, concerning the Safety of Pedestrians, and Cyclists, when they are situated to coexist with Vehicles.

Had one been conducted, here....we wouldn't be having this discussion. 

There are No Safety Studies Concerning the above, in our State, at this time.

Fairfax, denied, for nearly a year....in 2016, at Public City Council Meetings, there were any trail plans.

Then, the city said..."They had no choice, the IDOT was forcing them to put in a Trail."

As you can see, Fairfax, asked....for a Trail, next to Highway 151, in 2012.

I begged the council, and mayor....{The IDOT, too}

to PLEASE...have the University of Northern Iowa, conduct a 'Safety Study', concerning their Trail Plans.

They, refused.

I, offered to pay, to have one conducted, in 2017.

They wouldn't consider it. 

A Safety Study, should no longer be an option. 

It, should be Mandatory. 

That's....just common sense.

They, would save Lives. 

The IDOT says, "Safety is Priority One."

Not from where I'm sitting. 

{These 'Safety Studies', should be independent, not affiliated with the IDOT, or City Government.}

Highway Patrol, or State Troopers, should be involved with these 'Trail Plans', that are coexisting with Traffic. }

It took me two years, to find this document.

This states, the city of Fairfax, requested this Trail, next to Highway 151, through Fairfax. 

Something, they'd denied...to me, publicly, at council meeting, after council meeting. 

Do you understand, why....when the city ordered us to get rid of our 'Livestock', after having them, here...without a single complaint, for nearly 40 years, until I fought their 'Trail', so hard....last Fall, I'd lost confidence...in them.

This is a Trail, near Janesville, Iowa. 

Next to Highway 63.

It's 4 lane.

This car, came to rest...on the Trail.

Highway 151, North of Fairfax.

I, have many, many....pictures, and reports, of the Accidents that happen, nearly...on a daily basis, in the Urban Area of Fairfax.

The IDOT will try to say....that's why they are doing road improvements, now.

That's what they tried to do, 20 years ago, when the IDOT did highway 'Improvements' on 151.

Made wider shoulders. Designed the Ditches, so when vehicles went off the highway, they could drive through the ditch, {where they now...want Fairfax's Trail} 

and.be able to continue...without a 'Roll Over'. 

The IDOT accomplished that, in the two Counties, South of us.

The Fatalities, and Accidents, were reduced, there.

But, as reported, by The University of Northern Iowa, in their 2010 Safety Audit, 

even After...the 151 Highway Improvements,in 'The Urban Area of Fairfax', the Fatalities, and Accidents, continued to Climb.

There are 20 intersections, within a mile stretch, through Fairfax. 

{Business Drives, Private Drives, and Street Intersections.}

The Traffic Count, much...are Heavy Trucks, and Semis, is around 13,000, a day.

I'd bet....more.

No stop signs, and a 45 mph. Speed Limit. {many, run 60}

The University of Northern Iowa, concluded this was one of the most dangerous stretches, in Linn County, for 'Vehicles'. {No Study, has been conducted for Pedestrians, or Cyclists}

The IDOT, is planning a center turning lane, for left hand turns.

That, will...become a 'Passing Lane', when people are making Right Hand Turns.

Getting turned in, to the left...may be safer.

Getting ON, to Highway 151, from all of those Intersections...

 will be Extremely Dangerous, even Worse...than they are...Now.

Then, having to watch for Pedestrians, and Cyclists....that would be 15 feet, from the Traveled Portion of 151, along....with All of The Traffic....

oh...

my.

oh...my.

: (

Our Property is where the Big Trees, were standing.

They, are now....Gone. 

Trail Plans, were a huge part of their taking.

The car in the ditch, crossed over the on coming traffic, and slid through the ditch...

Exactly where people would be encouraged to walk, if a Trail was there.

This concrete fragment, probably bounced out of a Dump Truck, while travelling on 151, in Fairfax. {my shop....is behind, to the left.}

One, of Many.....along with all sorts of debris.

That fragment, weighs over 200 pounds.

I, have it here.

Took it, along with the smaller one, below....to a city council meeting, last year.

The mayor, and council refused to look at them.

 This 'Trail', for Fairfax, has nearly  consumed my life, over 4 years.

We've lost land, and trees.

Many, have, solely....for a Trail, No One....should ever walk on.

{Council members have stated at public meetings, that they won't allow their Children, or Grandchildren, to walk on Fairfax's Trail. 

And....went on to say....

It's The Parent's responsibility to keep their Children, Off...of Fairfax's Trail.

???

I've lost, many...Loved Ones, over the last 5 years.

I, can't bare....to watch others, 'Lose',  because of such reckless actions, without any 'Safety' considerations. 

There are some things, happening now....as the IDOT begins to do road construction, that have brought this all back up. 

Taking of land, that was condemned solely, for Highway Construction., yet....is being 'Graded', by the IDOT, for Fairfax's Trail. 

Bridges, that are costing Millions Extra...

 to be widened...Solely...for a 'Trail'.

A Trail...that, was supposed to have been eliminated, in front of our Home, through a Lawsuit, last Fall.

I have a document, that states...what they are trying to take, now.....would Not be necessary, if Fairfax's Trail was taken out of the Plans for Highway 151, through Fairfax.

We, are All...Paying for This.

Some, Will Pay a Much...Higher Price, 

than others,

 if the IDOT, and Fairfax...gets this Trail.

Please, Keep This Situation In Your Prayers.

No Trail...along 151, through Fairfax.

No Trails, along Federal Highways...without an Independent Safety Study.

Thank You.

<3 <3 <3 

Barb C.

Visited with a Dear, Friend....a while back.

She said, in her darkest times, when she felt...so helpless....

 she Prayed,

"Your Grace...is Sufficient for me."

and... asked the Lord, to bring Someone, to 'Help'. 

He, Always...Did, she said. 

I, believe that, too. 

Every Word. 

<3 <3 <3 

I, too... can testify to that. 

He did, 

that very morning.

Once...again, 

with her call.

<3 <3 <3

Love In The Hot Afternoon , Gene Watson , 1975

The 'Scrap Yard'...on the Shelf. Simply....Iowa.

Another...long, long....day.

oh...my.

Made the long trek, to the mailbox.

Oh my....

There' s always, always...so much there, waiting.

I, always...say a Prayer, before I head that way.

I, procrastinated.... for quite awhile, this morning...before I found my way, to it.

Played with the Old...'Scrap Yard', on the Shelf....for a bit.

There's a bottle, from New Orleans, that's perched on the back of an old, old...Truck, there.

It's been there, for years.

Inside....the old bottle, are the remnants....of a Beautiful...Flower, I picked....on a Beautiful Day, long...ago.

I, often threaten to run away, to New Orleans.

I've been fascinated with it, most of my life.

Pal, Allyson, and I...visited New Orleans, many years ago.

I remember walking down Bourbon Street, on a hot afternoon....

Barefooted.

: )

Had...a Lampshade on my head, 

shoes, in one hand...

and, a Cajun Martini...from K-Pauls,

in the other.

: )

{Pal, Allyson...was carrying the Lamp. : ) }

I'd bought the Lamp, at a Fun, Antique Shop, in The French Quarter.

A Man, came walking up, briskly....from behind us....as he went around us, he said....

"Baby Girl! I was Gonna Tell Ya, How Much I Like Your Hat....

Until I saw Her, Carrying The Lamp!!!: ) : ) : ) "

Hahahahaha!!!

<3 

New Orleans. 

Yes, I....think, it's The Original....'Rabbit Hole'.

At least, The French Quarter.

I, don't know much about the rest.

The 'New Orleans' Bottle, was actually, 'Dug'...out of an old, old....

dump site, here....in Cedar Rapids.

Pals, Dawn, and Jerome...dug it up, on one their expeditions.

<3 <3 <3 

I, treasure it. 

The little old...Trucks, too.

<3 <3 <3 

There was nothing in the mailbox, I...couldn't handle.

Thanks, Lord. <3 

Make No Mistake, there was Lots...to Handle.

But, nothing...I, couldn't.

again, 

Thanks...Lord. <3 

Thanks, to All...who keep me in your Prayers.

They, Matter.

<3 <3 <3

One of these days...I'm gonna jump in old, Jethro....

and, head South, to New Orleans.

<3 <3 <3 

Stop...in Memphis, and forget for a moment, I'm vegetarian.

; )
{I'd always hoped, John...and, I...could make that Run.
He would've Loved...New Orleans, and...The Gulf. }

There's Nothing...like The South.

 There's something very soothing, and....gentle, about it.

Love...to ya,

 Barb C.

{The above 'Tune', is one, of my Favorite... Gene Watson tunes.
That's 'New Orleans', I'd bet....to many.  }

"Killing The Blues" by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss from Raising Sand

Holidays...past.

These pictures popped up today.

The above, is my Favorite Christmas...display, down the rabbit hole.

<3

It was several years ago, I remember enjoying filling that old tin bathtub with ornaments.

When it was done, I remember sitting there, sipping wine....and wishing those were Bubbles, instead of ornaments....and, I could climb in, and soak...for Hours.

<3 <3 <3

This is our Cook Stove.

It's wood/gas combination.

It dates from the early 1900's.

We don't use the wood side, never have.

The Old 'Workhorse'....doesn't do much cooking,

 except during the Holidays, anymore.

I, basically use one burner, for most everything. 

It always seems to look happier, as the Holidays approach. 

It Loves...to Cook, and Bake!!

<3

It warms up the house, and....can really crank the food out. 

I love the wonderful aroma, that comes from that old stove....

and fills the house, over the Holiday Season, it's priceless.

I've often wondered....how many meals, that old stove has created.

Who...ate those meals.

: )

Wonder....who was the First Person, to light a match, to it's burner.

Wonder, if she...{or, 'he'} was as Excited to get it Home, as I was.

I found it, many, many....years ago, in an Antique Mall, in Waterloo, Iowa.

It was so difficult.

When I first saw it, I fell deeply in love with it.

<3

It was priced way out of our league.

I, loved our stove. It was a 1932 Roper.

So, couldn't justify buying this one.

Then, a year passed, and the springs broke on our stove's oven door.

I tried to find parts, to no avail.

.John, tried to repair them, and...for awhile, they would hold, but...then, they'd break.

I, still made do, and rigged up an old piece of lace, to latch the door.

In my travels, up north....one day, I stopped at that Antique Mall.

The old Stove, was still there. 

<3

Turns out, it belonged to an old friend. : )

She gave me a great price, <3 : ) 

 and....it replaced our 32.

{Most people upgrade with 'newer' appliances.

Hahahahaha. }

I, wouldn't trade this one, for a brand new one. 

I'm making a shopping list, and am looking forward to Cooking a Big Meal, 

with an old...'Friend'. 

<3 <3 <3 

{Always....Way....Too Much Food!!! 

but, then... That's One....

of The Best Things....about Holidays!!}

: )

<3

Love, to each and....Everyone.

Barb C. 

Alison Krauss & Union Station - Paper Airplane

The Path of Truth is Plain & Safe....

Been reminiscing ....a bit, today.

I leave 'Christmas' out, in the old cupboards, year around.

My favorite 'Christmas'.

'Christmas', that was was thoughtfully given to me, over many years,

 as Gifts, from dear Friends, and Family. 

<3 <3 <3 

Everything...in the Old...Cupboards, has a 'Story', a 'Memory'...attached.

Guess, that's why, I find it so difficult to pack it away, and out of sight.

These Old...Cupboards, are each, like a wonderful Jewelry Box.

Guess, that's why I Love...Them, So.

We live, such a fast paced life...these days.

Everything, is 'Instant', then...forgotten, as quickly.

When I can finally find my feet, again....

I, so....look forward to burrowing down, deep....inside the rabbit hole.

I've been away, far....too long.

I, used to think...that 'It',

 'The Rabbit Hole', was strange, and unusual.

After being above ground, and dealing with what most consider 

'Normal', 

'The Rabbit Hole', is the most 'Sane' place, on earth. 

Peg's Beloved, Michael...stopped by, yesterday.

He met me at 'The Rabbit Hole'.

He'd brought more of Peg's Treasures.

The Rabbit Hole, is turned Upside Down.

I've been Gone, too long.

Only have had time, to Dump...a Load, then...Run.

Between my body, healing...still.

My mind, being twisted, on most every level...

My heart, being...so badly broken, it's been very, very...difficult to 'find my feet.'

The Rabbit Hole, and I....have so much in common.

We, are...a reflection of one another.

Michael, looked about the same as us.

He's so...very Broken.

In some of the pieces he'd left, a while back...there was a Lovely, old...

Print, Peg had given to him, on their 43rd. Anniversary.

<3 <3 <3 

She'd written a Beautiful...note, on the back, for Michael.

That, went back Home...with him, yesterday.

Our 'Home', isn't the 'rabbit hole', 'The Rabbit Hole', is.

It's close....these days, with me spending so much time, in the 'Real' world.

: )

Our Home...is filled with Personal...Old....Old.

Memories.

The Rabbit Hole, is filled with 'Soul'.

I, rarely bring anything...through it's doors, that wouldn't be at 'Home', in our...Home.

Told Michael, I absolutely....MUST, get Moving, and get The Rabbit Hole, back...on it's feet, too.

It's much easier said, than done.

It was a warm, and decent day...I, really should've been there.

Tomorrow, it's gonna rain, and be colder.

Maybe, that's for the best. 

Sometimes, it's easier to get lost....there, when it's not so pretty outside.

Still waiting to hear from the State Officials.

I'll call them, in the morning.

A Dear Friend, gave me the little 1800's cup, with the motto, that says...

'The Path of Truth is Plain & Safe'.

I, reflect on that....and, her...often.

Treasures.

The Old...Cupboard, at the top of the page, is one of  8, in our dining room.

It's the largest.

7 1/2 feet tall, and 8 feet wide.

Came from my Friend, Amos, over 20 years ago.

He, said it originally was from one of The Witwer Dairy Farms, not far from here. 

It's been such a Beautiful...Old, Workhorse. <3 

I treasure it, and what it Proudly Holds, every day. <3 

As I'm writing, all Hell's Breaking Loose, across the Highway.

I, hear Yelling, and...Trucks Roaring.

Looks like they might've gotten some equipment stuck.

I even hear cars honking, like the Workers, are in the Traffic's way.

: ( : ( : ( 

This highway, is absolutely insane. 

: ( : ( : ( 

I, Pray...for those Workers. 

I think of our Kids, when I see them out there...working.
I visited with one of the Boys, yesterday....that are working this job.
: )
He, was so nice. : )
{They all are, that I've had the chance to meet. : ) }
Told him, if...there was anything he needed from us, to not be afraid to ask.
They work, so hard. They, are just doing their 'Job'.
Hope you....will keep these Highway 'Kids', in Your Prayers...too. 

Love, to You...

Barb C.

{They need to give 'Mama Bear', a Flag. ; )
 I Know this stretch of Highway, like none other.
I, Absolutely...Know,
 How to Protect our Children,
 Next to It. ; ) }

Linda Ronstadt - Long Long Time

So...It Begins.

Trees are all gone. 

It's gonna get much, much...worse, if the IDOT doesn't wake up. 

: (

It's...only, just....begun. 

I took a walk, this afternoon....through what's left of our land.

I, could feel the equipment across 151, shaking our home.

It'll be next to us, very soon.

I stood, and looked over what used to be Scout's pasture.

The City of Fairfax, tried to take it from us, 4 years ago.

Looks like they got the IDOT to do their dirty work, for them. 

All, for a walking trail, next to 151.

According to the IDOT's Engineers, we would've lost nothing, if a Trail, for Fairfax wasn't in their plans.

I, have that in writing.

You, all...may be getting tired of me...talking about this.

You shouldn't be.

You, are paying for every inch of this horrible design. 

I, remember....20 years ago....when our land was condemned for 'Highway Improvement', so the Vehicles could easily drive off the Highway, {where they Now....want a Trail} 

and, not roll their vehicles.

So, the IDOT said... it would be safer, and people could drive right through the ditch.

I, remember our Beloved Lawyer, telling us...back then, it's kind of tuff, finding a Jury, that's 'impartial', as we were preparing for Trial.

He said...

"If you've never been through 'Condemnation', you have no idea...how terrible it is.

If, you have... there is no way you can be impartial."

Truer words were never spoken.

: (

I hope, by continuing to share our experience, that...if You, are ever called to be a Juror, concerning 'Condemnation', you'll remember.... this.

You'll remember, 'Trust'....doesn't come into play, when 'Condemnation', is on the books.

I, hope...I can report something different, this time around.

I, hope...someone, with the IDOT will be honest, {there have been some very Good Folks, on this Journey, with the IDOT. <3 However, there are some 'Good Ol' Boys'....that I feel, have kept some things waiting at the 'Back Door'. We'll see. It'll all come out, in the wash. }

This...is Just, the Beginning.

: (

My hair turned Gray, with the Condemnation, 20 years ago.

It was devastating for John.

I, took the lead, on that battle.

As Strong, as John was...I watched every day, as they destroyed...and, what it did to him.

That, nearly did me in.

Well, you've seen, what this can do.

At Least... Then, it was for a Safer Federal Highway.

This Time, it's All...for Fairfax's Suicide Trail, Huge...Wide Bridges, for a Trail, yet...no curbs, and 15 feet from the traveled portion of this Inane Highway.

How, the IDOT...ever, ever....went along with this horrific Plan, that's going to cost Us All....Millions, I'll Never, Ever....Know.

They, didn't even conduct a 'Safety Study', 

{we all know how that would've went. }

The IDOT, says 'Safety is Priority One'. 

Yeah, we can All...See That. 

; )

We are paying, with the Loss, of our Land.

You, and...me, are Paying....with our hard earned dollars.

The Biggest Losers, as we all know, will be from those, who will lose their Lives.

Their Families.

Their...Loved Ones.

Shame, on Faifrax, and...The IDOT, for going along with this. 

There's still...a little time. Very little, to stop this.

I'll keep you apprised, every step of the way.

Hopefully, I'll have some Good News.

Hopefully, Someone, from The IDOT, will Finally See...before it's too late. 

Please, Pray...about This.

Love, to You.

Barb C. 

{They are Grading for a Trail. Not supposed to be, but...they are. I knew that, when they came after The Maple Tree. I, can prove it.
Know this, I've never lied to you, or anyone...about the facts of this mess.
Fairfax, city hall...can't say that.
Trust, is everything...
They've punished me, and our Family...
unprecedentedly,
 solely because I've fought so hard, against their 'trail'.
I'll be sharing all of that, with you...as well. }

I don't know who, to give credit to...on FB, for the above quote.
but...
Thank You.
<3 <3 <3

Several weeks ago, I sat...and visited with a Very Seasoned, and....Admirable, Attorney.
I explained, how I'd been lied to, over and over.
: (
He reared back, and said...
"All Politicians Lie!!"
I, reared back, and said....
"That Doesn't Make It Right."
He, agreed.
<3 <3 <3