New Year's Eve... Eve. 'Christmas'... in the Country.

Yesterday was a Lovely... New Year's Eve... Eve, spent with Justin's Family...

and Friends.

<3

{Christmas}

Kids... Hounds... Friends.

: )

'Family'.

That little Shepherd Pup...

'Gizzy'...

is most certainly Loved.

<3

<3

Priceless.

<3

Long Time Friend, of our Family...

Bobby, lives with Justin... and his Family.

Bobby... Is 'Family'.

<3

Bobby Loves to Cook... 

It's pretty Wonderful... how they all take care of one another.

: )

We had Plenty... of Food, and Fun!!

: )

Many... Interesting Conversations, as well.

: )

They... liked to Rib me... a bit, over Politics.

uh... oh.

; )

Here's the deal...

We're All... Americans, and have Far more in Common, than not...

in my opinion.

<3

'United We Stand... Divided, We Fall.'

We need to 'Get Along'... 

: )

This isn't about a Football Game.

This... is about our Liberty.

: )

The Constitution. 

The 'Hounds'... don't get far from the kitchen, at Holidays.

: )

They're a little spoiled.

; )

As... They Should Be.

: )

<3

The Girl's... got a Rock Tumbler, for Christmas.

Miss. Meadow wanted me to Pick my Favorites, they had polished.

: )

Turned out...

me, and Christy picked The Same Three!!

; )

They'll have a Lot... of Fun, with That.

: )

Gave little Justin the .22  Dad... had given my Nephew, Billy, when he was around 10.

Billy, and I... are close to the same age.

Billy gave it to me... last year. 

He has two Beautiful Daughters, that have no interest... in guns.

: )

Billy.... wanted me to keep it in 'The Family'.

<3

I know... Justin will take Great Care... of it.

<3

Miss. Willow, and Miss. Meadow...

had fun drawing on me... and each other... with their Invisible Ink.

: )

<3

<3

I whipped up an Apple Pie, yesterday... while food was cookin' away...

Miss. Meadow liked a little Pie, with Mountain's of Whipped Cream!!

That's My Girl!!

: )

Bear... and The Pup.

<3

They were Both, Worn Out...

by the end of the day.

: )

Love this picture... Christy captured of little Justin, and Romeo...

recently.

<3

Didn't get any images of Justin riding, yesterday...

was too busy cookin'.

; )

Justin and Romeo are The Best of Pals.

They spend So Much Time... together.

Yesterday... they took off, {after helping me unload... Food. : ) }

and went down to the Iowa River.

They were scoping out the sandbars, with the river being so low.

: )

That Romeo.... is Quite a Horse.

<3

He sure Loves Justin.

The feeling, is Mutual...

I do... believe.

; )

<3

Priceless.

<3

I'm gonna try to stay up...

and

 Welcome In

The New Year.

: )

and...

maybe, 

Drink a little...

Champagne

and 

Dance on The Table.

: )

Somehow...

 I believe, 2024...

is gonna be Quite a Ride.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

 

The Charlie Daniels Band - Orange Blossom Special (Live)

A little... Snow.

A little Snow. 

It's always so pretty... when we get a little Snow. 

I'd written a long post, yesterday...

then while cleaning up old drafts on the blog, wound up deleting it, and a few others. 

{ That's what I get for blogging with the Android. }

Didn't have the heart to rewrite them. 

After rereading Lawyer Meardon's most recent document, Charles spelled everything out brilliantly,

meticulously, and precisely.

but...

Incredibly painful to read.

I've always said I was going to write a book about all of this...

It appears Lawyer Meardon has beat me to it. 

Unbelievable 'story'. 

Sad.

When he gives me the green light, I'd sure like to post his incredible work ...here. 

Don't know why, but last night decided to go dig up the 1994 documents from the IDOT'S first Condemnation here.

Charles' Dad... 'Bull Dog Bill', was our Lawyer back then.

; )

{Bill reminded me of Perry Mason. : ) Can't watch those old episodes of 'Perry Mason'... without thinking of 'Bull Dog Bill'. : ) }

Can't Imagine what He'd Think about 'This'... 

All.... of 'This'.

: (

I believe... He'd be Extremely Proud of Charles. 

Riding this 'Crazy Train'... of Insanity, and... Wrongfulness.

Don't know why I didn't pitch the '94 IDOT Condemnation Documents, long ago. 

Glad I didn't... now, I guess. 

Heading to Son, Justin's... tomorrow, to celebrate Christmas with Justin, his Family... and Friends. 

Have shopping, and cooking to do this afternoon. 

Better get Crackin'. 

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C. 

{I remember... three decades ago, now.... something 'Bull Dog' Bill... told me, while sitting in his office, something... I've thought of often, over these many years. 

"It's difficult to choose a Jury for a Condemnation Trial. 

If someone has never been through 'condemnation'... they could never 'understand' it.

If they have... they could never be 'impartial'. " 

Charles now sits where 'Bull Dog' Bill... did then.

I believe, he'll do great picking a Jury. 

I also... believe, with the 'Style'... of writing, Charles has...

he'll be able to make Anyone 'understand'... the 'Big Picture'. }

After all... Ya don't have to be a Fiddle Player to 'understand' Charlie Daniels.

Pretty difficult to not Tap Your Toes.... when Charlie plays The Orange Blossom Special. 

Merry Christmas Eve.... to All!!

Heading to Pal, Allyson's, am joining her 

Family...and Friends for Supper.

Love visiting Allyson's Home on Christmas Eve.

It's Lovely

<3

Hope Everyone has a 'Merry'... Christmas Eve.

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Bing Crosby - White Christmas (1950).avi

Visiting...

Spent this Day...

'Visiting'.

: )

<3

It was Quite a Day.

<3

The Holiday's, are Filled with 'Visits'.

<3

 Catching Up...

'Quickly'...

Covering an 

Entire Year, 

That's Somehow...

Slipped By Us All...

so incredibly

 'quickly'...

once,

 again.

I'll write about 'The Visits' ... 

tomorrow.

; )

<3

Love to Ya...

This...

Christmas Eve, 

'Eve'.

; )

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Craziness...

Oh...

dear.

: )

'Christmas'.

<3

Spent yesterday afternoon Visiting.

<3

Visited John's oldest Children, and Grandchildren.

<3

Johnny, and his Wife... Maryjane, above.

: )

Maryjane baked ALL of The Goodies Above!!

WOW!!

AMAZING!!!

: )

Johnny is Flippin' me 'The Bird', as I took their picture... when I was leaving.

: )

That's a 'Helm' Thing....

when Cameras come Out!!

: )

Their Beautiful Daughter... Lillie, turned 18 a couple of weeks ago.

Wow...

How Time Flies!!!

{Yep... She's a 'Helm'. : ) }

Daughter, Liz... and Adam.

Yep...

There's that Helm 'Finger'.

: )

: )

Me... Pegadoo... Michael, and...

John.

{and...his 'finger'... for the Camera.}

: )

John wasn't so 'subtle'... about not enjoying having his picture captured, in the above image.

: )

{Grateful... I wasn't the one capturing it. : )

He Meant It...

That Time!!}

; ) 

Johnny has Quite a Business.

: )

When I pulled up, yesterday... 

had to take another Pass... to look at his New Trailer!!

Holy Smokes!!!

Asked Johnny if That's his New 'Party Bus'...!!!

{If So... I'm IN!! Hahahahaha!!}

WOW!!!

Johnny builds Homes.

Amazing...

Homes.

His Dad...would be so Proud.

: )

John...would be Proud, of All of his Children, and Grandchildren.

<3 <3 <3 

John's Daughter, Andrea... I believe.... has discouraged Kaycen, Keeden, and Kyler,

from the Helm 'Family Tradition'.

: )

That's O.K.

<3

Those Boys... are Amazing!!

SMART as Whips!!

Sooooo Full of Energy!!

: )

and...

Growing Way Too Fast!!!!

Oh My!!

They were So Excited while showing me their Tortoise's, Lizards... Kitties... New Games... and their Talents!!

: )

It was a Whirlwind... Day.

: )

Pal, Allyson invited me to join her, for Christmas Eve Supper.

: )

Her Family...and close Friends, will be there.

<3

So enjoy visiting them, on Christmas Eve.

Getting to 'visit'... The 'Old Souls', is a Treat as well.

Allyson has some of my Favorite Old Cupboards, at her Home.

<3

I'm taking that Huge, Wonderful... Tray of Goodies, Maryjane baked, to Allyson's.

GADS!!!

Had to 'sample' a little, last night.

GADS!!!

: )

Fabulous!!!

TROUBLE!!

I...Gotta Get That Tray Out of The House!!!

: )

SO GOOD!!

Hope Everyone has a Lovely...

Christmas Eve!!

I'll be posting, later... this Eve...

something a little more

'Christmassy'...

without so many 

'Fingers'.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Found the above... yesterday, from 2012.

: )

this one... too.

Yes...

Some use 'fingers'...

to express their thoughts, feelings.... dismay.

other's...

well,

: )

can say 

"Bless your heart."

without lifting a 'finger'.

: )

Love It.

: )

Not very 'Christmassy'...

but...

It is... what it is.

: )

"PRETTY PAPER" - Roy Orbison - from the Roy Orbison Show

One more time.

Little Justin, and Brandon came bursting through the door, 

before daylight yesterday morning...

said They had Somethin' for me to See!!

<3

<3 <3 <3 

'Gizmo'...

Newest Helm Family Member!!

<3

He's 8 weeks old...

German Shepherd.

<3

Justin said he's a 'King Shepherd'.

Big...Boy!!

: )

Barb, The Sweet Manager of the Fairfax Casey's...

Absolutely Adores The Boys!!

: )

They LOVE Her!!

<3

Barb was picking up a Pup, in Des Moines, and was telling Son, Justin... about them...

Justin asked Barb, if she'd pick a Pup... out for them, too.

<3

Barb was showing me a picture of the Pups... sleeping, on their First Ride.

<3

Priceless!!

<3

As I was leaving Casey's... held the door for two Ladies...

they looked so familiar.

Had to ask their names.

Turns out... they are Barb's Mom, and Sister.

also... turns out, they were our Neighbors, when I was born, until... I was about 4.

: )

Dad was very close to their Family.... over many Years, up until he passed away, in 1987.

Great People!!

<3

I couldn't Believe... Barb and I knew each other as little Girls!!

and...

Here... we are Today, with Barb, and The Boys... being So Close!!

SMALL WORLD!!

; )

Couldn't Stop Squeezin' Them All... 

after we Strolled Down Memory Lane!!

: )

I've written this post... now, for the third time.

Deleted the first two.

WAY Too Many....

'Memories'

this week.

some...

Goin' Way.... Way.... Way...

Back.

Wonderful memories... 

but, 

a bit...

overwhelming.

: )

{There's... much, much... More, to this 'Story'... and so many others, from this last week in History.

Trying to make them all make sense... in one post, no way. 

Not sure there's any way... to make it all make sense.

'Life'... is like a Big Old Tangled Mass of Fishin' Line.}

: )

When the above popped up on FB Memories... this morning, 

had to Smile.

: )

Loved Mae West.

: )

Always have.

What an Amazing Woman!!!

{On So Many... Levels.}

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{The 'first' Halloween Costume Party, John and I attended....

I dressed as Mae West.

; )

John... dressed as James Dean.

; )

What a Combo.}

; ) 

Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run (Official Lyric Video)

It Takes a Village.

Had a Great Day... yesterday, visiting Shops... and meeting Pal, Dale's New Buggy!

: )

Dale bought a Sweet little Ford Bronco!

; )

{When Dale picks me up, he always backs in. He Knows what a Mess... it is getting out of what's left of our Driveway.

He's actually parked on where Fairfax's Bike Trail... will be, in this image. Where IDOT Graded for it. That 'Isn't'... they say, and have said... yet, 'It Is'... I do believe.}

The Anamosa Vintage Market is Coming Fast!!

So Appreciate Everyone that we've visited... putting Cards out, in Their Awesome Stores!!

: )

Our first stop yesterday was in Cascade.

Annie's Treasures!

<3

Pal, Joyce... does an Amazing Job, with this Store!

The Church is Incredible!

So Beautiful!!

<3

Then...we went on to Dyersville, Iowa.

 'Plaza Antique Mall'.

<3

This Mall is Great!!

Pal, Kathy... manages it, has forever.

<3

She's The Best!!

; )

It's HUGE!!! and so Diverse!!

: )

Then... on the way home, we stopped at Edith Lucielle's, on Mt. Vernon Rd. 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

: )

Got a Bite to Eat!!

Sure Appreciate Dale, for taking Cards to 'A Beautiful Purpose' & 'Main Street Antiques'... in West Branch, Iowa...

and to 'Polly Ann's Vintage Market', 'Back Porch Pickers and Artisans', and 'Vintage 1891 & Collectibles', in Mt. Vernon, Iowa...

{Thanks to Alice, from 'Alice's Wonderland'... Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

Wanda, from 'Gatherings', Anamosa, Iowa,

  'Chairy Picker', in Dewitt, Iowa...

and Colleen Alpers, Cedar Rapids, Iowa...

 for taking Cards Out...and About!!}

There's SO Many Great Stores in a 60 mile radius of Cedar Rapids.

It's a Honey Hole!!!

: ) 

<3 <3 <3 

Appreciate You All!!

Love to Ya..

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Nat King Cole - "The Christmas Song"

Christmas... Magic.

Crazy Day.

Pal, Dale... called this morning, asked if I'd like him to pick me up...and we could run up North... and drop Cards, for The Anamosa Show.

: )

Indeed.

: )

That's what we did.

: )

I'll be writing about our Stops... tomorrow.

: )

Decided to not put 'The Tree' up, this year.

: (

Friend, Gail... and I, visited about 'Christmas'... a bit, during our Lunch, on Friday.

: )

I've really struggled with Christmas, this year.

oh... my.

This Christmas... would be the First since I moved away from home...

there would be no Christmas Tree.

We rarely had a Christmas Tree, when I was growing up.

I was 15, when I left home.

A Christmas Tree...

was Priority One, that Christmas.

: )

Me, and my Beloved... Dolsey... {Great Dane... Best Friend <3}

sure enjoyed... that 'First' little Christmas Tree.

<3

After Gail, and I... parted, after I dropped Cards, for Anamosa...

decided to check out some Thrift Stores.

Hoped to pick up some inexpensive Poinsettias stems, to put in the Farm Urns, outside...

 I'd found at Pal, Charlie's... this Fall.

: )

There were none to be found...

but, I Did Find, something... I hadn't expected.

A Christmas Tree.

: )

There was something... about the little Tree.

: )

Got to thinking back... on that 'First' Christmas...

: )

No Bling...

just, a few... ornaments.

: )

Gathered up.... some ornaments at the Thrift Store...

 piled the little Christmas Tree, and ornaments... in Sally, headed Home...

had them All... set, in a couple of hours Friday evening.

<3

No lights...

no...

gifts.

no...

memories.

Well...

 there is 'One'...

Memory.

: )

At The Top... of the little 'Thrift Store'...

 Christmas Tree, 

placed the Pony Ornament, that was on mine, and Dolsey's...

 First...

little... 

Christmas Tree.

<3

There's 'Something'... so very Magical, about Christmas.

: )

<3

No matter how big, or small.

<3

Priceless.

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

[HD] Greatest Hollywood Car Chase of All Time - Bullitt (1968)

Card Runnin'.

Had a Lovely Visit... with Friend, Gail... yesterday.

It was my turn to buy Lunch...

 but, she'd Conspired with our Sweet Server, before I arrived, to get the check.

: (

That Girl!!

<3

{Now... I Owe Gail... Two Lunches!!! {and Much More. <3 }

We went to Parlor City, in New-Bo.

The Food was Great!!! The Coffee was BETTER!!!

Lord... Knows, I needed COFFEE!!!

Hahahahahaha!!!

{Some days... there's not enough Coffee on The Planet. : ) }

Gail... is a Rock.

: )

wish...

 just... a tiny portion of my brain, worked like hers.

: )

Gail's a Very... Wise Soul.

She's also a Happy Soul...

: )

That... Makes me Happy!!

<3

Was trying to think back... on how long we've known each other.

I'm thinkin'... we met back in the 90's.

Early... 90's.

We both were AVID Estate Sale Junkies.

: )

Wish I had a Thimbleful of Gail's Knowledge... of The Antique World.

Incredible.

While visiting... I asked for Gail's advice, concerning... the many 'messes'... around home.

{One of the Many things I Admire about Gail... 

She's a Straight Shooter.

Gail... doesn't 'Sugar Coat'... anything.

If ya ask her... for advice, thoughts... 

Gail will Tell Ya.

; )

Love That.

Appreciate her Honesty.}

<3

After Gail...and I, said our Good-Byes.... 

went on to Czech Village, in Cedar Rapids, to leave some Cards for the Anamosa Show.

: )

Seems like it's been a Million Years, since I've been there.

They still remembered me.

but...

kinda scolded me, for being away... for so long.

{They All... Know, that I've been a bit Tied Up, over the last several years.}

Forgot... How Much... I've Missed Them All.

The Shop's... are even Better than I remembered.

They've GROWN So!! 

<3 

For a Friday... I was Impressed on how Busy They Were!!

: )

{This photo... doesn't reflect that, Trust Me... Inside, they were STEADY!!!}

Visited Friends... in The Amana Colonies, Thursday...

toting Cards.

: )

Fern Hill... in South Amana, Iowa...

is one of the Most Soulful Stores.

Friend, Patti... owns it.

<3

There's no way... my little android could Begin to Capture...

The Soulfulness...

at

Fern Hill.

<3

Ya have to 'Feel'...It, for Yourself.

: )

Popped in The Smokehouse, {'Main' Amana, Iowa} took a stroll.

WOW!!!

It's INSANE!!!

So MUCH... 'Incredible'.

{Had to put Blinders On!! Oh My!!}

I didn't capture any images... inside, most of the Stores, for a Very Selfish Reason.

: )

I don't want to Ponder... on Those Amazing Things!!!

Gads!!

Saw So Many Amazing Victorian Wooden Horses, at Smokehouse.

GADS!!!

: )

{Blinders... Blinders... Blinders!!!!}

Made a Stop... at Renate's...

just across the street from Smokehouse, in 'Main'.

: )

Dear Friends, Bud... and Renate... own it.

: )

It's OVER The Top... Too!!!

<3

Oh My Goodness, how They've Grown... over the last several years.

Incredible.

Wonderful.

: )

Love...Love...Love, the Mule Shoe's that are set into the walkway leading to The Door.

<3

They were probably 'set'... many, many... decades ago.

<3

Renate's.

: )

So enjoyed visiting with Bud.

Seeing what he, and Renate... have done, over the last several years.

Wow!!

: )

Wish I could've visited ALL of The Amazing Shops, throughout The Amana's... Thursday.

Ran out of Time.

: (

Grateful... to Those... who let me set Cards out, for Anamosa...

in Their Amazing Stores!!

<3

Pal, Dale... called this morning.

He'd just dropped some Cards off at Hoppy's Primitive and Proper, in La Porte City, Iowa... 

<3

then... was Heading South...and East, from There!!!

: )

This 'Card Runnin'... is Quite an Ordeal!!!

: )

Love It!!

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{Was watchin' the 'Bullitt' Car Chase... last night, for what reason, I don't... know.

: )

but...

I like it.

; )

Gonna post It. ; ) }