Auld Lang Syne - Original Scottish with English Translation

Wishing All... A Happy New Year!!

; )

; )

: )

; )

True!!

; )

Hahahahahaha!!!

Indeed.

Wishing Everyone...

The Happiest New Year.

<3

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers, for All.

Barb C.

<3

Kenny Rogers - The Gambler

No Time.

Oh... my.

Attended the 'special' Fairfax, Iowa...  'special' city council meeting, last night.

What a mess.

A Neighbor, who attended, as well...

reached out to me this morning, giving me a 'thumbs up'...

with the questions I asked.

: )

I... was a little Spunky, last night.

I don't appreciate those who try to tie 

The Mayor's hands behind her back.

: (

and...

bully her.

: (

Mayor Beer, and I... don't always agree on things, but...

I know how hard she works, and Cares... for our little Town.

<3

: )

As I was visiting on the phone... with The Neighbor, 

the former Mayor... beeped in.

: )

Bernie.

: )

Bernie, was also at the meeting, last night.

: )

He and I... sparred a bit, at the meeting.

; )

When the meeting was over, I walked up to Bernie... whispered in his ear...

the correction he needed to hear.

"Chickens."

: )

Bernie, said he remembered nothing of what I was correcting him about.

: )

'104,000. fine'

: )

A hundred and four THOUSAND dollar fine, Fairfax fined me for having 6 Chickens, and an Old... Tom Turkey, when Bernie was Mayor.

{there was a Fairfax 'Bike Trail' IDOT Blow Back... at that time.}

: (

Yes...

Bernie...

visited with The City's Attorney.

; )

While Bernie and I visited today...

told him, I don't care 'who' is Mayor,

if they are Voted In, the Mayor shouldn't have to ask permission from city employees, or... a council member before they pick up the phone to the city's attorney.

Ever.

We Voted for The Mayor...

{including him}

We, The Majority... Trust The Mayor to Take Care of Business.

Told Bernie...

when he was Mayor... I never would've asked to have his hands tied, when it involved asking advice from the City's Attorney.

{Fairfax NEEDS That City Attorney.}

{my opinion. ; )}

So wish... we had a Lawyer sitting in, at Every Meeting, like we used to.

I believe... that could've saved Fairfax... Ton's of money.

Bernie, and I visited for a long time.

: )

Bernie said...  again, today... 

"When I was Mayor... my thought was to offer you two million for your property. You'd be out of here."

; )

{hmmmm.

would I.}

???

Somehow... I don't think so.

; )

Ya see, in my mind...

Twisted, as it may be,

I don't like being lied to by 'Fairfax', or...

The Iowa Department of Transportation.

Nor does Lawyer Meardon.

{Grateful}

It's been a Long Battle.

'This' should, never... ever, 'happen' again, to anyone.

The Iowa Department of Transportation...

shouldn't have 'Immunity to Fraud'.

{Bernie...was shocked by that, today. Even.. he didn't know that fact.}

Was on the phone, yesterday... with The Iowa Ombudsman.

<3

Received a 'call back', today.

: )

Priceless.

<3

No time for images...

spent most of the day on the phone.

Below... are a few, old screenshots.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

<3

Bobby Bare sings "The Winner"

Fairfax, Iowa.... 'City Hall'. oh my. {my humble 'opinions'}

{click on image to enlarge}

; )

{two of them, don't live in Fairfax.}

So... apparently... what this means, a handful... at 'city hall', want to restrain our 

Amazing Mayor Beer...

 from seeking legal advice on behalf of Fairfax, 

unless...

 'They Approve', 

by passing this 

'ordinance'

tonight.

Hahahahahaha!!!

Basically, they are attempting to tie The Mayor's hands, keep her from

 Doing The Job We Trust Her to Do.

What... I, and SO Many... Voted for.

: (

If ANY Small Town, in Iowa... NEEDS unrestrained 'Legal Advice'...

in my opinion,

Fairfax, is at The Top of The List.

: (

to...

allow, city employees, or a council member to have any part... in making the decision to seek out Legal Advice for Fairfax...

 hahahahahaha....

; )

{what's that saying... about a 'Fox, and a Henhouse'???

'my opinion'.}

; )

oh...

'Fairfax'.

; )

'home sweet home'...

indeed.

: (

It appears...the 'handful' whipped up this 'Special Meeting' tonight, to

squeeze this in, before The New... Council, and Mayor Beer take their seats, Jan. 1.

{bless their hearts}

; )

Huge waste of money, but, that's nothing new... for Fairfax.

{Jan. 1, can't come Soon Enough!!}

In my opinion... Mayor Beer has been Bullied, non-stop... at city hall.

She's Tiny, but... she's resilient.

'Warrior'.

A

Kind...

Honest, and Fair...

'Warrior'.

<3

Mayor Beer... does things by the book.

She 'questions' things.

Cares about EVERYONE in our little Town, not... just a few.

Seems... that's not how 'city hall' likes to roll.

: (

I'll be attending this 'Special' meeting.

Stick needles in my eyes, yet... again.

again...

Jan. 1, can't come quick enough.

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{wondering what 'legal advice' 'city hall' reached out to, concerning this 

'ordinance'.

??

They probably didn't need any. They're all way smarter... than a 'Lawyer'.}

; )

Alabama - Christmas In Dixie (Official Audio)

'Christmas'... in 'God's Country'.

Packed up... Pies, Meat and Cheese Trays, Cranberry Relish, and a few other Goodies, yesterday Noon.

Broke down and made Pickle Wraps, yesterday morning.

: )

Didn't want to... but, they are...

a

'Tradition'.

; )

Seems everything I created for Christmas, this year...

was a little off.

Whipped up Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Sausage Gravy, when I got to Justin's.

Even... they, were a little 'off'.

?

Told 'The Family' to be 'Prepared'.

I'd be winning 'No Awards' with food, this 'Holiday'.

however...

felt most...

 was

 'Edible'.

: )

Hahahahaha!!

That...

 everything, was.

; )

Justin was up at 4 a.m. smoking a Ham.

GADS!!

Was It Ever GOOD!!

<3

Christy, made her Amazing Green Bean Casserole!!

<3

and...

Huge Relish Trays!!

GADS!!

Miss. Meadow Loved The Sweet Potato Pie.

; )

{Whipped Cream... Solves Every 'Pie' Problem!!}

: )

Bashful... Kids.

<3

Got to meet Grandson, Justin's...

new

 Friend, 

Elizabeth.

; )

She's a Sweetie!!

She brought a Pecan Pie.

<3

Didn't capture many images, yesterday.

Mostly...

visited.

: )

but...

So Enjoyed watching Miss. Meadow, and The Fowl.

<3

'Pets'.

'Family'!!

{Old... Romeo in the distance... savoring His Hay!! : )}

<3

<3 <3 <3

Christy told me... 

The Turkeys, Chickens... and Guinea, all come up to the deck, around 3:30 every afternoon 

to get their

 'Treats'.

<3

Only Meadow, and Willow...

Invite them Inside!!

{Grandma would, too... }

; )

'Simply... Iowa'

Lovely 

'Christmas'

in

'God's Country'.

Grateful.

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

While visiting with Son, Justin... last night, 'politics' were brought up.

Justin, said...

a lot of things.

; )

I... listened.

<3

He went on, and said...

"Mom, I know you're different. You... stand in the middle. You see both sides."

<3

my reply...

"Yes... I do. That's what 'Americans' do."

<3

In my humble opinion...

there is no

'Left' or 'Right'.

'North'... or 'South'...

'East', or 'West'.

We're Americans.

<3

United... We Stand.

divided...

we 

fall.

Justin, along with many Family members... lean to the far right...

Other Family members lean to 

the far left.

'This' isn't a Football game.

 

remember...

We're All... 

as

Americans...

on the same team.

; )

<3

"You're a Mean One, Mr Grinch" ~ Dr Seuss

Christmas... 2025. History.

Christmas... 2025, is History.

Mine, and Miss. Peanut's... 'Christmas' was Pretty Good.

: )

Spent Christmas Morning on the phone, with Family... and Friends.

<3

The Baking, and Cooking... yesterday...

 for 'Christmas' at Justin's... today,

was kind of a mess.

Didn't buy flour, the other day... so, no Dutch Apple Pie.

: (

I use so little flour, thought there was some in the freezer.

Nope.

{must've pitched it when the fridge was on the blink. : (}

The Cranberry Relish, is about half of the batch I usually make. Should've bought an extra bag.

I'd forgotten when Cranberries are purchased this late in the Season, to always get extra.

Made two Sweet Potato Pies, that used up... more Sweet Potatoes than I'd anticipated, so...

I'll be taking a much smaller batch of Candied Sweet Potatoes.

{hmmmm....

maybe I'll skip them all together, and make Garlic Mashed... instead.

Have plenty of Russets.}

; )

The first Pie... got very dark. {Edible... but... Dark.}

{We'll Pile On The Whipped Cream!! ; ) }

Watched the second, like a Hawk.

Stuck it 4 times.... 

{every few minutes, at the... end}

 for doneness.

It still got a little dark.

The Roaster's thermostat must be off, a bit.

Had a Wonderful Time, as Always... at Pal, Allyson's on Christmas Eve.

She's an Amazing Cook, and Baker!!

: )

It's always Fun... visiting with Allyson's Family, and Friends.

<3

Love how Allyson's Pal... Rhonda, and Dale... Go Round and Round!!

: )

Priceless!!

; )

Sadly... Allyson's Sis, Bethany... asked how the IDOT mess is going.

I'd had just.... enough Rum, to Dive Right In

 that 

putrid

cesspool.

: (

{normally... at these kind of 'Gatherings'... I, keep it brief...

concerning

'The Mess'.}

Bethany, like Allyson, is a Very Knowledgeable...

Highly Educated

Woman.

When I shared some of the details....

with her, including the fact that 

The Iowa Department of Transportation 

enjoys...

'Immunity'

to

Fraud...

Bethany... like the rest of us, could hardly believe it.

{That... has to Change.}

 Our Christmas Eve conversation's unanimous opinion....

{mine, always.}

'The only people/entity who desire 

protection...

'Immunity'

 to

 Fraud, 

are those who intend on committing it.'

Why else??

Told Bethany... "Immunity to Fraud...makes 'signed, recorded agreements' with them, about as valuable as toilet paper."

Bethany said...

"This reminds me of the 'Erin Brockovich' Story."

Yeah... it's quite unbelievable, until Ya Live It, and see the Documents.

'Facts'.

Other than That...

'Stinky Swim', 

we had a

 Lovely...

Time.

<3

While I was on the phone, with Sister... Merry Jo, 

 noticed 'The Grinch' bobbing a bit, looked down at the floor...

as Miss. Peanut grabbed the Grinch's 'weight' in her teeth, and took off Running!!

She had the Zoomies!!!

Hahahahahaha!!!

I was like...

"Hold On... Merry!! HOLD ON!!!

 Whoa... Whoa!! Peanut!! Peanut!!! STOP!!!"

Hahahahahaha!!!

; )

 Rescued The Grinch!!

{It was a Sight!!}

: ) : ) : )

That Peanut!!

<3

Merry Jo... Got a Laugh, listening to

'The Rescue'!!

; )

<3

The above... popped up on FB Memories, yesterday.

<3

 Little Justin, Miss. Scarlett...

and me.

Christmas Day, 2012.

; )

I remember that Christmas... like it was Yesterday.

<3

That's the Christmas 'Santa' came to visit.

<3

I didn't tell anyone, including John, 'Santa' was going to 'Visit' that Evening.

: )

That...

Was

Priceless.

: )

When the Kids, and Adults... heard 

Sleigh Bells 

Jingling...

just outside the windows...

then,

'Santa'...

came 

Blasting Through The Door...

with a 

BIG...

Ho!!! Ho!!! Ho!!!!

Hahahahahaha!!

It Was Priceless!!!

: )

 The Adult's had a More Shocked Look 

on 

Their Faces...

than

The Little Ones!!!

Hahahahahaha!!

: ) : ) : )

Everybody FROZE in Place!!

Hahahahahaha!!!

{Thanks So Much... to Pal, Bart. 

<3

He made That Christmas...

Unforgettable!!}

; )

 Better get Crackin'.

Have much to do before heading to

'God's Country'.

<3

Hope Everyone reading this, Enjoyed Christmas, 2025.

<3

 Praying for a Happy New Year, for All.

Love to Ya.

Barb C.

{LOVE... The Wooden Heart Shaped Bowl,

Dear Pal's...

Rosie, and Linda Surprised me with, a while back.

<3 <3

: )

It's Perfect... for holding the Beautiful Farm Fresh Eggs, Little Justin brings.}

<3

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - André Rieu

Wishing All... A Very Merry Christmas!!

Wishing All...

A Very Merry Christmas!!

<3 <3 <3 

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Carpenters Merry Christmas Darling

Merry Christmas... Eve.

Merry Christmas Eve...

to

All.

<3

I've been running since 5 a.m.

The Holiday's... are Wonderful, but...

a little Exhausting!!

; )

Grandson, Justin... rode with me today, Shopping.

; )

At the last store... he said,

"I Can't Take This!! Way Too Many People!! I'll wait in the car."

: )

Tis The Season!!

; )

It Ain't for The Faint of Heart!!

Hahahahahaha!!!

Glad Justin joined me.... we had a Lovely Lunch, and he found Cranberries for me.

Every Single 'Big' Store was Sold Out!!

We called them All!!

: (

but...

Justin found a Tiny Neighborhood Grocery Store, that had some.

<3

What a Cool Little Store!!

When we got Home... Justin helped carry everything inside.

<3

He's a Keeper!!

; )

<3

Found The HUGE Grinch Balloon at Target.

5.00.

Couldn't Pass Him Up!!

; )

The Kid's will Like Him!!

<3

Heading to Pal, Allyson's tonight.

<3

She's invited her Pals, and Family... over.

Allyson Creates Such a Beautiful Christmas Eve Dinner for us all.

<3

Celebrating 'Christmas' on Friday... with Son, Justin's Family, and Friends.

<3

I'll be spending Christmas Day... Baking Pies, and making Food.

; )

Making a Dutch Apple, and a Sweet Potato Pie.

: )

Oh Boy!!

; )

Wishing All...

a

Merry, and Peaceful...

Christmas Eve.

<3

Hope Santa's Good to Ya...

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Ray Stevens - "Santa Claus Is Watching You" (Music Video)

Memories.

Busy... Busy, today.

Spent a Bunch of time... with Grandson, Justin.

<3

: )

Shared Many Stories... with him.

<3

Justin... Laughed, and Laughed.

; )

<3

{yes... 'Grandma' has a 'Funny Bone'.}

; )

Many FB Memories... popped up, today.

: )

below... are a few.

Seems, maybe... I was a little smarter back then.

yet, 

not much has changed, in my mind...

So incredibly True.

<3

Hahahahahaha!!!

Just Sayin'!!

: )

{Peg... Loved 'That One'!!

Hahahahahaha!!!}

<3

<3

Indeed.

; )

The Iowa Department of Transportation...

1990's first Condemnation of our Land.

: (

Bless their hearts.

They taught me 'much'...

back then.

: (

Sadly... I couldn't 'see' it... this time, like in the 90's.

I believed...

foolishly, like all the rest.

: (

; )

Indeed.

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Ray Charles 'Merry Christmas Baby' 1979

Tik Tok...

Christmas is Fast... Approaching.

Oh... My!!

'Time'... 

oh my.

The 'A' Team... and I gathered yesterday morning to Move a Dear Soul.

: )

I was so worried about the parking.

: (

Nightmare.

We opted not to take Dale's Trailer.

{Good Thing!!}

The Move was only half of a block... but there were some BIG...

 Heavy...

Pieces, that were moving.

Pals... Dale, Bill... and Jay, met me yesterday morning, in Fairfax. I drove The Ford, they followed in Dale's Van.

Pals... Steph, and her Hubby... Marc, joined up with us at 'The Move' site.

We knew it was going to be a difficult 'Move', for many reasons.

It was a sad... 'Move'.

: (

We all hated that part of it.

We've all been 'there', knew... it wasn't going to be 'easy'.

but...

once the 'A' Team Pulled together...

we made it the most 

'Fun'...

we could.

<3

We shared a Lot... of Laughs.

Humor... can turn around an ugly situation... pretty quick.

; )

{Trust me... when We All Get Together, it's like a Comedy Show!!

: )

We've Got to get a Tik Tok Live Stream goin' so You Can See!!}

We, also... opted to not use the vehicles.

We Rolled Everything Down The Sidewalk!!

Many Trips.

; )

Perfect!!

The Weather was Great...

{Blessing}

What wasn't so 'Great'... was moving Everything up two flights of stairs.

: (

The Fireproof Filing Cabinet... and a Massive Three Part Desk, was a Challenge.

: )

The 'A' Team... Made It Happen!!

: )

{I... never had a doubt. I... 'Know' These People!!

'Failure' is Not an Option!!

EVER!!}

: )

Jay, and Our Dear Soul's Brother in Law... Jeff, took the Massive Desk completely apart.

 Without those two...

: )

well, Steph said...this morning,

 "We all would've been 'Cowering in a Corner' with This Move!!"

Hahahahahahaha!!!

; )

The Move... is Done.

Steph... re-measured, we got the Entire 'Family' Desk... in the new space.

; )

That... was HUGE.

Lightened my heavy heart... concerning this 'Move'.

<3

So Incredibly Grateful... for Dear Friends.

<3

'Mountain Movers'.

<3

Steph referred to us as a 'Motley Crew' yesterday.

: )

that...

we are.

<3

A Motley Crew...

that gets Sh!t Done.

; )

The 'A' Team... pulled together for 

The Dear Soul, 

because they Know...

He's One of Us.

<3

When people tell you... 

'You're Crazy'... 

'That can't be done.'

'It'll Never Work.'

; )

remember...

All of The Best People Are....

a little...

Crazy.

; )

{just... don't get in their way.}

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

I Got My Game On - Trace Adkins

Indeed.

Up early... this morning.

Threw in a load of Laundry... last night, went to throw it in the dryer, a bit ago...

: )

Seems the washer... decided to die, in the night.

: (

It took me a long time to get the washer's lid unlocked.

; )

Great way... to start the day off.

; )

Hahahahahahaha!!!!

Handwashed what I needed...

threw it in the dryer.

now...

COFFEE!!!

I Got My 'Game' On...

; )

Yeah Boy!!

Sunday Mornin'...

; )

Some days... there isn't enough coffee on The Planet.

Away We Go!!

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.