Aretha Franklin performs Rock Steady.mp4

Round Two... Here We Come.

; )

; )

; )

{Stand 'Long'}

<3

; )

Hahahahahahaha!!

: )

Ran across the above, yesterday.

Edith Lucielle's Bait Shop and Wing Shack, had posted it on FB.

 I... had to share.

; )

Nephew, Billy... commented on my 'share'.

; )

Hahahahahahaha!!!

<3

Seems... Billy knows his Old... Auntie, very well.

; )

: ) : ) : )

'Round Two'...

Here We Come.

It's a Full Moon tonight, inviting 'Round Two'... in.

{February}

; )

oh...

dear.

Time to Saddle Up, and Ride... Hard, yet... again.

'Round Two'... 

Here We Come.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer (Audio)

One Day... at a Time. {One 'Round' at a time.}

Above is a piece Sweet Minnesota Friend, Marianne...

created for me, from some 1860's Iowa City, Iowa... newspaper fragments I'd found in an old trunk, at a Farm... Dad, had once lived at, back in the 1940's.

<3

Treasure.

<3

Wrote a long post, last night... then, once again... deleted it.

It was about Farming, 'Farm Life'... in the 1800's.

: )

Don't have much time... to write now, have a lot to get done.

but...

wanted to answer a few Questions, concerning Gary, and Pals.

I had inquired about having Gary committed back in December, after he and I last spoke.

Seems, it's not like it used to be, when 2 people can get help for someone who is mentally ill.

{In Iowa}

Seems, those with mental illness can decide for themselves if they should stay, or go... 

at a Hospital.

Doesn't make sense to me.

It's like asking a Drunk... if he's o.k. to drive.

My opinion.

Pal, Gayle... is heading Home today.

She's doing Well.

<3

Peg's Daughter, Sarah... posted a Beautiful Image of Michael, today.

<3

Michael's Memorial... will be at a later date.

<3

Miss. Peanut... is perkin' along.

Pretty much... back to her Frisky Self.

<3

<3

<3

Don't know why... I've been deleting posts.

: (

Guess there's been too much on my brain, this January.

{can't believe we're through January.}

Between the News, Fairfax, IDOT... so much sickness, day to day... 'life', and... death, this month.

It's difficult to 'escape' from it all.

Nothing seems to make any sense... these days.

I ain't The Lone Ranger... feeling the way I do,

I... sadly know.

Many... are struggling, and suffering.

: (

'One Day... at a Time'.

One

Day

at

a

Time.

<3 <3 <3 

oh my.

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{posted 'The Boxer', by Simon and Garfunkel, above this post.

; )

Perhaps... it's not about taking life 'one day at a time', 'these' days...

it's more about thinking like a 

Boxer.

Take 'these days'... 

'One Round'

 at a time.

January...

'Round One'

was one Hell of a Fight.

{Still Standin'. : )}

Round Two...

{February}

Oh Boy!!

; )

We Need to be more like Muhammed Ali...

'The Greatest'

 'These Days'. }

; )

<3

{ make no mistake, I... don't belong to any organized religion, or any political 'bullshit'.

I am concerned, on many, many.... levels.}

Joe Diffie - Ships That Don't Come In (Official Music Video)

Choices

Spent most of this day... on the phone, calling Homeless Shelters in Iowa City, 

and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Tho... they couldn't share any information with me, about who... they'd seen, I begged them, to please watch out for Gary, and... please contact the Cedar Rapids Police Department, should they see someone matching Gary's description.

: )

A bit ago, saw Gary's Son, Kevin's... post, that Gary has been Found.

<3

Praise God.

<3

My Heart... Breaks, for ALL concerned.

: (..............

In... my humble opinion, as Much.... as I Love, Gary, he...

shouldn't have the 'choice' to refuse 'help'.

: (

Sadly... Iowa doesn't have place's to 'Help' Gary... anymore.

They were voted away... several years ago.

: (...............................

Mental Illness is a Problem, That Must Be Addressed.

so...

Gary 'refused' help.

He's still on the streets. 

Penniless.

Homeless.

Gary... isn't, in my opinion... in his right mind.

Seems that doesn't matter.

He can make the choices for himself.

: (...............

I Pray... for Gary, and his Loving Family.

<3

Barb C.

{Please understand... I'm Beyond Grateful, Gary isn't Frozen... somewhere.

<3

: )

<3

My... heart aches, for the way things are, and have been... concerning healthcare, elder care... and mental illness, for far too long.}

The Details.

Still... no word on Friend, Gary Darrow.

: (

{see yesterday's post with info}

Visited with Gary's Brother, today.

Gary... has a Wonderful, Loving... Caring... Family.

<3

They've been through so much...

over the years.

Mental Illness is so difficult on the one who suffers with it, but... 

oh my...

it's very difficult on those who Love the afflicted.

I've known Gary, and his Beautiful Family, for over 30 years.

<3

So adored Gary's Mom, Camille.

She was a 'Lady'. 

Beautiful, inside... and out.

Camille was from New Orleans.

Tho, she'd lived in Iowa... most of her life, she still... had that wonderful

'Louisiana' accent.

<3

She was a Kind, and Gentle... Spirit.

Gary, and his siblings... inherited that from her.

<3

Met Gary... at an Antique Event, in Mt. Vernon, Iowa... 30, plus... years ago.

Gary, at that time was collecting, and selling... Griswold Cast Iron.

I... had quite a collection of it myself. 

That's all we cook with.

; )

Early Cast Iron.

{It's The Best}

; )

Gary asked me if I'd be willing to part with any of it.

'Maybe'. 

: )

Gary... came to visit,

 {long before 'The Rabbit Hole'}

I... let Gary, and his Friend, Jenny... go through things I was going to sell at a 'Garage Sale' here.

: )

They... had Fun.

: )

Gary, and I struck up a Friendship.

: )

He was so knowledgeable...

not only on Cast Iron, but...

Antique Furniture.

Gary's Dad... was a Master Woodworker.

Gary... when he was 'well' could work Magic on Furniture Restoration.

Gary taught me, most everything I know... about Early Furniture.

How to date it.

How... to pay attention to 'The Details'.

Scribe marks... on dovetails.

Hand... chamfering.

Pegged doors.

Period... hardware.

Square nails... Round nails...

Saw Mill, or... Cross Cut.

Hand punched tins, on a Pie Safe, or... Factory punched.

I could go On, and On...

; )

Gary... pointed out

 'The Details'.

Important...

'Details'.

Remember Gary pointing out a Walnut board, on the back of an old Cupboard, that was 30 inches wide.

He looked at me, and said...

"Barb... we don't have Trees that big, anymore... to cut a plank 30 inches wide. This Cupboard is Old."

Over the years, I've had Folk's ask me...

"How do you 'know'... all the things you do?"

: )

Gary... 

was most certaintly, my Mentor.

I... spoke with Gary, around Christmastime.

Gary... called me.

Gary... wasn't 'Gary'.

: (

I... struggled during our conversation, if...

I should listen, and let it go...

or,

if...

I should tell Gary the Truth.

I chose the later.

Advised Gary... to find Help.

Please go to The University of Iowa... Check In.

Told Gary.... "The Gary I'm talking to, Isn't 'Gary'."

Seems, Gary... did just that, and was shoved out the door, at The University of Iowa's Emergency Room.

Sadly, Iowa... doesn't protect Folk's with Mental Illness anymore.

<3

Priceless.

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Please Help...

Was just... informed with the above, minutes ago.

: (....

If Anyone sees Gary, Please... help him.

<3

Gary... is a Kind, and Gentle Man.

I've known Gary... for three decades.

He's struggled with mental illness, for a long time.

: (

He's no threat... to anyone, in my opinion.

My... heart breaks, thinking about Gary... alone, and in the cold.

: (....................

Heartbreaking.

For the record, Gary's eyes are blue,

and, very Kind.

I'm 5'8... Gary is taller than me.

Closer to 6 feet.

Blake Shelton - Home (Official Music Video)

Our Four Legged Children.

<3 <3 <3 

I've written several posts, over the last couple of days...

ultimately..

deleted them all.

There was nothing wrong with them, but... somehow, they just seemed 'flat'.

Last week was crazy, on most every level. 

Refuse to watch the news... much.

Way too much insanity, and heartbreak.

: (

The last few days... Miss. Peanut has been under the weather.

Early this morning, she really took a turn for the worse.

Sadly, our Amazing Vet, retired a while back... so, found one here in Fairfax, that I was in hopes for.

He... is Wonderful.

<3

As is his Staff.

<3

Peanut... doesn't like to travel.

She's blind, so... car rides aren't her favorite 'thing'.

Justin 'J'... helped me get Miss. Peanut to the car, and went with us.

<3

I was concerned Peanut had an obstruction.

She's a Chewer.

Have to watch her... every minute.

: )

Thought she might've gotten into something, I hadn't seen.

Gratefully, the Vet... didn't think that was her problem.

 He believes it's some sort of an irritation in her system, possibly a UTI, he sent some meds home with, that hopefully will clear whatever it is, up.

She's been miserable.

: (

Definitely... Not Herself, over the weekend.

Peanut seems to be resting quietly, now.

: )

{the ride to The Vet's... and the 'Visit'... was exhausting for Peanut.}

The Vet put her on a bland diet, for a few days... Rice, and Turkey.

She doesn't have much of an appetite.

: (

The rice... is New to Her.

; )

Very difficult for her to eat.

I decided to make Turkey and Rice... 'burritos' for her.

; )

'Roll-Ups'

; )

'Wraps'.

Those.. she could kind of handle. 

; )

She's not eating much... but, she's drinking a little water, and seems to be holding the 'Roll-Ups' down, so far.

<3

They were so good with Peanut, at the Vet's office, today.

<3

They Adored Her.

<3

She is... Pretty Loveable.

; )

<3

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{There's a saying... about being a Parent,

"You're only as happy, as your unhappiest Child."

; )

That goes for our Four Legged 'Children', too.}

<3

Alison Krauss - Away Down The River (A Hundred Miles Or More, Live From ...

The Truth...

well, there are Many Stories...

hidden behind Old Fords.

<3

{and... Fairfax, Iowa... and, IDOT, but... what do I Know.}

; )

Priceless.

<3

yes...

Indeed.

<3

Simply Iowa Drivin' The '49 Ford F5 After The Atkins Car Show.

Unloading The '49 Ford

One Day... at a Time.

That quote, and 'memory'... is as true today, in my opinion, as it was years ago.

<3

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Jim Reeves - He'll Have To Go

Davina and the Vagabonds - Lipstick and Chrome

Simply... Iowa.

; )

It was 16 below zero, when I woke up this morning.

Watched it drop to 17... then, 18 below in a matter of a couple hours.

Nearly 40 below zero wind chill.

Yeah...

Boy!!

Simply...

Iowa.

; )

Sister, Merry Jo... called to see if I was keepin' warm.

; )

She lives in Washington State. 

Much warmer there, today.

We were reminiscing how my Dad... used to boil water on the stove, and put pans of hot water under the oil pans of our old Trucks, to try and get them started on days like today.

Sometimes, Dad... would even start a fire under them to warm the motor oil, {oil pans} so the Trucks wouldn't have to crank so hard, with that Cold Oil... that was like Thick Molasses.

Days like This... were a Challenge for Dad, and our Old Fords.

<3

; )

I'd just played 'Davina and The Vagabonds' above the last post.

Can't Believe... it's been 10 YEARS since Davina, and I... shared Stogies outside during her set break.

: )

Fun Times!!

She's a Gem.

; )

I'll post one my Favorite... 'Davina' tunes, above.

: )

Grateful... Pal, Allyson introduced me to Them.

<3

<3 <3 <3 

Oh... dear.

<3

Melted when the FB Memory of Jim Reeves, popped up tonight.

It's Been Way Too Long... since I've listened to This One.

<3

Jim Reeves... sadly, died in a plane crash when I was 1. 

1964.

Somehow... when I heard his tunes, while growing up... especially,

'He'll Have to Go'...

 I'd Melt.

Still Do!!

Timeless.

<3

Love Him.

<3

{I'll post Jim, above... too. ; )}

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{Pal, Gayle... is doing Very Well, I've heard.

<3

Grateful for Good News!!

; )

Peg, and Michael's Daughter... Sarah, is taking it one day at a time.

<3

Prayers for Them, and All... who are struggling, and suffering.}

Davina and the Vagabonds "Black Cloud" Live at KDHX 2/24/12

Laughter... is the best medicine.

It's been a blue day.

Started off with a crazy morning....

then, melted into a pool of goo...

this afternoon.

{can't get Michael... off of my mind.}

Wrapped myself up in the softest, coziest... blanket I have, dived deeply into the la-z-boy,

 like a caterpillar bundled tightly in her cocoon.

put my phone on 'silent'...

and,

 locked the world outside.

Iowa is in the midst of a blizzard,

the wind is howling...

feels good to be safe, and warm...

inside.

Went upstairs, to grab a glass of water, a bit ago, then...

 sat down at the lap top...

started scrolling.

Everything... online, seemed pretty.... 

uninteresting.

until... 

I stumbled upon the below.

; )

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!

 BURST OUT LAUGHING!!

: ) : ) : )

Anything, that could make me 'Laugh'... today, 

well...

It's Worthy of a Post.

: )

Hope it brought a Smile to Your Face, as Well.

: )

Love to Ya... 

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Jud Strunk - Daisy A Day

Rambling.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the news, that Peg's Daughter... Sarah, shared with me this afternoon. Was on my way to run some important business, had just filled up Jethro, at Casey's, here... in Fairfax.

When I bailed inside, checked the phone, noticed I had a text, from Sarah.

I'd just... missed her call.

What I read... dropped me to my knees.

Peg's Beloved... Michael, had passed away sometime last night.

Called Sarah... right away.

: (

When I noticed I'd missed Sarah's call, I... wasn't surprised.

I'd just had a LONG conversation with Michael, on Saturday.

<3

Michael, and I... visit, about once a month.

: )

Michael told me to expect a call from Sarah, during what would be our 'last' conversation.

Sarah... so wanted Michael to move to assisted living.

Michael... didn't want to leave his home.

We went over the pro's and con's.

I... ultimately told Michael, if he didn't want to move...

don't.

; )

That being said, should he stay at home.... he needed to get people in place, to help out....

at 'home', so... Sarah wouldn't worry so, about him.

: )

There's 'Much' out there, now...  to help people stay in their homes.

: )

Michael asked me... if, he should move... what needs to be done, for us to 

'do' a 'Sale'.

"Nothing... You don't have to do anything, except take the things you want to keep, to Your new 'home', then... just walk away, we'll take care of the rest."

<3

Michael said he was going to chew on it.

Whether to stay, or go.

: )

Apparently, Michael... chose to move.

He was supposed to sign the contract, this morning... at his 'New' home.

Michael... didn't make... it, to that appointment.

The Facility, called Sarah... informed her, Michael had missed the appointment.

They discovered Michael had expired, sometime in the night, or... this morning.

: (

Sarah... was blaming herself.

: (

"What If??? What If???"

{'No...No... No... No'.

No!!!!}

Sarah.. talked to Michael, every day.

Michael... said so.

<3

Sarah... is an Amazing Daughter.

{Loved Her Folk's... So Much. <3 

Peg... would be So Proud, of her. <3

 {and Was.}

 Michael... Adored Sarah. <3}

I'm numb, about all of this.

Michael, was Lost... without Peg.

They Loved Each Other...

So.

<3 <3

I... remember, visiting with Michael... shortly after Peg, went away....

he said...

"Barbara, I... couldn't understand, after you lost John... why... you  couldn't 'get over it', and... move on."

: (

"I... 'Know' Now."

: (...................

The last, nearly... 10 years... for Michael, have been incredibly difficult, to say the least, without Peg.

He, and I... have shared bucket's of tears.

: (

Lately... we've shared a few 'Laughs', as well.

: )

Probably... shouldn't 'share' this, but... I'm gonna.

; )

One of Michael's favorite stories... concerning 

'Our Peg'

Hahahahahaha!!

; )

Peg, and Michael built an Amazing Home, in Missouri, when Michael retired.

The Two of Them... pretty much, Built It... Themselves.

<3

Peg... knew how much Michael Loved to Fish, so they Built their Home, near Mark Twain Lake.

; )

One... Early Morning... Michael was hooking up his boat, to head to The Lake.

Peg, shouted out to Michael... from the deck of their Home.

: )

Michael... looked Up, from his trailer hitch...

to see

Peg...

Flashing Him!!!

Hahahahahahahaha!!!

: ) : ) : )

{That's Our Peg!!! : ) }

Michael, said... He Laughed, and Laughed!!!

: )

and, so wished...

he would've skipped goin' to The Lake, that day.

; )

{Peg... was Givin' Michael... 'Sh!T'!!! 

; )

All In Fun!!!

<3

 Priceless.}

<3

Peg, and Michael... met in Junior High, in Cedar Rapids.

{Middle School}

Peg...

had her 'Eye' set on Michael.

; )

{Michael... as the story goes, was 'Oblivious'.}

: )

{most men are. : )}

<3

Peg... Knew, she was going Marry... Michael.}

<3

Shortly after... Michael 'grew up', and 'Saw Peg'...

; )

well, the rest... is history.

<3

My Heart Aches, for Daughter Sarah... Daughter, Mel, The Grandchildren... and Great Grandchildren...

Peg, and Michael...

Adored All of Them.

<3

but, somehow...

I'm not sad.

<3

Peg, and Michael... are Together, again.

<3

Finally.

Sarah, said... today,

"Dad... was Alone. I wasn't There for him."

I... assured Sarah,

'Michael... wasn't 'alone'.'

; )

Michael has never been 'alone'

Ever.

<3

: )

Nor have Peg, and Michael's Daughter's...

 Sarah, and Melissa.

<3

Peg, and Michael's Grandchildren, and... Great Grandchildren.

<3 <3 <3 

I... knew Peg, pretty well.

; )

She'd Never Leave her Loved Ones...

'alone'.

; )

Ever.

I'm rambling.

: )

Still... in shock.

But By God... I attended the Fairfax, Iowa...

'Special Council Meeting' tonight.

Peg... would expect no less of me.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

I'll Be There - Beatrix Loew-Beer Violin Version 2013 HD

Yup. Grateful.

<3

Yes...

Indeed.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{Spoke with Dear... Gayle, today. : )

She Sounds GOOD!!

The Mayo... is Top Notch!!

; )

Grateful She's There!!

Please keep Gayle in Your Thoughts, and Prayers...

Along with All who are suffering, and struggling today.}

<3

Tracy Lawrence - Find Out Who Your Friends Are (Official Music Video)

Indeed.

<3

<3

Received some worrisome news, today...

concerning our Pal, Gayle.

Uh oh.

Picked up the phone, and reached out to her.

<3

Gayle... along with 'Pals', is sitting on the far left...

on

 The Amazing... Old Bath Tub, during a 'Sale' here, at Home...

Long Ago.

; )

Yes...

Gayle... and I, have been 'Pals', for decades.

<3

Gayle... often tells the story, how she and I met... at an Auction, when she first moved here

 from

 Las Vegas.

: )

Gayle... remembers, how we 'clicked' at that Auction, because... I was friendly to her.

: )

<3

That compliment... was wonderful, but... always makes me a little sad, too.

Above, is Gayle... on the far right.

; )

Pal, Bill, on the far left, and 'Kind' Bob, between Bill, and Gayle.

<3

{long ago}

Gayle... is at The Mayo Clinic, awaiting surgery, this Friday.

Gayle... didn't reach out to anyone, concerning this 'ride'.

: (

She's Tuff.

; )

'Family'.

<3

It's been One Hell of a Ride, for Gayle, over the last several weeks, it seems.

The nearly 4 hour 'Ride'... in an Ambulance, to The Mayo, would Shake Many.

{If you've never ridden in an ambulance, count yourself 'Lucky'. I've 'enjoyed' that 'experience', a few times in my life, very short 'journeys' on a 'Lumber Wagon', compared to Gayle's...}

Jesus.

: (

Gayle... has been a Trusted Friend, for Decades.

; )

<3

Gayle... has Clerked many of our Sales.

<3

Gayle... has Busted Her Butt, helping us...

Pull... Estate Sales, together.

'Last Minute'.

; )

Gayle... 'Ain't No Quitter'.

: )

<3

Please... Keep

 Gayle....

 in

 Your Prayers.

<3

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.