31/05/09 Busy writing & death & dying…

Tags

carl, jaliscos, john, katt, lan, neocons, rbs, skörd, väder

-Varmt välkommen hit-

If your name is Pernilla or Petronella, then today is your day!

Saturday I worked. The afternoon started out sooo slow and boring. Then 5 delightful ladies from Colorado came in for a tour. They were interested in everything I had to say and in all they saw. They were a blessing! When the tour was over was all sat down in the south studio and we just chatted — like old friends catching up. What a great way to spend an afternoon. I got little done that I *needed* to get done but it will keep.

I went home and avoided sitting outside. It was too hot and too muggy — 95F. The clouds looked like rain but nothing here.

Today was a lazy day. I slept late. Then met John for lunch at Jalisco’s. I was prepared to maybe work or at least unlock. But John worked and Marsha unlocked. I was free!

Today was also a very sad day. A friend is dying. He is an artist, a wonderful man, and will be missed. He went to school with my mom. I have known him my entire life, even if were were not BFF. Today he is preparing to leave this life. At noon they could not hear a blood pressure. Tonite he still hangs on. My friend Lan has sat with him for several days. Very hard on Lan as they were very close for many years. I will miss Carl and the hugs he always had for me.

Then around noon I got word of the murder of Dr. George Tiller from Wichita KS. I am shocked and grief stricken. He was a kind and wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, religious man. He worked for the betterment of women. He never did anything illegal. Never. He obeyed the law. And yet he was stalked and threatened for years. His clinic was damaged repeatedly. His patients were yelled at, taunted, abused. And finally one of the those honourable people who believe in life for only the unborn & not those who disagree with them, killed this doctor in  his church where he was an usher today. How can you be against him doing a legal procedure and yet commit an illegal act that ends a life? Unfortunately I do know how as I know people who believe like that. There are ways to change laws that you disagree with. And if no one or few agree with you, then the law stands. No where does it state if you do not get your way, you get to shoot someone. Our state has had to endure an attorney general who had a vendetta against Dr.Tiller. He ignored other issues to try again and again to convict him of anything. Anything. Even when voted out, he continued to harass him. And this is the end result. This act is a blight on the US and on Kansas. This afternoon I read an article in the Swedish newspaper, Aftonbladet about it. I am angry, sad, and quite disillusioned with so many. I had 3 friends who attended a candle light vigil for him and his family tonite. I wish I could have gone also. I should apologise but then I did nothing illegal.

Today was hot again but with a nice breeze. I sat outside for a long time. The kittens were soo lazy. Not playing but stretched out in the breeze, feeling carefree. How I long to feel that way. But today I had a newspaper article to write and my Swedish group blogg to update. I also noticed today how much the wheat has turned. Means harvest is nearing. I am NOT ready. NOT.

Find me at http://twitter.com/j5uliana

Ignorance is NOT strength. – EnLieux

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Julie-Ann den  31-05-09       Hemlängtan för Sverige!

29/05/09 Churches, Yia Yia’s, Swedish stuff

Tags

abilene, ash, ict, kyrka, lloyd, svg, väder, yiayia

-Varmt välkommen hit-

If your name is Jeanette or Yvonne, then today is your day!

Wednesday I went with 3 friends to tour some churches west of here an hour or so. They were all Catholic and many who started them were from Germany. One was French Canadian. We left early in the morning. We saw a couple of churches that were abandoned. Very sad to see a beautiful building falling into disrepair. We ate lunch in Plainville KS in a large bar. They were serving lasagna. Excellent! Mid-afternoon we had ‘fika’ at a soda shop in Hays KS that had all the old fashioned drinks of my youth. My vanilla coke was awesome! See all photos here. http://tr.im/mDcV

Thursday I took my granddaughter Ashley to Wichita KS. We did some shopping and browsing. Lunch was at Yia Yia’s. They have a huge outside eating area so we ate there. The weather was perfect. We felt quite European!! Days like that are few and far between in Kansas. I took her to a really cool boutique that is soo pricey but fun to browse in — lots of off beat clothes, tons of jewelry, shoes, hats. She loved it. We ‘fika’ at Spangles before coming home. We had a fun day.

Today was Swedish group. I was supposed to be the program with some translating. But a good friend Lloyd from Sacramento California visited us. He was unprepared but agreed to talk to us. Lloyd is a minister and he talked about our church, the Church of Sweden, and issues of all religions coming together. Not all agree that we all should get along, which is soo sad. We have a couple who think that only their religion is right and the rest of us are going straight to hell. His talk was interesting and thought provoking. And it was great to see him again.

I had lunch with Sally at Jalisco’s. She was not working today so we got to have a leisurely lunch and a long visit. Then I saw the Wild Dala Winery was open so I went in to restock my supply of Rosé. Do not want to run out!!

After that I was off to Abilene KS to pick up some meds. More expensive than usual. Yikes!! Oh, to live in a country that actually cared about it citizens and would not let the drug companies bleed us dry.

I was soo tired again today. I finally collapsed on the soffa for a 2 hour nap. Then I sat out for a bit. The kittens have been missing from the porch area for a couple of days. Willie has seen them. They are expanding their territory.

It was hot and miserable today — 90s. No breeze and humid. I hate summers. Just sayin’. And it will only get worse. And worse. I want spring or fall or preferrably winter.

Just watched Wynton Marsalis on David Letterman. I love him. He has performed in Lindsborg at least twice. Great experience seeing him! What he performs is real music!

Find me at http://twitter.com/j5uliana

Ignorance is NOT strength. – EnLieux

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Julie-Ann den  29-05-09       Hemlängtan för Sverige!

Monas Dare – Boat

This little “Game”, “Competition” or whatever I shall call it – it is not a contest! I came up with this idea (Maybe some will think it is corny… silly or whatever, but then they do not have to join so there! lol) I just thought this could be a fun way to get to know each other, get our inspiration going and use our cameras or painting programs!

I call this game “I dare you!” and every Friday I will dare you to show me something! (Nothing nude or nasty!!) Obviously it has to be your own photos, or graphics!

I changed one thing, it doesn’t have to be a NEW photo, you can pick any photo or graphics you have!

This Friday I will make it an easy one, I dare you to show me any flower/plant you like.

Leave the link HERE in my comments so I can come and see!

My entry is a photo from 2006 from my month long trip to Sweden. This is a very large boat seen on the island of Marstrand. Quite spectacular!

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Day trip

Tags

bilresa

Took a day trip to German Catholic churches in the Hays KS area. See them all here. http://tr.im/mDcV Will do a real blogg post later.

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25/05/09 Catching up

Tags

john, katt, md, rbs, reunion, väder, wedding

-Varmt välkommen hit-

If your name is Urban, then today is your day!

Saturday was a busy day. I worked and had hoped for a calm day. But I helped a lady who had a painting to sell, a lady wanting to take one of our art classes, and 9 tours. And when I left there was a lady by my car hoping to get in. I had to say ‘no’.

Saturday late afternoon we had a wedding to attend. It was a beautiful, elegant wedding. The bridemaids were strapless black dresses with white sashes. They carried bouquets of peonies. The reception was held at a ranch with a huge tent which held 500 people. The food was great! I had worried about going as who we are usually with are just Willie’s friends who tend to ignore me. Luckily me, the one couple we are usually with treated me nicer than usual and other people sat with us. I actually had a good time.

Sunday was my family reunion. I am president but do not want to be. It was really hard for me to go this year. Mom is no longer here. My brother did not go with me. He had other plans. Of course neither of my kids could care less. And Willie…. I am the only one of my family who must attend totally alone. And I said this to Willie and obviously he could not care less either. But we had a good turnout and awesome food. Last year the food was quite chintzy. But this year was a feast. Paul and Sally adopted me this year. I sat with them and Paul’s brother Sam and his wife Judy.

The reunion was also a challenge as I was sort of in charge of the Red Barn also. I had stupidly scheduled myself to work but John worked for me. Someone else was to go unlock and turn off the alarm for him. But. He could not get them on the phone so I had to leave to run down there to unlock. I then hoped for no problems during the afternoon and there was none. When the reunion was over, I went back to set the alarm and lock up.

Sunday nite I sat outside for hours. My 6 kittens were playing most of the time. Running, climbing a tree, jumping, chasing, and fighting. What fun! A nice mental health break that was sorely needed. I was so stressed all weekend. Some I created internally, some real.

Today is Memorial Day here. I slept late and then took a nap. I avoided the cemetery. I know I could not have handled being there this year. Never is any get-togethers with family or with friends. Just a lazy day. I can hope to maybe go out to eat for supper but am positive that is not gonna happen.

Weather has been great. Saturday nite was perfect for an outdoor celebration. Nice breeze and no rain. Sunday we were 90F with little breeze so it was a bit warm. But late in the day is ok. We did have a brief shower sunday afternoon with the sun shining. Today we are low 80F with showers around. No major warnings yet but there was with a couple of the storms.

Find me at http://twitter.com/j5uliana

This is the way of peace: “Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” – Peace Pilgrim

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Julie-Ann den  25-09       Hemlängtan för Sverige!

Memorial Day…

Tags

md

Please remember those who serve their country today, especially those who must serve in silence & those not allowed to serve.

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Monas Dare – Flower or Plant

Tags

monadare

This little “Game”, “Competition” or whatever I shall call it – it is not a contest! I came up with this idea (Maybe some will think it is corny… silly or whatever, but then they do not have to join so there! lol) I just thought this could be a fun way to get to know each other, get our inspiration going and use our cameras or painting programs!

I call this game “I dare you!” and every Friday I will dare you to show me something! (Nothing nude or nasty!!) Obviously it has to be your own photos, or graphics!

I changed one thing, it doesn’t have to be a NEW photo, you can pick any photo or graphics you have!

This Friday I will make it an easy one, I dare you to show me any flower/plant you like.

Leave the link HERE in my comments so I can come and see!

My entry is a photo this year of one of my irises. I like this one as the flower looks almost ethereal and like porcelain.

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22/05/09 Busy and getting busier…….

Tags

bondgård, katt, marsha, mat, svg

-Varmt välkommen hit-

If your name is Hemming or Henning, then today is your day!

Yesterday was quite busy. I had a list a mile long of stuff to for Swedish group today, a wedding saturday, and family reunion on sunday. I got it all but a loaf of Swedish rye bread. Will do that saturday.

Today was Swedish group. The hostess had to cancel so that leaves me. I served an assortment of pastries and grapes. We had a guest from Sweden there today and one from Texas. Our program was a Swedish lesson. Today we learned about holidays in Sweden and reviewed the weather terms we learned a couple of weeks ago.’Vackert vädret’. Last week we had a Swedish man and his wife visit. I wrote up a short article about them and their visit here and included it in our weekly minutes for our local newspaper. And I also submitted a photo of them also. And both were printed. Of course, true to our local paper, I received no credit for either. Oh well. That would be expecting way too much!!

Then off to Salina. I saw many farmers in a field learning about the different kinds of wheat planted. They plant several rows of different varieties of wheat and see how they grow in our soil and weather. They invite local farmers out to see for themselves.

I treated myself to having my hair done today. I have too busy a weekend to have to worry about making my hair look nice.

When I was leaving Salina I saw a sign that reminded me of Becky and her ducks and quacking! I had to turn around and find just the right place to park to get 3 shots of it!!

I was supposed to then drive back to Lindsborg for a meeting with Mary and Marsha. I called when I left town but Mary said Marsha was home and feeling bad. I decided to go home and if Marsha felt better I would drive in then. I never got a call. I hope she got some sleep and rest.

We had quite a surprise yesterday morning. The mother cats were on the porch with their kittens. But instead of 4 kittens we had 6! I hope that is all there is. They are eating us out of house and home!

No blogging tomorrow. Have to work until 4pm and then must be at a wedding by 5pm and after a wedding dance. After my reunion on sunday will have time.

Find me at http://twitter.com/j5uliana

This is the way of peace: “Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” – Peace Pilgrim

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Julie-Ann den  22-05-09       Hemlängtan för Sverige!

20/05/09 Two days of nothing…

Tags

ingenting, kajsa_jo, katt, väder

-Varmt välkommen hit-

If your name is Carola or Karolina, then today is your day!

Yesterday was a nothing day. I stayed home, did some housework, sat outside for a long time, enjoyed the cats. Did not even have to cook. Willie brought home pizza.

Jo has had 2 bad days. Willie is working cattle and she does nothing but get in the way. Yesterday she was forced to stay in the house with me. Today she is locked in the truck in the shade. I did get a shot of her living the ‘life of Riley’!

Last nite was American Idol Finale – Part 1. It was good and both singers did great. But it lacked something from other years. No huge song with all the fantastic effects. One of the judges wrote a song they both *had* to sing. I did not like the song and it did not fit either of the singers. Tonite we find out who won. I voted – many many times. I was able to get on all I wanted between 1115pm and 1159pm. Hope I helped.

Today is much like yesterday. No plans. Out early with my cats and had a surprise. There were *4* kittens instead of only 3. Cool. I went out this afternoon to take some photos with my real camera, but the batteries soon died. My other set of batteries are still charging.

Weather today and yesterday has been quite warm – 70s to 80s with lots of sun. Unfortunately we also have lots of wind. High winds. In a wind advisory today. Rain is coming back this weekend.

Need to go run errands but just too lazy. Will have to go tomorrow. Have to. The hostess for my friday swedish group had to cancel so I will do it. Must buy food. Family reunion is on sunday. I supply all the plates, cups, silverware, napkins, bread, and butter. I have nothing. Would rather not do it on friday since I have a hair app’t after Swedish group. And if I go tomorrow I might actually have something to blogg about!! And photos!

Find me at http://twitter.com/j5uliana

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.

- Oscar Wilde.

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Julie-Ann den  20-05-09       Hemlängtan för Sverige!

18/05/09 Chili’s and meeting

Tags

art_sale, connie, katt, lindsborg, marsha, rbs, väder

-Varmt välkommen hit-

If your name is Erik, then today is your day!

Today we had great great weather again. In the 70s with sun and a nice breeze. Just perfect.

I met Connie for lunch at Chili’s. We meet every month. I wish we could go back to our ‘old’ friendship of doing lots together. It is very painful for me to my best friend back and to realise that all she has time for me is one lunch a month. I cannot put my feelings into words. Just cannot.

Tonite an auction committtee meeting was scheduled. My co-chair Todd, emailed me a couple of days ago he would not make this meeting. We are co-chairs. I do all the paperwork, schedule meetings, notify members of stuff. Todd does all the ‘real’ work and decisions. I was a bit nervous but it went ok. And we actually accomplished quite a bit.

Marsha was there but feeling very nauseated. But her attitude is fantastic. If it was me, I would be hiding in a closet somewhere. I think it helps that she has a huge support base. He husband is great, as is her family. And she has a lot of friends. I wish I was so lucky.

With the nice weather, we had our meeting in the front courtyard. Very nice. I came home and sat in the sun for a while with the cats. Have not seen the kittens for 2 days and not heard the other litter either. I hope the mother cats just moved them.

When I was leaving town, there was a large tour bus parked. I wonder if they are staying over nite or just hear for something special. Good our busses are returning. We lost many tourists for several years, but with the ecomony, we could lose them again. Tourists are our life blood.

Find me at http://twitter.com/j5uliana

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.

- Oscar Wilde.

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Julie-Ann den  18-05-09       Hemlängtan för Sverige!