I started a new hobby during this pandemic, its ….. ! (fill in the blank with something real or made up!)
When you awake from a dream where you escaped from a mental asylum. Hmmm….perhaps this pandemic is driving you a tad crazy.
The year that “Spring Break” turned into “Summer Vacation” for students!
A good blogger friend posted this review of “The Odessa Chronicles” on his blog and I wanted to share it with all of you. For though I may have been shaking my head and laughing at some of his words in the beginning, the more I read the more smiles that filled my heart. In the detailed review he shares how he thought “The Odessa Chronicles”was just for kids, but … he found out differently! Enjoy and perhaps his review will entice you to give it a try! Thanks again Tippy, for bringing smiles to Colin and I.
Click this caption to find The Odessa Chronicles on Amazon.
I’ve been aware of The Odessa Chronicles for several years, thanks to the incessant, shameless plugging by its authors, Carolyn Shelton (joyroses13.wordpress.com) and Colin Chappell (meandray.com). They follow my blog, and I follow theirs. And if you’ve ever followed our comments, you may have noticed how much we sometimes antagonize each other. It’s all in good fun, but whew, it sure gets dicey at times.
My impression from their plugs was that The Odessa Chronicles was an apologue of talking animals that teaches moral lessons. So I was resistant to read it, as there’s a rebel in me that I enjoy harboring. Moral lessons are anathema to us rebels.
But in an idle moment of insanity, I took a look at their book on Amazon and decided to give it a go. But hell, I wasn’t about to fork…
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I was wondering what I was going to post today for April Fools. Wanted to bring some laughter and thought how I should have waited to post my “Back at the Farm” story for today. Think of what else could have happened to Jinx, Jangle, Snowball and Alabaster on April Fools Day! But…. since I already had, I kept thinking. Thinking as I enjoyed 2 walks today. One by myself, and one with my kids, in the light rain. Both were enjoyable!
Then the idea came to me and I made “fresh brownies” for my family. They didn’t look exactly like what is in the picture, but same idea. 🙂 The Letter E, cut out with paper and colored in brown. I served up Brown E’s! and the look on my husband’s face was priceless!
Oh yes, laughing is fun, so if you haven’t laughed today yet, hopefully this helped! 🙂
For the first time I have been listening to a book by audio. I really wasn’t sure if I would like “reading” a book that way, but I am really enjoying it. The lady’s voice draws me in and I am so intrigued with the story. Plus now I can “read” and do laundry at the same time! Cook and “read” at the same time. So while nothing compares to an actual book that I can hold in my hand, this has been fun for something different! What new thing have you done lately?
Don’t forget that tomorrow is April Fools Day. Be on your guard. I have ones who keep me on my toes all the time, so I am used to being on my guard. May these quotes bring some sunshine your way today and please stay well, as we keep taking one day at a time!
Snowball couldn’t believe that his friends were still sleeping. They apparently had grown used to the rooster crowing at the break of dawn. Today was their last day down at the farm and they had slept right through the rooster’s “Cock a doodle doo!”
Eating his last bite of scrambled eggs, a sly thought came to Snowball’s mind. With a smile he mentioned his idea to Luke and Luke heartily agreed to it.
Jangle and Alabaster shot out of bed, and Jinx was holding his head in his hands wondering what had just happened. One moment he had been having sweet dreams and the next …. his ears were ringing!
Snowball and Luke were laughing with tears streaming down their faces. The trumpet was now resting in Luke’s lap.
“Had I told you guys that I was a star trumpet player back in school?” Luke said, with his eyes twinkling.
Jinx, Jangle and Alabaster stood there with dazed expressions on their faces.
“It is a beautiful morning isn’t it!” said Snowball, “Hurry up and get dressed now, the cows are waiting. Betsy is waiting for you especially, Alabaster.”
Jinx looked at Snowball. “What has you so cheery this morning?”
“Remember the fortune cookies we got at the restaurant last night? Well I had forgotten to read mine until this morning. It said, ” Today will be a bright, beaming, wonderful day, nothing bad shall befall you.”
Snowball was all smiles, “Today is my day! See ya all out in the barn!” and he was laughing as he closed the door.
The day did seem to be turning out just how Snowball’s fortune had said. His friends were having mishaps, but his day was shaping up perfectly.
While Alabaster was stacking up some hay, he slipped and fell into a pile of manure. He told Snowball that he was sure Betsy was silently laughing at him. Betsy may have been silently laughing, but Snowball and the others weren’t so quiet.
Jinx was trying to plow the field with the mule, but the mule had sat down and was refusing to listen to Jinx’s pleas to get up. Jinx finally gave up and decided he would get a start on digging some holes that Luke had wanted dug. He was pretty good at digging holes. At least he had thought he was, until he hit one place where the dirt wasn’t budging , he put a lot of force on his shovel and before he knew it he had done a belly flop onto the ground , with dirt flying into his face.
Jangle had tried getting eggs from the Henrietta and managed to grab 4 of them, before getting pecked on his hand.
Meanwhile Betsy had cooperated real nicely for Snowball when he milked her and then he enjoyed lying on the hammock, taking a nap under a nice shade tree. Annie had come out to him after his little nap with a glass of sweet lemonade. She also carried her favorite book in her arms, for him to read to her. “The Odessa Chronicles”
He enjoyed the book as much as Annie did, laughing at all the crazy antics of the characters. She had also sneaked some donuts out of the kitchen for them to have. She gave an impish grin as she gave one to Snowball. Oh, was it yummy!
The day flew by and too soon it was time for Julia to drive the guys back to the airport so they could catch their plane back to the North Pole.
Luke and Julia were so appreciative of all their hard work and invited them to come back anytime! They all felt bittersweet about leaving, for Luke and Julia were really nice and Annie was simply adorable. Alabaster though was not going to miss Betsy the cow at all!
They were all settled in their seats on the plane and were chatting about the week they had at the farm. Amidst the mishaps, it had been a really good time, but they were eager to see their friends at the North Pole again.
A stewardess interrupted them and leaned down to Snowball and said, ” Congrats sir! You have won the prize!”
“A prize?” said Snowball in shock. Then he turned to the others and said, “See how right my fortune was, the day just keeps getting better and better.”
The others just shook their heads in disbelief.
“Out of all the passengers on this plane, your name was drawn. You get a nice box of chocolates, from all of us here, hoping you will fly our airlines again!”
Snowball grinned from ear to ear as he thanked them for his chocolates and he was nice enough to offer some to his friends.
“Yup today sure has been…”
Suddenly the plane rocked, the stewardess lost her balance and her full pitcher of ice cold water fell right into Snowball’s lap.
The stewardess apologized profusely, but his friends were laughing.
“What were you saying again about your luck today?” said Alabaster.
“Oh Snowball, you do know you can’t always believe everything you read, right? Including a fortune from a fortune cookie. ”
Snowball just sat there not saying a word, but smacked his head with his hand, forgetting it was the one that now had soggy, melted chocolate on it.
Yes, sometimes the things you read are just too good to be true.
If you missed Part 1 yesterday, here is a link. The Bridge of Questions
Thanks to those of you who helped contribute some questions, to help Sabrina get across the bridge. Some of the questions were tricky for sure! But I have come to expect that from certain “followers” . Hope you enjoy the story!
Sabrina was almost at the bridge. She felt full of confidence and was anticipating meeting the old man again. It wasn’t that she was so eager to cross the bridge but the old man had stirred up her curiosity now about what questions he could possibly have.
She saw him from the distance, as she was approaching the bridge. He turned and saw her, and this time he didn’t just stare at her, but he smiled. When she got closer to him he called out. “Hi there missy! I see you didn’t chicken out.”
Sabrina smiled as she shook her head. “Nope, not a chance! So what’s your first question?”
The old man stood there quietly, looking at her for a moment, and then he spoke. “Before we start, I am curious, why do you think I should be able to make you answer my questions, do you think I could really stop you from crossing this bridge? ”
Sabrina wasn’t quite sure what to say, she wasn’t expecting him to say that. He was standing right in front of her just giving her a piercing gaze, making her feel a little intimidated. He was an old man though, so she probably could just push him aside and walk on across the bridge. He really wouldn’t grab her, would he?
It was like he was reading her thoughts, for he said, “I am just a weak old man, you could push me off the bridge if you wanted to.”
Sabrina shook her head. “Well yeah I could, but I am too sweet and nice to do that! Besides, you have me curious now. You were all bold yesterday about these questions that you had, so I want to hear them. Why don’t we take a seat on the bridge while you ask me them.”
They sat down and let their feet dangle out over the rippling water in the stream.”Okay, here is your first question. What kind deed did you do for someone before you left the house today?”
Again she was shocked by the question. “Why should it matter what kind deed I did today?” she asked him.
“Well you just got done saying that you were sweet and nice, so what did you do today to prove that.”
Sabrina looked down at her feet as she thought of the way she talked to the delivery guy that had come to her house this morning. He was just doing his job, but she had been in a hurry and was rather short with him. And then there was the person who called on the phone.
“Can we just go to the next question please?”
“Well, we can, but I hope you won’t let the day go by without doing something that is kind. Doesn’t have to be anything big.”
Sabrina nodded her head and agreed that she would make sure to try.
“What is the purpose of life? ”
Sabrina put her head in her hands, she didn’t think the questions would be this difficult!
“That would take way too long to answer right now. I will come back later with the answer, okay?”
The old man smiled. “Make sure you do, I will be waiting.”
They sat there in silence again watching the water flow.
Just as Sabrina thought that perhaps he didn’t have any other questions, he spoke up.
“Don’t you recognize me?”
Sabrina’s heart jumped. Was this someone she knew? She scrutinized him carefully, but no, he didn’t seem familiar at all.
“No, I don’t, should I?”
“Nope, just wondered what you would say!” and the old man laughed.
Sabrina shook her head, this guy was crazy.
“Here is an easy one for you. Do you know who won the International Polo Cup back in 1876?”
Sabrina almost lost her balance as she turned to look at him. “You are crazy, aren’t you! How could I possibly know that!” Her hands went up in the air as she shook her head.
“Its not really looking like you will get across the bridge today, missy, is it?”
Sabrina wasn’t quite sure what to say and she watched him take some rocks and throw them as they skipped across the water. They chatted about other things for a little. How he enjoyed the woods and how she liked the beach. He talked about how life was so different way back when he was a child and she found it interesting to hear his tales. She actually forgot that she was trying to get across the bridge, as they kept chatting.
As they skipped some more rocks, she happened to glance at her watch.
“Oh My, I didn’t realize the time. I gotta go, or I will be late for work this evening.”
“Do you want to take a short cut back home?” the old man asked.
“A shortcut?” she looked at him quizzically.
“Yes, there is a hidden tunnel I could show you.”
“Really??”
The man slapped his knee with his hand and started laughing.
“No, there isn’t a tunnel that I know of, but your eyes sure did get big!”
Sabrina made a face at him but couldn’t help to let out a laugh. “You are one interesting character, old man! i gotta go, but perhaps I will be back again. I don’t need to cross the bridge, maybe we can just chat again and skip some rocks, if that’s okay with you.”
“I am often here at this time of day, so come by whenever you want. I do have one more question for you.”
Sabrina raised her eyebrows, “Really, one that I can actually answer?”
“Perhaps.” and his eyes crinkled.
Sabrina laughed. “I will see you later, take care, old man.”
“You too, missy”, he said, with a wink and a smile.
The sun wasn’t shining bright, but it was still a nice day to be outside. The air was calm and the tufted titmouse was singing its song, from its perch, in the blushing pink Dogwood tree.
Sabrina took a deep breath in of the Spring air, smiling, as she continued her walk. She had no real destination. She had just decided that she needed a walk to clear her brain and what better way was there, than to be out in nature.
She continued walking and ended up walking out of her neighborhood and into a lush green meadow, with an array of different colored tulips. The bees buzzed around her as they flew from flower to flower. She watched them as they intently went about their business paying no heed to her, they had work to do. She watched the little spotted ladybug crawling up a stem. While taking a break and sitting down, she felt something crawling on her leg. Looked down to see a little green caterpillar inching its way across her leg.
So many little things to notice, if one just take the time and opens their eyes. She spied some brown speckled mushrooms and wondered if tiny fairies really did live under them.
After resting for a bit, she got up on her feet and continued her walk. Leaving the meadow she wandered down the hill, and around the bend. Up ahead she saw a bridge with an older man sitting on it, staring out into the water running under the bridge. She figured she would walk over to him and possibly strike up a conversation. She was in no hurry, so why not.
As she kept walking towards the bridge she saw the man turn his head and look directly at her. He kept staring as she walked closer, and he wasn’t showing any hint of a smile. Sabrina felt herself getting a little nervous, but being a curious person by nature she kept walking.
“Stop!” the man said, just as she was about to set foot on the bridge.
Sabrina’s eyes widened in shock, and she quickly came to a stop in front of him.
“Where are you headed?” The man gruffly asked.
“Well before you so rudely stopped me, I was headed across the bridge.” Sabrina retorted, sounding braver than she felt.
“Why do you want to cross the bridge,” the man asked with a little gruffer tone.
Sabrina paused a moment and then without batting an eye, “To get to the other side of course!”
The man didn’t respond right away, as Sabrina tried to give him her most stern look, which was hard, for she wasn’t stern very often.
“A little sassy, aren’t you!” the man replied. Sabrina said nothing, as she tried to hold her stare.
“Well since you think you are so clever, here is the deal. You must answer some questions of mine, and if answered to my satisfaction, I will allow you to cross the bridge.”
Some questions, thought Sabrina, how hard could his questions really be. She was up to a challenge.
Giving him a coy smile she said, “No problem, I will answer your questions, give it your best shot, old man.”
At her reply the man’s face gave its first hint of a smile. ” Not so quick missy…”
Before he could continue, she interrupted and said, “My name is Sabrina, old man!”
The old man let out a laugh, with a gleam in his eyes. “What I was saying, young missy, ” giving her a sly smile. “You will need to answer some questions in order to cross the bridge. For now though, you need to return home, tomorrow I will begin with the questions.”
“Tomorrow!” Sabrina replied, ” Why must I wait?”
“Because…” said the man,” Now be off and I will see you tomorrow, unless you want to back down and change your mind.”
Sabrina narrowed her eyes and stuck out her chin, “I’m not changing my mind, I will see you tomorrow….” and she turned to walk away. Looking back over her shoulder she said, “Goodbye for now, old man!”
**Okay my friends, what questions would you ask Sabrina? Got to give your quarantined brains a little exercise. Share your questions below, do you think she will be able to answer them or will she find herself stuck, and unable to cross the bridge? **
21 years ago I had the precious gift of becoming a MOM! Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter … Work gave her the day off… (and the day before … and the day before that … and …. Hey, 21 is a special age! :)) What were you doing when you were 21?
2020: When CV caused school closure, which caused some parents to practice homeschooling their little ones, which created a deeper appreciation for teachers!
2020: When you got to know the people living in your house, for you all weren’t rushing out the door at various times throughout the day!
photo from Pinterest
There was a meeting of the gnomes one night. They were talking about the “Tall people.” They hadn’t noticed them around as much, and were wondering what had happened. Usually they were busy hiding from them during the day, as their big feet traipsed through the woods and meadows. None of them wanted to get stomped on. There were some brazen gnomes, who bragged that they weren’t scared of no funny “tall people”and they wouldn’t hide. They would get right in the path of the “tall people” and sadly some of them were never seen again.
“Have they gone away?” one young gnome asked. “Why haven’t we seen them?”
“They haven’t totally disappeared, for I have seen some of them. Though they are usually alone now or else with just one other person. Haven’t seen groups of them. They were always easier to hide from before, for you could hear them coming. ” said an older gnome as he stroked his beard.
“I had a real close call last night.” said Hermie, “I got away from a big foot right in the nick of time. One of the “tall people” were out with their camera taking pictures of the sky.”
Little Jubi spoke up, “Well I almost got stepped on during the day when a “tall person” was out walking their dog. The dog was really big, and I thought for sure I was a goner.
“I am sure they all will be up and out again in a bit. Perhaps they are just taking a break for now.” said one.
They all shrugged their shoulders, for no one really knew what had caused less “tall people” to be out and about.
“I am sure they will be out and about once again in time, we can’t let our guard down. Though I am wondering if they are starting to go a little crazy.” said Kiki
LuLu laughed, “Starting to go crazy….I think they been crazy for awhile!” The others joined in her laughter.
“True! But the other day there was one really “tall person” traipsing through the woods and he was talking to himself. He was saying how he was going to catch a unicorn! Silly guy! Those unicorns are smart, they won’t let themselves be seen by “tall people.” ”
All the others agreed.
“Well we could spend all night discussing the crazy things about the “tall people” and we still wouldn’t figure them out.”
They all agreed and they went back to watching the stars, chatting with the fairies and watching the unicorns dance.
Little Hermie wondered as he watched, what do the “tall people” do to relax? Whatever it was, he didn’t think it could compare to watching his favorite fairy dance. He smiled, as he caught her eye and gave her a wink, underneath the moonlit sky.
Who would have known that the year that we didn’t have to worry about snow days due to a record breaking winter of barely any snow, that there would be more missed school days than we have ever had!
Who would have thought that in a time of peace that the Olympic Games would be postponed, they have been postponed before in times of war, WW1 and WW2.
Who would have thought ….
No one knew what this year was going to bring, and we don’t know what the future holds, but we have today, to live, love and laugh! Embrace the day and look for the sun amidst the clouds. If you are looking, you will find it!
Thanks to Mitch for this quote and Number 10. http://mitchteemley.com/2020/03/21/dont-just-survive-live/
What color do you want? 🙂
