As most know, I am not allowed to drive due to my epilepsy. When E graduated high school early and went off to college--there went my chauffeur! Then we moved. When we bought our house, we paid close attention to the area--in fact we drew a circle with a 2 mi. diameter from the town center and determined to find a house within that circle so that I could walk or possibly eventually bike into town and have some independence. We are 2 mi. from the center of town. And I have walked it many times. Then I bought my bike, and right from the start I did better on my bike than walking. I traveled thus on my own all winter. A month ago it hit the papers--our traffic light crossing the state highway between us and the town center is going to be turned off in Sept. For most, this will be a major inconvenience. For me, it means I will lose my independence. Now R is driving, but he will be in school, so I will have to get rides everywhere.
So...I am now in charge of the petition to keep the light on until they[ODOT] at least decides what they are going to do there--there's talk of an overpass, or maybe right hand turn lanes so that people can get onto the Hwy [from our major road] or off [going into the business district of town], or who knows what other ideas they have? I have also volunteered to be the proofreader for our town's website. In any case, I was invited to this evening's anual gala to honor volunteers and hand out various awards. I thought I'd know only the one person who invited me, and meet the other who'd invited me over the phone, but I knew a bunch of people! It was fun.
So, I am now:
1] spear-heading our last ditch efforts to keep our traffic light [and no jokes about fighting 'city hall'. We are on the same side!];
2] proof-reading our town's website; [I am a much better proof reader than typist!]
3] knitting baby hats for a church project;
4] doing two days/mo at the local Family History Center;
5] working on the Ward's major production Nativity Pageant;
6] and I really need to start on the chair!
I guess I have enough to keep me out of trouble, yes? But, see what I have to loose with the light? access to eveything but the website!!![Anybody want to sign a petition?] oh, and the chair--so at least that would get done. Sigh:(
Friday, April 28, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
chairs
I have a rocking chair. It is not technically mine, nor has it been for the past 3 1/2 years. It is Sariah's--ever since Aiden was born. So why do I have it? Two reasons: A] dificulty in transport, and B] she hasn't the room for it. I am so sad about it as I am afraid she will lose her good rocking chair years without it. You see, it is a special chair. I rocked Sariah--and all her younger siblings in that chair.
My mother rocked me [oldest daughter] and all my siblings in that chair. She and her brother were also rocked in that chair.
In fact, her mother, Alma, [the oldest girl] was rocked in that chair as were all her siblings, a total of five children. So far, that is four generations without Sariah's kids! Now, I just found a glitz in my family history program (guess what I'll be working on in the next week) and don't have the generatuions spelled out, but if my memory serves me correctly [always a big if, but this is going back in time, so chances are good] Alma's mother was Margaret Pinion, whose father was Nicholas Pinion, wife Katherine{?or some form of that name] Bierman [who also had five or six kids] and it was her parents who brought the chair over from Germany. [They had at least two or three children who came over and could have left more in Germany for all I know--this chair has been USED!] It was originally a cane chair, not even a rocker, but that Grandpa Bierman was a wood carver, and he added the rockers and a carved piece ubder the seat and atop the back. His wife did the needle point seat cushion and back (changing out the cane). This bring us to a total of 6 generations in the rocker, and who knows how many more before it was a rocker.
When the chair came to me, I knew I would have to do repairs, so thirty years ago I learned to needlepoint. I still need to make a new seat. Now it also needs a new back. Plan A was to copy what the original pattern was. But it is no longer visible for much of the seat.
Once, when we moved when I was a young child, the carved back piece broke off. My Dad [not a sentimental bone in his body] threw it away! My Mom cried whenever she thought about it.
So, what do I do?? Follow Plan A??? OR
At a local antique store there is a chair with similar carvings on it and similar needlepoint. It is probably a 1930's or 40's reproduction--but that serves to keep the price down. I really want that chair. I have the perfect place for it in my dining room. I have been visiting the chair regularly now for about six months. Peggy, the store owner, says she thinks the chair is waiting for me, because a piece like that usually disapears quickly, but no one seems to even 'see' it but me. Hubby said that I could get it after we receive our tax returns...so...
Plan B] I could use the pattern of this chair to do the seat and back for the rocking chair . I really need some opinions quickly--especially from Sariah as she is going to need the chair for
# 3 fairly soon, and I really want her to have the chair, which is by rights hers. But if I am going to continue to keep it, then it'd kinda be nice to match it...
Help me to make up my mind...please!!!
My mother rocked me [oldest daughter] and all my siblings in that chair. She and her brother were also rocked in that chair.
In fact, her mother, Alma, [the oldest girl] was rocked in that chair as were all her siblings, a total of five children. So far, that is four generations without Sariah's kids! Now, I just found a glitz in my family history program (guess what I'll be working on in the next week) and don't have the generatuions spelled out, but if my memory serves me correctly [always a big if, but this is going back in time, so chances are good] Alma's mother was Margaret Pinion, whose father was Nicholas Pinion, wife Katherine{?or some form of that name] Bierman [who also had five or six kids] and it was her parents who brought the chair over from Germany. [They had at least two or three children who came over and could have left more in Germany for all I know--this chair has been USED!] It was originally a cane chair, not even a rocker, but that Grandpa Bierman was a wood carver, and he added the rockers and a carved piece ubder the seat and atop the back. His wife did the needle point seat cushion and back (changing out the cane). This bring us to a total of 6 generations in the rocker, and who knows how many more before it was a rocker.
When the chair came to me, I knew I would have to do repairs, so thirty years ago I learned to needlepoint. I still need to make a new seat. Now it also needs a new back. Plan A was to copy what the original pattern was. But it is no longer visible for much of the seat.
Once, when we moved when I was a young child, the carved back piece broke off. My Dad [not a sentimental bone in his body] threw it away! My Mom cried whenever she thought about it.
So, what do I do?? Follow Plan A??? OR
At a local antique store there is a chair with similar carvings on it and similar needlepoint. It is probably a 1930's or 40's reproduction--but that serves to keep the price down. I really want that chair. I have the perfect place for it in my dining room. I have been visiting the chair regularly now for about six months. Peggy, the store owner, says she thinks the chair is waiting for me, because a piece like that usually disapears quickly, but no one seems to even 'see' it but me. Hubby said that I could get it after we receive our tax returns...so...
Plan B] I could use the pattern of this chair to do the seat and back for the rocking chair . I really need some opinions quickly--especially from Sariah as she is going to need the chair for
# 3 fairly soon, and I really want her to have the chair, which is by rights hers. But if I am going to continue to keep it, then it'd kinda be nice to match it...
Help me to make up my mind...please!!!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Tag, I'm It
I AM: tired, but still have stuff I want to do today
I WANT: Financial security[can't beat Sariah's answer there!]
I WISH: I could visit my kids and grandkids as easily as picking up the phone to talk to them [I'm awating Scooty's 'beam'
I HATE: anti-war protestors, especially when they say" I support the troops" but turnaround and really support the enemy by going against our national policy,
I MISS: my kids, and grandkids;
I FEAR: fire and unemployment
I HEAR: the clock ticking
I WONDER: how I can accomplish all that I want to do;
I REGRET: past stupid decisions that affected others;
I AM NOT: as obedient or as good as I want to be;
I DANCE: to my Italian music, or sitting down, and don't care that my family fins me puzzo (mad)
I SING:in choir, in church and whenever I can...also to drive my kids crazy
I CRY: at way too much stuff;
I AM NOT ALWAYS:the kind of person I want to be;
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: mostly a mess!
I WRITE: because I enjoy the release ; I
I CONFUSE: anything to do with numbers;
I NEED:sleep;
I SHOULD: get to bed now.
I START: too much
I FINISH: eventually
I TAG: Angel, Marisa (dare you!) Erica, and anyone else who wants to do this one
I WANT: Financial security[can't beat Sariah's answer there!]
I WISH: I could visit my kids and grandkids as easily as picking up the phone to talk to them [I'm awating Scooty's 'beam'
I HATE: anti-war protestors, especially when they say" I support the troops" but turnaround and really support the enemy by going against our national policy,
I MISS: my kids, and grandkids;
I FEAR: fire and unemployment
I HEAR: the clock ticking
I WONDER: how I can accomplish all that I want to do;
I REGRET: past stupid decisions that affected others;
I AM NOT: as obedient or as good as I want to be;
I DANCE: to my Italian music, or sitting down, and don't care that my family fins me puzzo (mad)
I SING:in choir, in church and whenever I can...also to drive my kids crazy
I CRY: at way too much stuff;
I AM NOT ALWAYS:the kind of person I want to be;
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: mostly a mess!
I WRITE: because I enjoy the release ; I
I CONFUSE: anything to do with numbers;
I NEED:sleep;
I SHOULD: get to bed now.
I START: too much
I FINISH: eventually
I TAG: Angel, Marisa (dare you!) Erica, and anyone else who wants to do this one
Monday, April 24, 2006
Random Thoughts (Yet, Again)
I am a scatter brain. That is all there is to it, so I will stick to randomness for awhile.
Spring has sprung, and garage sale season has begun. Our next-door neighbor had such a sale this past weekend. I went over to warn against parking opposite our driveway with Richard just learning to drive, and noticed the sports bobble heads.
R. has wanted a hockey bobble-head for years. They had just one: Steve Yzerman, Captain of the Detroit Red Wings, and R's Oilers are currently battling the Wings in the current playoff series. In fact, the main event yesterday at our house was seemingly "The Game" as it was televised here. (Stake Conference really was more important, but...) So, I let R go ahead and get the bobble-head. He threatened it's life--it's head--throughout the game. Good thing the Oilers won!
Our ward Relief Society is knitting hats for the church's humanitarian needs. It is really quite simple. They are done on round looms, so even a one-handed person such as myself can do it. I've been making about one per day, but did two yesterday: one during the game, then another as we watched The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
I thought the film was beautifully done. I also thought it quite true to the book, though it is admitidly a very long time since I read the books. It is well worth watching, and if we owned it, it would reside on our church films shelf, because it belongs there...sorta. R recognized it right away.
I am recovering from my fall in Boston--went out on my bike today and did quite well, until I stopped to talk to my neighbor, at which point I fell--onto the grass, so it was an easy landing for a change. Sigh.
I now have the Official word. Elder Jenson, our visiting authority for Conf made a side comment when complimenting the flute solo of one of the men for leadership meeting, that he, himself, played cornet, and that hearing him was probably the reason brass instruments were banned from Sacrament Meetings. So afterwards, I asked him about it, and he said that yes, brass instruments were not to be part of Sacrament Meeting, but they could otherwise be played in the chapel.
As we look forward to J's return home, I learned today of a local C-W boy just arrived in Iraq.
So our community is pulling together to try to fully support him. He is in an area rather different from J's. He does not apparantly have access to a BX as did J, so he will need more actual, physical stuff supporting him in his unit. This is a new objective of mine.
Now, my turn on the computer is really over, so I end :)
And, L, I remembered to do the comments allowed thing:D
Spring has sprung, and garage sale season has begun. Our next-door neighbor had such a sale this past weekend. I went over to warn against parking opposite our driveway with Richard just learning to drive, and noticed the sports bobble heads.
R. has wanted a hockey bobble-head for years. They had just one: Steve Yzerman, Captain of the Detroit Red Wings, and R's Oilers are currently battling the Wings in the current playoff series. In fact, the main event yesterday at our house was seemingly "The Game" as it was televised here. (Stake Conference really was more important, but...) So, I let R go ahead and get the bobble-head. He threatened it's life--it's head--throughout the game. Good thing the Oilers won!
Our ward Relief Society is knitting hats for the church's humanitarian needs. It is really quite simple. They are done on round looms, so even a one-handed person such as myself can do it. I've been making about one per day, but did two yesterday: one during the game, then another as we watched The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
I thought the film was beautifully done. I also thought it quite true to the book, though it is admitidly a very long time since I read the books. It is well worth watching, and if we owned it, it would reside on our church films shelf, because it belongs there...sorta. R recognized it right away.
I am recovering from my fall in Boston--went out on my bike today and did quite well, until I stopped to talk to my neighbor, at which point I fell--onto the grass, so it was an easy landing for a change. Sigh.
I now have the Official word. Elder Jenson, our visiting authority for Conf made a side comment when complimenting the flute solo of one of the men for leadership meeting, that he, himself, played cornet, and that hearing him was probably the reason brass instruments were banned from Sacrament Meetings. So afterwards, I asked him about it, and he said that yes, brass instruments were not to be part of Sacrament Meeting, but they could otherwise be played in the chapel.
As we look forward to J's return home, I learned today of a local C-W boy just arrived in Iraq.
So our community is pulling together to try to fully support him. He is in an area rather different from J's. He does not apparantly have access to a BX as did J, so he will need more actual, physical stuff supporting him in his unit. This is a new objective of mine.
Now, my turn on the computer is really over, so I end :)
And, L, I remembered to do the comments allowed thing:D
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Random Saturday??
Well, somehow I missed Random Friday, so here is a late stab at it (tho. technically it is actually Sumday, so this will hopefully be short).
I have been keeping a low profile since returning home from Boston. I had a double fall on the way to the T for the last time. The major injuries are pretty much cleared up now, but I still have a lovely bruise on one knee--from the second fall (when I was trying to prove I could get up--I lost.) and and still scabbed on the other. A little pain remains in my chest, but my ribs aren't really sore at all anymore. So. you see, E., I am/was OK--just takes a little time!
I have not been bike riding yet as I didn't really trust my balance, but I did walk a couple miles the other day. I got a ride to my Thurs class, then had my ride drop me at the post office after--I needed to go there, and it is just unde two miles home--I needed the exercise. A couple days before that I walked all around our growing neighborhood. Had to scope it out for driving lesson purposes. Previously I did go to choir practice, but missed Enrichement--I just plain forgot about it! So I'm 0 for 2 this year--but I go to all the mini classes--well, most... I go to the Book of Mormon classes twice a month--it's a great study group. I went to the cass to learn how to knit on the round looms. We are making hats for the humanitarian kits--premie and newborn sizes.
I go to the monthly cultures/craft class. Of course I missed Ireland while in Boston--but have the paper with directions for it. We did Mexico this month, and I already knew how to do the confetti eggs and tin punch lanterns, but learned how to and made two tin cut out ornaments. (We make a few small crafts each time as we learn about the country's holiday customs, and at the end of the year, will be able to decorate a Christmas tree with our international crafts. It's really pretty cool.) I would like to do the travel Ohio thing--but it is on Saturdays, and that is the day set aside for hockey. So I'm hoping that with a couple drivers home this summer, we can do some exploring on our own.
Speaking of driving. ..R is doing quite well. He wishes he didn't have to tho! Day One Conversation...We were around the block from our house, and R says to me," Why do I have to learn to drive now? Can't I wait until I'm, oh, forty five?"
I reminded him that he would want to drive on that date with M when he turns 16..."Oh, right." And the lesson continued.
I got s special present for R in Boston, and it is in ...Boston! I left my bag of presents in E's room, so she is going to have to send the shirts on before they are outgrown. The other present is for Dad for his birthday, which isn't for awhile yet, so E can just bring it.
I am excited for the coming week--Stake Conf in the am--and I'm in the choir--we're singing two numbers. Then we are all holding our breath hoping the long awaited ward line redrawing will be announced. We'll see... Tues. I get to have a shift in the FHC. Genealogy--I am doing it! On Thurs. I am going to Visit Teach R who is just 18 and this will be her first time to be Visit Taught. We already get along quite well. She gets out of school early that day, so we're going to meet at our local "Luke's" for desert and VT. Thurs eve something is going on--I forget what...and Sat VT/HT with K a less active but thouroughly delightful lady. Then onto hockey...which brings me full circle to today's events:)
Hopefully I can get out on my bike this week--I've things to do, places to go, people to see. OK, so I want to go to the hardware store! That counts!
So should we put up a welcome home sign for Jesse? He is not coming here, but we've had our yellow ribbon up, and doesn't the neighborhood deserve to know that he is home? I'm thinking, yes. So, the sign will go up. pics will be taken, and if I can manage to do so, I'll post some pics. I know...don't hold your breathe.
Well, R is bummed because the Oilers lost their first playoff game, but the rest of the family can rejoice as both the Flames (Yay, Calgary!) and the Devils (Yay, Brodeur!--cousin of our cousin!) won their games. Not so amazingly, I can tell all the specifics of the Oilers game...and tomorrow's will be televised here--so don't expect to talk to anyone but Dad if you call after 2:oo (I'm promised to watch with R.)
I completed the most fascinating book this week. It actually came from my physicist bro-in-law,P. It is all about measuring and the development of measuring along with the development of Western Society--and math. Not being a math person (horrors!) I did not expect to read the whole book, but it was great! Now we all know that music is tied to math--but I had no idea how much til reading this book--a whole section devoted to the development of written music. Having been taught to read Gregorian chant in my youth, it was especially intreaguing. Then the chapter on art...and we'd just spent a day in the art museum in Boston--and my favorites are the medeival and early Rennaissance... so I was well prepped. Next I pulled from my shelf a novel that Has been on my "get around to it" list for awhile, entitled The Birth of Venus. It takes place in Rennaissance Florence and deals largely (thus far) with art. I love when things come together...
One example of what I learned that surprised me. During the Middle Ages, the day was divided into 12 hours. So was the night. Year round. This required elastic hours...think about it--the hours of the summer were longer than the daytime hours of the winter! A most interesting way of doing things, but it did make a sort of sense.
Wow, when that makes sense, maybe it is time to take advantage of those nighttime hours and go to bed--have to ne at the stake center at 9:00 am...Good night!
I have been keeping a low profile since returning home from Boston. I had a double fall on the way to the T for the last time. The major injuries are pretty much cleared up now, but I still have a lovely bruise on one knee--from the second fall (when I was trying to prove I could get up--I lost.) and and still scabbed on the other. A little pain remains in my chest, but my ribs aren't really sore at all anymore. So. you see, E., I am/was OK--just takes a little time!
I have not been bike riding yet as I didn't really trust my balance, but I did walk a couple miles the other day. I got a ride to my Thurs class, then had my ride drop me at the post office after--I needed to go there, and it is just unde two miles home--I needed the exercise. A couple days before that I walked all around our growing neighborhood. Had to scope it out for driving lesson purposes. Previously I did go to choir practice, but missed Enrichement--I just plain forgot about it! So I'm 0 for 2 this year--but I go to all the mini classes--well, most... I go to the Book of Mormon classes twice a month--it's a great study group. I went to the cass to learn how to knit on the round looms. We are making hats for the humanitarian kits--premie and newborn sizes.
I go to the monthly cultures/craft class. Of course I missed Ireland while in Boston--but have the paper with directions for it. We did Mexico this month, and I already knew how to do the confetti eggs and tin punch lanterns, but learned how to and made two tin cut out ornaments. (We make a few small crafts each time as we learn about the country's holiday customs, and at the end of the year, will be able to decorate a Christmas tree with our international crafts. It's really pretty cool.) I would like to do the travel Ohio thing--but it is on Saturdays, and that is the day set aside for hockey. So I'm hoping that with a couple drivers home this summer, we can do some exploring on our own.
Speaking of driving. ..R is doing quite well. He wishes he didn't have to tho! Day One Conversation...We were around the block from our house, and R says to me," Why do I have to learn to drive now? Can't I wait until I'm, oh, forty five?"
I reminded him that he would want to drive on that date with M when he turns 16..."Oh, right." And the lesson continued.
I got s special present for R in Boston, and it is in ...Boston! I left my bag of presents in E's room, so she is going to have to send the shirts on before they are outgrown. The other present is for Dad for his birthday, which isn't for awhile yet, so E can just bring it.
I am excited for the coming week--Stake Conf in the am--and I'm in the choir--we're singing two numbers. Then we are all holding our breath hoping the long awaited ward line redrawing will be announced. We'll see... Tues. I get to have a shift in the FHC. Genealogy--I am doing it! On Thurs. I am going to Visit Teach R who is just 18 and this will be her first time to be Visit Taught. We already get along quite well. She gets out of school early that day, so we're going to meet at our local "Luke's" for desert and VT. Thurs eve something is going on--I forget what...and Sat VT/HT with K a less active but thouroughly delightful lady. Then onto hockey...which brings me full circle to today's events:)
Hopefully I can get out on my bike this week--I've things to do, places to go, people to see. OK, so I want to go to the hardware store! That counts!
So should we put up a welcome home sign for Jesse? He is not coming here, but we've had our yellow ribbon up, and doesn't the neighborhood deserve to know that he is home? I'm thinking, yes. So, the sign will go up. pics will be taken, and if I can manage to do so, I'll post some pics. I know...don't hold your breathe.
Well, R is bummed because the Oilers lost their first playoff game, but the rest of the family can rejoice as both the Flames (Yay, Calgary!) and the Devils (Yay, Brodeur!--cousin of our cousin!) won their games. Not so amazingly, I can tell all the specifics of the Oilers game...and tomorrow's will be televised here--so don't expect to talk to anyone but Dad if you call after 2:oo (I'm promised to watch with R.)
I completed the most fascinating book this week. It actually came from my physicist bro-in-law,P. It is all about measuring and the development of measuring along with the development of Western Society--and math. Not being a math person (horrors!) I did not expect to read the whole book, but it was great! Now we all know that music is tied to math--but I had no idea how much til reading this book--a whole section devoted to the development of written music. Having been taught to read Gregorian chant in my youth, it was especially intreaguing. Then the chapter on art...and we'd just spent a day in the art museum in Boston--and my favorites are the medeival and early Rennaissance... so I was well prepped. Next I pulled from my shelf a novel that Has been on my "get around to it" list for awhile, entitled The Birth of Venus. It takes place in Rennaissance Florence and deals largely (thus far) with art. I love when things come together...
One example of what I learned that surprised me. During the Middle Ages, the day was divided into 12 hours. So was the night. Year round. This required elastic hours...think about it--the hours of the summer were longer than the daytime hours of the winter! A most interesting way of doing things, but it did make a sort of sense.
Wow, when that makes sense, maybe it is time to take advantage of those nighttime hours and go to bed--have to ne at the stake center at 9:00 am...Good night!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Another old topic
We have had discussions going on various blogs about child predators...I received this from a friend and thought there are so many to whom I'd like to pass it along, so am reprinting it here:
(I will try to put back the correct spacing and paragraphs, but errors are mine, so please beforgiving:)
NOTE: Be sure to read this completely - then - if you like you can toss but read first. For those of you with children and/or grandchildren, please take note. !!!!!
Shannon could hear the footsteps behind her as she walked toward home. The thought of being followed made her heart beat faster. "You're being silly, she told herself, "no one is following you." To be safe, she began to walk faster, but the footsteps kept up with her pace. She was afraid to look back and she was glad she was almost home. Shannon said a quick prayer, "God please get me home safe." She saw the porch light burning and she leaned against the door for a moment, relieved to be in the safety of her home. She glanced out the window to see if anyone was there. The sidewalk was empty.
After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged on under her screen name ByAngel213. She checked her Buddy List and saw GoTo123 was on.She sent him an instant message:
By Angel213:Hi. I'm glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird!
GoTo123:LOL You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don't you live in a safe neighborhood?
ByAngel213:Of course I do. LOL I guess it was my imagination cuz' I didn't see anybody when I looked out.
GoTo123:Unless you gave your name out on-line. You haven't done that have you?
ByAngel213:Of course not. I'm not stupid you know.
GoTo123:Did you have a softball game after school today?
ByAngel213:Yes and we won!!
GoTo123:That's great! Who did you play?
ByAngel213:We played the Hornets. LOL. Their uniforms are so gross! They look like bees. LOL
GoTo123:What is your team called?
ByAngel213:We are the Canton Cats. We have tiger paws on our uniforms. They are really cool.
GoTo123:Did you pitch?
ByAngel213:No I play second base. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents get home. I don't want them mad at me. Bye!
GoTo123:Catch you later. Bye.
Meanwhile.....GoTo123 went to the member menu and began to search for her profile. When it came up, he highlighted it and printed it out. He took out a pen and began to write down what he knew about Angel so far.Her name: ShannonBirthday: Jan. 3, 1985Age: 13State where she lived: North CarolinaHobbies: softball, chorus, skating and going to the mall.Besides this information, he knew she lived in Canton because she had just told him. He knew she stayed by herself until 6:30 p.m. every afternoon until her parents came home from work. He knew she played softball on Thursday afternoons on the school team, and the team was named the Canton Cats. Her favorite number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she was in the eight grade at the Canton Junior High School. She had told him all this in the conversations they had on- line. He had enough information to find her now.
Shannon didn't tell her parents about the incident on the way home from the ball park that day. She didn't want them to make a scene and stop her from walking home from the softball games. Parents were always overreacting and hers were the worst. It made her wish she was not an only child. Maybe if she had brothers and sisters, her parents wouldn't be so overprotective.By Thursday, Shannon had forgotten about the footsteps following her. Her game was in full swing when suddenly she felt someone staring at her. It was then that the memory came back. She glanced up from her second base position to see a man watching her closely.He was leaning against the fence behind first base and he smiled when she looked at him. He didn't look scary and she quickly dismissed the fear she had felt.After the game, he sat on a bleacher while she talked to the coach. She noticed his smile once again as she walked past him. He nodded and she smiled back. He noticed her name on the back of her shirt. He knew he had found her. Quietly, he walked a safe distance behind her. It was only a few blocks to Shannon's home, and once he saw where she lived he quickly returned to the park to get his car.
Now he had to wait. He decided to get a bite to eat until the time came to go to Shannon's house. He drove to a fast food restaurant and sat there until time to make his move.Shannon was in her room later that evening when she heard voices in the living room.
"Shannon, come here," her father called. He sounded upset and she couldn't imagine why. She went into the room to see the man from the ballpark sitting on the sofa."Sit down," her father began, "this man has just told us a most interesting story about you."
Shannon sat back. How could he tell her parents anything? She had never seen him before today!"
Do you know who I am, Shannon?" the man asked.
"No," Shannon answered."I am a police officer and your online friend, GoTo123."
Shannon was stunned. "That's impossible! GoTo is a kid my age! He's 14 and he lives in Michigan!"
The man smiled. "I know I told you all that, but it wasn't true. You see, Shannon, there are people on-line who pretend to be kids; I was one of them. But while others do it to find kids and hurt them, I belong to a group of parents who do it to protect kids from predators. I came here to find you to teach you how dangerous it is to talk to people on-line. You told me enough about yourself to make it easy for me to find you. Your name the school you went to, the name of your ball team and the position you played. The number and name on your jersey just made finding you a breeze."
Shannon was stunned. "You mean you don't live in Michigan?"
He laughed. "No, I live in Raleigh. It made you feel safe to think I was so far away, didn't it?"She nodded.
"I had a friend whose daughter was like you. Only she wasn't as lucky. The guy found her and murdered her while she was home alone. Kids are taught not to tell anyone when they are alone, yet they do it all the time on-line. The wrong people trick you into giving out information a little here and there on-line. Before you know it, you have told them enough for them to find you without even realizing you have done it. I hope you've learned a lesson from this and won't do it again. Tell others about this so they will be safe too?"
"It's a promise!"
*****NOW*****
Please send this to as many people as you can to teach them not to give any information about themselves. This world we live in today is too dangerous to even give out your age, let alone anything else. EVEN FORWARD THIS TO PEOPLE WITHOUT KIDS SO THEY CAN SEND IT TO FRIENDS THAT DO HAVE CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN.....
This is me, Allrie, now. We on our blogs are often too free with info as well. I hope that we are not too foolish, and that we are not setting ourselves or our friends up for a world of hurt. I also know that real good can come from online friendships and chats as well. My older son many years ago spent hour after hour with a young woman on line. If all she said was true--and there was no reason to doubt it, he helped talk her through a major bout of depression in which time she would otherwise have tried to kill herself, but with his intervention, she found help instead.
I've friends who met online and have had several years of a happy marriage thus far. I certainly enjoy talking to my "blog friends" even tho I realize I am old in comparison to most of you. I like the not so diredtidness way to communicate with my own children as well their friends. I just share this because of al we've heard ;ately about myspace.com in the news. (My youngest kids have accounts there, but tell me they don't really like the site. Also that there is essentially no regulation there.)
(I will try to put back the correct spacing and paragraphs, but errors are mine, so please beforgiving:)
NOTE: Be sure to read this completely - then - if you like you can toss but read first. For those of you with children and/or grandchildren, please take note. !!!!!
Shannon could hear the footsteps behind her as she walked toward home. The thought of being followed made her heart beat faster. "You're being silly, she told herself, "no one is following you." To be safe, she began to walk faster, but the footsteps kept up with her pace. She was afraid to look back and she was glad she was almost home. Shannon said a quick prayer, "God please get me home safe." She saw the porch light burning and she leaned against the door for a moment, relieved to be in the safety of her home. She glanced out the window to see if anyone was there. The sidewalk was empty.
After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged on under her screen name ByAngel213. She checked her Buddy List and saw GoTo123 was on.She sent him an instant message:
By Angel213:Hi. I'm glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird!
GoTo123:LOL You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don't you live in a safe neighborhood?
ByAngel213:Of course I do. LOL I guess it was my imagination cuz' I didn't see anybody when I looked out.
GoTo123:Unless you gave your name out on-line. You haven't done that have you?
ByAngel213:Of course not. I'm not stupid you know.
GoTo123:Did you have a softball game after school today?
ByAngel213:Yes and we won!!
GoTo123:That's great! Who did you play?
ByAngel213:We played the Hornets. LOL. Their uniforms are so gross! They look like bees. LOL
GoTo123:What is your team called?
ByAngel213:We are the Canton Cats. We have tiger paws on our uniforms. They are really cool.
GoTo123:Did you pitch?
ByAngel213:No I play second base. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents get home. I don't want them mad at me. Bye!
GoTo123:Catch you later. Bye.
Meanwhile.....GoTo123 went to the member menu and began to search for her profile. When it came up, he highlighted it and printed it out. He took out a pen and began to write down what he knew about Angel so far.Her name: ShannonBirthday: Jan. 3, 1985Age: 13State where she lived: North CarolinaHobbies: softball, chorus, skating and going to the mall.Besides this information, he knew she lived in Canton because she had just told him. He knew she stayed by herself until 6:30 p.m. every afternoon until her parents came home from work. He knew she played softball on Thursday afternoons on the school team, and the team was named the Canton Cats. Her favorite number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she was in the eight grade at the Canton Junior High School. She had told him all this in the conversations they had on- line. He had enough information to find her now.
Shannon didn't tell her parents about the incident on the way home from the ball park that day. She didn't want them to make a scene and stop her from walking home from the softball games. Parents were always overreacting and hers were the worst. It made her wish she was not an only child. Maybe if she had brothers and sisters, her parents wouldn't be so overprotective.By Thursday, Shannon had forgotten about the footsteps following her. Her game was in full swing when suddenly she felt someone staring at her. It was then that the memory came back. She glanced up from her second base position to see a man watching her closely.He was leaning against the fence behind first base and he smiled when she looked at him. He didn't look scary and she quickly dismissed the fear she had felt.After the game, he sat on a bleacher while she talked to the coach. She noticed his smile once again as she walked past him. He nodded and she smiled back. He noticed her name on the back of her shirt. He knew he had found her. Quietly, he walked a safe distance behind her. It was only a few blocks to Shannon's home, and once he saw where she lived he quickly returned to the park to get his car.
Now he had to wait. He decided to get a bite to eat until the time came to go to Shannon's house. He drove to a fast food restaurant and sat there until time to make his move.Shannon was in her room later that evening when she heard voices in the living room.
"Shannon, come here," her father called. He sounded upset and she couldn't imagine why. She went into the room to see the man from the ballpark sitting on the sofa."Sit down," her father began, "this man has just told us a most interesting story about you."
Shannon sat back. How could he tell her parents anything? She had never seen him before today!"
Do you know who I am, Shannon?" the man asked.
"No," Shannon answered."I am a police officer and your online friend, GoTo123."
Shannon was stunned. "That's impossible! GoTo is a kid my age! He's 14 and he lives in Michigan!"
The man smiled. "I know I told you all that, but it wasn't true. You see, Shannon, there are people on-line who pretend to be kids; I was one of them. But while others do it to find kids and hurt them, I belong to a group of parents who do it to protect kids from predators. I came here to find you to teach you how dangerous it is to talk to people on-line. You told me enough about yourself to make it easy for me to find you. Your name the school you went to, the name of your ball team and the position you played. The number and name on your jersey just made finding you a breeze."
Shannon was stunned. "You mean you don't live in Michigan?"
He laughed. "No, I live in Raleigh. It made you feel safe to think I was so far away, didn't it?"She nodded.
"I had a friend whose daughter was like you. Only she wasn't as lucky. The guy found her and murdered her while she was home alone. Kids are taught not to tell anyone when they are alone, yet they do it all the time on-line. The wrong people trick you into giving out information a little here and there on-line. Before you know it, you have told them enough for them to find you without even realizing you have done it. I hope you've learned a lesson from this and won't do it again. Tell others about this so they will be safe too?"
"It's a promise!"
*****NOW*****
Please send this to as many people as you can to teach them not to give any information about themselves. This world we live in today is too dangerous to even give out your age, let alone anything else. EVEN FORWARD THIS TO PEOPLE WITHOUT KIDS SO THEY CAN SEND IT TO FRIENDS THAT DO HAVE CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN.....
This is me, Allrie, now. We on our blogs are often too free with info as well. I hope that we are not too foolish, and that we are not setting ourselves or our friends up for a world of hurt. I also know that real good can come from online friendships and chats as well. My older son many years ago spent hour after hour with a young woman on line. If all she said was true--and there was no reason to doubt it, he helped talk her through a major bout of depression in which time she would otherwise have tried to kill herself, but with his intervention, she found help instead.
I've friends who met online and have had several years of a happy marriage thus far. I certainly enjoy talking to my "blog friends" even tho I realize I am old in comparison to most of you. I like the not so diredtidness way to communicate with my own children as well their friends. I just share this because of al we've heard ;ately about myspace.com in the news. (My youngest kids have accounts there, but tell me they don't really like the site. Also that there is essentially no regulation there.)
Immigration
I am not going to say a lot about the immigration "debate" that is ongoing, but my husband sent me an article I found illuminating, so here is the link: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49713
Be sure to go back and read the second to last paragraph again. Really amazing, eh? Plus, I'd actually forgotten the Immigration bill that really pushed us into this mess. Good review here.
Be sure to go back and read the second to last paragraph again. Really amazing, eh? Plus, I'd actually forgotten the Immigration bill that really pushed us into this mess. Good review here.
Friday, April 14, 2006
A few Random Friday thoughts:
Today is Good Friday in the liturgical year, the day we commemorate Christ's agony, passion, and death. This is not the day most LDs are concerned with, focusing rather on te Risen Christ, but I grew up differently, and can't help thinking, were it not for His voluntarily giving up His life, we would not be celebrating the Ressurrection.
***********
I love visiting my kids at school. Each one has been a very different experience. I was most interested in the Dante lecture I attended with Erica on Tues. Ashamefacedly, I admit to dozing off during the end. Slide shows + dimmed lighting + a very short night's sleep + my 'advanced'
age + not taking notes . . . just goes to prove that te rigors of college life are for the young. Tho admitedly, I probably couldn't have done it when I was young either.
************
Losing weight is really quite simple. I watch my sugars, my portions and my specific foods. Normally, it is not a big deal. Don't go to Boston and think that because you are doing lots of walking you will lose weight. There'sthe North End (Italian section) with its attendant restaurants...and pastries...yum! Then there's the Fanuil Hall area, the Quincy Market, which is like a giant food court--only with really really good food--and that is what passes for 'fast food' Boston style. Then I discovered the cranberry chocolate bars. And it was all over. I need to put myself on oatmeal for a week--but it is Easter! = candy and hard-boiled eggs=deviled eggs + eggs salad. Sigh.
**************
Last night was our quarterly RS social. I forgot about it as I was gone last Sun. This was the second one of the year. It was also the second one I missed. Sigh.
**************
R was so excited that his spring break began today, and he didn't have to get up for seminary. He woke up at 5:00 anyway. Eventually, he wnt back to sleep, only to be awakened by a "parade' of fire engins, sirens blaring as they sped past. We saw no smoke, and they returned only a few minutes later--quietly. My guess: an oven fire was called in and it was the same time as a drill, so the run was used for the drill. Very efficient, unless you happen to be the one with theoven fire. Then it is just plain embarrassing...had that happen when we lived at Chanute AFB. Took a L O N G time to live that one down. But so much better than a real fire!
*************
Fri is finished, so I will, too.
Today is Good Friday in the liturgical year, the day we commemorate Christ's agony, passion, and death. This is not the day most LDs are concerned with, focusing rather on te Risen Christ, but I grew up differently, and can't help thinking, were it not for His voluntarily giving up His life, we would not be celebrating the Ressurrection.
***********
I love visiting my kids at school. Each one has been a very different experience. I was most interested in the Dante lecture I attended with Erica on Tues. Ashamefacedly, I admit to dozing off during the end. Slide shows + dimmed lighting + a very short night's sleep + my 'advanced'
age + not taking notes . . . just goes to prove that te rigors of college life are for the young. Tho admitedly, I probably couldn't have done it when I was young either.
************
Losing weight is really quite simple. I watch my sugars, my portions and my specific foods. Normally, it is not a big deal. Don't go to Boston and think that because you are doing lots of walking you will lose weight. There'sthe North End (Italian section) with its attendant restaurants...and pastries...yum! Then there's the Fanuil Hall area, the Quincy Market, which is like a giant food court--only with really really good food--and that is what passes for 'fast food' Boston style. Then I discovered the cranberry chocolate bars. And it was all over. I need to put myself on oatmeal for a week--but it is Easter! = candy and hard-boiled eggs=deviled eggs + eggs salad. Sigh.
**************
Last night was our quarterly RS social. I forgot about it as I was gone last Sun. This was the second one of the year. It was also the second one I missed. Sigh.
**************
R was so excited that his spring break began today, and he didn't have to get up for seminary. He woke up at 5:00 anyway. Eventually, he wnt back to sleep, only to be awakened by a "parade' of fire engins, sirens blaring as they sped past. We saw no smoke, and they returned only a few minutes later--quietly. My guess: an oven fire was called in and it was the same time as a drill, so the run was used for the drill. Very efficient, unless you happen to be the one with theoven fire. Then it is just plain embarrassing...had that happen when we lived at Chanute AFB. Took a L O N G time to live that one down. But so much better than a real fire!
*************
Fri is finished, so I will, too.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Random Tought of a Random Day
It 's late, but I really want to post because I am going to visit E in Boston, and will likely not post again until I return the following Tues. Such excitement. I will travel by car to the Port Columbus Airport, then fly to Manchester, NH. take a taxi from the plane station to the train station, then ride the train to Boston. E says that altho my ticket will say "South Station" to get off one station early in Back Bay. I'm a little nervous about that, but I guess it'll all work out. I hope to catch the early afternoon train (if all goes smoothly) So I will connect with E before we need to go to Logan Airport in Boston (on the 'T') to collect my sister, coming in from San Diego. It should be quite a visit.
****
I am most concerned about finding an injury layer so we can place a good claim against the lady who hit E with her car last Sep. This is my main reason for going. The timing is because my sister already had arrangements made for herself and my sister-in-law and niece. They bombed out on her, though. They've done that before. That is how E and I ended up in NYC with my sister some years ago. We had a great time. We'll undoubtedly have a great time this trip as well. I just hope I don't slow them down too much. Mornings are increasingly hard for me to get moving--the old bones just are not so supple these days.
****
I finally finished the cabinet for the dining room. Asked how it looked yesterday, the boys were polite. R waxed enthusiastic, knowing by now that is what I am looking for. (A little self-image problem here.) His buddy, Ru, hesitantly said, " Well, not to be offensive, but it looks kind of old or antiquey..." Exactly what I was going for! He couldn't have given a better answer! After having it all pointed out to him, my hubby likes it, too. And the China Cabinet looks so much better with the crowding problem gone.
*****
All my arrangements are made to be gone...I've excused myself from Thurs am Book of Mormon class, Tues. book club, Sun choir practice, and Tues. stint in the FHC. Oops, still need a sub for my SS class. I will ask my hubby--he's such a good teacher, they may not want me back! But I think I'll take the risk, anyway. Gosh, I didn't realize how totally involved I've become! I do lead a rather busy life! I also let my friends at the rink know I wouldn't be there this Sat.
****
Today I received a phonecall from my 3 yr old grandson thanking me for the presents. It wasn't much, just a little miscellania from the Easter aisle at Walgreen's while I waited for my precription to be filled. I also wrote the boys (well, Aiden, really) all about how I knew that Easter bunny was real. I talked to him on the phone. He would call and ask for my Dad, when I politely asked who was calling, he'd say, "The Easter bunny," He did sound sorta, kinda, a little like my Uncle Thur (no real relation) who was of Scandanavian descent, and had a gazillion trolls in his house and yard. In his memory, I can't resist trolls for my yard. Other people might call them 'Garden Nomes' but I know the truth--they are trolls and they each have a different story. I just hope my memory jogs enough so that I can remember them. It was an awfully long time ago when Uncle Thur used to yell me the stories of the trolls. Maybe I can find some good troll stories on the internet?
****
I've gotten just about everything done I can for my trip, except packing. I'll have to get a suitcase out, and that means the cats will get mad at me. Especially Todd. I wonder how long he'll punish me for a week's absence? He always welcomes me home, then proceeds to 'punish' me by not going near me for a period of time. I guss he thinks he should go, too.
****
I wish I culd end with something really profound, but I can't. so instead, I'll just mention a slogan from our stake: "It wasn't Raining when Noah built the Ark.
****
I am most concerned about finding an injury layer so we can place a good claim against the lady who hit E with her car last Sep. This is my main reason for going. The timing is because my sister already had arrangements made for herself and my sister-in-law and niece. They bombed out on her, though. They've done that before. That is how E and I ended up in NYC with my sister some years ago. We had a great time. We'll undoubtedly have a great time this trip as well. I just hope I don't slow them down too much. Mornings are increasingly hard for me to get moving--the old bones just are not so supple these days.
****
I finally finished the cabinet for the dining room. Asked how it looked yesterday, the boys were polite. R waxed enthusiastic, knowing by now that is what I am looking for. (A little self-image problem here.) His buddy, Ru, hesitantly said, " Well, not to be offensive, but it looks kind of old or antiquey..." Exactly what I was going for! He couldn't have given a better answer! After having it all pointed out to him, my hubby likes it, too. And the China Cabinet looks so much better with the crowding problem gone.
*****
All my arrangements are made to be gone...I've excused myself from Thurs am Book of Mormon class, Tues. book club, Sun choir practice, and Tues. stint in the FHC. Oops, still need a sub for my SS class. I will ask my hubby--he's such a good teacher, they may not want me back! But I think I'll take the risk, anyway. Gosh, I didn't realize how totally involved I've become! I do lead a rather busy life! I also let my friends at the rink know I wouldn't be there this Sat.
****
Today I received a phonecall from my 3 yr old grandson thanking me for the presents. It wasn't much, just a little miscellania from the Easter aisle at Walgreen's while I waited for my precription to be filled. I also wrote the boys (well, Aiden, really) all about how I knew that Easter bunny was real. I talked to him on the phone. He would call and ask for my Dad, when I politely asked who was calling, he'd say, "The Easter bunny," He did sound sorta, kinda, a little like my Uncle Thur (no real relation) who was of Scandanavian descent, and had a gazillion trolls in his house and yard. In his memory, I can't resist trolls for my yard. Other people might call them 'Garden Nomes' but I know the truth--they are trolls and they each have a different story. I just hope my memory jogs enough so that I can remember them. It was an awfully long time ago when Uncle Thur used to yell me the stories of the trolls. Maybe I can find some good troll stories on the internet?
****
I've gotten just about everything done I can for my trip, except packing. I'll have to get a suitcase out, and that means the cats will get mad at me. Especially Todd. I wonder how long he'll punish me for a week's absence? He always welcomes me home, then proceeds to 'punish' me by not going near me for a period of time. I guss he thinks he should go, too.
****
I wish I culd end with something really profound, but I can't. so instead, I'll just mention a slogan from our stake: "It wasn't Raining when Noah built the Ark.
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