Where have I been?

Either time has sped up, I’ve slowed down or maybe there’s just too much going on…? I have been busy with fundraisers and a trip to Arlington, but the truth of the matter is — I found Facebook, and since many family members are on it, I find it a fun way to keep in touch. Then I discovered Farm Town and was easily hooked. Now, thanks to a European “pen pal” I am also addicted to DogWorld. However, as soon as I get past Memorial Day weekend, I will hopefully get back on track and upload more pictures!

Book Sale May 1 and 2

The Pickens County Literacy Association (PCLA) is just about ready for their Spring Used Book Sale. Volunteers moved and sorted out thousands of books given by generous donors to this favorite fundraisers of readers.

If you love to read, come out on May 1 and 2 to buy books at great prices! All the money raised is used to support literacy programs so more people can enjoy the love of books.

Once again, they will have a beautiful hand-crafted bench to give away at the end of the sale. Let me know if you need tickets, I’ll hook you up with a PCLA member!

I have loved words and books since I was very small. I cannot imagine not being able to comprehend the labels on my food, signs on the road, what the newspaper says….So if  you can help out, come buy books or a chance to win a bench to read your books on! If you want to donate books that is great too. You can also become a volunteer tutor or recommend someone might need this type of assistance.

Wylie Brothers

Missy Wylie was tragically taken from us earlier this year.  The light of Missy’s life was being a Mother to her sons Charlie and Pierson. Since it was their father who committed this senseless act, these boys (one in college and the other in elementary school) are now without parents to provide for them.
They are not without love, guidance and a host of caregivers and friends.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where Missy taught the Youth Group in Sunday School, has been a tremendous blessing to this family. Checks continue to come from family, friends and strangers.
Many individuals and groups are raising money to help with the everyday needs of life, while others are raising awareness of the sometimes quiet storm of domestic violence.
Today, friends of Missy’s will hold the first ever Wylie Boys Musical Benefit-with live music, food and beverages, t-shirt sales and more.
I hope this project grows and that we can continue to show our support and help to provide for the sons of Missy Wylie.

Busy Spring

The last few weeks I have been busy helping the Pickens County Literacy Association with their upcoming Used Book Sale AND a Musical Benefit for the sons of dear sweet Missy Wylie.

I am an Advisory Board member for the PCLA, which means I help them out but don’t actually do any tutoring. I’m better at publicity. I help out woith the semi-annual book sales because i love books and I can’t think of a better way toraise money to help teach people to read than a used book sale. It’s a wondeul form of recycling.

Thunder Snow

Kristina in the Snow Shower

After two days of wonderful non-stop rain, the temperatues  shifted about 5 p.m. on Sunday March 1 and we had torrential snow instead. We heard thunder and saw lightning during the thunder snow storm.  The results were 3 to 5 inches which iced over a bit befire the snow quit around 9 p.m.

Snow poured from the sky Sunday March 1, 2009.

Awesome Autumn

We had the longest, most colorful autumn season here this year. The colors were very vibrant- yellows, oranges and more reds than I have ever seen. I imagine our long drought has a hand in this.

Bail Outs

Weighing in on this topic….perhaps I live a little too far away from Wall Street, but there is something I don’t understand.

On the news this morning, some financial expert was talking about the high price tax payers would pay for these bail outs, and he also mentioned that some institutions had be bailed out now before it got worse…..

Now when a farmer loses the farm, does any one bail him out?  Don’t we all lose when a farm is lost.  When small businesses like day care centers or small engine repair shops close because of poor planning or bad economical times…. again, no one bails them out; and we all lose because the customers now have to locate the goods or services elsewhere.

All these bail outs seem to me to be a version of preferential high stakes gambling.

Veeps

OK I will weigh on this topic because if anything happens to the Prez, the Veep gets to take over, so it’s an important role in history.

I will admit to disappointment by the Democrats when they set aside all of Sen. Clinton pledged voters and chose someone else. But, I am amazed to see the GOP promoting a female (any female…) to this spot.

It’s like the conservatives are trying to be liberals and vice versa …. makes one wonder why we need the 2-party system any more…?

Russians in Georgia

In the morning news one day last week, the announcer said “George Bush talks tough with Russia for invading Georgia” Now, I live in the northern corner of South Carolina and I could well imagine some of my neighbors to the west waking up, grabbing their shotguns and loading their pickup trucks as part of Homeland Defense!

2008 Olympics

While I am not a big fan of sports and competition, I enjoy the Olympics. This is when the world comes together for just a little while. This is my version of warring among the nations!

On 08-08-08, the opening ceremony in Beijing was fantastic with all the various elements represented in many ways. Among my favorites were the lighted drummers with that incredible countdown, the movable type powered by humans, the giant LED screen.

I’ve enjoyed an opportunity to see the architecture and landscape of this ancient land. Especially, The Great Wall, The Forbidden Palace and The Summer Palace. The Chinese modern architecture is also impressive.

It is a beautiful place, and the ladies of the Today Show has been wearing some beautiful clothes this week; with absolutely lovely silks and embroidery work.