Site Meter Living Rural » Internet

Internet

How email buddies help keep us informed…

Friday, February 13th, 2009

This morning I checked my email accounts, as I do every morning, and this video was in one from a dear friend, who BTW has no children. This concept is totally new to me - I truly wish it has been available when my girls were small and constantly in or near our pool. It takes a deep breath and some constraint with a lot of will power to watch it through. I want you to know it is so very worth watching it with your family and passing it on to others.

If you are still raising small children, or have grandchildren in and around your pool… then please take the small amount of time it takes to watch. The video gives links to the home site, etc., if you’re interested in having the program come to your area. The program is infant rescue swimming (IRS.)

Swimming Then go to near the end page and watch the three videos there.

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Those of us born between 1920 and 1979…

Friday, February 6th, 2009

THOSE BORN 1920-1979

READ TO THE BOTTOM FOR QUOTE OF THE MONTH BY JAY LENO. IF YOU DO NOT READ ANYTHING ELSE—VERY WELL STATED

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and were not tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints…

We had no child proof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts, or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren’t overweight because,

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. Moreover, we were OK.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Play stations, Nintendo’s, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD’s, no surround-sound or CD’s, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms…….

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones, and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We received BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who did not had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success, and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all!

If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn’t it?

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:

‘With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?’

For those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us…go ahead and delete this.

For the rest of us…pass this ON!

Our RAINBOW...

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Thanks to my friend, Sally, for sharing this today.

WordPress 2.7

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

If you notice the new look to 451Press and Living Rural Online, you are very observant! 451Press upgraded our sites to the newest version of WordPress. I think we will all like it, once we adjust to the “tweeks.”

Gosh, “THE YEAR OF CHANGE” is popping up everywhere, even in our new design at 451Press! I like it, we like it, and we hope YOU like it!

Change, Change, Change

Check out our new look swinging-girl.gif over on our home page.  http://www.451press.com/

Let us know what you think about everything new at 451Press. All our blogs are listed at the end of each site. If you have not read about your favorite activity from eating to sleeping and everything in-between - give us a try. We are a hard working bunch of bloggers who want to write whatr you want to read, so give us a try, OK?

and

Remember… “Y’all come back soon, ya’ hear!”

T.G.I.F.

Friday, January 16th, 2009

Snow and I.C.E.

Snow and I.C.E.

For all frozen readers everywhere…

Frozen Ice Car

It’s FRIDAY!!!!

Apparently, ‘Global Warming’ is on vacation!  One of those
“hmmmm” moments.

Since it is weekend, what special plans do you have besides
staying warm, shoveling snow, or sitting by the fire – be creative and share in
the comments, please.

I plan to see Clint Eastwood in “Grand Torino.” I love his
work and it will be wonderful. The reviews have been excellent, as have his
talk show appearances.

“… of Benjamin Buttons” is still on my list, not sure
there will be time for two movies in this busy weekend. Projects at home
include cleaning and organizing our bedroom to get ready for our new “Memory Foam Mattress” by Bragada. Check
it out, comparable to TempurPeadic, yet less expensive!

As always, Remember …
“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Hostess Gifts to “Grab and Go”…

Friday, December 26th, 2008

Holiday parties are in full swing and it is always nice to find a useful girt to take the hostess. Here are a few suggestions for a great “grab and go” gift:

  • Olive Set, $39 - last minute hors’d'oeuvre, untie the ribbon on Bella Cucina’s Piccolo Olive Bowl - jar of six Italian varieties and elegant serving spoon - www.bellacucina.com
  • Breakfast in-a-Bag, $55 - L.L. Bean’s Deluxe Tote filled with pancake mix, syrup, jam, and coffee -
    www.llbean.com
  • Herb Kit, $15.50 - potting mix and seeds, ready for planting in the Potting Shed Creations biodegradable Rice Hull Gardens Pot (lavender, lemon pbasil, oregano) - www.wishingfish.com
  • Preserves Set, $39 - handmade Branches Preserves by Katz & Co., wrapped individually inside a wrapped box, 10 flavors - www.katzandco.com
  • Soaps, $19 - scents like Flower of Narcissus, housed in a pretty, reusable container - www.morcosmetics.com

After greeting the hostess, sharing the very special gift, have fun, but remember do not drink and then drive!

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

Saturday, November 1st, 2008
SUCCESS

SUCCESS

  • There is no secret of success, success is for EVERYONE.
  • Your life becomes better only when you become better.
  • There is no success without sacrifice.
  • Success is achieved in inches, not miles.
  • The greatest enemy of tomorrow’s success is today’s success.
  • No advice on success works unless you do.
  • You will need the help of others… connect.

    • Focus on people
    • Be likable
    • Show others you  care
    • Remember every one’s name
    • Walk slowly through the crowd
    • Be generous

    Do more than exist … LIVE.

    Do more than touch … FEEL.

    Do more than look … OBSERVE.

    Do more than read … ABSORB.

    Do more than hear … LISTEN.

    Do more than listen … UNDERSTAND.

    Do more than think … REFLECT.

    Do more than just talk … SAY SOMETHING.

    Author Unknown

    Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

    A Follow-up to : “Retirement”

    Saturday, September 20th, 2008

    This is an article I found on AOL News this morning. It gives additional information on retirement and the economy today.

    Sure to Wreck Your Retirement posted: 12 HOURS 58 MINUTES AGO-comments: 0 filed under: Lifestyle, Money

    With the financial markets taking a beating of late, working men and women are keeping a close eye on how it affects their retirement plans. In addition to that, they should also watch out for retirement scams that could put them in the poor house. Walletpop has a look at these little-

    Full article. 

    Original post appeared here as known loopholes and how to avoid them.Retirement?Will we look like this at 65? Enjoying the retirement we worked so hard for with our spouse, significant other, friend, or whomever you choose? Or is this a long-earned vacation that will end and we both will return to work?

    I hope it is our long-earned retirement!

    Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

    Retirement?

    HOB … SOUL FUNCTION … DELBERT McCLINTON

    Thursday, September 18th, 2008

    Concert!

    Concert!

    This Country Gal  had the opportunity to leave the farm and attend a concert at House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC on Saturday, September 13 - compliments of my daughter’s SO, a member of the opening band - SOUL FUNCTION . Remember that name, SOUL FUNCTION , “a jammin’ Rock Blues Beach sound” with eight members … currently local to the MB area; however, this could change after this concert! SF  had the crowd (a full house) on their feet with hands in the air rocking to their music!

    The vibe in the HOB was phenomenal! In fact, when Delbert McClinton (a great group) arrived and began to play - it was a little disappointing after the electrifying music played by SOUL FUNCTION . Everywhere in the HOB - the questions were, “How do I get in touch with the ‘openers’?”, “Who the heck are they and where have they been?”, “Are they a local band?”, “Do they have a CD available?”

    OK, Mr Manager Man, a small bit of advice: Do not let the band lose this opportunity for some fantastic PR and wonderful memories! Get cards for each band member, do the leg work - flyers on every post, window, bar, hotel, business, and welcome station across SC, NC… Well, whereever you think. Remember, this is your job - PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE!

    And SOUL FUNCTION - get your sound on a demo CD, NOW; share it with friends (word of mouth PR is the best kind), have the CD with contact cards available when you play a gig. BE PROUD. you have earned the praise. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Add to your play list, continue to solo band members - introduce your members, and thank your fans, family, and friends for their support.

    WEB SITE - is there one? If not, WHY? This is where people will go to try and learn more about SOUL FUNCTION , their history, bio of members, calendar of when and where they will be, and to hear snip-its of their material. Have a comment space … ooo, a MYSPACE page immediately!!! THEY HAVE A MYSPACE PAGE …HERE.

    I guess it shows … I really, really, REALLY enjoyed the band,SOUL FUNCTION. Yep, I did … I do … I will … 

     

    The headliner, Delbert McClinton, a fine performance - especially the solo music by members of the band. To be fair, this was my first exposure to Delbert McClinton and his band. I liked them. I will purchase several singles from their play list. If you want their “stuff, you can find it through, MUCH MORE FOR LESS ONLINE.

    The effort for this Country Gal (back and sinus surgery) to get to the concert was TOTALLY worth it. The best outing for me in a long time! WTG. SOUL FUNCTION and daughter of mine for a great experience. OK, folks, keep your eyes and ears open and watch out for Soul Function … looks like they will be out and about in the Myrtle Beach area. If they are in your area, make it a “MUST DO” to see and hear them perform.

    See what happens when you let the Country Gal come to the city!

    Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

    SOCIAL MEDIA, What is It? Do we need It? …

    Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

    Most of us know all about “social media” - myspace, facebook, twitter, and of course, blogs. These are only a few of what is available under the heading “social media.” If you are lucky enough to have adolescents, tweens, and teenagers, you are familiar with this term, the time spent using it, the cost of the opportunity, and the infamous number of choices of the gadgets that support this new pass-time. I must interject that this does cross the generation gap and just as many twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, and EVEN senior citizens partake of the ”goodies” found on social media . A form of what I am speaking of will be found through this link … a new format, a great topic, fantastic people voicing their opinions.

    I hope you understand now what social media is, who is attracted to the format, and how it affects their lives. Now, do YOU think we need it? If so, or if not, why?

    My personal opinion is a huge, resounding, YES! My reasons can be characterized by the photo above. If you study it, you will see the earth world, what appears to be a business man thinking, and a growth chart showing a huge growth in business, sales, income, clients, whatever YOU want it to be … in my mind, the thinking was the most important step to reaching this goal. Then sharing the thought with fellow “like thinkers” (easier to bring on board, :)!), gaining their support and moving forward to the end product … again, whatever YOU want it to be!  You may be wondering - how does this have anything to do with social media?  I feel it has everything to do with it! Every idea could have been started by something seen, heard, or read on the Internet. It was then discussed online through IM, email, comments, and friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Friendfeed, and the many other “connections” available to mingle, share, and learn from one another. Still think there is no correlation between the “thought” and the “product” to social media? 

    Then YOU are my target for the upcoming posts. I hope to show you, teach you and convince you that social media plays a huge part in all assets of our lives …

    Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

    July 23, 2008 …

    Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

    It is official - I have completed the first leg of my journey … by completing my Associate Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health-care Management. Whew, I did it. The next step began on Monday, July 21, when I began my Batchelors Degree.

    As I traveled, the journey seemed long, now looking back it was a fleeting span of time. A time of hard work, new friends, late nights, “Hubby” taking over cooking, cleaning, and everything in between! Thank you, honey!! Anyway, this is a milestone for me, one I am proud of and wanted to share with you … *patting myself on my back*

    Oh My Goodness!

    Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

    My last post was July 4 … no, it is not my fault … in fact, it can not be blamed on any one person or event. Simply put, 451press was experiencing growing pains! I do not think TPTB really had a clue as to what to expect with the upgrades, new servers, … pretty much new and improved everything!

    The really “new look” of the site and blogs themselves took my breathe away. Hats off to Steve S., Captain of this ship, great job! I know we whined, emailed over and over, and talked about the l. o. n. g. time it was taking, among ourselves, but I(we) hung in there … despite all of it! I, for one, am glad I did. Thank you for the hard work you put in on this project. Now, we can all get back to WORK and write, write, write.

    I have to admit I was surprised when I logged in without any “heavy load” message, so much so, that I have totally lost my thoughts which had been processed with a great idea for my first blog back … That surely means it would have been outstanding (loosing thoughts has to be the down side of growing older). Of course, getting the “Senior Discount” makes up for loosing your mind!

    This is so much fun - being back and working hard for the money! It’s not so much the hard work as it is finding the time to sit down and actually write … hang in there! I’ll be in the groove with the next post, I promise! Until then … Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

    BLOGS … FOURTH OF JULY!

    Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

    If you have tried to get here over the past few weeks, you probably had trouble. The reason for the delays,“experiencing high load” message, and “unable to load page” is a change of server, upgrading the system, and upgrading software, etc. The inconvenience to each of us should be worth it once it is complete. That is my story and I am sticking to it! Insider humor, bear with me it has been a long, hot week. Thank you for continuing to try, it is good to have you here!

    In honor of the Fourth of July, here is a salute to our freedom and those who protect it and a little history lesson from my long distance carrier, AmericanFone …

    INDEPENDENCE DAY!

    We declared our independence, our right to be free as a nation, 232 years ago this month. If there is one lesson we have learned in that time, it is that freedom and independence are not solid and eternal. They are slippery and constantly changing. You cannot put them in an air-tight viewing box, like the Declaration of Independence itself. If you do not watch carefully, if you do not tend them and keep them alive, they die out. They go away.There may always be people with less-than-honorable intentions ready to chip away at yourhttp://www.americanfone.com/email/banner/fireworks-narrow.gif freedoms and usurp your independence if you let them. But thankfully, America is also full of people who are fiercely protective of what our forefathers’ and patriots throughout the generations since have fought to protect. Not only in wars, but by writing, speaking out, voting and battling injustice in the courts. A salute to the courageous patriots who Keep the flame alive!


    A SHORT HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAYhttp://www.americanfone.com/email/banner/fathers.gif

     “Taxation without representation is tyranny!” That was the rallying cry of the American colonists rebelling against British rule. The colonists were being forced to pay taxes to England with no representation in British Parliament. They had no say about how much tax they would pay no say as to how their tax money was to be spent. With rumors of rebellion, growing, British troops went in to keep the colonists in line. The colonists tried to broker a peaceful solution, but their attempts were repeatedly rebuffed. On June 11, 1776, the colonist’s Continental Congress met to declare officially, in writing, that they were no longer willing to live under British rule.Thomas Jefferson, known for his great eloquence and statesmanship, was given the job of creating the document. In addition, a difficult job it turned out to be! More than 86 alterations were made to the document before it was declared complete. On July 4, 1776, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was signed and copies were sent out among the colonists. The Fourth of July has been celebrated in the United States every year since, but it was not until 1870 that Congress officially declared it a National Holiday. In 1938, Congress re-affirmed Independence Day, making it a paid holiday for all federal employees. Today, people across the country celebrate and acknowledge their priceless gift of freedom they enjoy with parades, picnics and glorious fireworks displays.

    http://www.americanfone.com/email/banner/spacer.gif
    http://www.americanfone.com/email/banner/gray-dots-h.gif

    http://www.americanfone.com/email/banner/spacer.gif
    http://www.americanfone.com/email/banner/spacer.gif

    1955

    Saturday, April 5th, 2008
    • Comments made in the year 1955!
    • That’s only 52 years ago!
    • “Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won’t be long before$2, 000.00 will only buy a used one.”
    • “If cigarettes keep going up in price, I’m going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.”
    • “Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter”
    • “If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.”
    • “When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we’d be better off leaving the car in the garage.”
    • “Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.”
    • “I’m afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL of DAMN in it.”
    • “I read the other day where some scientist thinks it’s possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas.”
    • “Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn’t surprise me if someday they’ll be making more than the President.”
    • “I never thought I’d see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.”
    • “It’s too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.”
    • “It won’t be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.”
    • “Marriage doesn’t mean a thing any more, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat.”
    • “I’m afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.”
    • “Thank goodness I won’t live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress.”
    • “The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.”
    • “There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.”
    • “No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it’s too rich for my blood.”
    • “If they think I’ll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it.”

    Thank you to my friend, Sally, for the quotes and the memories!Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!’

    • images.jpg

    Playing tag … wheeeeeee

    Thursday, March 27th, 2008

    images.thumbnail.jpg

    Wow, my very first game of online tag! How COOOL is that?I was tagged by Jean Lockwood at Parenting and Religion  and now I will tag five other people … and the beat goes on … you get the picture, right?   H ere are the questions:

    *How long have you been blogging?
    *What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?
    *Are You trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?
    *Tell me 3 things you LOVE about being online.
    *Tell me 3 things you STRUGGLE with in the online world.
              

    Answer #1: I started blogging in May, 2007 with 451Press.com.  Answer #2: My daughter, Leslie, is awonderful writer. She is my inspiration and who brought me to 451 Press.    Answer #3: Am I writingto make money? You mean we get paid! JK. Of course, I would like to make money … have I, yet? Notenough to report to anyone, not even “Uncle Sam”. But I am not giving up!  Answer #4: I adore thepeople I have met. I like the good feeling I get when someone leaves a good comment on a post. I lovelearning something new everyday - through my research or through reading a fellow blogger’s post. Answer #5: It is hard finding the time needed to have a great post every time. It keeps me up waypast my bedtime! Not getting many comments on my posts.  OK, now to tag 5 lucky people!!!Heather at WatchingVH1    Sandra at Globally Green Living     Jason at AnimeFansOnline   Jaime at FictionScribe   Elizabeth at Rachel Ray  Have fun and remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

    Quotes …

    Friday, February 29th, 2008

    Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that
    nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.
    – Oprah Winfrey

    We must be the change we want to see in the world.
    – Mahatma Gandhi

    The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life. - Einstein

    Triumph often is nearest when defeat seems inescapable. -
    B. C. Forbes

    A few of the quotes that I have read over the past few days that have stayed with me. I kept a ‘Book of Quotes’ in my youth, what fun it would be if I could find the book now! If I ever find it, we will read it together …

    Until then, check out Wisdom Quotes. Quotes for every one.

    This has nothing to do with quotes, but it made me laugh!
    ATT00001.jpg

    “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

    About Living Rural

    Living Rural is THE PLACE to share the trials of living in a small southern town, but also to share the joys and laugh at all things RURAL - one choice for electricity. telephone service, cable, grocery store and Internet. Comparisons of rural to city living. Southern traditions, manners, weather, humor, parenting grown children, "the empty nest" and retirement.

    Living Rural Author(s)

    Home & Garden Channel Posts

    • Easy Raised Beds
      Gardening is pretty much a simple task, if you just give it a bit of time and a bit of patience. And of course you need a bit a land and space as well. Even if it's a small garden you need a [...]
    • Protect that Mailbox the easy way
      As I was reading this month's Living the Country Life Magazine I saw many photos of how the mailbox was turned into a planter. I have tried some of the techniques myself when I lived in the country [...]
    • Kooky Furniture For The Kids Room
      How cute are these! Don't they feel like something straight out of Beauty and The Beast, you know that Disney movie? It's so creative and whimsical! These are kooky cabinets designed and made [...]
    • Keep the Deer from taking over Your Garden
      From fences to other methods, it seems that no matter what we do, deer seem to find their way into our precious garden anyway. The best way to scare the deer away is to stand guard all the time, but [...]
    • Start Seeds the Easy way
      There are many seeds you can start right now in your own home or in your greenhouse. Some seeds are easier than other to get started this way instead of planting them right in the soil in your [...]
    • Use Tulle to Protect Tomatoes
      Tulle has been used for centuries for weddings and other festivities to help bring forth a more decorative touch to any occasion, but did you know that tulle can also be used in your garden to [...]
    • Bath & Body Works Instant Aromatherapy
      Need an energy boost? A quick fix and prevention for the cold and flu virus that could be spreading around? A stress relief? This Bath & Body Works Instant Aromatherapy set for $10 each should do [...]
    • Add more to your Garden Tool Kit
      There are several tools you should have at all times in your garden tool kit. These tools can make your gardening a lot easier and can also make your garden a better garden. Your vegetables can [...]
    • Make your own Herb Wreath
      If you grow bay leaves and rosemary you are already set, but you can also pick them up at the local farmers' market or at the local supermarket. You will need about 50 bay leaves or more, and about [...]
    • Grow what's Healthy for you in your own Garden
      There are many posts here on Earthly Garden that talk about growing herbs to eat and to use any recipe, but did you know that you can grow those herbs to use in more than just your kitchen and [...]

    Hot Off The Press