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I sat with my eyes glued to the TV. I have seen many opening ceremonies in past years but none that had me spell bound like the Opening Ceremonies of The Vancouver Olympics. The story of my neighbor country, Canada, told through song, poem, dance and the people of the First Nations of that beautiful country had me mesmerized as I watched totem poles magically appear and the illusion of skiers & skateboarders fly down a snowy mountain. Although I enjoyed the entire ceremony I was touched by the presentation of the beautiful maple leaves for which Canada is known and the delightful entertainment which showed us another side of Canada Congratulations to Canada, Vancouver in particular for a job well done! If you have never been to Vancouver and the surrounding areas it is something you should think about including in you "Bucket List." I have been privileged to visit the beautiful city Of Vancouver and Vancouver Island many times and must say the people are not only proud but so very kind and welcome all with open arms. This part on the Northwest is lush with greenery and outstanding gardens of the most beautiful flowers to behold. Although I am a proud American I love Canada & the Canadians.
Tags: Vancouver Olympics
Last time I was on The Hill was about 2 weeks ago. I had stopped by (using my daughter’s computer), to let my friends on the Hill that my computer had crashed and I was not able to do much. At last I am on my own computer, for what it is worth, and actually able to have access to the internet. It feels like I have been away much longer but I guess when one has problems time seems to drag. I know that everyone has often been warned about computers acting up and what to do as well as keeping your old computer free of bugs, virus’ and most important backing up your files. While it is not my place to lecture people I do recommend all the above, especially back up your files. Backing up my files was a priority with me however I had not the materials to do so and the project sat until I was able to pick up some CD’s to begin the copy process. A smaller san disk also was put to use. I was thankful for the san disk as my CD/DVD machine in the computer decided it did not want to do this heavy chore and left me with blank CD’s. Panic was setting in for all I could see were all my photos and every bit of the material used to create my existing 4000 picture website going to dust. And then, my computer just stopped working. Fortunately, an “IT” man who works with my son-in-law took my machine and rebuilt it. This man, Phil, was a gem. Once I got my machine back my excitement was soon squashed as I could not get on the Internet which also meant no e-mail. I called Cox. Com (my server) and had them work through a number of things. No success even though the modem was working properly. Next step was Phil working with me via phone. Once again, after an hour we still did not have internet access so plan was for me to call Cox, again, the next morning. I had two very nice gentlemen working with me and made some progress….At last I had an internet connection so I could check my webmail. Yippee! Last evening Phil called to see how things were going after my talking with Cox. He was as pleased as I was that the Internet connection was working but decided to try some other items in an effort to get me e-mail. Here is the interesting point, when Phil rebuilt my machine he installed a program some of you may be familiar with: Cross Loop. He was able to have access to my computer desktop once I approved the connection. At this point my head was swimming from all the computer talk I had been going through in the previous 24 hours so do not even recall all the steps Phil went through. I was so tired I told him to not worry about it anymore that evening but that I could at least access my web mail. This morning, the 13th, I opened up my computer and hit the e-mail program and WOW!!!! I had e-mail coming into my Inbox. And so it is today I have most all operating. Never think this cannot happen to YOU. Back-up, Back-up, Back-up. An external hard drive is a good investment to continually back up your files. Also, keep your external hard drive somewhere other than near your computer for if someone breaks in and steals your computer you will still have the hidden hard drive with your files. Great to be back on NOTH!! Karen
Tags: Computer Back-up Crash Files
Homeless Recently I took a homeless person into my home. This was a simple action on my part but the outcome for this person was so positive and life changing. David was not a complete stranger to me since we had worked at the same Goodwill store together a while back. I knew enough about him to trust this man and welcome him into my home for 5 days. David is not a drug user nor does he smoke or partake of alcohol. Through some bad luck and a sign of the times, he ended up no longer in an apartment but on the streets of Las Vegas Nevada. The day I found David on the street, his face was swollen from the elements. He had spent 3 weeks next to an overpass trying to deal with the rain and very cold temperatures during the nights and days. When I saw him I stopped and had him get into the car along with his meager belongings. For a moment he just sat there dazed. It was not that he did not know who I was but just seemed spacey temporarily. I asked if he had more belongings and where they were. He directed me to the Salvation Army Shelter nearby. I drove into the area near the entrance to the shelter and came upon many many homeless men and women all appearing dirty and in the dark colors of what ever type of jackets, etc. they had been able to find. I waited in the car for David to bring his dirty old bag out with the only belongings he had left. Once back in the car I transported him to my home. He was beginning to talk a little more and kept saying he did not want to impose on me and that he could stay at the shelter for another week. Back at my home I took first things first…that being for David to get into the shower and clean up good. Next I had him take all his dirty clothes and put them in the washing machine. Yes, the odor was strong even as the clothes were being washed…just the real dirty smell. That night he slept for 12 hours straight and woke up looking and feeling much better. His face was no longer swollen of which he even noticed. This was a very humbling experience for both David and me. The time in my home allowed him to get his thoughts together and make plans. He contacted friends in Washington State and found he could go up there to get a job with the resorts, this being something he had done before at such places as Death Valley. This past Monday I put David on a bus to Washington to start a new life. It was rather cute to receive a text message from St. George, a text message from Salt Lake City, etc. letting me know how much he appreciated everything (using a $13.00 pre-paid phone). I feel good about what I did even though many questioned my actions. Never once did I fear or distrust David. During the time he was here I picked his brain about living on the streets of Las Vegas and living in a shelter. I write below the information I gleamed from David about homeless and shelter life. Homeless in Las Vegas 1. Finds many suffering depression. Theft in the shelters from other homeless is constant. You leave your belongings by your cot just to take a shower and come back and they are gone. One particular room was 38 people using cots. Another room had roughly 150 using bunk beds. All people sleeping at the shelter must leave at 5:15AM. They may not return until 7PM no matter what the temperature or conditions. 2. Applying for a job while homeless is a no win situation as you need a phone to have an employer call you. In the case of someone calling for “David” for employment the employer is greeted with “Salvation Army.” That causes a potential employer to slam the phone down immediately. 3. Violence and use of alcohol occur constantly in the shelter and/or shelter property. The same applies to drugs. The restrooms were more of a crack house than a restroom. 4. Living on the street requires a person to find a “buddy or two” who will back you up if someone tries to attack or steal. The main thought of a homeless person is “where or when is my next meal coming from?” 5. There are many homeless women living on the streets and in shelters that prostitute daily for $4 or $5 dollars. Unlike what you may see or hear on TV these women cannot ask for more due to the high numbers of women involved in the trade. 6. A positive note is the fact different organizations drive along the particular area of the various shelters handing out bag meals from time to time. Sometimes a man driving by may stop and hand a homeless person $5. This $5 allows a homeless person to go across the street to purchase a $2 meal. Looking back on this past week I am thankful for the opportunity to share a part of my life with someone in need. Karen
Tags: Streets Shelters Depression
Every Year in mid November our local Air Force Base has their homecoming for the Thunderbirds. This is a two day event titled “Aviation Nation.” Sure I am a woman getting up in years but nothing and I do mean nothing stops me from attending at least one of the two days. I enjoy every aspect of the event as much as any man. Naturally the highlight is the air show the Thunderbirds put on towards the end of the day. I am sure there are those of you who are fortunate enough to be able to attend air shows in your state or country. I know the Thunderbirds just finished a fine air show in the Far East. These young men and women naturally look forward to being at their Home Base: Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas Nevada to once again see their families and friends. They will be home until mid March then return to doing air shows around the world. I received an e-mail today that really got me to thinking about our service men and women and their sacrifices. I wondered what it would be like to be in the Air Force flying one of the awesome machines. While I may never get a chance to go up in one of the jets (on my bucket list) I can at least get a bit of a sense as to what it may look like in a cockpit. I am sharing this with you and in hopes you will be in awe over what you see. After connecting to site, click on the plane & and it will show you the cockpit! Amazing!! Highlight and paste: http://www.codeonemagazine.com/test/archives/2007/articles/jan_07/cockpits/cockpits.html
Tags: Cockpit Jet AirForce Air Show
The year was roughly 1952 and mother was hosting a Tupperware party that eveningin our Southern California home. that meant my dad, brother and I had to leave the house. That was OK with me for it allowed us the time to have dad take us to a movie. The exciting part was that we were not going to just any theater, we were headed to a "Drive In Theater." Of course dad was the one to select the Drive In with the movie of his choice. I recall it was an Andy Rooney movie but the title slips away from my memory. I just remember dad laughing his head off during the movie. Who would ever dream back then that one day I would not only work at a regular theater but would end up managing two theaters and one Drive In Theater? These turned out to be fun jobs for me at the time and I was thankful to have such positions. Many memories fill my head of those days so long ago but one in particular makes me chuckle every time I think of Marilyn Monroe. I was assisting the girl at the ticket booth with answering the phone one particular evening. Back then a caller got a real live voice opposed to a recording. The caller asked what movies were playing that night and I responded that Marilyn Monroe was in both features. Pausing I followed with "Let's Make Love" and "Some Do Like it Hot." A slip of the tongue put in the word "Do". It was enough to list both in order but to add an unlisted word I felt my face flush as the person on the other end laugh uncontrollably. So what brings me to the topic of Drive In Theaters? An employee I work with is not only young enough to be my granddaughter but is from Iran. One afternoon in the "break room" Shirin asked about my work history. I told her among other places, the story of working at a Drive In Theatre. Her face went blank and I knew right away the question would be, "What is Drive In.....Theatre?" I explained the best I could even though she continued to have a perplexed look. That same night I went to my computer and brought up Drive In Theaters so I could print pictures to show her the following day. Trying to explain the speaker situation on the poles was a little difficult and even more so to find pictures of them as well as good pictures of drive in theatres. I managed to come up with some that did help. Shirin's interest in how the whole system of watching a movie in a car was one of disbelief. "Why would anyone want to sit in a car and watch a movie? Of course I had to go a little further to explain date nights and how that played out many times with teens & young adults. The next day Shirin came to work excited...She had found our one local Las Vegas Drive In and explained to her husband about the big screen and cars parking in rows. There is no doubt that some evening Shirin and her husband may be found sitting in their car watching a movie.
Tags: Theatre California Memories Love Hot
To All Our Members on "Not Over The Hill" I send to you, your families and your friends, my Best Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas. My thoughts and love go out to all the troops unable to be home with families, no matter what country they represent; those who are ill, homeless or suffering from the perils of a time of life that is and will be challenging us. From these times may we be better people with more understanding and giving unto others and respectfully accept the opinions of all even if we do not agree rather than mocking any person. With Love and Respect to Everyone, Karen Merry Christmas Happy Hanukah
Tags: Troops Love
Dear Friends on The Hill. I sit at the computer with my head, heart and soul full of gratitude and love for each and everyone on the Hill. Your friendship, love, understanding and tolerance is priceless. Without you and all your bulletins, comments and messages I would be one very lonely person. You have exemplified the meaning of this beautiful season of love and giving of yourself. Whether you celebrate, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa the key to each faith is still love. I know that when the holidays are are over, nothing will change here on the Hill for we as a group are are not "fair weather friends." but deeply caring persons who have come together to share our lives, our thoughts and our love with each other. We will reach out to those we have not yet met and to those who will be joining the magical place call "Not Over The Hill."
Tags: Heart Holidays Magical Friends
Many years ago a little girl, who was wondering about the existence of Santa Claus wrote this letter to the New Your Sun. Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it is so. Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O'Hanlow. Dear Virginia, You little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that noting can be which is not comprehensible by their minds. all minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in this intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance, to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. No believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in Fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in chimneys on Christmas evening to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus, The most real things in the world are those that neither children no men can see. Did you ever see Fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else and abiding. No Santa Claus? Thank God, he lives and he lives forever. A Thousand years from now, Virginia, nay , ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. Charles Dana, Editor The original Virginia who wrote the above letter to the editor of the New York Sun in 1897, was in 1949, Mrs. Edward Douglas, assistant principal of Public School 31 in New York City.
Tags: Santa Claus Virginia Love Truth Christmas
Thanksgiving
By Ethel Romig Fuller 1952 This holiday belongs to us along;
A precious heritage from those who came
To till a wilderness and light the flame
Of freedom on our nation's first hearthstone.
Surmounting heartaches, dangers, hardships. fears,
They set a day apart for giving thanks;
Churchward they trudged in musket-shouldered ranks;
Their feasts - wild turkeys, maise from yellow ears. With granaries overflowing in November;
With fruits computed by sweet, golden tons;
In ways of living, rich, do we remember
To voice our gratitude for benizons?
Do we forget in midst of festive scenes -
We, with so much - just what Thanksgiving means? Pilgrim Ancestors
unknown author 1953
Shall we not pause one moment on our way,
As we make joyous, carefree holiday,
To think of those Novembers long ago?
Of stony ground the Pilgrims toiled to sow;
Of rivers bridged; of tangled forests cleared;
To pave the way for cities we have reared;
Of schools and churches built; of brave lives spent,
For liberty and faith and high intent;
Shall we, whose blessings are so richly poured,
Forget to say a simple "Thank you, Lord"?
Tags: Pilgrim Holiday November Turkey
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