Our Gal Sal

Ah, those memories of planting myself in front of the TV after elementary school and watching Sally Starr.
Her sparkling outfits, her cowgirl hat.
Yep, I figured one day I'd look just like that.
Nah, that didn't happen.  But I had plenty of fun watching her, laughing at Popeye and following the adventures of Clutch Cargo.
Our Gal Sal... we all loved her.
She rode off into the sunset for the last time this week. I hope she's that young, vivacious Sally again, at the top of her game.
Happy trails, Sally. Thanks for being part of my childhood.

Snow day ... Saturday!

Just a few shots of the snow ... beautiful to view!

 

It's so cold that...

Complaining about the weather ... it's one of our favorite activities.
In the heat of the summer, we ask, "Hot enough for ya?"
We try to figure out if it's hot enough to fry an egg on various surfaces.
We complain about sweating like a pig, even though pigs don't sweat.
Now, we're shivering in our boots -- and complaining.
That includes me. When I got in my car this morning and this 10-degree readout faced me, I was ready to head back under the covers.

The cold has meant the demise for some earlier holiday remnants, including this not-so-happy Halloween pumpkin. 

It has brought a lot more activity to my "cat TV," as birds are flocking to my feeders and my cats are glued to their favorite channel. Look closely to see the cardinals...

Below, Grim and Disaster take in the "cool" channel... 

Of course, if all else fails, there's always the comfort of warm, flannel sheets. We've all heard of three-dog nights ... but in my household it's definitely of the feline variety.

So let's all hang in there. It's winter. It's going to be cold. And we're heading toward February and Groundhog Day. Can't wait to hear what Phil has to say on Feb. 2.

Chilly, foggy day...

Sunday is a day for recharging your batteries -- physical, spiritual, emotional -- for many.
And on a foggy, chilly Sunday such as today, the temptation to do just that can be overwhelming.

Just snuggle down, doze off and chalk the day up to a day of rest.
Unfortunately, I had a "to do" list that was bugging me, so I was busy for a good part of the day.
My cats, however, had other ideas.

That lump on the top of the chair is another cat, under the cover!

Hmmm....
Maybe they were the ones with the right outlook!

Cows, chicks and more, oh my, at PA Farm Show!

It's time once again for the Pennsylvania Farm Show!!

Each January, this great event -- the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the country -- is held at the Farm Show Complex on Cameron Street in Harrisburg. This year it runs through Jan. 12, and I was lucky enough to make the trip out there again this year with my daughter. Long ago, when I was in 4-H, I was fortunate to exhibit my dairy calf there. It was a treat repeated when Danielle was in 4-H and let me tell you, spending a week in the dairy barn is an experience not to miss.
Now we have to be satisfied with a day trip, but we love every minute. Our trip today was no exception.

I snapped more than a few photos, but I won't bore you with all of them. Here are a few to enjoy.
And if you can't make it to Harrisburg and you have cable, be sure to tune into PCN's coverage this week. They do a terrific job, and PCN is found on channel 186 on Comcast.

Loved this goose. Actually held a conversation while in this section of the barn. If you don't believe that these critters can talk, go check it out yourself!

Beautiful horses abound at the Farm Show. This one was poised to enter the ring for competition in the women's buggy/cart driving event. The horses and the tack are just breath-taking.

GORGEOUS FEATHERS!

TALK ABOUT LONG HORNS!

Delaware Valley College in Doylestown was in attendance once again. Always have loved seeing their dairy cattle. Makes me think back to the days when the Plummer family was active in Montgomery County 4-H, and parents John and the late Maxine were professors at the college.

You MUST try the doughnuts at the Farm Show!!

Don't miss the amazing butter sculpture!

Whether it's a wild outfit to keep the critters clean or the natural spots on a huge hog, there's always something to amaze the eyes at the Farm Show. The animals are so wonderful to view, and those caring for and exhibiting the animals work so hard not only during this event, but every day of the year back at their farms. 

A cute mother-daughter moment...

It's good to know that "Your Milk Comes From A Good Place," as this cup reminds you. If you haven't tried the milkshakes at the Farm Show, though, you don't know what you're missing. I would have had two, if my stomach could have accommodated them. So much great food at the Farm Show, so little room in the digestive system! In the next photo, you see me next to a huge piece of machinery -- that area of the show also is not to be missed. If you look closely, you'll see I'm still working on that milkshake!

Well, what's better than a milk mustache? How about hamming it up  at the Farm Show with these gems? Danielle and I figured it would be fun to pose for this photo.... Sometimes common sense flies out the window during the excitement of the Farm Show!

I hope you enjoyed this brief look at the Farm Show. And I hope you get to make the trip out there for a fun and educational day. If not, don't forget to tune into PCN. I can't wait for the tractor square dancing!!

I hereby resolve...

New Year's Day ... that time when we all make those grand pronouncements of what we will -- and won't -- be doing in the year ahead.
Yes, this year WILL be different, we tell ourselves ... and all those who will listen.
And then, a few weeks down the road, it's easy to forget what we resolved on Jan. 1.
I'm as guilty as the next person.
So, is there any reason to resolve to do anything? Sure, why not?
I know I won't be successful at everything I'd like to change, but here are a few on my list that I hope to at least attempt.
And what's on your list?

LOOK FOR BEAUTY IN THE SIMPLE THINGS... 

LOOK AT LIFE DIFFERENTLY... 

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND EXERCISE!

DON'T MISS THE SHINING MOMENTS...

SHARE GOOD TIMES WITH FRIENDS...

TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE...

DO SOMETHING A LITTLE SCARY NOW AND THEN....

LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING...

LEND A HAND...

DO MORE SILLY THINGS WITH YOUR FAMILY!!