Egypt - 1976

Over at Harper's Keeper the Blogger mentioned that Belly Dancers made him uncomfortable. It reminded me of the only time I have ever been close to a Belly Dancer was when we went to Egypt.  And since I now have a new printer that will scan photos I was able to scan the photo into the computer -  so I did!

We were all out to eat and after dinner the music began and the next thing I knew this scantily clad young woman was moving around the tables and wiggling her belly in our faces.  That is me with my arm about to come around for a hug.  She was going around very quickly stopping at every male in the arena and posing just long enough to get her picture snapped with them.  Later after they were developed the photographer came to sell them to us. Obviously I purchased mine.  

The lady sitting to my right was Mary Sterling.  Mary was a teacher and later a principal here in Ames.  She was one of my favorite people and I loved her.  She and I were seat mates on the flight over and Mary was just a little nervous about flying that far in that large an airplane and was also excited about the trip.  I could tell because of the way she gripped my arm as we lifted off. (And she also used some exciting language.)

We went on several adventures together while we were in Egypt. One of them was being invited to an Egyptian wedding.  We got into a cab with some Egyptian kids who had invited us and the cab ride was just as exciting as the plane ride and the language was also.  Egyptian traffic has cars, trucks, donkeys, camels, wagons and bicycles all going at breakneck speed with horns  blaring and poor pedestrians just have to duck and jump out of the way to avoid being hit.  Oh and they don't use their lights at night but rather race down the street in the dark, flashing their lights to warn you to get out of the way.

Generally we had our transportation provided for us.  Usually a bus but when we did ride on something else it was an adventure.  I think the train from Karnak to Cairo was the most interesting.  No air conditioning until it started to move and we were shaken left and right, back and forth and up and down. Quite  exciting. 

The Belly dancer was at the Palestine Hotel in Alexandria and we also got to dance.  So naturally they took a picture of that.

Egypt was a wonderful trip and I still treasure my time there,  Most of my pictures are 35 mm slides put perhaps I will get a machine and transfer them to digital.  Thanks for stopping by.  Hugs,

March 22, 2008

Click on the picture to be taken to an album of all the pictures I took today.Ginny picked me up and we went to the Lakeside Nature Center. It is a beautiful Center and has many animals and birds. They have birds which have been injured and cannot live in the wild. Two bald eagles. I took the pictures for Bob - We both love Eagles. Below that is a broad tailed hawk. Big bird! These birds were found injured and would not have survived if not for the center. There is something infinitely sad to be about these birds who cannot fly but I know they ae well cared for and they do serve a purpose to allow us to see them up close.

My Sis looks pretty good. You can tell that she loves being able to be around nature and always has. There are many places in this large city that have "wild" places. To get to the nature center we went through an area that reminded me of the Ledges.

We had lunch at a really nice coffee house and then went to the Truman Library. I had been there before but it was exciting to go again. I think Truman will always be my favorite president.

My aunt and uncle, (Jean and Carl) had this exact same table and chairs in their kitchen and I sat at it many, many times. Carl used to feed their little dog Cindy using his fork at the table. She was such a neat dog and would come over to our place (across the field) for a visit.

This is the exhibit case where Brother Truman's Masonic memorabilia is displayed.

Truman said about the Scottish Rite.

"The Scottish Rite has done its best to make a man of me, but they had such a grade of material to start with that they did a poor job I fear. It is the most impressive ceremony I ever saw or read. If a man doesn't try better after seeing it, he has a screw loose somewhere."

Next we went to an antique ,all but all they had was a bunch of "old stuff" - I have a house full of that so I resisted the temptations to buy.

Then we went back to Ginny and Bruce's apartment complex to pick up Bruce and we went to Ruby Tuesday's for supper.You know I really think the Lord had a hand in bringing Bruce and Ginny together. He is so good to her and I feel so good about her being with him. I have really enjoyed my time down here. But I miss Bailey. ARTYAL, Hugs, j-bear.
PS. I love my new camera. I only had to trash three pictures and all of these pictures were take without flash. I was not allowed to use flash at the Truman Library and the camera performed beautifully.

Everything is Up to Date in Kansas City

This song has been going through my head all day long.

Ev'rythin's up to date in Kansas City
They've gone about as fur as they c'n go!
They went and built a skyscraper seven stories high,
About as high as a buildin' orta grow.
Ev'rythin's like a dream in Kansas City,
It's better than a magic lantern show!
Y' c'n turn the radiator on whenever you want some heat.
With ev'ry kind o' comfort ev'ry house is all complete.
You c'n walk to privies in the rain and never wet your feet!
They've gone about as fur as they c'n go,
(Yes sir!)
They've gone about as fur as they c'n go!

Ev'rythin's up to date in Kansas City
They've gone about as fur as they c'n go!
They got a big theayter they call a burlesque.
Fer fifty cents you c'n see a dandy show.
One of the gals was fat and pink and pretty,
As round above as she was round below.
I could swear that she was padded from her shoulder to her heel,
But latter in the second act when she began to peel
She proved that ev'rythin' she had was absolutely real!
She went about as fur as she could go,
(Yes sir!)

Ginny and Bruce came over and picked me up. I had left Ames about 9:15 and I was down her at 1:23 so I made good time. Of course, I did not stop and drink coffee or eat as I used to have to do when traveling with mother. They took me for a drive around to see some of the places Ginny hangs out. First to a lake where we saw some Geese who were not bothered at all by my taking of their picture.

Then it was out to Ginny's school. I see what she means when she complains about the place not being level.














The Unity Village is where the World Headquarters of the Unity Church is located. It is very impressive.

Then we stopped by their place to visit the kitty what lives with them. Kes sort of looked at me and then ignored me. I like the place they live. They have a lake and there were geese and ducks on it.

We went to Borders so I could pick up another pair of reading glasses. (That is the only thing I left at home) and ate at a very nice restaurant. Now I am back here watching John Adams on HBO. I think I am sorry I don't have HBO - but I am too cheap. ARTYAL, Hugs, j-bear

Renaissance Faire

I went to Des Moines to the Renaissance Faire this afternoon. I had a great time. The Faire will continue tomorrow and next week-end. It is held at the Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. The first picture is the bridge over the creek as you go in through the wooded path. The weather was perfect and I so very glad I went. Be loved. jcs

The first item I purchased was the first thing I saw in the first shop I stepped into. This Masonic Mug. Now tell me it wasn't meant that I attend the Renaissance Faire! The seller was from Missouri. Ted Woodward (417-291-5966) TradewindsGiftsNMore.com,

Bagpiper's taking a Wee Break.
They assured me that socks and shoes were worn under the Kilts.Entertainers on stilts. Notice the Faire Damsel on the roof.

The Queen and her Court like to Parade.

A good place to eat. Steak Kabob

Bonnie and her Family were also at the Faire

Ready to Watch the Show

Sir Arthur

Jousting Performers

Jugglers of Fire on the Pirate Stage.

Nice to be Home

We left Houston and drove to Dallas on Sunday. Basically that part of the trip was pretty boring although we did drive past an enormous statue of Sam Houston. Then we stopped in Dallas to eat lunch with Amy and Lee (It was delightful) and pick up my stuff which I had left there.

We were able to press on to Muscogee where we stayed overnight. I think I told you all of this before. We used the Mapquest map to get home and it took us North on 71 which was closed so we had to go over and come up US 69. The same 69 which runs through Ames. It was raining when we started out so we were not as able to go as fast as we could on the interstates but we made good time and got into Ames about 3:30. They had had a lot of rain down there and the creeks were full and there was water standing on both sides of the road in many places. The countryside was beautiful but the prettiest part of the trip was in southern Iowa.


The House was stuffy and hot because Jon hadn't turned on the Air Conditioner. I unpacked and threw things around and made a mess. Then I jumped in the shower and got on clean clothes and drove to Des Moines for the Acanthus stated meeting. I know I was probably crazy but I really didn't want to sit around in the heat and what better place to go than to Lodge to be with my Brothers?

After a good meeting I waited while the officers had a meeting and then adjourned to Christopher's for the sixth Libations and good conversation. When I got home Jon was here and we had a good chat but I was exhausted. I got to bed around 12:30 and the boys wanted up around 6:20. I put them off until 7:00 and here I am writing the last entry about the trip. It was a good trip but I am happy to be home. Now the work begins again. You are loved! Be Happy! Hugs, j

Last Photos from Houston

After a perfectly delicious banquet of snapper and fillet with Key Lime Pie for dessert the United Grand Imperial Council closed with entertainment by Rex Allen, Jr. He was wonderful. When he talked about his dad there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I think that the neatest thing about him as an entertainer was that you could see that he was just having fun. Probably more fun than anyone in the room and for an hour an a half he sang songs and told jokes and it was a perfect ending to a great session.

The other thing that was good about the Grand Banquet was that there was no Head Table. Everyone was on the level and there were no introductions of dignitaries. What a good thing.

As Willie Nelson says tomorrow we will be "on the road again" and should be home late Monday night. Will try to post from Amy and Lee's tomorrow. Be loved (You are!) Stay Happy, Hugs. j

Saturday

Ties and pocket scarfs - $250.00 each - Why does that impress me? Probably because I know someone who wears them.



Congratulations to the new Grand Sovereign.

I really enjoy watching the Knight Companions of the Red Cross of Constantine. Probably because most of them do not have an axe to grind. They are all Past Grand somethings and have already accomplished a lot for the fraternity. The meetings are generally just as boring as most Masonic meetings (I shall probably be struck down for saying that) but the titles are very impressive.

Red Cross of Constantine is essentially a social order for the Knights Companions and their ladies. It is an honor to be asked to join and not everyone can be asked to join as the membership in a Conclave is limited. You must be a Royal Arch Mason and generally have accomplished something in the fraternity or will be going to accomplish something in the future. Our membership in St. Bartholomew Conclave is limited to 50 members and we may also have 15 emeritus members. (That number was just increased from 10 at today's meeting) The other Conclave in Iowa has the same limit so for a Mason to be asked to join is quite an honor. We have twelve Past Grand Masters of Masons in our Conclave.

The members in attendance come from all over the world. Those who came the furtherest came from Italy. There are three of them and I have watched them for the past several years. They don't speak much English but seem to enjoy themselves.

The ladies are the most fun to watch (aren't they always) as they attend several of the functions and always seem to be loaded with shopping bags when not attending the functions.

Today we had luncheon with the ladies and were again entertained during the meal. It was a salad with salmon and a piece of chocolate cake (I only had three (big) bites) and it was super. The entertainment was singing and several were trying to eat their salads and sing at the same time. He was so good that we wanted to sing with him.

This afternoon there was a memorial service and an Installation of Officers and tonight the Grand Banquet (Tuxedo with Jewell and sash) - Rex Allen Jr. is to be the entertainment. I am looking forward to that and will put up some pictures if time. In the meantime I am really looking forward to being back home among my friends and getting my nose licked by Bailey. Be Loved - Stay Happy. Hugs, j

Friday in Houston

One thing they do at the Red Cross of Constantine is feed us well. Tonight was an informal banquet with chicken and rice and a wonderful ice cream dessert. Earlier today we had our choice of chicken, sea food or a rib eye steak at the Monument restaurant - my rib eye was super. We were entertained all through dinner by a man playing the piano who sang a lot of Texas songs. He was great and almost made me wish I was from Texas. Here are some more snaps of the dinner. I am tired. We had to walk a lot today and I am not used to that. Be Happy and Loved. Hugs. j





Singing "God Bless America"

So, right now I am having trouble uploading pictures to Blogger. The only one that came up was of Staunton Brown (left) from Missouri and his friend whose name I did not get. I had some pictures of kids skating on a rink in the center of the Galleria and the shopping center itself also the view out my window and the reception which was held tonight. I met folks from Arkansas and Minnesota and enjoyed the food. I even had a picture of the food table (denuded) and if I can I will put them up on another post.

I went looking for things in the Galleria but they were way out of my league. I found a necktie and pocket scarf priced at $250. Waaaaay out of my league.

The reception was fun. It is always fun to watch RCC Sir Knights as they glad hand each other and it is nice to meet new people. The Intendent General from Minnesota is new and is a nice guy. So was his traveling companion. I hooked up with Glenn and Freddie and got my stuff from them so I can be dressed in proper attire for the meetings. The following posts will probably be more boring than usual. Tomorrow we bo to a Tour of the San Jacinto Monument and Battlefield and the Battleship Texas. Should be interesting. Be Happy - Hugs. j

1963 Remembered

In October of 1963 I was attending State College of Iowa (now the University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls Iowa. One bright November day I was going to walk from our rooming house to the Hill shopping area. A man driving by yelled out his car window. "They shot the President." Then he said something about the "commies" - That day the nation, even the world stopped. We were glued to our Television sets, first to see what had happened then with growing horror as it was confirmed that President Kennedy had been shot and killed. There were about 8 of us who lived in Linda Rulon's rooming house and she had a TV set at the bottom of the steps for all of us to use. All but one of us watched as the drama unfolded and the nation and the world reacted to this horrible event.

We were held together by 24 hour coverage of events and the newsmen of that time were giants.

Today all of that was brought back to me as I visited The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. It was numbing to stand next to the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald waited to shoot President Kennedy.

I got tears in my eyes all over again as I watched little John John salute his father's coffin as it passed by. I marveled at the ability of Mrs. Kennedy as she lived through that horrible time. You can see that she was in shock as she stood next to Lyndon Johnson as he took the oath of office but she was able to plan a funeral for her husband and then hold up through what must have been an incredible trauma for her and her family.

I also have to say that I admire her greatly for the way that she did what she had to in order to bring up her two children and protect them as they grew up.

It was a very moving experience. When I had driven through Dallas on my way to Mexico with my friend John we stopped at Dealey Plaza and that was also very moving. It was around 6 AM and we did not spend a lot of time there but we both were impressed to be in that infamous spot.

I recommend going there if you are ever in Dallas. It is a moving experience and even if you did not live through it you should see it.

Even the Freeways down here have interesting bridge supports. Decorated with stars and there were also paintings along the sound walls but I didn't get pictures of them. Harley was waiting when we got back. He likes to sit in front of the fire place. I spoil him. I purchased my souvenir for the trip. At the Outlet Mall on the way home.

Tomorrow I fly to Houston for the United Grand Imperial Council meetings. I am homesick but will enjoy the meetings. Thanks for reading. Be loved. Hugs.

The Texas sky is beautiful. We have been having some Thunderstorms going through this afternoon. If I were at home Bailey would be barking at the thunder. He doesn't like it. Harley doesn't seem to mind. Lee thinks he is going deaf. He is a nice calm dog, just such a dog as I sometimes wish I had. However I do miss Bailey.

Basically today I hung around the house and read my blogs, etc in the morning and read my novel in the afternoon. Lee works out of his home office and was on the phone most of the day. He was to have flown to Vancouver B.C. to work this week and did leave to go to the airport but because of the storms his flight was canceled and he will be here all week. He joined Amy and me at Brennan's restaurant for supper.

Ginny just sent me some pictures and I am glad to get them.

As I said nothing much to report. Just hanging around and relaxing. I left my dues cards in Ames so I can't even go to a Masonic meeting. Must have been on purpose. Check back tomorrow. Be Happy and Loved. Hugs, j

Sunday

I added this so I could get it for my profile. Trying again. Just ignore it.




What a neat day. I got up and had my yogurt and relaxed while I waited for Amy and Lee to get up. They went to see "Knocked Up" with Lee's boss last night and I went to bed before they got home.

Then we went to their church for Sunday Service. It is the Fellowship Church at Plano and it was very interesting. It reminded me of the Cornerstone Church in Ames except they weren't selling coffee that you could take into church with you. They had a rock band playing loud music. Everyone was standing up during the singing and it was good music but I kind of missed the music I was used to. There was no altar or cross but the message was a good one. About enlarging our tents, lengthening our ropes and having deep tent stakes. It was given on a screen as this is a satellite church the message was about how we have to get children involved. I had always thought that the "Suffer the little children" scripture meant that we should accept God as little children do - without guile and gully accepting the message.

Then we went out for lunch a Viola. A French salad and bread place. It was very good. I am sure the salad I had was not a diet salad but frankly folks I have decided not to worry about the diet for a week.

Amy and I went to an Outlet mall and I got a new pair of sunglasses. I had left mine at home and really needed them as it is bright down here (although it was raining when I got up this morning).

We watched Helen Mirren in "The Queen" this afternoon. I love the movie and am a big fan of Helen Mirren. I have enjoyed many of her movies and TV shows. I had seen the movie but it moved me again and I realized that it had been 10 years since Diana, Princess of Wales had been killed.

After the movie we went to Abuelos which is probably the best Mexican Restaurant I have ever eaten in. The last picture is of me in the Hummer on the way home. The middle picture is of Amy and Lee's home "The Mansion" as my Aunt Jo refers to it and the top picture is of the church.

It is wonderful to be here. I am so relaxed. They are such good hosts and I love Harley. Hope you are all having a great time. Send E-mails and Be loved. Hugs. j