Columbus Troop 115: Gavins Point or Bust

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I absolutely y love this picture. I wish I could find someone who could give me more information.

In my opinion, I think these boys are getting ready to go on a camping trip to Gavins Point. When I research Gavin Point, I come up with a couple different locations. I do not know precisely where the Columbus Troop 115 was heading. But I hope they had the time of their lives.

I love the little girl in the picture. I would bet one of the boys is an older brother, but she had to be in the photo. I wonder if she went on the trip too. If a parent was a chaperon, I could easily see the little girl tagging along.

The old truck and camper are perfect for an adventure. If you look closely at the top of the camper, you can see camp cots and chairs. I am guessing, the camper is filled with all types of food and other supplies for the trip.

The two little girls in the background are utterly oblivious to the photo being taken. They seem to be having a deep conversation. When you look closer, I can actually see the one girl leaning toward the other as if to share a secret.

If you know something about this photo, please share with me. I would love to know the story.

Until next time…peace

 

Vintage Photo: Man with Pet Woodchucks

Posted on by Rebecca C.

As a child, my grandfather always told me, “It takes all kinds to make the world go ’round.” I never fully understood the significance of the statement until later in life. I love meeting the good-natured oddballs. Offering a unique perspective, I find their stories and journey through life extremely interesting.

This particular series of vintage photos is the perfect example.  Over the years, I have come across numerous individuals who care for injured animals. Or have befriended wild animals. For example, my uncle would sit on the bank of the old muddy, Maple River for hours. After a while, the raccoons would come right up to him to receive “treats”. He actually would allow the wild racoons eat right out of his hands. (Note: I do not advocate this…animals bite).

Little woodchucks eating.

Woodchucks are not my idea of friendly creatures. They are destructive, burrowing mammals. And, they bite. Living in a wooded area, I see woodchucks often in rock piles, under my shed and in my barn. Witnessing them fight with each other over territory, I know they can be a bit nasty. If I could talk to this gentleman, I would ask, “How did you get pet woodchucks?”

The man proudly feeding his woodchucks.

I am assuming he found the woodchucks as babies. From my understanding from old farmer’s tales, a wild animal that does not open his/her eyes will be easy to handle. (Once again: I do not advocate this…I am a strong believer that all wild animals belong in their natural surroundings).

In my opinion, the old farmer appears proud of his little friends. I would love to sit next to him for an hour and just listen to his story.

Until next time…..peace

 

January: Soup Month

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The month of January is known as Soup Month. Normally, in mid-Michigan, the cold winter months welcomes a bowl of warm soup. Lately, our daily temps are above freezing. But I am certain the cold temps and snowy days are just around the corner.

My question for all of you is do you have a favorite type of soup? My soup tastes usually depend on my mood. (Yes, I am one of those emotional eaters). When I am feeling ill, I love a nice warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. On days, when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I like a high-quality tomato soup with a tasty grilled cheese sandwich. What can I say–my tastes are rather simple. But I am always willing to try something new.

As a child, the winter months always met homemade bean soup. For almost two days, my mother would allow the Navy beans to slowly simmer in a large cast iron pot on top of the old, pot belly stove. Adding ham, onions, and other seasonings, the smell of the soup would drift throughout the old farm house.

The final meal would always involve homemade bread, biscuits, and a dessert. Of course, the best part of the meal was the house full of guests. For most of us, the homemade bean soup was a tasty treat. Well except for my younger sister who to this day is not a fan of bean soup.

My attempts to make bean soup as an adult do not yield the same results as my mother’s tasty homemade recipe. I cannot tell you if my attempts fail because I do not own a cast iron pot and an old wood burning, pot belly stove. Or the difference in taste is due to missing family members and friends that are no longer with me.

Regardless of the reason, homemade bean soup will always remain one of my all-time favorites; a nestled memory on a cold winter’s day.

Until next time….peace

 

 

Snow Storm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The biggest news for my area is the snow storm. Mid-Michigan could receive between 6 to 10 inches of snow by tomorrow afternoon. Since I work out of my home, I find the snow beautiful. I was out in the slightly snowy covered roads earlier this morning. But they had not begun to get slippery yet. Now the roads are completely covered, state offices are closed and schools were sent home early. Safe travels to anyone who is still out and about.

The snow has slowly progressed throughout the afternoon.
The snow has slowly progressed throughout the afternoon.

Snow storms remind of childhood when schools were closed. My mother always had extra children at the house on snow days. The day would be filled with sledding, snowmen, warm cocoa and homemade entertainment. Even though some of the snow storms brought no electricity, we still enjoyed ourselves. We haven’t lost power yet. Numerous people in the area are already without power. So we will see what the night brings.

The view from my front porch.
The view from my front porch.

I managed to meet my writing deadline early which gives me time to write for myself and “play” with pictures.

The Old Mill
The snow is heavier now……

 

 

I gave the outdoor birds extra food today. But, I haven't witnessed much movement from their houses since the snow started.
I gave the outdoor birds extra food today. But, I haven’t witnessed much movement from their houses since the snow started.

So, I am currently watching the live stream of the Brit Awards. I am keeping notes on the artists I do not normally hear; I can see a large iTunes bill in my near future. I am always listening to music when I write. I like different genres to fit the mood of my characters. So, if anyone has any music suggestions please pass them my way.

Until next time….peace

 

National Flashlight Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Can you believe there is actually an entire day dedicated to the flashlight? Today, December 21, 2015, is National Flashlight Day. From my research, I have found out the flashlight has actually been around since 1898 or 1899. David Misell had the flashlight patented on January 10, 1899. I guess, I didn’t realize the flashlight was that old.

The reason for the name “flashlight” was due to the fact the light stick’s batteries would produce a sudden “flash” as they died. The batteries did not last very long. Over the years, the flashlight has definitely improved.

In my childhood, flashlights were used as part of playing. I can remember being outdoors after dark with my cousins and neighbor kids. We would use flashlights to see during hide-n-seek or to tell ghost stories. I also slept with a flashlight by my bed. I would use the light to read by after everyone in the house was asleep.

I think one of my favorite memories is when the electricity went out. My mother hung a sheet. We used the flashlights as a way to make “hand puppets”. The simple ways my mother found to entertain us when we were bored.

Of course, I now use flashlights as a way to peer out into my yard at night. I always have some critter on my porch. Tonight was a very small opossum.

Until next time…peace

Red Apple Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, December 1, 2015, is “Eat a Red Apple Day” or “Red Apple Day”. I absolutely love applies. I found the fat that whole day is dedicated to these delicious fruits is amazing. The apple comes in numerous sizes, flavors and shades of color which add to their wonder.

I actually have a few apple trees out in my yard. During prime harvest time, I use the apples to make homemade jelly and pie fillings. I love experiencing the delicious fruit in the middle of the winter.

When I was younger apple trees were climbing trees in my parents’ yard. My cousins, neighbor kids and I would spend summer afternoons playing in trees. We would even eat apples that were not quite ripe. To this day, I am surprised we never got sick. I also amazed at the fact, none of us got hurt. I mean would race to see who could reach the highest branch the quickest. And, have apple throwing wars. But for the most part, we would only end up with a few bumps and bruises. I did get hit in the nose once…yes….that hurt. But I survived.

Until next time…peace…

Have a Party With Your Bear Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, November 16, 2015 is “Have a Party with Your Bear Day.” I love these unofficial holidays. I use love sitting up my bears to have a party inside a homemade tent. Spending time outdoors in the tent was the best part of lazy days of summer. My mom would help me construct the tent over the clothes line with three old blankets- two for the side and one for the floor. I would stay out there for hours.

I had tree bears that were my favorite toys. Let me tell you, these bears were well-loved. Two of the bears- a fuzzy brown bear and a Polar Bear were gifts from my grandparents when I was just born. The other brown bear was actually something I won. (Honestly, I think the stuffed bear is the only thing I have ever won).

The local bank was having a contest where you could get a key to try and unlock a small treasure chest. There was no age limit to participate. Can you imagine my excitement when my key unlocked the chest? Inside the chest were a variety of little white envelopes. I can imagine trying to figure out which one to pick. But I finally decided to pick out the one in the middle. I remember, everyone telling me the other envelopes were probably cash prizes. But I didn’t care; I had the best prize, a new brown bear. My best friend from childhood, JJ was with me at the time which makes the memory even better. (He died of cancer when we were 14). On the way home, we placed the bear between us in the backseat of the old van. We thought we were the greatest.

I was so excited to get the bear to go with my other two; the brown bear was their new friend. I remember, spending the entire next day outdoors in my tent. I mean, my bears and I were having a party. My peanut butter and jelly sandwich and Kool-Aid was a fancy party meal.

I still have all three bears. They are sitting on my dresser still watching over me after all these years.

 

Happy Sesame Street Day!

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, November 10, 2015, is a Sesame Street Day. Who has watched Sesame Street at some point in their life? On this day in 1969, Sesame Street was first aired on television. I love the theme song, I mean “Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?”

Me holding my two favorite Sesame Street characters. I was about 8 years old.
Me holding my two favorite Sesame Street characters. I was about 8 years old.

 

My favorite characters were Burt and Ernie. I loved the puppets, the lessons and everything else to do with the fun loving kid’s show. Well, I even found myself watching Sesame Street at 2 am the other night. I could help but watch for a few minutes when I was flipping channels.

So, Happy Sesame Street Day!

Until next time….peace….