Z is for Zarf and other Z Words (what else?)

A little contribution to your vocabulary:

zyzzyva - an American weevil or small beetle

Zymurgy - the branch of chemistry concerned with fermentation processes in brewing, etc

Zygomorphic - (of a flower) capable of being cut in only one plane so that the two halves are mirror images

Zarf - (esp in the Middle East) a holder, usually ornamental, for a hot coffee cup

zex - a tool for cutting roof slate

That's probably enough to get you through some tough sports in scrabble or words with friends, eh?

Thanks for another great a-z challenge!

Y is for Yesterday

Yesterday was the end of this year's challenge, and yet, here I am, on the 1st of May, trying to complete my last two entries.  I don't know if you are following the events in Baltimore, but today, they announced the charges 6 police offices are being accused of and gave the play by play of events leading to the sad death of Freddy Grey.  My initial response was, good.  Choices equal consequences.  Then upon talking to my rather-more-opinionated and analytical friend, am just sad about the whole situation.  The officers don't have a chance, no matter what the eventual verdict is.  Their only chance might be with an entire new identity and location, and that's if any of them are found not guilty.  And then there is the root cause.  The culture barriers.  For those of us who grew up.......well.......white......we won't ever understand.  We, for a majority of us, were raised that police protect us and are safety.  For the other side, cops are the enemy.  Something to be frightened of.  Someone out to get you just because you exist.  I imagine the only people who can understand both ways are those individuals who came out of a rough, mistrusting environment and became police officers.  This incident has brought more attention to the divide that exists, however, I'm not sure there is any immediate answer.  And in a time where the Me-generation (a generation accustomed to instant gratification) is taking on the big issues and leading the way........well.......i just don't know.....i fear we may not have hit bottom yet and are not a place where real changes can be made yet, as scary as that sounds.  Ah well, we shall see.  All we can do is hope that a leader emerges and can bring hope.  Most of us, including myself to be honest, is continue to live each day the best we can and raise our children with a sense of right and wrong without extremes.

X is for eXpress Yourself through Poetry

Today is not only X day, but it is also Nation Poetry Day!  I used to write.......a long time ago.....had a little book and even had other people write in it and swore that someday i would have it published.  I'm pretty sure i still have it somewhere.  Should pull it out and see what the high school version of me and my friends thought of the world then.  That will be a post for another time.....,but for today, I thought I'd share a favorite....

Hector the Collector
Collected bits of string,
Collected dolls with broken heads
And rusty bells that would not ring. Bent-up nails and ice-cream sticks,
Twists of wires, worn-out tires,
Paper bags and broken bricks.
Old chipped vases, half shoelaces,
Gatlin' guns that wouldn't shoot,
Leaky boasts that wouldn't float
And stopped-up horns that wouldn't toot. Butter knives that had no handles,
Copper keys that fit no locks
Rings that were too small for fingers,
Dried-up leaves and patched-up socks.
Worn-out belts that had no buckles,
'Lectric trains that had no tracks,
Airplane models, broken bottles,
Three-legged chairs and cups with cracks.
Hector the Collector
Loved these things with all his soul--
Loved them more then shining diamonds,
Loved them more then glistenin' gold.
Hector called to all the people,
'Come and share my treasure trunk!'
And all the silly sightless people
Came and looked ... and called it junk. 

Shel Silverstein

W is for Wondering About Random Things

Ever just have thoughts?  Unexplained?  Odd?  Or, explainable, but probably something you wouldn't say out loud in public?

Like....

-  In a work restroom.......not a public one, but one shared by about 10 women with 2 stalls......there are actually women who would rather hover over the seat than use a seat cover.......and they are the ones that spray and then don't clean-up after themselves........who are these women?  Who failed them?

-  Who along the historical line decided that block-like shapes was the idea shape for buildings and dwellings?  Why? 

-  Why does the dog lay in the middle of the floor, sees me coming, doesn't budge, then decides to stand up just as I'm already stepping over her?

Just a few.......

V is for Very Relaxing

So, our weekend away was wonderful!  If you are going to be near or want a destination near the George Washington National Forest, I would highly recommend this little cabin.  It is in Monetery, Va in Highland County, VA (Maple capital of VA).  The little cabin is fabulous and the farm it is on is lovely and cute.  They raise beef cattle, so if you are in to eating local, which we are (well, when on vacation) then you can buy meat right from the source.  We did run into one issue, though.  If you desire produce......like anything not frozen or canned........bring your own.  The grocery options were limited to the Dollar General and Evelyn's Pantry (which never seemed to be open) and the 'store behind Evelyn's Pantry' (also, never open and mysteriously without a name of its own).  There is also the Video/Gift/Gun shop which has a modest selection of potatoes and onions.  The town is cute and everyone is very friendly.  High's Restaurant should also be noted.  Wonderful breakfast!  We didn't go for lunch or dinner, but I'm sure as much love goes into that menu as well.  BTW, the restaurant complete with inventory, kitchen furnishing, and furnished apartment above is for sale.  $275k.  been in business for 60 years.  Just in case this blog reaches that special buyer!  Below are pics i took of the cabin and the website where you could contact the owners if you are interested in renting.

Riven Rock Farm
Laurel Run Cabin

 

Actually didn't take that many pics, sorry.  The dear is missing from the pics on the website, so i thought i'd bring him to you here.

U is for Us

this weekend, the hubby and I will embark on a little us time that we haven't done in about 10 years.  Well, not since the first honeymoon.  Super excited! Not thrilled that it is supposed to be cold and rainy, but being just us without anything else going on will be nice.  Take a moment to hug your significant! I'll report in on Monday!

T is for Taking a Moment

Ever take a moment to think about why you are the way you are?  Who shaped you?  Who did you think you were going to be?  Who are you determined to be?  What you said you would do but have kicked off the to-do list?  What have you added now?

hmmm....