Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Christmas 2018


Johnny, Maeann and Buckshot

No, I'm not bald

my hair is long enough

to pile up

and I like it!

Christmas used to be

for the kids

Now it's just Buckshot

He'll be happy

for a long walk

We hope you have a
Merry Christmas
 and Blessed New Year

2018©️Red Convertible Travel Series

Called Home

When we were children playing

our parents called us home

we went

It's the same

when the Lord says,

"Come home."

Sister-in-law Josephine

got the call
last Monday
12/4

She told her sons

she was dying

At 4 pm the 5th

she went home

My understanding of

death has changed

Only the body dies

The soul is eternal and

doesn't skip a beat

I watched her

meet and greet

family and friends
also deceased

She doesn't need oxygen

Her body is no longer

half-moon shaped

You've arrived

Aunt Joe

Enjoy your pain-free life

We love you forever!

2018 ©️ Red Convertible Travel Series

Veterans Day 2018

Veteran's Day 2018

Tens of Thousands of graves

decorated

to remember

those who gave their all

Let freedom ring

Grace, Peace

and Thanks

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Clip Art photo

Real Church Bulletin Announcements

     "Thursday night -  Potluck supper. Prayer and medication will follow."

"For those of you who have children and don't know it,

we have a nursery downstairs."

"Remember in pray all those who are sick of our

church and community."

"Tonight's Sermon is 'What is Hell?'

Come early and listen to our choir practice."

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Election Day 11/6/18

Election Day 11/6/18

I pledge allegiance to the flag

Of the United States of America

and to the Republic for which it stands

One nation under God Indivisible

With Liberty and Justice for all

Let's work together for the good of our Country

Cast your vote 11/6/18

Heavenly Father, Thy will be done

Red Convertible Travel Series

God's Law: The Return of the Circle

So what's with the weather? Could it be all the negativity on the news and people's nasty behavior in general? When we look in the mirror, what looks back at us is the same. When people express hate, are they aware that's what will return to them? Imagine hate is hot black tar returning to the sender. Do you want that?

Remedy: To have peace on earth, we have to master our thoughts and feelings and live from our heart expressing genuine love, compassion, kindness, mercy and peace toward all.

©️2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

The Weighing of Deeds

The Weighing of Deeds

Leonard B Jasa’s Life Review

Maeann Jasa-Barrett

Friends and foes

heaped the scales

with deeds of good

and the devil’s do

The Great God laid His eyes on him

The man began to weep

… seen the awfuls of war, Dear One.

No more, No more.

I’m granting you Grace and Peace.

The man collapsed relieved

If there are no more to speak

I’ll make my decision brief

A wee brown hand waved frantically
I have something to say

Bucket trapped in his garage

My heart raced fast and blue

Would he crush me ‘neath his heal

Or would he turn me loose?

The crowd gasped in disbelief

At the mouse’s tale of woe 

He who’d fought and fired men

Tipped the bucket at the curb

Gave me a running start

And so Good God, it is my vote

That he should go upstairs.

The Good God smiled

and tipped the scale

That opened Heaven’s Gate

Lest we think it matters not

The things we say and do

The smallest creatures matter too

Beware your own review.

©️ 2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

9/11/2001, He Didn't Care What Happened to the USA

The phone rang. My broker said, "The Twin towers are on fire!"

My guts flushed with angst and anger. I rushed to dress and get on the road to Krysia. She had undergone a second appendix surgery the day before. In May she had walked around for a week with a ruptured appendix. One Dr. said it might be gallbladder. She went home mad, laid down, and heard the Lord say, "You're dying." She got up and went to a different Dr. who knew immediately it was appendicitis. She was rushed to the Hospital by ambulance. Her insides were such a mess, the Dr. couldn't find her appendix. He scheduled a second surgery for Sep. 10th.

I walked into her room just as the Towers collapsed. Horrified, we hugged and sobbed. Through her tears, she said, "I felt all the victims go through me. Some Dr. came in and insisted I come to his office immediately, my system was all out of whack. I told him all that was wrong with me was my country was under attack! He showed absolutely no concern. A chill warning ran through me. I was NOT going anywhere with him! I tried to call you to pick me up in the parking lot."

"I was on my way."

She recovered. The mysterious Dr. suddenly left the country. His staff were left to deal with the fallout. It wasn't minimal.

God Bless America now and always!!!!!. Grace and Peace to all.♥️

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series
Microsoft Clipart

World's Best Awards 2017 Travel + Leisure Readers' Score

Viking Ocean (95.99)

(Voted World's Best Cruise Line 2016 & 2017)

Crystal (93.38)

Regent Seven Seas (91.90)

Cunard (87.51)

Oceania (87.29)

Azamara (86.89)

Princess (86.19)

Costa Cruises (84.38)

Celebrity (81.55)

Holland America (81.28)

Viking was also the winner in 2016

vikingoceancruises.com

1-855-8-VIKING

Have toothbrush will travel!!!

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Viking River Cruises

The Viking River Cruises catalog came today with the list of voyages 2018. I am over the moon. "Set sail with us on a journey that will awaken, nourish and expand your mind, and truly allow you to explore the world in comfort."

There isn't much that thrills me more than travel. Every week I get a catalog and emails from Viking. I have to stop and feast my eyes and let my heart fly away with desire to travel. Do I want to go to Europe, Russia or China? YESSSS!!!!!  I love the idea of River Cruises. I can see land on both sides. (I didn't do well deep sea fishing. That's another story.)

Traveling is about how adaptable we are. We represent the USA. Patient, grateful and with a sense of humor goes a long ways. When we are demanding, rude, loud and obnoxious, we are not welcome.

I love learning other's ways and making life-long friends. We are all just people, and we're not that different. Living patience, curiosity, sympathy, compassion and kindness leaves a good impression.

  

Viking River Cruises 

Journeys of Discovery

Available 2017-2018

                                     Rhine Getawayㅡ8 Days: Basel to Amsterdam
                                     Danube Waltzㅡ8 Days: Budapest to Passau

                                     Romantic Danubeㅡ8 Days: Budapest to Nuremberg

                                     Grand European Tourㅡ15 Days: Budapest to Amsterdam

                                     Paris to the Swiss Alpsㅡ12 Days: Zurich to Paris

                                     Cities of Lightㅡ12 Days: Prague to Paris

                                     Tulips &Windmillsㅡ10 Days: AmsterdamㅡAntwerp─Amsterdam

                                     Passage to Eastern Europeㅡ11 Days: Bucharest to Budapest

                                     Paris & the Heart of Normandyㅡ8 Days: ParisㅡRouenㅡParis
                                     Lyon  Provenceㅡ8 Days: Avignon to Lyon
                                     Chateaux, Rivers & Wine: 8 Days: Bordeaux-Saint−Emilion-Bordeaux
                                     Elegant Elbeㅡ10 Days: Prague to Berlin
                                     Portugal's River of Goldㅡ10 Days: Lisbon to Porto
                                     Waterways of the Tsarsㅡ13 Days: St. Petersburg to Moscow
                                     Imperial Jewels of Chinaㅡ14 Days: Shanghai to Beijing

                                 
                                     Iconic Western Mediterraneanㅡ8 Days: Barcelona to Rome
                                     Viking Homelandsㅡ15 Days: Stockholm to Bergen

                                     120 days World Cruise: Los Angeles to London.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/ Treat yourself to great photos, interesting packages and extensions, the layout of the ships, and all the necessary details. They are thorough.

My heart is scheming. I overcame my fear of heights driving over the Continental Divide and hiking the Grand Canyon. I CAN overcome my fear of the sea! Repeat. Repeat. How can I go from one cruise to another? I think my ticket may be as a "Travel Writer." Oh, the wheels are turning! I won't sleep tonight. Have toothbrush, will travel!!!

(All copy about Viking is directly from their catalog.)

2017 RedConvertibleTravelSeries

World's Best Cruise Ship Awards 2017 and 2016 Travel + Leisure

The rankings of Cruise Ships for 2017 

Viking Ocean was the best (95.99) 

Crystal (93.38)

Regent Seven Seas (91.90)

Cunard (87.51)

Oceania (87.29)

Azamara (86.89)

Princess (86.19)

Costa Cruises (84.38)

Celebrity (81.55)

Holland America (81.28)

Viking Ocean was also the winner in 2016

Viking

My mind flutters from city to city, port to port and opportunity to opportunity. I would love to move from one to the next all the way around the world. So much to see. So much to learn. So much to do!

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Words to live by

            Be humble                   
                                                         Sing Loudly      
                               
                                                                                          Live for today
     Call an old friend
                                                                                    Push fear aside
                                    Give hugs 
                                                                                                      Be curious
        Hold Hands
                                   Take a chance
                                                             Make a new friend
Take pictures            
                       Smell the flowers   
                                                            Smile at a stranger
      Embrace                 Be kind         
                                                          Love one another

                           Choose happiness

The Lord works at Kroger's in Horn Lake, MS

     We lost our Clarksdale, MS Kroger in March (Declining revenues).😦 My friend and I were excited😃😁 to finally locate one @ DeSoto Crossing, 7251 Interstate Blvd, Horn Lake, MS. 662-349-8334.
   
     An elderly lady was plodding flat-footed pushing her half-full cart. (I hoped she wasn't driving.) The angle to the street was ribbed and looked too steep. She showed no sign of stopping.😱 Might she lose control of the cart, be drug by it, or face planted on the concrete? Not on my watch! I rushed to her with raised hands. "Wait! Wait right there. I'll take it to the curb for you." She let go and stood stable. I backed down with my eyes on her. Someone backed up to me. The trunk popped open. An attractive lady took charge of loading the contents into her trunk. The elderly lady started toward the ramp. 😲 😱 "NO!!!" we yelled. She stopped. The driver closed the trunk and helped the lady into the car. I returned the cart to the store.

                                                              

                           Praise the Lord! 

                      People helping People = Peace on Earth

  

                                              💕💝💞💓💗😃💜

©️2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

The Lord has a field day at Walmart

   

     My daughter, Corrie, made this quilt for me for Mother's Day. The pieces fit together right, the same way life does when we invite the Lord to work in our life.

    I had two Walmart double-bagged bags in my cart. There wasn't enough room to put them into my truck. The man in the car beside me said, "I'll put those in for you."
     "Thanks!"
     A wee girl in his car said, "That was nice."
     "Yes it was."
     I headed to my driver's side and couldn't get in. A sedan was trying to back out. "Wait, just give me a minute."
     Behind my truck I checked the traffic and did my best Goldilocks impression. That truck is too fast. The second one isn't much better. Oh, that van is just right. I put my open palm up for the driver to stop five parking spaces back. He and his passenger broke into wide smiles.
     As I approached the sedan, the noise level was that of a flock of hungry birds. The couple were talking all over each other and glowing, literally. I peeked in, "You can go now." 
     She said, "Nobody has ever done anything like this for us." 
     "You're welcome."
     They went on their way. The van pulled in. I got in my truck. The first man was standing where he could see in my windshield. His arms were lighty crossed. His smile was soft.
      I muttered to my left, "What do I do now, Lord?"
     "Roll the window down."
     Out of my mouth came, "We were people helping people. That's what World Peace looks like."

2018 ©️Red Convertible Travel Series

An Alien?

What is it?

Did an alien slip into the grape?

It was the only one
that looked like this

Are aliens more advanced?

Maybe they do know more

than we do

and

just want to help

Maybe they'd land 

if we didn't try to shoot them

Maybe they know 

how to cure complicated

diseases

Maybe they know

how to love more

and live peace

2018 ©️Red Convertible Travel Series

My photo

Love Soothes the Soul

Love is all there is

One cannot plant flowers

and

make war 

at the same time

Grace and Peace to all

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Photos not mine

Memorial Day 2018

Old wars

Current wars 

An Appeal to the World

The way to peace in a time of division

By

His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV

Co-author Franz Alt

"Love without exception. 

Our spiritual well-being depends

on our innate human nature,

our natural affinity for goodness,

compassion, and caring for others."

"Ethics, compassion and social behavior

are inborn traits.

When we cultivate the inner values

that we all appreciate in other people,

we begin to live spiritually."

"tis more important for humanity's survival

to become aware of our commonalities

than to constantly emphasize what divides us"

"Most human conflicts can be resolved

through sincere dialogue."

"Disarmament is compassion put into practice.

Disarm. Don't arm yourselves!

Overcome hatred and prejudice

with cooperation and tolerance!"

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Photos:Clipart

People Helping People = Peace on Earth

Foam wasp and hornet killer wasn't in the aisle with household cleaners at Walmart. The clerk I'd asked in housewares found it in the Garden center and hunted me down. That's service!

When I got to our truck, I couldn't get in. The man in the car on my passenger side said, "I'll put those in for you." The little girl with him said, "That was nice."
"Yes it was."

I couldn't get in my driver's side because the driver of the car beside me was trying to back out. I motioned for them to stop. They couldn't see over my truck. I checked the traffic and stopped it. When I told them it was safe to back out, they were filled with joy. "Nobody has ever done that for us!" Those who stopped pulled into the space with wide smiles, too. So was I.

When I backed out, I rolled the passenger window down to the man on my right. "We were people helping people, that's what peace on earth looks like." He nodded and smiled.

©️2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Jesus used a 6-yr. old to answer my prayer

Earlier this week I made our monthly grocery run to Walmart. My cart was so full, I had to use a second one. I felt like a mule tethered to a one-bottom plow trying to slice into virgin prairie. Where's another mule when you need one?
"Jesus, I need help."
A little boy ahead and to my left turned around and walked straight to me. "Do you need help?"
"Yes."
He looked to his mom. She and I exchanged smiles; she nodded to him it was okay.

Walking to my car, he said, "I'm six years old. I go to Friar's Point Elementary School. I'm graduating from Kindergarten soon."
"That's great! Do you like to read?"
He frowned. "Not so much in school." His eyes widened. "I just read 'Biscuit' by myself!"
"Good for you!"

He intended to unload his cart into my car, but he wasn't tall enough to reach anything. His mom drove up."Do you need some help?"
"That's ok. I 'll get it." Why is it so hard to accept help? "Yes, thank you, I do need help."

It took us ten minutes to empty both carts. We ended with a hug. I thanked her and told her she was doing a great job with her son, and I'd tipped him.

Never underestimate the "Power of Prayer." People helping people = Peace on Earth

©️2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Happy Mother's Day!

A garden of flowers for you Mom

You led, guarded and taught us

Forever grateful we are,

Maeann and Janis

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series 

Photos Clp Art

Poetry mine

Talking Turtle

"Well, hello there."

She stopped and looked up

"You're very pretty.

Show me what you can do."

Try as I might,

I could not get the video to upload.

With her back legs

she demonstrated

building a nest 

using hand-like motions
she pulled and pushed
handsful of earth
creating space
deep enough
to hide her eggs
she covered them with leaves

Fine work little Mama

We missed the hatchlings

that made their way

back to the river

God Bless Turtles

©️2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

My Pineapple Ministry

I loved it when Kroger's had imported, fresh pineapple. If they were too green, I let them rest on the counter and turned them daily. When the hide began to soften and I could smell the pineapple, I cut the top off and planted it outside. (It would last through warm weather.) Turned on it's top, on a saucer, allowed the juice to make its way down to the top. 

It's a fragrant messy moment
slicing the outside off 

Note the hearts
the cakes are made with love

There are many recipes for pineapple upside down cake. My favorite is the recipe that uses buttermilk. I make the 10" pineapple upside down cake in my cast iron skillet. Sometimes I make two 8", or four 4", or use a round cake pan. I've made so many, more than 60. We enjoy them and they've been wonderful gifts for family and friends. I've mentioned how good they were and someone would say, "I wish somebody would make me one." So I did. Making money isn't my motive. Pineapples represent Hospitality. It's worth the effort just to see people smile and feel blessed. 

©2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Fruit Pizza

A creative explosion 

of color

first feeds the eyes

A base of

plain cookie dough

baked on a pizza tin

and cooled

Frosted with

softened cream cheese

and a little

powdered sugar

Decorated with fruit

of your choice

It goes fast

I never got a bite

©2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

Violence, Drugs & Mental Health Issues vs Peace

     We are surrounded by violence, drugs and mental health issues. People become what they see. Violence is the only way to express myself, mindset. All guns could be removed from the world and there would still be violence. People would find other tools to do damage with. 

     Mr. Rogers of "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood," spoke gently to children and adults after 9/11. First Lady Laura Bush was a calming influence, also.
       

     This is Buckshot with his 1st year fleece security blanket. In the spring our yard was covered with little blue flags. He prefers we all be in the same room, so he can do his job of watching over us. If one of us doesn't feel well, he comes close to love the wrong away. He can be sound asleep and hit the floor barking because something or someone crossed the yard. I wish I was that sensitive.

     There are better ways to be, and things to do with our time, than get wrapped up in violence. L. R. Knost said, "So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you."  

2018 Red Convertible Travel Series
     

Real Winter in MS

     We haven't had ice and snow for several years. The kids were tickled to be out of school for six days. By the third day, parents were groaning.

     I left the string of colored LED lights in the kitchen window and on the living room window. They seem magical.

     The house was built in the 60's and adequate for Southern weather. Bitter cold is keeping people home. When the sun shines on the kitchen and living room windows, the rooms warm. The thermostat sighs and takes a break. The back of the house gets cold enough to hang a hog. Memories of our old country house rush in reminding me of the cook stove that would die over night and the teakettle freeze. This isn't so bad after all. Good reading weather.

     Chili and chicken & vegetable soup warm body and soul, and the house smells nice. Buckshot snuggles under the covers and warms our feet. We're doing fine.

     It's raining. Really raining! Sounds like spring, yard work,a lot of sweat equity and mosquitoes! 

©2018 Red Convertible Travel Series

It's Adam's Fault

The world explodes

with accusations 

of men's sexual misconduct

women accuse the 👹s

men are stripped of their jobs

and earned awards 💘

no innocent until proven guilty here

If Adam hadn't fondled Eve

(Supposing it wasn't she doing the fondling)

people wouldn't be here

2018 © Red Convertible Travel Series

Quitting Smoking

"I'm Quitting!" he announced triumphantly at the VA cessation class. 
Cheers from the audience. "I've got it all figured out."

I was overjoyed. What a relief to not smell smoke on our clothes, in the house, vehicles and on his breath.

Highlights of his experiment:

I cooked liver and onions, rice and gravy.
"You cooked too many onions."

"The chocolate milk doesn't taste as good as the other brand."

"Are you taking your meds?"
"These sweet potatoes need more juice."

"When you make tea, shake it up!

"These blueberry muffins aren't as good as the other store's."

"These peaches don't taste as good as the first ones."
Grrr! I'm married to a food critic!!! It was the fourth can. Which one was first? 

"Hospital food doesn't taste good."
"Of course not. They don't want you to stay."
A fish-eyed scowl.

"Shouldn't the meatloaf have ketchup on it?"
Apparently, every woman in the world got the perfect meatloaf recipe except me. Where was I that day?

Lentil soup with fresh veggies: "I'm not eating anymore of your psychedelic vegetables! What's the matter with purple hulled peas? Don't you want to learn to cook them? It can't be that hard." 

After the 6th month, he went back to smoking a pack a day. The food critic is gone. I suspect he can't taste anything again, but I'm not complaining.


2018 ©Red Convertible Travel Series

Our DNA

We share the same DNA

Leave it to my sister

to add

a boatload of humor

She went into the Good Feet Store

wearing the spotted slacks

And came out

wearing matching shoes

The whereabouts 

of my spots

is spotty

More on our DNA later

©2018 RedConvertibleTravelSeries