Christmas 2015 and MS Tornadoes

Mississippi was unseasonably warm and wet Wed., Dec. 23rd. Fourteen tornadoes ravaged 150 miles across the state. The Governor declared a State of Emergency. Along US 49 and 322, in our Clarksdale area, homes, a church and a crop duster's business were severely damaged. Our neighbor's home had the meter base torn off.

Tornadoes traveled northeast clocking winds in excess of 150 miles an hour. I55 was closed between Batesville and Como after multiple truck accidents. I put cat, Madchen, in the bathroom. She sat and stared like a statue. Johnny was a nervous wreck insisting we move to the bathtub. Instead, I tested my faith muscle. From my recliner, I prayed for protection for all in its path. Buckshot, our little dog, was not rattled. Neither was I. The storm came over our house, lifted the shingles, and laid them back down. Not one blew off. Thank you, Lord!

Holly Springs was ravaged the worst. Topped trees looked like tall pencils. A car was trapped under a twisted tractor trailer and the occupants survived.

The death toll rises. It took weeks to log damage and put a pall on Christmas. But there were miracles to give praise for. Three people left their house and piled into their truck. Before they could get away, it blew the truck into a tree saving their lives; the house was destroyed. Many homes were wiped off their foundation. Victims concurred the tornado sounded like a raging freight train.

Our hearts go out to all. Google MS tornadoes 12-23-15 for more information. If you want to help, contact the Red Cross.

Wed. evening I watched I Love Lucy reruns I haven't seen since 9/11. They are light moments that shore us up for coping with life's monsters. Peace and Grace to all and to all a Good Night. May your Christmas be Merry and the New Year super!

Love,
Maeann

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Veterans Day 2015 and Europe in 1993

Remember the Veterans

Europe in '93
Maeann B Jasa

We thought the wars over

'til we laid down to rest

guns, tanks, barking dogs

were heard in our heads

Germany, Luxembourg,

Holland, France

war haunted our sleep

how could it last

From out of the heavens

came this command

"Free these dear souls

from the hell of the past."

Walking battlefields, cemeteries

my sister and I

acknowledged, telepathed 

with those who are dead

Thousands took notice

 piled weapons in heaps

ten abreast they crossed over

the Bridge to the Light

Military, civilian

all countries alike

God welcomed each one

"Come home. Rest."

The pain and the warring

were gone from the air

peace was on their side

and we felt it here.

Microsoft Clip Art

©2015 Poem Red Convertible Travel Series

"Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" Carol McCloud

For the fourth year, I'm volunteering to read to Ms. Green's 2nd grade class at Kirkpatrick School, Clarksdale, MS. My hugs, kisses, smiles and kind words fill their buckets and they in turn, fill mine.

Carol McCloud wrote "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?"illustrated by David Messing. Good for any age, it raises awareness by explaining that every person has an invisible bucket, and we are either bucket fillers or bucket dippers. When we do something nice for someone, we fill the other person's bucket and vice versa. Bullies are bucket dippers. They take away the other person's good feelings, and they don't get good feelings put in theirs.

It has been translated into French, Braille, Japanese, Turkish, Korean and Chinese, and won 15 awards from 2007-2013. bucketfillers101.com

Carol collaborated with Caryn Bulzke and illustrator Glenn Zimmer to create "My Very Own Bucket Filling from A to Z Coloring book." It took First Place in the 2015 Dragonfly Book Awards.

Go to Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com to buy.

 ©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Pearl Seas Cruises, Cuba Cultural Cruises and Hemingway

My foot is itching bad. The only treatment is travel. Pearl Seas Cruises leave south Florida for ten nights and eleven days to "Discover Cuba 2016." Sailing beings March 6, 2016. The last trip is May 5, 2016. It'a s six-deck cruise ship with over 100 rooms. Ship Registry: Republic of the Marshall Islands.  PearlSeasCruises.com/cruises/Cuba-Cultural-Voyage/

Imagine walking through Havana's five Plazas hearing local music, or is it that our Country Western, like it was in Ireland? Colorful fresh produce is piled high giving off  'come hither vibes, 'Take me home with you. I want to nourish your body, mind and spirit.'
Check out Huffingtonpost.com/news/cuban-food/

Hemingway loved Cuba. hemingwaycuba.com/finca-la-vigia.html takes you to his home.

For fishing, check out hemingwaycuba.com/hemingway-fishing-tournament.html

If you have $200K looking for a home, and you're interested in an autographed, used/First Edition of E Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises," run, don't walk, to
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?Ernest+Hemingway&bi=0&bx=off&ds=50&pics=on&recentlyadded=all&sortby=1&x=57&y=8. There's only one.
.
Don't expect Cuba to be like home. There will be inconveniences. My sister-in-law said," If you want the comforts of home, stay there." Princess Di told her boys not to make a fuss when their meal wasn't just like home; "People will get the idea you are hard to get along with."

It's been so long since we had a relationship with Cuba, I pray all who go there enter humbly with open hearts and kindness toward all. How we treat them will determine whether they want us to come back or send our money and stay home.

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Traveling Solo

I could "solo" cruise in one of these and maybe do my own paddling.

According to AARP, "There are five Norwegian cruise ships that now have studio cabins priced far less than double occupancy." I called and asked which ones, but they never got back to me. They suggested I book a cruise first. I'll take one of each!

Tauk has a few solo cabins. Check other Cruise Lines also. They would rather have more passengers than empty rooms.

I like to travel solo sometimes. When, not if, I take a solo cruise, I will let you know the details. As long as I can see the shore, I don't get seasick. Maybe I should confine my water experiences to the bathtub, but that's not as interesting as the Venice shoreline. One day I'll tell myself, Just do it!

Microsoft Clip Organizer photo
©2015 article only
Red Convertible Travel Series

The Stauer Stick

The Stauer site states: This is how to walk the talk. The must-have men's accessory once carried by kings, presidents, barons and billionaires is back - and can be yours.

The stick is made of imported Sheesham (Indian Rosewood) with engraved silver-finished brass features, and a rubber tip on the end. All the better to steady his steps and yours Cinderella, when he is on dirt, asphalt, marble floors and Persian rugs.

My romantic self is having a field day. The stick makes me think of powerful gentlemen who don't need to raise their voice to get something done. Boulevard strolls after dinner. White Gloves and top hats to tip, Concierge's full attention. Fine dining. Vintage convertible rides with the top down. Picnics for two on linen in country shade. First class accommodations and more. Sigh.

stauer.com specializes in men and women's vintage accessories. "Arm yourself with Artistry."

Excuse me. My dreams are calling.

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Happy Fourth of July 2015

Blessings to all 

this 4th of July

May peace be

the order of the day

and 

explosions

fireworks only.

Microsoft Clip Organizer photo

2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

The Great Courses Catalog

My heart soars when TheGreatCourses.com catalog comes. Did you know they offer over 500 courses? I wish there were a at least a dozen of me so I could take many at once. I could time travel to Medieval Europe, Explore the Louvre without sore feet and learn about The Night Sky with stars sans mosquitoes.

On a clear August night, my sister would insist I go with her to the top of Bodley's Hill in Nebraska. We'd spread a blanket, stretch out and watch the meteor showers. They shot every direction. We'd whisper excitedly, "There's another one!" When I've been with her elsewhere and stars were visible, she'd look up with longing, similar to Claire in Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series. I wonder if my sister used to have an address somewhere out there? Hmm, a really distant relative.

I could elaborate on the courses, but I want you to have the joy of studying the catalog, too.

The Great Courses partners with TheCulinaryInstituteofAmerica.com  NationalGeographic.com, and SmithsonianMag.com. This group's work is quality at its best  Thank you one and all.

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

B.B. King laid to rest

Wed, June 3, 2015 The Clarksdale Press Register printed a piece by Charlie Smith of The Enterprise-Tocsin. "For sixty years, B.B. King graced the world with his music. At his services, Charlie Sawyer, B.B.'s biographer, said, "B.B. King lives in every blues lick on every electric guitar as long as blues is played." He noted that even after 18,000 performances, B.B.'s hands were soft from the way he cradled his black guitar, "Lucille."

"President Obama and former President Clinton lauded "his musical genius and simple human kindness.

"King grew up in Mississippi poor as poor could be, like so many others. He played for the prisoners at Parchman. Music may have kept him from living there.

I first heard "When a man loves a woman" while living in the Midwest. There was such anguish in his voice, I wept for his lost love." I did not yet know the pain of divorce.

People came from around the world for his funeral at Indianola, MS., home of his museum.
RIP B.B. Your memory and music live on.

2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Random Acts of Kindness

I volunteer to read to second graders at Kirkpatrick School in Clarksdale, MS. It's the highlight of my week. My intent is to inspire them to read and learn more. They're generous with hugs and love letters.

St. Paul's Methodist Church adopted Kirkpatrick school. We provide cookies or cupcakes, lemonade and achievement stickers for over 100 K-4 children each quarter. I peel the stickers off and stick them on their shirt. Each child gets one and a compliment on their achievement.

I wore a few leftover stickers to Walmart. It didn't take long to find a frazzled clerk trying to restock first aid. "You look like you could use a sticker." She burst into a smile just short of tears, "I needed that!"

The day of our Peace March, I came around an aisle in Kroger's and there was this man wearing a gold paper crown, a black with gold threads suit, and a full-length black coat draped over his shoulders like a cape. To top it off, he had this long stick with a twisted root. When I got my breath, I asked if I could take his picture. "Sure." The man beside him happened along. They knew each other. It was a two for one.

I asked, "Mr. King, would you like a peace sticker?"
"Sure,put it on my hand."
As I turned to leave, he added, "Isn't it nice to be nice?"

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

My French Shelf

This is my dedicated, French, eye-level shelf. My sister and I would go back in a heartbeat. We will someday.

The over-sized book on the right is Monet's WATER LILIES. We stood by the pond and tried to see what he saw.

Monet's Table is to the left. Claire Joyes, text. Jean-Bernard Naudin, photos. Can you imagine being at Monet's table with his wife, Alice, Renoir, Pissaro, Sisley, Degas and Cezanne? "Other frequent visitors included Rodin, Whistler, Maupassant, Valery and the statesman Clemenceau." Glory days!!! I was born too late. I can only imagine the conversation around Pike in white butter sauce, baked field mushrooms with shallots, cognac and heavy cream, and Green (pistachio) Cake. The book is full of delicious recipes. And, for a beyond-your-wildest-imagination moment, Christmas morning was scrambled eggs with black truffles. Oh, my achy, breaky heart!!!

To the right is The Louvre, worthy of a week's visit. I was surprised to see students copying the master's works, but they had permission to learn from the best,

The Heartaches of a French Cat by Barbara McClintock, was one of Krysia's favorites. It's a pen and ink children's book about life in 19th century France. Minette is the heroine.

Fodor's Escape to Provence is not just  a map, it's a moving, soul-nurturing feast throughout the Region. The French so love their food. They take their time eating even a loaf of bread. They don't grab something to eat while driving or working. STOP and eat, for heaven's sake! Enjoy your food! I would love to learn to cook in France and understand wine. Maybe I'll live there some day.

To the right is Andy Warhol's Cats, Cats, Cats and Henry Beard's French for Cats, Advanced French for Exceptional Cats and POETRY FOR CATS. Krysia read these in French to her cat, Jasmine. The cat in turn acted out the French cat's tricks. She jumped from chair to couch to end table and made the vase spin! Just thought I should warn you not to underestimate your cat's intelligence.

Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, Acquired Tastes, Chasing Cezanne, Anything Considered and A Dog's Life.

Elizabeth Bard's Lunch in Paris A love story with recipes "denotes major life events around certain foods."

There's a ratty copy of Dickens' Tale of Two Cities. It was a ratty time in history, but it's on my reread list.

I'm reading Miles Morland's A Walk Across France. Life Transforming. Hiking the Grand Canyon did it for me.

Victoria Magazine Aug. 1992 and Oct. 2000 and Victoria's book, The Heart of France, A Journey of Discovery.

There are language books, sarcastic language books, guide books and others sandwiched in. Right now, I want to slip into bed, squeeze my crunchy lavender sachet and dream of France. Nite. Nite.

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Smithsonian Journeys Trans-Siberian Express trip

It's rainy in Mississippi and expected to continue through Friday. Knees and ribs appreciate consistent weather, so my chiropractor says. Mine agree. Where winter stays winter, people adjust. Our weather fluctuates from open windows in the morning to freezing temps in the evening, day after day. The humidity is the culprit. We pull in our necks to warm our ears and sleep scrunched up. Yes, those are two dog nights and we have only one.

Edna St. Vincent Millay wrote, "My heart is warm with the friends I make

and better friends I'll not be knowing

yet there isn't a train

I wouldn't take

no matter where it's going

She speaks to our grandfather, Roy Williamson. He loved trains. My sister and I do, too. Go to SmithsonianJourneys.org/ for information on the Trans-Siberian Express trip 9/9/15-10/4/15. Nearly 5,000 miles long, it travels through six time zones between Moscow and Beijing. We would love to ride the Tsar's Traveling Gold, see The Forbidden City and Mongolian nomads on the Steppes. There's a picture of a kiosk of Ulaanbaatar Prayer Wheels. We used to have a small prayer wheel from Tibet we twirled to send our prayers on.

The Annunciation Cathedral's rich blue with gold, onion-domes stands proudly in Kazan Kremlin. I hope we can go in. Can you imagine taking afternoon tea aboard The Tsar's Gold private train? I wonder what delicious fare is served? I see "many" stories in the making.

We haven't had a problem train traveling through time zones. I don't know how six would affect us, but we trust we could adjust. We're adventurous trying new foods, seeing new places and making friends. That does it. I'm adding this to my Bucket List. I pray I can make the trip before I'm so old I need oxygen and elevator shoes.

Prices start at $14,295 per person. SmithsonianJourneys.org/ 855-330-1542 M-F 9am-6pm ET.

Happy Traveling all!!!

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Mississippi winter 2015 vs George Washington's 1779-80

This is my fourth winter in MS. Locals say we don't have "bad" weather,  which explains why our 1960's house has"single-pane" windows. And no garage. Thank goodness we have blankets to tack over our windows and layers of clothes to wear. School closes at the drop of a hat. There is no Midwestern plow to clear the way. Mother Nature's sun is it.

Early Monday, She blessed us with a quarter-inch of ice followed by sleet. Can you hear her laughing? Looking on the bright side, think Dr. Zhivago and the costumes. I would love a sleigh ride covered in furs, wouldn't you? Remember when he studied the snowflakes on the glass? Such a romantic. I like to watch the movie in the heat of summer.

Five of us were invited to Harvey Fiser's for a lady's luncheon, but the weather wasn't cooperating. My car's front and back passenger doors were frozen shut with a mottled pattern of ice as thick as an I-don't-want-anyone-to-see-me-shower door. It took me 20" to clear the windshield and a peep hole on the right front window. Two ladies wiggled and giggled into the back seat. I was the back of the neck. Thank you Morgan Freeman for Driving Miss Daisy. We made it to Harvey's and enjoyed her wild rice soup, dainty ham sandwiches, tomato aspic on bib lettuce, baked chocolate pie and coffee in demitasse cups, a blazing fire and friendly conversation. True Southern Hospitality at its best.

Pause for a moment and imagine what it was like for George Washington's troops. Robert Middlekauff wrote Washington's Revolution: The Making of America's First Leader. © 2015. "The winter of 1779-80 proved to be one of the worst that longtime residents in New York and New Jersey remembered. Some soldiers didn't even have a shirt. There was ice on the ground. Streams froze and Grist mills couldn't turn. Troops went without meat for days at a time. Washington ordered the soldiers to take wheat from mills, beat and husk it and boil it to make a tolerable substitute for bread." With so little, so much was accomplished.

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Happy Valentine's Day

Love is all around!

 Finding natural "hearts" started with this.

 Then I took a walk and saw this.

 A tiny bit of egg white escaped the griddle to show some love.

 Oh, chocolate cake loves us too!

 I chopped celery for soup.

When I cleaned off the cutting board,

I found this heart.

 Broccoli love.

Deer meat skillet magic!

A baby seal napped on my napkin.

Nibbling an apple and sunflower seeds,

I turned a slice over to pick up a seed.

This is what I got.

I tried to create another and the seeds wouldn't stick.

Nature does it best!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day

and keep your eyes open 

for Love!

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series

Polish Bigos, Hand-Stretched Apple Strudel and Krysia

My daughter, Krysia, loved Poland. 

When I was in High School

I read about a Polish Dr. 

in the Sunday World Herald

Omaha, Nebraska.

I saved his daughter's name

for my future daughter,

Five years later, I gave birth

Dr. French said, "It's a Krysia."

She started this blog for me May 2005.

In her memory

I share her beloved Poland.

Polish Hunter's Stew

When you can cook prunes, mushrooms,

bacon, cabbage and sauerkraut, 

any game, beef, pork, poultry 

and vegetables together 

and cook the stew outside,

you will draw a crowd 

of hungry people!

Count me in!

easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/maincourse/r/bigos.htm

Hand-stretched Apple Strudel

We grew up in a community

of fabulous East European cooks.
At Fall Festivals and Celebrations

We waited in line for

duck and roast beef dinners
Kolaches, Strudels,
poppyseed filled sweet rolls
and accordion music
easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/strudels/

William Faulkner said, 

"The past isn't dead. It isn't even past."
My memories are alive and well

Happy New Year's Family, Friends

and Friends to be

©2015 Red Convertible Travel Series