Once Upon a Time

Does a story beginning with an introduction of once upon a time make you feel you might be starting to read a fantasy story?  My photos depict a once upon a time theme for they are treasures of my past.  Recently I was asked, "How were you able to save all these treasures from your childhood?"  The answer was relatively easy for I grew up when every toy, bike, doll, etc. had to be handled with care and gentleness.  When I look at my prized possessions I am happy to say I can fondly remember a wonderful once upon a time of my life with family and friends always  by my side.

Shooting marbles wasn't my greatest sport.  The shooter always seemed too big for my fingers and the neighborhood boys generally went home with my precious round pieces of glass.

Our Camp Fire Girls group was the greatest!  Earning the reward beads for specific tasks made us feel very special, and we were.  Each year we spent a week camping at the local lake.  I remember  because we had to walk pass the Boy Scout Camp to get to the lake.  My Indian name was Twanka and one thing Twanka did not like to do was march in a parade.                                                                                         

 I thoroughly enjoy all the little reminders of friends, family, events and a very special someone.

The first time I went to the circus was so very very special.  My little puppet monkey's head is stuffed with sawdust, and when my parents bought the little guy I didn't know what meant more the circus or the puppet.  The  shoes were mine and the hair  represents the day I had my braids cut off and a new style took their place. 

A very special robe.  When bath time was over I welcomed the opportunity to snuggle in my ---- made me feel like a princess robe. 

Shirley Temple doll was and still is very lovely.  Several years ago she spent a week in a doll hospital to have some "touch-up".  A new dress, shoes and original curled hair made her exquisite as ever. The little fur coat was made by my mother and yes it was once upon a time, but to me it feels like yesterday.

Spring in the Pines

Each spring displays some of it's glorious wonders.  Animals and picturesque flowers awaken from a long winter's sleep.  Roadsides produce an array of colorful wild flowers only to grow in their natural habitat.  Turtles, snakes, whitetail deer, busy ground squirrels and wild turkeys begin to make an anticipated visit.  Suddenly the call of coyotes become silent.  Trees are lush and green after a spring rain and the rivers are pristine.  In early spring controlled fire burning blackens the roadside foliage but nature prevails and plant life quickly rebounds.

The fragrance of the magnolia is soft and sweet.  Several blooms let you know you are close by.

The moccasin flower or pink lady's slipper grows in acid woods; sometimes bogs.  It is fire friendly for it continues to return each year regardless if an area has controlled burning.  The plant is not friendly to a garden transplant.

These colorful aquatic water lily flowers bloom from June through September.  Their platter like floating leaves are often resting places for small frogs and insects.  The flowers are very fragrant, colors vary but in this area they are predominantly yellow or white.

The Japanese Honeysuckle is a weedy vine.  The flowers with long, curved stamens projecting may be white or buffy yellow.  Sometimes huge clusters of blooms fill the air with a delicate perfume scent.

Become a Pineland's history buff.  Research the Harrisville Paper Mill.  It's a fascinating place to visit after you have learned some things about how it played such a vital part in  community life, river use and economic survival for it's workers. A number of books have been written about this huge mill, it is now owned by the State of New Jersey.  The State has erected a fence around the area but the ruins are still visible after leaving the highway.  Natural plant growth has consumed a considerable amount of the area but the fence protects the mill from future destruction.

Howdy Partner, the Rodeo is in Town !

In March , Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. hosted the RODEO. From the moment we arrived we knew exactly where we were since the aroma captivated your sense of smell. Personally I can't say it was earth-shaking excitement, but there were those who expressed their devotion to the show by wearing their finest western attire and getting connected with western traditions.

 Howdy, Cowboys!

The show began with an all star parade.

  

Calf Roping 

There were animal rights activists on the boardwalk and I certainly appreciated their sentiments regarding the treatment of animals.  There were times that I cringed when the calves were booted to exit the the holding pen only to be roped and forcefully put down.

Bucking Broncos

If an individual enjoys being tossed into the air by a large bull or bucking horse ---way to go.

 

 

Cowgirls

The barrel racing event was entertaining,  the horses deserved the applause.

The  show did not keep me on the edge of my seat.  Perhaps the  return of the rodeo next year might entice me to say, "Saddle up ."

"Wings" in Flight

It was an interesting day today. Evening was approaching and a moderate wind prevailed. A perfect time for the planes to release their cargo of fertilizer on the precious Pinelands cranberry bogs. Farmers must follow a chemical and fertilizer schedule religiously. Any applications of fertilizer or pesticides must be carefully monitored and approved making certain the grower follows appropriate guidelines. It never becomes boring to watch the pilot dip and dive the plane as he tries to cover all ground area in need of the necessary application.

The pilot watches carefully as the ground crew prepares to load the fertilizer.

 

 

As the propellers quickly turned the noise became quite loud but exciting.  It was intriguing seeing the preparation for lift off.

 

Two planes were serving the area that day.  There are many acres of cranberries in the Pinelands and conditions must be right for the pilots to fly.  Wind, and general weather conditions are factors and the right chemical or fertilizer must be applied  on schedule for the vines to grow and produce their valuable crop.

 

Suddenly the plane appears.  As the pilot uses his skills to guide the plane over the bog, once again it becomes a job well done.

School Daze

                Teacher's Prayer

I want to teach my students how to live this life on  earth

To face its struggles and its strife and to improve their worth.

Not just the lesson in a book or how the rivers flow

But how to choose the proper path wherever  they may go.

And gather all the beauty of a flower and a song

To understand eternal truth and know the right from wrong.

For if I help the world to grow in wisdom and in grace

Then I shall feel that I have won and I have filled my place.

And so I ask your guidance God that I may do my part

For character and confidence and happiness of heart. 

                                    Angels are often disguised as teachers.

                           Everything I needed to know I learned in kindergarten!!!!!

The pre-primer cards have a copyright date of 1930.

 

THE BIG BOOK entered the school reading programs.  It measured 21x24 inches and became a reading program  tool to introduce new vocabulary and new reading material.

A story from the Houghton Mifflin BIG BOOK reading program.

Scott Foresman made it's debut in the 1930's and continued as a favorite reading program through the 1970's.  The main characters were Dick, Jane, Sally, a dog named Spot and a cat named Puff.  Today many individuals instantly recall the only characters in American primary education whose names became household words.  Shopping for items related to the series are readily available, since they continue to hold a memorable childhood experience.  And so the wheels of READING, WRITING and ARITHMETIC will continue to to turn and as always we hope for the best for our young.

Mamma's Breakfast

My best friend Pat and I decided driving on a different route  could offer new scenes, sounds and perhaps an interesting place to have breakfast or lunch.  And so we ventured on to Route 541 going through the historic city of Mt. Holly, N.J.  Not far out of the city limits we came upon a complex of eateries.  We soon agreed Cracker Barrel could be a good choice.  The choice was an excellent one and we left our adventure with a happy smile and no desire for more food.

The sign towers above the restaurant and country store.

Rocking chairs and checkers welcome anyone willing to partake in a little competition before or after a dining experience.

The adjourning country store  has unique items hanging from the ceiling and displayed on the walls.  These items are not for sale, but the items displayed for sale are varied and plentiful.  Valentine's Day was several days away and the array of appropriate and colorful items certainly caught one's attention.

We were very fortunate to have seating near a "real" fireplace.  Newly placed logs had recently been added and the aroma was so inviting.  It was a chilly day and the warmth of the fire added a special charm to the dining experience.

The menu offered an array of  food choices, but Mamma's Breakfast suddenly arroused the taste buds.  We had an exceptionaly nice waiter named Nathan.  He was courteous, attentive, informative and his manners were certainly appreciated.  Pancakes, cherry topping, whip cream, eggs and bacon.  Did we eat everything?  OH, YES !!!

Red Heel Monkeys

Welcome back! The Red Heel Sock Monkeys are making a comeback after a hiatus for a number of years. It was the early part of the twentieth century sock monkeys became a popular, lovable, must have companion. Today's Red Heel Sock Monkeys are achieving notoriety as hats, slippers , puzzles and other clever creations of this classic American icon. Consider yourself fortunate if you can relate to these delightful characters of the past and present.  I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I had taking them.

This is my senior monkey.  His body isn't soft and cuddly because he is stuffed tightly with what appears to be a plastic substance.  He dates to the 1960's  and his suit is made from polyester. 

Sometimes size really counts and if this Red Heel was unwrapped he would be over four feet tall.  I think of him in charge of security since his place is by the door.  He really doesn't do much except make an impression and entertain visitors.

This little treasure was found at a flea market.  He plays the same tune as any jack-in-the-box, but who could resist his adorable expression and lively tune when he does his pop-up.

Visualize these little guys doing a circus act---without a contract.  In 2011 their troupe contained two members, now there are five.

Now that you have met some Red Heel Monkeys perhaps you will  take a second to visit with them when shopping.  Remember they come in all sizes, colors and adorable facial expressions. I like the thought of making your own. Directions are easily found on the Internet.  A pair of socks, stuffing and a little patience will give you a rewarding creation.  HAVE FUN !