Annual Rattlesnake Roundup, National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, Sock Monkeys & Other Ramblings

Rattlesnake Roundup

I am a child of the South, but far from a Southern Belle.  There is nothing like living in the south and no one enjoys a good southern festival more than me.  This past Saturday we attended the 51^st Annual Rattlesnake Roundup in Wigham, GA.  Wigham is located in deep SW Georgia, is surrounded by swamp, and enjoys two days of spring weather every few years.  The Rattlesnake Roundup is the big social event and festival of the year.   Saturday was a beautiful day, and it was one of the two spring days forecasted for the next few years.  Spring in South Georgia is not necessarily consecutive days and does not present itself each and every year.  Many years the seasons go from winter to sweltering summer temperatures.  So, you see, Saturday was a spectacular day.

Now, I don’t like snakes.  Never have, but I do have an appreciation for snakes.  For instance, I enjoy knowing that I have king snakes and rat snakes in my yard and around my house.   I’ve been told that if I have these “good” snakes, they keep the rodent population under control and keep the “bad” snakes away.  I hope they are doing their job.

There were 80+ snakes entered in the roundup, with the largest weighing almost 7lbs, and approximately five feet long.  The skill of the snake handlers was amazing, as were the skills and quick moves of the individual milking the snakes.  The venom is used in the production of anti-venom, which is used to treat snake bites. 

As with any true southern festival, the local Boy Scout Troup handled parking, selling raffle tickets, and admission.  For their services the Troup collected a percentage o f the proceeds.  It was nice to see so many boys active in Boy Scouts.  Thanks to the scout leaders for taking the time to mentor to these young people! 

National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

Who knew that the last Monday in January is National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day?  I didn’t until today, so I wasn’t properly prepared.  But you can believe I’ll be prepared in 2012.  I had no idea that bubble wrap comes in so many colors and can be used for so many things.  There are actually competitions in the areas of costume patterns, bubble popping, and designing everything from animals to footballs.  Oh, the Bubble Wrap Dance is sweet! Check it out on www.youtube.com   Bubble Wrap was invented as a wall covering, and was a colossal failure.  Talk about second effort!  Who would have thought it?  Mark your calendar for the 2012 National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, and start practicing your bubble wrap dance. 

Sock Monkey's  

This does it!   Just proves that I’ve lost what little mind I had left.  I recently paid $20 for a sock monkey.  Yes, sock money….made from a pair of socks, just like we had when we were children.  The only difference is that the socks were NOT made in Ft. Payne, AL, which for so long captured the title of Sock Capital of the World.  The monkey was also monogrammed with a sports logo.  Gosh, I wish I had my childhood sock monkey!

Enough of my idle ramblings for tonight.  We’ve been traveling for both work and fun.  I’ve been gone from home since January 7.  I’m ready to spend some time with my favorite pillow and my comfy sheets on my real bed.  With a little luck I’ll be there Tuesday night!

Work as if you don’t need the money, Love as I you’ve never been hurt, and Dance as if nobody’s watching!

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My Friend, I just wanted you to know.............

While we were enjoying a wonderful holiday season, surrounded by friends and family, we were unaware that a good friend was facing a difficult challenge.  The challenge isn’t a terminal medical condition, death of a family member, loss of a job or even divorce.  It is however, a loss, a devastating turn of events.  An event that leaves many people asking why it had to be this way.  Haven’t we all had a moment in our life when we asked ourselves the same question? 

Barry and I had a trip planned south, looking for warmer weather and sunshine.  We encouraged our friend to come along with us.  A change of scenery always seems to lift spirits.  She reluctantly agreed.  We were thrilled to meet her at the airport, and the three of us headed out to find rest, relaxation and meditation in the sun.  We found the sun, and the location was beautiful, but warm temps were not to be. I don’t know about you, but I’m not fond of sun bathing in 40 degree weather, regardless of how bright the sun is.  The others agreed.

We had a nice, relaxing visit.  We laughed, cried and prayed, and there is no doubt that we will have many more months of riding the emotional roller coaster.  There were even times we were able to completely (well, almost) escape from the troubles waiting for our return home.

I’ve not mentioned names, locations and circumstances. Our friend needs her privacy, prayers and support, without us being judgmental.  We will protect her privacy, hold her up in prayer and offer our never ending support.

During my life I’ve needed the same, and was blessed with awesome friends and family to help me through.  They were and have always been there for me.  Now it’s my turn.

My friend, I’ll be there.  Just look over your shoulder or call my name and I’ll be there.  I will be there to comfort you, I’ll be there to hold you up and I’ll be there to protect you.

I just wanted you to know.

What A Ride......

Christmas and New Year's were a wonderful time spent with family and friends.  It's now mid-January, and I haven't a clue where the weeks have gone.

I'm well aware that the 12th Day of Christmas was January 6 and that is the day the decorations should be removed. I've turned the lights off the decorations, and removed those on the exterior of the house.  But inside is a different story.  The decorations are no longer illuminated, but they are still standing.

With Mardi Gras rapidly approaching I'm seriously considering adding a little purple and green, along with some masks..all to postpone the task of putting everything away.  Never put off until tomorrow what you can postpone until the day after tomorrow.  

Maybe I'll post pictures of the Mardi Gras decorations a little later.  Hope you are each having a wonderful New Year!