Labor Day Weekend...... coming right up

Labor Day weekend has traditionally been thought of as the end of summer. It has always been bittersweet to me.....I look forward to fall, which is truly my favorite season. Yet, I feel sad when summer is drawing to a close. When the children were still at home, I hated to see summer end and school resume. It meant early bedtimes, homework and PTA meetings. The end of lazy long summer days spent on the lake, drifting in a boat, while the kids swam or sailed nearby. I use to think of our house at the Lake as summer camp. I tried to re-enact every ritual of summer that I could think of....coolers of pop, fishing, sailing, swimming and water skiing.

When school dismissed in the spring, we threw out the school clothes and swimming suits became the uniform of the day! Each of them had five swimming suits, enough for a clean one each day. (and still gave MOM as chance to be a bit lazy about laundry!) They would pull on their swim trunks and a T shirt and that was the wardrobe of the day! Even if we were going to Bible School! When you go to Lake Lotawana United Methodist Church, it is just expected that you will show up dressed for the Lake!!!

No kidding!! In the summer, the worship service time was switched to 8:30AM (instead of 10:00AM), so all the fisherman and sailors could get to church and still be out on the Lake by noon!!! What other church does that???

And the infamous Missouri Yacht Club, where the Ski Club practiced twice weekly for the community ski show, presented every July. Lots of fun and hard work for the kids and adults of the community.

Red Cross swimming lessons were also a part of the summer activites, led by adults and the older kids, as they progressed through the skills and levels of the Red Cross Swimming Program. When the kids were very young, they were taught in the inground pool, donated for use by one of the luckier home owners. (can you imagine a pool and a Lake! WOW!!) As the swimmers skills advanced, the swimming lessons moved into the Lake and were taught off a fish infested dock!!! My young sons aways said the fish were nibbling away as they hung from the dock, listening to their instructors!!! OOH, gives me the creeps!!!

"See you in September! Bye-bye, so long, farewell......" click on the grooveshark link to hear it!

A Dog Friendly Environment

Our travel team had a meeting yesterday morning, to do some training and socializing. One of our team members brought her two beautiful Golden Retrievers. They are young, but were very well- behaved for being in unfamiliar surroundings. My Lab Retriever, Betty Jane was not very happy about having dog visitors! She got to spend the morning locked in my husband's study, so we didn't have a dog fight breakout!

I do think we may have alienated a few neighbors!! When it was time to go home, the dogs raced down to the Lake ( instead of jumping into the backseat of the car, as planned). We heard a lot of squacking and wing flapping.....the dogs returned shortly thereafter and they were both grinning!!! I didn't walk down to the Lake....I was not prepared for what I might find and I knew I would get a full report from the neighborhood association , if anything was amiss, LOL!!!

After all....dogs will be dogs, right?? And we could sure use a few less geese around here!!!!!!

"How much is that doggie in the window?" click on the right, grooveshark link to hear it! Turn up your speakers!!!

Same Time, Next Year

This movie has always been one of my favorites. Strange that it is, as I have never much liked Alan Alda......his humor always seemed so forced. And of course, the story line of the movie is amoral for all of us married folks! But there is just something about it!!! I watched it this evening ( had to wait until hubby was out of the house, that is when I watch all questionable movies!)( he does the same to me but tends to pick the murder mystery or sci- fi movies that I cannot abide!!!)

The movie was released in November 1978, on the 22nd, which happens to be my birthday. My birth year was 1955, which is just a few years after the original opening setting....1951..... of course I adore vintage, so I think that is part of my love of this movie. I enjoy seeing the sets and how they change as the movie moves through 25 years of life. The setting...The Sea Shadow Inn, which is actually non- existent.....a small cottage was built on a temporary foundation..the interior shots were filmed in a studio. Filmed in California on the coast..the scenes are beautiful. I especially like the insertion of news event photos, a peek at the past.

The friendship and love that develop between George and Doris almost seems to excuse their unfaithful behavior. It does cause us to re-visit the idea of "love at first sight" or rather is it "lust at first sight"?

Having felt love at first sight, when I met my husband Doc, I accept the concept. If you have not experienced it, I am certain the idea may seem ridiculous! I think we all have our soul mates out there and if we are lucky enough to meet them and "hook up" ( what a dreadful term!!!) scratch that!!!

If we are lucky enough to meet them and "get married" ( better!) then we are very lucky indeed!!!

Click on the right for the theme song of the movie "The last time I felt like this"

"Sailing... Takes me away to where I always heard it could be...."

This is Doc's passion. "The canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see". Docs Island Time Sailboat...you can't see it in the picture but there is a neat decal advertising our business.......... Docs Island Time Travel. This is our on the water advertising, which also is a tax deduction....I love our business!! What other business can you legally deduct fun on your tax return!!!???

We love travel and when we combine travel with tax savings and being outdoors, plus making money....wow! We would love to tell you more...just give me or Doc a call!

Click over on the right to hear Christopher Cross' "Sailing"
Beautiful!

I won!!! WITO/NWTF event at Bass Pro 8/22/09

I won!! I won!! I won!! I won!! I won!! I won!! I won!! I won!!

I won the raffle!! And really!! It wasn't "fixed"! Yes, I did organize the event, but I think it helped that my husband bought $60.00 worth of raffle tickets!! I wasn't even thinking about it when the ticket was drawn, but, apparently, he had already decided that I was going to win!!

You would have to know my husband to understand this way of thinking!!!! Once he has decided that something is going to happen, it just does!! He calls it "the power of positive thinking". He also calls it setting goals! Making it happen!!

I call it "Dumb Luck" !!! But maybe it really isn't so dumb..I am re-adjusting my way of thinking about things and every day I am growing stronger and more positive!!!

Wow!! And I won!! I won!!! I won!!

This is a Henry Lever Action.22 "Made in America and Priced Right"!!
Walnut stock, grooved for a scope! ( that would be a birthday present hint, hint) Extremely smooth action ( well, we will
see, I haven't shot it yet!) 15 rounds, shoots .22 short, long or long rifle

That rocks!! Can't wait to go to the range and try it out.

And really the raffle was fair and square and I am so sorry for "all ya all" that didn't win!! Come back next year to try again!!!

Thrift Shopping!

I have not had as much time recently to "Thrift Shop", which is my favorite way of shopping! Where else can you spend an hour browsing and finding terrific things CHEAP????!!!!! Tonight I stopped by the local Salvation Army Store. Luck was on my side..today was half price on the tan tags and 60% off on the white tags!!!

Score!!! I found these two little crocks, with red lids, perfect for my vintage trailer, "The Double J". I also found this darling little brown stoneware crock, for MaryKathryn's trailer, "MinnieHaHa". I also bought a beautiful, just like new, Lee white blouse..the price for all four items? $6.46

That makes me so HAPPY!!!! I love a great bargain and I love old or used items. I consider it a higher form of re-cycling!

The WITO group gave me a hard time this weekend at our event, because we had not set out re-cycling tubs for the pop cans and plastic water bottles. To be honest, it never crossed my mind!! But next year, I will be ready!!!

I did do some re-gifting of items for our door prized give away. That is considered re-cycling, isn't it?

So Busy!

Janetsue with Kayaks for the WITO Outdoor Skills Workshop


Oh my goodness! it has been a week since I have written on my blog!!!! I apologize to my faithful readers!!!

This has been a crazy busy week as I put the finishing touches on our Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop which I coordinated. It was held at the Bass Pro of Independence. The Bass Pro staff were so helpful and donated so much to ensure that it was a successful event!!! From 15% off coupons to authentic Bass Pro bottled water, the contributions were huge and so appreciated!!!!!!

Brian, the Store Manager and April, the Special Events Planner were just amazing to work with. They were constantly checking in with us to see if we needed anything and make sure our needs were met!!! Bass Pro, under Brian's directions provided us with several store associates to teach the specialized classes and they were enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, BASS PRO of INDEPENDENCE!!!!!!

Also, thank you so much to Ellen Benitz the Missouri regional coordinator for the NWTF/WITO. Ellen, it was really fun and worth every ounce of planning and effort!!!

Also, thanks to my friends that pitched in and helped out at the last minute, when I didn't think I could do one more thing!!!!! You girls are the greatest!!!!

Being a committee of one is not easy. Next year we hope to have a slew of helpers, but we will carry on!!!! Because that is what Women of the Outdoors do!!! We simply carry on!!! Carry on Traditions, carry on Fun, carry on the Outdoor Skills that must to be taught to each generation, or it will be lost. Skills such as hunting, fishing, cooking..... skills that served our ancestors well, skills that allowed them to survive.

We also like to share skills that are simply fun.....jewelry making, turkey feather painting, turkey tail taxidermy, to name a few.

I hope everyone will check the Women in the Outdoors website site frequently, click on event and then click on your state to see what is happening in your area. Register and attend! You will be glad you did!!!!!

Honeysuckle Rose

"Honeysuckle Rose" was filmed in 1980, starring Willie Nelson, Dyan Cannon, Amy Irving and Slim Pickens. Hard to believe it was almost 30 years ago! Willie is timeless, never changes, except maybe his hair has grown even longer. Hard to tell with the braid he wears.

I am a true blue Willie fan. I grew up listening to the old country stuff...my dad enjoyed Willie, Johnny Cash and a lot of the old country music. He and his brother, Bud, would get out their guitars, pickin' and strummin' to the best of their ability. They had a good time, always trying to out play the other. Then my brother, RB started to play but his choice was more of the blues to rock genre. He was in a band, so we got our eardrums blown out on a regular basis.

In fact, Memorial Day when we talked, he told me of his latest band and the gig they were playing in Illinois.( seems funny to say that!) By day a corporate manager, by night a musician! I totally approve and hope I get to hear them soon.

Back to Willie! A few years ago, Doc and I heard Willie at Starlight in Kansas City.
It was a beautiful, hot summer night. I had gone all out and blown the budget with third row center seats. ( and this was before we had our ticket/travel business, so no commission paid to us!) I decided I may never get to see Willie again in concert, and I wanted to savor the experience. Doc was reluctant to go. He had seen Willie, 20 years ago at an outdoor concert in southern Illinois and he unpleasant memories of that concert. In fact, he flat out said it "Stunk".

Being a great husband, he finally agreed to go to the concert. In fact, worrying about my safety, there was no way he was letting me go down there alone.

We had a super time. Even Doc agreed that Willie gave a great concert. He is really a talented musician! I know his voice is rough, but his stage presence and guitar picking makes up for it. The band was just terrific. His harmonica man is outrageous, such a great performer. At one point I yelled, "I love you, Willie" and held up my drink in a toast. I swear to you, he looked right at me and smiled!!! I didn't want the concert to end, but eventually the next band appeared ( I guess maybe Willie was sort of the back up to that band, as blasphemous as that may sound) I don't even remember who the band was, we left after Willie performed. He was who I had come to see. We bought my Whiskey River bandana and headed home.

Willie, I know you are wrong in many ways. You shouldn't smoke pot, you should probably cut your hair and I am sorry to say but you must be pretty old by now.

But Willie....I love you and I think you are sexy! ( ugh..my husband is laughing, he can't believe I find Willie sexy....but I do...must be the music!)

"On the Road Again"

"Pure Country"

"Pure Country" filmed in 1992 is an opportunity to see George Strait up close and personal. Wow, he is so cute and really young in this movie...but way too skinny!!!

The acting is mediocre, the story is passe, but Dusty rocks!!!

A bunch of us gals got the chance to see George Strait at Kemper a couple of years ago, and it was definitely NOT up close and personal!! We were in the nosebleed section and after a couple beers it became a challenge to return to our seats!!! I really should have been in physical training before the concert!!

Taylor Swift and Ronnie Milsap were the back up performers and it was just a super concert. Thanks goodness for the cameras and big screens! We had a blast and I left as a re-confirmed George Strait fan.


If you haven't seen it, it is worth a Friday night and a bowl of popcorn, but be prepared to fall in love with George!

"The North Face"

I think I am on the North Face of bankrupcy if I continue to buy this brand of clothing!

Somewhere along the line, I got addicted to this clothing line and the feeling it inspires when you wear that logo "The North Face"! It sounds athletic and daring and fit and young...all things of which I am not!!! ( but wish I were)

I believe it started when I found a perfectly good North Face fleece jacket at the Goodwill store. It was only $4.00 and I knew I had scored a bargain. The problem began though, when I realized I wanted more and you just don't see it everyday at the Thrift stores.

Piece by piece I started to buy, especially when I found them on the sale rack. But tonight the dam broke and I paid full price for three garments! I spent almost as much as I did on my first car back in 1977...a VW Superbeetle, which was a great ride!!! My son even demanded, " Mom, are you wearing North Face pants? I see you have sold out to North Face" I also was wearing a really cool, black, Northface tech top ....I looked liked I was dressed to rock climb rather then take my grandbaby for a walk!! Nothing like a Grandma trying to look cool, but hey, I couldn't afford this stuff back in 1970, when I had a good body. In fact, was North Face even around? And an even more poignant question, did I ever have a good body?

Ouch!!

Should I feel better because the tag said the polar tech was made of re-cycled materials?

Probably not even made in the USA! No, it is not! I just checked the hang tag...made in El Salvador. Wish it were at least imported from Nepal....Mt Everest!

A girl, even a grandma, can dream!!!!!

Superwomen!!!

Superwomen!!! That is what this group of friends represent! They are so fun, so talented and so skilled!!!

Yes, they do it all!!! Work all day at the office or in their own business and then head home to pack, hook up their camper, kiss the husband, kids or dog goodbye and drive a few hours to Paradise! ( be it the river, the lake or a state park)

Upon arrival, they scurry about making the camp home-like, with food, flowers and comfy outdoor chairs. Next is cocktail hour, because it is known..... "It's five o'clock somewhere!" even if it is already eight o'clock in Camp. Next task...campfire to warm the spirits and feet!!! Finally bedtime and we retire to our own cozy trailers and tents. The superwomen say their prayers of thankfulness for the night sounds and cool air coming through the screens of the trailer. As early morning arrives, the dew is settling in from the river or lake and another quilt gets pulled up for warmth. First light brings a few of the superwomen out of their cozy beds to fish, nature watch or cook for the others. A few of us Superwomen like to sleep late and breakfast will be saved on a plate for us!!!

All of these Superwomen scenarios came to me when I thought back to last Sunday, leaving the campground. We were all lined up, ready to drive home and my truck wouldn't start! Dead battery, not sure how that happened but never mind!!
Laureen (Superwoman) drove her big truck pulling her huge fifth wheel right up to my little truck pulling my tiny trailer. Out came the battery cables and we jump- started that thing...no problem!!! I was very proud of us....nope, we didn't run over and ask a man to help us..there were a few standing by, waiting but they just had to scratch their heads and wonder about us! The secret?

We are friends, we work as a team, we enjoy helping each other and no one, no one gets left behind! I love that about us!!!

The Show Me State

On a recent road trip to St Louis for our YTB convention, we stopped at a Mc Donald's for a Coke. I was amazed to see how cutely it was decorated. Lots of vintage looking posters and wall hangings. It is the Kingdom City Mickie D's and worth a stop just to see the decor.

It also looked like it was the hub of activity for that town. People were pouring in, it was Thursday night and it appeared that everyone was hungry. There was even a TV on the wall, keeping everyone caught-up on current events.

MK left her purse behind, which required a phone call and a quick return trip to fetch the missing handbag. The staff didn't miss a beat..the purse was still hanging on the chair where it had been left....they rescued it and put it in a safe place until we returned.

It was only a few weeks ago when that same purse went missing after a ride on the excursion boat at Grand Lake...same deal..called the office, then drove back to reclaim the missing bag.

Time to get a new purse, MK!! "Show Me" the missing purse!

And no, it is not Missour"a" it is Missour"e" Who knew? Everyone born in Missour"a" pronounces it that way. Those of us that migrated in from other states say Missour"e"

Taking it to the Limit

"Come on and take it to the limit, one more time"

Most of you know the impact that music has in my life. Music feeds my spirit, my energy, my life! Yesterday on our road trip back home from Roaring River, we had a quick stop to top off our gas tanks. Always one to take advantage of any shopping, I was browsing the truck stop store!!!

I was really wanting some music, something powerful, something I hadn't heard in a while.

There it was!!! A digitally remastered CD of the Eagle's Greatest Hits! Perfect even though it was $18.99!! Ouch! Those truck stop execs realized there will be people like me! Consumers willing to plop down the cash, just to have their musical needs met!!

I left the truck stop parking lot with "Take it Easy" blasting from my speakers!!!

It took me back to opening night at the Mississippi River Music Festival, 1974! I worked as an usher under the "tent" and got to enjoy great concerts weekly, front row! The perfect summer job for a college student!

Take it to the Limit! That is what life is about!!!!

"A Roaring River Runs Through It"

Roaring River ran right through our campground, spilling over boulders and pebbles worn smooth by years of water rushing over. The babbling could be heard day and night but was especially noticeable at night when the campground lapsed into sleep and the busy sounds of summer vacation quieted!

Late Saturday night, I spread a blanket on the treed bank and settled back to enjoy the symphony of the River. The moon was still full and the air temperature comfortable, not hot. It was a journey to the River that I will never forget. A wonderful weekend shared by friends, old and new! I love you all and am so happy that we could have such a special time. A sharing of food, stories and friendship which only grows stronger with each visit or camping trip.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful circle of friends.

Roaring River State Park

Wow! We made it to Roaring River and we are are having a blast! This morning Cheri, Connie and Judy are cooking breakfast and I am starving!!! Can't wait!!!

We have our trout tags and are ready to fish!!

Last night we ate like kings, trout which had been grilled over a fire! They were beautiful and tasty too!!!

Last night, air conditioning wasn't necessary..I even pulled up the quilt, halfway through the night.

I love sleeping in my little camper, so cozy and comfy!!

Squam Lake

"On Golden Pond" is one of my favorite movies. Filmed in the early 8o's at Squam Lake, New Hampshire, it became a special movie for many. I have to honestly say the first time I watched it, I didn't like it. It seemed contrived and Norman Thayer really irritated me!

However, a few years later I was drawn to watch it again. The second time something "clicked" and I realized it really had some incredible acting.

I still can't stand Jane Fonda but will tolerate her, so I can watch Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in action. Both were super, in my opinion!

Doc and I are planning a trip in fall to Squam Lake which I prefer to call Golden Pond. New Hampshire in the fall is beautiful. Boulder Motel and Cottages in Holderness, New Hampshire offer knotty pine rustic cabins and rooms. Located directly on Squam Lake they have been in business for five decades. Lots of fun with 100 feet of sandy beach and complimentary use of canoes and rowboats! Screened porches off of every room!!!

We will fly into Manchester, New Hampshire and drive to the Lake. Airfare (right now!) less then $500.00 for two taxes included, www.docsislandtimetravel.com

My own On Golden Pond experience.....who wants to join us?

Shout

This is another pic from Convention! We were having a team party following a great announcement about a $10,000 earnings guarantee!!! What other company does that?!!
We are SO excited.. about everything that YTB is bringing us! We are exploding!! Becoming a franchise in California and all the other states soon to follow!!

All you skeptics out there that think YTB is not a real company
...you should take another look!! YTB 2.0 is here and ready to blast off!!!

California did us a huge favor when the AG brought an unfounded law suit in one year ago. YTB did the right thing...took it seriously and showed the judge we are all on the up and up. It caused YTB to look even more carefully at their operating systems and the result is unbelievable! What is more, the judge instructed California not to bother bringing up these frivolous suits, wasting his time and the California tax payer's money. Rock on California and Rock on YTB!!!!!

"SHOUT" A LITTLE BIT LOUDER NOW!!!!

Call me if you want to look at this incredible business! You will know in the first 10 minutes if it is for you or not!! Why not look? What else are you doing that guarantees you an extra ( at the least!) 10,0000 next year?

Janetsue 816 305-5872

YTB (Your Travel Biz International) Convention

Pictured:Doc and Janetsue celebrating their latest successes with YTB! Coach's Corner and on our way to National Sales Directors!!!

Our team is driving back from St Louis in the Docs Island Time Travel Taxi. The 2009 YTB annual convention has drawn to a close and it was an incredible weekend!

"Taking Care of Business" was the awesome name of this year's gathering! And that is what this company is doing! YTB is taking care of business!!! This company is on target to be the largest online retail distribution center in the world in the next few years!!! These are exciting times for this amazing company, led by visionary leaders. YTB is a publicly traded company, 25th largest company in the world in travel sales, offers incredible prices on amazing trips and vacations for their business owners and customers. The benefits and compensation package is unbelievable and the leadership of this company has pledged to build YTB even greater with the 2020 Vision/YTB 2.0 ........ 10,0000 millionaires in the next ten years.

Doc and I are totally excited about this company and the opportunity it offers us to develop our Plan B!

Wondering about Plan B? Plan B is your financial back up, your lifeline, your extra! It is the Plan that allows you to build for your retirement, plan that special trip or put a child or grandchild through college. Are you wanting to fire your boss?
Have you wished you could own your own business? Work from home?

Then you owe it to yourself to take a look at this company! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Call me..I can send you to an online site that will answer most of your questions.
Janetsue 816 305 5872