Lori Puckett - Plinky Answers

Young Love

2013-05-16T11:01:13-05:00

On a bicycle built for one, dressed in a brown vest and derby hat hesteared her on the handle bars. Trusting his skill the girl confidently rode in front wearing a white eyelet dress. Her dish water blond hair flowed in the Big Bend Texas wind. He dropped her off and she ran to the top of the red barn balcony.

The dry desert floor became his stage. He showed off attempting to do stunts upon his bicycle. He yelled, "Lorelei, so you love me?" She hollered, "But of course I love you." Happy to hear her answer he performed a one hand handstand on the two-wheel apparatus, yet ended up crashing. He tried the stunt again. Once again he said, " Lorelei, do you love me?" Impatiently, she said "You know I love you." He looked up at her and the front tire of the contraption hit head on into a fence whereby tossing Butch Cassidy over the fence. Not accepting defeat he got up onto the bicycle again. For the third time he tried another stunt. This time he stood both feet on top of the bike seat. While standing he quickly asked, "Lorelei do you love me?" "Yes, I love you." "Then will you marry me?" After she said yes he was able to balance without crashing.

Third time's the charm. It took numerous tries to finally get the balance right. Now the two are seen together married near Kansas City, Kansas. A picture of the newly wedded couple, with a tornado in the distance, can be viewed on the weather channel website.

Earworm

2013-05-16T10:33:03-05:00

Anchors aweigh is the song of the day. This time of year is full of transitions. There are meetings, graduations, births, showers, home sales, and relocations. Sometimes I feel a ball tethered to the pole bopped around by personal agendas. Anchored to the foundation of the church burdens become light.

Reflection

2013-05-16T10:08:55-05:00

My greatest weakness is being overshadowed by burdens and not counting blessings. What good can come from the burdens of burning heat, bad breath, stuffy rooms, nagging fatigue, endless responsibilities, bland food, hard beds, body odor, and cold water bathing? (from Thirty Three Days to Morning Glory, Michael E. Gaitley, pg. 77) Good comes from unselfishly viewing Mother Teresa's burdens. My annoyances of the day now appear petty.

The little things

2013-05-16T09:52:29-05:00

Rain is a good thing. People complain about having to mow the yard. Just imagine what it would be like living in a desert, or a world of concrete.

Success!

2013-05-16T09:50:29-05:00

I finally received a nice yard. In the early days of our marriage there was a time when our yard was blanketed sunflower leaves. I remember mowing with a push mower. My mother, being the positive person that she is, said, "At least your yard is green." Since then we managed to manicure some very nice yards. Granted they are not masterpiece Better Homes and Garden yards, but many times we've been able to look back and say, "Well done." This year is not one of those times. Presently, our yard is a jungle. The brand new lawn mower we purchased broke down with only 12 hours clocked. If it happened then, it can happen now. Give me hope.

S/he said

2013-04-19T17:24:11-05:00

Where oh where can my baby be? One day I left the house to work a job away from home. When I came back my baby was fully grown. It was like her blanket was there, but she was gone. I don't want to make that same mistake twice. It is so hard prioritizing family financial responsibilities with family time. This time around we are getting rid of the stuff around us. We need to rid our wants and focus on what we need. We need to be together physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Decisions, Decisions

2013-04-17T16:57:46-05:00

The most important decision we made in our thirty years of marriage was relocating to Kansas. At the time, we made that decision quickly. It's feast or famine in the construction business, and we needed better schools for our kids, so when I called my sister and told her our dilemma she said, "Move to Kansas." "You'll like it here." I remember singing heads Carolina, tails California as long as we're together it don't matter. We went with the gut in 1996, and we've been here since.

My job at the circus?

2013-04-17T06:18:47-05:00

Snoopy the Red Baron...protector of family, co-workers, and friends.

Imperfections

2013-04-17T06:16:55-05:00

I can appear overly enthusiastic. Having realized the role other's play in my life, presently, I am not static.

Share the love

2013-04-13T15:53:10-05:00

I do believe the Lord connects us with certain people for a reason. Though Thom Strat, Lori Nicholas, and I don't always agree.. I appreciate their own authenticity No famous autographs, please. Just connect me with real people. In all actuality we are probably from the same branch of the one family tree. In that, I can learn so much more about me. Thank you for your dedication, Thom and Lori.

The graduate

2013-04-12T17:33:48-05:00

When I went to school here thirty years ago we had a saying, "Dynamite comes in small packages." Set your goals high, but remember your path to purpose begins with the effort you offer toward the small tasks each day. Whether you are changing a tire or diaper, preparing a diagnosis or writing a proposal stay focused and keep looking up. These ten strategies toward your path to purpose will bring security.

1. Remember every goal is reached step by step.
2. Put your goals at the top of the laddar.
3. Along the way stay in touch with family and friends. They will hold your extension firm when it feels like you are falling.
4. Expect greatness from your self and others.
5. Reflect at that end of each day. What did you do well? How could you improve?
6. At the start of each day set a resolution. For example: "Be kind to roomate." "Keep my side of the room clean."
7. Rejoice in your trials. Trials make you stronger. Remember them because you will face them again. The next time around you will be more confident.
8. Feel a little uneasy each day. It keeps you praying!
9. Serve others. Your tribulations will seem menial compared to other's troubles.
10. Keep an open mind.Life is not about rigidness. Be prepared to "do the splits."

Toasted Marshmellows

2013-04-11T07:48:12-05:00

Whenever we went camping, at Okaboji's Camp Winacowin, dad always managed to sit on a toasted marshmellow. Most people would stay modest, but not our dad. He often appeared the male version of I Love Lucy creating a scene by sharing the mess with everyone. He was a great actor. If he messed up with an audience present, he fell gracefully like Dick Van Dyke; sure to get a laugh as the result of his drama. He loved (loves) the attention. For his 80th birthday this September, we need to toast him with marshmellows!

Altruistic wishes

2013-03-25T08:46:05-05:00

I hope and pray Aunt Mary has a good week. She will get to hold her grand daughter in her arms for the first time, Friday. I pray my little nephew will find a friend like the friend he found in my grandson. They are so far apart now. I pray for all the lonely espcially those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions.

The ultimate superhero

2013-03-24T15:49:47-05:00

Journeying, building, proclaiming...There is a picture of my grandson walking in the Badlands of South Dakota with our border collie mix, Sissy. They are walking East toward the sun. My grandson watches Spongebob. He is thrilled with Superman pajamas, and likes the cartoon Land Before Time, but when you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he says, "I want to be a shepherd." I think this is a super calling. In the calling to be a shepherd his actions will speak louder than words. He will model Jesus' actions. Which we will hear Good Friday, "Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opended not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth. "

My grandchildren will grow up building. First they will rebuild buildings and later they will rebuild spiritual bridges just as Saint Francis Assisi did during his life 1182-1226. As they get older they will proclaim the theology of the body from the words of Pope John Paul and Christopher West. They will speak with diliberate intellect like Benedict. Last but not least, they will be a model for the youth. "Because young people need the wisdom and knowledge of older people , whose insight is like "fine wine that gets better with age." Pope Francis

How can I recreate perfection? My grandson wants to be a shepherd. He has many real heros to look up to.

My room at age ten

2013-03-23T11:15:18-05:00

Let there be light! I hated it when mom opened the windows and the curtains to my bedroom. For years, I preferred the cave. Contrarily, mom let me pick out the 1970's bright-colored flower power bedspread. I had no choice about the old mauve carpet. My Jack Russell mutt left his mark on the carpet. Weekly, mom would nag at me about cleaning it up. In front of and above the dog mess stood a white vanity. Many a summer night the neighborhood gang would run around the upstairs playing Batman or Green Hornet. I especially remember Miss America pageants role played in my bedroom. My talent was dancing to Englebert Humperdink, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" or "Spinning Wheels." Lisa Muller made crowns out of cereal boxes and aluminum foil.

The sun coming from the east and south windows was too annoying. I remember many many a night in this room. Machines and animals could be heard in the room on top of the 1880 house-the home that built me. During the summer a large window size fan turned backwards vacuumed and engulfed the room with fresh air. At night, bats danced in the closet. Sleep filled nights changed when a bat escaped into my room I stayed awake every night in fear of these fllying rodents. As a result, I played a Merle Haggard album every night. If I didn't fall asleep talking and singing with my sister who slept in the room across the hall, I fell asleep to Okie From Miskogee (sp), White Line Fever, or Hobo Bill.

Looking back I feel extremely blessed. There are so many less fortunate. I am very thankful to God who makes all things possible.

Tearing Down the Wall

2013-03-22T09:38:53-05:00

I am right. You are wrong. Now submit. How does that feel? It feels like I am trapped. I feel like I am on a journey and there is a wall keeping me from walking ahead. How can the wall be torn down? For me, I had to go to my husband's job site and actually see for myself the work he does. I thought his work was getting in the way of our marriage. When I walked in his shoes; spent a couple of hours doing what he does day in and day out- many hours a day, I came to understand his trials. Now instead of criticizing I am supporting. The wall is torn down and I feel free again.

Pets or not?

2013-03-20T13:51:40-05:00

Yes, we have many pets. On our little "ranch" there are cows, chickens, cats, and one dog. The cattle provide farm-raised meat for our freezer. The chickens eat ticks and fleas; the cats mice. Our dog is a watch dog. Our pets all serve a purpose.

Pope Francis pointed out in his homily that people spend millions on cosmetics and pet care while offering little to the poor. His homily challenged me, so I left a few extra quarters at the laundramat the other day. In my own little way maybe someone was able dry their clothes in the warmth of a building rather than have their fingers freeze putting clothes on the line outside. Gordon, NE can get pretty chilly this time of year. It is my hope the recipient of this small gift will return the favor to others.

What's the plan for your plot?

2013-03-12T19:55:45-05:00

My husband and I have talked about how we could share our property.Ten percent of the property would be used for food, housing, education, spirituality, recreation, gardening, and animal husbandry. The rest of the land would be kept as natural tallgrass prairie. There would be two large ponds for fishing, swimming, and leisure boating. My husband could teach gardening and construction skills, and I could teach academic skills. Additional staff would be hired to assist. The summer camp would be a place for people of all ages to enjoy nature and find peace with the sacraments of the Roman Catholic faith. A gift isn't a gift unless it is shared.

What were you doing that year?

2013-03-10T18:59:18-05:00

1997- just moved to Kansas. Received a teaching job in Lawrence. Those were good times when hard work paid off. It's hard to believe we came here with a U-haul full of stuff. Now it's 2013, we need to destuff ourselves once again.

I'll have seconds on Mince Meat Pie, please!

2013-03-10T18:46:31-05:00

The meal was the usual turkey, ham, mash potatoes, homemade bread, cole slaw and gravy. Tody was our annual St. Patrick's Feast Day dinner. The glorious part of the meal was the mince meat pie. It was the first time I ate mince meat pie. The pudding part of the pie reminded me of Grandma Diamond's raisin cream pie, yet it acutally had meat in it. That was a surprise. I enjoyed the meal. I am sure the spirit in the air played a big part in the glory of it all, The pie surpassed the usual hardy comfort food with its meaty fruit twist.

My anti-invention

2013-03-10T18:34:30-05:00

Cell phones...I worry about what my grandchildren will be exposed to. They are so innocent now. The alternative is a good family/neighborhood upbringing. Parents need to be teachers through their actions. Time should be set aside for supervised technology. I hope my grandchildren get the chance to enjoy neighborhood get togethers where the kids are given the freedom to entertain each other. Cell phones limit free play.

Murphy's Law

2013-03-10T18:26:19-05:00

Chris was searching online for the best person for the job He thought, "Interviews are not what they used to be." We no longer meet face to face nowadays." Chris hired many a reliable employee through online employee seeking. If a person had good references they usually measured up to the credentials posted on the web. Technology sure makes my job easy, Chris reflected.

Contrarily,today Chris had an uneasy feeling about the new job applicant. When James Earl Kendall walked into the office, Chris fell out of his chair! James was not the clean shaven person she visioned for the teaching position. J.E.K. had a full length beard that hit the floor ZZTop style. How would the parents in his private school react?

Chris thought to himself, "This is a fine way to start my Monday! To make matters worse a winter storm toppled another 12 inches of wet snow upon the overhanging power lines. Electricity went off. Chris was stranded at school with this savage looking Jack Black character. How would they pass time together in the blizzard? What would they eat? JEK suggested they sling shot a squirrel and build a fire with the recycling supplies.

Added to the trauma, the water pipes burst, and water filled the entire gymnasium and bathrooms. It was cold and all James Earl could talk about was swamp water and water moccasins. Chris tried to sleep to avoid the trials. Unfortunately, he woke up to James Earl singing, "How high's the water momma?" "Well, it's 3 feet high and risin." Chris thought of Murphey's Law. What else can go wrong? I am stuck here with a singing southern Bigfoot. I have no food and no warmth. Lord help me! Then Chris heard the relieving sounds of helicopter wings overhead. He thought, "Praise the Lord!"

Happily Ever After

2013-03-10T17:56:30-05:00

Nothing is made perfect. We can only be made perfect by the way we react to joy and sorrow with patience, perseverence-love. What is love? It is not jealous and fully trusting. Love is when God is first in our marriage. Though physically parted we can be bonded spiritually. As partners we are strong. As haters we are weak. What will it take for me to get there? The finger I point at him in many ways points back to me. What will it take for me to get there? Change starts with me.

A bird in the hand...

2013-03-10T17:45:51-05:00

My truck that is paid for is worth the two in debt. Make that one in debt. The Ford is finally paid off! It is time to celebrate. How do I do that? I get my old Dodge back in pristine condition. It is so much fun to have a 4 x 4 truck back again. The best part of having a truck is hauling off junk during prespring cleaning. The worst part of having a truck is the immense price of gas. A bird in the hand bought and paid for is worth two in debt.

I give it an A+

2013-03-10T17:39:40-05:00

-potluck at the church...my fry bread was a hit. If you do not believe me just ask Fr. Kip. The weekend had a nice beat grandkids kept papa from getting too much sleep. I asked are the hash brown like your dads? No, McDonalds. This weekend had a nice beat. I wonder what melody lies in store for next week.

The fictional character of your choice?

2013-03-03T16:06:08-05:00

It's a toss up between Underdog and Sweet Pea. Underdog changes from a humble person to a strong person. If I were Underdog I could fly to see my loved ones rather than drive. Driving a car can be so tedious. Sometimes our loved ones need us there- pronto! The other fictional character I admire is Sweet Pea from the cartoon Popeye. Sweet Pea seems to be very close to death defying moments, yet she never appears afraid. Sweet Pea is side of attention. She is in perpetual motion. Does that kid ever eat? She is always protected.

Over again?

2013-03-02T13:24:29-05:00

The race is won; victory achieved. I see His face why would I want to leave?

The Good Oz

2013-03-01T15:52:09-05:00

Glinda: "I knew you had it in you." Oz: Greatness? Glinda: Even better--goodness--adapted by Spencer Kayden. I have no desire to be famous.

However, I do appreciate quotes from "Oz The Great and Powerful."
Oz: Look, I'm not exactly a real wizard
Glinda: I know. but if you can make my people believe then you are wizard enough.

I appreciate behind the scenes heros like teachers and parents. When they work together students are encouraged to dream and achieve goals.My dear grandchildren when you feel like the research paper is overwhelming. Chunk the tasks into baby steps. Plan what you can get done in 45 minutes. You can complete your outline. If you do your outline in sentences then you can copy paste. Then on Monday fill in the rest. Believe in yourself. Where there is a will there is a way. I am so happy. You accomplished so much more than you ever expected. Well done. The Monday deadline will be met.

Our Life in Song

2013-02-28T10:25:36-05:00

It's Alright to be Iddy Biddy, by Alan Jackson depicts our marriage. One of the best attributes of being married is having someone to bring out the best in you. Less is more when it comes to alcohol and food. I get onto my husband about his drinking, yet he never says anything about my overeating or overnagging. One of the best qualities about my husband is the way he never puts me down.

I love his gift of craftmanship. I love how he pulls me into the great outdoors to exercise off excess. My husband is a man of few words. When he does speak he speaks with wisdom. "Lori," he tells me. "Lori, Father Charles told me as a boy." "You cannot take it with you when you go." The time we have together is precious and few. We need to make every effort to make this short time we have together a time of joy.

My Great Arctic Escape!

2013-02-27T08:28:47-05:00

Yesterday we built a snow dome.

"Life's hard-wear a helmet," says Gmamia to her grand daughter when she dreads softball practice. In the practice, learn to love the game. Be that horse that runs up the hill. Get the tough stuff done first. Work first then play. That's exactly what my husband and I did yesterday. After chores were completed,we built an igloo together. Hopefully it will not melt until he returns home again. I can go into the humble abode with light and book and read. After a hard days work, I'm looking forward to my Great Arctic Escape!