It's Been Six Months

I can't believe that it has been six months since our neighbors in Joplin endured that horrific tornado.  Rebuilding has begun, and parts of Joplin are starting to look normal as business are reopening in new buildings.  Here's a music video on the Miracle of Human Spirit shot using video from the Joplin tornado.  Have a great day!

In Memory...

15 years ago today, on November 13, 1996, my grandma (Granny) passed away.  I can't believe that she has been gone more than half of my life!  If she were alive today she would be 92 years old.  I miss you, Granny.

Also, I would like to apologize for my prolonged absence.  I have been given extra duties at work which often have me working 12 hour days.  By the time that I drive 30 miles home, all I want to do is eat dinner and go to bed.  I promise that I haven't forgotten you all, and that I will be back soon with new posts.

Missouri Michael

10 Years - God Bless America

On this tenth anniversary of the terrible events in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, I am keeping things simple.  Here's a little classic Kate Smith singing the classic "God Bless America" and Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." Also, I feel that the iconic Budweiser Clydesdale commercial from the 2002 Super Bowl is appropriate to share as well.

The Limit

In the few minutes of spare time I can squeeze in, I read young adult books so that I can make recommendations to my middle school students.  I usually enjoy these easy, fun reads.  Occasionally I come across one that I don't get in to, but overall they are pretty good.

This weekend, I read a book that I purchased at the school book fair last week.  The Limit by Kristen Landon is set in a world much like our own.  However, the government has set up debt limits for each family.  If your family goes over their limit, several options exist.  One of these options is that the oldest child is taken to a workhouse where they are educated and work to help repay the debt their parents have created.  This is the option that is chosen for the main character, Matt.

I'm not going to give anything else away.  If you are curious, check the book out.  Overall, I would give the book an A-.  The book kept my interest and I finished it quickly, which is a good thing.  Occasionally I have a book that I nearly have to force myself to pick up.  However, while the book is good, it is not as good as some books that I have read, thus the A- scoring.

Check out the book trailer below:



And, if you want to know what the very best young adult book that I have ever read is, check out this video:



Have a great Tuesday!

Joplin Update

I plan to periodically provide updates on the rebuilding of Joplin after the devistating EF5 tornado took out a huge chunk of the city on May 22.  Here's a video from earlier this week about a business that has completely rebuilt and is open again in their former site, all in three months.

It has been quite a summer as the efforts of clean up and then the beginning of the rebuilding efforts have begun.  However, I am proud to claim this part af the country.  The people have been upbeat and positive throughout the summer.  They are so appreciative of all the volunteers, and the transformation since May 22 is nothing short of a miracle.  I am excited to share that Joplin is beginning to rebuild!  Even after losing several schools, they were able to renovate existing spaces in the city over the summer and begin school on time.  Sometime soon I will share a video of the new 11th and 12th grade high school building - it's in an empty department store!

So, here's the video of perhaps the first business to have rebuilt and reopen in the same location:

Have a great Friday!

Ebay Addict

So, what happens when a teacher has a little time at home alone (like about 2 weeks over the summer - and you all thought we got three months).

Well, this teacher had too much time to check eBay for Promotional Pyrex goodies!  Here's what a little time searching and several clicks of the mouse landed me:

Let's see, top to bottom: an 8 inch square baking pan.  I have never seen one with a straight gold line on it before.  The gold line is on all four sides.  Next, a Holiday 1960 promotional 2 quart casserole, and lastly a 1959 Golden Tulip promotional 2 quart casserole.

Next up, a 1.5 quart Empire Scroll (Vines) promotional casserole and a 2.5 quart Charcoal Snowflake casserole.

Top: a yellow Desert Dawn pie plate, a 2.5 quart black and white casserole which I do not know the name for.  However, it is very similar to the 2.5 quart Gourmet promotional casserole.  This piece had its original stand.  I have been wanting this piece for a long time, and finally a good deal came my way on eBay.  It has it's original lid and cradle.  The best part about this piece is that it is Delphite (blue) Pyrex, which has been painted white on the outside and then had the gold decoration painted on.

But wait, there's more!  Once again, top to bottom:  a 1959 Compass promotional divided server, a Musical Staff promotional baker (not in the best shape) and lastly, a Spring 1958 promotional piece - Rooster Black 2 quart baking dish with a cork handled cradle. 

Wow!  Eleven new pieces, most of which are promotional pieces.  Nine of them came from eBay, two of them (the yellow pie plate and the red Holiday casserole) were local purchases.  I call that success!

However, I must do something to curb this addiction...

Have a great Tuesday!

AMC Cars for Sale

No, they aren't mine.  I don't know the people selling them.  But, it sure was fun looking up all the old AMC's!  I thought since I did the AMC post yesterday, I'd follow up for Friday with a little eye-candy that you could put in your own driveway if you so desire.  FYI - I do not gain any profit for sharing these with you, nor do I gain any profit if you purchase one of these cars or anything else from clicking into eBay this way.

Have a great Friday!