Let There Be LIGHT! And HEAT! And HOT Showers!!!

First of all, I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Southeastern Illinois Electric for getting our electricity back up and running.  WOW!  Was it COLD in my house without power!  I have always been perfectly happy with an "all electric" home, until experiencing 74.5 hours, in mid-February, without heat. 

I don't really consider myself a wimp, or a "girly" girl, actually I know I'm a bit of a "tom-boy" .  After all I spend nine days living in a tent with no running water or electricity at Sundance each summer.  Then I spend another nine days, the end of July, riding horses and sleeping in the non electrified dressing room of my horse trailer.  I always manage just fine during these times.  However doing without heat in mid-February is a completely different situation!

I can pretty much say, with complete confidence, that next winter we will have not only a power generator but a gas fireplace as well!  Live and learn.  Regardless, I am so, so happy to have heat again!  It's nice to also have television, internet and hot water.

We are so spoiled!

Oh well!  Live, Love and Laugh!

BRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

It's MISERABLE at my house!

As of right now we have been without (WITHOUT!) power for 31.5 hours. My house is almost as cold inside as the temperature outside. Did I mention our house is all electric?

So, how am I posting this on the computer without electricity? I braved the frozen, ice covered roads from my house to my daughters place, which is about 22 miles from me.
I made the drive just fine and her house is WARM!!! I'm getting to drink fresh, HOT, coffee! I'm going to take a nice HOT shower!!! Then I will have to return home to the frozen tundra of the Roberts' Ranch!

Many of our neighbors are also without power and I hope and pray they either have someplace warm to visit or the funds available to rent a room. The weather man says we may get more cold winter stuff this weekend, I hope he is wrong.

So I'll remind all of you, as I try to remind myself, to "LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH"!

Winter Wonderland

I have come to the conclusion that I, as I get older, should take up residence in a state with a much warmer year round climate. Still I have to admit that there is something so beautiful and peaceful about newly fallen snow. It's just that darn cold wind that makes my bones hurt!

I even like to go out and "play" in the snow with my dogs and, if they are out of school, my grandkids. Providing I can get on enough warm clothes and still move, I even like to go for a short horseback ride in the snow. I am however learning that it is just easier and much more comfortable to just bundle up and take a quick trip around the yard to snap a picture or two, then hurry back inside to a nice warm cup of green tea.

And then, there is Spot! Spot never seems to get cold when it comes to playing in the snow. When I decide I've had enough fun in the frigid air and re-enter the warmth of my house, closing the door in his face, Spot sits at the patio door, tilts his head to one side and stares at me through the glass. I imagine he will weigh 75 pounds by spring due to all the chew bones that head tilt earns him! He is just so darn cute!

This week the snow is all gone, we even had thunderstorms earlier this week. It's difficult to adjust to the weather since it's colder than a brass monkey one day and the next the temperature is in the 50's! It's a little strange when you are ducking for cover in early February because the tornado sirens are sounding. If the weather is so unstable in February, what is March going to bring? Snow? Thunderstorms and high winds? Gentle rain???

Oh! I AM so looking forward to SPRING!

Groundhogs?!?!?!?

Can furry little critters really forecast the weather?

Let's see.

When it's going to rain, my knees and hands hurt and if it's really going to be a major storm system my head threatens to
explode. When the barometer drops, the horses and cattle lay down. If the wind is out of the west and it is blowing cold or rain or snow, my girls (horses) will have their rumps pointed in that direction. When the weatherman says we're going to have two or more inches of snow, the local Kroger parking lot is completely full and you can't get your cart through the aisles.

All indicators of the weather?

Now I am pretty certain all animals who live above ground are directly affected by the weather, hot or cold, and all the changes
it can bring. But seriously, can a furry little fella who burrows underground for a long winters nap, be awakened by some big burly, parka wearing guy, yanked out of his warm, comfy winters nest and expected to know how many more weeks of winter we will have? And just because they are going to have six more weeks in PA, does that naturally mean we will have the same here in SOUTHERN IL???

I think they need to leave poor little Pux_______ (can't possibly spell his name) Phil alone and just wait a few weeks to see what Mother Nature has in store. I mean does it really matter what the large rodent thinks? And who speaks groundhog, after all?
I think I would rather just wait, take one winter day at a time, and not have to think about six more weeks of cold.

Just my opinion, and just another reason to ALWAYS REMEMBER to

LIVE, LOVE, and LAUGH!

Peace and Dignity Journeys 2008/Trail of Tears

Every four years something very important takes place throughout North, Central and South America. I'm not speaking of Leap Year, I'm talking about the Peace and Dignity Journeys. This endeavor began back in 1992 and continues every four years with the cooperation, love and fortitude of many, many people throughout the north and south. This journey is about honoring the People, land and places important to all People of the Americas.

There are different branches or "routes" that will take place but the one that will be "close to home" here in Southern IL, is the Trail of Tears route. Runners will come from NC/TN through KY and into Southern IL on the ferry at Cave In Rock, after spending a couple of nights at Mantle Rock in Marion, KY. The route will follow IL Route #146 through Hardin, Pope , Johnson and Union Counties where the participants will spend a few days in the Anna Jonesboro area at the Two Feathers Sundance encampment. When the Sundance is over the runners will proceed on to MO and continue on to Tahlequah, OK.

As the coordinator for the area from Mantle Rock to Anna-Jonesboro, I hope to get many local people interested in the Peace and Dignity Journeys 2008. I have included a link to the PDJ website for general information (see column to right>>>). Anyone who would like to contact me for more information specifically about the Trail of Tears Route, please leave a comment here or send an email to :
spottedhawk@CherokeeNation.zzn.com

2008

Well, it's 2008. Another Christmas has come and gone, another New Year is here.

What can I say...
The candidates (presidential) are on a roll and I'm already sick of all of them.
My husband has been right here, with me 24/7 for two (+) months. I am not
looking forward to retirement. I certainly hope and pray this new year will have
a lot more to offer in the way of work for hubby.
I am looking forward to spring time when we should have a new foal, that will
be exciting! Of course I look forward to spring for many reasons, warmth, new
growth, horseback riding and lots of green, green, green!

What can I say?
I can say that tomorrow is a new day in this NEW YEAR and I'll be happy to see
that NEW DAY. I am happy, and thankful for each new day I'm blessed with.

And so I once again remind all of you, as well as myself, to LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH.
As much and as often as you possibly can.

Christmas is almost here!

I'm having a little trouble getting in the Christmas spirit.
I think I need help.
Usually I can count on my grandkids to help me get excited, or at least
"wrapped up" in looking forward to the holidays, unfortunately, this year
two of the grandkids are going to need help. My four year old grandson
and ten year old granddaughter lost their paternal grandfather last Sunday
morning. The four year old really does not understand what is going on,
although he was upset that "Papaw" was going to be buried "in the ground",
he still does not understand. Our granddaughter is crushed. It is so hard to see
the pain on her beautiful little face and the tears, that is really tough. My heart
aches for the two of them as well as my son-in-law and the rest of his family.
There really is nothing one can say that will help at such a time. I've been
through the loss of loved ones and I know people mean well and want so
desperately to help, to somehow take a little bit of the pain away. Words can't
do it. Only time and the love of others will help lessen the pain. The only
thing I can tell my grandchildren when they ask me "WHY?" did Papaw have
to die, or when they say "I just can't believe I'll never see him again", is to
remind them that he is always with them and that they always carry him
in their hearts.

My beloved paternal grandfather passed over 25 years ago last Monday.
So I understand that Christmas will never again be quite the same for
those who lost their loved one(s) this season. We tell ourselves "life goes on",
and it does of course, as is God's will. Through love, and yes, loss of loved
ones, we grow and even gain strength. Life changes and it changes us, this
we can be sure of. We feel the pain of loss, our own and that of our loved ones.
Through this we can gain strength and sense of purpose, and maybe, if we
pay really close attention to the lessons God has for us, we learn something
new about ourselves and what we are made of. So, keep your eyes, ears, and
heart open to the lessons, even the ones that are at first a little painful!

So to sum up my Christmas post, because I probably won't get the chance to
post again till after Christmas, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, however
you celebrate the season I hope it's a good one. Even if you are having a little
trouble getting in the groove...just try to "LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH!!!". Things will
get better.

Pay MORE get LESS!!! (Sophie says...)

Today was a most beautiful day in Southern IL! It's November 17 and the high today was about 60 degrees, I'm not sure the deer hunters loved the warmth as much as I did. Speaking of deer hunters, today was the Pope County Deer Festival Parade in Golconda, IL. This is an annual event that my riding buddy Chester, along with my oldest grandchild Mariah and I attend, with our horses of course. This is about the only safe riding available during shotgun season so we take advantage of it. As usual it was a well attended parade with many high school bands, politicians, festival queens and of course the "Little Miss and Misters".
All in all a very enjoyable afternoon that includes a BBQ sandwich and then the short ride through the parade route.





What I would most like to mention about today is the handout given to me by "Sophie", a rather pleasant four legged with very long ears, a hat with flowers and an owner with a feed bucket full of information from Sophie. For those of you who are Farm Bureau members I'm sure you are already familiar with Sophie and her "Sophie Says" column. You see, dear old Sophie is responsible for keeping many Southern Illinoisans up to date on the goings on in the Shawnee Forest. So in an attempt to help Sophie out a little, I'm going to post her latest update. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


The Forest Service LACKS FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY!

Why should YOU have to pay?

1. The Forest Service has lost MILLIONS in timber sales.
2. The Forest Service is spending $5 MILLION on a complex to replace the Vienna facility.
3. The Forest Service uses your tax dollars!
4. The Forest Service charges you for bridle tags!

The Forest Service has closed trails, and shut off water! Trailheads have not been mowed! Sanitation facilities have been eliminated or are non-existent!

...AND NOW the Forest Service wants to charge you $5 a day to ride the Shawnee Forest!

...AND NOW the Forest Service wants to charge you $50 a year to ride the Shawnee National Forest!

Sophie says, "We'll pay MORE and get LESS!
That's the U.S. Forest Service way!!!"
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SOPHIE SAYS: "Ask the right questions!"

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Trail Rider: Please consider asking the following questions about the proposed fees for trail riders.

1. According to the Shawnee National Forest website, "By far the greatest year-round use on the Shawnee National Forest
is horseback riding." DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT?

2. WHY SUCH A HIGH ANNUAL FEE ($50) when the Hoosier National Forest charges only $25 and the Land Between the
Lakes charges only $60 per TRAILER LOAD, not per person.

3. WHY IS THERE NO SENIOR DISCOUNT?

4. Current policy states that after a 1" rain in the Wilderness, trails are closed for a minimum of 24 hours. HOW DO YOU
PLAN TO REFUND PARTIAL FEES FOR DAYS LOST DUE TO THIS POLICY?

5. Many riders live on property that borders the Lusk Creek Wilderness Watershed. HOW WILL REDUCTION IN THEIR RIDING
FEES BE CALCULATED, SINCE SUPT. NICHOLAS CLOSES THIS WILDERNESS AT LEAST 1 OUT OF 3 DAYS PER YEAR?

6. Since fees are supposed to be used for trail maintenance, IS SUPT. NICHOLAS WILLING TO MAIL AN AUDIT OF EXPENSES
AND WORK DONE TO JUDGE GILBERT AND TO ANY CITIZEN WHO MAKES A REQUEST?

7. Since the Shawnee National Forest has so many chiefs, WOULDN'T IT BE WISE TO HIRE MORE INDIANS, REDUCE THE
NUMBER OF CHIEFS, AND THEN MAINTAIN THE TRAILS?

8. Other National Forests do not have a limit on un-ridden horses (pack/pony), so WHY ARE YOU USING THIS RESTRICTION
IN THE SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST?

9. Knowing that all monies for the U.S. Forest Service comes from the same pot, HOW CAN YOU JUSTIFY SUCH A POOR
TRAIL SYSTEM AND THE BUILDING OF A NEW MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR COMPLEX IN VIENNA?

10.Considering how unpopular the Forest Service is with, not only the trail riders, but environmentalists and hikers,
and how services leave much to be desired, HOW CAN YOU ASK THE PUBLIC TO PAY A USER FEE WITH A CLEAR
CONSCIENCE?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


ATTENTION


HIKERS! TRAIL RIDERS! ROCK CLIMBERS!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are recreating in YOUR Shawnee Nation Forest, be prepared to pay as much as $50 annually to do so!

Even though the Shawnee National Forest has lost MILLIONS in timber sales and is spending MILLIONS on a new facility at Vienna, THE AGENCY WANTS TO CHARGE YOU MORE!

Even though the Forest Service uses your tax dollar and you still have to purchase bridle tags, THE AGENCY WANTS TO CHARGE YOU MORE!

The Forest Service has CLOSED trails, SHUT OFF water, REMOVED tables and trash cans, left trail heads UNMOWED and
ELIMINATED or not provided sanitation facilities! THE AGENCY WANTS TO CHARGE YOU MORE!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

People, if you do not like what's going on...then you need to take a few minutes and express your thoughts
and feelings on the subject of FEES for the Shawnee National Forest.


For the price of one soda, you can potentially save yourself $50 per year.

Purchase two stamps!
Write down your thoughts and ideas about fees!


Send copy #1 to:
Recreation Advisory Committee
% Region 9
Regional Office
626 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Send Copy #2 to:
Congressman John Shimkus
110 E. Locust
Room 12
Harrisburg, IL 62946

Sophie says, "If you don't do this, no one is going to do it for you!"

=============================================================================

I THINK SOPHIE MAKES A LOT OF SENSE! IF YOU ENJOY RIDING OR CLIMBING OR HIKING IN THE SHAWNEE FOREST, IT'S TIME
TO TAKE A STAND!!! STOP WAITING FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WRITE THOSE LETTERS!

Make your voice heard, if we don't all speak up NOW, we stand to loose more and more. It doesn't matter if you live in Southern Illinois or not, if you enjoy spending time in the Shawnee, please take this opportunity to speak your mind on the subject of fees. Please don't wait, do it now, please.

November is Native American Month

There seems to be a lot going on in Southern IL this month! Saturday, November 3, one of our Sundance Chiefs came down from
Chicago to meet up with two singers/drummers and a female singer/Sundancer from Indiana, along with myself, for a presentation to a middle school class in Metropolis. It was a beautiful day, bright blue sky, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. We all met up in Metropolis and we were joined by Larry Yazzie, Meskwaki/Dine' Pow Wow Dancer from Minnesota.



Our Chief, Dale "Bear" Copeland spoke to the crowd, of approximately 50, about our Dance, the spirituality aspect and a bit about the ceremony involved with Sundance. We attempted to build a sweat lodge but due to the recent dry weather the willows were a little difficult to work with and we certainly couldn't peel the bark as is the traditional and proper way to prepare the willows. So, due to un-peelable bark and time constraints, we only constructed the frame of the lodge and then described how it should be completed and the purpose for the lodge. The original plan was for me to talk about the Cherokee People and the Trail of Tears. Again, due to a lack of time, I did not have the opportunity to speak. Hopefully, next year we will again be invited to Metropolis and will be better prepared to make better use of out time allotment.

When we were told that Mr. Yazzie was ready (and waiting) in the gym for his performance, everyone moved inside and our part of the presentation was over. Mr. Yazzie is a very skilled and entertaining dancer/performer. While there was a huge difference in his performance and our presentation, I feel that the young people and adults in attendance learned something new about Native culture and spirituality. This was a very interesting experience and I was happy to be a part of it, even if my part was left out I still enjoyed the opportunity just to be a part of the presentation.


If any of you out there have the opportunity to participate in, either as a presenter or an attendee, of one or more of the many programs about Native Americans this month, please do it! This is the perfect time to learn more yourself or to help others learn more about the First People of America. Enjoy!

My FAVORITE Season

October is here!!! I love the month of October, I love autumn. The way the cool, crisp air smells, the coolness
in the air and the need to actually wear long sleeves. The way my horses smell and the quckness in their step.
(I have always thought I could bottle that aroma and sell it to every woman in love with horses at a resonable
price and still become wealthy!) Life is always good, but this time of year, life is even better, somehow more
beautiful. Of course a beautiful array of autumn leaves would add to the beauty of the season a great deal,
but we will have to leave that up to Mother Nature.

I find it very difficult to stay indoors to work. Let's see, retirement at 52? I could go for that. Of course as it
is now, having my studio in my home, being self employed and not having any employees, that's almost as
good as being retired, right? Take the jobs you want and leave the rest to the multitude of other photographers
in the area. Notice I didn't say "professional" photographers? Digital cameras are great but since they came
on the scene, everyone thinks they can "do it as good as the professionals". Life moves in cycles, changes
happen, things come and go and people tend to learn the hard way. When the event is over, such as a wedding
or reunion or anniversary, etc., events that can't be re-enacted, and the photos Aunt Mary or Uncle Joe took
are back from Walmart...you've heard of 20/20 hindsight, right? Enough said.

We have had many wonderful rides recently, even before the weather cooled. Last Monday, Columbus Day,
I took my 10 year old granddaughter on the 12 mile ride at Giant City State Park. We rode the trail backwards
in order to arrive at the lodge near lunch time. That chicken sure was good! It's always a little tough to get back
on your horse, with such a full belly, for the final 20 minute ride back to the horse camp. We made it though and
my granddaughter had a great time. It was wonderful to hear her laughing and giggling behind me as we "moved
on" down the trail. Mariah seems to be somewhat of a natural horseperson which of course makes grandma quite
proud.

The day before Giant City, Chester and I rode on the "E-Town Ride", Elizabethtown to Karbers Ridge/High Knob.
Now I'm not sure how many miles the ride is but I do know that we spent about six hours in the saddle - and
that's not counting the 45 minutes or so we spent on the ground for lunch. This is an annual ride, I have been
going on this one for about ten or eleven years. Chester on the other hand, at the ripe old age of 89 years and
9 months, has been on the ride at least twice as many times as I have. This is a beautiful ride, even though this
year we had a very warm day with temps in the 90's. One thing I can always count on concerning this ride, even
though I ride often and put a lot of time in the saddle, on the E-Town ride I will manage to aquire at least one
blister. And I'm not talking about a blister on my heel!

On Saturday, the day before the E-Town Ride, Chester, Mariah and I loaded up our animals and traveled to the
Enfield Mule Days Parade. Chester of course was on his mule, Jake, while Mariah and I rode Fancy and Lady,
our horses. Once again, for about the third year in a row, Chester took first place in the mule judging and came
home with a nice little check for his troubles. It was very warm, no, it was HOT! We did have a good time and
Mariah and Fancy did a great job, even though Mariah was a bit dissappointed the horses were not judged as
well as the mules. Well, after all it was the MULE Days Parade!

October is off to a great start, today is cool and the sun is shining. So why am I sitting here, indoors, typing
on this computer?