Tory Richards's Blog, page 192

I know it's only been a week since I lost Earl but i...

I know it's only been a week since I lost Earl but it seems I'm feeling more down with each day. As I realize I can't just pick up the phone to talk to him, or drive to Astoria to visit, the impact of his being gone is numbing. Little by little I've been going through his files, and personal stuff. Deciding what needs to be kept, what I should send his son, what I can throw away. That doesn't help.

My family have done their darnedest to keep me occupied. We had a family barbecue one day, and two birthdays this week. I've been roped into going to the Titanic Museum with them tomorrow, and then dinner.

During this past week i've been applying for jobs, too. Though just half-heartedly. Not really ready to go back to work, but it's a requirement for collecting unemployment, something I've never done before. I had an interview for a work at home job today. Sounds interesting. I wonder if you can really earn money that way. Anyone here ever tried?

When helmets don't make any sense

Monday Man Candy

Here's a yummy guy!

http://www.sixsunday.com/The six sentences below are from...

http://www.sixsunday.com/

The six sentences below are from a work in progress. The link above will take you to the home page where you can access other 6 Sentence Sunday participants.
1. In spite of her mild protest he cupped her other breast and did the same thing. 2. Sighing, Sammy closed her eyes to savor the forbidden moment. 3. The tingling from her nipples traveled downward to her clit. 4. Feeling his strong erection she arched into it slightly. 5. John lost control and began to squeeze and caress her breasts with more vigor. 6. Growling low, he lowered his head and kissed the side of her neck before moving to her mouth.

Did you hear?

The new book about "Understanding Women" is out!

I Can't Believe He's Gone

My soul mate of 17 years passed away quietly in his sleep yesterday morning. I thought I'd prepared myself for it, but had no way of knowing what a big hole it would leave. Earl had been such a big part of my life. He was full of life. Always looked out for me, worried over me, protected me. Even in ill health he often thought of me first. He taught me so much and was so good to me. I can't imagine life without him, even now that he's gone.

No more suffering for him. During the week I remained in the hospital with him his grandson, Father Jason, was also there. Praying over Earl daily, making sure Earl had his ticket to heaven. We also played his favorite song, My Way, by Frank Sinatra. The first time I hummed the tune in his ear he responded with a squeeze of my hand, and a hint of a smile because I'm tone deaf. But I could tell he appreciated my efforts. Later, Father Jason played the Frank Sinatra version from his Ipod.

He never really gained full consciousness but he could respond with a nod of his head, a squeeze of my hand. Once he patted me on the head, his way of saying it was going to be okay. That tore me up. But it also gave me peace because he knew he wasn't alone. That was important to me. No one should die alone in some sterile hospital room if it can be helped. The hospital staff was so helpful and accommodating to us. They moved a cot into the room so I could spend the nights there.

The only comfort I have is knowing that he's not suffering anymore. The last year he has been through so much, and been in so much pain. We often prayed for God to take him in his sleep, to end the suffering. One morning before Father Jason arrived from Colorade I saw Earl make the sign of the cross. I asked him if he wanted to pray. He nodded, so I gave it my best try.

I took his hand and began, "Please, God, look out for Earl, and end his pain. Please welcome him into heaven. Please don't let him haunt me (as he threatened to do many times), and give him back his voice so he can sing again. His legs so he can golf again. And okay, he can haunt me just a little." To which Earl smiled.

Earl had a beautiful smile. I'm going to miss so much about him.

Dear Friends,I've been in the hospital since last Thursda...

Dear Friends,

I've been in the hospital since last Thursday, with my soul mate. He had a stroke and bad fall and isn't expected to make it. I've been by his side day and night since. I remembered my old lap top was in the trunk of my car today and wanted to let you all know why I have been absent this past week.

Although this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through, we are keeping him comfortable and pain free. I promised Earl I would be strong but I'm thankful his grandson, Father Jason, is with me.

Lady Gaga is really very pretty, don't you think?

 Lady Gaga is really very pretty, don't you think?

New Excerpt of The Mercenary Way

"You can be the most irritating female when you want to be," he barked out of pure frustration,remembering to keep his voice down. He had a mind not to even come back for her. Sarah was full of piss and vinegar, traits he wouldn't normally find appealing in a woman, yet his body's reaction to her was a contradiction.
"Why, because I won't let you bully me?" He watched the emotions running across her dirty face."You're not leaving me."
Aggravated that she'd just read his mind caused him to growl, "I already told you I wouldn't. I haven't gone to all this trouble to dump you in the jungle where Rodriguez can get his hands on you again."

"Then what do you get out of this?" she inquired, watching him. "I hope you're not expecting money.Susan and I own a small business, but we're not rich."

"Then maybe I'll take a little piece of ass." Clint enjoyed the hot blush rising to her cheeks, knowing it'd be a cold day in hell before he got anything from her. Except maybe a swift kick where it counts.Suddenly tired of their banter, he demanded in a voice laced with impatience. "Are you going to stay here until I come back for you or not?"

"Do I have any options?" She pressed her lips and crossed her arms.
Clint could be just as obstinate. "No."
"Besides, where else would I go?"
Something in her voice sent up warning flags. Releasing a breath of irritation, Clint swore, his eyesfalling to that smart mouth of hers. He knew a fake smile when he was looking at one. He stared at her
for a long tense moment. "My gut's never wrong. You can't be trusted."
"Then maybe you should take me with you. I'm not the enemy here, Clint."
He sighed deeply and rolled off her, mumbling beneath his breath, "I'm warning you, Sarah, don't make me regret this. If I tell you to jump off a cliff, you jump off a cliff. No questions. You got that?"

Around the World with Virginia Campbell

"There's a yellow rose in Texas that I am going to see,
Nobody else could miss her, not half as much as me.
She cried so when I left her, it like to broke my heart,
And if I ever find her, we nevermore will part."
In honor of February being the month for sweethearts and sweet treats, I searched for the "rose capital of the world". More than one city around the globe claimed the title, but only one area also claimed to be the "blackberry capital of the world". Tyler, Texas, and its smaller suburb, Lindale. The history of the Tyler and Smith County, TX rose industry is a classic example of "turning lemons into lemonade." Smith County was a prime fruit and vegetable growing region until the late 1920's when a devastating plant disease destroyed much of the peach crop of the region. Farmers faced with financial ruin turned to roses as an alternative crop that adapted well to their sandy soils. They not only survived, but they thrived to the point of making Tyler, Texas, the Rose Capital of the World. Farmers in Smith County export more roses than any other area in the world. Visitors who come to Texas expecting to see only oil wells and cactus are amazed by the flourishing beauty of East Texas. What seems even more surprising to the Old West ideal are the famous Tyler Roses. Approximately one-fifth of all commercial rose bushes produced in the United States are grown in Smith County, while over one-half of the nation's rose bushes are packaged and shipped from this area. This burgeoning industry, which began at the turn of the century, has established Tyler as the "Rose Capital of the World." It is only fitting that the "City of Roses" is home to the nation's largest Municipal Rose Garden. From late April until frost, the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden blooms with nearly 40,000 rose bushes exhibiting approximately 500 varieties of roses. Over 100,000 people from around the world visit the Rose Garden annually.
One of Tyler's favorite and most beautiful attractions is the Tyler Rose Museum, which has entertained thousands of visitors from the United States and around the world. The Museum is a unique concept that allows the visitors to participate in an unfolding story that chronicles the events of the Festival's history and the agricultural industry it honors. Developed to preserve and display the unique history of Tyler's long-lived and heralded involvement with field-grown roses and the Texas Rose Festival, the Tyler Rose Museum reflects the history of Tyler itself. Proudly told through videos and photographs, the hardships and successes of the rose-growing industry and the pageantry of the Texas Rose Festival evolve.

The excitement of the annual Festival is captured by the Tyler Rose Museum for visitors to enjoy year-round, through spectacular displays and interactive exhibits. As visitors enter the 7,500 square-foot Museum, they discover displays of memorabilia and hand-sewn, jeweled costumes dating as far back as 1935.




Roses have inspired people over the ages to develop a language of roses by ascribing meanings to color, variety and number of roses being gifted. Traditionally, the rose is considered the flower of love. Nothing beats red roses in saying "I Love You" on Valentine's Day. When you consciously choose a certain color, variety or number of roses for someone, you bring a whole new depth to the gesture of gifting roses.

There is no flower that has been revered and celebrated as much as the rose. As the archetypal flower and the definitive symbol for love and appreciation, the rose has endured in its beauty and significance for hundreds of years, inspiring people throughout history. In addition, the rose is perhaps the only flower that has so many diverse meanings.

red There's nothing secret about the red rose's symbolism of love. Valentine's Day would hardly exist without this bold and dramatic bloom. The ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion, the red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit of love. Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known universally as the lover's rose.
white Representing, humility, purity and innocence, the white rose - often referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love. In Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you."
yellow While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, today it represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-filled blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.
pink Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness.
orange With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and desire. If you're looking for a way to express admiration and attraction - with an underlying message of passion and excitement - then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms.
lilac and purple Thought to be almost mystical in nature, with symbolism tied to enchantment, desire and even proceeding cautiously, it's not surprising that lilac and purple roses send a message of love at first sight, A great Valentine flower.
multi-colored roses In some instances - usually when mixing red with another color rose - you can send additional messages with your choice of bouquet. For example, a combination of red and yellow roses conveys gaiety and happiness, while a mix of red and white roses symbolizes unity.

Roses by the Numbers
A single rose of any color depicts utmost devotionTwo roses entwined together communicate "Marry me"Six Roses signify a need to be loved or cherishedEleven roses assure the recipient they are truly and deeply lovedThirteen roses indicate a secret admirer
<>In the early 1900s, Lindale, Texas became known as producing and commercial canning center for fruits and vegetables, especially berries. Lindale was known as "The Great Strawberry Center" before it became famous as "The Blackberry Capital of the World". In the area around Lindale, in Smith County, acre upon acre of berries were grown for commercial production. The quality of the canned product from this area was recognized as excellent. I hope you enjoy these luscious blackberry recipes, and I wish you a garden full of roses! Creamy Blackberry Pie 3 cups fresh blackberries1 unbaked 9 -inch deep dish pastry shell3/4 to 1 cup sugar, depending on sweetness of berries1/3 cup all purpose flour1/8 teaspoon salt2 eggs beaten1/2 cup commercial sour cream1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup all purpose flour1/4 cup butteradditional blackberries for garnishfresh sweetened whipped cream Place 3 cups blackberries in pastry shell. Set aside. Combine 3/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour and salt in a separate bowl. In another bowl mix the eggs and sour cream, stirring until blended. Now add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, a little at a time until all the sugar mixture is mixed in. Pour over blackberries. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup flour, cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle evenly over sour cream mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool pie and garnish with blackberries and whipped cream. Blackberry Orange Muffins 2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp cinnamon1/8 tsp nutmeg1 tbsp grated orange zest1 stick butter (1/2 cup) softened1 cup sugar2 eggs1/2 cup milkadditional sugar for sprinklingPreheat your oven to 375. In a large bowl, combine the flour, orange zest, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together. Gently add the blackberries and stir so that the berries are covered with flour. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the eggs, one by one, until thoroughly combined. Add the milk and blend. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and toss gently, being careful not to crush the berries. Scoop batter into 12 greased muffin tins sprinkle additional sugar lightly over the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden. Let cool for five minutes in the tins then pop out and cool completely. Blackberry Smoothie 1 cup fat-free milk 1 pint low-fat frozen vanilla yogurt 1 banana, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup fresh blackberriesPlace all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately while cold. Makes four servings (serving size: 1 cup) Sweet and Savory Blackberry Sauce for Cooked Meats 2 cups fresh blackberries 1 tablespoon orange marmalade 1 cup water 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons port wine or orange juice 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon cloves 1 very small onion, finely diced 1/2 tsp dried basil Pinch salt & coarsely ground black pepperPlace berries and peel in stainless steel saucepan. Cover with water. Stir in vinegar, sugar, honey, port, cinnamon, cloves and onion. Bring to boil and reduce to low simmer. Cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a fork, mash berries in pan. Return pan to heat. Increase heat to bring back to a boil. Lower heat and simmer about 5 minutes. Stir in basil, salt, and pepper. Allow pan to cool and then refrigerate. Serve as a spread or pass with cooked meat as a sauce. Blackberry Spinach Salad 6 cups fresh baby spinach1 cup fresh blackberries1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 green onion, sliced2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar2-1/2 teaspoons honey1 garlic clove, minced1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, blackberries, tomatoes, onion and walnuts. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately. </>