Living Kite

I just adore katydids and cicada's. They make the most wonderful sounds on a summer night.



Another bug that omits a wonderful tune is a June Bug!
Then I got to thinking about the June bug. This is what is needed to make a living kite. It is a great form of cheap entertainment. What you do is to tie a piece of string, ever so gently, to one of the legs of a June Bug. Then, allow June bug to take flight. My mother showed me and my brother this one. Growing up in a very poor household, she became quite ingenious to some very interesting forms of entertainment. These that I pass along to my children, because if you haven't heard, my husband is very "frugal".
And it really is a sight to see a living kite!
(Will try and get some vi doe of this. Didn't film the flight...so looking for another cicada so I can show you this one!)
Please note that no insects were injured or harmed for this post or the said mentioned cheap entertainment. Katydid was released to fly free.

That's some slide!

At the risk of offending some....I apologize. But the following occurred at a church festival.....It is what is it-or is it?

A friend of mine, Suzanne, recently attended a fall festival at a church in Pinson. She sent me these pictures of her daughter, Madison, coming out of a children's inflatable slide that was at the church festival!!! The slide was sponsored by the city fire department. Suzanne said that she got a kick out of watching other parents walking by trying to figure out what the slide was, then only to see a child come out the end of the slide. I don't know about you, but this was a slide that I have never seen before. I have seen ships, waves, trees, etc. but not one that looked like this. Suzanne swears that it had something to do with the fire department(hoses), but neither of us can figure out in what relation...

When she sent these to me, I couldn't help but laugh. I have laughed at this all evening....I can just imagine that church congregation when they saw that sitting in their parking lot....This I will list under, "Things that make you go, Hmm..."

Living in Alabama.....

I had to post this sign under, "Things that make you go hmmm". Family friend, Dullbert sent this to me today. It gave me a laugh and much to think about. What the heck is "sour dirt and souse meat"?

This from Dullbert..
"...Don't know why I thought you might find this interesting but I've noticed on your blog you are fond of photography and recipes. If you ever get a recipe that calls for dirt I've got the place for you. Occasionally when I have to detour off of I-59 on the way home from Fairfield I pass this place. I was always fascinated by this sign so one morning I brought the camera."

Pinky- Leigh?

Oh, my, gosh. I am 37 years old. My 17 year old son has accused me of a mid-life crisis. Tell me it isn't so. I do not yearn for a sports car, I am not investing in mini skirts and abercrombie clothes, I am quite content with my husband-I am not looking for a younger man (and never will). Pink hair. That's what did it. Just a stripe or 2. I don't know why. It's what I want. Not a whole pink head , just a subtle, er, hot- pink stripe.

Oh, my! Tell me I am not that bald man traveling down the highway in his red convertible sports car, comb over piece of hair flapping in the breeze as he tries to milk any amount of youth and testosterone he clings to-just like those last bits of hair on his head. Don't compare me with him. I tried to convince my son that it would be "cool" for the roller derby team. He just rolled his eyes. Oh, gosh...maybe I am having a crisis! Nahhh....LOL. My son...he is ultra conservative. Which for a young man in today, I am quite proud. Heck, I am VERY proud. I have to laugh when sometimes he tries to parent me.

No, I am not trying to be some rebellious child. Maybe I am doing all I can to embarrass my kids? I don't think so. I don't think? Sometimes I do, I love to, but that is not the reason-not this time. I really am not sure there is a reason. Is it the middle aged thing? My parents can't disown me now. I have my own house, they can't kick me out. I think my friends would completely expect it. They know me and know I like to poke a little fun at myself and have fun in this life. I am not a "cookie cutter" soccer mom-I also know I am 37 and don't EVER want to go back to 17. I am quite content and happy with my Life. Pink Hair (just a couple streaks) that's fun.

My husband gave me the "thumbs up"with a spoken"yeah". Maybe he is having a crisis? I can't believe he agreed. But I did ask him during a W.O.W. (World of Warcraft) battle sequence. I could've told him I was running away to the convent-and told him while I was standing before him stark naked and he wouldn't have noticed. Not during W.O.W. HaHa. I should've known better.

Ya know, with Halloween coming up, it is the perfect time to try it out. I could buy some dye and just see. I just thought it'd be a little different. Not the same ole, same ole. I attached a few "pink" pic's as examples. I would get the slightest streak or 2 on each side. That's it. I mean I am getting older. In about 30 years I might have blue hair, unintended of course. Nah, just kidding. But for now...pink. Just a bit. We'll see. If I do it, I'll give ya a peek.

Funny Photo

(Photography By Leigh)

You'll do a double take when passing by DeKalb Auto Parts. A nice old Dotson apparently took a wrong turn into the building.

Rubbernecking Pranksters

(Photography by Sharon )

Last weekend, while traveling down Highway 11 in Collinsville, Alabama I came upon a seemingly serious bicycle accident. Upon further investigation (and much laughter) it was discovered to be a great prank. I documented with the following photos. Certainly someone had a sick sense of humor-after my own heart. HAHA. All in fun and laughs....

What a Ride!

I took this photograph in Gulf Port, Ms. It brought me a smile. "Things that make you go, Hmmm"

Gulf fresh Seafood...... and Shoes?

Gulf Fresh Seafood....and Shoes? photo by Leigh Bratina

During a "tropical storm", prior to Hurricane Katrina, I was in Gulfport, Mississippi visiting some family members. As we drove around in the downpour we passed by this little business, that of all things sold seafood and did shoe repair. I thought it was so funny. I don't know if the places is still standing now, but the memory of the building, for me, lingers on.

Do not use packing tape for the following:

Something to make you smile.....I saw this on the side of a Budget Rental Truck (free advertisement for Budget). It gave me a chuckle, I hope it will you too.

The Difference between Men and Women