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575 · Aug 2014
The Beach ~ Then and Now...
Judypatooote Aug 2014
Lake Erie THEN and NOW
as a child
summers were spent
at our cottage
on  the beach of
Lake Erie.
Clear water i could see the bottom.
as a child
i would take a bar of soap
into the clear water
and wash up,
shampoo my hair,
then take a swim.
i lived in the clear clean water.
collecting sea shells,
colored glass which washed up
on the sand.
when a storm popped up
we would have white foam
wash up along with a dead fish or two.
but the white foam came from
the angry waves.
the foam never lasted long,
and mom picked up the dead fish.
water was back to being clear and clean.
now we never drank that water,
or bathed in it when it was angry.
But it was a beautiful beach.

NOW...
Sad to say it is green slime.
i went out and took pictures of the water.
the beach is now Maumee State Park
and thanks to the stuff than
runs off into Lake Erie
it is green, and angry again.
Can't find a clean spot anywhere.
Warning signs are posted.
Seagulls still are walking the beach,
hoping for a crumb.
SAD....
Then and Now...
570 · Jan 2021
Past and Present...
Judypatooote Jan 2021
This story began years ago
when people were happy
and life was slow.

Remember When?

CHRISTMAS... PAST
The Difference in outdoor decorations...it was a big deal when my dad got a huge pattern of Santa in a sleigh glued it on plywood, cut it out, with a little motor making his arm wave...and had Christmas music in the back ground with a spot light shining brightly on it.
CHRISTMAS ...PRESENT my goodness between the blow up decorations of all kind and the colorful lights covering everything even the roof, and the beat of the  music moving over decorations, causing a traffic jam...

MY CHRISTMAS TREES in the PAST were always fresh live trees..as a child they were pretty skimpy but beautiful and with that fresh pine smell...then as a mom they were short and fat, but with that fresh pine smell...out the door the day after Christmas...
NOW in the PRESENT a single, widowed and in charge of my own Christmas tree I started out with a large fake tree ( yes that word sounds familiar).. left up until after New Years eve....then as time goes by as does my age And I'm still in control of my Christmas trees  I down sized to two 3 foot ready to go fake trees and I still have my Charlie Brown tree I bought from Franks for $15.00, years ago. 5 foot and skinny but still beautiful.
As the pandemic moves along I have plenty of time to think of the past and the present.
561 · Dec 2014
TEARS IN MY EYES...
Judypatooote Dec 2014
I watch my granddaughter
At her school musical
And then she comes out to take a bow...
TEARS IN MY EYES...

My grandson broke his finger
Playing football,
Pain..
And then he broke it again
Playing indoor soccer...
More Pain...
TEARS IN MY EYES...

On television I hear,
This beautiful sad song
And
Please adopt me
It's this adorable
Sad looking dog
TEARS IN MY EYES...

Every Christmas story
That I have watched
And I loved
TEARS IN MY EYES...

And watching the news...
Seeing all the fighting, plus
Protesting...everywhere Protesting...
TEARS IN MY EYES...

By Judy
This world and all sad things that should not be happening bring TEARS TO MY EYES..
558 · Feb 2015
ST. PATRICKS DAY...
Judypatooote Feb 2015
St. Patricks Day is when
everything turns green...
Just look down the street,
and you'll see what I mean...
There's green in the windows
and green on the doors...
And people with green shirts
and green hair to adore...
People that celebrate
by drinking green beer...
And laughing and singing
for it's been a whole year...
It's the luck of the Irish
that's what I hear...

by ~ Judy
I wrote this a couple of years ago...took down the Valentine and up went the shamrock
556 · Jan 2016
I'M HAVING A MEMORY...
Judypatooote Jan 2016
I'm having a memory...
It's hot out,
I'm young,
I have a good body,
(well better body)
I'm in a two piece bathing suit,
Covered with baby oil
Mixed with iodine,
Laying on my chaise lounge,
With the sprinkler misting me,
Drinking a cold ice tea,
Two sugars and lemon,
Listening to Al Green sing...
Oh dear,
I just woke up,
Al Green is still singing,
But I'm flopped in my lazy boy chair
With my memory pillow
In back for my back...
The two piece bathing suit
And good body are gone...
And it's white outside...
Where did the time go?

By Judy
As a young mom, we never had a pool, so this was my way of cooling off and relaxing...
When your young, you don't appreciate memories, it takes age and the ability to remember anything that makes life special...i was a lucky one who has great memories...
552 · Aug 2016
WHY, WHY, WHY...
Judypatooote Aug 2016
As I sit here on my patio
Watching the cars go by.
I think how peaceful this day is
As I see the USA FLAG flying high
Then inside I go, turn on the news...
And ask myself...WHY, WHY, WHY...
Do I watch this news
There is nothing good to hear
Another shooting,
Another storm, fires
and politics...WHY, WHY, WHY...
Hilary hates Trump and
Trump hates Hilary
We already know that
Isn't there something good to share?
I guess it doesn't help
To have ABC and CBS news apps
On my phone....ALERTS, ALERTS, ALERTS...
ooops there goes one now...
Catch ya later...

Judy
While sitting and thinking...I wonder WHY...
548 · Nov 2014
A CUP OF TEA...
Judypatooote Nov 2014
A morning in my jammies
Drinking a cup of tea
The tea was Strawberry Ginger
And it was made just for me.
I added a teaspoon of sugar
So it would be a little sweet
On this Sunday morning
It was a relaxing treat.
535 · Apr 2014
The Red Bird...
Judypatooote Apr 2014
The red bird on the wire so high,
was he singing just for me?...

He sang a song, while looking around,
to see what he could see...

A ******* box was staring him down,
and of course that would be me...

With camera in hand, I caught his eye.
The red bird on the wire so high...

by ~ judy
I took a picture of this beautiful red bird on the wire so high...
Judypatooote Apr 2014
I remember one mothers day
when I was little, I wanted to
buy my mom a special present.
Since I was old enough
to cross the street by myself,
I walked down to a little variety store.
Oh what a fun place to go.
It carried everything.
Even penny candy.
But I had my mind set on something beautiful.
And it smell real good.
It was a beautiful blue bottle of
EVENING IN PARIS perfume.
As a little girl I thought this was
the most beautiful bottle ever seen.
Cobalt blue, with a gold cap and gold label.
Oh I knew she'd feel like she
had an evening in Paris when she wore it.
For I felt it was magical.
I even threw in a few pieces
of penny candy.
Mom was surprised and happy with her gift.
And I got to share her candy.
Although years later, I remember seeing
that beautiful bottle of perfume
sitting on her shelf,
almost still full...
Smell, maybe it was all in my mind,
because of that beautiful magical bottle.
But
it was a special mother's day.
When mothers were mothers
and children were innocent.

~~~
by ~ judy
Dedicated to my mommy...she was special.
526 · Mar 2014
The Caterpillar...
Judypatooote Mar 2014
The caterpillar looks like a wiggly worm...
With stripes of color, she makes me squirm...
She has patience while sitting upon a stem...
Dodging the animals, and legs of man...
Her color is vivid, of black, yellow and green...
She'll turn into a butterfly, her beauty to be seen...

by ~ Judy
I took a photo of this caterpillar in my back yard.
525 · May 2014
THE CONFESSOR....
Judypatooote May 2014
A little boy who was so sweet
I'd ask him, would you like a treat?
Ice cream, candy or bubble gum
You know that granny will give you some...

CONFESSING....

But Granny, you know I just had a treat.
One is all that I should eat...

BUT...

If you put it in a bag,
I'll carry it home to share with dad...

by ~ granny judy
Two of my grandsons have grown into fine young men,
who practiced honesty from day one...High School, and College.
Who could ask for more...so proud of them...
Judypatooote Apr 2015
Do not dwell  ~  but that's a Memory...

TIME  ...  even time seemed simple when i was young.
I never had to looked at the clock.  My mom would, call from the foot of the stairs...TIME to get up....sometimes twice. After breakfast it's TIME to leave for school....

TIME for lunch teacher would say.... so I'd walk home to Mac and cheese.. or grilled cheese and tomato soup. Then again mom called out it's TIME to leave.

Supper TIME she call....and at the table we ALL sat. Can you imagine that? We ALL sat down together to eat supper...

Then after i washed dishes, I'd go out to play and as i walked out the door i would hear my mom shout out "be home before the street lights come on"  no set TIME just before the street lights come on... if late GROUNDED...

Do not dwell  ~  but that's a Memory...

Now a cell phone takes the place of a mom...it sends a beep beep beep TIME to get up...   at lunch and supper it will notify you as to time and where to go...sometimes twice... why it even tells you when to take your pills.. at bedtime you set it to Pandora music station and you set it to turn off.... simple? Maybe but i like mom best...

Do not dwell  ~  but that's a Memory...

by ~ judy
A memory of time.
493 · May 2014
AT FIRST SIGHT...
Judypatooote May 2014
AT FIRST SIGHT...

At first sight I see a thistle
all brown and blowing in the wind.
Looking very lonely,
like wondering where I've been...

AT FIRST SIGHT...

I see much beauty as I look around
with blossoms on the trees
showing pink, white and purple
and knowing I would be pleased.

AT FIRST SIGHT...

I find Lilac buds on the lilac tree
Small little buds, waiting to bloom
A smell that will be heavenly
and will fill every room.

AT FIRST SIGHT...

The trees there were many,
some large and some small.
Some bearing leaves
and some none at all.

AT FIRST SIGHT...

The trees were different shades of green
and the pine trees were oh so tall.
Tulips and daffodils were showing there color
I truly love them all.

AT FIRST SIGHT...

Nature had a way of making me happy
with the sound of the creeks running stream
And birds who were singing a beautiful song
It seemed  like they were singing to me.

AT FIRST SIGHT...

A peaceful morning, it was indeed.
A walk through beauty, just my dog and me
I will take home this beauty
to open up in my night time dreams.

~~~
by ~ judy
Natures beauty is the most natural, comforting beauty to be seen.
487 · Dec 2014
CHRISTMAS BEAUTY
Judypatooote Dec 2014
The beauty of Christmas
With all of those lights
So many colors
That shine really bright

As I drive down the street
It's hard not to stare
For there's snowmen
And Santa's setting everywhere

Pine trees are covered
With LED lights and snow
The LED shines brightly
And the snow makes it glow

Listen! Listen!
There's music in the air
The sweet sound of Carolers
Songs they will share

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
  
MERRY CHRISTMAS from JUDY
Judypatooote Apr 2014
Do not dwell  ~  but that's a Memory...

TIME  ...  even time seemed simple when i was young.
I never had to looked at the clock.  My mom would, call from the foot of the stairs...TIME to get up....sometimes twice. After breakfast it's TIME to leave for school....

TIME for lunch teacher would say.... so I'd walk home to Mac and cheese.. or grilled cheese and tomato soup. Then again mom called out it's TIME to leave.

Supper TIME she call....and at the table we ALL sat. Can you imagine that? We ALL sat down together to eat supper...

Then after i washed dishes, I'd go out to play and as i walked out the door i would hear my mom shout out "be home before the street lights come on"  no set TIME just before the street lights come on... if late GROUNDED...

Do not dwell  ~  but that's a Memory...

Now a cell phone takes the place of a mom...it sends a beep beep beep TIME to get up...   at lunch and supper it will notify you as to time and where to go...sometimes twice... why it even tells you when to take your pills.. at bedtime you set it to Pandora music station and you set it to turn off.... simple? Maybe but i like mom best...

Do not dwell  ~  but that's a Memory...

by ~ judy
479 · Feb 2015
WHITE IS SO BORING...
Judypatooote Feb 2015
Time for a little color.
White is so boring...
And much
Is it to soon to think Spring?
477 · Jun 2014
IN MY OWN LITTLE WORLD.
Judypatooote Jun 2014
As I walk along the water front,
in my own little world...

I would sometimes count the footprints,
and then I'd turn with a quick swirl...

Picking up colored glass,
for mom to put in her plants...

and somtimes I'd find a perfect shell,
that wasn't covered with ants...

Dead fish, here and there,
they washed up on the shore...

You'd think you saw the last one,
and ooops there would be many more...

On my way back, in the field I would go,
to pick mom some flowers, for that's where they grow...

Summers at the cottege, when I was very young,
I had to use my imagination for making my fun...
As an only child, I would create castles in the sand, make mud pies with the clay, and that would help pass a very long day...as I would be in my own little world.
470 · Mar 2014
My Grandma and Me...
Judypatooote Mar 2014
I dream of the old days
when I was just a kid...

When grandma would tell me
what a great job I did...

Grandma lived with us for a while
she could always make me smile...

Sometimes I would sass her
and tell her a fib...

Now that wasn't very smart
but I was just a kid...

She was very generous
on trips she would buy...

Me storybook dolls
and I'll tell you why...

Because she loved me
and wanted me to be...

The best little girl
she knew I could be...

by ~ Judy
A memory with my grandma Lena
461 · Jan 2015
I'LL BE JUST FINE...
Judypatooote Jan 2015
Do i go out
Or do i stay in...

The weatherman predicted
A blizzard
Do i listen to him...

Gotta pick up
Milk, coffee and wine...

Let it snow, let it snow
I'll be just fine...

By judy
Judypatooote May 2014
Do you want to play cards?
I ask my friends.
We meet on down
around the bend.

Some bring snacks,
I'm on a diet,
but then I get there
and have to try it...

Sometimes I bring a glass of wine..
I get really silly,
but they say that is fine....

Friends are the greatest
gift in this world.
I try to treat them
like a very fine pearl...

by ~ judy
I'm getting ready for our game night. It is so true how special friends can be....It seems as one moves on to different places, you think you can't live without your old friends, but as the saying goes,
"Make new friends, but keep the old. Some are Silver and others Gold."
450 · Jun 2014
AS THE DAYS GO BY...
Judypatooote Jun 2014
AS THE DAYS GO BY...
Somedays you wonder will it ever end...
Somedays it flies by...
So much to do, and not enough time...
But then you stop, and say,
Slow down, there will be another day...
If your lucky, there will be another day...
Only TIME will tell...

by judy
My back has been hurting, and when you can't do things, that is when you want to do them....but, there will be another day...)
445 · Sep 2014
SPECIAL TO ME...
Judypatooote Sep 2014
There is nothing more beautiful
to me than Autumn...

The big old Harvest Moon
Shining brightly...

The colors of red, orange and yellow
falling from the trees...

Squirrels racing around looking for nuts
too bury for their next meal...

The kids raking the leaves in piles
Ready, Set, Jump...

The trip to the pumpkin patch
for pumpkins and donuts...

And the smell of apples
at the apple orchard...

The memory of colors, smells and tastes
and time with family, makes this season
SPECIAL TO ME...

by judy
437 · May 2014
FEAR...
Judypatooote May 2014
FEAR....
As a child I knew no fear.
But to mother fear was always near.
Now my children they show no fear.
But to me it's always near.
CONCLUSION....
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall.
I am my mother after all...

BY ~ JUDY
Judypatooote Apr 2014
Fall is my favorite time of the year.
It's when all those beautiful colors appear...

A trip to the orchard, with the family.
For pictures of the apples and kids in a tree...

The smell of the orchard, makes you feel high.
Like the smell of the homemade apple pie...

So many trees, with apples galore.
A Bite out of each, wondering can I eat more?...

Finally you pick the apple to buy.
The apple, your favorite one that you tried...

by ~ judy
The orchard had all different kinds of apples, and they would permit you to taste each one.  We would walk to each tree, and taste the apple, if we liked it we would pick it...the kids would climb the trees, and I would take pictures of them with all the apples hanging around...a sight that I miss now, for grandkids have grown up....but I still love fall and the apple orchard.
408 · Mar 2014
Wandering Kids...
Judypatooote Mar 2014
Wandering kids from down the street,
would stop by my house to see if I could play...
They'd stand out front and call my name,
your friends are here, my mother would say...
Back in the 40's you never rang a bell,
you would stand out front of a friends house and yell...
Can you come out and play today?
We are planning a circus I would hear my friends say...
Can I, can I, mom can I please?
ok she said, but watch crossing that street...
I'd join the wandering kids, for we had work to do,
Some brought stuffed animals, it looked like a zoo...
They piled the animals in a wagon for the parade,
with a sign hanging on the back, it would say...
Come to the Greatest Show on Earth,
it's only 2 cents, you'll get your money's worth...
Our bicycle's had crepe paper weaved in the wheels,
and streamers were flying from the handle bars, it was a big deal...
The parade it had started, we go around the block,
we'd wave at the neighbors, and always give a shout...
The circus would take up most of the day,
for we even had acts with costumes to play...
The neighbor moms would come to watch the show,
they'd all line up and sit in a row...
We'd serve them koolaid for only 1 cents,
and they'd always smile because it was money well spent...
And when the show was over, and the mess was picked up,
we'd all go home for our supper, and jump in the tub...
Ah, yes those were the days, no video games, no cell,
just walk to your friends house and give a yell...

by ~ Judy
This is one of my favorite memories. When kids used their imagination.
Judypatooote Oct 2014
As I walk down the street
with my dog at my feet
he sniffs every blade of grass

The leaves are falling down
Falling down on the ground
Making a carpet for us to walk on

The sun is shining bright
But soon it will be night
And the moon and stars will grab our attention

But wait....

Its halloween night
Look theres  a child dressed like a dog
With the blade of grass falling out of his  mouth
and there's the Little girl
with a bag of leaves And a rake,
She is tossing those leaves like Rose petals
no sunshine but the moon is shining bright
A scary night of fright
a night to grab our attention
Just me babbling again....
359 · Mar 2014
What is more beautiful....
Judypatooote Mar 2014
What is more beautiful
Than snow falling down
Its drifting and twisting
And swirling around.

What is more beautiful
Than snow falling down
Where children are running
While clowning around

What is more beautiful
Than snow falling down
Its a child making an Angel
While laying on the ground

What is more beautiful
Than snow falling down
While a tree full of birds
Are singing there song

by ~ Judy
This is not my best, but being stuck in the house because of a very snowy day, it just a simple thought.....and i did have a tree full of birds in my yard...
348 · Mar 2014
The Trees...
Judypatooote Mar 2014
The weeping willow, the maple
and the black walnut tree...

Reach out their branches
as if to say...

It's Spring! I just woke up
and I'm going to be...

The prettiest tree that
you will ever see...

The willow is weeping
for it's arms are very long...

They blow in the breeze
but they're not very strong...

The maple, her beauty
it shows in the fall...

Red, yellow, orange
and she grows very tall...

The black walnut it stretches
out over the field...

And is quite happy to provide
the squirrels next meal...

Their buds are just popping
as they reach for the sky...

Sharing their beauty
with the naked eye...

by ~ Judy
I use to live next to this field with these beautiful trees.
340 · Mar 2014
BIRTHDAYS......
Judypatooote Mar 2014
Birthdays come but once a year.
You'll always be a friend so dear...

You worry that your getting old.
It's all in your mind, that's what I'm told...

Age is just a number friend.
Your body works, your legs they bend...

So toss that old word out the door.
For I'm here to help you celebrate many more...

By ~ judy
I wrote this a few years ago for my friend.
335 · Mar 2014
St. Patricks Day...
Judypatooote Mar 2014
St. Patricks Day is when
everything turns green...
Just look down the street,
and you'll see what I mean...
There's green in the windows
and green on the doors...
And people with green shirts
and green hair to adore...
People that celebrate
by drinking green beer...
And laughing and singing
for it's been a whole year...
It's the luck of the Irish
that's what I hear...

by ~ Judy
306 · Jun 2020
I'LL BE JUST FINE...
Judypatooote Jun 2020
Do i go out
Or do i stay in...

It's a Pandemic
Is it safe to go out

Gotta pick up
Milk, coffee and wine...

If I wear my mask
I'll be just fine...

But why aren't they
wearing their mask?

Gloves are helpful
Now not needed

Out of toilet paper
Out of alcohol wipes

Best to WASH your hands
With just soap for 20 seconds

Markings - 6  feet away
I'll be just fine

Birthday parties, weddings
Even funerals Cancelled

Oh no, restaurants are closed too
Pick ups are available

Now they are back open
But spaced out

I'll be just fine
Now to live through the Protests

Do I go out
Or do I stay in...

I'm so confused
I'll be just fine...
The whole world is going through a change in time...will it be our new normal
282 · Mar 2014
My thoughts of you....
Judypatooote Mar 2014
The sun shines brightly through the trees...
And through them blows a gentle breeze...
When a white fluffy cloud goes floating by...
My thoughts of you, they never die...
A wishful dream, that I can see...
Your tender eyes looking down at me...

by ~ Judy
In memory of my husband.
282 · Sep 2019
IT IS NOW AUTUMN
Judypatooote Sep 2019
This is the time we can enjoy the color of
ORANGE & RED.
because
IT IS NOW AUTUMN.
The trees are starting to turn and every year I get excited.
Every year I pick up a leaf thinking it’s more beautiful then the last.
Those Autumn leaves, float by my window.
Then out comes the rake and I make a pile.
A pile of colorful leaves, turning brown.
How high can I make that pile of Autumn Leaves.
A pile for the Kids to jump in.
Why is it that something so simple as a pile of leaves,
Can bring joy and excitement to
Little Kids and there dogs.

THE PUMPKIN
The different shades and size of the Pumpkin.
Now it’s time to decide.
Do I make you scary?
Do I make you funny?
OR
Do I make you pretty?
So many choices.
This year you will be just an ORANGE Pumpkin.

IT’S APPLE TIME.
Apple Butter, Apple Cider, Apple pie...and donuts.
The Pumpkin Patch has the best donuts
and a super delicious Cider Slush.
Such a wonderful memory,
To repeat every Autumn...
A memory of Autumn...
272 · Jan 2021
THE WORRY ONE...
Judypatooote Jan 2021
THE WORRY LIST....

When did I start my worry list?
As a child I didn't have to worry,
that was mom's job.
But what did she have to worry about.
Certainly not me.
Dad had a job,  and was a happy fella
We did have a TV
With a bubble screen
But she never watch that.
She didn't like cowboy shows or wrestling
An There was no news...
That's it.....
That's when my worry list started...
I became a mom of four children
What did I have to worry about
certainly not them
But then I watch the news
My children have grown
And I have nine grandchildren
And so my worry list continues on
shootings at schools
children abducted
So many tragedies on news
From tornadoes to plane crashes
Car crashes, Forest fires, Terrorists,
Children with a rare cancer
With no cure..
And SOME Police so brutal to the black...
I thought that battle was over.
why, why do I watch the news?
So I know what to worry about?
Or just because I'm a mom and a grandma.
Judypatooote Mar 2014
I hear a word
That reminds me of a song
And then there's music in the air...

I hear a sound
I hum along
And then there's music in the air...

I see a smile
That reminds me of you
And then there's music in the air...

FOR

I've got the music in me...

by ~ Judy
213 · Mar 2014
It's Easter Morning
Judypatooote Mar 2014
It's Easter morning
I can hear my kids say...

Whose going to find
All the eggs today...

Did he hide them outside
Behind a tree...

Under a branch
Just waiting for me...

Or inside when
We were asleep...

He was mighty quiet
I didn't hear a peep...

Check behind the flowers
On the TV...

He usually leaves one
There for me...

Yes, the bunny was busy
He had quite a load...

How does he do it?
It's Magic I'm told...

by ~ Judy
I wrote this as an Easter Memory ..
201 · Sep 2022
My Cat...
Judypatooote Sep 2022
I have a cat, a fat sassy cat.
And her name is Ms Sassy Lynn.
I talk to her all the time,
I discuss with her whats on my mind.
And the joy in that is,
she never talks back.
She's always hungry, i know because,
She gives me a meow,
and then licks  her lips.
I say No, but she knows I will always
End up saying yes.
At bed time, as I crawl into bed.
Here she comes carrying a stuffed mouse
And then when I wake up,
There are 4 of them laying next to me.
She is very generous indeed.
Then as this next day begins,
I hear a meow, and she licks her lips,
And I know now why my sassy cat is fat.
My  cat named Ms Sassy Lynn

By judy - 2022

— The End —