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Tue, Sep 2, 2025

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PORCH PONDERINGS

by QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Rated: 13+ · Book · Biographical · #2198921

Norma's Wanderings around a small section of Montana

Well, hey there!
Welcome to Roundup, Montana! If it's a nice day, we'll sit a spell on my porch and talk awhile.

A poem captured my attention the other day.

Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget 
Falls drop by drop upon the heart, 
Until, in our own despair,
 Against our will,
 Comes wisdom 
Through the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus

What's on your mind today?

Signature for use by anyone nominated for a Quill Award in 2020

Signature for nominees of the 2019 Quill Awards

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Given by jim-d

Given to

Date Awarded: August 6, 2021

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Date Awarded: July 23, 2021

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Date Awarded: July 10, 2021

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Date Awarded: June 8, 2021

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Date Awarded: May 26, 2021

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Date Awarded: September 8, 2021

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Date Awarded: June 5, 2022

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Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

about 23 hours ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

As a transplanted Buckeye, I just love that school and team.

We have buckeye trees growing along Main Street in Roundup. I love collecting them in the fall.

1 Like

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

about 23 hours ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

Dotting the 'I' is a big honor. I always enjoy watching that band. Such precision. And rare to see that these days.

Kåre เลียม Enga

a day ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

Love dotting the i.

2 Like

Wordsmitty ✍️

a day ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

As a kid, our family went to a few OSU games. We drove over from Springfield where we lived when I grew up half a century ago. The band is so amazing. Football team was pretty good, too.

Go Buckeyes!

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Aug 27, 2025 at 3:14pm
In response to "Letter Battle"

Soldier_Mike

I hear you! The misspelling, grammar errors, punctuation errors. And to think you can use a computer application that will prompt you to correct them. Hmm. Just pure ignorance and laziness.

I think it is also the dumbing down of the world. Especially here in America. Most people don't read, don't write, don't do anything that makes them think.

1 Like

Soldier_Mike

Aug 25, 2025 at 11:53pm
In response to "Letter Battle"

One of my "favorite" things is spotting misspellings and grammar errors on HQ-issued posters at the Exchange (department store) on base, knowing that dozens - if not hundreds - of identical posters are misrepresenting the English language all around the world.

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Aug 25, 2025 at 12:38pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Thanks for all the comments, friends.

The ice cream event was fun. We made our expenses, so that is good. Got a lifetime membership. That is better. Some little ones ate ice cream. That is the best.

I just spoke with the newsletter lady and again pleaded my case for a paper newsletter, at least 2 copies for each Adventist church in Montana. Perhaps that will happen. Per the lady, evidently it cost $6K each time this thing went to print and the powers that be thought it was too expensive to continue. And they perceived that no one read it. But conversely, information to people that have no other way to receive it other than by mail and paper, is never a waste. Especially the faithful churchgoers.

But then I 'preach to the choir' about such things. QR codes I cannot use. No phones or clocks in motels. Ugh. Modern inconveniences.

Kåre เลียม Enga

I too use cash quite a bit now. And there will come a time, I think soon, when cash will be outlawed. All transactions will be digital. All the easier to cut off your money if you disobey.

But that is just me. being cynical.

50° here this AM. Leaves on the trees starting to turn. A kiss of fall.

1 Like

Kåre เลียม Enga

Aug 24, 2025 at 9:22pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Huckleberry isn't my favorite but I had a rootbeer float with it yesterday (local Big Dipper ice cream).

Daylight slides away August 21st - October 21st. Looking forward to a break in the heat come Thursday.

Paper, receipts, passport stamps... Very hard for those who want a paper trail... like mail-in paper ballots. Not everyone has a phone that can pay digitally or has access to the internet, especially the poor in rural areas. I use cash. Personally, I think cash should be accepted everywhere... by law. Personally, I prefer my privacy and digital cannot promise that.

Is it possible to ask people whether they would like a paper reminder of news and events? Perhaps have paper copies available at church?

There are many religions that count the day sunset-sunset. Not as common among Christians though.

1 Like

WW is Monk WDC's 25! CopShop

Aug 24, 2025 at 7:12pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Ice cream social is a lovely way to end the summer.

I'm sorry about the whole digital v print form of the newsletter. More and more print is falling aside in this world of quick delivery on electronic devices.

I do notice the days getting a little darker earlier here in New England.

But I remember living in Wyoming when the shorter days of sunlight started early. Of course having mountains around gives the sun an opportunity to hide faster!

My only saving grace is that I winter in Florida. Being closer to the equator, daylight is a little bit longer there.

1 Like

SandraLynn

Aug 24, 2025 at 12:44pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Yes, the change to earlier sunsets heralds shorter days and winter weather. Sigh. It happens every year, but it doesn't mean we have to like it.

1 Like

February 26, 2021 at 7:55pm

#1005326

Catchy Tune

I wrote a song for the Writer's Cramp titled 'Cry, Cry, Cry'. And now I can't get that song out of my head. Ever get something in your mind and worry it to death thinking about it? It is sort of like when you're a child and have a loose baby tooth. You wiggled the tooth with your tongue, sucked on it, and pushed it with your fingers. But it didn't want to let loose until the tooth underneath pushed it out of the way.

Perhaps another idea will come and push out this song. The prompt for the day was about Johnny Cash. 'Cry, Cry, Cry' was one of his songs.

Read about it here:

STATIC

Cry! Cry! Cry!

(E)
Winner! The Writer's Cramp 2/26/21
#2245247 by QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

You can also hear the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoXuGhdZijY

Careful, it's a catchy tune. Soon you'll be singing it and thinking of Delia and missing her like the man on the train.

Queen NormaJean II

Comment • View 1 comment

February 25, 2021 at 11:47pm

#1005285

A Waiting Game

I am still in a wonder about the Quill nomination for 2020. Amazing.

Until I hear from the Wonderland contest, I have been writing for the Daily Flash Fiction and The Writer's Cramp contests. Then I'll start the 30-Day Blogging Challenge. I like to keep busy with writing. It keeps me active. It keeps my brain busy.

I think the key to this Corona Virus thing is to keep busy. Stay away from the news. Eat right. Go outside every day. If you are lucky enough to have a job still, cherish it and don't complain. Others aren't so lucky.

I've done my time in the work world. I tell people about some of the jobs I've held in my life, and they chuckle. I guess I got bored easily. The down side is I never worked anywhere long enough to get a retirement from any place. But then neither did my hubby. So we manage on social security alone. So the key to this is being frugal.

So off I go to write a story. I'm almost finished with the next one. Wish me luck.

Comment • View 4 comments

February 23, 2021 at 10:40pm

#1005127

Quills Nomination!

Tonight I just found out this BLOG was nominated in the 2020 Quill Awards for Best Blog. Well, now, isn't that just a kick in the pants!
I am astounded!

Thank you for nominating me, whoever that was. I do enjoy sharing my little corner of the world with all of you. Life here in Montana is just a bit different from the rest of you.

Then I got to thinking well, what are some unique things? Seems you can find almost anything on the internet. Hubby says I can find things that aren't there. Magic.

Montana Facts and Trivia. Montana has the largest migratory elk herd in the nation. The state boasts the largest breeding population of trumpeter swans in the lower United States. The Montana Yogo Sapphire is the only North American gem to be included in the Crown Jewels of England.

So there. Like I said, unique. Just like my BLOG.

Queen NormaJean II

Comment • View 1 comment

February 20, 2021 at 12:36am

#1004847

Promotion

I finally finished the Wonderland Challenge. So now I think I am justified to be called Queen NormaJean II in honor of the second year's completion. So let it be written, so let it be done.

Things are warming up here in my part of Montana. The thermometer actually got above freezing today, the first time in over two weeks. That was some wicked cold spell we had. We had just frozen pipes going to the laundry, so no big catastrophe like you hear of in Texas. But then, we in Montana tend to have better insulation and precautions against cold and such.

I had an appointment with my neurosurgeon yesterday. This doctor did my original tumor removal and then the spinal fluid leak repair a few years ago. We agreed that yes, the MRI verified I still had a brain. Good to know. And we would meet again in 10 years, Good Lord willing and we were both still alive. I found that a bit amusing. He then tried to convince me to get the COVID vaccination, all kinds of scare talk about people that get brain problems with the virus and all. Hmmm. I politely told him, no, still not going to do it. Hubby and I have talked about this. We're not getting the vaccination. Yeah, I know. Don't preach the science to me. I know all about it. The answer is still no. I have lived this long, and if the good Lord sees fit to take me now, I say, 'Hallelujah!'

I have one more check that needs to get picked up from my non-profit fundraiser. This organization is a piece of work, let me tell you. I am more than annoyed at this point. The person in charge resigned, so no one is running the show now. I have a sizable donation to hand over but am not going to just walk it to them. I have told them twice about this money, and they never showed at the original meeting. They need to come and collect it. They are literally a block away from my house. So, if no one comes in a month, and I will tell them this in a month, the check will be voided and the money returned to the pool for the next year's donations. They will then be removed from the roster. Well, enough. I'm getting upset just typing this. They'll come around, I pray. I don't like being the bad guy.

Have fun, stay warm! Good thing February is a short month!

Comment • View 1 comment

February 11, 2021 at 11:28pm

#1004284

Brrrrr.....

It has been a while since we had temperatures this low. It is now 9:17 PM. It is -25. I told hubby we should do the 'throw hot water outside and watch it vaporize' trick. But that would mean putting on -30 rated boots, -30 rated coat, a balaclava on my face, a hat, mittens, then grabbing the hot water. Sounds like a lot of work. And it's dark outside.

Maybe I'll watch something on youtube.

We are in the midst of a cold spell. No bus pickup for school kids. They don't want any kids waiting at bus stops. People on Facebook telling about frozen pipes, broken furnaces. Cars won't start. The problem is we had temperatures in the 50's just a week or so ago, so no one is used to this extremely cold weather this winter.

We are supposed to be cold until next week. Our car hasn't been started for over a week. Tomorrow we may try to start it. I pray it starts. If not, we have a battery charger. We don't have to go anywhere until Tuesday.

Stay warm everyone. We're sucking down propane like mad, but at least we're warm.

Queen Norma Jean

Comment • View 2 comments

February 6, 2021 at 11:53am

#1003837

Snow and Cold - Finally

Today is a chilly day here in my part of Montana. Right now, at 9:45 AM, it's a balmy 3 degrees. The other day it was 60 degrees and I was riding my bike. Today I may don the cross-country skis and ski to church.

We got about 2 inches of snow. Of course, they predicted a big apocalyptic storm with feet of snow and below zero temperatures. So far, we've dodged a bullet, so to say.

But the winter to date has been mild. With no moisture so I don't want to hear any complaints from anyone. This is Montana. We should be used to this.

Comment

January 30, 2021 at 10:19pm

#1003289

Grand Finale

PROMPT January 30th

Congratulations on making it to the last day of the competition! What was your favorite prompt from the last month? What was the most rewarding aspect of participating in the competition?

I think it’s a tie. I like the prompt about the books we liked. And the one about jokes.

The most rewarding aspect was reading all the different responses to the prompts. We are truly unique individuals. But that is what makes the world such a wonderful place. Everyone is different. Everyone has their own story.

Comment

January 29, 2021 at 7:55pm

#1003210

A Tradition of Joke Telling

PROMPT January 29th

Write about something funny! Share a joke, recount a humorous story, or tell your readers about a funny experience you had.

I am a member of a community theater group. We perform in a community center theater that once was a school. It is rather an informal membership. The leader of the group contacts everyone in July.

“Do you want to be part of the show this year?”

So you reply, yay or nay. Then he assigns parts as people commit to performing. This is a unique, eclectic group. Some are farmers, ranchers, one lady raises goats, one lady is the postmistress of this tiny enclave (100 addresses), pastor of the community church, some retired people, a young mother who teaches in a small rural school, one fellow works for the highway department. Pretty much a cross-section of rural Montana adults. But one thing we all have in common is our love of the absurd, jokes, and theater.

After each show, it is the tradition to tell a joke after the curtain call. The jokes usually have to be slanted toward the subject of the play.

One time I played a telegram office employee. I had to deliver telegrams during the performance. I made the telegrams for the play. It was set in an old mining town. Silly melodrama, lots of fun.

My joke was:

“Did you know there are three ways to spread the news?
Why no, Norma. What are they?
Well, we have the modern telephone, then before that, there was the telegram, and then we have the oldest technology of all: tell-a-woman.”

It got a good response.

Comment • View 2 comments

January 28, 2021 at 10:13pm

#1003133

The Longest Minute

PROMPT January 28th

We need your help filling the Challenge War Chest! In your entry today, write three of your own prompts and then use one of them to complete the rest of your entry.

The longest minute I've ever known.

Genetically altered vegetables begin to alter human consumers.

Whiz-bang snip-snap doodly-doo.

The longest minute I’ve ever known has to be time between having an MRI done and waiting for the results. I guess we could expand that to make it more than a minute. Make it about a half-hour.

So let me explain why I had this MRI done. I drank too much at a wake before a family member’s funeral. All I remember is a big house, lots of rooms, trying hard to be pleasing to all my in-laws. And wine. Lots of wine. Glass after glass of wonderful wine.

The ride back to my son-in-law's for the night I don’t remember. I don’t remember walking up the steps to bed. I’ve been told I tried to get into bed. But I hit the bed frame, hit the floor, hit the wall. All of this I did a few times.

Sometime overnight, I woke up with a bad headache. I went to the bathroom, looked in the mirror, wondered at what I saw. Back to bed I went with no further thoughts.

In the morning, again I saw my face and it looked like I had gone a few rounds in the boxing ring. Black and blue, swollen and red eyes. I was a mess. My grandchildren tried not to stare at breakfast. Hubby told me what happened. I remembered nothing.

We went to the funeral, no one said a word to me. They were being polite.

After a few days, it was suggested I go to the ER before I made the trip home on an airplane. This led to an MRI.

“Well, it seems you have a concussion.” That explained the ongoing headache, dizziness, and blurred vision I thought. But the doctor wasn’t done with me yet.

“And we also saw something else. We are pretty sure you have a brain tumor. We suggest you see your doctor when you get back home.”

My husband and I looked at each other. In a strange place, our entire world had now just spun off its axis. We were now going off into space on an unplanned journey into alien territory.

It has been many years since my surgery. I was grateful to have a benign tumor and a skillful surgeon. I’ve had no ill effects, maybe perhaps a bit of a personality change. But I think if someone goes mucking about in your brain, you can’t help but have a few neurons twisted and turned around.

I’m just glad to still be alive.

Comment • View 2 comments

January 27, 2021 at 10:20pm

#1003027

Drawn and Quarters

PROMPT January 27th

What bit of trivia do you know that is very interesting but also very useless?

There are 119 edges on the side of a quarter.

While that is interesting, it is a very useless fact. But once I start thinking about this, why the odd number? Why not 120? or 200? I'm sure it is some math function that Robert Waltz

knows.

Comment • View 1 comment

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