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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?

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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

January 27, 2021 at 12:03am

#1002968

Free for All

PROMPT January 26th

Do you practice mindfulness or meditation? How often? On an average day, how often are you intentionally aware of your mental state and emotions?

I pray every day. I remember my family, my friends. Twice a day. It brings me comfort to bring them before God and ask Him to watch over them and bless them.

I guess I am aware of my mental state and emotions during the day. Today was an emotional day at one point. We had a free food distribution in town. The people who set this up had no real plan, so it was really a free-for-all. Then they got mad when people took more than they thought they should. Once again, if there are no rules, people will do whatever they think is right. Then they clamped down on one person for no real conceivable reason. Even went to her car and took out items she had taken there, took back items she set aside. Other people did the same thing and they did nothing to them. I saw this as unfair and was angry, told the folks in charge to settle down, the food is free. What is your problem? God is blessing everyone with this food.

Yep, I am aware of my mental state tonight. I will pray about this. But you know, you reap what you sow. I know that is a true statement. I have seen this happen in my life.

Comment

January 25, 2021 at 9:48pm

#1002858

Thanks, Uncle Walter

PROMPT January 25th

Write about something antique or inherited that you own. Who owned it before you? Where did it come from? What’s its story?

I wear a beautiful ring every day. It came from my hubby’s Uncle Walter. It was his late wife’s engagement ring.

It is a unique ring shape - sort of a square gold with 11 small diamonds. 2 on each side and 9 across the top.

Uncle Walter was a great person. I met him late in his life. He was the brother of my husband’s mother. They grew up in Texas, at a time when they had a mammy, a black woman who helped raise them. He served in WWII, helped liberate a concentration camp. He met his wife in a hospital after the war as he recuperated from TB that he caught from the concentration camp.

Uncle Walter accepted me with no reservations. He was just glad I made my husband happy after an unhappy experience.

I am blessed every day to wear this reminder of a wonderful man.

Comment • View 1 comment

January 24, 2021 at 11:37pm

#1002746

Memories

PROMPT January 24th

Write about your most memorable or unique teacher from the years you were in school. What made them so interesting and what do you remember about them the most?

I don't remember many of my teachers. But one of my high school teachers stands out. My English teacher - Mr. Pickard. He really fostered my love of writing.

At our 50th high school reunion two years ago he actually attended. I was astounded. He looked the same. So how old was he when we were in high school?

Mr. Pickard remembered me. He spoke to me for a few moments, actually sought me out to say hello. That meant more to me than visiting with old classmates.

Comment • View 2 comments

January 23, 2021 at 9:39pm

#1002684

Knox Lake

PROMPT January 23rd

An epic feast is held in your honor - what’s on the table? Who’s invited? What entertainment is provided? (Feel free to be creative with this one! COVID is not a factor and you get to choose the time period and location for your feast )

So think I would send invitations out to a few selected people. The location would be Knox Lake, which is in the Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness Area above Gardiner and Jardine in Montana, near Yellowstone. This area is remote, it is about a four-mile hike back from the trailhead. I think a wonderful steak cookout would be in order. I would have a helicopter fly in some chefs from the Food Network to do this. Steak and all the trimmings. Then send in the Great British Baking Show with that big white tent, they could do baking in the big flat meadow for all the guests. That would be dessert.

The guest list would be diverse. I am a Christian, so I am picking people from the Bible. First and foremost would be Christ, then the apostle Paul, Moses, and then Adam and Eve. Of course, my husband would be there. His mother's maiden name was Knox, so this lake's name has a special significance for us. I would also like my church family to be there. This gathering would attract a lot of attention, so whoever else shows up would be welcome also.

I can’t think of any better entertainment than sitting with the creator of the universe in an area of natural beauty and talking with Him and the original humans. Magical in my opinion.

Comment • View 2 comments

January 23, 2021 at 12:48am

#1002642

Little Fires

PROMPT January 22nd

What books are on your reading list?

I just finished 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding. I hadn't read that in some time, saw it in a donation at the thrift store. Have you read it? No? Shame on you. It's a quick read but makes you think: about rules, morality, society.

I also found 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I'll read that soon. You should have read that before as well. Do I have to tell you what that is about?

The one I am reading now is 'Little Fires Everywhere' by Celeste Ng. This is starting off well. I know the setting, Shaker Heights, OH. That is a wealthy area near Cleveland. I grew up NE of Cleveland in Jefferson, OH. I have also lived in a few such areas, Upper Arlington in Columbus, OH, and in Dublin, OH. The place we had in Dublin, OH was near a fancy golf course, Muirfield. You couldn't have a fenced yard, a clothesline, and some other rules I have since forgotten. It was quite a marvelous place, actually. Our house backed onto a trail/bike path. But we sold that house once we lost our jobs and bought the RV we traveled in for a few years. It just wasn't meant to be.

Now I live in a small town in Montana where just about anything goes. Multiple cars and trucks in the yards and on the streets in front of houses, some are in good shape, some are falling down. But I wouldn't go back to Ohio to live for any amount of money.

Queen Norma Jean

Comment

January 21, 2021 at 11:03pm

#1002586

Well, darn.

PROMPT January 21st

What’s one thing you wanted to do in 2020 that you couldn’t do or didn’t get to do? Will you make it happen in 2021?
I won’t able to travel back to Ohio for my grandson’s graduation. I went back and forth in February about going. There is some tension between my son and me. Then in March, well, you know what happened. Darn.

Kaden didn’t have the traditional ceremony. But then, neither did most graduating seniors last year. But I was able to see pictures.

This spring I hope to travel to Ohio to see my mother again. I hope that my granddaughter can tag along. She has been texting Kaden for some time. So she would like to go see him in person. I will also possibly be able to see other grandchildren I've yet to meet, Kaden's siblings.

Strange how things work out sometimes.

Comment • View 1 comment

January 20, 2021 at 11:30pm

#1002534

Twins and Trouble

PROMPT January 20th

Imagine you have to describe your family to someone who’s never met them before. What makes your family unique and different from others? What are your family’s most important traditions, values, and stories?

I have three sets of twins in my family. My daughter has fraternal twins. My son has identical twins. My nephew has identical twins. There is no history of twins in our family. That alone is curious.

We had a big plumbing problem earlier. Water everywhere. Now the bathroom is out of order for the night. Laundry is sitting in the washer, unfinished. All available towels are sitting in the tub, soaking wet.

I cannot think of anything else for this prompt tonight. So, everyone’s family is unique. Everyone thinks their family is the best. That’s the best I can do.

Comment • View 1 comment

January 19, 2021 at 9:53pm

#1002469

Go with the flow

PROMPT January 19th

Do you like things to be carefully planned or do you prefer to just go with the flow? Do you get upset easily when your plans change unexpectedly or for reasons beyond your control? Imagine you are taking a road trip - how much of the trip do you plan in advance?

There is a saying: Your ability to adapt to change is a sign of your mental health.

If you couldn’t adapt to change in the recent months, you are in big trouble mentally. We have a problem. We don’t have a problem. Wear a mask. Don’t wear a mask. Stay away from each other. Don’t worry, you can gather again. Yikes!

I kind of go both ways. I like to plan, but I know that things happen. So in the back of my mind, I have a dozen other ways to accomplish the same idea. I try not to get upset when things go awry. Because they will.

A road trip takes some planning. But it also has to be somewhat spontaneous. You can plan all you want, but what if the outdoor plans fall through due to weather? Better have some indoor plans also. Maybe that place you want to visit is closed on that one day you visit, what now? Better have something else to do. What if you are sick during the trip? Better have a plan for that also.

Not being so set on one plan means you can drive down that road you didn’t see on the map. It might lead to a ghost town. Or that fun little out-of-the-way burg you might live in one day.

So to answer the question, I like to plan to go with the flow.

Comment

January 18, 2021 at 11:11pm

#1002395

Wonderland

PROMPT January 18th

If you could use a time machine, would you travel to the future or to the past? When, and where would you go?

Now, this seems similar to a prompt from several days ago, just differing in time. I would go back to working in Yellowstone. I really enjoyed that time of my life.

We worked in reservations for Xanterra. Xanterra is the company that manages all the hotels, campgrounds that take reservations, dining, and some gift shops. They also do some activities such as bus tours, horseback rides, boat rentals, covered wagon rides, and such in Yellowstone. We had to answer the phones and book people in rooms, campsites, etc. We would work four 10 hour days. Together, and then have three days off, together.

Meals and rooms were part of the deal, and deducted from our pay, as long as we stayed in a dorm in the park. But we were older adults and the dorm situation quickly became something we weren’t really fond of. So we moved down to Gardiner, a 5-mile drive, and drove to work daily.

So you are thinking, how hard can that be? Answer the phone

, work on the computer, big deal. And then I would ask you, have you ever worked in a call center? With twenty other people? Not sound-proofed? In the summer? Without air-conditioning? And the sun coming in the window you sat beside to get some air. Hmm. You were timed on the calls, and expected to answer a set number of calls per day. You were allowed a certain downtime, but too much downtime, and you were written up. And then you were also to sell what they called “adventure packages” which were no more than books and tapes put together by some marketing person in retail. These, in my opinion, were a piece of crap and highly overpriced, but we were to hawk them and the best seller got all kinds of perks. Whatever. I never won.

So why, you think, would I want to go back in time to this situation? For the people I worked with. I met such a wide variety of folks. A young man from Australia. A young man from South L.A. A young woman from Wisconsin. Retired people, young people. One girl was 17. She got into trouble by sleeping in her little corner. We had to wake her up constantly. I went to the wedding of a young woman I worked with. She had the wedding at the historical army chapel at Mammoth in Yellowstone.

We made a little group that liked to hike. This group would go out on our days off and hike all over Yellowstone. We would order lunches from the EDR (employee dining room), pick them up after breakfast, arrange for rides, and then spend days off in the park. We hiked over a hundred miles one summer. Perhaps that accounts for the pains in my knees and feet now. But those aches and pains are a small price to pay for the wonderful memories I now have stored in my brain.

Once upon a time Yellowstone was called ‘Wonderland’. It truly is a wondrous place. I am so happy and blessed I got to spend so much time there.

Queen Norma Jean

Comment • View 1 comment

January 17, 2021 at 7:44pm

#1002318

Pate Choux

PROMPT January 17th

What do you do to escape or distract yourself from negative thoughts and emotions? How do you take your mind off something you don’t want to think about?

I go to bake something. Today I did French pastry. Pate choux. I first saw it on The Great British Baking Show. I found the recipe in my ‘Joy of Cooking’ cookbook. This is where you boil milk and butter. Then you pour in flour in one fell swoop with a pinch of salt. Then you beat this like mad over the heat. You think it looks like wallpaper paste. What? You don’t know what that looks like? Well, look up the recipe and try this and you’ll understand. Then you take it off the heat. Now you wait a few minutes. Have five eggs waiting. Be sure those eggs are at room temperature. Now you beat in the eggs one by one with a wooden spoon. You beat until you think your arm will fall off. Literally your arm will feel like it is made of rubber. As soon as the paste stands erect when you put it on a spoon it is ready. You will put this mess in a piping bag. The idea is to pipe little puffs or long cylinders on a tray. Bake them at 400 degrees for 10 minutes then at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. The high temperature will make steam that will expand the dough while the lower temperature will then bake the dough.

Curious, I thought, who first thought of this wondrous procedure? Must have been some bored French baker.

After you bake these, you fill them with some kind of custard or whipping creme. Then ice them with chocolate. Wonderful.

I did these today while I was roasting a chicken and frying potatoes and doing laundry. Nothing like making a new recipe while multi-tasking to take your mind off your troubles. I did burn the potatoes, but the pate choux turned out great.

Comment • View 1 comment

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