NEW YEAR 2011

I didn't make New Year's Resolutions. I set goals.

#1 -- Write the book about great great grandfather William "Indian Billy" Dragoo
#2 -- Shred and discard more
#3 -- Exercise?
#4 -- Update my website and blog quarterly
#5 -- Enjoy 2011


It all began on December 31, 2010:

WEATHER
It was cold, but sunny and bright today until about 4 p.m. The forecast is for rain beginning about midnight and continuing through the weekend. I removed all the outdoor Christmas decorations and brought the 18 gallon Rubbermaid tubs inside. I will pack the inside decorations and tree ornaments away while I am toasty warm, watching the rain storm.

The southern and Midwestern states are experiencing unusual tornadoes, especially in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. The small town of Cincinnati, Arkansas was destroyed. Ft. Leonard Wood Army Base in Missouri lost about 12 homes and a subdivision near St. Louis had severe damage. A tornado watch is in effect until 11 p.m. for all of Mississippi and the area around Mobile, Alabama.

OUT WITH 2010

My Toshiba mini mouse for my computer gave it up. It's a lot like me; It lights up, but no action. I'm letting it rest to see if that helps.

Dinner was Orange Chicken and the last humongous slice of the Claim Jumper coconut cream pie. I watched the New Year ball drop in New York City, so I could consider 9 p.m. EST as New Year's Day. Like Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes, I may want to go to bed before midnight PST.

I began my 2011 goal to write the Indian Billy Dragoo story.

My January/February 2011 AARP magazine arrived. An article featuring smart eating was very helpful.

..... Keep unhealthly snacks in small single-servings. Always eat a piece of fruit before unhealthy snacks. (Does this make them healthy?)

..... Put fruits and vegetables on the middle shelf of the fridge.

I did that and then following the previous rule, I placed a container of my famous homemade fudge on top!

THE MAN CAVE

I've been watching those home shows, especially for first time buyers. Not for the buying process, but just to see all the layouts and decor. I have noticed an upswing recently in what men want in a home - "The Man Cave." Usually they want a full finished basement or a massive room with a deck where they can go to unwind, watch TV alone and/or entertain their colleagues. Women have had to give up their preferred home choice with a modern updated kitchen, beautifully designed bathrooms, or huge closets for a home with the Man Cave.

I wondered where I could find the "Woman Cave." Is it the kitchen, the laundry room, the tiny nook where they pay all the bills? I finally saw it on a commercial. The lady of the house was having a time out, wrapped in a fluffy white robe and watching a DVD until she heard the tiny hand knocking. She opened the door and stepped out of her mini van parked in the driveway!

Dragoo Cemetery Book Published

My book is published! It sure took me a long time for such a small book, but it’s filled with pictures, documents and references. If you are related to a Dragoo, your ancestor may be buried in this cemetery. Information, gravestone photos and WPA records cards and relationships, if any, to the 1787 property owner John Dragoo. This cemetery was originally in Monongalia County, Virginia; now Marion County, West Virginia. Nearly all burials in this Dragoo Cemetery are related directly or indirectly to my Dragoo, Straight and Ice families. My great great grandmother Rebecca (Matheny) Dragoo Price is buried there. Rebecca was first married to the legendary William “Indian Billy” Dragoo.

Order this book at www.carrtwins.com