This week seemed to fly by and already it's time for another Alphabe-Thursday. This week we are studying the letter N. Head on over to our teacher's blog at Jenny Matlock..."off on my tangent" for a list of this week's participants.
The first O world that came to mind was OUTAGE as in the massive power OUTAGE after Hurricane Ike in September 2008. What was very humbling to me is how all the out of state power companies came rushing to our aid. I know they all have agreements with one another to help out in massive OUTAGES, but still they came and stayed for weeks afterwards restoring power in the blistering heat. In our town Pike Electric Company of Mt. Airy, North Carolina came. I will be forever grateful to them for leaving their homes and families and restoring our power. Actually, we can live without lights, but living without A/C here is no fun!
Then I thought of OK and specifically A-OK. I vividly remember Shorty Powers telling us during NASA's Project Mercury Program that "everything was A-OK," instead of just plain OK. It was always reassuring to hear his voice speak that phrase. Lt. Colonel John A "Shorty" Powers was a public affairs OFFICER for NASA and was considered the "Voice of Mission Control." He is credited with ORIGINATING the word A-OK. In doing a little research I discovered different definitions for A-OK, but I tend to agree with the "All is OK" theory. It makes the most sense to me. Sadly, everything apparently wasn't A-OK with Mr. Powers' life when he died of chronic alcoholism in the 1980's.
OVER came to mind too. Like the Caisson Song's words:
OVER hill, OVER dale, we have hit the dusty trail,
and our caissons going rolling along...
(Scroll down here for the rest of the words.)
I've always liked that catchy tune.
Then the kids thought about their OLD, OVERWEIGHT Grandma and what they could do to help her. It was decided that she should immediately begin an exercise program with lots of encouragement from them. "OH boy, let's start moving Granny!"
Class dismissed to visit other student blogs!
God Bless those that came to your aid. Where do you find little dolls like the granny one in a workout outfit?? She is hysterical!
ReplyDeleteOutage is good! I am not a fan of outages in general...we have most of ours in the deepest heat waves...
ReplyDeleteThis was siuch a wonderful and clever post. You started put so serious and gave such a nice tribute to all those helping out in times of chaos then you followed up with some fun! Thanks
ReplyDeleteYou always make me smile. Thanks for the interesting O list and the cute vignette.
ReplyDeleteI really dislike be out of electricity for a long time. I loved all your O words. I hope old overweight granny loses some weight soon LOL.
ReplyDeleteLoving the old lady in the leotard!!
ReplyDeleteI love the scene with grandma. I remember when workout outfits like hers were so popular.
ReplyDeleteBetty have you ever thought of taking the photos you put together with your mini life series (that's how I think of it) and creating a picture book over a Shutterfly.com? It would be FABULOUS!!! It's inexpensive and fun to do.
ReplyDeleteYour Os are so fun!
ReplyDeleteGlad everything worked out.
Happy Thursday!
Mine is here
hugs
shakira
Loved this to pieces. That workout setup is OUTRAGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteOK, this is scary. I love that song. I sing that song!
ReplyDeleteAnd I can so relate to your vignette!
Betty, your posts are always outstanding and make us smile.
Thanks for being such a refreshing stop on our little journey through Alphabe-Thursday's Letter "O".
A+
Such a great post, you always make me think! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog thank you also thank you for encouragement to me
ReplyDeleteWonderful "O" post and as usual a delightful Ginny photo to go along with it. I live in AZ so I know how important a working AC is. Several years ago my area was hit with a horrible micro-burst and we were without power for several hours...seemed like a month!
ReplyDeleteomgosh that granny doll in the spandex is a whoot!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing the way everyone pulled together after Ike. Loved this post. Especially your funny exercise vignette! Kathy
ReplyDeleteI love your little scene! go granny go! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI know all too well about outages! Lived in S. Florida for nice years, had 6 Hurricanes, more power outages than I wish to recall. The doll in the work out outfit made me laugh out loud Betty! You are funny!
ReplyDeleteI just read about your son Reid, I am so happy to hear he is in remission and recovering well after his treatment....so glad it is over for him. Best wishes always!
ReplyDeleteI need the kids to tackle me as well. That is interesting background on the A-OK expression. After watching Apollo 13, I am always intrigued by NASA folks. Isn't it great when an outage is restored. I can't believe they came from Mt. Airy. It doesn't seem very big and is, as you probably know, the home of Andy Griffith. Fun post as always!
ReplyDeleteGreat O post, Betty.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if anyone besides me remembers the great blackout that hit the entire eastern seaboard back in the late 60's.
Oh my goodness, that is a hysterical vignette. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhen NYC is hit with the large power outages it can be a scary thing. One year there was terrible looting in some of the poorer areas. The last big outage everyone immediately thought "terrorist attack" and got really scared. My poor daughter had to walk home to Brooklyn from Midtown Manhattan ...many many miles, and my husband had to walk down 44 flights of stairs!
ReplyDeleteThat overweight grandma doll looks so familiar! Gosh, I think that's ME!! lol
PJ has a good idea, Betty, you could definitely write a book. Everything you write is interesting.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding O post :) !
ReplyDeleteCatching up on your blog and so happy to hear that your son is now through with chemo!! Hurray, Hurray! My hubby is having a rest from chemo for the summer unless something changes so we are happy,too. God Bless and thanks for your lovely comment on my blog. Kerrie
ReplyDeleteThat old granny is me I think Betty...love the post and am very happy to see Reid is in remission, it must be a great relief.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Just had to say hello!
ReplyDeleteSometimes outage such as electricity is fun like using candle or flash lights, but electricity often goes without water, and others..So, it's hard!
ReplyDeleteThe last part with grandma was fun!