Welcome to Mary McPhee's Chatter Box

                    

                                                  Mary McPhee Circa 1974               Mary McPhee, present day         Celebrity Ice Cream Eating Contest  

                                   

                 

 (L-R):  Jay, Dr. Annette Smick, Joe Don, Mary McPhee and Gary             Mary & mid-day woman, Julie Jones at a parade in Kasson

October 17th, 2008

... Since the movie "Pay It Forward" came out a few years back, we have heard that expression often. Pay it forward.   How often do we really see that play out?  Well, I did Friday night October 10th.  Alan Reed and I went to the Excel to see Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift.  We were excited to have backstage passes to see Taylor up close and personal.   After her show was done, we decided to not stay for Rascal Flatts.    Alan had seen them numerous times and had a friends birthday to attend that night in Rochester.  I had just seen them in July and it had been a long day for both of us as we had done the morning show at five a.m.   Before we left, Alan said, 'we have to give away these tickets, we can't just walk away from 2nd row seats'.  Well, to be honest, I would have. I was tired, my feet hurt (smile) and getting home to a good nights sleep sounded really good.    But no, we took the escalator up the two flights of stairs to the nose bleed section to look for someone who appeared to be a true blue Rascal Flatts fan. Well, we didn't have to look long.    Coming right at us were two girls, about 17 or so, all decked out in Rascal Flatts t-shirts complete with cowboy hats on their pretty little heads.     We approached them and told them that we had to leave and would they like our 2nd row seats?    Well, the look on their faces was worth it all.  They hooted and hollered and thanked us over and over for what we had done.   I am guessing that was a moment they won't soon forget.    Two total strangers walking up to them and making their NIGHT, switching out tickets with them for no reason at all.     When we walked away, I told Alan that he had taught me a lesson.    I would have left, like I said, but spending that extra 20 minutes to make two young people so happy made me feel as good as they did, or,  even better.   One small gesture on our part, left a memorable night for two young ladies who will most likely never forget that concert. Thank you morning partner, for showing me the power of a good life lesson.  Pay it forward.   
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October 16th, 2008

... OK, just a question.  You know when those fuzzy little caterpillar things come out and we see them crossing the road?   You know, you are driving along and you can see them just going, going ever so slowly across the road?   Well, here is the thing.  I like to compare these fuzzy little critters to people.  I question how some get snuffed out after barely inching out a foot or so onto a country road.  Others are whooshed aside by a car, shaken in the process, but carry on.    Some seem to have a straight road, get right across, with few to no problems...while others have to skip and dodge to get to the other side....but finally do.
So it seems to me, it is the same with people.  Some people start their life out and it is taken too soon from this earth.  It is then that we may question, why did they have to leave the 'road' so soon, why that person and not the next?   Others of us hit a few road bumps, or many, for that matter, are bruised and maybe don't get our wings as timely as we should have, but carry on and eventually go on to live a good and long life after crossing the road.  Then there are others who start out on the road and have no misfortunes,  just sail on and across the road, enjoying the scenery without so much as one big interruption on their road of life.   No huge bumps, bruises or major rainstorms to wether.
    I only ask this because when I see a caterpillar working SO HARD to get across that road to the other side, I do everything in my power to avoid hitting him.  I don't know how hard he has worked to get as far as he has or the road bumps and bruises he has encountered.  I feel the same about people.  When you meet a stranger, we have no idea how far they have come, how many times they have gotten whooshed off the road, or had to start over.  So today, treat everyone like the fragile traveler they are.  If you already have your wings, help that fragile caterpillar who is working so hard to get where they are going.  By doing that, it will turn you and your life into the most colorful butterfly that you can be.  Until another day, Mary
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October 15th, 2008

... Autumn is such a gorgeous time of year, albeit short lived in this part of the country.  It has always been my favorite season for many reasons.  I grew up near Silver Lake and the sound of geese flying over was a sure sign that fall was upon us.  Their honking sound was a sound I came to know and love as a young girl.  The smell of wood burning in a fireplace, the sound of rustling leaves in the wind and the crisp autumn air, all come together to form the distinction of autumn.  I am sure that most can agree that the biggest highlight is the changing colors of the leaves on the trees.
I think the other part of autumn that touches us all, is that sense of melancholy this season can bring.  We all know what is coming next.  Snow, cold and a sometimes too long winter.   Although winter is a beautiful season in its own right, it is one most Minnesotans can do without.  With the passing of summer into autumn, it is sometimes hard to let go of the fun filled memories of summer.  It is easier instead to hang onto them and long for days gone by.  The mistake in hanging on, is that we miss the moment.  We miss the sound of the geese overhead, the rustle of the leaves on the ground and the glory of that blue, blue autumn sky.   As the farmers store their crops for winter, store the memories in your heart of those sunny summer days.  Leave behind what was, but keep the warmth and comfort of the summer sun burning in your soul until another summer is upon us.  In the meantime, drink in what is present in your life. Take a long autumn walk and listen to the sounds and let the cool air wash over you.  You have to let go of the comfort of one season in your life, to accept the next one.  Some seasons and reasons are more difficult to leave behind, nonetheless, we have to let them go.  A friend said to me once, "let it be". So let your summer go, and welcome with joy, this gift we call autumn. 
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September 5th, 2008

...Summer.    OK, it feels done. The crisp morning air, football scores, school back in session.   As a kid, summer dragged on and on as I wanted so badly to get back in school and see all of my friends on a daily basis.    This summer has been fast and furious, as they all seem to be, now that I am an adult.  To recap some of the fun would take a lot of time, but just a few things come to mind.  The Wisconsin Dells, which I had never been to, was a sure highlight. Who knew they could make water so darned fun? Eau Claire and Country Jam was another one. I was a Taylor Swift fan before, will be a die hard fan forever now...she rocked the house. My summer was filled with weekends of day trips too. Waseca antique stores, who knew? I ended up with an antique dining room table at an unbelievable bargain. Sweet. Lanesboro, what a fun little quaint town -- I have been there many times, but each time I discover something new. The State fair...I had only been there one time before and that was not the best of times, but THIS year was amazing. I rode the Skyscraper...five stories high and 65 mph, or so the story goes. Biggest rush ever and oh so fun.. I honestly didn't realize I had it in me. I wrapped up the travels of the summer with a trip to the Renassaince Festival. We saw Puke and Snot and it was very different with the new Thomas Snot, Jr, but the guy gave it all he had and I was in awe of all of the work he had to do to memorize the lines, get the comedic timing down and just try to fill some very big shoes. Hats off to that guy !     However, the best part of this summer has been seeing old friends from junior high and reconnecting with school mates you knew, but didn't really know. It has been a fun, sunny, laughter-filled summer and for that I am thankful. As we move into autumn, I plan to hold some of those memories of the past three months near and dear to my heart. Until next time, Mary

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August 15th, 2008

Vacation.   Well, that was last week, and I didn't officially leave town so we dubbed that a stay-cation.   Wrong.  I didn't stay in one spot for very long.  I had a fabulous week sleeping in until SIX, ...seeing old friends, antique hunting with my sister Linda, dining out and just kicking around in general.   I vowed to read a book.   Broken vow. I vowed to dust everything in the curio cabinet. Another broken vow.   I vowed to dust the upstairs of my house. Wrong.   I can still write any word I please in the dust on my desk.   I decided somewhere along the way during the week that I was on stay-cation and all of those little chores would have to wait.   I played and played.   It was wonderful.
Two days ago, my goofy dog London Belle went running over to the neighbors yard and down into a wooded area with her boyfriend Murphy, a gorgeous Golden Retriever who lives across the street.   She came back FULL of those little green burrs-- Her mouth was just about contorted shut with them. In her long tail, ears, a mess for sure.   Words cannot describe. Within an hour she was at the groomers for an appointment to clean her up.   When I walked in, I said, "well, I am here with the best of show".    They laughed and said, she must have had a really good time, tho' !  Oh yeah.  She did.  When I went to pick her up, the groomer said, 'well, here is her ear'.  It was this big piece of fur, all full of green things.  So, needless to say, she looked better, but oh, lions and tigers and bears. She was so mad at me for having this done.  She pouted for a day, at least a full day.
Summer is fading, I am afraid to say.  So, I hope you are enjoying yourself and your families, doing some fun things, sleeping in, or reading that book. Or not.   It's hard to believe that soon it will be time for pumpkins and mums, Halloween and the turning of the leaves...Don't waste a day or a week, as they turn into months and years.  Each day is a gift, so use it as such.   Until next time, Mary  
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July 31st, 2008

    Fair food and the Ferris wheel.    Totally my two favorite things at the fair.   When I was a high schooler I would go to the fair with friends and I would ride that silly ferris wheel over and over.    Well, I rode it again yesterday.    It had been years and nothing had changed.  The fun of going up high, seeing over the city, and the wind in your hair.     The only two things I HAD to have as far as the food was concerned, were cheese curds and of course, that chocolate malt from the American Dairy stand.     So delicious and good for you, right?  I support every farmer who gives us milk to make that cheese for the curds and milk for the malts.    I am a girl from the midwest, born and raised.
While at the fair, I helped staff the Quick Country 96-5 boom box.     It was fun to meet and greet so many of our faithful listeners.    We put Quick Country stickers on every man, woman and child, and even a few wagons and strollers, too     I told the young men that the stickers were chick magnets and they were sure to get a girlfriend at the fair, that day, just by wearing those stickers.   Some of those sweet kids asked for more than one !    It was a good day in the sunshine, people watching, chatting to many folks and just enjoying that beautiful blue sky and the fact that the county fair, really means summer to many of us.   A huge thanks to all who stopped by to say hello.     Ahhh, and tomorrow is August 1st....and just five short months will be another new year coming around...You keep reading, and I will keep writing.

Mary
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July 22, 2008

Summer. As a young girl, I always wanted summer to be done when July was over.   I wanted to get back to school, see my friends, and carry on with the business of being one grade older in school.  School was a good experience for me, although if I had studied more and fooled around less, I might be President or something.  Of a purse company. Ha !  Now THAT is something I could do.
This summer seems to be going more quickly or is life in general just going more quickly?  In the past 2 weekends I have seen all six of my funny grandbabies and their moms and dads.  It is hard to believe that baby Connor is now one and as is tradition, when his birthday cake was set in front of him, he took a first tentative bite and then boom, away it went.  In his hair, all over his shirt and hands and did I mention his hair?  My son Justin took his own shirt off to put the little fella in the bath tub.  So funny to watch, and so innocent.  That sweet taste of frosting on those busy little hands.  The whole family also welcomed, with open arms, little Hadley Rose McPhee from Portland. It was the first her uncles and aunties on the McPhee side had seen her.  She proudly smiled and showed us all her two new teeth.  What a dolly and fun to see my son John be a dad. I think John and his wife Heather would call this an understatement when I say the first time parenting event took them by storm, right guys? 
I hope your summer is going well.  Buy a new purse, lick some frosting off of your fingers and just enjoy the fastest three months of the year!   Holy Hannah, football training camps are in the news, soon it will be pre-season scores and off we are, to yet another autumn...Take care, and I will talk to you later.

Mary
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July 4th, 2008

Happy Independence Day.  When we think of the changes that have happened in our country, our society and our world, it can be pretty mind boggling.  On this day, we have our veterans of the past and present to thank for our freedoms and liberties.  Alan and I had the HONOR of driving 1700+ DVD's and CD's to the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis on July 2nd.  We had collected them far and wide from our very generous, kind listeners who went out of their way to help us with this.  Our goal was 1000, and we met that with shining colors.  I could not be more proud to have been a part of this.  It was amazing to see and feel our friends embrace our enthusiam for this project and help us out.  But it was not us that you helped.  It was the men and women who have so proudly served our country by putting their lives on the line for our freedom.  This small thing we did has touched the lives of many.  Many have touched our lives by doing a great thing.
To our Veterans, and their loved ones, we thank you. 

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July 1st, 2008

The Wisconsin Dells. My goodness, hasn't everyone been there? I have heard for years what a great place it is and I had never gone... Well, my son Justin and his wife Farrah invited me to go along with them and their two kids for a weekend...OK, here we go. We donned the swim suits, got the towels, the water shoes, the money, the diaper bag and away we went to Noah's Ark. Water everywhere, rides, slides, tubes, waves, you name it. Did I go down the big scary rides? No, I went down the Lazy River in an innertube, but NOT until I fell off the darned thing trying to get on it. Not pretty, but oh so funny. I had to laugh at myself in my embarrassment. But wait, that was not the worst of it. Getting back off the dumb thing at the end of the ride was worse. Long story short, I couldn't roll off, sit up, stand up OR stop laughing long enough to catch my breath to do any of the above. I finally had to wave at some onlookers who were looking in our direction wondering, I am sure, what all of the fuss was about. A less tolerant person would have walked away and left me to my own vices, but my son Justin stood in there to make sure I got out of the blasted thing without falling back into the Lazy River. All in all it was a wonderful day, got some sun and had many a good laugh. Little Connor and Emily were true sports and hung tough all day long. When we got back to the hotel, after dinner, I was the first to collapse, I believe it was only 8:30. That battle with the innertube had taken it all out of me. Until next time. You keep reading, and I will keep writing. Take care, Mary

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June 30th, 2008

I realize that a chatter box probably means frequent chatter, but forgive me, as of late.  The days fly and I have to say I do not know where June has gone.  Today would have been my dad's 89th birthday.  He has been gone for three years now and what I wouldn't give to be able to say, "Happy Birthday Dad".....time marches on.
Three weekends ago, I had my little grandson Zak here for the day.  It was the day before his second birthday.  Oh goodness, new rain, fresh puddles, you get the picture. We had a good time outside splishin' and a splashin'. 
A two year old is an incredibly busy little person.  However, as Zak left about six that day, two of my other grandchildren arrived. Emily and Connor. Emily is four, Connor is 11 months.  Connor made Zak seem like a walk in the park as far keeping up with him.  One forgets how fast they can move and how everything down low, up high and in between is fair game for those quick little fingers.  Oh goodness.
I had gotten a glass tile backsplash done in my kitchen and funny Emily commented, "Grandma Mary, I like the square diamonds on your wall." Oh, that was sweet. Square diamonds. When I asked her which of my antique pieces in the kitchen she would like someday, she pointed out two.  Soon, she pointed out two more.  It was so innocent.  Not long after that, she pointed out a few more things she would like.  I laughed and said, at this rate, all of it would be hers !
My perfect summer day is a light breeze, blue skies, and little to no humidity...The other day I sat down on my patio swing for 'just a minute'...woke up three glorious hours later.  That was a fabulous little nap.  I hope your summer is filled with blue skies and any thing else that brings you joy.   Mary

May 27th, 2008

Do you have a major weakness?   Oh man, my worst would have to be purses, as our faithful listeners know, because I chirp about them all of the time.  Alan cannot believe any one woman needs/has/wants so many purses....oh well.    You know what?  I have found in the past several springs that I have another weakness. Flowers.  I love flowers and each spring I tell myself, no more pots, no more red geraniums, yellow marigolds, purple impatiens.   Stop. Now. No more.  And then, as I head for the checkout counter, I hear another little six pack of flowers say, "wait, pick us".  So I do.   I have a heckuva time getting out of any nursery I am in.  My theme this summer seems to be MORE red geraniums than usual and bright yellow marigolds.   They look amazing together.....London Belle, my puppy, and I worked for hours yesterday with the song of the cardinals drifting overhead as we worked.

Last weekend, I took my granddaughter Emily to Duluth with me. We went to see her cousins Alex, Zak and Ella.  On any given day in Duluth, the weather can go from glorious to stormy in about a heartbeat and that is just what happened.  I took Zak, Emily and Alex to the canal for a walk and the perpetual hope that we might see a ship coming or going out of the canal.   We made a decision to head out to the lighthouse in canal park and sure enough, the drawbridge went up and out came a ship.....It was huge and amazing, as always.  I never tire of the ships.   I call Lake Superior my little ocean because you can see forever, just water and sky.  On the way back to the car, a sharp rain and wind came up and we had to run.   I had London's leash tied to my belt loop, as I ran with Zak in my arms with Emily and Alex trailing behind, my little dog leading the way.   Amidst a few minor complaints of getting wet and such, we made it back to the Jeep laughing about our 'adventure' at the canal.  Off to McDonald's playland we went.  Resilient children.  What can you say?  The cold rain and wind didn't slow them down one bit.   At what point in our lives does a quick rain shower ruin our day?  At what age do we stop laughing at things we can't change, like the rain and wind?  Oh, to be 2 or 4 or 5 again when things don't upset us so easily.   It was a wonderful trip and to see things as a child does makes life fresh again. So, moms and dads, kiss those little faces as the years go by all too quickly and you will wish for just one day back to kiss that little face, hold that hand, and run in the rain.

I will close here now, until next time.   Mary

 

 May 14th, 2008                                                                    

 When I was pregnant with my first son, Justin, I used to pray "dear God please make this baby healthy, and if you are not too busy, please make him a boy"...well, God was really listening, because I got three of the little honeys.  No daughters...but I smile now because in the big scheme of things, it took my three sons to give me three adorable granddaughters, so, I got my girls...it just took a little longer.  I recently went to my granddaughter Emily's dance recital in the Twin Cities.  There is nothing so precious as little girls in their colorful tutus doing their dances.  Some cried, some ran to Mom in the audience, some just stood there, rather overwhelmed by the crowd watching them.  Others didn't miss a beat. I am happy to say that sweet Emily didn't miss a beat.  I got tears in my eyes watching all of these amazing little girls.  It was worth every mile and the late night to boot.

You have heard of my love of purses, well, how about wreaths on the door?  They say 'welcome' without making a sound. Flowers on the table are much the same.   They give a person a wonderful little lift.  Make someone very happy today and take them a bouquet for the table ! 

Another small thing that makes me smile is church bells ringing in the distance.  That sound just kind of echoes in my soul.

Have a great week and we will chat again soon.  I will leave you now with my ultimate favorite thing. Babies fingers and toes. Have you ever taken a really long look at some of those little mysteries?  They are precious.   They need to be kissed, nurtured and pointed in the right direction, so they can make a difference in this world of ours.

Thanks for listening to my chatter and feel free to drop me a note at mary@quickcountry.com  What are your favorite things?

Until later, 

Mary