We're enjoying visiting with daughters. Being in the city traffic reinforces to me that I am NOT a city gal...but both daughters seem to be, and it is fun for a visit. We visited Andrea's church this morning and are looking forward to Christmas Eve services. Alyson was able to get off all day yesterday so we were able to spend the entire day together as a family which was delightful. I'll eventually post pictures.

Roy and Andrea are off doing a bit of father/daughter bonding (translation: getting the oil changed in her vehicle). I'm not sure what is on the agenda for the evening.

I hope this is a wonderful holiday season for one and all.

christmas hugzzzz
chattye/cathye
*********************
Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.
Luke 2:11

An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for a God who loves to hook an "extra" on the front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed. The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would have slept the night away.

But God dances amidst the common. And that night he did a waltz.

The black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep, the next he was rubbing his eyes and staring into the face of an alien.

The night was ordinary no more.

The angel came in the night because that is when lights are best seen and that is when they are most needed. God comes into the common for the same reason. His most powerful tools are the simplest.

by Max Lucado

STORY OF THE LITTLEST ANGEL

If you haven't ever read the story of The Littlest Angel, you have missed a treat. You can go to it by clicking on the adorable little angel below.

THE "W" IN CHRISTMAS

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.

Again, HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

THE LITTLEST ANGEL

I LOVE this story and this song. Here are the lyrics and the music.
********************
THE LITTLEST ANGEL
sung by Bing Crosby

Let me tell you a tale that is often told
In the great Celestial Hall
All about an angel only 4 years old
The littlest angel of all.

How all day he would play with a little box
That to others had no worth
Ah, but there were treasures in this little box
The treasures he brought from earth

Just a butterfly with golden wings
A little piece of a hollow log
Two shiny stones from a river bank
And the worn out strap of his faithful dog

Then the angels all heard that the Holy Child
Would be born in Bethlehem
And they all brought presents for the Holy Child
And each gift was a heavenly gem

Then the littlest angel put his little box
With the presents fine and rare
And the littlest angel sat alone and cried
For his gift was so meager and bare

Just a butterfly with golden wings
A little piece of a hollow log
Two shiny stones from a river bank
And the worn-out strap of his faithful dog

But the Lord chose the gift of the little box
That a child had blessed with love
And it started glowing that very night
It became the star up above

When you see that star as it shines on high
In the great Celestial Hall
You will know the proudest angel in the sky
Is the littlest angel of all

With his butterfly with golden wings
A little piece of a hollow log
Two shiny stones from a riverbank
And the worn-out strap of his faithful dog



The above sound is very cranky. Sometimes I have to close my blog, open my browser, and paste in the following URL

http://cathye48.blogspot.com/2007/12/littlest-angel.html

to get it to play. Sometimes I have to do that more than once. I've tried numerous other players, and believe it or not, this one is the best so far. You do have to have Flash Player installed to be able to hear it.

This low quality .mp3 is for preview purposes only. If you like the song, please support the artist by purchasing the recording.

OH MY GOODNESS

I spent a delightful yesterday morning shopping with a friend. I had a gift certificate that I had received last Christmas from a another friend, so we headed to the appropriate store to do a bit of shopping. I found a wonderful purple pantsuit w/ jacket...and it was on sale! What a wonderful way to use my gift certificate.

But then....

a lovely green pantsuit tapped me on the shoulder and said that it would file discrimination charges against me if I didn't buy it, too!

And then. . .

I felt a tap on my other shoulder....and would you believe it....it was a denim outfit...jeans with tiny stripes and a vest...and it wanted in on the action, too.

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did what any thoughtful, caring person would do...I INCLUDED ALL OF THEM!!!!

BRING ON THE COLD WEATHER IN SEATTLE...I'M READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FRIDAY HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZ TO ALL!

LAST CHRISTMAS...THIS CHRISTMAS

This was written after 9-11, but it's just as applicable today.
*******************
LAST CHRISTMAS...THIS CHRISTMAS


Last Christmas we were thinking about all the things we didn't have. This Christmas we are thinking about all the things we do have.

Last Christmas we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes. This Christmas we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

Last Christmas we were counting our money. This Christmas we are counting our blessings.

Last Christmas we thought a man who could rush down a football field was a hero. This Christmas we know a man who rushes into a burning building is the real one.

Last Christmas we paid lip service to the real meaning of the holidays. This Christmas we are paying homage to it.

Last Christmas we were lighting candles to decorate. This Christmas we are lighting candles to commemorate.

Last Christmas we were trying not to let annoying relatives get the best of us. This Christmas we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.

Last Christmas we thought it was enough to celebrate the holidays. This Christmas we know we must also find ways to consecrate them.

Last Christmas we were thinking about the madness of the holidays. This Christmas we are thinking about the meaning of them.

Last Christmas we were getting on each other's nerves. This Christmas we are getting on our knees.

Last Christmas we were giving thanks for gifts from stores. This Christmas we are giving thanks for gifts from God.

Last Christmas we were wondering how to give our children all the things that money can buy - the hottest toys, the latest fashions, the newest gadgets. This Christmas we are wondering how to give them all the things it can't - a sense of security, safety, peace.

Last Christmas we were thinking about all the pressure we are under at the office. This Christmas we are thinking about all the people who no longer have an office to go to.

Last Christmas we were singing carols. This Christmas we are singing anthems.

Last Christmas we were thinking how good it would feel to be affluent. This Christmas we are thinking how good it feels to be alive.

Last Christmas we thought angels were in heaven. This Christmas we know some are right here on earth.

Last Christmas we believed in the power of the pocketbook. This Christmas we believe in the power of prayer.

Last Christmas we were sharing/spreading/listening to gossip. This Christmas we are sharing/spreading/listening to the Gospel.

Last Christmas we valued things that were costly. This Christmas we value things that are holy.

Last Christmas the people we idolized wore football, basketball and baseball uniforms. This Christmas the people we idolize wear police, firefighters and military uniforms.

Last Christmas "peace on earth" is something we prayed for on Sunday mornings. Now it is something we pray for every day.

CHRISTMAS HOT CHOCOLATE

Christmas Hot Chocolate

"No hot chocolate on Christmas Eve?" Christine asked.

"Next year," her mom Cheryl promised as she dressed for the midnight service.

Having hot chocolate on Christmas Eve was a family tradition, but this year they couodn't afford even that. Jack, the dad, had been laid off months earlier; their car was broken down; food was scarce, and the family's financial picture was growing bleaker each day.

Later, as they sat in the candlelight service, Cheryl prayed silently, "Oh, Lord, you promised to take care of us. Have you forgotten?"

Joyful songs and hope rang out as people filed out of the church, but Cheryl's heart was heavy. Just then, their daughter's youth director called to them: "Wait!" She pulled a brightly ribboned jar from her bag -- hot chocolate mix! "Merry Christmas!" she said.

This kind friend didn't know of their family tradition, or that to Cheryl, this simple gift was a reminder that God had not forgotten their family after all.

(from Christmas Treasures of the Heart by Cheri Fuller)

STAY

I pulled into the crowded parking lot at the Super Wal-Mart Shopping Center and rolled down the car windows to make sure my Labrador Retriever Pup had fresh air.

She was stretched full-out on the back seat, and I wanted to impress upon her that she must remain there. I walked to the curb backward, pointing my finger at the car and saying emphatically, "Now you stay. Do you hear me?" "Stay! Stay!"

The driver of a nearby car, a pretty blonde young lady, gave me a strange look and said...

"Why don't you just put it in park?"

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Goodness...a week into December already. Christmas is just around the corner, and I haven't done any decorating yet. I am delighted to tell you that I have actually gotten all out-of-town gifts mailed...possibly the earliest that has ever happened. I'll try to post Christmas thoughts here as Christmas approaches. Maybe reading about Christmas will put me in the mood to get out some decorations!!!

Our weather is beautiful...in the 80's yesterday and today, but the weather man assures us that tomorrow with be cold and rainy. The trees are beautiful with their multi-colored leaves. My camera and I took a few pics the other day of our pecan tree in the back yard. Roy and the Golden Retrievers have been having a race to see who can get to the fallen pecans first. So far I think it's a tie!







Tomorrow night is the Christmas Musical done by the children's choirs at church. I'll be playing with that cool $5,000 camera again! The owner is such a brave soul. I'll also play with my digi camera to get some pics of the kids in their costumes. I wish there were 2 of me on occasions like this.

lovies and huggies to all!!!

UPDATE

Roy and I had a quiet Thanksgiving at home. Since both girls live so far away, they weren't able to come home. We did, however, get to talk to both of them when they called home to find out how to fix various parts of their own Thanksgiving dinners. I was kind of glad I didn't do a better job of teaching them the skills of cooking!

Thanksgiving was a bit strange, too! For some strange reason I woke up in the mood to CLEAN...which I can assure you is extremely RARE! So...while Roy cooked, I cleaned and did laundry...all day long in fact! It is perhaps a sign that the world will be coming to an end soon.

We had a fund-raising concert at our church last night. They let me run a $5,000 video camera. I thought that was incredibly brave of them!!!!!

Trying to get Christmas packages in the mail today. Some days that goes quickly...some days I really have to push myself to "do what needs to be done."

I am seriously considering trading Sable (one of indoor dogs) in on a new model. Her latest "thing" is to climb into the cat's litter box...eat the cat poop...and then regurgitate it in strategic places in the house, thereby filling the room with such a lovely fragrance...NOT!!!!

And now I'm off to the salt mines!

CLEANING

Cleaning is such a depressing activity!!! You clean one thing and during the cleaning of that one thing, you see 3 OTHER things that need to be cleaned. There's never an end to it!

And what, you might ask, led me to this conclusion...well, I'll tell you.

Roy and I purchased a new mattress and box springs, so it was out with the old...and CLEAN...before it is "in with the new." We had a lovely multi-year accumulation of dirt under the bed...and several generations of dust bunnies. Well cleaning that led to cleaning the books on the bookshelf beside the bed...and the layer of dirt nesting in the outside curve of the pages...which led to cleaning out the "reading tub" in the bathroom and putting the old Guideposts and Reader's Digests in the bottom part of the bookshelf...and...and...and. I'M POOPED!!!!!! At least, though, one wall of my bedroom has been "spring cleaned"...even if it is November!

Good news...Jelly Bean (our Golden Retriever who had a stroke this past weekend) started eating again today!

sneezies and aches to all...oh wait...that's just me!
huggies and lovies to y'alls!
cath

MONDAY'S MADNESS

WOW...busy day, today. It started 7:30 ish and just slowed down a few minutes ago.

This was one of those good news/bad news days. First the good news. We finally decided there wasn't going to be any such thing as a specific mattress that was the "best," so I "bit the bullet" and bought one. I spent quite a while reading stuff about mattresses online. In fact, I went so far as to join the online "Consumer Reports." But what did I find when I logged in????? I found out they haven't rated mattresses! (sigh) They did have some basic "mattress hunting" tips, but that was all. Who knows if I chose a good one or not...time will tell.

I mentioned yesterday that one of our Golden Retrievers had had a major attack of arthritis. She was better this morning, but we took her to the vet anyway. He looked into her eyes for a few seconds and told us that she had a stroke. He said there's nothing he can do for it, but dogs usually "regroup" and do ok after them. What made me incredibly sad, though, was that when we arrived at the vet's office, there was a lady there holding a little white poodle that was really shaking. She said she had returned from the grocery store to find the dog going around and around in circles. As we were leaving I asked the girl behind the desk how the little white dog was. She said it had had a major stroke and had to be put to sleep. The woman said she'd had the dog for 17 years. Such a sad thing.

Later tonight, after we bought the mattress, we went to PETCO and bought some steps so Burton can get up on the couch by himself. Sable was eyeing them mighty intently, too, so I think I'll move them away from the couch when I go to bed. While I was there I just had to buy a couple of treats for our doggies.

Please keep my cousin, Ron, in your prayers. He and wife are heading to MD Anderson cancer center tomorrow to have tests run on the 6-inch tumor that was just discovered in his pelvic area. Prayers would also be appreciated for my aunt (his 85+ year old mom who depends heavily on him.)

And now it's time to bid you adieu. I have my Bible Study class in the morning so have to get up at a decent hour.

love and hugzzzzzzzzzz to all!

WOW...IT'S MID NOVEMBER

I think I sound like a broken record, but WHERE THE HECK IS THE TIME GOING???? This fall is going by in a blur.

First of all, a big thank you to any veterans who wander by this way.



Free Comments & Graphics Codes

Prayers of thanksgiving are in order...Alyson is settled in Seattle and has a part time job, and Roy has returned safely from helping her move. He was gone for 12 days. His energy and stamina always amaze me.

The leaves are beginning to change, and there are some really pretty trees around. I love it when there are batches of colored leaves in the midst of the green ones.





I counted the money for our church's pumpkin patch again this year. It's always a fun time. This year, on the 31st, our high school youth offered "trunk or treat" for the neighborhood children. They parked their cars around the parking lot...opened up the trunks or hatch backs...and handed out candy. Several adults participated, too. Most of the youth had on costumes, and several of the adults had decorated the backs of their vans. The little kids had a great time. It was amazing how quickly we went through candy. Had to send folks to the store for refills several times.

One of our Golden Retrievers has had a severe attack of arthritis. Will have to take her to the vet first thing in the morning for a steroid shot.

We don't have any special plans for Thanksgiving. This will be the first year in the span of the past 28 when we haven't had at least one kiddo with us. Roy is still planning on cooking a turkey...that's his specialty. That should keep us in meals for quite a while.

hmmmm...have been working on this post all day long...off and on, of course. I haven't said much, but I think it's time to click on "publish" anyway.

Say hello when you get a chance!

hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to all!

WOW...WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

WOW I knew I hadn't posted in a while but had no idea it had been a month since I've posted anything new. I'm so sorry. Any of you who are still reading this...thanks for hanging in there.

Life just seems to have slipped into fast forward. The first weekend in October was our church's big Harvest Festival...the big fund raiser for the year. I fixed some of my photography in magnetic photo holders and was excited that quite a few of them sold.

The College Crazies program that I do at church which keeps up with the kids for the first 5 years after they graduate from high school is up and running. Andrea designed a special card for our first mailing, and that was exciting!!!

Andrea now has a job. It isn't full time, but it's the job she wanted...pays well...and has health and dental insurance. She is the new graphic designer for Bethany Community Church. She is loving it so far. She's also working with the high school group and is enjoying that.

Roy has had dental surgery to plant the anchor for a new front tooth. It was so funny. He seemed so coherent when we left the oral surgeon's office...and for the rest of the day. Next day I mentioned something to him about his follow-up appointment, and he had no clue what I was talking about. The day of the surgery was pretty much blank in his memory. Andrea and I had a good chuckle about it because she and Alyson both did strange things without any memory of them the next day when they had their wisdom teeth extracted.

Alyson is doing well. She's been working lots of double shifts trying to save up some money. I don't know where she gets her energy.

I have a new toy!!! I finally broke down and ordered the camera I was wanting. It took beautiful pictures of the water lilies on Saturday, but I apparently still have lots to learn about taking pictures in the sanctuary at our church. The ones I took Sunday were too dark (and they shouldn't have been!!!!).

Would you please put my cousin Judy on your prayer lists. She fell last week and broke her hip and is having complications.

After having below average temps all summer, we are now having way above average temps. It's still in the mid to upper 80s here. It is, however, supposed to cool down next week. We did have an unexpected shower last night which was wonderful!

I'd better hush before I wear out your eyes.
Much love to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE MOON CREW IS ALIVE AND KICKING

One of the drawbacks of aging is the fact that you (at least ME) no longer multi-task as well as you once did. I've been getting the College Crazies program at church (my baby) up and running, and I've created a blog for the kids this year which has gotten most of my attention lately. Let's see if I can catch you up on the happenings at the Moon zoo.

Most current excitement is the phone call I got from Alyson this afternoon. She had gotten a call from her landlord while she was at work telling her that someone had kicked in her front door. (He was in the building showing one of the apartments to prospective tenants and discovered it.) They broke into the main door to the building and then kicked in her front door. So far the only thing she's positive is missing is her laptop and the backpack it goes in. Worrisome thing is that now they have all of her personal info. She's going to change bank account numbers, etc., but is still a bit concerned about identity theft. Also, she (and her mother) no longer feel that she is safe coming home at 3 a.m. like she does when she works the late shift and closes. Prayers for her safety would be greatly appreciated.

The weekend of September 8 & 9 was Roy's Cousins' Reunion in Decatur, Texas. These are the cousins on his Mom's side. They hadn't been together in many, many years, so it was great for all of them to get to catch up. I loved hearing stories of their "younger days." Roy's Granddad was a Baptist Preacher in Decatur for 40 years or so, so we went to see the old church building on Saturday, and on Sunday morning we visited the congregation that has evolved from his original church. They're in a new building, but they have a painting of his Grandfather in the Narthex, as well as his Granddad's actual pulpit. Roy's sister is an ordained minister, so it was fun to be able to take her picture standing at his pulpit.

One of the wonderful college girls from church stayed with our critters. I know she took great care of them because the critters weren't any more excited to see us than if we had only been gone for an hour or so. It is wonderful to know that we are not glued to the house anymore.

This past weekend was a very enjoyable concert...part of the Folk Series at Ft. Concho. One of the young men from our church is a song writer, and he started this about a year and a half ago. Once each quarter there is a concert with him and a "top name" song writer. It's a lot of fun and a wonderful cultural event for San Angelo.

Weather is hovering in the upper 80's and lower 90's during the daytime. We haven't had any rain lately, but things are still green from all the rain we had earlier. I have my fall decorations out, so I'm looking forward to cooler weather.

Will hush now before your eyes give out from all the reading.
Lovies and huggies to all!!!

DOESN'T SEEM POSSIBLE

The last day of August...just doesn't seem possible!!! It once again seems as if I have blinked twice and a big chunk of time has disappeared while my eyes were closed. I was told once that that is a sign of getting older. I surely do hate to admit advancing age, but it's hard to ignore the disappearance of time.

I love this time of year. I have never outgrown my love of school supplies. Now that the girls are totally out of school and not living at home, I have no excuse to buy them. HOWEVER, I just couldn't resist the sale on folders with pockets and prongs...only 10 cents each!!!!!!!!!!! I have a nice supply now if anyone needs one in the wee hours of the morning and can't find a store open. (Yes, that used to happen when the girls were here...not just them but the neighbors, too...most needing poster board for some "forgotten" project that was due the next day.)

Andrea is going camping over the weekend. I don't know what Alyson has planned. Roy and I have no special plans.

If you travel...BE SAFE!
hugzzzzzzz

IN GOOD HANDS

The youth groups at our church always go on "mission trips" during the summer. In years past they have helped build houses, have held "Bible schools" in Mexico, have learned what it is like to live in a poverty situation in a "third world country," have worked with the homeless, have helped in "soup kitchens and food banks" and probably some other things I'm forgetting.

This year 20 of our senior high youth went as "buddies" to a week-long camp for "blind/visually impaired" youth. Some were "buddies" with their young person for 24 hours a day...others just during the waking hours. This morning they presented a program during which they told about their experiences and presented a slideshow of the pictures. They are amazing young people!!!!! Our future is in good hands.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Well, actually, this entry is just about "sights." I decided to venture out this morning in search of new photography subjects, and I ended up at Sunken Gardens park. It was awash with color. Unfortunately, it was also awash with weeds. I did get a few pics I liked, tough.

The other sight, one that made me chuckle but also worried me, was an older lady toodling down Knickerbocker Rd. in her scooter chair. It made me chuckle because Roy's (my hubby) mom used to get out in her motorized wheel chair and travel through the neighborhood. She got brave one day and decided she'd just keep going to the grocery store...and a policeman stopped and gave her a ticket. We laughed about that for years.

The worry was for the lady's safety. This was definitely one of those situations that called for a quick prayer. Knickerbocker Rd. can be a dangerous place.

THURSDAY LOVEZZZZ AND HUGZZZZZZZZZZ TO ALL!

This has been a good day. I met a friend at the mall for our daily walk (which we usually get around to a couple of days a week), ran some errands and have puttered around the house a bit.

I am still... pondering which camera would be the best buy -- pondering which mattress would be the best buy -- THINKING ABOUT rearranging the bookshelves in the den -- and CONTEMPLATING cleaning out my closet. The "spirit is willing," but the old body seems to have other ideas.

I am getting a bit of physical therapy on my shoulder to convince it not to be cranky, and my "astute observation" for today was that I am super-easily entertained. Today I was just as happy as a clam watching how the "floaters" in my eyes reacted when I moved my eyes in different directions. (In my defense I must add that there was a heat pack on my shoulder and there wasn't a lot else I could do). Anyone else easily entertained????

Wednesday hugzzzzzzzzzzz
cathye

I think these are lots of fun...thought someone else might enjoy them!

Can you fill in the missing word/words in these Advertising Slogans?

1. You're in good hands with _______ .
2. Are you a _________ Fruit and Nut case?
3. ______, take me away.
4. I'd walk a mile for a _____.
5. Please don't squeeze the _______.
6. _________, a little dab'll do ya.
7. ___ is the place for the helpful hardware
man.
8. _______________ makes hamburgers taste like
steakburgers.
9. Aren't you glad you use ____? (_____ ___
____ _________ ___?)
10. ___________, the San Francisco treat.
11. Bring out the _________ and bring out the
best.
12. Fly the friendly skies of ______.
13. Oh I wish I was an _____ _____ ______.
14. In the valley of the Jolly,"Ho, ho, ho" _____ _____.
15. Double your pleasure,Double your funwith __________ ___.
16. I'd like to buy the world a ____.
17. Like a good neighbor, _____ ____ is there.
18. Nobody doesn't like ____ ___.
19. Snap! Crackle! Pop! ____ ________.
20. See the U.S.A....in your _________ .
21. The best part of waking up is ________ in
your cup.

DELIGHTFUL VISIT

We had a delightful visit with Andrea this week. Roy took her back to Austin today where she met up with a group of friends. She will be a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of her A&M roommates on Saturday.

She acutally made her bridesmaids dress!!! I was so proud of that kid. Her mother was no help whatsoever. I never did learn to sew. I know she will have a wonderful time this weekend.

I'd appreciate prayers for their safety as they run around to all the festivities in the rain and also as she flies back to Seattle on Sunday.

hugzzzzzzz

DELIGHTFUL TUESDAY

Had a delightful day with Andrea yesterday. I spent the morning running errands (because I knew she'd be getting up at the "crack of noon.") We went to the matinee showing of "Hairspray" and then had supper at Texas Roadhouse. YUMMMMM!! Last night we just vegged out.

This morning I snapped a couple of pics while Burton was on his "take care of business" jaunt. I love taking pictures of butterflies. They are just so beautiful.

Tonight we're looking forward to watching the first half of the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance." Andrea and I watched the whole series last summer, so it will be lots of fun to have her here to watch it again!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!!

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good.
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: What's the secret to healthy eating?
A: Thicker gravy.
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO ...... Cocoa beans ... another vegetable!!! It's the best feel good food around!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and iets.
Now go have a cookie...flour is a veggie!
received from Mikey's Funnies

STRESS OVERLOAD

YOU KNOW YOU'RE ON STRESS OVERLOAD WHEN:

1. You start talking to your plants--for advice.
2. You order crushed Tagamet on your frozen yogurt.
3. You've chewed all your own fingernails and now you're eyeing your spouse's.
4. You've developed a twitch . . . to go with your other four.
5. You wake up at 3:00 a.m. and start working on your income taxes . . . in July.
6. You start making simple spelling errors . . . like in your name.
7. You find that the startling noise of your neighbors fluffing a pillow makes you jump.
8. Your dog posts a sign that says, "Beward of Human."
9. You've been watching TV for hours . . . and the set isn't even turned on.
10. You have an attack of road rage . . . and you haven't even left your driveway.

from God Has Never Failed Me, But He's Sure Scared Me To Death A Few Times
by Stan Toler & Martha Bolton

Someone once told me that the older they got, the faster time seemed to pass. I thought that was absolutely absurd!!! Now...years down the road...I see the truth in their statement. I've blinked twice, and June and July are both gone...and I have no idea where they've gone.

It's been a good summer. Weather here in Texas has been amazing. It's been rainy and in the 80's the majority of the summer so far. As far as I'm concerned, that is absolutely heavenly!!! It's headed back to the mid 90's this week, against my wishes!!!

Andrea will be home for a few days week after next. It will be wonderful to see her!!!! Alyson will be going to Seattle in a couple of weeks to find an apartment and hopefully a job. She'll be moving in September.

I've been working on pictures of relatives lately. We had a Cousins' Reunion in June and that got me in the "thinking about family" mode. Even though I'm an only child, my mom was one of 9 kids, so there are quite a few of us cousins.

I've had a wonderful time taking pictures of water lilies this summer. The cooler weather has made it enjoyable to be out taking pictures. Here is my favorite of the latest batch of pictures. I call it "Under A Sheltering Wing." Would love to have comments from anyone still reading the sporadic posts here. If there are still any readers, I'll try to do a better job of posting more frequently.

August hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to all!

ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS of the Morning After

That would be the morning after spending the evening chatting with my laptop about its behavior. After multiple hours, and redoing a big chunk of the slideshow I'm working on, I have come up with a few ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS:

1. Computers converse on their own terms.

2. Software programs do not adopt the mission statement of "I can do anything that is thrown at me."

3. Software programs also do not read their own manuals, nor, aparently, do they have access to a dictionary. Their concept of "delete" is sadly lacking!

4. Shortcuts are NOT always shorter!!!

5. Apparently the "mission" of my Slideshow Program is NOT to "make my user happy."

SUNFLOWER SMILES

Hope these sunflowers will bring a smile to your face and will help make your Saturday sunny and delightful!

FREEDOM

I went to a patriotic concert at church last night, and as I was "singing along," I thought of all the sacrifices that have been made so that I could do that very thing...be where I wanted to be doing what I wanted to do. We all take so very much for granted! A big THANK YOU to any vets who wander through this way!!!!!

HAVE A BLESSED AND SAFE 4th

"God Bless America"...Kate Smith

"God Bless the U.S.A."...Lee Greenwood

MORE LILIES...ENJOY!

WATER LILIES

The water lilies are in full bloom. Today is the first time I've actually seen them in bloom. They are absolutely gorgeous. My camera and I had a wonderful time.

HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ to all!!!

DANCE

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain.
-author unknown

GOOD SATURDAY

Hope everyone is having a good Saturday. I've been playing with our church's website and editing the pictures I took at Vacation Bible School this summer (STILL). I love taking massive amounts of pictures; I don't necessarily love editing massive amounts. Every year I promise myself I will be more sensible in regard to how many pics I take...and every year I go overboard. Oh well, it's just too much fun to try to capture some of the wonderful expressions on the kids' faces. Looking at the pics I've gotten at the end of each day is almost like Christmas!

Anyone else care to share your Saturday activities?

hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

WHEW

We seem to have a trend here...busy, busy, busy! What should logically follow a comment like that is to tell you some of the things I've been doing, and I would if I could remember. I do know that I've gotten the church website updated which is a good thing to have done.

Both girls called on Father's Day...it was great to talk to them. Andrea is about to be the one to "open" the art supply store where she works instead of going in after noon. She's looking forward to being off earlier in the afternoon.

I'm still editing Reunion pictures and VBS pictures; hopefully will get them finished one of these days.


I have joined an online community. It's like My Space but is for folks over 50. I've joined a couple of the digital photography groups there and was excited to find out I had come in second place in a "challenge" that just ended. The theme was "things found on the ground." Here is my AWARD WINNING picture: (you do want to see it, don't you?????????) I called it "water water everywhere." No prezzies or anything...just lots of fun!

Hope the weekend is great for all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS ONE?

WHEW & VIEW

Vacation Bible School 2007 has come and gone. It was a wonderful week filled with munchkins, fun, food, lots of games and fellowship, and taking about 1500 pictures by the time the week ended. I still have lots of editing of pics to do, but that can be done while I'm sitting in my recliner!!!!

Last night was the "tailgate party" to end out the festivities. It was great fun...songs and a slideshow and even a "homecoming court" with beautiful girls in long dresses and guys in suits! (Our high school kids clean up quite nicely!!! (giggle) )We did cheat a bit. After the program, we headed for the hot dog supper...only to discover a line snaking all the way out of the Life Center and down the hall. Welllllllllllllllllll...since hot dogs are not my favorite food anyway, another couple and Roy and I went to a restaurant instead. CHICKEN FRIED STEAK...YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

To exercise your brain this morning, I'm posting this optical illusion. Can you find the hidden tiger in the picture? No, it's not the big one that is the focal point of the painting. It took me a long time to find it...thought I was losing my touch.

Let me know when you spot it.

hmmmmmmmmm...massive amounts of wet stuff are falling from the sky! What in the world is that strange substance?????????????

Today is Roy's and my 33rd anniversary. He's going to cook for me tonight! No plans besides that; both of us are ready for a nice quiet evening after the busy week.

Friday huggzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

Morning!

Hope Wednesday is treating everyone well! Life is in the "fast lane" in our little zoo right now. This week is Vacation Bible School, and I'm taking pictures and Roy is running sound and video. It is such a fun week. Gone are the days of my youth when VBS was plain and simple. Now it is a major production! One big theme...decorations...drama...crafts (always)...recreation. We are blessed with a couple of extremely talented ladies who are willing to pull together the most incredible productions for the opening assemblies. We never have trouble getting adult and youth helpers because all of us are anxious to see what these ladies will do next. It will be a rare child who will forget the message presented during these 4 days.

Right now I'm editing pictures. Someone needs to have a serious chat with the photographer. She has once again taken over 1200 pictures...and that was only during the first 2 days! If she isn't careful, someone is going to have to splint her poor shutter finger! (giggle)

I wish I could show you some of the closeups of the kids. It's like Christmas for me when I pop the memory card into my laptop and see what I've captured for the day.

Time to get back to editing! Laterz, taterz!

hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

REUNION TIME

Aren't "family reunions" strange creatures. I am just now getting back into the "loop" of ours. While my kids were young, I didn't make the effort to go to the reunions, but now that I'm older with an empty nest, it seems very important to be part of that "family unit."

We're an assorted lot. My mom was one of 9 kids so there are lots of cousins. Several have already died (entirely too young!!!), several aren't "in touch" at the moment, and one of our "cousins crew" isn't able to travel. The scariest thing is the fact that I was the YOUNGEST "cousin" at the reunion.

It was a delightful two days of "remembering," catching up on current families and watching "family dynamics." I laughed a lot; I have inherited my mom's sense of humor and just can't resist being silly at times.

There are only 2 aunts left, and both of them are well into their 80's. There were 7 of us cousins there. There were also assorted spouses and a couple of our offspring. It was wonderful but tiring, so I was glad to come home last night. I will continue to enjoy the reunion as I sort through the million pictures Roy and I took as well as the "pictures of yesteryear" we scanned from the albums of our cousins.

Oh...and I'm proud to announce that my horseshoe team (Tommy and I) won FIRST PLACE in the horseshoe throwing contest. DON'T ASK ANY QUESTIONS! It's much more impressive if you don't know all the details!!!

SUMMERTIME

I'm a tried-and-true Texan, but I must admit that I HATE THE SUMMER HEAT IN TEXAS! The older I get, the more I dislike it. Today's high was only 91, but it felt like 100. Will it be October soon???

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF

Some important ideas from Really important stuff my kids have taught me by Cynthia Copeland Lewis. Read deeply; there are some profound truths hidden in the simplicity.

*************

--If you don't run, you won't trip, but you may never get there.

--How do you know you can't make a rocket out of tin foil boxes and cardboard unless you try?

--Toads aren't ugly -- they're just toads.

--There are names that hurt much more than sticks and stones.

--Don't dive deeper than you have breath for.

--Don't pop someone else's bubble.

--Sometimes you need a little push to go down the big slide.

--A pencil without an eraser might just as well be a pen.

--Every day comes with a day after.

--Slugs leave an easy trail to follow, but who really wants to?

--You have to be ready to jump when the rope swings under your feet.

--If you can't swim, wade.

I love this little book. The entries make me smile, but they hold such wisdom!!! As is said, "...and a little child will lead them."

ASTUTE OBSERVATION 060506

As I was getting ready to go to bed about 2:30 this morning, I stepped outside with the dog and discovered that everything was beautiful. The air smelled fresh from the rain, the stars were twinkling, and the moon was shining bright. What's a girl to do???? Why go inside and grab the camera, of course. Out of my "wee hours photography session" has come another of my ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS. Monday's astute observation says that IT IS NOT ANY EASIER TO HOLD A CAMERA STILL AT 2:30 A.M. THAN IT IS AT OTHER TIMES--ESPECIALLY IF ONE'S ARMS ARE EXTENDED OVER ONE'S HEAD." The moonlight shining through the branches translated into a black picture with a small round orb of light in the middle. The branches and leaves and stars were nowhere to be found. I told the camera exactly what I wanted; I guess it just didn't listen.

NOSTALGIA

Music is so strange. I was just sitting here listening to the new songs I added to my blog on blogspot, and once again I realize that when I hear "Close To Cathy" or "Can't Help Falling In Love," it is almost like I'm being transported back in time to my high school days. I can close my eyes and once again feel like I'm on a dance floor moving to the music. Not all high school memories are good ones...such as not being asked to dance when one of those songs was playing... but memories of dancing to those two songs are definitely great ones.

WET STUFF!!!

We had over an inch of rain tonight!!!!! Best part of that story is the fact that they were predicting 2 inch diameter hail and winds up to 70 m.p.h. All we got was the wet stuff! We were blessed!

I was outside a little while ago and saw the most adorable baby bird hopping around on the ground. Naturally, by the time I ran inside and grabbed my camera and got back to where he had been, he had "moved on." I did spot him just as he was going into some bushes and got this "only slightly blurry" picture. Isn't he adorable!!! I am assuming the grown bird that was sitting on the tree branch right above where he was and was scolding me every time I got near him is his mommy. I sure hope she gets him back in the nest before one of the neighborhood cats finds him. It always makes me sad to see a baby bird that didn't make it.

Our day lilies are in full bloom. I took a bunch of macro pictures...discovered I need to figure out how to get the whole picture to be in focus in the macro pictures and not just one part. I'm guessing it has something to do with "spot focusing." I guess I'll have to break down and read the manual. (S)

Saturday huggies and lovies to all!

cath

Friday...WE'RE GRADUATED !!!!

Friday , May 18, was a busy, tiring and DELIGHTFUL day! Alyson is now grajumacated (that's Texan for "graduated"). I still love graduations...still get misty-eyed when they play "Pomp and Circumstance," and still almost burst with pride when she walks across the stage (and especially when she got hooded!) I'm sure you'll want to see a few pictures .

The Chapel where it was held was

awesome.

Hooding

And the awarding of the diploma

Proud, proud, proud parents!

That evening we drove to Illinois and had supper at Olive Garden with Alyson's boyfriend's parents. It was a fun evening, and of course the food was delicious. As we drove along I took some pictures of downtown St. Louis. I'll post a few of those eventually.
Friday huggies and lovies to all!

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

Last summer Andrea and I started a great tradition. Every Wednesday night we would congregate in the den and watch "So You Think You Can Dance." It's a great show fashioned after "American Idol." We had a great time watching and commenting and arguing with the judges! It always blew my mind seeing the girls dance on those high, skinny heels!!!!

It has started a new season...and while it won't be as much fun watching it without Andrea here to share comments and critiques with, it is still fun because of the memories of all the years she and Alyson took dancing and memories of sharing the fun last summer.

One of our favorite guys won last summer! His sister is in the competition this year...GO BENJI'S SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday lovies and huggies to all!
cath

ASTUTE OBSERVATION 053007

Sores on dogs demand that medicine be administered. However, tonight I observed "first hand" that loving around on dogs who are frequently in weeds is not a good thing for someone who is allergic to "said weeds." GO FIGURE. (itch)(itch)(scratch)(scratch)

ONE WOULD THINK

I just discovered today that one can put a picture as part of the header for these blogs. That sounds relatively easy...right? Well, getting the picture there was indeed easy.

HOWEVER...trying to move it to the middle of the blue space has definitely been interesting. One would also think that the "edit html" button would get one into the code where the moving could be done easily. HOWEVER AGAIN...one would be wrong. I've been playing with html for many years now, but the html for this blog is unlike any I have ever seen before. In something I've read about this blog site it says to "be sure you know what you're doing before editing the html." ok...I'm convinced...I don't qualify! I think the picture and title look lovely on the left side of the title bar...don't you????????????

NEW MUSIC ADDED

I've added a "music corner" at the bottom of the right column. I know the songs play with IE, but I have no idea if they will work with other browsers. In my next life maybe I'll know how to make things universally readable.

saturday huggies and lovies to all!
cath

WE BE HOME

Yep...we be back in the good old S of A. It was a great trip, but it's also nice to be back home. Burton is MORE than glad to be back where he knows what's going on. He had gotten very confused...never sure exactly where to be so that he didn't get left behind. He did have a special day on Tuesday, our last day in St. Louis. That evening we went to a "concert in the park" and took Burton with us. He had a great time watching the people and the other animals. Of course, he was a bit confused as to why there was food and he wasn't getting any of it, but it was a fun time for all of us. I had fun taking pictures of "different perspective" things. I kept thinking someone would tell me they didn't want me taking their picture, but no one said anything. I'll try to get a few of them posted soon.

Thursday lovies and huggies!

MONDAY

Goodness, I seem to be unusually pooped tonight. We weren't all that busy today; I guess it is just an accumulation of the past week's events. Today we had lunch with Alyson at the hospital where she's been doing her Practicum, did some sight-seeing and had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory tonight. Roy and I came back to the motel early so the "young thangs" could do whatever it is they're wanting to do tonight.

Our sight-seeing trip was to the Basilica of Saint Louis, The King...The Old Cathedral. The Old Cathedral is the oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi River. It has a 235 year history and is a self-supporting Roman Catholic Parish.

Monday lovies and huggies to all!

Cath

SUNDAY

Calm day today. We had brunch at the restaurant where Alyson's boyfriend works. Roy had a contaminated crepe (had mushrooms and goat cheese and stuff like that in it!)...I had a bacon/cheddar crepe...and Alyson had French toast. I really wanted to order the Finnish Pancake which had custard and who knows what else, but I've been good on this trip and have stayed away from refined sugar, so I hated to put a bunch of it in this old body. My bacon/cheddar crepe was yummy as well.

Alyson had to work this afternoon, so Roy and I did a bit of "puttering" around her apartment and then came back to the motel. I spent the evening editing yesterday's pictures from the Botanical Gardens. They're at <http://www.flickr.com/photos/cathye2007> if anyone likes pictures of flowers. I deleted about half the pictures I took, but there are still a lot there. The ones I like best are in the middle of the batch.

We snacked for supper...ate the stuff we've been bringing home from the restaurants. We have definitely NOT gone hungry.

Tomorrow will be lunch with Alyson at the hospital where she is doing her Practicum and then a bit of sight-seeing. Last but not least will be our traditional trek to the grocery store to restock her pantry. That is always a fun trip. I think she stops going to the grocery store about a month before we come so we can "restock" EVERYTHING! It's a fun tradition.

Lovies and huggies to all!
cath

FLOWERS, FLOWERS EVERYWHERE!!!!

We spent 4 hours yesterday at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Wow...what gorgeous flowers...a "camera bug's heaven." I took a picture or two...or 397 Alyson works this afternoon so I'll play with them and upload SOME of them to FLICKR.

I was a good girl (translated as "old") and bought a straw hat and sunscreen before I went. The old skin doesn't react as well to the sun as it used to. The hat was indeed a thing of beauty...a KMart $3.99 special! I would post a picture here of me wearing it...but.......

We had supper at a Persian restaurant (Alyson is "into" oriental foods right now). It was Miz Somebody's (can't remember) International House of Kabobs. I intended to take a picture of it...even took the camera in...and then forgot to take the picture. First time that's ever happened. I can't say that I recognized much on the menu, so I played it safe with a chicken kabob. It was quite tasty, and my rice had raisins in it which I loved.

Today we're off to have brunch in the restaurant where Alyson's boyfriend works. It is supposed to have "to die for" pancakes.

Sunday huggies and lovies to all.
cath

THURSDAY

Calm day...a bit of shopping...a nice lunch in a quaint restaurant Alyson likes...a nap in the afternoon (smile)...but no pictures. High today of 63 degrees...ABSOLUTELY HEAVENLY.

OOPSIES

Yep...OOPSIES!!! I forgot to check all the settings for this blog before announcing it. I have now set comments to allow "anyone." My apologies if you tried to comment and weren't able to.

Now... please notice the picture on the left. I TOLD YOU I SAW A METAL CHICKEN!!! Well, it isn't exactly a chicken; more like a penguin...and it is more of a resin than metal...BUT I WAS CLOSE!!! I'm not sure what the significance is, but we saw two others painted differently before we left Tulsa.

Speaking of Tulsa, folks in those parts sure must like to drink. We stopped at the "quick mart" (or something like that) and they had a whole wall of cappuccino/coffee drinks, a whole wall of smoothie/fruit drinks, and a triple fountain drink section. Then there was this massive island of lids. Eeiny, meeny, miney, mo! Decisions, decisions, decisions!
I know 'WHO DONE IT!!!" I finished my book today. Mary Higgins Clark is a great mystery novelist. If you haven't read any of her books but you enjoy mysteries, give her a try.

Can't have a day without flowers!

We had supper at the restaurant where Alyson works, Bar Louie. We ate outside so Burton was able to be with us. He was delighted to see his "mom" again!

I'll upload the rest of the pictures to FLICKR if anyone is interested. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cathye2007

huggies and lovies to all!