DECISIONS

To me, decisions are one of the most difficult parts of life. We have 2 of the sweetest dogs ever in our back yard. Golden Retrievers...with some Chow blood in them. The mother is 15; the daughter, Jelly Bean, is 13. Last summer JB started having strokes. We tried to head off the heat stroke this year by getting her "summer do" in April. But the hair has grown back...and she is too shaky to stand for grooming...and temps are consistently hitting triple digits. JB has started wobbling again, thankfully not as badly as before. I'm wondering if it's time to let her go. The part that worries me even more than letting her go is what will become of her 15 year old mother, Taffy. She won't know what to do all alone in the back yard. And...of course...the wobbles started right after dear sweet hubby left town.

So, for now, I'm going out every 30 minutes and pouring water over JB. She is covered in mud, but that's ok. DShubby will be back tonight. Tomorrow he and I are going to get "wild and crazy" with the scissors and get rid of some of that hair. I bought cippers a few years back, but they aren't strong enough for her coat.

Anyway, think of us as we try to decide when enough is enough...and what constitutes "quality of life" for the dogs. They still have each other...JB is still eating just fine...and walking around--not overly steady, but she gets where she wants to go. I have spent years feeling guilty that they weren't allowed to be house dogs because they are so loving, but my allergies just wouldn't allow it. So now I guess I'll shift gears and feel guilty about whatever I choose to do concerning JB.

Pets bring an amazing amount of love to a family. Unconditional love. It's the end that's so difficult.

REALITY

One of my younger daughter's friends has just begun an eleven month mission trip with World Race. She is blogging regularly. She writes beautifully, and her photography is outstanding. It is such a blessing to be able to share what God is doing through her. I especially liked the quote below:

"Ministry is not an act, it is the movement of the Holy Spirit in and through willing and prepared hearts. Ministry is to speak in Spiritual Love." -Nat

She also incorporated the quote below in her blog. I think it is a good one.

"Spiritual Love will meet the other person with the clear word of God and be ready to leave him alone with His word for a long time, willing to release him again in order that Christ may deal with him... Spiritual Love will speak to Christ about a brother more than to a brother about Christ. It knows that the most direct way to others is always through prayer to Christ and that love of others is wholly dependent upon truth in Christ." --Baunhoffer

GOOD SUNDAY, IT WAS!

Yep, today has been a good Sunday. I got up at the crack of....9:45. (but in fairness to myself, I must mention that I was up until 1:15 a.m. finishing photo projects for OTHERS). Anywho, before I let myself sit down I did the first 5 loads of laundry! Such an industrious soul, I am, I am. Of course, there are still 5 more loads that need to be done, but we just won't mention those. I have at least gotten all of the necessary clothes washed in case dear sweet hubby has to go to Dallas this week for work. Can't send him off with dirty clothes in his suitcase, now can I.

Speaking of dirty clothes in suitcases, did you know that that is a very efficient way to pack???? Just ask my daughters. They both load all of their dirty clothes in their suitcase and head for home (not very often, of course, since they live all the way across the U.S....but when they do come.) It is their way of telling their Mom that they still need her!!! What's that???? There is another explanation? I don't want to hear it; just let me have my moments!

I will leave you with today's ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS:

1. Cell phones are wonderful and easy to use...such marvels of technology. But they are cranky, too. Just plugging the cord into the phone doesn't seem to be enough to make them happy enough to charge. They expect the other end of the cord to be plugged into the outlet. PICKY, PICKY, PICKY

2. Cathye needs to write down her nuggets of wisdom when they happen because by the end of the day chances are good she will have forgotten. I'll let you know tomorrow if I remember the other Astute Observation from today!

lovies and huggies to all!!!

WHEW

Miracle of miracles...my email program is all set up on my new computer!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's beginning to feel like MY computer now. Still squishes my legs, but that, too, will be under control one of these days.

One of my video projects is finished, too.

Now what will I use as an excuse to not do the laundry???????????

HAVE?

Have I mentioned how much I hate setting up a new computer????????????

Tonight I decided I had procrastinated enough. It was time to get the email up and running on my new lappy. I tried about a week ago, but I transferred in one too many files from the old lappy, and all came to a screeching halt. So...I uninstalled and deleted everything and let the computer "age" a bit. Tonight I started all over again.

Tonight's first try of a new way of doing it failed just like the last one. Another uninstall & delete. Reinstall. It was already configured to pull in my email. weird, weird, weird And other weird stuff was happening. All sorts of error messages which prevented me from transferring in my folders of mail...and which kept the program from closing. I was totally baffled...AGAIN!!!

"When ... what to my wandering eyes should appear??????????"...but a little ol' window telling me the program needed to be configured. I have yet to figure out what it was reading that first hour or so, but once I configured this "new" window, it let me transfer in my folders.

Will I ever understand these machines??????????? PROBABLY NOT!!! But email is once again up and running on a new laptop. Now, where the heck is the folder that holds my bookmarks???????????

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN...

There's a quiz show on TV, "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" I'm sure I'm not.

At our house this week we're creating a new game show, "Are You Smarter Than Your Dog?"

The larger of our 2 inside dogs has had some sort of intestinal disturbance for the past 4 days. First two days brought lovely, SMELLY diarrhea in the middle of the night...on the carpet. Dear sweet hubby (dshubby) cleaned it up both times without even awakening me. Needless to say, that triggered a visit to the friendly local vet on Monday!!!

First Cathye and dshubby explained the situation to the vet. Next the vet said it didn't sound good because of the color of the ... ummmm ... deposits. So he prescribed 4 pills for Sable (the 20 pound patient). 4 pills is not a problem; 4 pills, 3 of which are the size of a pill for a horse, are!!!

For years Sable has taken her morning pills in a bit of bread, so that should work. I carefully wrapped the pills in little pieces of bread. First couple of pieces went down fine. But no such luck with the last 2 pieces. The bread went into the mouth...the bread came out. Ah ha thinks I. If I crush them, she will scarf it right down. YEAH, RIGHT! We did finally manage to get enough down for it to be acceptable.

To make a long story short (you're welcome!), since bread failed on Monday night, on Tuesday morning I called the vet. Try lunch meat. Sable loved the bologna...hated the pills. By crushing them we once again got enough down to be acceptable.

I dreaded the nighttime round. But...I made little bologna sandwiches for her (so I could "hide" the pills in the bread), and she was happy as a lark.

Ah ha... JOY...I have found the secret. Wednesday morning. Bread & bologna in...pills out on the floor. Another call to the vet. Try peanut butter; try crushing them. Ahhhhhhhh...why didn't I think of that!!!! Crush pills...mix with peanut butter...first two bites are great...last one is spit on the floor. Again...enough to be acceptable in my humble opinion. But now she's "on to" my peanut butter trick.

I'm out of options (except, of course, cramming it down her throat and holding her mouth shut); I'm NOT out of pills. So here I sit already dreading the evening doses.

Am I smarter than my dog? Uhhhh...that would be a negative.

TRAVELING DOWN MEMORY LANE

Travel. Yep, that's what we did. Yesterday dear sweet hubby (later to be known as dshubby)drove to the little town about 60 miles from here where my Grandma (dad's mom) lived. We were in search of her house...the rent house she owned where my other Grandma (mom's mom) lived for a while...and the house where my aunt lived.

There was a miracle right off the bat. Even though I hadn't been there since I was a young girl, I was actually able to remember directions well enough to get us to the house. I was quite impressed with myself. I sorta thought you crossed a railroad track somewhere along the way, but there wasn't one anywhere in sight, so either I imagined that part of the directions or it has been removed in the past 45 years. The "visit" was kind of bittersweet. Needless to say, the house wasn't as massive as I remember, but it was still large. What was really disappointing was that the little rent house was all boarded up...obviously ignored for many years. Seeing it all again, though, was great!

I wandered around taking pictures, half expecting the police to show up asking me what in the world I thought I was doing. I also had my story of Grandma all ready in case the person living in the house was home and saw me. Come to find out (from my conversation with the lady who lives across the street), the little man who lived in the house died a few months ago, so I felt free to roam and snap pictures to my heart's content. Dshubby entertained Burton while I took pictures. I didn't take as many as I wanted...it was too hot outside...but I'm delighted to have the pictures in case they decide to flatten one of the houses.

I must admit that since then, I have been thinking that it would be kind of cool to find the daughter who now owns the two houses and the land to see if I could go inside both of the houses. But that will have to wait for another day. For now I'll just be content revisiting all the memories that were triggered by that trip.

ULTIMATE SHOPPING

Had one of those "ultimate shopping" experiences last week. I went to HEB to check for a couple of their special items that I remember fondly. What I found was certainly MORE than I was anticipating.

HEB is remodeling--turning into a mega superstore, it appears. But they have not let that slow them down. In fact, they have arranged things to enhance your shopping pleasures.

For those who love puzzles, you can begin by snaking your way through the construction crew's equipment or by maneuvering your car around the roadblocks on the main street. Next you can play "hide and seek" with all of the items you have previously purchased in that store; everything has been relocated. You can play dodge ball, too. Well, actually, it would be more accurate to call it "dodge the stockers" as they try to fill the shelves without colliding with the customers.

Last, but certainly not least, you can enjoy a "sing along" as you shop. In some areas you can sing loudly with the 60's music playing on the intercom. In other areas you can make up your own music, the beat determined by the rat a tat tat of the jack hammer as it breaks away the concrete in the middle of the store, allowing for the formation of huge mounds of dirt. (Perhaps for a rousing game of "King of the Mountain" once the barrier tape is removed!)

What more could anyone want???? A mask and earplugs, perhaps!

HAVE YOU EVER?

Have you ever noticed something and thought, "wow...that's cool...I wonder when they added that/built that or whatever" ... only to find out it's been there for several months--or maybe several years?

Cathye: They've added a traffic light at the intersection of Southwest and Southland....finally. We've needed that; I've always had to watch really closely to be sure I turned in the right place.

Friend: Uh...Cathye...that's been there for several months now. But maybe you don't go that way very often.

Cathye: Yeah...that's it! I only drive down Southwest 2 to 4 days a day.

Definitely a "WELL, DUHHHHHHHHHHHH" moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Sadly, not the first. Probably not the last)

GIFTS AND TALENTS

Yesterday afternoon I watched the DVD of the concert in Beijing showcasing Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. In fact, I watched it twice. The music was phenomenal! While I was soaking in all the gorgeous music (and singing along with some of the songs!), my thoughts drifted to the subject of "gifts and talents." I do truly believe that everyone is talented in some way, even though so many people feel totally worthless.

There were 2 main trains of thought along this track. The first one was how incredibly talented some people are...the musicians...the vocalists...ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER...and how very blessed we are that they have chosen to share their gifts to enrich our lives.

The second thought was the memory of my journey through the maze of "gifts and talents." I love music. Love, love, love music! I love contemporary Christian music. I have been to many church services where the music was more inspirational than the sermon. (shhhhh...don't tell that to any pastors.) I wanted in the worst way for my God-given talents to be musical. I wanted to share the songs that meant so very much to me. I wanted to bless people with beautiful piano music. But God had other ideas. I have an "ok for choir if standing beside a strong singer" voice, and I never had the opportunity to take piano lessons as a child. For many years hearing all of that wonderful music made me sad. Sad because I so wanted to be able to produce those sounds but couldn't. I missed a lot of joy holding onto MY idea of what my gifts should be.

That seems to happen to a lot of folks. Lots of quotes about it. Lots of stories. But what it boils down to is this: God's ideas aren't always the same as ours. His timetable is almost NEVER the same as ours. But He gives each of us awesome gifts and talents and blesses us as we share them with others. It took me a long time to "live" that truth. I hope you're smarter and quicker than I am.

SUNFLOWER SMILES

One of the advantages of going to the Saturday contemporary service at church is that it leaves my Sunday mornings free. This morning I headed out (all the way to my next door neighbor's yard)to take a few pictures. I just love sunflowers; they are so bright and cheery!!! Here are a few to bring you some Sunday Sunflower Smiles.

Lovies and Huggies!!!!

CLUELESSNESS CONFIRMED

Now and then things happen that assure me that my "suspicion" that I'm clueless is indeed true! This morning as my friend and I were doing our morning rounds at the mall, we noticed that there was a long line in the middle of the mall...strange considering the stores didn't open for another 45 minutes. Well, second time we passed the line, my curiosity got the better of me...I stopped and asked one of the "residents" of the line what was going on. IPHONE..2ND GENERATION or whatever it's called. She said some of the people had been waiting since 10:30 last night...outside, no less. I mean, I can understand that happening in the big cities...but in our little podunkville??????????? Did I have any clue the new IPhone was coming out today???????????? uhhh...that would be a negative.

But, I did get a really great laugh when one of the news stories on our evening news alerted everyone to the fact that there is no 3G service in our little town...or in any of the surrounding towns, for that matter. I won't lead you to believe that I have a clue as to what 3G service is (I apparently wasn't listening very closely during the news), but I did grasp the reality that part of the IPhone "stuff" doesn't work here. Well, duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!! Don't you think that perhaps they could have figured out that little tidbit of information BEFORE all of the phones were sold?????????? Hmmmmmmmmmmm...perhaps I'm not the clueless one after all!!!

EMBRACING THE TRUTH

I'm just as honest as the next guy; in fact, possibly more so than most. Not being told the truth has always been one of my pet peeves...just ask my children. One of the main reasons I hate lies so much is because once told, it calls into question the credibility of all other comments that come from the person who told the lie. At least in my mind, it does. All of that means, I suppose, that I "embrace" truth.

Gotta tell ya, though--there are some truths that I don't WANT to "embrace." I've started walking with my friend at the mall. Does it affect how I feel and how much energy I have??? Uh huh. Have I always been told that exercise gives you energy??? Uh huh. Have I proven over and over again that it's true??? Uh huh. But I don't WANT to "embrace" that "truth!" I want to feel the benefits without doing the walking. Possibly I can "alter" this truth to make it more to my liking??? Probably not??? Well DRAT and RATS!!!

Have I also always been told that what I eat affects the way I feel...that the more carbs I eat, the more I crave carbs??? Uh huh. Do I feel better when I "clean up my act" and eliminate sugar and massive carbs from my diet??? Uh huh. Do I still want junk food and sweets??? UH HUH!!! DANG IT ALL!!! Another "truth" I don't want to "embrace."

I've hit the age when I need to "grow up" and be careful what I put in my mouth. I need to accept the fact that sitting in the recliner blogging on my laptop doesn't count as "exercise." I have to acknowledge that the eggs and milk in homemade ice cream do not make it a nutritional breakfast food. I guess I have to accept that truth is truth is truth, and if I "embrace" part of it, I have to "embrace" all of it. I just need to "bite the bullet" and do what I know I should do. BUMMER...and...SIGH!

COMFORTABLE

I don't know about you younger folks, but now that I'm approaching my 6th decade of life, I am becoming more and more "friendly" with COMFORTABLE! I used to love a challenge...brainstorming and working my way through problems was a "rush." Bring on those "new and improved" items! Let's figure out a new and more efficient way to do things! Now, however, I'm joining the camp of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Just let me reside in comfortable familiarity.

I have a new laptop. It is a thing of beauty, it is. It also weighs a ton, it does...but that is fodder for another post. It will do all sorts of things that I didn't even know existed. That part is ok...I don't mind slowly expanding my horizons. Don't want the old brain cells to die! But why, I ask you, did they feel obligated to change the things that were WORKING PERFECTLY WELL on my old computer??????

Apparently "save" and "save as" are no longer "in Vogue." If I edit a picture, I now "make copy of" it and type in a new name...processes handled perfectly well by "save as." Perhaps it is trying to save me from myself. Trying to prevent the destruction of my original. Well I'll have them know that I already took care of my originals. Never, never touch my originals. Nope, nope, nope. I'm not sure yet if it forces me to make this new copy of any edited picture, or if it will just let me overwrite the old file by closing it without changing the name. Whatever is happening, one thing is for sure...it won't happen by SAVING it 'cause that option doesn't exist.

I think I'll like this new creature...but there will be some grumbles and mumbles along the way. I've always hated the phrase "but we've always done it this way." But...perhaps we could use it JUST THIS ONCE!

CELEBRATE

The 4th was a quiet one for us. We kind of spread out the celebration. On the 3rd we listened to the local Patriotic Pops Concert on the radio rather than fight 30,000 people to see it "up close and personal." The night of the 4th we drove a few blocks from the house and watched the fireworks display going on at the lake. Last night we went to the Dinner and Patriotic Concert at church.

In one of the photographic forums I read, it gave instructions on how to photograph fireworks. It was kind of a joint effort. My new remote control for my camera didn't work the way the instructions said it was supposed to, but Roy figured it out for me. Here are a few samples of the festivities.

lovies and huggies to all!

SUNDAY'S RIDDLE

When I am filled
I can point the way,
When I am empty
Nothing moves me,
I have two skins
One without the one within.

Who/what am I?

(answer at bottom of blog)

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Many thanks to all who have sacrificed so that we can live in a "free" land. May God bless you richly!

PATRIOTIC

This young man's name is Anthony Gargiula. As far as I can figure out, he was 7 when this video was made. I think he's 9 now. This morning was the first time I had heard him, and it sent chills up and down my spine.

REALITY

How many of you remember when "Survivor" appeared on our TV sets??? It was the "new horizon" for television. Something new and fresh. A strange oncept...entertainment with "your average 'John Q. Public.'" Perhaps there had been others that had gone before, but "Survivor" seems to be the show that brought the concept into the "mainstream media." I remember hearing some of my friends talk about the participants as if they were personal friends...and about changing their schedules so they could watch every episode!

Close on its heels have came such series as "Big Brother," "American Idol," (I think huge segments of America came to a screeching halt when American Idol came on the screen, too!), "Dog, the Bounty Hunter," about a million reality crime shows, "Funniest Home Videos," "The Deadliest Catch," "Dancing With the Stars," and one about America having talent.

Through these Reality shows (or is it actuality????) you could choose a spouse, a model or a great decorator. You could even see "America's Greatest Dog!" (I'm sure none of them can be as GREAT as Burton!!!) There was some entertainment value in some of them...some pretty amazing talent, in fact. There was also some...uhhhh...ummmm...to be nice let's just say "lack of talent or entertainment value"

Have I watched any of them????????? Uhhhhhhh...[whispering here] that would have to be a "yes." Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...don't tell anyone! I must admit to you that I watched what I think was the second season of "Survivor"...because one of the participants was a young man from a nearby town...and besides that, HE WAS CUTE!!! But once he was gone, I kind of lost interest. I've seen several episodes of "Dog, the Bounty Hunter"...including the one with a gorgeous Hawaiian wedding. And, truth be told, I am totally addicted to "So You Think You Can Dance"...supposedly America's #1 rated something-or-other which holds the record for the most response calls! Younger daughter and I started watching it during season #2, and it has been tradition ever since...even when we are thousands of miles apart. (How in the heck do they dance in those high heels????????????)

I gotta tell you, though, that the trend seems to have gone over the edge. We now have such rousing shows as...

Hell's Kitchen
The Verminators (oh, joy...I just love seeing dead rats!)
Well, you get the idea. Pretty much anything is fodder for the TV screen.

Let's make this an interactive post. Open the comment window and share your thoughts and confessions about Reality TV you've watched. And then...I think we all need to throw our hats in the ring and come up with suggestions of our own.

My suggestion for a new Reality TV show is...
Techniques for Chewing Toenails. (Just think of the possibilities.)

Other suggestions???