Cath's Little Corner...

TRAGEDY TURNS TO TRIUMPH

2011-07-09T23:58:00.004-05:00

Not sure how to post this the way I want to, but it's amazing and makes me cry every time I watch it. For now, I guess you'll just have to copy and paste the URL into your browser.

http://www.godvine.com/Injury-Turns-into-Inspiration-for-One-High-School-Girl-323.html

SETTING SABLE FREE

2011-07-08T22:20:00.006-05:00

Two friends have recently started/re-started blogging, and in the process of commenting, I once again opened my blog. Goodness, it's hard to believe that it's been dormant since 2009. Perhaps now is a good time to revitalize Cath's Corner, too.

Today was a sad day. We set our sweet Sable free to join Jelly Bean and Taffy and Midnight in Heaven. She can once again see and hear and run freely. I know they are having a wonderful time frolicking tonight.

It was time to let her go. She was blind and deaf and had started getting confused to the point of getting trapped in random corners. How scary that must be to have no idea where you are or how to get where you're trying to go. She even had trouble finding the water in the water dish. For the longest time I thought she was just drinking copious amounts of water. She would stand at the bowl and lap and lap and lap. Then, after a comment my neighbor made, I started watching and realized only about one in ten laps actually connected with the water.

Bless her heart. Her old plumbing hasn't worked properly the last couple of years, but she valiantly tried to make it outside in time. She had a funny routine. First she stood and stared at the door, waiting for it to magically open. And sometimes, if one of us was walking by at just the right time, it worked! But if the door didn't open, she would start growling very softly. As the minutes passed, the growl increased in volume until it finally, in one last valiant effort to get the door to open, became a bark. That worked almost every time.

There was one "constant" in her life to the very end. Roy and I never figured it out. Sable had a "sixth sense" when it came to my food. While I was still dishing things up in the kitchen, Sable could always find the steps leading up to the couch and would climb them and wait for me to come sit down with my tray of food. As she got creakier, she sometimes fell off of the steps...but always climbed back up in a flash. What could I do but reward her for her perseverance?

Rewarding her was a bit tricky. Since she was almost totally blind, she thought anything moving in the vicinity of her mouth was food. There is a true art to turning loose of a morsel quickly enough that your fingers do not become part of the cuisine.

I'll miss the click of her toenails on the floor in the morning. I'll miss her meeting me in the kitchen for her morning treat. I'll miss her "high 5" over and over as she tried to impress anyone and everyone to offer her food. I'll miss her barking when her leash came into sight. I'll miss her loyalty and her love. You blessed our lives, Sable, and we'll miss you.

TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES

2009-10-30T09:52:00.002-05:00

This was actually written for my wonderful College Crazies Crew from church. It applies to all of the younger generation, so share the thought with your kids and grandkids!

Take lots of pictures...especially of events that shape your life. I have the privilege right now of scanning the BSU scrapbooks from the late 60's when my "extended family" was made up of my friends from the Baptist Student Union at ASU. What awesome memories. Those retreats and State Conventions set the course for the rest of my life. They began my personal relationship with Christ and planted the seed for a desire to serve....Now is YOUR time! Surround yourself with Christian friends. Take advantage of life-changing and life-enriching events and activities. Feed your faith. And take lots of pictures!!!!! I wish I had a million more!!!

NOSTALGIC

2009-10-24T16:06:00.007-05:00

Hmmmmm...I wonder what it says about my frequency of blogging if I admit that I couldn't even remember the URL to my blog...had to go to my niece's site and click on the link. Bless you, CS!!! I had forgotten my password, too, of course. Perhaps I'll need to do this a tad more frequently.

I'm a bit sad right now...well, probably more nostalgic than sad. An icon of "my era" is coming down tomorrow. The Women's High Rise Dorm at Angelo State University will be imploded at sunrise tomorrow. The newspaper called it the "completion of a cycle."

It had its grand opening in 1968...my junior year at Angelo State. Ten stories high; enough to make San Angeloans ooooh and aaaah. My best friend lived in the dorm, and I have fond memories of sitting on the floor of her room, painting shirts for a couple of friends of ours. They lived at Grapecreek, so the shirts exclaimed loudly our versions...Banana Brook and Strawberry Stream. I wonder if Mike and Robert remember.

It was "state of the art" back then. A bathroom for each 4 girls...a suite. No more community bathroom down the hall. Angelo State was to be envied.

It has touched my life several more times through the years. My older daughter stayed there for band camps, and she also lived there her Freshman year at ASU. More fun memories for this old mom.

But it has outlived its usefulness. It couldn't keep up with the forward march of technology. It was obsolete. It would cost more to "fix it" than to start from scratch. And so, we must say goodbye. No more will we see the twin high rises defining the skyline of the area. No more will we see the messages in lights in the windows. No more will it make the news when pranksters change the intended messages.

I'm not saying it shouldn't come down to make way for progress. It should. The newspaper also said, "It's had a good run, a lot of good memories, but it's time to make room for the next generation." Still, I can't help but be a bit sad about its departure. Well done, ol' girl...and thanks!

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

2009-03-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Santa brought me an iPod for Christmas. Andrea gave me a few pointers when she was home. So now, here I sit, able to enjoy all of those wonderful songs that I loved so many years ago. This is one of the great ones! It IS a wonderful world, and I have been incredibly blessed!

"What a Wonderful World"
by Louis Armstrong

I see trees of green
Red roses, too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself...what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself...what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces
Of people going by.

I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do."
They're really saying,
"I LOVE YOU."

I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Than I'll ever know
And I think to myself...what a wonderful world.
Yes, I think to myself...what a wonderful world!!!

YOUNGER BLOOD

2009-02-25T14:19:00.006-06:00

I've discovered something now that I've turned 60. I've begun hearing certain phrases much more frequently: "we need younger blood" and "it's perfectly normal FOR SOMEONE YOUR AGE" being two of the more frequently heard ones.

This past Sunday was a delightful day. I got to enjoy the Eagle Scout ceremony of one of the young men from our church who is very dear to me, and then I went with the Praise Team as they went to Goodfellow Air Force Base here to provide music for the evening service.

It was a totally unexpected blessing. Come to find out, the chapel building at Goodfellow has been there for over 50 years which means it is the same one I visited with my best friend when we were in Jr. High. I didn't have any overwhelming memories surface...just a "vaguely familiar" feeling.

The sad thing is that they are going to demolish the sweet little chapel soon. There is a new "state of the art building" opening soon to take its place. I'm sure the new building will offer all of the comforts and extras that we all want these days. And the old chapel is in bad shape. It was hit a few years back by a tornado or a microburst and is now missing windows and being held together by cables. But still, how sad to demolish that wonderful piece of history.

I'm thankful I was given a chance to take pictures while the wonderful old chapel is still standing; I'm thankful for the memories even though they were vague; most of all I'm thankful they don't demolish people when we get old and creaky and "out of date!"

hmmmm

2009-02-25T13:35:00.002-06:00

Isn't it amazing what time to ponder will get you!! After my "soap box" presentation about alcohol in the mall, I was reminded that the restaurants that used to be in the mall sold alcohol. That was a little detail that hadn't crossed my mind. Sooooooooo...while I still hate the idea of anyone drinking and getting behind the wheel, I will reserve my judgement until I see how things play out.

It has been such a busy 2009 so far. Younger daughter was just here for a delightful visit and is now safely back in Seattle.

My "clever" genes seem to be on vacation, so rather than bore you to death, I'll close for now and will continue on when my brain is feeling more lively and interesting.

NO THANK YOU

2009-01-16T23:21:00.002-06:00

Things come and things go. Things change. Sometimes I greet the changes with excitement and anticipation; sometimes I greet them with sadness and dread.

Our mall is less than dynamic...lots of changes taking place all of the time. Not exactly a hub of activity. We had a big Taco Bell move in a while back. One of the big corner stores. I seldom ate there...not because I don't like their food (I love it), but because I've decided there is no way to rationalize Taco Bell food into being healthful.

A couple of months ago it closed. Apparently I'm not the only one who was afraid to "indulge." The space was vacant for a while, and then one day not long ago curtains appeared on the windows and the signs of activity began appearing. I would be excited...but...along with the curtains, there is also a big sign on the window saying that the establishment has applied for a license to sell and have liquor consumed on the premises. Alcohol in the mall.

I'll be honest with you, I pretty much hate drinking. Not the drinking in the privacy of one's own home...unless one gets abusive...but the drinking which occurs at a site where the drinker has to get in the vehicle to return home, or to wherever. I'm concerned, too, about the impact alcohol will have on the mall. There is already a problem with some of the groups that have chosen to "hang out" at the mall. And, while the members of these groups won't be old enough to purchase alcohol, it will introduce an element which has the potential for creating a confrontational tendency in persons who HAVE been old enough to purchase and consume the alcohol.

Perhaps nothing will ever happen...never a single incident. Perhaps no one who consumes the alcohol will get behind a wheel. Perhaps even the lunch crowd will have designated drivers. Perhaps. I, though, will not be giving the new establishment my business.

SAY WHAT???

2009-01-04T10:40:00.002-06:00

It has seemed to me all during 2008 that I was playing "catch up." I never had my act together. I was never on top of things. I could never get all of my ducks in a row (not even in the same room most of the time).

Occasionally I wondered if maybe I was in better shape than I realized and that the "day late and a dollar short" feeling was erroneous. It wasn't!

For two days at the start of this new year, our local news did a clip which was a tribute to those who died during 2008. I sat and watched...with both sadness at the loss of so many "icons" and astonishment that there were so many top names who had died and I was clueless that they were no longer with us.

I am thinking perhaps I had my head in the sand a good part of the year. This year, if you pass by me and notice my head is buried in the sand, would you please pull it out, dust it off, and point me in the appropriate direction to catch up with life as it passes by!

Many thanks!

AND YOU?

2009-01-03T17:27:00.002-06:00

Directions: Put an asterisk next to the things you have done in your life, and then feel free to pass it on in your blog! Also feel free to add a couple at the end, if you like.
(Cathye's additions are ! ... and her comments are in ( ).
!*1. Started your own blog
!*2. Slept under the stars
*3. Played in a band (does an orchestra count?...or maybe the fact that I was a bandaid (band aide) my senior year in high school?)
!4. Visited Hawaii
!5. Watched a meteor shower
*6. Given more than you can afford to charity
*7. Been to Disneyland (or Disney World)
*8. Climbed a mountain (how about riding a snowmobile up a mountain?)
!9. Held a praying mantis
!*10. Sang a solo (sadly, yes)(cathye: it doesn't say "sang a solo well"...just sang one)
11. Bungee jumped (perhaps in my next lifetime)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
!*14. Taught yourself an art from scratch(let's see...there was decoupage and macrame and pottery and ceramics and cross stitch and counted cross stitch and needlepoint and crewel and making rugs...don't remember the term for it...ackkkk...well, you get the idea)
*15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
!17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (and Sherry and I walked down from the top of the Washington monument)
!*18. Grown your own vegetables (the tomatoes grew until December in Washington...best I've ever tasted)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
!*21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
!*23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill (MENTAL health day!!!)
*24. Built a snow fort
!*25. Held a lamb
*26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
!*29. Seen a total eclipse
!*30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
!*37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
!45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (in Hawaii !!!)
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
*52. Kissed in the rain
!*53. Played in the mud (I was the neighborhood gourmet chef of mudpies!)
!*54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
!*57. Started a business
!58. Taken a martial arts class (self-defense class at the Police station...does that count?)
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
!*61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (and bought about a million boxes)
62. Gone whale watching
*63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
!*67. Bounced a check
*68. Flown in a helicopter
!*69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
!70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
*71. Eaten Caviar
*72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
!*75. Been fired/laid off from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (no, but saw the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London)(cathye: no comment)
77. Broken a bone
!78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
*79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
*80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
!*82. Bought a brand new car (1972 (approx.) metallic blue Cutlas "S")
83. Walked in Jerusalem
!*84. Had your picture in the newspaper
*85. Read the entire Bible
!86. Visited the White House (outside only)(cathye: no comment)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
!*88. Had chickenpox (sixth grade...right after Christmas break because we visited my cousin during Christmas and she had chicken pox)
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
*91. Met someone famous
!*92. Joined a book club
!*93. Lost a loved one
!*94. Had a baby
!95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
*97. Been involved in a law suit
!*98. Owned a cell phone
!*99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
!*101. Learned to play an instrument
102. Kissed the Blarney Stone
103. Ridden a camel
104. Walked on the Columbian Icefields in Canada
*105. Traveled the Oregon trail in an RV

LESSONS FROM THE COOKIE DOUGH...

2008-12-28T11:54:00.002-06:00

I turned 60 this year...the age where you are most definitely on the down-hill slide (an assumption based on the fact that I don't know any 120 year-olds). The point where you can no longer pretend that you will "clean up your act" next year. The point where you need to start eating and acting like an adult (well, at least eating like one).

It has long been a tradition in our family to make cut-out Christmas cookies. When I was a young mom, I loved it so much that I developed my own recipe because I couldn't find exactly what I wanted. Things of beauty, they were. Melt-in-your-mouth they were. DELICIOUS!

This year, since we weren't with the girls for Christmas, I decided to bake the cookies and mail them to Seattle. I just could not, though, force myself to put Crisco in them. Just reading the word made my arteries shudder in fear. So I substituted "lite" Parkay. You could tell a difference, but they were still pretty tasty.

For home, though, I decided to really "clean up" the recipe:
Splenda instead of sugar
Egg Beaters instead of eggs
"lite" Parkay instead of Crisco and margarine

INTERESTING best describes the outcome. However, I did glean some wisdom from my experiment (and adventure):
1. Above substitutions do NOT produce a dough suitable for cutout cookies. (no prob...flat, round cookies will do just fine)
2. Above substitutions do not even produce a dough that resembles dough...ADD MILK
3. The term "sticky bread dough" is a necessary part of any vocabulary used to describe results of this adventure.
4. Eye-balling "walnut sized blobs of dough" to be made into spheres will NOT produce uniform sized balls of cookie dough.
5. Rolling them in Splenda does help the stickiness, but putting the bowl of Splenda on the burner is NOT the best idea unless you want to do some cleaning of the drip pan.
6. Taking the rings off BEFORE rolling the dough into balls is a much better idea than taking them off AFTER said rolling has been done.
7. Finished product does not even VAGUELY RESEMBLE sugar cookies. They resemble...uhhhhh....ummmmmm....welll, they DON'T resemble sugar cookies!
8. Adding this recipe to "recipes that turned out well enough to make again" is a great idea...NOT!!!!

AND

not actually related to the cookies, but just FYI, when the spout of the soft soap has "build-up" in it, the soap tends to squirt on the shirt instead of into the hand.

And now I think I'll go have a "cookie."

Holiday HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

into

2008-11-23T13:57:00.001-06:00

I'm moving into the 21st century...have created a page on Facebook. Supposedly I can import my blog. Let's see if this works.

GOD'S AWESOME AUTUMN 2008

2008-11-16T22:36:00.000-06:00

NOSTALGIA

2008-10-18T23:08:00.001-05:00

Went to a luncheon today for the Methodist District Conference. During the program, the praise team led the group in 3 songs. During one of them, the instruments stopped, and it was just the group singing, filling the room with such beautiful sounds. It transported me back to the college days of Baptist Student Union retreats and conferences...to the overwhelming feelings of love and being blessed. It transported me back to a retreat at HEB foundation camp...driving through the river to get to the camp...hiking in God's glorious hills...swimming in Blue Hole, ice cold and crystal clear...sleeping on bunks with such sagging springs that you had to do major climbing to get up and out of the bunk. And then...on the last night...sitting out under the stars with a few dear friends and the guy I was crazy about...and suddenly we all started singing "God Is So Good." That has been a special song to me ever since.

It transported me back to an awesome Conference...Mission 70...in Atlanta, Georgia. A huge auditorium of young adults all singing the song written especially for the occasion. I still remember the words. ..."oh help me Lord to find my place...in God's world today." (Funny, that's what we're all still searching for, isn't it.) An amazing conference...strong feelings of conviction...such life shaping events.

And then I returned to the present...back to the "here and now." I found myself awash with the longing to just once more be able to revisit and recapture those amazing feelings when the heart overflowed with love and the conviction to be totally selfless was overwhelming. I guess I will just have to settle for the nostalgia...the nostalgia and its accompanying mixed emotions...joy and gratitude for having had the experiences, but sadness that I will never again be able to experience them. I've often heard it said that you can never go home again. I know that's right, but in this case, I would love to try.

MUM'S THE WORD

2008-10-12T23:47:00.003-05:00

Nope, I'm not trying to tell you to shush...I'm talking about all the great fall colors as the mums begin to bloom. I just love it when there is "a touch of fall in the air."

Today was a good day. It wasn't overly cool, but it was overcast and blowy...kind of like "blustery"...so I was able to convince myself that fall is close by. And indeed I think it is. The high temps for almost all of next week are in the 70s!!!! I LOVE IT!

I have some cool pumpkin pictures to show you...just as soon as I figure out which memory card they're on. I rounded up all of my memory cards tonight to look for a batch of missing pictures, and now I'm not sure which one has the pumpkin pictures on it. But never fear, I will find them!!!!

Slideshow came together nicely. The really nice thing about showing it on the big screen at church is that you don't see all the "noise" and imperfections that show up on the computer monitor. That's close enough to "editing" the pictures to make me happy! Only glitch to the finish of the project was when my slideshow program informed me that I don't have a CD drive on my computer. Uhhhh...yes I do. See...it's right there!!!! [pointing to the CD drive] But alas, there was no convincing it, so I had to resort to Plan B. Now that all of that is behind me, I can work on some of my other projects that have been waiting in the wings.

Other tidbits from the week:

I was quite annoyed on Thursday night to find out they had killed off Warrick Brown (CSI) without consulting me first. I have seen every episode of that silly show---MULTIPLE TIMES; surely that should have given me some special privileges, don't you think? BUT NO! I had to find it out when they aired the show just like everyone else....HOW RUDE!

I have decided our house is haunted. I wouldn't have been able to make such a brilliant deduction had I not been faithfully watching "Hauntings" [TV show] for several years now. I have learned soooo much. What other explanation could there be for notebooks that disappear and directories that turn up in the wrong pile and missing batches of pictures????????????? YEP...HAUNTING HAS TO BE THE ANSWER!

And now, since it is past midnight, I shall bid you a fond adieu.

Lovies and huggies to all!!!!

NO DOUBT

2008-10-08T00:28:00.004-05:00

The jury has returned. The verdict is in. There is no longer any doubt whatsoever. It is totally and completely out of my ability to do a project simply!!!

Yep, I'm in the midst of yet another of my projects. (Not my idea this time, but I once again failed to say "no.") You know the projects I'm talking about. The ones where it is supposed to be "no big deal"...just a little something...keep it simple, but I am on my third day, full-time--and it isn't finished yet.

"Just a simple little slideshow," they said. Just a little something to show a bit of the church's history; something to be played before each of the services one Sunday during the stewardship emphasis. But simple isn't in my vocabulary. "Little" never applies to my projects. Audience or not, it doesn't matter. And so I am compiling a slideshow which pretty much shows the complete history of the church. Pictures of the progression through the years. Pictures of the buildings and the leaders and the people. Researching as I go, of course. But it'll be cool when it's finished, even if I AM the only one who ever sees all of it.

I'll let you know when the smoke clears and the dust settles.

TECHNOLOGY...JUST GOTTA LOVE IT!

2008-10-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

This has been one of those days...one of those days when technology and I have locked horns...one of those days when technology wins by leaps and bounds.

Need to rip a track from a CD? No problem...should take about 5 minutes. It took 3 hours!!!! (new programs and hidden commands, in case you're wondering!)

Need to send email to a friend...a friend to whom you send mail all the time? BOUNCY, BOUNCY...4 TIMES!!!

Need a new title line for a new web page? No prob...you have a template and notes. But where the heck are some of the settings listed on the notes???????????

Need bad weather for your NOA weather alert machine to go off? Heck NO!!! You just have to be breathing on days like this, and it will "come alive"...not with warnings but with nice loud static!!!

I can hardly wait to see what the rest of the day will bring!

WORDS

2008-09-25T21:37:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things to do each night is to read my niece's blog. She writes beautifully...and says a great deal with her words. Tonight's blog was about the power of words, which of course started me on a trip down Memory Lane...all the way back to some of the nicknames I had in elementary school. I assure you they weren't terms of endearment. I remember them vividly to this day. They did indeed hurt my feelings...and they did indeed have an influence on the way I felt about myself.

Her blog went on to say that that is often carried to excess these days with folks being "offended" when no offense was intended. And I agree with her. There is a lot of absurdity these days.

But I do think we need to be ultra aware of the power our words have on those who hear them...while at the same time being willing to "forgive" those who have a tendency to accidentally put their foot in their mouth...such as the "someone" who created this blog!!!

BUSY

2008-09-19T22:04:00.003-05:00

Wow, September is 2/3 gone. Fall arrives officially next week, again without my being ready for the big day. (have I mentioned that I'm still trying to get my "ducks in a row" so 2008 can begin???)

The past month has gone by in a blur. We have family reunioned, CLEANED (and I mean REALLY CLEANED) the house except for my closet, the computer room and the laundry room, and had a wonderful visit with daughter and her beau. It's been a great time with lots accomplished. I will try diligently not to let it become habit.

While daughter was here we visited the Brown Ranch in Christoval which is a Wildlife Habitat with lots and lots of hummingbirds. We hiked, we watched the birds and deer and wild turkeys, we played games, we cooked outside, and we had a fabulous time. Oh, and we (using that pronoun very loosely) took lots of pictures. I can definitely see a return visit happening in the spring!!!

Today I spent the day updating the church's website. I was about a month behind in doing that. You just can't get good help anymore! All is spiffy and up-to-date now...all ready for the beginning of the fall season.

Tomorrow I will do whatever I decide I'm the furthest behind on...probably the stewardship slide show that is due in a couple of weeks. I still cling to the fantasy of being totally caught up on my projects, but I'm not at all sure I'll live that long!

Our weather has been beautiful. Our animals are all HEALTHY! I have a clean house. I'm slowly catching up on projects. All is right with the world.

Have fun on your wilderness hike, ACM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lovies and huggies to all!!!

ITS TURN...

2008-08-29T12:06:00.002-05:00

After reading about vacuums and features, reading about a million on-line reviews, and shopping for 4 days, I have finally purchased a new vacuum cleaner. A thing of beauty, it is!!! Lots of cool features but moderately priced. BLUE! I have read the manual and taken it for a test run. NOW...I'm going to go set it in the middle of the back bedroom and tell it to "do its thing!" IT'S ITS TURN NOW!!!!!

I'VE BEEN...

2008-08-27T17:26:00.004-05:00

I've been composing postings for my blog during the past few weeks, they just haven't made it to the blog. Minor detail!!! Let's see if I can summarize things.

I enjoyed the Olympics. I even stayed up until the wee hours a couple of times watching volleyball. You'd think the teams could have whipped out their wins a bit earlier, wouldn't you! I think the Olympics went very smoothly. I love all the athletes coming together in harmony. I love striving to be the best you can be. I don't like the heartbreak for those who lose a race by .01 of a second. And...I can't help thinking about how many people could be fed...and housed...with the 40 billion Beijing spent to "show off."

The public schools have started. For the first time in I can't remember when, I didn't buy any school supplies. I have never outgrown my love of school supplies, especially when I get fantastic deals on them. In fact, you could probably make a pretty good case for saying that I'm addicted to them! But...I still have a "stash" of folders (8 cents each, I'll have you know!), notebook paper (50 cents a package), and spiral notebooks(some ridiculously low price). We have no students living here anymore, the dogs just don't seem interested, and I can only use so many spiral notebooks!!!

Took our weekly trip to the vet today. Older dog who has had multiple strokes has a swollen leg and fluid-filled place on chest and wasn't even coming out of the doghouse this morning. I was fearing another stroke had caused her to fall out of the doghouse and twist or break her leg. Fast forward to this afternoon...she was limping but getting around. Major infection in leg...antibiotics and steroids...but not another stroke!!! That is a good thing.

Right now I am thinking that...
There's no way my "reunion projects" will be finished before the reunion--
I will NEVER be finished editing pictures--
My house will never again be totally clean...not EVER!!!!!

lovies and huggies to all!!!!!

NEW

2008-08-09T14:52:00.000-05:00

New cartoons posted August 9, '08.

MISTY

2008-08-09T09:46:00.005-05:00

I am such a silly ol' lady! Thursday night I found myself misty-eyed because the series So You Think You Can Dance was ending. It's a TV show, for goodness sake...but through the past several months, I've become quite fond of some of those kids.

I do realize, though, that the reason I enjoy the show so much is because of things that have nothing to do with the show itself. First of all, the dancing takes me back to those days when both girls took dancing. There are memories of recitals and getting costumes in order and trying to get the hair to look just right and scurrying to get costumes changed between dances...and, most of all, memories of bursting with pride because my daughter was the cutest, best dancer on the stage. (only a TAD prejudiced there!!!)

The other endearing quality of the show lies in the fact that younger daughter also loves it and is often watching it at the same time...all the way across the United States. We have fun talking about the dances and the dancers and how our opinions often aren't even close to those of the judges, not to mention those of "voting America."

I was sad to see this season of shows reach the finale, but all good things must come to an end. Now...BRING ON THE OLYMPICS!

JUST THE BLACK KEYS

2008-08-05T09:32:00.002-05:00

I thought this was interesting AND informative. It's also a great reminder that God can use anyone, any time, any place!

DIDN'T REALIZE

2008-08-03T23:59:00.005-05:00

Isn't it funny how sometimes we don't realize how much we've missed something until we get it back. I have spent the day making my new laptop "mine." I have all but one program installed and working (the "working" part is a definite plus!). Tonight I put my .mp3 files on lappy. They have been on an external for about a year now because I had maxed out the computer I was using. Something had to go...so "go" they did...all the way to the external drive on the table beside me. But...when I reloaded them tonight, it was as if old friends had come home. I had missed Andy without realizing how much. And I had missed all the others who used to serenade me while I was "computing."

I remember another episode along these lines. Younger daughter left for college in the fall of 2002. She (and her sister) had been my "focus" for the previous 18+ years. My "baby." Everyone (including her!) said I would have to get a life of my own now. And "get a life" I did. In fact, I was quite proud of how smoothly I transitioned into an "empty nest." No tears. No distress. Just branching out to do more volunteer work (so I would have an excuse NOT to clean house!!!). But then it was October and she was coming home for her first visit since she left. I was delighted. I knew she would be so proud of the way I had handled her absence. But what did I do when I saw her? I got all teary eyed the minute she walked through the door! I just hadn't realized how much I had missed her.

She lives in the "Great Northwest" now, thousands of miles away. She doesn't walk through the door very often anymore. But in her absence, I will be enjoying the wonderful reunion Andy and I are having.
(that's Andy Williams, in case you're wondering)

lovies and huggies to all!

SMILING DOWN

2008-08-01T14:51:00.002-05:00

I have decided that God is most definitely smiling down on our little household! Jelly Bean made it through yesterday just fine.

This morning Roy and I headed out and bought some super, duper heavy-duty dog clippers and proceeded to shave both of the dogs. It's not quite as good of a job as a professional groomer would have done, but it looks pretty dern good if you ask me!!! We have decided that if we are ever on the brink of starvation, we can just open a pet shaving business!!!!

JB was a bit squirmy, and we finally let her go when the majority of the hair was gone. Taffy went to sleep and slept through the whole thing. As soon as Taffy was finished, Bean decided maybe it wasn't so bad after all and came back over and plopped down at our feet for some more lovin' and shavin'. It was a fun time for all of us!!!

Not only that, out of Heaven only knows where, we are having rain today...with a predicted high of 95 instead of the triple digits predicted last night on the news.

I don't know if this will solve all of the problems...triple digit temps which will return tomorrow are still triple digit temps, but now I feel like I have done everything in my power to make our sweet Jelly Bean comfy and happy!

DECISIONS

2008-07-31T14:34:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-28T11:28:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-07-28T00:14:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-26T22:05:00.003-05:00

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?

2008-07-24T23:12:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-07-23T08:38:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-22T22:19:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-20T13:20:00.002-05:00

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?

2008-07-15T11:20:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-14T10:51:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-13T14:05:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-11T23:10:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-09T11:21:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-08T11:02:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-07T11:14:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-06T16:35:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-04T12:05:00.001-05:00

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

PATRIOTIC

2008-07-03T11:04:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-01T23:17:00.004-05:00

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???

NOT WHAT THEY SEEM

2008-06-28T22:53:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed that things are often not what they seem. Not just people, although that is often true. It holds true for happenings, too. Apparently this phenomenon has been prevalent through the ages. Why else would we have those wise old proverbs that tell is not to "judge a book by its cover"?????????

Tonight was one of those "real life" reminders of the truth behind the saying. About 4:45 this afternoon I was standing with towel in hand, getting ready to wash my hair so I wouldn't scare anyone when I went to church. Lo and behold, all of our electricity went out. It's really hard to reach our breaker box, so I did the next best thing. I threw my towel over my shoulder and headed out the front door, looking up...looking down...looking all around. Not sure exactly what I thought I'd find; perhaps a big electric pole "downed" in the middle of the street?????????? Nope...I didn't find any "tell tale" signs to explain the outage, but what I did find was my neighbor...coming around the corner of her house....looking up....looking down...looking all around! No electricity at her house either. No computers available...no TVs with pictures...we might as well visit. So visit we did!!! We caught up on where all the family members are. We caught up on mutual friends who are ill. We laughed a lot.

What could have been a very annoying experience turned out to be fun and enjoyable. In fact, before the electricity returned about an hour and a half later, I had a chance to visit with another neighbor. More catching up. More laughing.

I'm glad the electricity went out. I'm glad the computers and TVs stopped working. I loved visiting with my neighbors. We should definitely do it more often!

Do I want to go back to the "days of old" when the distractions were fewer? Uh...I think I'll pass. The old body was getting a tad toasty without A/C!!!!!!!!! And I really MUST refresh my memory on how to get the car out of the garage when the garage door opener isn't available to open that door!

WEE HOURS

2008-06-27T23:27:00.002-05:00

Have you ever noticed just how much more complicated things are in the late night hours or the wee hours of the morning? I've been playing with my blog...trying to get it all nice and spiffy for visitors...and for the life of me I can't find mp3 players that actually work. The ones I have on here used to work...I promise...honest...they played beautifully. But now they won't load. Bummer. They say "ready"...I click on the play arrow...and they start "loading." But they never FINISH loading...no matter how long I wait...believe me. So, I think I'll tackle this tomorrow. Mid morning. After all brain cells have awakened...and before the ones that were the early risers have finked out on me to go take a nap.

Sweet dreams!

WISDOM FOR A FRIDAY

2008-06-27T10:38:00.002-05:00

'Tis a far, far better thing to check for ants BEFORE sitting down on the sidewalk instead of AFTER you have been sitting there for several minutes!

BUT I DIGRESS

2008-06-26T23:39:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhhh...but I digress....what a wonderful phrase. So very, very useful when I discover that I have once again allowed myself to stray from the topic...when I have once again lost my focus....when I am exploring one of those tangents I quite frequently "go off on." My niece loves it, too!!!

Unfortunately, I think the appropriate term for right now is "regress" instead of "digress." In fact, I think I have regressed back to my "temper tantrum" stage. Not a full-blown tantrum, mind you. Just a bit of foot stomping and whining "I DON'T WANNA" in a somewhat annoying tone.

Last night I sat down and dutifully wrote out my "things I gotta do and projects I gotta finish" list. All nice and neat, with a nifty blank before each item on the list so that I can put a BIG check mark there when all is finished. A thing of beauty it is. So organized. So efficient. So fulfilling (once it is filled with BIG check marks).

A good night's sleep...a morning walk...time to tackle the list. Shall I start with item #1? I DON'T WANNA! Well, how about #2. I DON'T WANNA! Perhaps the third item on the list?? I STILL DON'T WANNA. And so went the afternoon...and evening. Did I put fabric softener in the load of towels waiting oh, so patiently in the washing machine? Uhh...that would be a negative. Did I accomplish anything on my list? NO! Am I totally clueless as to how I managed to stay busy all afternoon but cannot see anything accomplished. Guilty as charged. BUT, I am proud to report that I have this thing figured out. Go ahead and ask me, "Are there BIG check marks on your list now?"

YOU BET! I just went back and added the things I actually did!

Works for me!

HEAT

2008-06-25T16:25:00.002-05:00

How's that for a generic subject!!!!

Silly me...saying that I was going to start blogging right before Vacation Bible School and a visit from our younger daughter. Apparently a few brain cells escaped just before I wrote the last blog entry; they are still missing.

Now, to tie this eloquence to the title as all good authors/authoresses should do, let me just say that even though we have had 15 days of triple digit heat so far, we are free from triple digit temps this week. In fact, we have had a "cold spell"...all the way down to 95. I have been pondering buying a new sweater!

My niece just moved to Las Vegas. I fear I must report that some of her brain cells are already warped. She has joined the "club" that promotes the fallacy that "105 isn't too terribly warm when the humidity is low." Honey...trust me....I'm about to turn 60 and have lots of experience under the old belt (and let's not mention how much surface area there is in that belt)! I feel it is my duty to inform you that 105 DEGREE DAYS ARE HOT!!!!!! I don't care if the humidity is a minus 49 1/2...it is still HOT! Now, granted, it may not slap you up side the head and hang bricks from your body, but it is still HOT!!!!!!

Lemonade and A/C, anyone??????

BLOGGING

2008-06-05T17:50:00.002-05:00

For the past week I have been mentally composing blog entries...but not a single one of them has made its way to my actual blog. "And why is that?" you might ask. I'm thinking it is influenced by several thoughts...but probably the most prevalent "reason" is because I'm just too lazy to do that late at night. The other "reason" is probably because I don't think anyone reads it, and I already know what I'm thinking about writing.

But...my niece has started a blog, and I have had a WONDERFUL time reading it and finding out more of what is going on in her life.

Therefore, I shall try this blogging thing again. I shall try to "wax eloquent" on the minutia of my days. And who knows...someone just might read it one of these days!

PORTRAITS OF THE FALLEN

2008-05-25T12:19:00.000-05:00

SOMEBODY'S PRAYING

2008-05-25T12:03:00.004-05:00

This is an awesome song I stumbled across. It is a wonderful reminder of how much our prayers mean to our Military.
**********

Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Song: Somebody's Prayin'
Album: My Father’s Son

Somebody's prayin, I can feel it
Somebody's prayin’ for me
Mighty hands are guiding me
To protect me from what I can’t see
Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Somebody's prayin’, for me.

Angels are watchin’, I can feel it
Angels are watchin’ over me
There’re many miles ahead ‘til I get home
Still I’m safely kept before Your throne
’Cause Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Your angels are watchin’ over me.

Well I've walked the barren wilderness
Where my pillow was a stone
And I’ve been through the darkest caverns
Where no light had ever shown
Still I went on ‘cause there was someone
Who was down on their knees
And Lord I thank you for those people
Prayin’ all this time
For me.

Somebody's prayin’, I can feel it
Somebody's prayin’ for me
Mighty hands are guiding me
To protect me from what I can’t see
Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Somebody's prayin’ for me.

What a beautiful reminder that it is up to us to be those people who are down on their knees!!!!

OH MY, THE MARVELS

2008-05-20T09:54:00.004-05:00

...the marvels of modern science, that is. Well, actually, I'm not sure it actually falls into the category of "science"...but...did you know that they now have Lavender scented spray starch?????????????? Yep, they sure do. I was ironing away a couple of days ago and my poor little can of spray starch "gave up the ghost." So, I just trotted down to my handy, dandy WalMart to get another one. WOW! So many choices!!!! I mean, it has only been 2 or 3 years since I bought the last can (and NO, you're not allowed to speculate as to what that says about how often I iron!), and I now have multiple fragrance choices...among other options. I chose a nice, smooth Lavender scent, and it is actually rather nice. Nice enough to make me want to iron more often? Uhhhhh...I DON'T THINK SO, TIM! (shades of "Home Improvement" there) But...on those rare occasion when the metal (teflon coated, of course) hits the material, I shall enjoy the calming effects of the lavender. Oh...and it sprays much more evenly, too. I wonder when that happened????

YOU CAN COUNT ON ME!

2008-05-05T23:30:00.003-05:00

Knowing that there are some things on which you can depend is usually comforting, don't you think???? It's kind of like having a security blanket in reserve. Kind of like being reassured the earth is still revolving on its axis.

I am pleased to announce, in an effort to add to the stability of the human race, that I have once again done my traditional job of installing a program on my computer. This cute little window popped up...offering me a update for my Real Player. Now in the past those little windows have been very annoying in the way that they keep appearing, so I decided to go ahead and let it install the update. I read all options carefully, being sure not to have it take over my computer completely. All went smoothly. I patted myself on the back. And then...........
a cute little window popped up asking me if...now that I had installed Mozilla Firefox...I wanted it to be my default browser.

SAY WHAT????????????????????

Where the heck did that come from???????????????????????????????????

<> Yep...there are just some things you can depend on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A TOUCH OF SPRING

2008-04-13T14:55:00.007-05:00

THE BIG GIRLS HAVE A NEW "DO"

2008-04-12T10:48:00.004-05:00

Our big dogs got a new "do" on Thursday. A friend of mine owns a "small dog" grooming business, and she was sweet enough to let me bring in our two big Golden Retrievers for their summer haircuts. (That was going wayyy above and beyond...believe me!!!!) Turns out they are more Chow than Golden Retriever and had massive "winter coats" that were just like a blanket up next to their skin. I helped her; I mostly "stood guard" so the dogs wouldn't try to jump off the table, but I was also covered in dog hair by the end, so I at least LOOKED like I have been a vital part of the process! Thankfully, they are old and decrepit and were happy to just lie there. You wouldn't believe how much hair she got off of them. Their back ends were so matted she had to shave them down to the skin, but she was able to just comb the heavy coat out of the front 2/3 of each dog. They are so funny looking right now...bare rear ends and back legs...and fluffy heads and fronts. They look like lions!!! And...wouldn't you know it, we have had 2 super-cold nights since they went "nekkid" in back. It was in the 30's last night. Thankfully, they have a nice, carpeted dog house which I HOPE kept them nice and warm.

Saturday hugzzzzzzzz to all!

FOCUS

2008-04-02T10:57:00.001-05:00

Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible , but the Lord sees the heart. 1Samuel16:7

The world sees us as we appear to be; God sees us as we really are. He sees our hearts, and He understands our intentions. The opinions of others should be relatively unimportant to us; however, God's view of us--His understanding of our actions, our thoughts, and our motivations--should be vitally important.
The nineteenth-century reformer Margaret Fuller warned, "Beware of over-great pleasure in being popular or even beloved." And her words still ring true.
Few things in life are more futile than keeping up appearances for the sake of impressing the neighbors. So do yourself a favor: don't even try to keep up with the Joneses. You've got better things to do--far better things-- like pleasing your loved ones on earth and Your Father In Heaven.

Dear Lord God, Please keep my eyes on you and your plan for my life. Thank you for seeing me as I really am, and Thank you for all your plans for my life. What a wonderful journey that you put before us! Help us to not care about what the world thinks but help us care only what You think.
In Christ Jesus Blessed Name we pray. Amen
from Hugs--Daily Inspirations for Women

COMPANY

2008-03-30T22:21:00.003-05:00

We have company coming tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to being able to spend a bit of time with family. My hubby likes it even better than I do, I think. The main thing he likes is that although I am basically a slob, I am a "closet slob" and don't want the rest of the world to know just how cluttered my house gets at times. When company is coming, I get all or most of those little things done that I have been ignoring for a really long time. For example...I got the last two family pictures framed and hung on the family wall in the den. The older of the two was from 2005.

We tried out the new carpet cleaner I purchased several months ago. It worked acceptably. Boy, was the water ever dirty. You don't think having 3 inside animals has anything to do with the dirt, do you? Hmmmmmm...or perhaps it could be the fact that we haven't cleaned it since before we moved into the house in '92? The old vacuum just doesn't get everything!

Oh yeah...you also need to put a star on your calendar or mark this day in some way. I actually caught up on my ironing today!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally out of character for me!

I'm trying milk with ice tonight. Can't say that I like it. Wonder what Alyson sees in it.

It's getting close to the hour when I turn into a pumpkin (at least on nights before mornings when I have to get up early), so I guess I'd better put the old body to bed. Sweet dreams and hugzzzzzzzzzz to all!!!

catching up

2008-03-28T23:30:00.002-05:00

I have just finished "catching up" on reading Diana's website. She has such wonderful things to say. One of her entries talks about "giving all" to God. I'm not there. I'm still having little spells of rebellion when I want to do what I want to do...nothing bad, mind you...but things that aren't on my list of commitments. I don't think it's wrong, but I do think I miss a lot of joy when I grumble over already made commitments instead of doing them joyfully.

It's late, and my brain is not being very cooperative, so I'll continue this another day.

hugzzzzzzzzzz to all,

WHOSE WE ARE

2008-02-29T09:15:00.000-06:00

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this."

He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.

"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us 'as the apple of His eye.'"

THOUGHT: The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we are, but by WHOSE WE ARE!
************
received online from Mikey's Funnies

FEBRUARY HAS ZOOMED BY

2008-02-24T09:01:00.003-06:00

I firmly believe that time has sped up. 60 minutes just does not last as long as it used to!

All is well here. Would you believe yesterday's high was 84!!!! The thing that makes that totally weird is that yesterday was the rodeo parade. I have lots of memories of rain and COLD on rodeo parade days...and that was when the rodeo was still held in March. There was one year that it was so cold that the band director let the kids wear gloves for marching (something she NEVER allowed), and she let them stay on the bus until it was time for their band to begin moving. They were also having trouble that year with the lips sticking to the metal instruments. OUCH!

They have changed our rodeo to a two weekend event. I've been intending to look up the schedule in case the urge hits me to go take pictures of the stock show, but I heard on the news last night that the kids are showing the animals this weekend, so I'm guessing today is my last chance for that, and I'm in the middle of another project and probably won't feel the tug of "photo ops" strongly enough to leave it. (How's that for a nice long sentence!)

Hubby has a bad cold. He has even resorted to taking Tylenol and Benedryl, and he RARELY takes a pill. I offered to go help him this morning with the sound at church, but he said he can cover all of it without any problems. I made him take a bottle of Purell so he can sanitize his hands after he blows his nose.

My walking buddy and I walked on Monday...first time in 2008. We were amazed at the change in the Mall since we were last there (right before Christmas). Taco Bell has closed, the eyeglasses place near Beall's has closed (they were 2 really big corner stores), and there are several walls in front of what used to be stores. Dillard's and Chick-Fil-A and Penney's seem to be the only ones with really good business. hmmmm...well, perhaps the cookie store, too. There is a fast-food Chinese place now, but I almost never see anyone eating their food, so they may not last too long.

Circuit City has also closed. Best Buy seems to be doing well, though. I'm expecting REX (electronics) and Big 5 to close, but they're hanging on so far. The one thing that always seems to "make it" here is a restaurant. Apparently cooking isn't the favorite pastime of a large number of residents of our fair city.

Leave a comment when you get a chance.

Lovies and huggies to all!

RANDOM VALENTINE MEMORIES

2008-02-12T09:18:00.000-06:00

Another week has whizzed by. I might be a little closer to being caught up...as long as you don't look at any of the long-term projects I really should be working on. It keeps me off the streets...right?

I have taken a lot of trips down Memory Lane recently regarding Valentine's Day. I remember the Valentine boxes we made and put on our desks in elementary school. They ranged from plain and simple to all decked out with hearts and lace. There were small ones and ones that took up half the desk.

I remember how we "graduated" to the "much cooler" folders hung around the room when we got into the upper elementary grades. I remember the silly Valentines..."your teeth are like the stars--they come out at night." Some of the Valentines bordered on being cruel. I remember the class "rebel" who gave out those Valentines. I remember how surprised I was that the one I got from him wasn't at all what I was expecting. I don't remember if he got very many Valentines or not...and, of course, I never knew if the ones he got were kind or otherwise. Kids can actually be quite cruel. I hope he's doing well.

I remember the silly verses we used to make up. "Roses are red...Grass is green...Your mouth runs...Like a sewing machine." Actually, that was a fairly accurate description of me--I was quite chattye even back then.

I remember the excitement of getting candy attached to one of your Valentines...and you were indeed popular if you got a whole box of candy. I remember the year I got a little plastic mosaic art kit from one of the boys; I thought it was the grandest thing on earth...especially the fact that it was from a BOY!

(and... having nothing whatsoever to do with Valentine's Day... I remember the most popular boy in the sixth grade who "published" his "Top 10" list every week of the girls he liked. I never made the list, but my best friend made it to #10 a couple of times. Maybe I was "popular by association"???????????)

I remember candy hearts and chocolates and heart-shaped suckers. I remember the popular kids whose boxes over-flowed with Valentines, and I remember the twinge of anxiety that came with "nerd territory" as I wondered if the number of Valentines I received would be embarrassingly small. Bless the children who gave cards to everyone; bless the Mothers who MADE their kids give Valentines to everyone.

And now I'm all grown up...and I send out lots of Valentines...because I know it means a lot to be remembered and to know that someone thinks you're special...and because I remember days gone by. And, as I remember and ponder, I have...smiles for the caring and sensitive kids of days gone by. Smiles for the special friends in my life now. Smiles for a loving family. Smiles for God's unconditional love.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ZIPPING BY

2008-02-05T17:52:00.000-06:00

It is too, too true that time passes more quickly as we grow older. That certainly seems to be the case to me!!! I figure that once February 16 has come and gone, I should be ready and organized enough for 2008 to begin.

This past weekend was Youth Weekend at church. The youth are totally in charge of all 3 services. It was delightful, as always. I took digi pictures...but I was conservative...I only took 2,000 pics. Tossed 700 the first time through them. I'll probably end up with 300 or so good ones. I just love digital cameras!!! You can take all the pictures you want!!!

We had a brief shower this morning. I just love rain. I love the sound it makes on a metal roof, and I LOVE the smell when everything is fresh and clean. Hmmmmm...perhaps I should figure out a way to get it to rain inside to get my house clean?!?!?!?!?

Oh yeah...we had an interesting visitor in our driveway on Saturday.

It has no idea how lucky it is that I interrupted it's "dig" before it made it into the back yard with the two Golden Retrievers.

We're having crock pot chicken and baked apples for supper. Come on down!!!

Tuesday huggies and lovies!

SHIRLEY

2008-01-29T09:36:00.000-06:00

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to
school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.

So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.

The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.

As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?"

Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."

The friend said, "Well, who is she?"

"That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy."

"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? "

"Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"

THURSDAY CHUCKLES

2008-01-23T22:13:00.000-06:00

What, you ask, is "Butt Dust"? Read on and you'll discover the joy in a child's sincere originality. No adult is this creative!!

JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked: "Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?"

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, "If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six."

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. "I love you so much that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window."

BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a childproof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: "How does it know it's me?"

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. "Please don't give me this juice again," she said, "It makes my teeth cough."

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: "How much do I cost?"

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: "Why is he whispering in her mouth?"

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, "I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?"

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, James asked: "What happened to the flea?"

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"

The Sermon I think this mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon..."Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. "Without you, we are but dust..." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?"

A FEW SHORT THOUGHTS

2008-01-17T10:57:00.000-06:00

Where is the usual January "slow down?" The month is more than half gone, and I'm already "a day late and a dollar short!"

Last night's weather forecast predicted that today's high would be 38. Apparently the weather man has not read the book that informs him that 38 is not a HIGH temperature!

Burton has learned that he can activate the robot vacuum cleaner by walking across the top of it. Knowing that puts a whole new spin on things "going bump in the night."

My Christmas letter has still not materialized. My New Year's letter has still not materialized. I'm now thinking along the lines of a Valentine (or perhaps Easter)letter.

Thursday hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to all!
(read the post below this one...such a sweet story)

THE OLD MAN AND THE DOG

2008-01-17T10:50:00.000-06:00

This is a bit long but very sweet, and it is a wonderful example of God answering our prayers "in mysterious ways."
MizC
****************
The Old Man and the Dog
by Catherine Moore

"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me."Can't you do anything right?"

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle."

I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving." My voicewas measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back.

At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. Anambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived.

But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done, and it was up to me to do it.

The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of t he sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Eachcontained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked,then shook his head in puzzlement.

"He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?"

"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.

"I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.

I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.

"Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog Iwould have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples.

You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.

We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointerpulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.

Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named thepointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers."

"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had notseen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article...Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. . .his calmacceptance and complete devotion to my father. . .and the proximity oftheir deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

PERHAPS

2008-01-07T08:39:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm...perhaps I should remove the Christmas pictures and replace them with something more "timely." Ya think???????????

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-01T22:47:00.000-06:00

GROUP HUG TO WELCOME IN 2008!!!!!

Happy New Year, Everyone! It's always hard for me to believe that the old year is gone and a new one has arrived. As always, the old year seems to have gone by in a blur.

I don't usually make resolutions, but there are a couple I'm pondering very seriously this year. How about those of you who read this blog? Are you making any resolutions this year?

We had a nice trip to Seattle to be with the girls during Christmas. All travel was uneventful which is most definitely the best kind. Our younger daughter and her roomie were wonderful hostesses. They had a beautiful tree, and it was nice to sit and enjoy the lights. We did a lot of sight-seeing, a lot of picture taking (that's Cathye who took the pictures), a lot of restaurant visiting (YUM, YUM, YUM), and a lot of present opening. Santa was more than generous, as always. We opened gifts at Alyson's apartment and cooked Christmas dinner at Andrea's. After we ate that evening, we played games for a while. I love to see the girls laugh.

We enjoyed seeing where both girls work. We had a chance to visit Andrea's church both on Sunday and on Christmas Eve. I really, really liked the pastor's sermons! The two restaurants where Alyson works fed us royally. Food was great in both places.

The weather wasn't too bad. We had a wide variety of weather...some rain..a bit of sun...lots of clouds...some wind...some really cold days...and some fairly nice days. The rain was mostly drizzle so it wasn't too bad.

My favorite event was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island on Saturday and eating at a little Pub there. Andrea's roommate and her boyfriend joined us which made it even more fun.

I was surprised at how long it took my body to get used to the time change. In fact, it was time to come home by the time I was used to it. I must admit that I slept most of the day after our return, but then I had to jump head first into a big project I'm doing for church which needs to be finished by Friday. Have I known about it for a long time? Uh huh But...I just couldn't get "the spirit to move" until we returned. It's nice to have it almost under control now.

We also have a Christmas party to go to on Thursday...for the church staff. That is always fun. Seems like there's also something this weekend, but right now I'm not remembering what. (shocker)

I would love to hear from you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lovies and huggies,
cat(h)(ye)
p.s. It's supposed to be 12 degrees tonight! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

2007-12-23T15:40:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-18T22:37:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-16T15:51:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-15T00:03:00.004-06:00

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

Littlest Angel

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

2007-12-14T09:28:00.001-06:00

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

2007-12-13T09:36:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-11T19:12:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-09T22:19:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-08T11:32:00.001-06:00

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

2007-11-30T10:24:00.001-06:00

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

2007-11-14T17:02:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-12T22:42:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-11T11:24:00.000-06:00

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?

2007-10-15T22:07:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-17T21:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-08-22T16:41:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-17T23:27:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-15T14:30:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2007-08-11T10:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-05T22:46:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-04T12:07:00.001-05:00

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

2007-07-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-06T22:37:00.001-05:00

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

FREEDOM

2007-07-05T09:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-04T10:34:00.000-05:00

"God Bless America"...Kate Smith

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

MORE LILIES...ENJOY!

2007-07-03T18:16:00.000-05:00