Update

Well, I don't have much news about ztuffy except that he is still in ICU and the nurse said he would probably be there for quite a while. Wish we could get better information but doesn't seem possible. Did talk to Z today and he sounds very flat and sometimes seems he is disoriented, may be medication, I don't know. He did say that the "hearing" would decide if he got to leave the hospital or not. He thought it would be the 23rd. Will keep you posted. Love ya = Mom

Beans, Beans and more Beans

I may never eat another pinto bean as long as I live. As I write this, I have enough of those little critters on the stove cooking to feed 100 people. Believe me when I say that is more beans than I would ever care to cook again!!!!!!!!!!! Our small group (Church) is cooking for the free clinic that our Church sponsors. Tomorrow night when they come to get their free medication, doctors' appts, etc we are also feeding them cowboy beans, brisket, potato salad and dessert. We have made small Xmas gifts for each one. I made lots and lots of pretty jars full of Russian Tea mix then K put fancy paper and ribbons when they were up for Thanksgiving. Others are doing similar gifts.

We are so looking forward to the holidays! It has sure made it easier for me since we changed up the gift buying. Guess my age is beginning to show, lol. Speaking of age, I called the podiatrist's office the other day for an appt and she said, "What is your problem?" I answered, "I have a young mind but my feet are 69 years old". Needless to say, she was speechless for a minute.

Ztuffy is back in NE. Don't know how that is working out. G is still here with us. So far, no job but he is still searching each day. In the meantime, he has helped the Alien get caught up with a lot of little jobs around here.

Our Cub is taking driver's ed. She came in Friday and said, "I tell you one thing, I would rather walk or ride a bike". The rest of the story - she had almost hit a car (instructor's car) then almost hit the school building. We may not have to worry about her driving for a while, lol

Well, its time to "stir" again.

"Change"

Change is an interesting word. It is often one of the scariest words one can use (or hear). I have heard that change just for change's sake is not productive. I wouldn't know since most of the changes I meet are thrust my way without my knowledge and often my consent. However, God did grant me the intelligence to realize that it is up to me as to how I react to that change is totally my responsibility.

What has brought about these reflections of holidays past and how holidays in the future will change. For instance, Grandkids get married, have kids and then begin to make their own memories with their mom. This occurs when spouses have gone different directions and it makes it difficult to merge all these changes. Then sometimes, grandkids get so far away that they are here in my heart only. I totally realize the time has come for all of these things to come into play but it still doesn't make me like it.

Our Xmas this year is going to be quite different. Maybe Gerbeans and new family will be here, but his prior family won't. Maybe Ztuffy will be here, hopefully CO kids will be here but at the time it is sounding pretty quiet especially if the Texans don't get to come. Thanksgiving is going to be almost non existent unless the Texas kids get to come (hopefully).

Well, all the medical tests are in and reviewed for me. Thank goodness. While the news may not be too good at least I know what I am dealing with. The ultrasound showed that the left two chambers of my heart and left ventricle are enlarged (congestive heart failure). The pulmonary test showed no improvement. The blood work was acceptable. CT scan of the lungs showed no cancer, mamogram showed still just the seven cysts. The bone scan showed osteoporsis of the spine but so far so crippling effects. So all in all for my age that is a pretty good report. Enough of that!!!

The son here (G) is hopeful that he has a job. He will know tomorrow. Gerbeans is working at the cemetery. Ztuffy sure needs a part time job, maybe he will see that need soon.

B is out of the hospital again. We think his time is limited. He is now passing out frequently, just stops breathing. We went Friday night for a visit and Alien is on the phone with him now.

Well, it is getting late and I am not making much sense so I had better hush.

Reasons or Excuses

Am I the only person that is sometimes confused by the use of the words "reasons" or "excuses"? Are they the same word? Some people seem to think so. Frankly I don't. For instance, the other day someone made the comment to me that I was making excuses for being rather slow to respond to one of their demands. When I explained the "reasons" for the delay I looked at the word reason as meaning "a basis or cause as for some belief, action, fact or event. However, this person called it an excuse which means "to explain in the hope of being forgiven or understood". Again, frankly I was definitely not asking for forgiveness and knew that my answer would not be understood (at least not accepted). So will you share with me if you think these words mean the same and can be used interchangeably?

"Out of Mouth of Babes"

What, you ask, is 'Butt dust?' Read on and you'll discover the joy in it! These have to be original and genuine. 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 ear ache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof 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 it?'

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?'

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?'

"Cowards"

Have you ever known a coward? I am not talking about the British author, I mean just an ordinary old "slinking" coward. I didn't think I had ever really met one until recently. The shocking discovery was that I had known this person for 16 years without even suspecting that this person had an inkling of timidity in them. Just goes to show that we don't always know everything about a person. For those of you that may be wondering who this cowardly one is, wait no longer. It is my previous physician. Of all the nerve, just to retire because I had threatened her with bodily harm if she gave me another diagnosis of something that was not on my rather long list.

This resignation required me to get a new physician and I bet you are ahead of me. Yep, the first visit I came away with another addition to my list. After a bone scan, it was determined (just because my spine was almost black) that I have osteoporisis of the spine. So another pill, another dollar, another ailment. Oh well, I will do with it what I have done with the rest and that is to take my pill and simply ignore the rest!!

The oxygen man will be here in a few minutes to bring my oxygen set-up for my sleeping hours. As one cub stated, if an intruder came into our bedroom at night and saw the Alien with his mask and me with mine, they would run. See there is always something to be thankful for! Except I find it really hard to be thankful for cowards. Even if she is (was) an excellent physician.

One thing about it, I can no longer threaten to huff and puff and blow the house down! And if this is to boring, there are always crossword puzzles, hee hee

Wonderful Day

Today is such a blessing. It is slightly overcast, not to hot yet, the cub's ankle was well enough to go to school and the other cub has had several wonderful days. He may come over and eat supper with us tonight. I tempted him with roast, potatoes and gravy. Besides, it would be nice to have him here to watch the Monday night football game. We make it fine unless Greenbay (his team) and mine (Dallas Cowboys) are playing. Then trouble may be expected, lol.

The Alien took Friday off and we spent the weekend working around the house and yard. He almost got the deck cleaned and restained. We finally gave up and he went to Wally World and got a power washer and from that minute on he was a regular menace. He had so much fun I think he cleaned everything in the back yard including the dogs, lol

Yesterday was a busy but fun day. We went to Sunday School and Church. I took refreshments for our Sunday School class (blueberry muffins, apple cinnamon muffins, dream bars and a bowl of strawberries, bananas, grapes and pineapple.) Jeff came to both so we got to enjoy his company as well as all our friends. Of course, they all had to come meet him and I think he even got some hugs! Then last night our small group met and we had another wonderful fellowship. I took rice krispie treats to that one. Our group has volunteered to feed the college kids that come to the Ztree (Church bible chair) one night a week for the next four months. Our first night is Wednesday and we are planning on about 60. Very simple menu though, hot dogs, chips, dips, drinks and dessert. Then our group also does the silent auction for the Compassion Outreach Center. It is to help raise money to buy the medications, etc for people who can't afford it otherwise. Last year was our first year to be involved with it and it was lots of fun. So we have lots of things going on and to look forward to.

Looking a little further ahead, we are hoping all get to come Xmas. Do we have a status on this yet?

Got to go, Casper has to go to the vet. He has a very bad sore on his back. Boy does this poor dog ever have allergy problems.

Memories

I have been reading some posts lately that bring back memories.

The post about the boiling water reminded me of my younger sister's daughter. She recently married and moved of state. Each night about dinner time her Mom would get a phone call requesting information on how to cook certain items. The one that I thought hysterical was the one about boiling eggs. Her call went something like this, "Mom, how in the world do you boil eggs?" My sister replied, well you cover them with cold water and put them on medium heat and boil until desired firmness. To this, the niece replied, "Oh, that is the problem, I have been getting the water boiling and then "dropping" in the eggs and ever time they just busted". I have gone through at least a dozen eggs doing that.

Even for us, yesterday was an unusual day. Lots of unexpected things seemed to keep popping up. My day started very early when I felt something jump on the bed beside me. Since I didn't feel anything move, I thought I was dreaming. I guess I need to back up a bit, I had touched up the paint in the hall and foyer and so didn't put the gate across. Yep, Frosty had sneaked into our bedroom and got in bed with us. Next, our Cub was going out to meet the bus and she fell in the kitchen. (No more flip flops for her) EVER. Anyway, she went on to school and by the time she got home, her ankle was really swollen. Her Dad took her to the ER and she has torn ligaments in her ankle. She is off her feet for two days, icing, anti-inflammatory, etc. and on crutches. The crutches will be needed for at least two weeks. The ER said she was the fifth youngster with a hurt ankle that day. Then our son, G, in East T needed some help. I had to find a counselor for him and make an appt for him and hopefully it will give him some help. His thyroid is really messed up and he just got on medication for that so things will work out there. His Dad offered to go down if he needed him but he felt like it wouldn't be necessary right now.

We are having gorgeous weather here. It is in the 80's and there usually is a little breeze. We will be closing the pool soon. Seems like it has been a short summer.

I have been busy. I've rearranged the living room five times in the last week and it is all that Indian, Cheyenne's, fault. The Alien didn't like him on the fireplace so I moved him to his very own table. Of course that put everything out of "kilter" so I think I have finally got it acceptable. It was quite amusing though if you could have seen the look on the Alien's face when he came home one night to see his "Corner" had been secluded with a screen. I assured him that now he could rest since I would not be hounding him to clean up all his clutter because I couldn't see it. Not sure he bought that totally.

Remember the good old days when you called a new doctor and they would take you if you had "insurance"? Well, times are a changing. My doctor retired and nobody else wants me when they hear all my medications and health issues. I did finally find one though (good thing since it was the last one) and so I go in two weeks sure hope he doesn't expel me after one visit.

B isn't doing to well. The Pacemaker is not working as his heart's condition was to bad. He is just doing the best he can and has a wonderful attitude. Keep them in your prayers.

Well, I have two crock pots on to cook. One for the furry boys and one for us. Hopefully, I won't get them mixed up although they usually eat better than we do. Ours is a turkey breast and theirs is chicken. I guess we could pick and choose.

Have any of you done any research on salt lamps? I am seriously thinking of getting one to try and see if they really work. The salt supposedly is from the Himalayans and it is healthy for people with breathing problems.

Thanks for the visit.

"Manure"

I know this is a strange title for a blog but it will make sense later on.

Have you ever gotten a strange and "obnoxious" scent in the house? You looked and looked and couldn't figure out where it came from. You even scolded the furry boys several times thinking they had made deposits in obscure places.

You burned candles, sprayed febreeze and did everything but power wash the room and to no avail. Just as you thought about putting the house on the market to get away from this "smell" you happened to notice a large white bag full of SOMETHING that the Alien had brought in and forgot to take to the storage shed. Are you one step ahead of me? Yep, that was the culprit. He had bought a bag or organic manure to use on the outside plants. Oh well, one thing about it, we do have variety at this place whether good or bad it is mostly funny.

New Day - Every Day

This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; leaving something I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.

Boring Subject

Well, I will give all of you an update on my endeavor today with a brand new physician. Mine that I had for 16 years is leaving private practice and she assured me it was not because of me, lol

Anyway, Dr. O reviewed my records and it was amusing that she could not hide her amazement at all that they included. She said, "Well at least you have a "good" attitude. Now I don't know how to take that, it sounded like that was about the only good part of me, lol

The Sleep Apnea test results were quite interesting. As is usual for me, I had a weird cycle. I do not have sleep apnea but do have trouble with my oxygen dropping below an acceptable level. In fact once it did it 13 times in one hour. The most interesting part of it to me though is the fact that I never went into the REM stage of sleep. Told you it was weird. Anyway, she has ordered oxygen for nightime and is sending me to a pulmonary specialist, yuk, more poking and probing.
Oh well, as someone near and dear to me used to say, "such is life".

Gerbeans' little blonde is here with us today. She is going to spend the night. She is really a trip. Very intelligent and perceptive.

Well, the playhouse is now history and will serve a much more useful purpose. We are moving it to the RV campground right across the street from gerbeans for ztuffy to live in. We plan to move it over Saturday and have a space reserved.

Sonic has had an awesome trip, oh to be young again. Now that I think of it, I was never that young!! The pictures are awesome.

That is all from the house of chaos for today.

News or Maybe Not

Good Morning!! And it is a beautiful day, well maybe a little warm but last winter I was anxiously awaiting these days. No, I am not anxiously awaiting winter.

This is going to be a good month. Lots of new activities to look forward to. Our cub is about to start to school (although I am not quite ready for that as she is a "no problems" person to have around). We enroll this week and school starts the next week. Today is a trip to the optometrist as I have noticed she can't read road signs until we get close to them. Her wardrobe is complete for the time being so that is a plus. After her tutoring at Sylvan this summer, she feels pretty good about algebra.

The Cub had a wonderful time on the mission trip to Missouri. She even sent me a text and said, "Thanks for making me come Mom, I am having a ball". She is a little timid and needs some outside stimulation.

Got to hold the great grandson a few days ago. He is so tiny but so perfect! I think God made babies so absolutely adorable because he knew the time and effort it would take to raise them, you think?

I got an application for one of the cubs sent in last Friday to try to get this "grossly" unfair mess with child support straightened out. He has actually paid over 50% of his gross income for four years and I have worked on this for six months. That old saying, "You can't fight city hall" should be changed to "county attorney" who I will gladly nominate for the jerk of the year.

The Alien and I went garage sale hopping this past Saturday and found out that everyone else's junk was just like ours so didn't buy a thing. Well, during this trip we met a friend who told us about an estate auction going on at the agriplex at noon. On a whim we went and boy now I wish we hadn't, lol. Usually two fairly intelligent people became utter nuts and came home with everything but money. The Alien finally got his (Remington replica) life long wish for a statue. His statue is named "The Cheyenne" and is an Indian riding a horse. He is so proud of it and actually it was a pretty good investment since he paid $400 and can sell it right now for $700. My purchases were probably not so wise. I got this medium size rocking chair (that supposedly was made in late 1890's, yeah right). It is such a weird shape and design and I love it. It is oak with a black leather cushion seat with a black tufted leather insert on the back. When we walked into that big building with tons of stuff, this chair just called out to me, lol. For my birthday, the Alien is going to have Papa D's rocking chair that I have, lacquered in black, for me to go with this rocker.

I will find out today if I have to go on oxygen at night. Boy won't that be a sight, the alien in his apnea mask and me with oxygen tubing running to a big machine, lol. I bet if a burglar came in they would take one look and run, lol.

Well enough for today - Be back soon

A&E's TV show Intervention

Have you watched this show? I would highly recommend it to any family with a family member with an addiction.

The entire family and even extended families are so deeply affected by this addicted member.

As a mother, I can not describe it better than the advertisement for Scrubs where the doctor takes the heart in his hand and squeezes it and blood squirts out. As gruesome as this sounds, it is the true feeling that a Mom feels every second, hour, day, week, month and year when she has an addicted child. Even though she has a deep and profound belief in God it still hurts on a daily basis. There is a feeling of hope each awakening that today is the day that the miracle happens and then a deep and penetrating sadness upon going to sleep when it didn't happen. I don't think there is a mother alive that wouldn't lay their life down just to cure their child.

Every holiday is affected. You plan for such a happy occasion with a knot in your tummy hoping that the addicted one doesn't spoil it for everyone. It is so sad, because all involved love each other and suffer the same sadness. Only the addicted one doesn't realize the impact of their actions.

Your children (who have not suffered with an addicted child, thank goodness) get frustrated with you and rightly so that you can't just "kick" the child out. Only when you are a parent with this problem can you truly comprehend how extremely hard (and for some impossible) it is to do.

You watch children with such potential, wonderful and tender hearts just become falling down drunks or skeletons from an eating disorder. It seems the more you try to help them, the more they turn their anger at you and lash out at you.

How do we keep from being enablers without deserting our children? I have never figured that one out. There is just so much pain every minute of every day.

What about the children of the addicted parent? Their childhood is only a one time thing. How sad that it could be marred by such pain.

But the great sadness of it all is for the addicted one. What they must go through. How many times they must swear this is going to be the last one. Only through the power of filling the void in their hearts with God is the addiction ever going to go away. All the treatment centers, etc etc will not work if that void is left there and again it must only be filled with the power of God.

"I Couldn't Have Said It Better"

One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old
"blue hair" lady about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all,
a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate." I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed. We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.

But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.
I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down.
The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and
frowned.

The nex t time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae.
I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.
I smiled. She asked if she amused me.

I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.
How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?

She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that is
possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should.
But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before."

"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I
had ignored.

I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I
haven't read. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to
be flown overhead.

There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the
jokes.

I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes.
I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.
I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His
grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.
I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain.
I need to feel wind in my hair.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner,
then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner,
because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire.
I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."

With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I
said. "I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or
prestige, but on relationships with people we love and respect.
Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE SINGS!

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Tony Snow

Tony Snow was our former white house press secretary. He passed away last week with colon cancer. There are several excerpts from an article written by Cal Thomas that I found very inspirational.

Cal relates how Tony, even though he was suffering a terminal illness, was a rebuilder of hearts. Tony encouraged many others and his optimism was infectious.

At a Washington dinner in January, 2007, he talked about the perspective his struggle with cancer had given him. Tony said, "You have to learn something that is very hard in the modern era, and that is that you have to give yourself to God. It's not just saying, "God, it's in your hands" but understanding whatever may come afterward is a matter of not trying to get God to do stuff for you, except maybe to knock down some of the barriers that separate you from God because for all of us our vanities get in the way". He stated, "I had to get closer to God".

Tony said, "I am not afraid to die. "When you die, you graduate". "I don't worry about death, sickness teaches there is joy in everything, take joy in your sickness because a lot of times God is telling you, "You may not know it but you are more blessed than you realized".

Tony must have graduated summa cum laude into the presence of the god he served and loved.

Oh if only we could have that relationship with God before we have to go through a terminal illness to find it. I truly hope to graduate summa cum laude into God's presence.

"Word Test"

Okay for you bloggers that have a fascination with words, I have a test for you. Now this is going to be on the honor system. You have to know the definitions without looking them up.

edamame
pescatarian
soju
infinity pool
mondegreen

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

July 4th

The clan had a wonderful and peaceful 4th (that is until it became dark). I have to admit that we had a great selection of fireworks. I prefer those that go high into the air then explode and shoot all colors and shapes of beautiful lights. We had lots of those.

We had a day of swimming, lots of eating, lots of eating, did I say lots of eating? Steak, corn on the cob, hashbrown casserole, etc etc The day before, I made home made ice cream. Boy was that an experience!! What should have taken 30 minutes to one hour took me almost three hours. As most of you know, there are certain limitations in the use of my hands that I choose to ignore. Well, there always comes a time when this just doesn't work. I spend at least one hour trying to lift the bucket (with the little knob on the bottom) into the freezer bucket with the indention that little knob is supposed to fit in. Then to make matters worse each time when I couldn't make the connection and had to lift the bucket out, the lid would come loose and that is another tricky area to turn it just right to get it to lock. Not to worry, Hitler didn't get rid of all the Germans there are still some of that stubborn species left. To make a long story short, the ice cream was delicious!!!

Cubette D, Alien and I had a busy day yesterday. I tell you this Cubette can sure work. He helped us so much. We got some patio blocks at Home Depot and came home and he and the Alien made me a small patio at the front door of my playhouse. I am having lots of fun with the playhouse. It is good therapy. Besides there are no TVs or telephones out there!!

We have a very busy week coming up. Cub G is helping out and taking the cubettes home on Tuesday morning. Tuesday night, the Alien and his daughter have tickets to go to the city to the Jonas brothers concert. He says he is taking ear plugs. Wednesday, I take her back to Sylvan for another tutoring session then Friday we get her clothes ready for her to leave on Saturday for her mission trip. I have already warned that I might stay in bed the entire week she is gone!

You know we give if "something can go wrong it does" a whole new meaning. Last Wednesday, the Alien took our cub for tutoring and then he took she and the cubettes on to the amusement park in the city. He has a broken "middle" finger so as they were driving in the city, he took a drink of his soda and of course the finger stuck out since it has a metal brace on it. Anyway, the driver next to them thought he was flipping him off and one of the cubettes just knew they were about to experience a road rage incident. Fortunately nothing happened. The Cubette asked what he would have done if the person came after him and the Alien said, "I am old and have good insurance so I would just have rammed him off the road". Oh well.

I have probably bored you beyond comprehension so will just use my fingers to hold my coffee cup.

"Validate"

I recently read a blog regarding "falling out". That is so strange how people's minds work. For several days, the word validate has been buzzing around in my head. I have spent lots of time trying to figure out why it is imperative to some people to have certain actions performed to them or by them "validated".

I will admit to being guilty of this very thing. Have you ever noticed when someone feels like they have been "wronged" they crave the validation of someone or just anyone to validate their feelings. Why is this necessary? Does it make it any less painful or make it go away?

I tried to find the origin of this word and all I have found is that it was evidently first used in 1648.

Validation appears to have lots of uses in the computer field. The only validation I know of in this field is that I am almost totally illiterate.

In psychology and human communication, it applies more to opinions and feelings. This is strange since just acknowledging the other's opinions whether the listener actually agrees with the content seems important. The injured party seems to feel they are being treated with genuine respect rather than being dismissed.

All of this has made me think about appropriate responses. Maybe the best response is to use my ears to listen and my mouth to eat.

"Grounded"

Well the Alien grounded me today. He took the day off and took our cub to her tutoring and then he is taking her and the boys on to Frontier City for the rest of the day. I could have snuck by but he saw my blood pressure, maybe it was a little high, (well a "lot" high to tell the truth) so I am grounded at home for the day.

Oh well, I am looking forward to playing in my playhouse. If I have not shared this information with all, I will do so now. We bought a 29 foot Prowler 1987 travel trailer. It is in very good shape and so cute inside that I decided to make it my playhouse. No televisions allowed!! The Alien is going to set it up for real out under the big tree (by our bedroom) and put electricity, water and sewer to it. It will be shared when we have a "bed overflow" here but under the conditions that all understand that it is a playhouse not a workhouse, lol. I have girly things already finding their spots and am having lots of fun with it. I can just hear the cubs now, boy is Mom going through her second child hood already. The answer is no. I am going through the first one as I haven't had it yet. Remember better late than never.

Wish all of you could be here the 4th. We are having fireworks, swimming, homemade ice cream and grilled steaks. Then I am going on strike the rest of the summer!

My shingles are about gone thanks to my very aggressive doctor. She is leaving private practice so I am in mourning over that. She has assured me that "I" am not the cause of her retiring, lol.

Well, off to the playhouse, talk to you later.

"Dear Mom"

We don't ever know for sure what "mediums" there are at work in this world today. So for that reason, I am writing this letter to you Mom. It has been a long time since we had a chance to sit down for a good visit. I sure miss those times don't you? I think each day how much you would enjoy our little (getting all grown up now) girl. She would have loved spending Friday nights with you. You would be proud of her. She is doing well in school and is going with the youth group on a mission trip in a few days. She has a tender heart and still misses you.

I finally got the date put on Aunt Ileene's headstone. It only took me five years but I knew you wouldn't want me to give up. I put flowers on Aunt Ileene's and Aunt C's and Kathryn did yours and dads. She used very pretty rose colored roses. You know your three daughters are so different in lots of ways. We each take turns picking the flowers and they are totally different each year and I am sure there are times that each of us "DON'T" particularly care for the taste of the other ones but we just hug and grin and say "when its our turn", ha.

Can you believe I am going to be a great grandmother again? A little boy, imagine that.

Mom, thank you and Dad for the values and standards you instilled in each of us. While I may not have agreed with all of your methods, I respected your love and sincerity in doing what you felt was the best for us. You and Dad are in my heart and thoughts daily.

There are so many things I wish I could say to you now like when I used to push you to schedule several things in one day. Believe it or not, now I totally understand how just having more than one thing can sometimes be overwhelming. Then there were the times "urging" you to get out and travel and do things. I am now understanding how wonderful it is to be at home to just be surrounded with familiar things with no pressure. Needless to say, I am finally understanding how much more sense it makes to sleep in my own bed rather than pay $100 for a fancy room where I get almost no sleep. Isn't like weird?

Edna is on a walker now. She looks very pretty every Sunday and does not look any older but she still gets teary eyed when she talks about "her bestest friend ever". I gave her a Mother's Day card again this year. It seems to please her a lot.

New blogger

We have added a new cubette to our list. His display name is Eoxian and his http is prostheticbrain.blogspot.com

Vacation

Well, we made it home from a very wonderful vacation that included a special visit with family in Colorado. We got to meet some very special new family members. Our cub and his wife treated us like royalty. They should be careful, that makes people want to come back too often. Good food, good company, beautiful birthday cake for the Alien and too much more to mention. Thanks again to all of you precious ones.

We sure enjoyed Yellowstone. Our first attempt at watching Old Faithful didn't work out as it was so "blooming" cold that we decided to wait until the next day. This was a good decision since it was much warmer and no wind. However, there was one man that missed seeing the geyser go off as he was so taken with the little furry boys in their stroller. That was so weird, we had people stopping us and asking to take pictures of them. Of course, the Alien was beaming.

It was cold though and at our cabin at the Flagg Resort snow was piled up extremely high. The Alien and our cub still managed to walk down to the Snake River to pick up some rocks. She seems to be catching that bug from her Mom. While others are wanting to go to malls and movies, she and I are out searching for rocks. My only problem is the ones that I like the most are those that would take a "front end loader" to pick up. There were only two things we had wanted to do that the weather prevented though and that was we didn't get to float down the river or ride horses because of the cold and snow.

We have two young ladies spending the night with us tomorrow night. They are with a youth group from Houston that are visiting our church on a mission trip to the midwest. Our cub goes on her mission trip in July. I think she is nervous about being away from home but we feel it will be good for her.

Sunday is my day to do refreshments for our Sunday School Class. We have a very relaxed atmosphere. We go into our classroom, get coffee and which ever treats have been provided, then start our lesson. It is so enriching to have such a relaxed fellowship.

You know I have been thinking how divorces could be dealt with without all the ugliness, sadness, people taking sides, etc and I have come up with a solution. I wish I had thought of this when I was going through mine. It would have saved a lot of people (and me) a lot of grief.

When a couple has reached the point of no return (and it should not matter who did what) the law should require them to do the following: They should be taken to a small uninhabited island (except for a mediator living in the middle) and left there with one living on one side and the other on the other side. Once a day, they would have to meet in the middle with a mediator and hash things out. The wounded party (as they see it) could rant and rave, throw sand, cry scream and whatever it took to get it out of his/her system. The only requirement would be that the mediator make sure there was a fair and equitable division of the STUFF!!!!! Have you ever noticed how important "STUFF" becomes? I don't think anyone is that materialistic but it seems to be used as a punishment tool.

Then, they would have to meditate until they came to the conclusion that it didn't matter whose fault the divorce was. They were just as divorced no matter what. Next step was that they had to be able to come to the conclusion that it was not the end of the world but use it as an opportunity for a growing and learning experience. When they got to this point, they could re-join society and would be able to integrate back into life without all the bitterness and resentment.

The cub enjoyed getting to walk the "yellow brick" road. The funny part of this though is that as she gets older she will look back and that walk will become more special. Life is often like that when we don't realize how fortunate we are to be given each day.

The Alien has got the solar panels installed and hooked up so I am just waiting for the temperature to get a little warmer in the pool and then in I go.

Have lots of potential assistance in the works for the cub that needs a place to live and be as independent as possible. Hopefully something will turn up but in the meantime his older sibling is taking him in to live with him in his new rental unit. It is close to us so I can help out if the cub goes back on the road. Lots of things pending right now.

Not to worry, God will handle it. On that note, we are sending our love.

"Things that are puzzling to me"

Don't panic, I promise not to list them all. This morning as I sat on the patio enjoying my coffee, I was pondering the house on the hill. For those of you familiar with me, you will know that has been a sore spot since they built there and took away the cows. Anyway, it is indeed a beautiful spot with a tremendous view. Oh if only they had put windows in the house so they could see the view. The windows are tiny, tiny. Then this morning I noticed that they have planted a big tree right in the middle of the front of the house. Now all of this has lead me to believe that I was mistaken when I thought they built on the hill for the view. Could it be that they just wanted some convenient way to push start their car? Could it be for an excuse not to go to work if we have ice? Oh well, I have given that enough of my time.

Now we shall think about hummingbirds. They are amazing little critters. So very graceful and fly so fast that if one were a coveter they might be tempted to envy the little birds. Now for the puzzling part, I have not been able to figure out why they are so territorial. If you had an acre filled with feeders one bird would decide they were the sole owner and user of it. I tried a little experiment this week. I spread out the feeders all around the deck by the pool and in one feeder I made the nectar twice as sweet. I thought that might make the bird stay there in fear of leaving it and someone else getting it. That would leave the other two feeders available for the less aggressive ones. Wrong, sure he or she guards that one but also the others as well. Still working on my next strategy.

Next puzzler is why after almost 70 years haven't I figured out the size of my tummy (how much it will hold) I can obviously see the outside of it since it is very prominent these days. Anyway, one of the cubs and spouse sent me money for mother's day (which they are not supposed to do) so I decided to put it to good use and eat at this neat restaurant called Pete's Place. As usual, I had to ask for a doggy bag. Then we had to figure out how to stay awake for the 60 mile drive home.

The next puzzle I have to give immediate attention to is how I am going to get my work done if I sat at this computer all day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Things that are puzzling to me"

Helpful tidbits for a cell phone user

5 Things You May Not Know Your Cell Phone Can Do

For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and
kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with
you.)

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave
emergencies.

Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency
tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST
Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find
yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there
is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing
network to establish the emergency number for you, and
interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is
locked. Try it out.

SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy
someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys In
the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on
their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about
a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press
the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end.
Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys
to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away,
and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your
car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

THIRD
Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the
keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and
the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve
will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.


FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following
Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the
screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and
keep it somewhere safe.

If your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider
and give them this code. They will then be able to block your
handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will
be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at
least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If
everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing
mobile phones.

And Finally.

FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for
411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not
carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this
situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411
information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411
without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell
phone now.

If you already have this information hooray, just play like you didn't get this, lol.

---

"Impress your Doctor"

Have you ever been tempted to try to impress your doctor? Well, of all my ambitions, that is not one of mine. However, it would probably be a futile endeavor after the impression I made on mine yesterday. The Alien took me to Tulsa for the annual "ticker" checkup. This young whippersnapper decided that I was not resting well at night so he said, "I am bringing G in for some questions and you have to grant him immunity for any answer he gives me". Then, he began asking lots of NOSY questions such as do I snore, (no), do I quit breathing at times (yes) etc etc. Finally, it became my turn and he started asking me questions. He ask such things as do you fall asleep sitting in your chair, etc. Now, I realize I should have told him that this appointment was right in the middle of my daily nap time but just don't feel like sharing EVERYTHING with him. As it turns out, I didn't have to. All of a sudden, G was shaking my arm and when I awoke both he and the doctor were just cracking up laughing. It seems right in the middle of the answer, I shut my eyes and "mouth" and went to sleep. It is totally his fault. I have always been bored stiff to talk about my ailments. You add that to me missing my nap and it is totally understandable that I would react in that manner.

My vacation list is growing steadily. It now covers most of an erasable board. Its not that I will be doing that much but just find it easier to write it all down hee hee.

"WHY MOTHERS CRY"

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?"
'Because I'm a woman,' she told him

'I don't understand,' he said. His Mom
just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.

Later the little boy asked his father,

'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed.

This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.

"You see my son, said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

"Nothing of Substance"

Nothing important to say here just some rumblings from the cave. We have been extraordinarily busy these past few days. The Alien is putting in overtime at work due to a massive remodeling project. Our small group (from Church) has also been pretty active. Tonight, we serve chili dogs, frito pie, dessert and drinks at the Compassion Outreach Clinic. This is their regular night to dispense medication, provide a light meal and just visit with members of our community to see if we can be of service in anyway. Our Cub and her youth group cleaned the yard of one of our elderly members last Sunday afternoon. She should have been a blond. When we took her to meet her group, she mentioned that her gloves were both for her right hand. No problem she said, she would just wear one backwards.

Last Saturday, the Alien was working outside and I was excited when I saw him till up the flower bed in the front of the house. (Not my critter one) When I went out to check to see if it was ready for me to plant flowers, I noticed there was a rock right in the middle separating it. I was then told that the other half already had radishes planted in it. It seems one of the furry boys likes to garden and that prevented the radishes being planted in the back.

My older sibling and her spouse continue to be a source of entertainment. She gets up in the mornings and dispenses his pills, of which there are many, and he just takes them. She starts out with the fluid pill. The other day after she had not given it to him, he inquired about it and she said, "I gave it to you". Well you guessed it, she got it out and then mistakenly took it herself. Her spouse always the entrepreneur says well since you have lost 15 lbs today I could just market that as a diet pill and we could make lots of money. She failed to find the humor in that after spending most of the day in the bathroom.

I am so totally disgusted at some people's nerve. For years now, my Panacea was sitting on the patio, drinking my coffee and watching the cows in the pasture on the hill. As luck would have it, some nut decided to build a house there. Now if they were building there for a wonderful view it would be different. But no, they don't even have windows to see the view (well maybe a little one or two) but not enough to compensate me losing my view. I can't for the life of me figure out why someone would build on a hill and then not put in windows. This house literally has no windows on either side or the back. Just four little ones in the front.

We are sooooo looking forward to our vacation. Our reservations are all made and now all I have left is getting my van ready. You know, new tires, etc etc

Casper had blood work done in OK City last week to find out what he is allergic to. We don't have the results back yet. We took him to a vet dermatologist. Don't know if there is a medication to give him if he is allergic to the frustration from his younger furry sibling, hee hee

Well its on to Walmart for me (my least favorite place). The Alien is out of tea, need wieners, we are furnishing 60 hot dogs tonight plus I have to buy a wedding gift for some friends' son. God Bless

"Divine Intervention"

For all those nay sayers, just don't read this blog! Or maybe, you should read it and then you might see a higher power.

This is a weird story. Since 2004, I have suffered with stomach/digestion problems. In 2004, I had a scope done by a surgeon to check for Gerd. After the procedure, he came into the recovery room and told my husband and me that everything went well and I didn't have any problem.

Well, a few weeks ago I ask the Alien to get my medical records from the local hospital for the period from 1/2007 through 12/2007 so I could take them to the cardiologist with me for my checkup. Hospital personnel put them in a brown envelope and for some reason, I took them out and was looking through them.

Now this is where the intervention comes in. Mixed in with the 2007 reports was one sheet of paper that was my post operative report on the scope done in 2004. There was just the one sheet of paper from 2004 reports. When I read this report, I was absolutely stunned. The report revealed that not only did I have Gerd, but I also had a hiatal hernia with a supradiaphragmatic component along with my esophagitis.

Now, I admit that I didn't know how to process this information. I had begun to think all my problems were in my "head" and it was a relief to find that there was a reason for them. Next, I became angry that I had suffered for four years with this after being told nothing was wrong.

I guess the moral of this story is doctors are not infallible and as patients we have the right to our medical records. This is an encouragement to all to occasionally check their records to make sure nothing has been missed.

I totally believe divine intervention caused this one lone page to be included with my reports. There is just no other logical explanation. Had it just been done in the year prior, it might have been close but four years?????

I am constantly awed at God's presence in my life.

"Comings and Goings"

Is the title grammatically correct? Probably not. Oh well, I am just writing to give an update on things at the home front. It is hard to believe that the weekend is already almost over. We have sure had some enjoyable times over the last few days and well yes, maybe, some not so enjoyable.

On Friday, I snuggled down in my easy chair about 1 pm for my usual daily nap. Now all the cubs have learned this is Mama Bear's naptime and she gets real cranky if awakened. Well as luck would have it, the Alien got so excited that he was getting off a couple of hours early to start our fun night planned that he called me and sure enough he woke me up. I tried to remember that I was not really in hibernation so it was okay not to get to finish my nap.

Anyway, the Alien came home and we loaded our cub in the van and started to the University to pick up a cubette that was going to attend the baseball game with us. We got him and started on our way. We got to the ballpark and decided to eat at Zios. They told us it would be a 20 minute wait unless we sat at the counter. We all really wanted to sit at the counter. How fun!! I had forgotten just how nice it was to be able to wiggle around on your stool, watch everything going on where the food was prepared and man the service is phenomenal . Our server was such a delightful energetic young lady. Anyway, we all ate until we "hurt".

Then on to the ballpark. Our Texas Rangers were playing the Chicago White Socks at our farm team park. As we are all avid baseball fans, this was better than Xmas (almost). We didn't let the cold weather bother us. So what if the wind was blowing really hard and the temperature had dropped "way down" we were determined to watch our team. Our cub discovered that when it is cold, it is not real wise to eat dip and dots. The cubette decided that he could still pack in the infamous "ballpark hotdog".

Well we made it to the middle of the 7th inning and finally admitted that we were not as determined as we thought!!! It still was fun and we had a blast.

Well, all the bunnies are back in the shed. For the cub that thought we had gone over the edge and got more live animals, I had to confess to him that these were not the eating and feeding kind. Frosty tried to help us and he managed to "eat two bunnies" at least he succeeded in tearing them into little pieces. I guess he didn't want me to have so much packing to do.

The furry ones are doing fine. Casper has to go to Tulsa to a vet dermatologist on the 22nd for his allergies. Hopefully, we can find out what gives him rashes. I hope to go to my cardiologist the same day.

B is doing quite well considering he had a person "posing" as a surgeon doing his pacemaker implants (the first two times). Then B fired him and got a really good one to do the job and so far he is doing well.

Well until next time.

The shocking video Barack Obama does not want you to see!!

I found this very interesting. I was about ready to vote for him.

"Why Go To Church"

If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're Spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope. A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: 'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!'

When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!' 'When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, 'Jesus, could you get that for me?'

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.

"Easter"

Easter this year is Sunday, March 23, 2008. As you may know, Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar. Here are a couple of things in which you might be interested: Based on the above, Easter actually can be one day earlier (March 22), but that is rare. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives.

Only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above). None of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier. More facts: The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones who were around for that). The next time it will be a day earlier (March 22) will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year.

So, enjoy the uniqueness of this special day and this little piece of history. Oh, and when we get together for that day-early Easter in 2285, I still want a solid chocolate bunny and as usual we will be dying eggs the Saturday before!!!!!!!!!

"Barbara"

Did you ever wonder what the name Barbara's meaning and origin is?

English, German, and Polish: from Latin, meaning “foreign woman” (a feminine form of barbarus foreign, from Greek, referring originally to the unintelligible chatter of foreigners, which sounded to the Greek ear like no more than bar-bar).

St Barbara has always been one of the most popular saints in the calendar, although there is some doubt whether she ever existed. According to legend, she was imprisoned in a tower and later murdered by her father, who was then struck down by a bolt of lightning; accordingly, she is the patron of architects, stonemasons, and fortifications, and of firework makers, artillerymen, and gunpowder magazines.

The name is now occasionally modishly spelled Barbra, notably in the case of the actress and singer Barbra Streisand (b. 1942). Cognates: Irish Gaelic: Bairbre. Scottish Gaelic: Barabal. Swedish: Barbro. Czech: Barbora. Russian: Varvara. Hungarian: Borbála.
Short forms: English: Barb (mainly U.S. informal). French: Barbe.

I wonder if my grandfather knew all this when he gave me the name.

Al Capone and Water Front Property

About now, my cubs are wondering if the time has come to have their Mom evaluated for mental stability. This could be due to the weird content of some of her blogs. If you are wondering what Al Capone and water front property have in common just keep reading.

As some of you know, I am prone to some pretty strange dreams. The other night was one such dream. Believe it or not, I had not eaten a large fat-laden dinner and was not medicated when I went to bed. Matter of fact the dream occurred just before I awakened and I know this for a fact since Frosty woke me from the dream with his barking.

I had gone to visit a friend in Texas. She had put in a bed and breakfast (news to me) so we were to spend the night there. It was pretty chaotic and when I got ready to take my medication (unfortunately this consists of about 9 vials) the next morning, it was strewn all over the place and some was totally gone. Without my medication, we had to come home and that is when the next segment begins.

My friend arrived here the next day. She had gotten a bid to redo U-Turn. For those of you not familiar with our town, U-Turn is a large facility that can be rented for kids' parties, reunions, etc. I took her out to meet with the Deacons of the Church that had bought U-Turn. She went over the figures with them and we got in my van to leave. They called her back and she found out someone had underbid her so she had to work up new figures. Again, we started to leave and when we went to my van it was gone. Finally, Call-A-Ride (our version of taxis)appeared so we got in and told him to take us to our van. This seemed a little strange since we had no idea where that was. However, he said, "Sure" and away we went. He proceded to give us a scenic tour of our city. We ended up stopping at the "waterfront" and as we were looking out over the vast body of water, he pointed out some apartments over on one side and told us that these were owned by Al Capone. I then asked him if he knew that Al Capone was actually born here. He did not know that and before the conversation could go further Frosty woke me!!

As I said in the beginning, I have some pretty weird dreams.

Letter from a Pet

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate.

Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject.

I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.

You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked, "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room.

A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry."

She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her.

It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

May our "furry" boys, Casper and Frosty never have to write a letter like this.

Sad Day - Chocolate Pie vs Humpty Dumpty

There are some things that can be fixed easily. For instance, there was a grandson that was about to experience a "sad day" because someone had eaten the last piece of Grammy's chocolate pie that he had anticipated would be his. Grammy could fix that and did simply by just making another chocolate pie. Wouldn't it be wonderful if broken lives could be fixed so simply.

If you are familiar with the poem "Humpty Dumpty", then you can relate when I say that I can visualize just hundreds and hundreds of tiny pieces laying strewn all around. About now you are asking what does chocolate pie and Humpty Dumpty have in common? Well, one can be fixed and the other can't. Maybe it was Humpty's choice to fall off the wall and maybe it wasn't, however, he was still broken.

Please tolerate my rambling and maybe all of this will tie together in the end or maybe not.

One passage of scripture that keeps ringing in my ears is "Judge not that you not be judged". I am really struggling with that statement in dealing with the concept of addiction. Again, Humpty comes into play as you watch a loved one's life break into hundreds of pieces and blow into the wind. Please don't say "It is their choice", I am not sure that is true but even if it is, remember the judging part! You know to fully understand the depths an addiction can affect families you just have to remember Humpty. Nobody is spared. Spouses, siblings, parents, children , the person addicted, absolutely nobody.

Compassion without enabling is a monumental task. I for one don't claim to know just how to do this. I do know that when I drove out from a pasture yesterday after seeing a loved one alone, drunk, sad and with as tender a heart as a person could have, my heart felt like Humpty Dumpty. Judge not lest I be judged!

Mythbusters

Mythbusters is one of my favorite TV shows. There are several things I wish they would explore. Yep, thinking I will send some of these in for their consideration:

I always heard that we should look forward to the aging process and they compare it to fine wine and cheese. However, doesn't wine go sour after too long a period? Doesn't cheese mold if kept too long?

What goes around comes around. This could be true unless you have dementia. Then would you know if you are going or coming?

Have you ever heard of old age referred to as the "Golden Years"? Hmnnn, maybe they meant fools' gold.

Could they convince a teenager that "now is the best years of your life" when they are fighting acne, puberty and all the other things connected with that age.

However, lest we be too negative there are some perks to aging. For instance, you get your driver's license free over the age of 65. That is if you can still drive. You also get a senior's discount when you go out to eat. Of course, you might now have any teeth left to eat with.

Yup, going to be a bear!!!!!!!!!!!!!