The Fabric of my Life

Oklahoma Winter, 2012

2012-01-17T22:28:00.002-05:00

January 17, 2012.

Yes, seriously.

A Black and White Angel is in Heaven

2012-01-12T16:57:00.005-05:00

Our beloved dog Tom Girl crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. We adopted her in 1999, and was Andy's assist dog, (after Sheba) until his death. I'm sure he was there to meet her at the other side of the bridge, although she might not recognize him at first without his wheelchair! :)

Tommie was not sick, or at least she gave no indication. At age 13, it's normal for a dog to have a little stiffness, but she still enjoyed playing in the backyard with Marvin and Jack Daniels.

This morning, Arthur found her in her bed when he went to let the dogs out. She looked like she was asleep, all curled up in a comfy position, with her eyes closed. At least there is no indication she suffered at all.

She was half Newfoundland, and I called her my "Big Bear Dog." I often joked that I "got Tommie her very own Dalmatian," because I hated leaving her home alone when the kids and I were at school. So Tommie really is partially responsible for Marvin coming to live with us.

Later, when Arthur and I got married, she had a new friend to be there during the day. Art took over the feeding and care of the big dogs, and she became pretty attached to him.

It's going to be a sad night at our house.

Prayers...

2012-01-02T21:45:00.003-05:00

Please say a prayer for my blogger friend Judy, who lost her beloved husband Fred this morning. She writes the blog Brighton the Corner Where You Are.

Thank you and God bless.

Shelby's 21st Birthday

2011-12-28T00:53:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how I just blinked, and now have a beautiful 21 year old daughter.

On the evening she was born, it seemed like she would always be my baby girl.

I guess nothing has changed. She always WILL be my baby girl!

Happy birthday, Shelby! I hope your life will be at least half as wonderful as mine has been with you around! :-)

Busy, Fun Christmas

2011-12-26T12:08:00.022-05:00

Happy Boxing Day to all! We had an enjoyable and busy Christmas. Two days of singing and three Christmas celebrations equals lots of fun! Here are a few photos taken at my Mom's, our place, and Aunt Kathy and Uncle Terry's place.

I am so grateful for all of these blessings. Next up: Shelby's 21st birthday!!!

Nativity thoughts

2011-12-25T15:10:00.006-05:00

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

People must have had much harder hearts back then than today. They were turned away because there was no room at the inn. Well, why in the heck didn’t somebody MAKE some room for them? Can you imagine the people of today refusing to give up their room to a laboring mother about to give birth?

However, Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth, far from home.

They were poor.

They may have appeared "different" to the natives.

They may have spoken with a foreign dialect.

The people of Bethlehem who were not privy to the information of the Immaculate Conception may well have considered Mary an unwed mother.

But we modern people would give up a room at the inn for any laboring mother, wouldn’t we? Wouldn’t we do everything possible to help a poor family who decided to take a cross-country trip in the woman’s 9th month of pregnancy, even if she and her husband were of different ethnicity, different religion, and questionable morals? Of course we would!

Or… would we?

For a few minutes today I was Andy's wife again...

2011-12-14T22:39:00.010-05:00

I have described my experience of being widowed and then marrying again as being sort of like living in a parallel universe. I am so in love, and feel like Art and I have always been together. We are crazy about each other, have so much fun together, are the best of friends, and sometimes it is hard to remember my past life. Then there are days that I not only remember, but I feel like that past life is just beyond the haze if I could only reach through it. Today was one of the latter.

It was a bit grey outside, and my mood matched the weather.

It's almost 10 years now since Andy died. I have been happily married to Art for the past 7 years. But, now and then I still feel the blues... not really a grief attack, just a little bit of pesky sadness. So, I did what I usually do when I feel this way. I made a visit to the cemetery.

The approaching holiday certainly wasn't helping matters any, and it really didn't help my mood when "The Christmas Shoes" came on the radio as I pulled up next to the grave site. Then when I went over to the headstone, my spirits drooped further; the headstone had sunk halfway down on one side due to a recent deluge of rain.

So, I made my way over to the cemetery office. A nice man named Rob greeted me, and I explained why I was there. He looked up Andy's information, then said, "Well, Mrs. AndysLastName, we will take care of the problem right away." Another employee came in and Rob said to him, "I'm printing out a copy of this work order for his wife." I thanked him, and he said, "Before you leave, Mrs. AndysLastName, you can put your husband's name on the memory tree over here, and here is an ornament for your tree."

It was actually comforting to put his name on the decorated memory tree. I didn't think I needed to do that sort of stuff after all these years, but it was... nice. It also was nice to be called Mrs. AndysLastName again, if only for a few minutes.

As I prepared to leave, Rob gave me the printout of the work order. He turned it over, and on the back was a printed photo of an American eagle in flight. I thought about one song I had selected for Andy's memorial service, "On Eagles Wings."

Rob laughed and said, "Hmmmm. It printed on eagle paper. That wasn't supposed to happen." I smiled, thanked him, and thought to myself, "Oh, yes it was."

As I stepped outside, I was hit by a ray of sunshine that peeked through the clouds.

It wasn't too bad of a day, after all.

~~~~

A bit wistful before Christmas

2011-12-13T23:50:00.006-05:00

There are so many people I love,
but they are scattered far apart.
If I could strike gold, I would travel the miles
just for a hug...
...or, better yet, I would bring them here.
I would make them a good meal,
share my space,
a glass of wine,
laughter,
perhaps tears.
And, by the time they leave,
they will understand
that I really do love them.
It's just this world is too big,
not that my heart's
too small.

It's a Wonderful Life.... or is it???

2011-11-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

A real “feel-good" movie. A holiday classic. But why?

There is a terrible side to this movie, a dark side that is still going on today.

Here is the plot, in case you have been living on a desert island for the last 50 years:

~~~~~~~

George Bailey is a small-town man whose life has become so desperate he contemplates suicide. He, like his father before him, is a champion of the poor and downtrodden in his town. Extremely honest and hard working, he sacrificed his education for his brother's, kept the family-run savings and loan afloat while still allowing ordinary residents to take out reasonable home loans, protected the town from takeover by the greedy banker Mr. Potter, and happily married his high school sweetheart. However, a series of unfortunate events plus the constant onslaught from Mr. Potter to take over the savings and loan, George feels that it would have been better for everyone if he had never been born. His guardian angel Clarence arrives on a mission to earn his heavenly wings. As George prepares to jump from a bridge, Clarence shows him how miserable life would have become for the residents of Bedford Falls had he never lived.

~~~~~~~

The implications are pretty obvious, unless you want to cover your eyes with blinders.

The Bailey family and friends represent the 99%.

Mr. Potter represents the 1%.

Of course the Occupy Movement was not around back when this film was released. But the battle is nothing new. The masses continually battle against greed. The greedy few continually want more and more, at the masses' expense.

From the movie script of It’s a Wonderful Life:

MR. BAILEY (George's father)
I'm not crying, Mr. Potter.

POTTER
Well, you're begging, and that's a whole lot worse.

MR. BAILEY
All I'm asking is thirty days more . . .

GEORGE (interrupting)
Pop!

MR. BAILEY
Just a minute, son.
(to Potter)
Just thirty short days. I'll dig up that five thousand somehow.

POTTER
Have you put any real pressure on those people of yours to pay those mortgages?

MR. BAILEY
Times are bad, Mr. Potter. A lot of these people are out of work.

POTTER
Then foreclose!

MR. BAILEY
I can't do that. These families have children.

GEORGE
Pop!

POTTER
They're not my children.

MR. BAILEY
But they're somebody's children.

POTTER
Are you running a business or a charity ward?

MR. BAILEY
Well, all right . . .

POTTER (interrupting)
Not with my money!

CLOSE SHOT –– Potter and Bailey.

BAILEY
Mr. Potter, what makes you such a hard-skulled character? You have no family –– no children. You can't begin to spend all the money you've got.

POTTER
So I suppose I should give it to miserable failures like you and that idiot brother of yours to spend for me.

You people out there, the ones who love this film, don’t you SEE? Don’t you GET IT??? Why do you feel good about the end of this movie, if you really want Mr. Potter to win? How can you cheer for George in good conscience if, deep down inside, you believe Potter is right; George Bailey is a failure, an idiot, a buffoon?

GEORGE
[My father] did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter, and what's wrong with that? Why... here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You... you said... what'd you say a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken down that they... Do you know how long it takes a working man to save $5,000? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well in my book, my father died a much richer man than you'll ever be!

Please, friends, WAKE UP!!! Or if you are already awake, find a way to let your voice be heard! More and more homes are being foreclosed upon, people are unemployed, wages are being lowered, college tuition is going through the roof. The average person cannot afford their health care, even if they do have insurance. But Mr Potter has all he needs 10 times over, and doesn't care! After all, we aren't HIS children.

If we continue to pander to the Mr. Potters, soon this country will become POTTERSVILLE! It really won’t matter whether or not George Bailey was ever born.

…. And poor old Clarence will never earn his wings. :(

Another Annual Tradition

2011-11-16T23:50:00.003-05:00

Every year, on the night the first hard freeze is predicted, we go out and clip all of the blooming roses of the rose bushes. This year there were quite a few...

... including one perfect yellow bud that makes a perfect center piece.

It's the end of another growing season, and tonight I'm feeling just a bit wistful.

~~~~~

Who are the Occupy people, and what do they want??

2011-10-11T12:51:00.002-04:00

The Occupy people are from all walks of life, and THIS is what we want!

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/11/idUS387529884420111011

Happy 17th Birthday, John Henry!

2011-10-01T23:29:00.004-04:00

State Fair Button 2011

2011-09-17T20:23:00.005-04:00

Here is number twenty-five in the series. My goodness!!! A quarter of a century of fair buttons!!! 25 years in the history of a family.

(P.S.... here is last year's: http://okwildlady.blogspot.com/2010/10/our-2010-state-fair-button.html)

Politics and Respect

2011-09-09T18:41:00.003-04:00

I am honored to have a large group of friends, with a diverse lot of political beliefs. Most of you know I lean to the left, although not quite to the point of hugging trees... :-)

On Facebook, my friends range from very far right to very far left. I have friends who are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, and even a couple anti-government. They say their piece, I say mine... sometimes the conversations become quite animated! However, I wouldn't be without a single one of these friends. It's these discussions that help expand my horizons of knowledge.

There is one common denominator that all of these folks possess that seems to be lacking in much of society today, and that is respect. We are all friends of Voltaire, ascribing to the philosophy: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Let the discussions continue, and let's stay friends! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHw3xadHorw

A brief but pleasant visit

2011-07-24T03:38:00.005-04:00

Although I have been very busy with Mom's move, I was able to get together with Bear and Kelly and their kids for awhile today. We had lunch at a place called "Pops" in Arcadia. I had not seen them in ages, it was so nice to be able to visit with them!

Pops is a pretty cool place, they have different sodas from around the country, and great burgers. They even have Faygo, from Michigan! Good food, good company and some Faygo Rock-n-Rye... what could be better? :)

Sunday's Reflection: Coming soon to a Catholic Church near you! :)

2011-05-29T23:39:00.004-04:00

I sort of stumbled on this by accident while looking for a YouTube video of a song... ANY song our choir sang today. I really wanted to find Michael Connolly's "Where o Death is your Victory," but after searching all over the internet, the closest thing I could find was a download of a sound file, and the link didn't work. :(
Giving up on that, I tried to find any of the others. No luck. Frustrated, I decided to look for the "Mass of Angels and Saints" that we are using... then, I found this! This is the new version that the Catholic Church will be switching to within the next year. So, instead of posting the past, I am posting the future! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJy8X5c3Mls&feature=BFa&list=PLCBA3B32000F9455F&index=19

I think I like it!!

The end of our family's percussion era

2011-05-21T12:23:00.018-04:00

As everybody knows, the Putnam City High School Band has been a central part of our lives for many years.

It started with Jimmy. He actually trail blazed the way for his younger siblings, as I had never been a band parent before. There was a lot to learn! Marching competitions, equipment needed, expenses, time consumed, fund raising, practicing before sunrise, coda tryouts, drumline tryouts... WOW! I had no idea what being a band parent entailed!

Next, there was Shelby. I already knew the score by that time, and it was much easier... except perhaps the year she broke her ankle in the middle of marching season.

Finally, there is John. By this time, it's a given that band is a part of our lives... except for one thing...

John has decided to leave the band. I can't believe it!!!! But, last week he sat down with me for a serious talk. He has a number of reasons for wanting to leave, all of them valid; the main one being he is working very hard to graduate with honors.

It's probably silly that this whole thing has made me cry the past few days, because it really is up to him. We band parents are supposed to be there for our kids, not the other way around! I keep hoping he will reconsider, but ultimately the decision is his.

Here are a few other memories from the years John has been in band and even before...

~~~~~~~~~~~

John seemed destined to be a percussionist back when he thought that Jimmy's practice pad made a great toy.

Here he is as the Band Queen crown-bearer back in 2005, when Shelby was a Sophomore.

From some of the football games:

It's been a good time being a band parent, now it's time to rest. :)

Sunday's Reflection

2011-05-15T13:25:00.000-04:00

This is a song our choir sang today, but it's a much more complicated version. This arrangement really is worth a listen!

"Love is Come Again," aka "Now the Green Blade Rises"

http://youtu.be/Mu-JPsfQs9A

A few of my favorite "Being a Mom" photos...

2011-05-08T08:45:00.002-04:00

This is what I'm celebrating today. :-)

Not only am I celebrating these blessings, but I am also lucky enough to have a few "bonus" kids that may have been to big for me to carry by the time they came into my life, but I carry them in my heart.

Happy Mother's Day to everybody who is somebody's Mom, or is a child who blessed the life of a Mom, like all of mine have blessed me!

Happy Easter Monday

2011-04-25T19:51:00.003-04:00

Hope everybody had a blessed and filling Easter.

I know my crazy crew did! :)

Remembering loved ones on Good Friday

2011-04-22T09:08:00.002-04:00

For a number of years we have engaged in a little ritual on Good Friday.

It all started because of the beautiful Christmas cards that came in the mail every year. I couldn’t bear to get rid of them after only having them up for a week, so I started leaving them up longer and longer. Then one day it occurred to me that Good Friday would be an appropriate day to take them down, because we celebrate Christmas as the day of Jesus’ birth, and honor Good Friday as the day of Jesus’ death. Then, of course, Sunday we will celebrate the Great Resurrection!

These are the cards we received this past Christmas. We will take them down tonight after the Good Friday service. As we take them down we will say a small prayer for each person and family that sent them. So if you sent us a card this year, we are putting it to good use! :)

Sunday's Reflection

2011-04-17T16:23:00.003-04:00

Today is Palm Sunday, and this hymn is one that is frequently used for this day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcfEO8qRp48

(Actually, I really wanted to use a different one that we sang today, but I couldn't find a video. But you can listen to it HERE. I love it!)

John goes to Prom!

2011-04-16T19:20:00.004-04:00

Like his older brother, John is attending his first formal dance as a sophomore, since his girlfriend is an upper-classman. I had forgotten how much easier it was to help a young man prepare for the prom. A rented tux, a shower, hair combed and he was ready! Wow, is my baby ever handsome!

Something neat happened today, too.

The yellow rose bush bloomed for the first time this year, and not just one bloom. There are at least a dozen blooms and buds on it! I think John's dad is watching today. :)

It's Tulip Time. :)

2011-04-05T22:10:00.007-04:00

Remember this post, back when my tulips were all tucked in nice and cozy? Well, the cold dark days are over, and now they are blooming in the sunshine.

I just LOVE Spring, don't you??? :-)

Sunday's Reflection

2011-04-03T16:08:00.002-04:00

I am going to attempt a new regular feature on my blog that I'm calling "Sunday's Reflection."

Basically, it will be a YouTube video of a song that our choir sang that morning. Almost every Sunday one of the songs keeps running through my head all day long, so this will serve a two-fold purpose. One; I can share a favorite song, and two; maybe that way I'll get the danged thing unstuck from my brain! :)

The first one is today's psalm response, and was also the psalm response at the services for my father-in-law, the hauntingly beautiful "Shepherd me O God."

I hope you like it. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs&feature=related

A Tale of Two Scouts

2011-03-28T07:00:00.007-04:00

My daughter's boyfriend Alex obtained the rank of Eagle Scout awhile back, but because of a variety of circumstances his Court of Honor wasn't held until this past weekend. Our whole family attended, and we were all duly impressed with all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the event. Four new Eagle Scouts were honored in person by each segment of the US Armed Forces and presented with a variety of awards, including a letter from the President of the United States, members of the US Congress, and our State Governor.

In spite of all of those honors, what really made a lasting impression on me was a story (below) about a Japanese Boy Scout and an American Boy Scout during World War II, told by one of the scoutmasters. Until yesterday, I was not even aware that there is such a group as the Boy Scouts of Japan!

Later at home, the story was still on my mind. However, I was pretty well convinced that it was just a bit of "glurge," so I did some research. In case you are not familiar with that term:

GLURGE [Glurj]
noun
1. Chicken soup with several cups of sugar mixed in.
2. A sickeningly sweet inspirational story that is purportedly factual, but more often merely an urban legend.

Although the tale is sweet enough to qualify as glurge, evidently it is true.

This monument is located in Yokohama, 20 miles from Tokyo, inside a theme park. Here is the story, which is a general translation of the above plaque...

Unknown Scout Soldier -- This statue is a memorial of a true story of a fierce battle in World War II, which happened on an island in the South Pacific Ocean. An American soldier was seriously wounded, and he was lying where he had fallen. The sound of gunfire stopped, and the surroundings quieted down. He heard someone's footsteps approaching him. A Japanese soldier who had a gun with a bayonet was standing over him when he opened his eyes. He thought that he was going to be killed by the Japanese soldier, and he fainted. After a while, he woke up. He found a white slip of paper on the sand by his side, and he put it in his pocket. He was carried on a stretcher to the field operations aid station soon after that. When he was put on the operating table, he remembered the slip of paper in his pocket, and gave it to the doctor. It was a message from the Japanese soldier, and was as follows: "When I was about to kill you, you made the three fingered Scout salute. I am a Scout. A Scout is a brother. Therefore, I could not kill any person who lost the fighting spirit. I tended to your wound. Good luck!" After the war the American soldier and his father visited the Boy Scout headquarters in the United States, and told this story. They donated money for the Boy Scouts to put up a monument to the Scouting Spirit. The American soldier's name is not known. The Japanese soldier was killed. This monument is to the Unknown Scout Soldier. This is an example of the Scout Spirit of Japan.

~~~~~~~

A big congratulations to Alex for achieving the highest rank in this fine organization!

Sometimes I think I have troubles...

2011-03-27T15:25:00.004-04:00

...but then I read something that makes any problem I am having seem small.

This is a story about a young married couple named Nathan and Elisa. Nathan was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer. Nine days later, Elisa was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. They are literally in the battle of their lives while trying to care for their 18 month old daughter, Sadie.

I am adding this to my "Favorite Reading" list on the right, but in this case it is not reading for enjoyment. I am following this site, (click here) and planning to do whatever I can to help this family, especially praying many prayers. On the page you will find a link to their family blog, so you can follow their progress if you wish.

If we each light a single candle in their darkness, perhaps we can bring the light of day to them again.

The Big Kid

2011-03-16T14:01:00.006-05:00

A video gone viral is causing many a laugh around the internet. It is a clip of a schoolyard fight between a pint-sized bully and a large victim. The victim evidently has taken enough of the torment, so he grabs the bully and body-slams him to the ground. All the reactions that I have read cheer the victim for having the guts to put an end to the situation. Both children have been suspended from school for 4 days, according to the victim’s father. The whole situation makes me sad because I have seen so many similar situations over the years.

Going back in my mind, I remember a girl who was moved from a neighborhood school where she was well liked and respected, to a school where she became “the new kid” among students who had known each other since kindergarten. She towered over her classmates, even at the age of 8 years old most of the kids came up to about arm-pit level. From the first day she was given the name of “Jolly Green Giant.”

At first the girl laughed along with them, thinking it was the same kind of gentle banter that had been shared between friends back at the old school. But then the taunts became meaner, and soon the little pushes, shoves and pinches started.

The girl went to her teacher, who scolded, “You’re a big girl. Just ignore them.”

Next, the girl ignored them until somebody pulled her hair so hard that it brought her to tears. She turned around and punched him, and was sent to the principal.

She was given the punishment of writing 500 times, “I will not hit others,” and the boy who pulled her hair wasn’t punished at all! “You are so much bigger than him! Shame on you for hitting somebody so much smaller than you!”

It just escalated. The girl was heartbroken. It was bad enough being new in a school with no friends, but the bullying she was receiving was intolerable. Soon the girl had bloody pinch marks on her arms, and did not fight back so as to not get in trouble again. Her mother tried talking to the parents and the school, but was basically blown off. “She’s immature, she cries almost every recess.” Well, I wonder why???

But one day, it all came to an end, thanks to a boy named Tom. While at recess, the girl heard from behind her the familiar chant; “Hey Jolly Green Giant!” and felt a smack at the back of her head. And then… a voice hollered out, “You leave her ALONE!!!”

She turned around, and there was Tom standing next to her with his fists clenched, facing the usual group of tormentors. At first they laughed, “Tom’s got a girlfriend,” “What’s up Tom, are you in love with the Green Giant?” but he stood his ground.

“I said leave her alone. She’s nice, and she has never done anything to any of you. Why do you keep picking on her?”

One by one they slunk away and after that day, pretty much left her alone. As a matter of fact, over time she became friends with some of them, and even received a few apologies. It only took one person speaking up against something wrong to make them take notice.

That girl was me.

One person can truly make a difference in somebody’s life. Tom is no longer living for me to thank again, but I want to thank all the Toms out there who will stand up for somebody when nobody else will, and are not afraid to speak up when someone is being abused.

“Blessed are the Peacemakers.”

http://www.iviewtube.com/v/179719/fat-kid-body-slams-skinny-bully

I'm as mad as hell...

2011-03-06T01:59:00.006-05:00

Sound familiar? Wikipedia description of a scene from old movie 'Network':

"The upper echelons of a major news network decide to exploit a news anchor's symptoms of mental illness rather than pulling him off the air, because their ratings are soaring. In one impassioned diatribe, Beale galvanizes the nation with his rant, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" and persuades Americans to shout out of their windows during a lightning storm. Soon Beale is hosting a new program called 'The Howard Beale Show', top-billed as a 'mad prophet.' The network allows more and more bizarre events on live TV until ultimately they allow the televised assassination of Beale."

Reminds me of what networks currently are doing to Charlie Sheen. He obviously needs help, but first they will exploit him until he's all used up. Maybe even dead.

I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to watch it... ever.

Solidarity in Oklahoma

2011-02-26T22:45:00.016-05:00

Sometimes we have to stand up for others. If we don't, who will stand up for us? Today we stood up in support of the teachers, nurses, and all public employees of Wisconsin who are fighting for their rights.

It's funny... on our local news it was reported "Over 100 people gathered at the Capitol..." Wow! What an understatement! We counted close to 1000. Actually, the news spent almost no time covering the event.

It was a very calm rally, although it seemed like some were expecting violence. The bomb squad was there along with at least 25 police cars at the beginning.

I guess this guy could have bit somebody on the leg, but he was as peaceful as the rest of us!

This is the bottom line: If people lose the right to bargain, all they can do is beg. Wisconsin, please don't turn teachers and other public workers into beggars.

CLICK HERE FOR story about protests across the US today

Nine years today. From the beginning to the end...

2011-02-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

I always looked at him the same way...

... and I miss him.

9/16/1947-2/25/2002

Revisiting: A few minutes in Andy's Heaven

I know a few things about love...

2011-02-14T01:12:00.006-05:00

Love is special and should never be taken for granted.

Good love allows us be ourselves. No games are needed. No guessing is needed. Conversations are engaging, silence is comfortable.

We don't need to hold on to love. It stays right with us.

It's not about the wedding... it's about the marriage.

There is no "i" in "team."

Laughter is the glue that holds everything together.

It's okay to go to bed mad. Problems are often easier to solve after a good night's sleep. But mad or not, always say, "I love you." There are no guarantees that you will ever have another chance.

True love is built on both friendship and chemistry.

Happy Valentine's Day to my best friend of 39 years.

I love you.

What I did during my Winter Vacation: Part 2

2011-02-10T18:00:00.002-05:00

John and I made devil's food cupcakes...

...and they were good!

What I did during my Winter Vacation

2011-02-09T14:38:00.007-05:00

What I Did During my Winter Vacation
A 1000 Word Essay
Submitted February 9, 2011

During my Winter Vacation I made stuff.

(hmmm.... let's see... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 words. Only 993 more words to go. Sigh.)

*Snap*!!! I know! A picture is worth a thousand words, right? This will give me extra credit!

~~~

What I Did During my Winter Vacation;
A Photo Essay
Submitted February 9, 2011

The End.

~~~

It's February.

2011-02-05T17:04:00.004-05:00

Yes, I still dread it, and it's coming... I have been starting to have that weird spacey feeling I always get during the month or so before.
I think I need to join "Remarried Widows Anonymous"

"Hi, my name is Stephanie... I am a remarried widow, but I still feel grief at times..."

Addendum to my post from yesterday...

2011-02-01T18:11:00.005-05:00

.... Yes, I am correct. It sucks to be a bird.

At least in this kind of weather it does. We received 12 inches of snow since yesterday!

I am grateful that I am a person, not a bird. Speaking of birds, I am also grateful for a big pot of chicken and rice soup!!!

Please stay warm, everybody!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KiPFcQrePs

For the Birds

2011-01-31T17:00:00.002-05:00

My kids think I’m crazy. Well, maybe I am, but I like being crazy!

A conversation about 5 years ago went something like this:

Me: "I’ll bet being a bird is awful." (All right, I admit… what I actually said is, "I’ll bet it sucks to be a bird." I try very hard to avoid using that word, but it just fits so well in this case!)

Shelby: "What do you mean?"

Me: "Well, just think of it. The birds are outdoors 24/7. They get rained on, blown around by the wind. If it sleets, it sleets on them. When it hails, it hails on them."

Then, getting more dramatic: "They hang on icy wires and their poor little birdie feet get all frozen! In the summer time their delicate feathers get scorched by the blazing sun. How would you like to live in this climate in a house that is made of just sticks and leaves?"

Shelby was laughing by this time. "Momma, they’re BIRDS! They are designed to withstand the elements!"

I have had similar conversations with my kids over the years. They accuse me of having a bird fixation. That’s okay; they can tease me if they want to. But, whenever a winter storm approaches, one of the first things I think of is feeding the birds.

The Ice Man cometh and Snow-Mageddon is on the way. Let me assure you that our bird feeder is filled up and ready. It probably will still suck to be a bird in this storm, but hopefully not quite as much to the ones who live near our house!

Hair today... gone tomorrow!

2011-01-15T17:40:00.005-05:00

Art likes to grow a Santa beard for Christmas, but the holiday is past. So, like the title said...

One day hair...

Next day... GONE!!!

Well, he did decide to keep the mustache for awhile longer. No use being stuck in a rut. :)

Silly stuff and Happy New Year

2011-01-01T04:25:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! Just a bit of video silliness to start the year out with a grin.

Terry snapped the two photos, but the timer went off before he made it into the first one. We laughed about how it looked on the camera, so I put it together as a video here. (The comedy may have been enhanced by the adult beverages, but that's okay. It's New Years!)

Hope everybody has a 2011 that is full of fun and laughs!!!

Another crazy family story! (With this family, we'll never run out.)

2010-12-28T13:04:00.020-05:00

I will never forget the Christmas holidays of 1990. It wasn't so much the holidays themselves, or even the fact that my second-born child was due any second. The happenings on the day Shelby was born are simply unforgettable.

It all started the night before. Kathy and her kids, 16 year-old Chris and 14 year
old Lesley, were over for the holidays. We all had a pleasant visit, fairly unremarkable except for the fact that I was so pregnant that I couldn't get comfortable. As they prepared to leave at about 10 PM, Chris invited Jimmy to spend the night, since Lesley also had a friend coming over. My son thought it over and decided he would rather stay home with all of his Christmas goodies, so they left and we all went to bed shortly after. Later, Jimmy had good reason to thank the Lord that he had made that decision....

At 2 AM the phone rang, and I rolled over and picked up. It is almost never a good thing to get a call at that hour, and that night was no exception.

"Hello?"

"Hello Ma'am. This is the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department. We are trying to reach a Kathy R. Do you have any idea how we can get in touch with her?"

No, this was not sounding good. Not at all.

"Well, she left here about two hours ago with her kids. As far as I know she was going straight home."

"We have been calling her house because we have her children Chris and Lesley in custody. If we can't find a responsible family member to come get them I am going to have to take them to Juvenile Hall."

What the heck???? "I can come get them, but I have no idea why Kathy isn't answering the phone."

"Normally we would have just taken them to jail, but I could tell these kids aren't your typical delinquents when when we pulled her friend over, and Lesley jumped out of the station wagon waving her hands in the air crying, "Don't shoot me! Don't shoot me!"

Aha, it was becoming clear now. They had taken Kathy's car on a joy ride! The only one of the three that was even old enough to drive was Chris, and not only did he not have his license yet, he hadn't even taken driver's ed.

"Are you sure you can come get them? They gave me some long rambling story about how their aunt is 9 months pregnant and her husband can't walk."

"I AM 9 months pregnant and my husband CAN'T walk, but he drives with hand controls. We will come get them!"

Andy and I dressed in record time, we loaded his wheelchair into the truck, and we were off. But the first stop was Kathy's house to see if we could roust her out of bed. She answered the door in a state of complete sleep disorientation.

"Wha... what are you doing here at this hour?" she sputtered.

I replied, "The sheriff has been trying to call you. Do you know where your kids are? Do you know where your car is?"

Kathy went over to the sleeping bags on the floor and pulled the covers back. Nothing but pillows. She checked her phone. The kids had turned the ringer off. "That's it. THAT'S IT!!! Those kids are dead meat!!" She threw a robe on over her pajamas. "Just WAIT 'til I get my hands on those little @$$#*&%$!!!"

We delivered Kathy to her children, her car, and the sheriff, and stuck around just long enough to make sure that we weren't going to have to post bail for Kathy assaulting her children. The last thing I heard was Kathy yelling, "I'm going to rip your arms off and kill you both with the bloody stumps!" and the sheriff's reply, "Sounds like it may be justifiable homicide, kids."

Then Andy and I returned to our nice, warm bed and went back to sleep.

Except, about every half hour to 45 minutes I woke up slightly, thinking... ow, I hurt. Ow... I hurt.....

By 7:30, it was obvious I was in full blown labor.

10 hours and a big bag of Skittles later, Miss Shelby Dylane came into the world.

And, the rest is history. :)

A very lucky Jimmy

Chris and Lesley in the waiting room while I was in labor, the little turds.

Shelby is born!!!

Introducing Baby Girl Shelby Dylane: 6:36 PM, 8 lbs, 7oz, 20" long. :)

P.S. A very happy, and hopefully much less eventful, 20th birthday to my daughter!

The Very Best Christmas

2010-12-24T16:26:00.020-05:00

Shelby and I had a few last minute things to pick up from the store, and while we were driving we noticed several near-miss accidents. Everybody was in a horrible rush. One lady laid angrily on her horn behind me, wanting me to turn in front of another car, I guess. When she zipped around me, I resisted the impulse to flip the bird, and instead waved and said, “Merry Christmas” to her.

I commented that so many people get stressed out trying to recreate the best Christmas they ever had, but this is an impossibility because you can’t buy the Very Best Christmas. Then, reminiscing:

The Very Best Christmas, I received a dog tag engraved “Mom”.

The Very Best Christmas, I opened a package with a macaroni necklace.

The Very Best Christmas was any when my Grandma was still alive. Or, my Dad. Or, Andy.

This year will also be the Very Best Christmas.

I have my health.
I have my Mom.
I have my friends.
I have my children.
I have my grandchildren.
I have my Arthur.

And of course we always celebrate the FIRST Very Best Christmas; when a special Baby was born to teach us how to love and care for one another.

If we can just remember that lesson, every year will always be the Very Best Christmas.

... only one Dad

2010-12-13T15:14:00.009-05:00

"There are billions of people in the world, but only one Dad."

Thank you, miserable razor company, for reminding us of this inescapable fact over and over again at Christmas time. :(

Final thoughts about ornaments

2010-12-11T06:53:00.001-05:00

These are just a few of many decorations that were given to me as gifts. The Starbucks one from Shelby needs no explanation to those who know me! :) The bell is one of the remaining few Twelve Days of Christmas" ornaments that my brother Doug gave me the year Shelby was born. The nurse jingle bell is a little sweetie from my mom, but the sweetest memory among these is the Energizer Bunny. That was a special gift from Andy. He knew I wanted it, and he went to several stores before he found one.

Here are some more ornaments that remind me of Grandma. She was always quite clever at arts and crafts, so she helped me make ornaments out of wooden sewing spools and pieces of broken up costume jewelry. They will probably be with us for many generations because they are indestructable.

The white deer was a trinket she bought me at the old JL Hudsons in downtown Detroit. It originally held bright colored lollipops tied with curly ribbons. And the trumpet is actually a baby rattle of mine!

As time passes and things seem to blur and fade, I'm so happy to have all of these multi-colored memories that I can hold in my hand.

Holiday Decorating Continues

2010-12-08T23:49:00.015-05:00

I have stated several times in the past that when Art and I married and blended our past lives together, that there is something very intimate about mixing two sets of Christmas ornaments together.

If that's true, this must be an Ornament Orgy.

So many ornaments, so many stories!

These are a few of my kids' favorite decorations. John loves that old styrofoam snowman that I colored with a magic marker! He doesn't even know why except that we've had it as long as he can remember.

These are some of Art's favorites. Several of them were hand made by Sue.

These were from my jobs over the years. I especially love the hand made ones from school kids.

It wouldn't be Christmas without Sue's Elvis. :)

Wonderful old memories, but we have some of our own memories, too...!

Including:
Mr. and Mrs. were a gift from my mom the Christmas before Art and I were married.

I have a few more to share, but that will be for another day. Have a Merry Thursday, everybody!

P.S.

2010-12-06T16:07:00.002-05:00

This is a P.S. to my previous entry...

We took out all of our ornaments today to prepare to trim the real tree in the next couple of days. Look what I still have! This is the only one of Grandma's birds still in existence and, as you can see, he is in desperate need of some TLC, if not CPR!

Now that I think of it, I'll bet I can fix him right up. A couple of new googly eyes, and some jaunty new tail and wing feathers might be all it takes. Sounds like a fun little holiday project! :)

A new tree for Grandma's table

2010-12-05T01:30:00.010-05:00

This is not the first time I have posted this photo of a three-year-old me with my Grandma, but this photo holds such special memories. The little pink tree was absolute childhood magic with it's glitter and feather birds swaying in the twilight shadows, beneath tiny clear twinkle lights. Grandma and her wonderful tree were treasures that seemingly would be part of my life forever.

Then one year, to my sorrow, Grandma's little tree was gone. Evidently it had become quite shabby, although I never noticed. I begged her to get another pink tree, but she was unable to find one. Styles change, and aluminum trees were the newest "in" thing. That didn't suit either one of us, so the glittery birds took up residence among the other ornaments in the full sized tree.

(They looked just like these, but they had feathers on them.)

Years passed and one by one the bird ornaments broke or fell apart. I grew up, married. Jimmy came into the world, then Grandma died and took some more of the magic with her. When Grandpa moved in with my parents, I was given several pieces of their furniture that I still treasure today. Several pieces... including the little drop-leaf table that the little tree used to sit on every year.

During a recent shopping trip I was stunned to see nothing less than a little pink Christmas tree nestled among the taller green trees in the store. It was a bit different than the original, but it was little and pink! I didn't have enough cash with me then, but Art brought it home today and we set it up on Grandma's table.

The memories make it beautiful. I wonder... I wonder if glittery feather birds could bring back some of the magic...

A Few Turkey Day Photos

2010-11-28T23:40:00.010-05:00

All tucked in, nice and cozy.

2010-11-27T00:52:00.005-05:00

It's the end of another season. My garden has gone from this:

...to this:

I always feel a bit wistful at the end of each season, particularly as fall moves into winter. It does help, though, to look ahead to another spring.

It's the time of year to plant more of those "Hope Flowers" I mentioned awhile back.

Springtime in the form of a sleeping bulb is tucked snug in it's bed, along with several dozen brothers and sisters.

The thought of that helps warm my soul throughout the winter.

A couple of little happy tidbits

2010-11-06T12:54:00.007-05:00

Tidbit #1: Bloglines is BACK!!! A new company has agreed to take over the operations of the Bloglines Reader from Ask.com. It was supposed to be closed forever, and I was frantically moving my subscriptions elsewhere. To me, Bloglines is the most user friendly RSS reader, so I am very happy with the news!!!

Tidbit #2: (If you are my friend on facebook you can skip this one since this proud mom has already trumpeted the news.) My son Jimmy has been obsessively programming an app for iphone, working in collaboration with a college friend. The app is known as Pocket Percussion teacher. Three days ago it was accepted by Apple and released on the Apple Store. It has been selling extremely well, and the ratings are starting to come in. They are wonderfully positive!!! So, naturally I am thrilled, and proud and happy for Robbie and Jim.

Well, I guess there is a Tidbit #3, but is not on my happy list. The same day that the iphone app came out, we learned we have a major plumbing leak under the house that is going to cost us beaucoup bucks. It is in the hot water line, and the entire line needs to be replaced. The plumber is supposed to be here as soon as he finishes another job, so in the mean time, we have no hot water. Sigh. But, I won't complain too much. At least we have running water and a warm place to live. :)

When only the soul can hear

2010-11-04T22:17:00.009-05:00

I had to pay a difficult visit today, and I'm writing this to work through some of my feelings. If this is a bit disjointed I apologize, so please bear with me...

One of my good friends is in grave condition in the ICU, and is not expected to live more than another couple of days. This friend and I worked together for seven years at an elementary school on the South side of town.

Not only were we coworkers, but we had a little bit of a cosmic connection. She and I lost our husbands within a few months of each other. She sat with me at the hospital as Andy fought for life, and in turn I sat with her. She attended Andy's services, and a short time later I was sitting at the Shrine Temple at her husband's memorial.

She kindly took me and my kids to the Shrine Circus during the early days of our loss. We cried together, laughed together at things that others probably would not find humorous... then, about the same time as I dipped my toe in the world of a new relationship, she also decided she was ready. She is warm, kind, artistic and funny, and it was no surprise to me that a new gentleman found the specialness in her. They married the weekend Art and I returned from our honeymoon.

I went to a different school assignment about 4 years ago, but we continued to call each other, always ending the conversation with "we need to get together and do something fun," but as so often happens, we got busy...and the "something fun" never happened.

When I visited today, I was able to relay something pleasant. I guess there really are no coincidences, because earlier that day while I was thinking about my upcoming visit, a 10th grader came into the clinic. It was a girl that I knew from when she was in elementary school... and my friend had been her kindergarten teacher! I have a lot of my former students, but not many from that elementary. The high school I'm at is a North side school, and the elementary is a South side school. But there she was, and she knew me! I asked if she remembered her former teacher, and her eyes lit up.

"Oh, Nurse Stephanie! She was my favorite teacher! She was always so nice!"

I shared that message to my friend in ICU, then reminisced for quite awhile and, even though she is in a coma, I swear she heard me. As a nurse, I know all about involuntary movements, but there was positively a brief change of expression and a tear in the corner of her eye. Medical science knows a lot about how the human body works, but not much about the soul.

As I prepared to leave, I did not say goodbye. I said, "I will see you again one of these days."

Then, because as long as there is life there is hope, I was thinking on one hand about her dear husband and our wonderful friends from the school. But on the other hand I thought about our loved ones on the other side. I told her, "Tell everybody I say 'Hi'."

We said "NO!" :)

2010-10-24T23:12:00.004-04:00

Once Upon a Time there were two people who were so busy, it never seemed they had time to spend together just relaxing...

~~~~~~

This past weekend was Fall Break, but even so there were activities in which Art and I could have been participating. Perhaps even "SHOULD" have been participating.

But the sun, stars, and moon aligned to give us a few days to ourselves. It was Homecoming Weekend at Oklahoma State University, and what could be more fun for John than to go for a college weekend with his sister and her friends? So off he went, and we were free. FREE!!!! Free...

... except for a couple loose ends of little obligations.

But you know what? We decided we deserved our own weekend to spend together. So we said "NO" to every other activity, and "YES" to US!

Break is now over, and it's back to work tomorrow. However, we had a great time simply spending our time together, and are so glad for once we said "NO"!

~~~~~~

The End. :)

Goodbye Big Bertha....

2010-10-19T18:23:00.013-04:00

Big Bertha has been a very important member of our family, and will be sorely missed. Don't worry too much... she is not a person, but our 1998 Windstar minivan. Shelby named her, because Bertha was the first vehicle she ever drove and therefore needed a cute nickname.

Bertha accompanied us on many adventures, many of them pivotal events of our lives. She moved Arthur here from Michigan back in 2003, and made herself at home here in Oklahoma City.

She carried a bunch of Northern goodies for us when we returned from Niagara Falls and Northern Michigan where we spent our honeymoon in 2004.

She faithfully took us on many excursions and summer vacations, until the year she decided to blow her transmission in Springfield, Missouri on the way to Arthur's parent's 60th anniversary celebration. After that, we decided the old lady was too old for cross-country road trips.

Even though she was no longer a strong work horse, she was like a family pet. We would drive her short distances whenever we needed to carry lots of people and lots of stuff. She would faithfully start up in rain and snow, and although she was beginning to make lots of funny noises, we could still count on her to get us safely to where we wanted to go.

Big Bertha's last major assignment was to spend time with Shelby as her transportation at college. The funny noises had increased to where Shelby did not drive her back and forth from Stillwater to the City .... Bertha just lived there on campus. At the end of the school year, Bertha's days were numbered. We knew it was becoming time to send her to that great highway in the sky.

Today we took her to a nice man that worked at a place that had lots of old and new cars who promised to send her off to her next home, and even gave us her plates as a souvenier. He felt sorry for our loss, so he let us take home a younger truck to try to console us.

The truck is nice and all, but Big Bertha, I will miss you!

Our 2010 State Fair Button

2010-10-09T16:12:00.009-04:00

Here is this year's Great State Fair photo button...

...the tradition of our family mentioned in John's essay. And, look! The Shriners have gone totally techie! Although the buttons have been digital for the past 4 years or so, this year even the outside banner is computerized. I am sure it is a lot more cost effective than the old Polaroid photos!

The photo button was not this year's biggest highlight of the fair. Our gang decided to surprise John with a 16th birthday celebration.... which was easier than it sounds. He knew we were going to the fair, he just didn't know we made plans for the family to meet up with a cake and presents. Shelby took him off to the midway, and his guests arrived to set up a picnic table with goodies! Pretty sneaky, eh?

Here is a quick little video of our crazy bunch, if you have not already seen it on Facebook. The Fair is a wonderful way of keeping our memories of the past connected with the joys of the present. :)

John's Reflections of his Dad and the State Fair

2010-09-30T00:42:00.011-04:00

Once again, State Fair time has come and gone and as always we made sure that we purchased our annual Shriner's photo button. I will scan and post this year's image very soon, but today I am going to share a personal narrative family essay that John wrote about our annual tradition, specifically how much it meant to him the year Andy died.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every fall since 1987, it has been a family tradition in my family to go to the State Fair of Oklahoma and get our picture taken at the Indian Shrine Clown photo booth. That tradition was on the line in 2002 and I was full of concerns. Would the tradition be condemned because Dad had passed away at the beginning of that year? Would I be ready to take the picture without him by my side?

It was a beautiful warm and breezy September day. It was the day to spend at the fair. I was so ready to get through that gate into the sea of excitement and good spirit that the fair brings the state year after year.

“The whole gang is coming; we can’t go just because you’re ready.” Mom reminded me as I mercilessly nagged to leave. Before we left she decided that everyone would wear one of Dads hats in memory of him. She assigned me the job of passing them out. As I handed them to Shelby, Bear, Kelly, Mom, Uncle Terry, Lesley, Kendy, Chris, and Logan; each hat brought back memories of better times. When I stepped back and looked at everyone smiling I knew everything would be alright.

On the way I buried myself in thoughts. My mind was overflowing with questions and worries.

“It’s not going be the same without him” I repeatedly told myself. I knew how much this meant to him so I was overwhelmed, as well as terrified that it wouldn’t go like he would have wanted it.

I knew we were almost there as soon as I could see the space needle towering in the distance. I was running short on time to collect my thoughts. “What am I going to do?”

We pulled into the gate 23 parking lot and parked in the paid section. I knew that meant it wouldn’t be long until we were in. As I handed my ticket to the taker I decided it was time to suck it up and snap to reality. When I got through the gate I looked left and right but I couldn’t decide which way to go. Instead of wasting time contemplating, I just went with my first instinct and went right. Reflecting back on that now I regret that decision because the booth was right around the corner to left. That being the case, it wasn’t until we walked completely around the grounds that I saw a clown blowing up a balloon animal. My eyes lit up and without even thinking about it I dashed as fast as I could to the booth. I was so excited that I didn’t even stop to think that my whole family wasn’t running as well. I had to wait as they lollygagged their way over to the booth. Mom and I gathered everyone together on the side of the booth because there were too many of us to take the photo inside.

Limbo the clown came out with the camera and asked “Is everyone ready?” “Say Limbo!” I had to squint as he snapped the picture because I the sun was blaring down on the side of the booth. I knew that wherever Dad was he had a grin on his face because it went exactly how he would have wanted it.

The rest of the night was fun, but nothing could compare to the perfect picture and a tradition perfectly kept alive by love and devotion by my family and our love for Dad. Even still the tradition is kept alive for him, and every year we take something to represent him in the picture. Our newest picture was taken on 9-26-2010. Dad will never be forgotten and he will always be my hero. A tradition should never die because someone is no longer with us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Follow me?...

2010-09-25T01:03:00.005-04:00

A little note to my online community:

Recently, much to my dismay, Ask.com released a statement that they are closing down the Bloglines site. This created a dilemma in my life; how in the world am I going to be able to keep up with my blog subscriptions??? How will I know when one cyber friend gives birth? How can I see the wedding pictures of another, or try to give comfort to a blogger who keeps a grief journal, if I no longer have that wonderful tool that organizes all my reading material into one simple place?

Not only that, how would my two or three regular readers be able to find me? They would forever wonder whether Shelby graduated from college and married her high school beau, or did she decide to enter a convent instead? Did John succeed in getting his driver's licence, how many grey hairs did he give his mother in doing so, and did he become a major league ball player? I CAN'T desert my faithful friends!

I pondered and searched, but the only rss readers I could find were complicated and had to be downloaded, unlike my beautiful, simple Bloglines! But, Eureka!!! Tonight, with the October 1st deadline looming on the horizon, I have found one! So now, my two or three regular readers, you can subscribe HERE!:)

Or if you are on Facebook, you can subscribe via Networked Blogs: Click here.

Goodbye Bloglines. I'm sad to see you go. :(

This has been a public service announcement. You may now return to your regular internet surfing!!!

Just a little wish....

2010-09-16T07:00:00.006-04:00

~~~

Happy birthday AB, wherever your spirit rests today.

~~~

Remembering the emotion after 9/11

2010-09-11T11:00:00.001-04:00

It is often difficult to go back and capture feelings from the past. Even the happiest occasions or the most tragic events in our lives have their poignant edges sanded and softened by time, and the feelings become a shadow of the original.

But then there is music. Music always has a way of putting me back in the moment, and this video is a perfect example. This is the original performance of "Where were You," performed by Alan Jackson at the CMA Awards, three weeks after 9/11. He later recorded it in a studio, but the studio recording lacks much of the emotion of this one. When I watch it today, I am transported back to that night when a grieving country sat mesmerized as the simple, but powerful, words he sang helped unify us in spirit.

"Faith Hope and Love are some good things He gave us...and the greatest is Love."

Old School Pirate Band

2010-09-04T11:55:00.013-04:00

Last night was the debut of the Pirate Band's 2010 marching show. It made me realize that I have been a band parent for a long, LONG time!!! :) Let's see... Jimmy graduated in 1997, so 4 years of high school and 2 years of middle school band... WOW It's been since fall of 1991! Almost 20 years of non-stop percussion. And you all wonder why I am crazy??? :-)

I am very proud of all my band kids, but today I'm putting the spotlight on Jimmy. This is a video from when he was in Jr. High in 1993... specifically what is now Capps Middle School. (Cooper had not been built yet.) He is the slightly nervous musician playing keyboard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXIX-GTDvTo

And this is the Pirate Marching Band 1996-97 Jim is the tall guy on the snare line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S25v-H_Acwo

Long live Band.... and Band Parents!!!

Making new friends and having fun!

2010-08-25T19:11:00.008-04:00

This is another shameless plug for my favorite activity, but it is because I want all my friends to experience the joy and join in the fun that is known as square dancing! It has been almost 40 years since I first set foot in a square dance hall (the story is here) and I have loved it ever since. There is a lot to love!

For one thing, it is a good, healthy activity, cardiovascular exercise, and studies show that similar activities help keep the brain sharp. But unlike many other types of exercise, it is low impact.

Square dancers are some of the friendliest people you could wish to meet! If you are interested in making new friends, it is very easy at a square dance club. And, contrary to common belief, they are not all "old people". You can find folks of all ages that enjoy square dancing. Another great thing about the people is there is no need to worry about getting hit on by a bunch of drunks! Drinking before or during a square dance is forbidden by the official code.

Looking for romance? Well, results may vary, but there are three couples in our club alone who met at square dancing! Most clubs welcome singles, and these singles do mingle....! :-)

It is a thrifty activity, too. For a small monthly club membership fee (ours is $6 per person) you can enjoy all the club dances and other fun events. Our club is noted for the great potluck buffet we provide at halftime. What a great value!!!

Many clubs offer lessons, and many are free or very reasonable. If you are interested, this is a great time of year to take lessons! Look up Square Dancing in the Yellow Pages or Google it to find local clubs. Ask if they give lessons and how many members are in the club. They will probably love it if you come visit on a dance night!!!

And.... NOW for my BIG SALES PITCH!!!

The Swinging Rebels Dance Club of OKC will be offering FREE lessons starting the Thursday after Labor Day! The lessons will be from 7-9PM at the Warr Acres Community Center, NW 42nd and Ann Arbor. So Oklahoma City area friends, please come join us! I guarantee you will be glad you did! :-)

It is with great sadness ...

2010-08-18T20:30:00.014-04:00

... that after 32 years of excellent daily customer service:

... and I repeat; after 32 long years, Mom's Taxi Service is preparing to close up shop.

John finished Driver's Ed this past summer, has his learner's permit, and he will be turning 16 in the next couple of months!

Exciting times for him! (Scary times for me.) But it is a very important step in his life!

Hope Flowers

2010-08-15T20:38:00.014-04:00

The first time I planted flowers in my front yard was an autumn that Andy was fighting to recover from one of his many surgeries. It also was the first time awareness hit that he and I might not have many more years left together, and I was not sure if he would even live through the winter.

It is always good to have some hope to cling to, something to have a bit of control over. So I planted dozens of daffodil bulbs, thinking and hoping that Andy would be home from the hospital to see them bloom in the spring. I called them my "Hope Flowers," because I was hoping for a bright future. Or if nothing else, I would have something pretty to look at if... he...... NO! STOP!!! I didn't want to think about the other possibility!

He lived to see the daffodils bloom twice. The second time he only was able to see them because, for some reason, they bloomed in February that year; on the very last day of his life. Yet still, all these years later those flowers remain a symbol of hope for me each year that they bloom, and the wind whispers to me of undying love as it rustles through the leaves.

I have continued to work on the flower beds ever since that first year, and Shelby, John, and more recently Arthur have helped me with a variety of plantings. Here is my flower garden this summer. The different blooms represent love of the past, beauty of the present, and hope for the future. For me, hope, like love, never dies.

~ ~ ~

Shelby's triumphant return to college

2010-08-08T12:01:00.008-04:00

Last year was Shelby's Freshman year at Oklahoma State University. I don't think anybody is really prepared to begin the university experience and, even though Shelby is a smart kid and an excellent student, she was no exception. By the time she finished the year she was exhausted and discouraged. Her GPA was acceptable, but not what my straight "A" student was used to. Plus, like most college students, she hated never having any extra spending money.

"I had no idea that college was this hard! It is really HARD!!"

I think a lot of it is, not only are the kids not prepared for how difficult the classes are, they also are not prepared for all the freedom that comes with living on campus. There are no parents to set curfews or make them eat healthy, so they end up burning the candle at both ends and burning out! Shelby eventually confessed that she had spent many a night hanging out with her friends as late as 3 AM. When she came home for the summer, she literally slept for three days straight before she even thought about what she wanted to do during the summer.

What she ended up doing made my head spin! When my daughter decides to make changes, she never does anything half-way.

She was hired at The Home Depot to work between 30-40 hours a week. On top of that, she signed up to take two courses at the community college so she could bring her GPA back up to the level she wanted. But even with all that, she managed to get a lot of rest and have a lot of fun! By the end of the summer she had passed her courses with a 4.0, and had enough cash to completely redo her college dorm room.

"I'm going for a more sophisticated look this year," she explained as she picked out a chic multicolor comforter, matching room accessories, and black and white photo posters.

Then, something exciting happened that she had not anticipated. At the end of the school year, Shelby had applied to be an "RA" (Residence Assistant) for the dorms. Originally, she was told that she did not get it. But three weeks ago the college called and offered her the position! What this means is she will have extra spending money after all, because an RA gets free room and board on campus!!!

I am very proud of my daughter! Not only is she living on the top floor of the dorm this year, she is on top of the world. :)

Jesus, Soldiers, and Aliens

2010-08-06T22:11:00.013-04:00

OK, this is a bit of a rant, and I may be opening up a can of worms by posting this. But, I received an email the other day that did not sit well with me, and is still niggling in the back of my mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How ALL phones SHOULD be answered!

GOOD MORNING, WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , a Christian nation of the free and the home of the brave. How may I help you?
.......

Press
'1' for English.
Press
'2' to disconnect until you learn to speak English

And remember only two defining forces have ever Offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, The other for your freedom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The message that Jesus died for my soul is not what bothers me. I love Jesus!

The part about the American Soldier does not bother me. My late husband was a Vietnam vet. I have a son and a step-son that have served in the military. I support our troops and am eternally grateful for the sacrifices of those in uniform.

What bothers me is from what I've learned, Jesus did not speak English, either. Would he have turned his back on me in Nazareth? And the American Soldier has fought and died for our rights, one big one which is the "Freedom of Religion." Yes, I am a Christian, but do Americans really have religious freedom if our nation is identified as a specific religion?

I decided to do a little research and found the following Biblical quotes about aliens. Now, please note, the above email made no reference to any difference between legal or illegal aliens. I guess another reason the email sits so wrong with me is I am the great-grandchild of Polish immigrants that did not know English!

Some quotes from the Bible about Immigrants:

“But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.” Exodus 20:10

“Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt.” Exodus 22:21
“Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.” Exodus 23:9

“Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:10

“When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34

“You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 24:22

“The community is to have the same rules for you and for the alien living among you; this is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You and the alien shall be the same before the Lord: The same laws and regulations will apply both to you and to the alien living among you.” Numbers 15:15-16

“The priest is to make atonement before the Lord for the one who erred by sinning unintentionally, and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven. One and the same law applies to everyone who sins unintentionally, whether he is a native-born Israelite or an alien.” Numbers 15:28-30

“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:17-19

“Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.” Deuteronomy 24:17-18

“When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.” Deuteronomy 24:19-22

“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the Lord your God: ‘I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them.’” Deuteronomy 27:19

“Cursed is the man who withholds justice from the alien, the fatherless or the widow.” Deuteronomy 27:19

“The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow.” Psalm 27:19

“If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I have your forefathers for ever and ever.” Jeremiah 7:6-8

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” Jeremiah 22:3

“You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who have settled among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along the tribes of Israel. In whatever tribe the alien settles, there you are to give him his inheritance,” declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 47:21-23

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor.’” Zechariah 7:9-10

“So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the aliens of justice, but do not fear me,’ says the Lord Almighty." Malachi 3:5

“Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the Lord say , ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.’” Isaiah 56:3

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise except for the foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’” Luke 17:15-19

“From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” Acts 17:26

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19-20

“All those people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

Introducing Mr. Comfort!

2010-08-01T14:28:00.007-04:00

I have a new best friend. His name is Mr. Comfort.

I have not met him in person yet, but I might call him up one of these days. He is the mascot of a new company. The old company was called ARS.

Yes, I think I may need to give him a call. I won't have any trouble remembering his phone number. You see, the number is 222-2222.

If all this sounds a bit cryptic to you, you can read the whole "Miracle or Coincidence" story here: http://okwildlady.blogspot.com/2002/04/miracle-or-coincidence.html

It's nice to have friends in high places. :)

A Bit of Family Trivia

2010-07-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every family has its own set of unusual, interesting and unique events and experiences, and my family is no exception. Here are a few tidbits of family trivia that doesn't really amount to much, but they do make conversation pieces to pass the time away! I have hyperlinked the names of the rich and famous, in case they are unfamiliar to anyone reading this.

1. During a few years of his time working at the 36th district court, Arthur worked with Judge Mathis.

2. My mother was a secretary for the Teamster’s Union back in the late 1950's, and at one time was secretary for Bill Bufalino, who was Jimmy Hoffa’s attorney. She took messages from Jimmy Hoffa on several occasions. (But she never knew a thing that went on behind the scenes... the women were never privy to that stuff.)

3. Aunt Kathy met Stevie Wonder in an elevator one day at Montgomery Wards in Detroit.

4. My brother Doug received a beautiful handwritten letter from Lillian Gish in reply to a note he sent.

5. John is now the owner of a baseball that belonged to my dad... One day in 1956 my grandpa took my dad to a Tiger’s game. Since Grandpa was friends with some of the players, he and my dad were allowed in the locker room after the game, and the entire team signed a baseball for my dad. Two signatures of note on the ball: Al Kaline and (now infamous Senator) Jim Bunning. Both of those players are now in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

6. How Grandpa first met those players is he played minor league baseball with some of them in the Toledo Mudhens. Sadly, he didn’t quite make the cut to the Majors.

7. During his service in the military band, Jimmy met and shook hands with President George H.W. Bush.

8. This will seem unremarkable to my Michigan friends, but may be of interest to the rest of you: I used to see Bob Seger in concert for a dollar at our local teen dances. A couple times I sat on the edge of the stage while he and his band (The Seger System and The Last Heard played. :)

So... what famous people have you met?

A cute Nun joke

2010-07-23T02:14:00.000-04:00

There were two nuns..

One of them was known as Sister Mathematical (SM),

and the other one was known as Sister Logical (SL ).

It is getting dark and they are still far away from the convent.

SM: Have you noticed that a man has been following us for the past thirty-eight and a half minutes? I wonder what he wants.

SL: It's logical.. He wants to rape us.

SM: Oh, no! At this rate he will reach us in 15 minutes at the most! What can we do?

SL: The only logical thing to do of course is to walk faster.

A little while later...

SM: It's not working.

SL: Of course it's not working. The man did the only logical thing. He started to walk faster, too.

SM : So, what shall we do? At this rate he will reach us in one minute.

SL: The only logical thing we can do is split. You go that way and I'll go this way. He cannot follow us both.

So the man decided to follow Sister Logical.

Sister Mathematical arrives at the convent and is worried about what has happened to Sister Logical.

Then Sister Logical arrives.

SM: Sister Logical! Thank God you are here! Tell me what happened!

SL : The only logical thing happened. The man couldn't follow us both, so he followed me.

SM: Yes, yes! But what happened then?

SL: The only logical thing happened. I started to run as fast as I could and he started to run as fast as he could.

SM: And?

SL : The only logical thing happened. He reached me.

SM : Oh, dear! What did you do?

SL : The only logical thing to do. I lifted my dress up.

SM : Oh, Sister! What did the man do?

SL: The only logical thing to do. He pulled down his pants.

SM: Oh, no! What happened then?

SL : Isn't it logical, Sister? A nun with her dress up can run faster than a man with his pants down.

And for those of you who thought it would be dirty,

Say two Hail Marys!

My magical childhood place

2010-07-18T19:35:00.003-04:00

Once upon a time when I was very, very small, my grandparents purchased a little pink cottage near Port Huron, Michigan. As the years passed, I spent more and more time at the cottage, until I was spending entire summers there.

It was during those summers that I developed a love of flower gardening. My grandma taught me how to pull weeds, transplant daylillies, deadhead daisies, and so many things that are imbedded, but I can't specifically remember. My grandpa taught me all about big lake fishing off a dock. (I can still bait a hook and clean a fish with the big boys!) He also taught me how to safely identify and pick mushrooms and wild berries, and the proper way to carve birchwood whistles. But my favorite thing to do during the summer was walk the half mile down the dirt road with my grandparents to the beach off of Lake Huron.

It scares me to think back about how I would swim out over my head in that big lake. I didn't know about under-tows back then, and I always felt safe when Grandpa was around. I do remember him rescuing me a couple of times. After the second time, I was sternly warned to never go out beyond the sand bar.

I will eventually post some old photos from the olden days when I get my scanner working. But for now, I am posting some photos and a video clip from our visit to that same beach taken during our trip to Michigan. It feels so strange but wonderful to see my children in that same spot, with my childhood spirit running along side of them. The spirit of energy, wonder, and fearlessness, back before I understood the facts of adulthood, grief, and that not everybody was nice like my family.

Rubbing Elbows with Greatness

2010-07-13T14:03:00.004-04:00

My family and I were fortunate enough to share a very enjoyable breakfast with a fellow blogger while in Detroit.

Frank Nemecek is a novelist and independent film producer, as well as the creator of two of the blogs on my reading list: The Warrendale Blog and the rather male-oriented The Voices in Frank's Head. Not only is he very talented, he is also very nice!

I didn't know exactly what to expect when we agreed to meet for breakfast at The Dog House, but because of my vast experience of meeting internet friends (can you say ywbb?) I figured he would be fine. (Although Shelby laughed, "Here we go again, meeting strangers off the internet!")

Frank turned out to be a big, sweet teddy bear of a guy. I think he had a lot more to fear from my zany crew!!!

I first discovered him through his Warrendale Blog. This blog serves a real community purpose! I admire Frank for for his efforts to revitalize the neighborhood where Arthur grew up and, although it is a daunting task, there is indication that his efforts are paying off.

I can't wait to see what project he does next!

Matt and Melody's Very Big Day

2010-07-09T17:06:00.026-04:00

Here is a small sampling of a really beautiful wedding. My wishes are for many happy years for the bride and groom.

Guess who caught the bride's bouquet? It was none other than Miss Shelby!!

But it's going to be a very long time before she can do anything about it, no-sir-ee!! This momma says she has to finish college first. :-)

Video link: Wedding Video http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=141972759146472

Shelby's Project

2010-07-07T12:33:00.022-04:00

The biggest reason for our trip this year was to attend the wedding of Matt and Melody.

In spite of being a college student on a budget, Shelby wanted to give them a special gift. So, she decided to make one.

Good thinking Shelby! It turned ot very nice.

The Kids at the Henry Ford Museum

2010-07-05T14:00:00.001-04:00

A very cool 4th of July Greeting

2010-07-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

I received this e-card seven years ago. It is still one of the best greetings I've ever received! :-) Please check it out and enjoy. Have a safe and wonderful Independence Day!

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1483044612

Click here: From Sea to Shining Sea

Greektown Detroit

2010-07-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

Greektown is one of my favorite places to visit when back in Michigan. Although we have a big Greek festival in Oklahoma City every October, it can't hold a candle to this!

This was taken at the Parthenon Restaurant. OPA!!! Flaming Cheese!

Hidden Art

2010-06-30T16:44:00.004-04:00

What is art, exactly, and where do you find it? Sometimes it is something that surrounds us on a daily basis and we might not recognize it as art, or even notice it at all.

I have known about this unusual bit of artwork for many years, but took it very much for granted, since it was simply decoration for a place where us teens and twenty-somethings hung out. This basement mural was painted by a friend of Arthur and his brothers sometime in the 1970's, and is a true sign of the times from back in the days of teenage lounging pits with black lights and quadraphonic stereos.

The old house in Detroit where Arthur and his siblings grew up is soon to be sold, and when Arthur and I accompanied his sister downstairs to move some stuff I saw the mural through new eyes. It is a true piece of art. However, it may need to be painted over in order to sell the house, or perhaps it will be covered up by new owners. I decided to take some detailed photos to preserve this work done so many years ago by a long deceased friend named Girard Zalno.

Introducing to the public for the very first time: "The Dungeon".

His work now is forever preserved in cyberspace.

Vacation 2010

2010-06-29T12:18:00.001-04:00

Yes, this really it a new blog post from me! For some reason, I needed a break from blogging. It probably has something to do with keeping up with other activities... Family,(they kinda like my cooking) Square Dance, (president) Band Boosters, (fund raising) Church Choir, (attempting to sing) plus a really big push on adding to a big perennial garden. But it's time, so back in the blogger's saddle go I!

The first entries will be about our vacation, but by the time these post we will be home. We are once again making the jaunt to Michigan, and the good news is this time it is for another wedding; specifically Matt and Melody's wedding! A treat for us is they are getting married on mine and Art's anniversary. :-)

Off we go, more soon!

My Son, the Baseball Player! :-)

2010-04-14T23:06:00.003-04:00

I always encourage my kids to take part in as many different activities as possible. John decided this year that he would like to join the Freshman baseball team. Since we come from a long line of baseball fans, I was delighted!

This is a video clip of a recent turn at bat. He didn't get a hit, actually he was hit by a pitch! But then he made it to second on a passed ball, and scored on a sacrifice.

This Mom is looking forward to another three years of high school baseball! :)

Happy First Day of Spring!!!

2010-03-20T13:05:00.005-04:00

My Daffodils are Blooming!!!!

(P.S. Happy Birthday Jimmy!)

A few minutes in Andy's Heaven

2010-02-25T07:35:00.005-05:00

It is 8 years ago today that Andy’s spirit followed the Light. How can something that happened that long ago seem like such a recent event?

I don't want my thoughts to make anybody sad. I am not a sad person, actually I am very happy these days. The pain has been replaced with warm memories, although I will miss him forever. But just for today I need to remember and honor that wonderful man. After all this time, I needed a new way to do that. So on a whim, I decided to take an imaginary peak at Andy in Heaven. I will warn you, though; his Heaven is not the Heaven that most people would imagine! So... here I go, off to find him for a few minutes....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andy is in his garage taking a rest after getting his favorite vehicle running. He sips on a cup of black coffee, and takes an occasional puff on his pipe full of vanilla tobacco. There is a big thunderstorm booming outside, and he has the big garage door wide open to drink in the ozone smell of the fresh rain. He opens a Louis L’Amour novel while Hank, Willie and Waylon serenade on the radio. Andy is content knowing that there are fried potatoes, red beans, and hamburger cooking in the kitchen. His mama, daddy, Rozelle, Ray, Katherine, Phoenix, and a couple old friends will be sharing the meal today.

He grins, thinking about how he left that danged wheelchair behind when he left his previous life. Now he is able to two-step and waltz even better than he could before he was injured. But, thinking about his previous life reminds him of something he needs to do right now. He picks up the phone, dials a familiar number and then enters the number 222-2222. He knows his message will be received.

Just then, a CB radio crackles beside him, “How ‘bout it Oklahoma Wildman? You out there?”

It’s one of his truck driving buddies checking in with him.

“Yeah, you got the Wildman.”

“How’s it going, good buddy?”

“Oh, fair to middlin,’ I guess. Can’t complain, won’t do no good, no how.”

They shoot the bull over the radio until his friend drives out of range.

As suppertime gets closer, he and Sheba play “fetch the keys” for awhile. After they tire of the game, Andy decides to open up a honey bun. What the heck, he might as well have a snack... he’ll still have plenty of room for the main meal.

The doorbell rings, Andy’s guests have arrived, so he moves to let them in. Although some of his favorite people are not there to enjoy supper today, he is still happy. He knows that within a blink of an eye he and all of his loved ones will be together again.

Being with his “Man Upstairs,” along with that knowledge, is what makes it Heaven.

Handbook for Living 2010

2009-12-30T13:58:00.003-05:00

I know, I know... I have been very lazy about posting. But between preparing for the holidays and dealing with a tiny little blizzard, I think I have earned the right to be lazy!

I received this in my email today, and I think it's worth sharing. I am wishing all of my friends and family a wonderful New Year!!!

HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile..

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful..
34. GOD helps everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner Most is always happy. So, be happy.
40. Send this to everybody you care about... I just did! :-)

A video only a mother could love...!

2009-12-16T07:58:00.009-05:00

Many years ago, when Shelby was in preschool, her teachers decided to have the children put on a Nativity play. The play was held at a church nearby due to space problems, but we were still very crowded. You may be able to tell that from the poor quality of the video clip... I was crammed into a back corner and was jostled throughout the filming. Still, as any good stage mother will tell you, a mom simply MUST get a film of her child's acting debut!

I was very proud of my little girl's performance of Mary. I still am not really sure of the message, though: What does it mean when Mary puts her Baby down to clap for Santa Claus? I didn't have anything to do with the script writing, so I'm still wondering...! :-)

Well, anyway, If you choose to watch this video you have been warned about the quality!

Welcome home, Son.

2009-12-12T00:52:00.010-05:00

This is our 8th Christmas since Andy died. Yesterday, for the very first time since, I saw real, honest-to-goodness joy about the upcoming holiday from my son John. (He's 15 now, by the way...!)

As a matter of fact, out of all of us John has had the hardest time finding his footing in this dreadful storm. He rarely has exhibited enthusiasm about much of anything, it's more like he has been going through the motions of being a kid for the past 8 years. He never totally crashed and burned, but always verged somewhere between melancholy and sullen. Over the years I tried, Shelby tried, then later Arthur tried to help him, but to no avail. Last night, though, something woke up in him. It was like somebody had lit a fire under him!

It started when we were going through some old ornaments that had been misplaced. Some of them were old family decorations, and his spirit was noticably brighter with each one we took out.

"I remember when Daddy used to always play with these trains. And, wow, Mom! I haven't seen this in years! It was always my favorite. And this one always reminded me of magic... and here is that old styrafoam thing that I always loved..."

Hopefully, this change in John will be a lasting one. I was astonished that he actually started singing a Christmas song as he hung ornaments! Our house has not been decked out so much in years.

Some of the ornaments had belonged to Arthur and his late wife Sue, and John asked questions about them as he hung them up. Arthur is not much for decorating, and had been watching TV in the bedroom oblivious to all the activity in the living room. But when he finally came out to investigate, John did something on his own that brought tears to my eyes.

He said, "Hey Arthur! I saved a couple of Sue's ornaments for you to hang and a spot to hang them."

Yes, we are honestly now a family. A blended family, but real none-the-less.

Peace and blessings to all.

A quick little memory

2009-12-09T21:28:00.002-05:00

During the past few weeks we have been totally tied up with school and family obligations. It is ironic how these types of activities awaken wisps of ideas for new posts at the same time I am too busy to sit down and write them out.

However, a memory crossed my mind today that allows me to cheat a little bit. It's the memory of my very favorite Christmas commercial.

This spot ran for several years, and it brought misty eyed tears to me the first couple years that Jimmy had gone away to national guard training and college. Jimmy and Shelby were, at the time, about the same ages as the young people in the commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4kNl7cQdcU

Jimmy did surprise us a couple of times coming home when we were not expecting him, but I don't remember him ever waking us up by making coffee! But still, this little ad is a great reminder of the importance of family.

Shelby is now the child in college, and we look forward to her arrival home in a couple of days. Hey Shelby... make us some coffee when you get here, ok? :-)

A Special Letter from my Email

2009-11-24T20:21:00.009-05:00

Although there are things I enjoy sharing from my email, I generally don't post items that are purely religious in nature. If you know me personally, you know that I am deeply, but quietly devout. I hope to be an example, rather than beat people over the head with my faith.

However, I received this in my email the other day, and I can't get it out of my mind. It is very different than many "Jesus" emails I receive. I'm not sure why... except I notice that the message is one of personal accountability in religion. I like the message, so I am going to share it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An example of a letter that Jesus might send to his followers in these days of turmoil:

"To my Beloved Ones,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I personally don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting my birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all my followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a 'holiday tree', instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish! I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way my birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of my birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping on Sunday. If the stores didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short.

I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love, and remember:

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS"

Welcome Baby Alicen!

2009-11-21T19:33:00.004-05:00

I have not been as diligent about posting on my blog as I should be, and for that I apologize. These past couple of weeks have been crazy!

However, I need to slow down long enough to congratulate Terry, and Kathy and family on the birth of his first grandchild, Alicen!

Kendy and Lance, she is absolutely beautiful, and we hope to see her at Thanksgiving. Thank Heaven for Little Girls! :-)

People that I love who have served our country

2009-11-11T19:29:00.014-05:00

(In order of age)

James Robert (Jimmy): Oklahoma National Guard, 1990s-2000s

Clarence Andrew II: US Navy, 1990s-2000s

Family friend Terry D, currently serving in the Oklahoma National Guard.

Family friends Pat and Rosemarie C: Rosemarie retired from the Oklahoma Air Guard after serving 20 years. Pat thought he retired from the US Army Reserves after 20 years, but has decided to return. He reports for duty in January.

Clarence Andrew: US Army, Vietnam

Papa Cactus Roy: US Marines WWII

My inlaws Frank and Irene W: both served in the US Army during WWII

Posted with my love, thanks and pride for them, and all who have served.

Edited to add:

This item was simultaneously posted on Facebook, and two people added their own family members who also served. I will add those names here, and invite anybody who reads this post to add their own.

Jeff wrote: Please add my son, Robert, 6 years, US Navy

Carmen wrote: Added my father in law, my daughter, son in law...

Once Upon a Halloween, 1997

2009-10-29T22:35:00.005-05:00

In the spirit of Halloween, here is a trip down memory lane back to 1997. Shelby and Angela were seven years old, John and Beverly were four, and Victoria was two.

Video Link

Weren't they all so cute back then? I love the kids so much now that they are almost grown, but those younger days sure were a lot of fun. :)

Judge Not.... (from my email)

2009-10-26T18:21:00.006-05:00

I was shocked, confused, bewildered

As I entered Heaven's door,

Not by the beauty of it all,

Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven

Who made me sputter and gasp-

The thieves, the liars, the sinners,

The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade

Who swiped my lunch money twice..

Next to him was my old neighbor

Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought

Was rotting away in hell,

Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,

Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?

I would love to hear Your take.

How'd all these sinners get up here?

God must've made a mistake.

'And why's everyone so quiet,

So somber - give me a clue.'

'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock..

No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

Anonymous

Poor Grosse Pointe

2009-10-25T22:26:00.005-05:00

I thought I would share a tongue and cheek video of how the economy is affecting an affluent community. (My apologies to Grosse Pointe. I found this on the Freep!)

Poor Grosse Pointe - watch more funny videos

Poor Grosse Pointe

A concession stand story

2009-10-19T23:57:00.009-04:00

Maybe it made a difference, maybe it didn't. But I want to think that it did.

Thursday night when I was working in the concession stand for the varsity game, a young man who was a member of the football team came to the window.

He grinned at me and said, "Hey! You have any free hot dogs that you can spare?"

"Nice try, but no." I replied. "I have some good two dollar ones, though!"

"Aw, darn." He smiled and turned away from the window.

It wasn't but a few minutes, he was back. "Are you sure you don't have a free hot dog you can spare?"

I began to wonder if he was a friendly con man, or was he really that hungry? Then, as I smiled and shook my head in the negative, one of his friends came up and slapped him on the back.

"Hey, man, why aren't you playing?

"Man, I didn't pass that vocab test, and Coach said I was ineligible to play today."

They talked together for a minute, then started walking away. I don't know what possessed me, but right then I called the young football player back to the window.

"Hey. Did I hear you say you are ineligible to play?"

He looked down for a second. "Yeah, I am."

I spoke to him with partially mock severity, and handed him a hot dog. "OK, listen to me. I'm going to buy you this hot dog, but you have to promise me that next week you will come back and tell me that you have brought your grades back up to passing."

He laughed, and said, "Hey, thanks! I sure will!"

I figured I was quite the sucker, but I didn't dwell on it too much. It is not common for any of the kids to ask for food more than once, so maybe he was really hungry. Or whatever. I put it out of my mind.

Well, guess what! Today I was cleaning the concession after the 9th grade game and my football player came to the door.

He smiled a bit sheepishly, then said to me, "I came by to tell you that I am eligible to play now."

You could have knocked me over with the proverbial feather. When I gave him the hot dog, that was exactly what I wanted to happen, but I did not expect to ever see him again. He not only brought his grade back up, but made the effort to let me know about it! The biggest reward for me was the big smile that flashed on his face when I stood up and applauded him.

Did one hot dog make a difference? Maybe not, but I guess I will never know for sure. The Pollyanna in me wants to think that it did.

A School Nurse's Adventures with Swine Flu

2009-10-08T23:10:00.007-04:00

.... and this is no hoax. :)

Saturday:

I woke up with scratchy throat and stuffy nose.

"It must be a cold or sinus," I told my family. "Otherwise, I would have a fever."

I developed a headache by late morning, but took some sinus medication and felt better during the afternoon.

"See, I told you it wasn’t any big deal."

But then.... suddenly, around 6:00 PM or so, I was hit with chills, sneezing, and body aches.

"I sss-still think it’s a-a-a little cold..." I insisted through my chattering teeth.

My "little cold" had a pretty decent fever of 100.8. But, I like to live in denial. It's a pleasant place to live...! It wasn’t until late that evening I finally admitted to myself that I most likely had the flu.

~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday:

I had to miss Church and Choir. They wouldn’t have wanted me, anyway, because I sounded like Kermit the Frog with laryngitis. In actuality, I was beginning to think this flu stuff wasn’t too bad. I still had a fever that was hanging around 101, couldn’t talk, but felt well enough to surf the 'net on my laptop while resting in bed. Pretty nice way to be sick!

~~~~~~~~~~

Monday:

Where am I? Who am I? I can’t get up! Did somebody break in and beat me up last night? I am hurting all over! Even the ends of my hair hurt, if you can believe that. What do you mean I have a fever of 103.4? That’s a radio station, not my temperature! No, I can’t drink anything, I feel like I’m going to be sick at my stomach. OK, ok, take me to the doctor. Please. (Did I say please?) I have a blur of a memory of the doctor swabbing my throat for strep, (negative) followed by a nasal swab (positive for influenza type A.)

"I already had my seasonal flu shot, Doc!"

"You almost certainly have H1N1 influenza. That is the 'Type A' strain that is going around at this time."

The doctor hit me with his best shot. A little Phenergan de Gluteus fixed my nausea, and I was sent out with prescriptions for hydrocodone cough syrup, asthma inhaler, oral Phenergan, and Tamiflu... a wonder drug... no lie! Arthur was instructed to be the driver. (Surely they didn’t think I drove there to begin with??)

I took my first Tamiflu and a dose of cough medicine as soon as I got home. I guess I went to bed after that, because that’s where I woke up the next morning.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday:

I woke up feeling almost human. But, wait! John was outside my door crying. Literally.

"Mom! I have a percussion contest today."

"Ok, what time is your contest? And why are you crying?"

"Because I’m sick, and can barely move. I started feeling bad last night, but thought I could make it through the contest."

I felt his forehead, and even though I myself was still feverish, he was sizzling. I found our spare thermometer, and within a minute realized he wasn’t going to any contest, or even school that day. His fever was 102.

Once we had John medicated and tucked in bed with tissues, Gatorade, his phone, and remote within reach, I went back to bed. My afternoon temp= 100 degrees.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday:

Much the same. John still sick, sleeping like a petrified log. His temp=103.5. Arthur and I rouse him every couple hours for medicine, to drink, eat, and change out of saturated t-shirts. My own afternoon temp= 100 degrees.

~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday:

Much the same. John still sick. My afternoon temp= 100 degrees.

~~~~~~~~~~

Friday:

Not here yet. But watch the CBS Evening News on Friday! My supervisor with Oklahoma City Public Schools, Debbie Johnson, is going to be interviewed about the H1N1 flu and the community immunization clinics our school nurses will be participating in.

John is 15!

2009-10-04T21:20:00.007-04:00

I'm sorry, I promised photos, but inconveniently have come down with the flu. I'm feeling well enough to post one photo of my wonderful 15 year old son with his sister taken yesterday.

Where have those years gone?

Dear John, I hope your birthday was wonderful! I a very proud of you.

Love,
Mom

Shelby is coming home tonight! :)

2009-10-02T19:23:00.001-04:00

...That should be as entertaining as always!

It's John's birthday weekend, and by the time this posts she will have already surprised him. Photos tomorrow. :-)

Beware of H1N1 Hoax

2009-09-29T18:35:00.015-04:00

There is a hoax email making the rounds about the H1N1 vaccination. At first glance, it appears legitimate, but after a bit of research it turns out to be a hoax.

I am in no way telling everybody that they should (or should not) go right out and get an H1N1 vaccination when it is available. That is between each individual and their physician. But nothing riles me more than hoaxes and urban legends that spread whatever propaganda the original author intends to promote.

The email starts like this:

"My sister just called, for those of you that don’t know she is a RN in the ER at Baptist. They had a meeting this morning on the H1N1 vaccination, and the doctors at Baptist are advising that their staff and patients NOT get this vaccination."

It goes on to make a claim that a child of the hospital employee received the H1N1 vaccination, and now has Guillian Barre Syndrome. As evidence, it gives a website that at further review, is a neuro medical site with information about the symptoms of Guillian Barre. There is nothing on this site about the current H1N1 vaccine.

If this were the truth the physicians at whichever "Baptist" medical facility (there are a zillion of them in the U.S.) would be alerting more than just their staff in some secret meeting.

Here is what I found on Google. It looks like a lot of people have already received this email. But, notice: Sometimes the sister has no name, sometimes her name is Kim, sometimes her name is Kay:

Search Results Swine Flu Email

When in doubt about anything regarding your health, please talk with your physician. Get a second opinion if you are still in doubt. But don't get your "second opinion" from a chain email... or even from a blog like mine! :-) See a health professional.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. If you are interested, here is my post about the swine flu from back in April, before they developed the soon-to-be released vaccine.

P.P.S. As of 10-5-09, but symptoms beginning 10-3-09, I myself have been diagnosed as having the h1n1 flu. Let me describe my symptoms:

1. Haven't felt like eating anything for 3 days.
2. My body feels like it has been pounded with three large bricks.
3. My head feels like it is being shot out of a cannon.
4. My fever has hovered between 102 and 103.5.
5. My throat is on fire.
6. I need help to walk to the rest room.
7. I have alternated between freezing in Antarctica and roasting in Hades.

I went to the doctor yesterday and tested positive, so I am now taking Tamiflu. I noticed a big difference within hours of starting it, but have a long way to go. This flu is real, folks, and it is awful.

Friday night Dancing

2009-09-25T07:56:00.018-04:00

I have made it no secret that I love square dancing, and that is where I met Arthur when I was sixteen years old. But I would like to tell the story of how it all began.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a square dance hall was created.

The place was a dancer's dream. Huge oak beams supported a magical building that was large enough to hold 18 squares of dancers. Generations of families would drive from miles around for a day or evening of dosados and allemandes on the huge, shiny floating wood floor.

The hall became the host of many different square dance and round dance clubs from the region, and many posted their club signs along the walls. From daybreak to bedtime one could always find something going on there, no matter what time or day of the week. There were senior clubs on weekdays. Young adult clubs on weeknights. Teen clubs on Sunday afternoons. Each club had it's own unique personality, along with it's own enthusiastic caller.

This wonderful place in Livonia, Michigan was named "Modern Squares," often lovingly referred to as "The Barn."

Sadly, sometime in the late 1970's, the Barn burned to the ground, and was never rebuilt. The different clubs scattered to separate locations, and much of the magic was lost.

But it was at The Barn, as a teen I first learned to square dance. Looking back 35 years later, dancing with the Teen Wheelers remains one of the favorite things I have done in my life.

Ah... what great memories!

But what ever possessed me to start square dancing in the first place?

My best friend started dancing at the "suggestion" of her parents. Actually, the suggestion was more to the point of a threat of dish duty for the following million or so years if she didn't. So, Kathy ended up accepting the offer she couldn't refuse... and ended up LOVING it!

So, as a best friend will, she told me all about her wonderful new discovery.

"Stephanie! You have to go square dancing with me next Sunday! It's a blast!"

"Um... SQUARE DANCING??? No WAY! That's for SQUARES!"

"You don't know what you're talking about! It's so much fun. And... wait 'till you see all the cute GUYS that are there!"

As it turned out, I had nothing else to do the following Sunday afternoon. Plus the enticement of the availability of "cute guys" was enough to convince sixteen-year-old me to give it a try.

So, on a cool day in September, I reluctantly joined Kathy at the Barn on Seven Mile. Or, rather, she dragged me there!

Here are a few treasured photos from my early days of square dancing.

Well, that was then.

This is now! Arthur and I returned to square dancing two years ago. We dance with a club called "The Swinging Rebels." Once again we have a dance to prepare for every couple of weeks. It takes me back to my teen years, getting all dressed up with the anticipation of having a great time! (and I'm embarrassed to admit... I love an excuse to wear a petticoat and frills.)

These photos were taken at the recent Central District festival.

I was the lucky winner of this horse from a prize drawing! :)

Here is a 30 second clip for Film Clip Friday:

I have no doubt that I will continue to square dance until they carry me out of the hall!

I Miss My MTV!

2009-09-23T19:46:00.004-04:00

Right after I moved to Oklahoma in early 1982, I signed up for cable TV for the first time in my life. The week we settled in to our new home happened to be the week of MTV's first birthday.

I loved nothing better than to come home after a long day of work and chill for hours with Jimmy on my lap, in front of the special effect music videos of the time. Now, this was back when they actually had music on MTV, and no commercials. Remember, MTV was short for "Music Television!"

Here is a small sample of what they were playing then. Such fun memories from when I was in my 20's!

I miss my MTV. I WANT MY MTV BACK!!!!!!!! Waaah!

The Steve Miller Band

The DOG POLICE

The Clash (Sorry, this one comes with commercials, but I simply couldn't leave it out...!)

- -

And, of course... DIRE STAITS!!! They want their MTV, too.

State Fair '09

2009-09-21T21:28:00.001-04:00

Gentle musing

2009-09-16T07:00:00.001-04:00

Another birthday without you here. Happy Birthday AB, wherever your spirit rests today. I love you.

"Our Song"

( unable to find a decent video. Ignore the ads.)

Band Royalty beats up her Brother

2009-09-11T01:00:00.001-04:00

(Not really, but almost!)

Here is a short trip back to last fall, when my beautiful, lady-like daughter was a member of the Band Queen court. Brother was pestering her, and she put a stop to it. :)

I'd almost forgotten about John's long hair stage.

Save our children from....?

2009-09-05T14:16:00.028-04:00

I never, in my life of freedom in America, expected to sign a permission slip in order to allow my child the right to see the President of the United States speak on television.

As a matter of fact, when I was a school kid, if the President made a television appearance, it was a Very Big Deal. The whole school would be sent to the gym or auditorium in order to strain our eyes to see the industrial black and white televisions bringing us a moment in history. Even if our parents didn't agree with that particular President, it opened dialog so we better understood the way our government worked, and what important issues our parents supported.

To me, there is something very disturbing for controvery to occur over our children watching an address given by the man elected to the highest office in our nation.

Dog Days

2009-09-04T08:12:00.007-04:00

Thirty seconds of memories for Film clip Friday. This is me as a kid with two of my favorite companions.

I still miss these pups. They were my buddies.