My Southern Mint Juleps

Those Eyes

2012-01-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

i heart faces' new challenge for this week is a favorite 2011 photograph. When I looked through my photographs, I kept being drawn to Joey, my grandson's photo. He has the most beautiful and bewitching eyes and smile.

Joey inherited his maternal grandmother's beautiful eyes, eyelashes, and skin. Oh, but was he lucky and blessed. This beautiful smile is also very typical of my Joey. He also reminds me very much of his dad, Nick, when he was a child with this happy smile all the time.

When last visiting in Memphis, Joey ran out to my car to greet me when I reached my parents' home. He threw those precious arms around my waist, hugged me, and said, "Grandma, I've been missing you!" Of course, that beautiful smile was there too. My heart is still "melted" from this moment in my life with my precious Joey. I will never forget this moment, my 2011 treasure to remember . . .

Smile don’t frown. Look up don’t look down.

Believe in yourself. Don’t let yourself go.

Just be who you are And let your live flow.

Kitty Fitness

2012-01-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Did you make a New Year's resolution to exercise, lose weight, and get fit. This kitty seems to have made this resolution. Someone posted this on our Facebook, and I just "could not resist" sharing it with everyone on my blog.

Iz doing curl paws.

A Wonderful New Year

2011-12-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

First, I want to wish all of you a very, merry Happy New Year 2012! I know I will have a good one. On New Year's Eve we get together at Gayle and Dennis' home to celebrate Gayle's birthday (Gayle was a New Year's Day baby). Once again, we will be enjoying a wonderful home and all the loving family anyone could possibly ask for. Of course, the Yorkies and good food are there to enjoy as well.

© Photographer Vladimir Suponev | Agency: Dreamstime.com\

Happy New Year 2012

My morning started wonderfully! My sweet daughter-in-law in Texas, Mikayla, posted a picture of our little princess in the jeans and blouse Grandma Kat sent for Christmas. As usual, she looks adorable!

My sweet Mackenzie "styling" in her new outfit

Thank you so much Mikayla for always including me in these wonderful moments with your camera phone. I sure appreciate your thoughtfulness and love. Have a blessed New Year 2012 from Mom/Grandma Kat in Memphis! Love you all very much.

Do you see what I see?

2011-12-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

That's right. Do you see what I see? Yes, this is "Kathy, who cannot stay out of the hospital" actually spending Christmas "out of the hospital with my precious family" Yippee! It was wonderful everyone. Never have I enjoyed Christmas so much -- and it was not because of the presents under the tree. It was being with Phillip's family who I love and adore like my own. Yes, this is me with all that gray hair!

And how could anyone not have a wonderful time in the Woffords' beautiful home with all the wonderful food, two incredible people hosting (Gayle and Dennis), a delicious turkey their daughter home from college made (best I have ever tasted -- so tender and moist), all the people (23 was the count), and four of the cutest Yorkies you have ever seen. Three of the Yorkies were home, but one (Olivia) was visiting for a few days.

And all the adorable little Yorkies: Orbit, Andi, Epona, and Olivia, were looking for soft pillows or warm laps by the end of the night. We had four very tired pups!

So I will end this blog post with some photos of the decorations and a few people. Christmas 2011 will be one I will remember forever as a great Christmas. I believe I have seen people giving of themselves to others in need more than ever. What a nice spirit of Christmas seemed to emerge during these tough times. I believe Jesus was smiling on His birthday in 2011.

BTW, that good-looking guy on the left with the beard is my oldest son, Tommy, the little boys in the green and red sweaters are our twins, Jesse and Luke, and the pretty lady with the long hair right in front of the TV screen is their mom, Selena.

I hope everyone had the wonderful Christmas we did, and may God bless each of you in the coming New Year 2012. Thank you for your friendship, love, and support also. I will leave you with a nice post Laura (of Bobbi and The Strays Rescue in New York) posted on our Facebook. I thought what sweet words this was when I read it. I hope each of you also enjoy it.

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.

― Dalai Lama XIV

My Princess . . .

2011-12-27T13:59:00.001-08:00

Well, I knew sooner or later it would occur. And it did! When my son Nick in Texas took this photo of my only little Princess she asked her Dad, "You aren't going to put that on Facebook, are you?"

Daddy added it to Facebook, but I'm sure my little Princess was not too happy about it.

Facebook?

Christmas in Texas

2011-12-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

This week Muleshoe, Texas, received an early Christmas present -- some beautiful snow. My Nick said the snowflakes were huge. Oh how I wish I could have been there with my Texas family this Christmas! I miss them so much. Snow or not, the Christmas preparation and shopping must continue. Judging by this photo, it looks like my precious Joey and Zach had been exhausted by the shopping already!

Yet still, the spirit of Christmas was continued at home as Daddy Nick played the piano while they sang Christmas Carols.

As Nick said on Facebook, "Ahhhhh..... Sitting in my living room, watching huge snow flakes and my wife and daughter make awesomely decorated ginger bread snowmen. Priceless!"

I am so proud of my Nick and Mikayla. With all of these Christmas things going on, they are making such wonderful and happy memories for my grandchildren. This is so wonderful! I still have mine made with them and my grandparents also -- and they are precious!

If I forget later, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday Season, and a blessed New Year 2012!

Sleeping With Big Sister!

2011-12-10T03:53:00.001-08:00

I just had to share this adorable picture of my littlest and youngest grandchild. Zachary is our Easter baby, and such an amazing and sweet little guy. He is just amazing. He was tired and crawled into Big Sis, Mackenzie's bed for the night. Oh I miss my three little angels in Texas so much. Grandchildren are just "grand."

Now Where Is That Black Cat?

2011-11-10T09:49:00.001-08:00

Cute Little Elf

2011-10-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of my niece's pups this Christmas. He was rescued by our beautiful Danielle. Turbo is her love.

Whoooo! Halloween makes me sick!

2011-10-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday is officially Halloween . . . and oh my, I did not have a Halloween post until I saw this adorable photo one of my blogger/Facebook friends posted today. Here is her wordage, which I found totally adorable also. And I can promise you, all of the pumpkins and decorations she came up with. Her artistic abilities are amazing as well

I'll Take Care of You, As You Take Care of Me . . .

2011-10-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Daily, Sept 25th

This marine dog, Drak, was bloodied by a bomb in Afghanistan. He survived, thanks to the watchful care of his handler, and serves as an illustration of just how close soldiers get to their dogs.

“I have literally spent more time with Drak than I have my own daughter,” Fischer, 27, said by telephone this week from his hospital bed at a military medical center in Bethesda, Md. The Marine has worked with 4-year-old Drak for two years and spent nine months in Afghanistan. His daughter, Cheyenne, is 19 months old.
Much is made of the bond among men at arms, but the union between man and dog in a combat zone seems just as tight. Handlers and canines that sniff for explosives or narcotics patrol together, day after day, linked by a leash and an innate understanding of each other. Sometimes, they sleep side by side in military cots. They face the same dangers together.

I felt I had to share this precious example of the bond between a man and a dog. Is there any wonder we grow to love these creatures of God so much?

Can Mothers-in-Law and Daughters-in-Law Love Each Other?

2011-09-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Some will probably not understand this; for this alive, strong, Christian woman is my mother-in-law. Now we are all led to believe the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law do not get along. Most feel this is just the natural events of marriage.

You Are My Sunshine, My only sunshine.You make me happy When skies are grey.
You'll never know, dear, How much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.

I can tell you one daughter-in-law who has NEVER felt this way. ME! From the very first time I met Phil's parents, I immediately fell in love with all of them -- mother, father, aunt, grandmother, sisters, brothers, etc. They immediately became my family, and not even our divorce would change this. We both agreed to remain very good friends for our children's health and stability, and this included our two boys knowing and loving Phil's family as I do -- and Tommy and Nicholas do indeed love both of our families.

We had quite the scare this year when MawMaw had a stroke while eating at Danver's with PawPaw and Phil. Thank goodness Phil called 911 right away, and they were able to get her to the hospital and check for any cerebral hemorrhage. If this is clear, they can give an injection which is like a miracle drug for reversing the stroke symptoms. I am pleased to say she is a "wee bit" weak, but she is our beloved MawMaw and with us still -- for which we are all eternally very grateful.

When I have something troubling me or hurting my heart or soul, it is time to call MawMaw and talk to her for a while. She never offers advice unless you ask her, and is a remarkable human being with such wisdom. MawMaw, I don't say it enough, but I love you so much -- you will always be another mother to me. I was blessed so much the day I met Phil and his family -- and our two precious sons.

What the Hell!

2011-09-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

To say I was shocked when I read this posted on Facebook (by my daughter-in-law's sister, Valorie) is an understatement. What is wrong with our government -- how, pray tell me how, could they leave out these brave men and women and the K-9 heroes also.

Julie Jacobson / AP

Las Vegas firefighter Capt. Eric Littmann walks in a parade commemorating the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Sept. 11, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nev.

My personal thanks to all of these brave people for what they did that day for all of us. I also want to thank those that lost loved ones while they rescued others. You were indeed blessed to have such a remarkable human being (and dog) in your life. Prayers for all of you.

THEY SHOULD BE GUESTS OF HONOR -- GUARANTEE NOT ONE OF MY FACEBOOK FRIENDS WILL COPY THIS POST. IF YOU WOULD BE THERE FOR ME, THEN COPY THIS. I AM DOING THIS TO PROVE A FRIEND WRONG THAT SOMEONE IS ALWAYS LISTENING. NYPD, FDNY AND EMS OFFICERS WERE NOT INVITED TO THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY OF 9/11. MAYOR BLOOMBERG CLAIMS THERE IS NO ROOM FOR THEM. TEN (10) YEARS AGO THEY WEREN'T INVITED, BUT THEY SHOWED UP WHEN EVERYONE ELSE WAS RUNNING OUT!

RE-POST IF YOU AGREE THEY SHOULD BE THERE!

Dogs' Bond to Man

2011-09-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Could anyone say the dog is not a friend to man? Even when mistreated by human beings, they seem always ready to say "I forgive" and "give true devotion and love in return." Oh if we as human beings and God's children could be quick to do the same.

As those left behind remember that devastating day "9/11" ten years ago, many touched the name of their loved ones while they cried and prayed. I believe with all my heart these beautiful and loving creatures of God, the 9/11 rescue dogs, felt the same pain and hurt as another human was found without any life.

For this reason, I chose to share this beautiful video of the rescue dogs who gave their time and safety to helping find any possible survivors at 9/11. I remember hearing their paws were being badly hurt by the fallen buildings, and doggie boots were requested. I also remember going to several pet stores to purchase these, and then meeting a truck leaving Memphis for 9/11. I asked the driver to please keep these doggie boots with him personally, and to make sure the dogs got these right away. He agreed to do so with a big smile and thank you.

Several years later I was in touch with one of these K9 rescue volunteers, and when I mentioned the boots he promptly told me a nice gentleman brought some "directly to him for his dog." He said how much this helped, and thanked me profusely for sending them.

Thank you to each and every one of you, and your handlers!

Four, Grandma!

2011-09-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

These were the famous words my "Lukie Pooh" announced when Grandma Kat (you know, the one with the VERY aging brain) thought they were 3 years old. We had a wonderful party on Saturday so everyone would be able to come, but looks like Mom Selena is repeating the cakes for the official birthday -- TODAY!

This is our "Lukie Pooh." It is like having his Uncle Nick again.

These two precious little boys were the most wonderful blessings given to us. Not only did God finally bless Tommy and Selena with their own family, but He gave them two to make it complete. I remember how excited we all were with the pregnancy, and then to find out we had twin boys too! Weeeee!

This is our precious "Jesse Bear." If he is not his Daddy Tommy all over!

So Mom Selena is letting her artistic boys ice their own cakes today. She just sent us these pictures and I had to immediately share with everyone. They will be wonderful cakes I know!

Happy Birthday my sweet little ones! We also celebrated many more birthdays in August. Tommy, Mikayla, Joey, Ashley, Grandma Stephenson, Danielle, and many others had birthdays in August too.

To Run Free Again!

2011-09-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed following the story of this magnificent creature, Frederik the Great, since being introduced to him on Facebook by another friend from animal rescue. His movements are so natural (unlike our Tennessee Walking horses -- which I dislike what they do to these animals). This is one Southern tradition I am neither fond of nor has my approval.

I watched Frederik's videos on You Tube last night, and so enjoyed this beauty and the love his owner has for him as well. She has worked and trained with Frederik on a level of the ultimate respect, love and kindness, and you can certainly see how well her approach has worked.

After going to sleep, I found myself dreaming of being Frederik and running so smoothly, so effortlessly, and with so much grace. I pray someday God will allow me this once again, but it was good to run and feel free through my dreams of Frederik last night. Then reality was at my door "knocking hard" when I awoke to see the wheelchair sitting by my bed once again!

PRISCELLA -- What happened to your black hair?

2011-08-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Priscella, i heart your face!

Priscella was a beauty from the moment I first saw her in July 2009. She was one of the kittens of a feral kitty we had been trying to catch and have spayed. Her mother, Little Girl, brought her to see me on my back patio -- and it was love at first sight. Phil immediately decided on her name of Priscella, and took care of her after I fell and broke my femur bone and had a compressed fracture to the L3 in my back.

After realizing I had a very long recovery ahead, my friend who adores kitties adopted Priscella to take better care of her.

She will always be my beautiful Priscella just like Elvis' Priscella! She is very happy in her new home with lots of love from Amanda and her son, Ryan.

I heart eyes . . . FARAWAY EYES!

2011-08-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. ~Ansel Adams

As we went through the Memphis Zoo that warm Spring day, my new lenses and Canon camera focused on a new and different life. They focused on people who were unaware I could see and sense their pain in the distance. This lady's eyes caught my heart, and I have wished many times I could have been there to talk to her. She looked like she needed a friend to listen at about this time.

I find myself saying a special prayer for my unknown subject, and especially when I look at this photo on my computer. I often wonder if anyone could have captured me with their camera in the same way.

This photo somehow helps me understand the feeling of many religions that a camera can capture a part of one's soul.

Mudpie Cuties!

2011-08-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more adorable than the love little boys have for playing in the mud and getting so dirty? Well, my two twin grandsons in Memphis, Jesse and Luke, are no exception. Had to post this one to share that their Mom, Selena, sent to me last week. Hope you get a laugh like I did.

Dance with my Father Again . . .

2011-06-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

As I listened to this song today, my eyes filled with tears. Tears for not only myself, but for all the many others who loved my real "father" as I did. I wondered if the reckless police officer who hit his car that beautiful Spring day has ever regreted the wonderful person he took away from my family.

As a Christian, I have to forgive and realize this was my Heavenly Father's time to enter Grandpa Earl into his Heavenly Gates. Knowing my grandfather would have never walked again from the terribly injured legs, and would have probably lived in constant pain, I'm sure grandpa met God and agreed it was time to enter Heaven where he could watch and protect all of us -- just as he did here on earth.

So as you listen to this beautiful song Luther Vandross performed with that beautiful voice of his who is also now in Heaven, please share with me my precious memories of growing up with my grandfather who was my father, grandfather, and very best friend. Grandpa, I never will stop loving you and remembering you until I see you once again.

Grandpa Earl with Whitie, his favorite "deaf" kitty

Grandpa, I remember the morning you told me about when you picked me and mom up. I was going to stay with grandma, and you were taking mom to work. You said I looked up at you with my big brown eyes and said, "Grandpa, it's cold out here!" Yes, mom had me wrapped up very well, but I was not warm until I felt those loving arms of grandpa around me.
I remember the many times you and I would take the newly found kitties and doggies to the vet to give them that second chance I try to do still today. You never complained of the time nor the cost -- you knew how much they needed love as well.
I remember all the funny little names you called me growing up -- kitten, kat, katrina, tina, kathy, and kathleen (for sure trouble).
I remember all the wonder vacations we went on, and how you wanted to always show grandma and me the best of times.
I remember all the nights I would fall asleep on the couch watching the late show with you. I was small then, and I would wake up the next morning after being carried to my bed by those same loving arms and tucked in.
I remember the times we would go to Service Merchandise at Christmas. You always gave me some money to buy my presents. That particular Christmas I looked up at you and said, "Grandpa, do you think I could have a little more money next year. I really had to shop in strain this year." You reached in your pocket and handed me more money right then.
I remember that particular year, I wanted to have my picture made at Blue Light studio downtown. We went there, and had my photo made. You carried one of these in your wallet until the day you died. You would show it to all the people at work, the artists you worked with, and the print shops you would market advertising. I know what they all told me! You were so proud of your granddaughter.
When it was time for my senior photographs, off we went to the studio for those.
When you watched me graduate from high school, I looked into your eyes and saw that pride once again.
Probably the most vivid memory is my wedding day. I saw the sadness in your eyes as I moved away to my new home. Grandma told me in later years how she got up during the night to find you looking into my empty room with tears in your eyes.
I remember the glow in your eyes after our little Tommy was born. Oh how I wish he could remember you as I do.
Perhaps the last most vivid memory I had was your funeral. As I left the grave walking by myself, Dr. Webb our minister came to me. He put his arms around me and let me cry so hard. He said, "I know how you are hurting. You both loved each other so much." I replied through tears, "My heart is not broken. I don't have a heart anymore. To bury your father, grandfather, and dearest friend all at once is more than I can stand."
"Grandpa, I wish I could dance with you once again. Somehow I feel if you were here I would stand up out of this wheelchair and run to dance with you again." I do know when we meet once again, we will both be cured and whole -- and we can dance again then for sure.

I know others may not have had the wonderful father I had. I was just so blessed because my biological father was horrid. I thank God each time I think of my grandfather for the love and wonderful blessings he gave me and all of the others who loved him so much.

Happy Father's Day to all, and especially to those who are living memories now.

My Texas Magoos!

2011-06-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Aren't they adorable????

(Left to right) Joey, my second grandchild; Mackenzie, my first grandchild and only little princess; and Zachary, my fifth and youngest grandchild. Oh my, I am SOOOOO blessed with these and the two angels in Memphis, Jesse and Luke, the twins.

Honoring Those . . .

2011-05-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
Let's remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless. ✝

Music is the Doorway

2011-05-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

Joey and Mackenzie always find new instruments to enjoy.

Note: If you see any typo errors of missing "M's" please ignore. My capital "M" key is not working well. I believe I have killed this key typing about my precious granddaughter, Mackenzie, so much! Time to purchase a new keyboard it appears!!!

Now how I ended up a business major in college I cannot honestly say. I adore art, music, and all the fine arts. I definitely should have been an arts major.

One thing for sure, the love for music and arts sure was in our genes. Phillip was an excellent clarinetist just like Tommy, and Nick loved the trumpet from day one. My minor through high school was vocal music as well. The love for music carries on and on in the Texas Stephensons' lives as well.

Mackenzie

My beautiful Mackenzie is taking piano lessons just as her mother. When in Memphis, she played the piano for my mother at the nursing home. My mother also played the piano for many years. I'm sure she was very proud of her great-granddaughter's talent.

Yesterday the Texas Stephensons purchased an upright piano, so I'm sure more piano players will be coming soon.

Of course, mom and dad have clarinets and trumpets for them also to learn to play. And when visiting mom's school, Joey and Mackenzie even found more interesting instruments to learn. Lookout world, I may soon have a full orchestra in my family. What fun that would be!

Mackenzie playing the piano for her great-grandmother for the first (and last) time.

Where's the other one, Grandma?

2011-05-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

"Home Sweet Home" with my grandparents.

Do you ever have a memory flashback, out of nowhere, and start laughing about it? I do. Most of those memories are things from my days with my two precious guys growing up. Life with them was never boring, and Nicholas especially could keep all of us laughing sometimes!

After we lost my grandfather from a serious accident with a Memphis police car, my grandmother was left in their large home by herself. Soon realizing she was calling me very often to come by and help her with something at the house, I became very aware she was nervous being in the house by herself. At that time, the guys and I decided to move in with her and rent our little two-bedroom home. When I mentioned this to her, she was so excited.

Tommy in his "Blues Magoos" sunglasses at
Mud Island with grandma, Nick, daddy, and I.

Shortly later, she was found to have breast cancer. After a radical mastectomy and lymph node removal, she seemed to be cancer-free and the doctor did not recommend any chemotherapy. One day she called me at work and was laughing so hard I had great difficulty understanding what she was saying. I could understand the breast and mastectomy part -- but that was it. After nearly heart-failure believing she was saying the cancer was back (but why laughter), I finally realized what she was saying.

It seems my Nicholas came in unexpectedly while she was changing her blouse. Nicholas immediately asked her, "Where's the other one?" as he noticed the large empty space on her left breast where she had once had the cancerous breast removed.

I asked my grandmother, "So what did you tell him?" She told Nicholas, "It was very sick, and it has gone to Heaven to be with God." Okay, this satisfied Nicholas. No more questions -- he turned and went on his way.

My precious mother, Mary Ann, who we lost on
April 25, 2010, with the return of her breast cancer.

I was so proud of my grandmother for her quick-thinking explanation, but even more proud of my Nicholas for accepting this explanation as a Christian and moving along. You just never knew what was going to come from Nicholas for sure -- but he sure left me with loads of fun memories!

Have YOU had a mammogram this year? I did, about a month ago. All clear I am proud to say.

"1 out of 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime."

When Your Heart Calls ... Be Careful Too

2011-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

The next time you see a stray dog, consider stopping to help it out
When approaching a stray, exercise caution -- you don't know anything about this dog
If the dog is going to be staying with you for a while, take it to the vet for a check-up
Spread the news on sites like Petfinder.com so it can find a new home

Today I discovered a wonderful article on CNN News I must share. The photograph above and great suggestions are from this article. Everyone should read this article for their own protection (and especially those who already find themselves rescuing strange animals). I hope you enjoy this excellent information, I did.

Reading this article brought back some old, old memories of when I was young. I was always rescuing animals by the road because my grandparents loved them as I did, and would always help me with finding their owners or adopting them.

When first married my husband worked nights a lot while finishing the last semester of college. This particular night, he was working and I was going to do laundry. As always, my grandmother said come on over and eat dinner, and we can do your laundry while you visit.

After work, I picked up my laundry at home, but on the way to my grandparents I saw two beautiful dogs on the corner of Central Avenue and Highland. It is a very busy intersection near The University of Memphis College.

Of course, I immediately worried these two dogs were in serious danger at this intersection. I turned my car around, and parked on one of the side streets near them. Fortunately, I rolled my car window up but did not lock my door.

As I approached, it was abundantly clear why no one was attempting to rescue these two dogs. I have never seen such teeth and such huge dogs. They were both great danes. It was at that time I realized I was in real trouble, and slowly backed away until safe enough to turn my back and leap towards my car. They were closely on my back walking towards me the entire time.

I stayed calm until near my car, then I made a "mad dash" the last couple of steps and hopped into the car. Both of these dogs were immediately at my car window barking and growling at me. Thank goodness I was able to get in my car quickly, and was protected by the closed windows.

After the dogs finally backed away and I calmed down, I proceeded to my grandparents' house. My grandfather could tell something had upset me, but for a while I did not admit to what a stupid position I had gotten myself into trying to rescue these two strange dogs.

After a long conversation, my grandfather made me promise I would not approach anymore strange animals (at least while I was pregnant). You see, I was pregnant with my first son, Tommy, at that time. What if I had been bitten severely? Could I have taken rabies shots without harming or losing Tommy? I never researched this\ but my gut feeling said, "No, you would have lost Tommy."

So please, if you rescue animals, take the time to click on the CNN.com link and read this informative article. Rescue God's creatures when you can, but please remember to protect yourself as well -- You are one of God's Creature too!

Willow and Her Baby Need Our Help!

2011-05-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sad story with a tiny happy ending. Please help us take care of Willow and her tiny baby. Almost three weeks ago, someone came to our shelter in Freeport with a grey tabby cat he rescued from being killed in traffic. A witness told us he literally jumped on top of her on the yellow line with traffic on both sides to stop what was inevitable. Well having over 130 cats at the shelter we had no room but noticed her bulging sides and thought we had to do something. Next day she went to the vet and he confirmed that she was pregnant but no one knew how pregnant she was. He said she would have the kittens in about two weeks. She made a couple of other trips to the vet for other problems and during the night last Saturday she delivered her kittens. When Tara and Elise arrived she was still in labor and they helped her through the rest of the delivery with help on the phone from Elise’s sister. She delivered a total of nine kittens but sadly only two were alive. One was very weak and the other seemed OK. On Sunday night she lost the weak kitten and then she started bleeding. We were all very concerned and she was taken to the Emergency vet late that night. Her kitten remained with her because it was too little to make it on her own. The diagnosis was not good she needed emergency surgery and a blood transfusion. The kitten remained with her through all that she went through and thankfully is still with her. It is so sad that she carried these kittens to term and lost all but one of them. We do not know what happened but we do not what she went through on the street either. She was diagnosed as having a retained placenta and would have bled to death if we had not intervened. We all shudder to think what would have happened to her if she was still on the street. She is a very sweet cat and may have belonged to someone at some time. The problem is that the vet bills are huge to save her and her tiny baby. We need your help to pay for them. Any other rescue would have said to put her down because of the huge amount of medical bills it would incur but we stood beside her and did not make that decision because she deserves a chance especially because of what she has gone through. PLEASE HELP – YOU CAN DONATE THROUGH THE CHIP IN OR SEND DONATIONS TO BOBBI AND THE STRAYS AND MARK THEM THE”WILLOW FUND”, PO BOX 170128, OZONE PARK, NEW YORK 11417.THANK YOU SO MUCH, GINNY, WILLOW AND TINY BABY and the whole BATS Crew! THANK YOU

i heart faces -- people watching from a bird's eye view

2011-04-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

"Oh look honey, that sweet little girl is watching us. Isn't she pretty. They are calling her Mackenzie, I think."

"Oh yes, she sure is. Smile really big for her. I just love these Sunny afternoons when we can go to the zoo and visit the people."

"Yes, me too. How do you think I might look with a beauty ponytail like hers?"

Change

2011-04-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this beautiful video my animal rescue friend, Bonnie, posted on Facebook. This song is one of my favorite songs. If you listen to the lyrics, your heart cannot help but be touched by how much one (or many) people can start needed changes in our world.

Do we wonder why bad things happen? I was just sitting here contemplating this. Perhaps this is God's way of showing us the good and kindness which still does remain in many -- those helping the animals and people in need every day.

Copyrighted photo taken by Diane Bohlen of Queensland, Australia.

Be sure and check out another one of my good friends' blog. Diane is in Australia, and posted pictures and a video on how a group of young people from John Paul College rebuilt one family's home after the flood. This precious family lost everything, and had no flood insurance to rebuild. Now they have a new home thanks to these young people who looked in the mirror and started a change right within their own hearts and hands. Simply click on the photo above to read this amazing story.

Perhaps I am still in this wheelchair for a reason. Perhaps I need to pray, "God, please show me how you want to use me in this wheelchair, or if I am to get well show me what you want me to do with the rest of my life for Your Glory." Perhaps my reasons for wanting out of this wheelchair have been selfish and wrong, perhaps they are what Kathleen wants and not what God has in store for me.

This is my photo I call "Man in the Mirror." I took this photo shortly after Michael Jackson's death realizing this precious photo was perfect for the song with such a powerful message.

Beauty, Nature and Peace

2011-04-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

The more I experiment with my Canon Rebel XS camera, the more in love I fall with it and photography. This was a photo I shot of my former in-laws' neighbor's horse. Of course, loving digital art as I do, I had to experiment a little with Adobe Photoshop and some incredible action sets from the Pioneer Woman's blog. I used the Boost action set and the Burned Edge action set on this particular photo.

I fell in love as I stood there with my camera and photographed this lovely creature of God. This photo and its peacefulness represents one of the things I am most proud of in my life. After learning of the horror and cruelty being done in the horse slaughterhouses in our own United States, I became a volunteer leader of the Tennessee call group to help close down these same slaughterhouses. The woman who had never been a political advocate was telephoning the offices of Congressmen to push for the end to this horror. We were successful.

If I am known for nothing else in my short life, I pray this will always be remembered and my love for other animals and children. The peacefulness of this creature represents the peacefulness in my heart the day I heard these slaughterhouses would be closed. My only other prayer is this would have occurred much sooner, and the shipping of these creatures would not still be happening in Mexico.

Please let your Congressmen know you want this stopped once and for all. Let them know we will not allow the transport of these creatures over our taxpayer highways to Mexico and Alaska. Give these beautiful and intelligent creatures a chance for their second lives.

My Beautiful Daughter

2011-04-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

I don't know who invented the term "daughter-in-law," but I don't like it! I adore my two "daughters" my sons brought into our lives. They are beautiful, love my sons, love my grandchildren, and are wonderful mothers to my little angels as well.

I had to steal this photo of my Texas daughter, Mikayla, and her youngest, Zachary, from Facebook. Aren't they beautiful? I sure think so. Zachary was born on Easter, and will be 2 years old April 12th.

Little Vintage Girl

2011-04-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

I looked through my camera, and what should I see. This precious little girl, who seemed to be posing "for me." Her eyes were so deep, you could see around the world. Her lips were so perfect, just like a pearl. Her alabaster skin, displayed the innocence and beauty of her youth. And her bonnet displayed, yet another world of long-ago! Such perfection and beauty one does not often see. And I smiled and thanked God, He had seen fit to bless me.

Joe, Where Are You?

2011-04-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

This incredible gentleman is lost somewhere around the Grand Canyon. They believe his plane may have gone down, but so far searchers have been unable to locate Joe Radford and his plane.

The Pilot's Prayer

Lord of Air and the Earth,
You made the whole world with creatures of the seas, earth and skies.
After the great flood you made a bird the first witness of the new order;
You have shown us your Spirit on wings of dove:
I ask you to bless me as I take off to the skies.
Make me a humble pilot, who marvels at the beauty of your creation;
Save me from turbulences of the air and my spirit,
Give me strength and full control over the plane,
send your peace to the hearts and minds of all traffic controllers,
show me your path in my life,
and lead me safely to the runway,
so that I could praise you safely back on earth.
I make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen.
Our Lady of the Skies — pray for me.

Please say special prayers for Mr. Radford. This man has given his time, plane, and finances to save many lives of little animals who were about to the euthanized. He has been a volunteer for the program named Pilots N Paws.

My heart breaks thinking he might be out there praying for someone to rescue him. Please call and press the rescuers to keep up this search -- we owe this to Joseph Radford -- the little animals rescued owe this to Joe.

Slice of Life at Its Best!

2011-03-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Whether it is a slice of pie, a slice of cake, a slice of cheese, or a slice of cracker, sharing a picnic lunch with your "bestest" friend is one of the wonderful slices of life for two young ladies.

Tinker, Sophie, Onnie and Bo - I'm Home

2011-03-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

I just got home from my approximately one month stay in Methodist North Hospital and then the other time in Healthcare South on Union Avenue. It was a long stay. On Tuesday morning as I was preparing for work, when I was about to brush my teeth "horrible pains and spasms" hit my back. I was able to limp to my bed with Phil's help. Thank God he was here with me when it happened.

I took prednisone for a couple of days thinking it was my rheumatoid arthritis and would improve with the medication, but by Sunday night Phil had to take me to the hospital where my doctor admitted me through the ER. The physician felt the only way to give me relief from the back spasms was in the hospital with IV pain medications, and they needed some CT scans as well.

Where is my momma?

Onnie, Sophie, Bo . . . there she is! She is home.

I am better now, but not back to normal. I don't think we have found the reason yet for this horrible pain, but I will be going to an orthopedic surgeon this week again for more of a workup I hope.

God does work in mysterious ways. I had some incredible PT and OT ladies at Healthcare South this time. They have renewed my confidence I WILL be able to walk again as soon as we get my back pain under control. Their therapy really, really helped me.

Anyway, I am back home for a while. Got to close as it is time to put my back to bed once again. Missed you all. Hope you are having a good week!

Innocent Wonder

2011-01-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

"The shadow of your smile

When you are gone
Will color all my dreams
And light the dawn
Look into my eyes, my love, and see
All the lovely things you are to me . . . "

That May day last year, the day my heart was breaking, the day I had to say my final goodbye to my precious mother at her funeral -- how would I have survived without the shadow of their smiles and the "innocent wonder on my precious grandson's face?"

Our twins, Jesse and Luke, were less than 3-years-old at the time. I'm sure they will not be able to remember their great-grandmother, Mary Ann, and I'm even more sure they did not understand what was happening that day; yet they played such a very special role that day in our hearts.

The shadow of my precious son's face looking up at that "innocent wonder" of my precious Luke's face somehow gave me the courage to go on that day. As I looked into my Tommy's face I had no doubt what was going through his mind, for he was always like a clone of me. We could read each other's thoughts. I am certain he was remembering all those special times with his grandmother as he looked with so much love into Luke's face. The same precious love we were parting with that May day, Tommy and I could see in the "innocent wonder of our precious Luke's face."

And all the while, that same "little innocent look of wonder named Luke" was giving us God's peace that passeth all understanding. The sun shining on his face somehow brought the presence of my mother's spirit right to our hearts -- and there it will stay forever until we meet again.

I Am the Diamonds Glint on Snow

2011-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

Someone shared this beautiful passage today on Facebook, and it brought back so many amazing memories of my mom -- wonderful memories. I hope this will comfort someone else missing a loved one as well.

"I'm not here . . . Don't stand by my grave and weep. For I'm not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that . . . . I am the diamonds glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush. I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circle flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand by my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die."

So amazing still to me. This was my precious mother just about 2-3 weeks before her death. I truly believe God kept her stronger and alert until our Nicholas and his precious family got to come from Texas and say their goodbyes. We did not know this would be their last visit with Grandma Mary, but my Nicholas did. The depth of love and sensitivity God gave to this wonderful son of mine never ceases to amaze me. He is indeed very, very special, as is his wife Mikayla as well as their beautiful family. I am so blessed to have all of them in my life.

And oh that look of love on the face of my mother as she looks up at her "gentle giant" Nicholas. At 6'5" and looking like a football player, one would think people (and children) would be afraid of him. Never, absolutely never! They all immediately sense his depth of love and kindness, and bond with him. He is not only the perfect father, but I believe a perfect teacher (band director) who brings out the very best in each of his students with this true kindness.

Yet what could one expect from my two sons with the influence of my brother in their lives. My brother Warren made my two sons his "mission" to be a wonderful substitute father when he could for them. He was so kind, generous, and loving with them, and I will never be able to thank him enough for this. They are the men they are today because of his wonderful traits he imparted upon them. Oh, that Coke was a ritual part of the visits to see mom. She always wanted her Coke and a candy bar -- and she always got it too along with candy for later as well.

Here is that candy bar mom always looked so forward to each visit. You can look at the smile on my brother's face only to see how very much she enjoyed herself with the Coke and candy bar.

My stepfather is your strong Yankee man, but the loss of my mom was almost more than even this strong Yankee man could handle. He misses his Princess so much. The pain in my brother's voice still brings me to tears as well.

But mom did not die, she lives with us still. She smiles and dances in the little stars on the water, and still will continue to smile and dance in our lives. And my family will know her, just as they know my precious grandfather, from the love and the memories of those who knew him long ago. Memories are so important. They are not only a part of our present being, but also a major part of the being of those who we love and who will follow after us.

Bo Scare

2011-01-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

Around the New Year's Eve holiday, my 15-year-old kitty Bo Jackson scared the heck out of Phillip and I. Suddenly his right eye and jaw was all swollen and closed. Since our vet was closed, off to the Animal Emergency Hospital we went with Mr. Bo Jackson.

Poor baby looked absolutely awful, but he was drinking his water and eating fine, so luckily no dehydration problems.

Bo had a good time just walking around on the table. He was a very well-behaved patient.

As you can see, his right eye looked terrible and the jaw too.

Our sweet boy was really not well, and Momma Kat was falling apart at the seams.

Thank goodness Daddy Phillip was able to keep his composure through the ordeal. When it comes to one of my babies sick, I do a lot of crying. After x-rays, it was decided it could be one of many things. They did not see an abscessed tooth, but could be there and just not seen because of the pus and swelling. Bo loves to sleep behind the furniture, so it could have been a spider bite or something like that, or it could be the start of a malignancy which appears in the jaw area in kitties.

They gave Bo a strong antibiotic shot and a shot for pain that night, and a couple of days later we returned to see our regular vet when they were open. In the meantime, we had been giving Bo Amoxicillin twice a day. Phillip took over that task as Bo spit at him and meowed what definitely sounded like, "No."

Dr. Pearce followed up with another strong antibiotic shot, some bloodwork, some more x-rays, but I refused a biopsy because of needing to put Bo under anesthetic. I feared for this at his older age. We decided he would give Bo a local and drain the infected area, which had lots of pus in it, and then to adopt the "wait and see" if he got better before doing a biopsy.

Well, the good news is he is much better now and once again his pretty self. I am not so sure one of the canine girls did not play with Bo too rough and possibly cause the infection in his jaw. We will just pray this does not return now.

So once again our Bo Jackson has used up another one of his nine lives it would appear!

Glimpses of Change at My Home

2011-01-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

As I wheeled through my home last Monday (the day it snowed and I was home all day), I found myself taking photos of some of the new things I love about my home. I thought I would share some photos for others too. Isn't it amazing how much a new light fixture, new piece of furniture, new paint, new lamps, etc. can change our lives?

One of my favorite things -- a new large and wide photo of Beale Street and its famous neon lights. I just love this blowup which I was able to order from a photograph very well known around Memphis. I can almost hear the Memphis Blues when I look at it.

I also love having my photographs framed and placed on the living room wall behind the couch. I enjoy reliving these precious moments when I did these photographs at the Memphis Zoo with my family there. The color I chose for my living room, kitchen and dining room is a pale slate blue (with a little gray in it), and it goes so pretty with my new slate tile floors in these deeper slate blue colors in the kitchen and the bathrooms.

I purchased this little topiary tree to be on the reception table at Tommy and Selena's wedding. Afterwards I inherited it, and I just really enjoy its softness against this beautiful slate blue of my living room area. Can you see the soft white snow outside the window to the left?

Now this new light fixture in the dining room was definitely a real "change" for me. I loved it though. The bottom lights can be redirected to light up artwork on the walls as well. I think Phil thought I had lost my mind when it arrived, but I had my plan and color scheme rolling around in that little brain all the time.

I just had to include this second photo of my favorite new light fixture. It definitely was not the electrician's favorite to hang. Poor man, as you can see he had all those lovely wires to get just the right length and on the angle of the ceiling (and a very high ceiling I might add). I could not watch with my fear of heights! No way! But he did an incredible job.

This was a very simple new light fixure I found for my MBR ceiling fan, but I love it. The photo does not do it proper justice.

Both of my bathrooms also got new lights over the mirrors. I fell in love with these when I saw them. They are so pretty. Thank God the Hollywood gold strip bar with the globe lights (the builder's favorite) is gone forever.

Also note, this is the place where I fell going into my bathroom on July 13, 2009, at 3:30 am and remained there until about 3:30 pm that afternoon (with a broken right femur above my knee and a compression L3 fracture on the left side of my back). They found me on the floor when Tommy sent his dad to check on me because I had not arrived at work nor called in sick. My data management co-workers, Tommy and Phillip saved my life that day for sure, along with all the wonderful care I received from the Fire Department paramedics. They took such careful care with my back, and I will be forever grateful for this care which helped prevent any other serious injuries to my back.

What does Tinkerbell think of our new master bedroom redo? She loves it. She especially loves the new soft sheets, new soft down blankies, new mattress and box springs, and the giraffe sheets and pillowcases (they coordinate with her so nicely). She also loves the large flat screen TV mom bought to enjoy during our recuperation as well.

My hallway light is another one of my favorites. Pictures cannot do it justice. The old fixture was SO UGLY. This one is simple, but really fits in with my decor beautifully.

I had two pictures in my bedroom which I wanted to stand out. So I asked my painter, Joe, to paint two of the walls this darker green and to build a white frame to go around these two photos. He did a beautiful job -- as always. Joe is just the BEST!

I found this lamp at JC Penney's online, and I loved it so much I ordered another one for the living room as well. This one sits on my bedside table in the master bedroom. When it is turned on, the light reflects so pretty against the glass base and lampshade, as well as the dark green wall.

Now you all are keenly aware how much I love my computer. This is my new Dell larger monitor. I adore it also. It is great for these old eyes of mine, and also for when you are doing graphic or web page design. Yet my favorite thing about my new computer desk, new monitor and new little corner is the photo hanging above. Selena framed these wonderful photos of my precious twins for me. I look at them all the time and smile.

One of these small refrigerators is an absolute plus for a diabetic. I ordered this cute pink one from Walmart online. I keep my diabetic insulin in this, as well as some small snacks, drinks, orange juice, milk, and anything which might help me should my blood sugar drop low during the night. It has been a real lifesaver, and such a nice convenience. I also keep my meds in the wooden photo box on the right top and my insulin pump supplies in the basket on the left. Please excuse the pile-up of clogs on the floor under my desk.

Well, enough for now. Maybe I will take some more photos later to show everyone. I am enjoying all the new changes, and so are the pups! I also enjoy looking at my little home with its renewed style and cleanliness.

If anyone is interested in purchasing similar light fixtures to these, these were purchased online at

Lighting Universe.

Blizzard?

2011-01-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

It seemed like a blizzard to poor little Tinkerbell. Poor little girl could hardly go outside for her morning pee.

Blizzard? I don't think so, but we awoke last Monday to this beautiful sight. It was about 4-5 inches of snow in Memphis, and that is like a blizzard for us!

Tinkerbell is still stealing Momma's pillows. Martha Miller, are you out there reading this?

Sophie had settled down for her long night's rest and was not concerned about "this crazy little thing called snow."

I always pull the sheers back when they say it will snow. I want to wake up seeing the snow first thing.

My Snuggle Bunnies

2011-01-14T02:24:00.000-08:00

Dinner . . . Baths . . . Movie Night . . . Priceless . . . Wish I was there to snuggle too!

His Smile Warms My Heart

2011-01-10T23:36:00.000-08:00

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.
It might be the only sunshine he sees all day."
~ Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

From the day he was born, his beautiful smile, eyes, and skin captured all eyes who met him. Joseph William is just one of my five beautiful grandchildren. He was our second born, and so special to us all. I tell his parents all the time he inherited those gorgeous eyes of his Grandma Mary, his mother's beautiful mother.

My favorite statement was when he looked up at me their last visit with this special twinkle in those beautiful eyes and the sweet smile on his face and said, "Grandma, I've been missing you!" Me too, Joey. Me too. It is a long way from Memphis, TN to Muleshoe, TX. Hopefully this spring break I will see him and my other two little Texans again.

Until then, I will look at my photos and thank God above I FINALLY bought myself that Canon DSLR camera I had been wanting for so long!

Black Dog Syndrome

2011-01-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

"Do you own a black dog, or maybe I should ask if a black dog owns you?"

Please watch this video above. More black dogs are euthanized at kill shelters than any other dogs. Their expressions are difficult to photograph, and often they come across as looking mean and uninteresting. Please spread the word -- look again at these "black beauties" and let's give them their second chances as well.

Onyx a/k/a Onnie was my black beauty save at the side of our busy country road. What a save too! I never found the original owner, but Onnie has been my joy for several years now. She also had another strike against her though -- the Chow mix in her. She did have some aggression, but with the wonderful help of my friend Amanda of Camp-4-Paws and a marvelous trainer from Dogs Rule in Memphis I received some very useful tips to curve this aggression with only love and a strong command in my voice.

I want to say thank you to Phillip for helping me rescue her that day (and all this time afterwards too), but also to my friend Linda for encouraging me to keep working with Onnie. She wanted me to keep Onnie very badly it seemed, and fell in love with my gal from her photos alone. Onnie thanks Phillip and Linda also for their love and confidence in her.

Now I ask you, does this look like a face you could not love? I sure do. There have not been any burglaries at my home since Onnie came to stay either. So maybe the "black dog syndrome" myth has its advantages in one way even over my security system monitored by Monitronics!

Make "Me" a Channel of Your Peace

2011-01-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Prayer of St. Francis, This Year, Save One, Foster One, Rescue One Dog

"Awesome! I've been following the Dog Liberator for weeks, in the hopes that I can adopt one of these beautiful animals soon! It's an incredible thing that the Dog Liberator team does daily . . . . God Bless them! ~ metykie

If Only I Could Be Like Boo!

2011-01-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

A friend posted this video on Facebook, and as I watched it I realized just how much my life has changed since that accident on July 13th, 2009. I got my hopes up about possibly FINALLY healing of this broken femur and the new hope physical therapy could offer, only to have this hope "smashed" by the new orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. Neither have given me much hope of ever being totally free of the wheelchair and walker in my life again, much less the pain. I wish I could be like Boo, but somehow I just cannot get past this feeling of loss of life as a handicapped person.

Today was supposed to be a "happy day -- my birthday." I tried very hard to be happy, but all day things seemed to go wrong making my life difficult because of these disabilities. The "final straw" was when Phillip "kind of" fussed at me when I forgot to release the brakes on my wheelchair as he was bringing me into the house after work. I have a lot of incline on my driveway, so it is difficult for me to handle this on my own in the wheelchair.

LIGHTING BIRTHDAY CANDLES © Samuel Micut Dreamstime.com

This was all it took, I broke down and started to cry -- cry hard. I once again told Phillip, "I want my life back the way it was. I want out of this damn wheelchair. I don't want to have to depend on someone else all the time." Poor Phillip had no idea what in the world to say or do. He did not realize how much pain I was in, how hard it had been and how much it hurt just to get out of the car and into that damn wheelchair, and how much I had looked forward to going somewhere and celebrating my birthday -- but physically could not because of the pain I was suffering.

If had been a very busy work week, and I had struggled all week with pain and having a hard time getting to work with the pain. I made it, all week, but "there were times I wondered how."

If you see others around you with handicaps, try to be understanding and kind. I can now attest to how hard life is for these. I am one of these. I will never be a Boo but maybe -- just maybe -- someday I will be able to say goodbye to this damn wheelchair once and for all. I sure hope so. If not, Hoveround here I come. I will not depend on others for the rest of my life. No way, no how!

For like Boo, I must again "find joy in my new life." It must magically appear just as these stars on the water did in my photo.

Going to take my pain med and go to bed. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. I sure hope so. This is one 59th birthday I choose to forget! One of the ladies at work did bring me some beautiful flowers for my birthday though, and I had lots of family and friends wishing me a Happy Birthday -- so all the day was not in vain. There were some better times this January 7th.

Little Visions of Innocence Lost

2011-01-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

"The innocent and the beautiful Have no enemy but time." ~ William Butler Yeats

Is there anything more precious than the beauty and innocence of a small child? One of the lingering questions of 2010 in my mind has been, "Why are so many harming these innocent children? What can we do to stop this senseless cruelty and often murder? Why? What has gone terribly wrong with our world?"

The names come flashing back through my mind over and over . . . so many . . . Caylee, Haleigh, Zahra, Summer . . . and so many, many more. Strangers harming our innocence; parents harming their very own innocence. What can we do to stop this endless travesty of humanity?

I pray 2011 will bring me some kind of answers as we leave 2010 and the many news headlines behind!

Earl, Where Are Your Teeth?

2011-01-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today was definitely a difficult day (more about that later in the week), but Phillip always knows how to bring a smile to my face and a laugh to my voice. Such was the case tonight on my way home from work.

Get me talking about my precious grandparents (and especially my grandfather), and Phillip knows there is always a funny story in there and a smile on my face.

We were talking about losing teeth in older age from abscesses, etc., and he remarked about his father having numerous teeth pulled as he had gotten older. Then he reminded me my grandfather had done the same thing. Suddenly memories came flooding back to my mind like water through a dam.

I remembered each Sunday before going to church when my grandfather would ALWAYS come to me to ask how he looked. He was a very handsome man in his younger days, and always took great pride in looking like a gentleman with his suit, starched and ironed shirts, perfectly tied tie, hat, and his dentures in his mouth. He would break into a big smile, and it was always so funny -- for you see I was not used to his wearing his dentures all the time. He absolutely hated them! But they were a must for church each Sunday. His Southern breeding said he had to be that gentleman perfectly dressed on Sunday.

The memories of those dentures always bring back one particular memory from our many wonderful vacations. We were driving down the highway, headed to Florida. My grandmother sitting in the front seat turned and asked my grandfather, "Earl, where are your teeth?" My grandfather smiled a big smile, reached into his front shirt pocket, and pulled out the dentures he had just purchased. There they stayed, until we got ready to get out of the car. Then they magically appeared in his mouth for our meals at the restaurants or in the hotel. As long as he lived, he NEVER liked those dentures -- but he tolerated them because of the "fine old Southern gentleman" he was brought up to be!

Joey, what pretty teeth you have!

I remember the day of my wedding his famous words to me. He said, "Kitten, I have spent a fortune on those teeth of yours. I know your money will be tight until Phil graduates from college in a semester or two. Promise me you will go to the dentist and have him send me your bills. I want those teeth taken care of." I never had to take him up on paying my dental bills, but he would have certainly done so. He never wanted me to have to wear those horrible dentures he said.

Thank goodness I acquired the wonderful job I presently work at, and have always had dental insurance. I'm sure my grandfather is smiling in Heaven just knowing I still have my very own teeth.

Hearts Beyond Measure

2011-01-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

Featuring Some of Many Bobbi and The Strays 2010 Rescues

This video shows just a few of the wonderful animals rescued and captured on camera by Laura Miller. What a beautiful difference than their former existence in kill shelters, on the streets, or suffering cruelty. These were the lucky ones!

Bonnie Folz (center) with two animal rescue friends.
Unfortunately, Quinn did not survive long.

B-J Landsperg shares her animal love with birds as well.

Laura Miller (left) with other rescue friends Diana and Aubrey.

This is the way I would describe my friends from Animal Rescue -- especially three named Laura, B-J, and Bonnie. They give of themselves and their time without limitations to help God's creatures. You will probably remember an earlier post this month I wrote about these angels and Bobbi and The Strays in New York. After getting to know this third young lady Laura, I decided it was time to make Bobbi and The Strays my permanent charity to help each payday. I do this in their honor and in the honor of my precious mother and grandparents who taught me how to love these innocent little creatures.

If you can find a way in your heart to help Bobbi and The Strays or any other animal rescue charities, please do so. Far too many animals are being euthanized at the kill shelters because of the lack of resources to rescue these babies. Can you help? If nothing more than your volunteer time, used newspapers, old towels, and many other things, every little bit will help these creatures of God have a second chance.

"Saving just one animal won't change the world but, the world will surely change for that one animal!"

Bobbi and The Strays rescue MANY animals on the euthanization lists in the kill shelters. They provide this Second Chance, much needed vet care, kindness, and love to socialize these animals for their Second Chance at that forever home.

I just could not resist sharing this adorable picture of Penny the pooch getting anxious to get the Christmas party on its way at Bobbi and The Strays. She wanted more sleep it appears . . .

Penny: "Can we please start opening up the gifts so i can go back to sleep please...." lol

Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man . . .

2010-12-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way."

~ Edith Manning

My beautiful friend with an equally beautiful soul and heart, Sharon, posted this on Facebook.

I just had to share it with everyone I know.

My Computerized Miracle

2010-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

All items are now in place, and I am now using my full insulin pump and glucose monitoring system made by Medtronic. This little computerized baby is amazing! I have found it to be my new "best friend," making my life so much easier as a diabetic, safer as a diabetic, and helping me to feel more alive (and stay out of the hospital too).

I thought I would share a couple of good "You Tube" video productions for anyone else who might be considering one of these pumps. Before I do, I want to insure everyone that inserting the infusion set and the glucose sensor into my stomach tissue is absolutely painless. DO NOT let the needles used to insert these scare you. The needles are immediately removed after insertion, and only a very, very small plastic cannula (or tube) remains in your tissue.

Last night my glucose got a little low (84), and my pump immediately vibrated and woke me up with an alert saying "Low Predicted." So after verifying this value with a fingerstick, I ate a small snack to make sure my glucose went up sufficiently for the night and it was back to bed. Think what could happen if a person lives by themselves, and does not realize they could be heading towards a diabetic coma. Pretty amazing little safety device, huh?

Of course, Tinkerbell also alarms me as she realizes something is wrong by the odor a diabetic has on their breath at this time (a sweet-smelling fruity acetone breath for high blood glucose and a sour smell for low blood glucose).

Stinkerbell has got her eye on you, Mommy! Tinkerbell and Medtronic are on duty.

Tinkerbell is my "ready made" little service dog. She learned this automatically -- many dogs are trained for long periods of time to assist diabetics with these problems. Some of these dogs can sell for as much as $25,000. Phillip jokingly said he was going to sell my Tinkerbell, but I quickly told him NO WAY! Because of Tinkerbell's unique gift, I can also have her certified as a service animal which would allow her to travel with me everywhere I go.

Blood for Life

2010-12-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

Have you given the most wonderful gift you can give? Have you given the gift of life through blood donations? If not, and if you are able to do so, please consider this priceless gift.

My little friend in Australia, Ivy, and her mother, Tiff, have raised money for Ivy's hospital's families to have comfortable surroundings and have also been spokespeople for the Australian Red Cross along the way. You see, little Ivy depends on blood donations and a drug called IVIG for her very survival. You can read more about her story at Three Ring Circus.

Here is her You Tube video which recently aired on ABC's 7:30 Report. According to the Australian Red Cross, their phones picked up after Ivy's precious little face appeared. Is it any wonder? Please keep Ivy in your prayers as her health is a day-to-day battle. I pray each day they will find a cure for this precious little girl (and, of course, my precious Princess Madison as well).

Trains, Planes & Automobiles . . . Well, Trains!

2010-12-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all my family and friends for helping me through this Christmas. I was so sad about my Mom not being here with us, but everyone helped fill that void and Christmas ended up being very wonderful and special. I know Mom could look down from Heaven and smile too -- without any more pain. Love you Mom, and will always miss all of you. Give Grandma and Grandpa that special hug and kiss for me please.

This is something I have noticed the most being behind my camera. Often, you catch people in their deepest thought, emotion, and hurt. I could see the hurt of the loss of her dear father in Pam's face. I knew that loss, I was feeling it also. But it did not take long for our sweet little ones to put the smiles back on our faces. I thought how much their great-grandparents who loved them so much would cherish these sweet moments -- we needed to make sure "we cherished these moments for them as well as ourselves."

Our day started with an incredible Christmas lunch at Tommy and Selena's home. It was delicious. MeeMaw made a red velvet cake which was "to die for," Yum! MeeMaw really is a fantastic cook, and she shares her gift so sweetly cooking for the meals on wheels at their church. And dang it, my son is going to have to teach his Mom how to make his dressing (it was MeeMaw's recipe I heard) -- it was much better than mine ever is. They had all my favorites -- turkey, dressing, greenbean casserole, rolls, greens, squash casserole (also made by MeeMaw), black-eyed peas, and I know I am forgetting something!

My pretty Selena, and her equally pretty Mom Pam were there!

MeeMaw Haney was there reading, as she loves to do, to her two favorite little twin great-grandsons.

Poor Grandma Pam was beginning to look "just a little bit tired" from all the Holidays.

Daddy Tommy was looking pretty tired too.
He loves to cook, but I think he was almost too tired to eat afterwards!

Daddy Tommy always has energy to play with his two little fellas!

Grandpa Phil is always close by too. It wasn't long before he was over there with the boys too.

Oh how our little boys love trains!

My precious little Jesse shows Grandma Kat one of his trains.

Our cutie Jesse was ready to dive in. He looks hungry after all those trains.

Looks like Lukie Pooh was hungry too. He really likes Dad's Christmas dinner.

Mom Selena stands by one of three trees decorated.

One of the most fun things I did when Tommy and Nick were growing up was collect Christmas ornaments wherever we went, and also Hallmark ornaments for them. When they married, these special ornaments went with them. On the tree in the family room, I saw Tommy's "Larry Byrd" Hallmark ornament. Then I saw the pickle ornament everyone searches for on Christmas morning for that special gift. There were so many more, and each one brought precious memories dancing back through my brain -- memories which would continue on with my precious new family including Selena and the twins. It is so much fun to look at their Christmas trees now (with the twins) and remember them when we decorated our tree with these same ornaments.

Last, but not least, was this photo I saw and shot of our twins. This reminded me so much of Tommy and Nick. Of course, it was "special," so it had to be black and white! What a "Wonderful Life" it was this Christmas! Even when those you love have gone ahead to prepare a place in Heaven for you, you still have the many you love here on Earth to enjoy your wonderful life with each year.

Unselfish Love

2010-12-25T01:27:00.000-08:00

Sleep Peacefully my Littlest Prince,

For God above reigns over you . . .

I woke up for a few minutes, and decided it was time to share my Christmas Eve with my family and friends. Isn't it amazing how God can take an otherwise very sad time and turn it into something wonderful with amazing memories.

Nick posted this photo of our Zachary who fell asleep very early tonight. I'm sure Daddy will carefully carry him to his sweet little bed while he awaits Santa Claus tomorrow morning. Oh my how he reminds me of my own sweet Nicholas Earl so many years ago.

This looked to be a very difficult Christmas with the loss of my mother this year, but God opened my eyes. In the last couple of weeks, the near loss of my stepfather Alvin and my precious mother-in-law, Reba Sue, gave me renewed thankfulness for God's love. They are both at home with their families, much better, and will celebrate Christmas with all of us tomorrow.

Here is my other sweetie. He helped me have a fun Christmas Eve.

Phillip was there all day and most of tonight to help me enjoy Christmas Eve. He brought me a nice lunch when he arrived to help me take care of the pets, then I got ready and off we went to Walmart for our last minute little shopping for gift bags, cards, and groceries.

Although Phillip's knee was hurting badly from the osteoarthritis in it, he focused on making my one and only Christmas shopping day on Christmas Eve fun. We bought our items, and brought home some party trays and fresh fruit (and cupcakes too). After we got home and put everything away, we sat at the dining room table and enjoyed a fun party lunch together (all the while wishing that snow they had mentioned would start coming down so we could watch it out my dining room windows). So far, no snow yet!

After our fun lunch, we prepared gift bags and wrapped the twins' Christmas for tomorrow. Tomorrow morning around 10:00 am we are going over to open gifts with the twins. I can hardly wait. Oh, that reminds me I need to charge the battery in my camera when I get up from here. We had lots of fun laughing while wrapping our presents.

By this time, I found out how badly Phillip's knee was hurting. I made him stretch out on the couch while we watched ice skating performed to the music of the Mannheim Steamrollers on the Hallmark channel. I finally convinced him to take one of my prednisone tablets, and this helped the knee within a few minutes -- thank goodness.

By this time, Phillip was tired and decided it was time to head home. So he said goodnight to all -- much to the regret of Tinkerbell, Onnie, and Sophie -- and headed home. He will be back today around 9:00 am for us to enjoy seeing the twins for Christmas. Then later we will visit with my stepfather and brother, and have dinner tonight with Phillip's family at his sister's house.

We miss Mom very much, but God has been good to us. I know my Mom is whole and healthy again, and no longer suffering with her cancer -- so this too is a blessing.

When I jokingly asked Tinkerbell if Santa was going to bring me an iPad tonight under the tree, Phil wanted to know if this was really what I wanted for Christmas. I softly said, "No, it really is not. What I would really like for Christmas is . . . "

No more homeless people and animals in our world,
No more war, only Peace and Love,
No more illness and pain,
No more parents (or others) harming God's precious little children,
No more cruelty to animals,
No more cruelty to handicapped, elderly, etc. (all people),
Plenty of nutritous food for all, and a comfortable home with lots of love,
To have my Mom back to love again (along with my grandparents) . . .

I soon realized God had already answered my Christmas wishes . . . all will occur when I reach Heaven. Until then, I will just have to try and do what I can to achieve a little bit of Heaven right here on Earth. I will have to give of myself unselfishly as my Phillip did today for me . . . I know now how much pain he was in all day while making sure Kathleen had a little bit of Christmas in that madhouse called Walmart! Such unselfish love is priceless!

Merry Christmas to All, and May God Bless You All in 2011!

Santa Luv!

2010-12-22T18:56:00.000-08:00

"Santa, don't you pay any attention to what my Daddy Rich says, I have been a very good Theodore this year!"

Isn't Theodore cute? My brother-in-law Rich, sister-in-law Donja, and niece Danielle, love animals -- but their hearts always seem to be rescuing English Sheepdogs. I believe they purchased Theodore, but they have a beautiful girl named Ivy who is a rescue, and a Bassett Hound rescue also. Oh, and I must not forget several kitties as well. Can you understand why they are just my favorite relatives? Unfortunately, they live in California -- wish they lived closer to us.

Totally Different! I Like!

2010-12-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Last year for Christmas Day, we decided the ladies would bring a gift for the ladies and the men a gift for the men. We would play "Dirty Santa." If you have never played this, it is SOOOO much fun. You draw a number, and then proceed to pick a gift when your number comes up. The person getting "1" gets to pick at the first and the last -- so they pretty much can pick any gift they want. Yes, you can steal another's gift if you want instead of picking a new gift, and that person either steals a gift or picks a new gift.

Last night I ordered my gift online from Etsy. I love buying the beautiful and unique items (handmade) you can find at the Etsy online shopping stores. Well, I have fallen in love with my gift already. I hope whoever gets it likes it as well.

TeAmiWorks ~ Yuko Miki ~ Seattle
I just HAD to buy these fingerless gloves for me! They were crying, "Buy me please!"

The first item I purchased was this unique scarf which wraps around you. Aren't these colors beautiful. I feel like it should be called "Peacock." If you like it, here is the link for this seller at Etsy. She has been wonderful to deal with so far.

FlorasFinest

Unique Handcrafted Scarves and Fiber Art

"Hi! Welcome to Floras Finest! My name is Angel Bolton and I live in Chesterfield, VA with my husband, Stacy. I have been knitting and making cards and other crafty things for years. I used to sell them at the various Farmer's Markets where we used to set up and sell meats and eggs that we raised on our small farm. We have since stopped selling meats to the public and now we just raise cattle for our own purposes.

I have been looking to get back into selling my scarves and cards and was excited when my mom told me that she had seen Etsy mentioned on Good Morning America. She told me I should try selling my items there. So here I am!

As for the name of my shop, Floras Finest, I wanted something catchy and rememberable (if that's a word) and once again my mom came to the rescue when she mentioned using Floras Finest. Flora is my maiden name. I would have never thought of it. So, if I do well here, I will definitely have my mom to thank!"

Next was this adorable pair of fingerless gloves purchased from alittlebirdietoldmoi in San Francisco. What is unique about these particular gloves? They are actually "green" so to speak. They are "made from reclaimed materials" and "come beautifully wrapped in tissue paper with organic cotton ribbon and a tag." Can you get any cuter?

I just love these!!!!!

Monkey, Monkey, WHERE IS THAT MONKEY?

2010-12-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

Jesse (left) is the driver, and Luke (right) is the greeter!

Recently there was a very intense search going on at the home of our twins, Jesse and Luke. Luke was VERY upset. His Monkey was missing. Looking everywhere, no one could seem to locate Monkey.

You see, this Monkey is his favorite little animal. When all my grandchildren were at the Memphis Zoo this year, I purchased five small stuffed animals -- one for each. Actually Jesse started out with the Monkey, but Luke soon arranged a swap with brother Jesse for his precious little Monkey. Looks like the boys decided to take Monkey for a ride.

Thank goodness, Monkey was finally located. I am happy to report Monkey is now safe and sound. Now who would have ever thought to look in the trunk of Jesse and Luke's push car -- thank goodness someone did!

Can you see that cute little Monkey's gray tail and feet hanging out of the trunk?

Mom Selena has been so concerned about the loss of Monkey that she purchased another one just like it a while back when again at the Memphis Zoo. Now that's a smart Mom Selena!

R.I.P. Dungo

2010-12-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

Copyrighted photo of Carlos Bohorquez Nassar at Still Format.

I don't think my dear blogger friend, Carlos Bohorquez Nassar at Still Format in Bogota, Colombia, would mind my sharing this photo of their family member who recently passed away. This photo was so incredible, as are all of his photos, and showed so much love for this baby. R.I.P. Dungo, I know you were very loved and will be very missed by Carlos and the other family members.

Dungo was a fila brasilero. I had never heard of this breed of dog, so I had to look it up on the internet. Click on the breed name to enjoy reading about these "large working dogs developed in Brazil."

Carlos is always open to sharing the secrets of his photography with this old Southern Belle "amateur photographer." I have enjoyed knowing and meeting Carlos through this very long-distance blogger world. Maybe someday we will get to meet each other personally as well. Who knows. I think Carlos and his wife need to visit Memphis, TN. I have a perfect guest bedroom just waiting for some guests.

Love Knows No Fear

2010-12-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Frances is still not caught as of late last night, but they had sightings and are aware where she is. They are posting flyers, searching, and doing everything they can. She ran out in front of cars and even a bus yesterday I was told, but thank God was not hit. One man said she jumped over the hood of his car to keep from being cornered. She has definitely returned to her more feral state. If seen, PLEASE do not chase her.

"Saving just one animal won't change the world but,
the world will surely change for that one animal."

I decided to share this Part One story of the search for a missing dog who had captured everyone's heart at Bobbi and the Strays in New York. I met these wonderful people when we were searching for our dear little Vivi (the missing whippet from JFK Airport lost after the Westminister Show by Delta Airlines). Unfortunately, we have never been able to find Vivi. I pray they will find Frances, and maybe some day we will know Vivi was found and loved too.

Kudos to the brave people who put their own safety in danger trying to help God's creatures many consider "throw away." My heart and prayers are with you all. You are my heroes every day of your lives.

I recently decided to donate the money I had previously sent to my mother's nursing home account to Bobbi & The Strays. I am so thankful I did this -- this was the right decision, and the right group of animal rescuers for sure. My mother would like this money being donated in her name I'm sure. If you would also like to donate, please click on this link below:

The Search For Frances - Part One

Last Sunday two of our volunteers contacted me to tell me some horrible news. Frances, a once feral dog that was rescued from Far Rockaway, a dog that we had put our heart and souls into training and socializing, a dog that we had just adopted out to a seemingly perfect home had gone missing in Prospect Park. I try not to get emotional and focus on the task at hand. I told them I would go to Prospect Park first thing in the morning and help search for her. Even though she would be in flight drive and wouldn’t respond to people she even knew, I had helped find and rescued dogs like this before (see the posts on Sonny the beagle and Baisley the shepherd mix) . I knew that with the help of some very talented and amazing rescuers, we could find and rescue Frances.

However its almost seven days later and still Frances has not been found. The past week has been a roller coaster ride of dramatic ups and downs. We started the search in the park Monday morning. I met Vicki and Juliette at the park. Frances had entered the park on 7th Street and Prospect Park West. She had jumped out of the owners car after they parked and bolted into the park. We searched the whole area. Vicki, the volunteer who fostered Frances, brought her dog that Frances had bonded to. I stayed in the park till ten pm that night. Bonnie, Paulina, Eddie, Christine and Frankie came at around 7pm. We posted flyers, I searched the woods on the west side of the park. The night was freezing cold. The wind chilling. Every sound of leaves rustling in the wind made me jump. I thought that Frances would be hiding somewhere like she was when Christine had found her in Far Rockaway. I looked in every hollow tree, under the trailers and trucks in the maintenance yard, under every tree and bush. There was no sign of her.I was not yet worried though. I thought that she would stay in the park because she is a scaredy cat. She would find a place to hide and only venture out to look for food. She would stay in the park where its safe….

Tuesday morning I went back to the park with my dog, a pit bull named Rockaway. We walked all over the south side of the park. We walked to the nethermead, the boat house, the long meadow, around the cemetery and Quaker Hill, all over Lookout Hill (which is creepy in the day time. I had no idea what was coming later that night…), around the Boathouse, along both sides of the lull water. Around the northside of the lake to the park of the park near the rink where they fenced off because of renovations. We ran into a beautiful giant Cane Corso on Quaker Hill who apparently has been living there for years. (More on that later) and finally at five when it was dark, we went home. I dropped Rockaway off, went to Home Depot to get a powerful flashlight and then headed back to the park to meet Christine and her friends Anthony, Josephine and Sloane. I had my new flashlight, flyers, tape, treats and layers of clothing. It was in the 20’s. Freezing.

We agreed to stay together on the search because the park was pitch black in some places and not safe to be alone. I was also the only one with some knowledge of the park. I had lived in Park Slope years ago. We headed across the field towards Quaker Hill where I saw the cane corso. We thought that Frances may have hooked up with him and they may be together. Being in the middle of the park at night was a different kind of darkness than being on the woods on the west side near the street. This darkness was thick, heavy, and deep. We walked around the perimeter of Quaker Hill, down a path, past a waterfall and to the other side. I showed them where I saw the Cane Corso. The area was fenced off to the public but Christine and Anthony found an opening near the cemetery and went in to see if Frances was there. Josephine, Sloane and I were at the bottom of the hill waiting and keeping watch. That is when we heard the screaming.

Loud shrill panicked screams coming from Lookout Hill. We heard growling. It sounded like a monster was eating the girl alive. We called to Anthony and Christine who stumbled down the hill and we ran over to Lookout and called out to the wall of darkness. We heard voices. One? Two? We couldn’t tell. Disoriented screams and pleas for help. “Where are you? Are you hurt?” we called back. We shined our flashlights all over the hill. Beams of light illuminate small circles of bare branches, dead leaves on a canvass of empty blackness. We started to make our way through the brush up the hill sticking close together.

“Is that your dog?!” a girl cried out hysterically.

“What dog? Frances!? Frances!!” Christine ran up the hill calling out and didn’t hear the girl say that it was a big black dog. Frances is a medium sized brown collie mix with tannish fur.

We found the girl under a lamp. She had a pit bull with her. She was shooken up. So was the dog. She explained a large black dog ran out and her dog chased it into the dark and there was a confrontation. She couldn’t find her dog. She was screaming and then we came over.

“It was probably the Cane Corso,” Someone said.

“Is that the ghost dog of Prospect Park?” the girl asked.

We explained the Cane Corso was very much alive. I saw him in broad daylight. That was a real, living, breathing dog. But it was kind of eerie that he was already becoming legend. We explained we were looking for Frances. She hadn’t seen her. We gave her a flyer and told her to be careful. Lookout Hill was an extremely dark place at night. Didn’t feel quite right that she was walking alone, even with a pit bull.

So what did we do after she left? Search the dark and foreboding Lookout Hill. We stayed close together. My heart was pounding. I thought the Cane Corso may jump out at us at anytime. The path winds up the hill. Tall weeds, bare branches, dead leaves rustling in the wind, the chill in the air. Clouds covered the moon and stars. It was beyond dark. It was unsettling to think Frances could be hiding in such a place. We searched the best we could. I was relieved when we came back down.

We left food by Quaker Hill where I saw the Cane Corso earlier in the day. There was a hollowed out tree there, a perfect place for a dog to hide and sleep away from the elements as she could be in the park. We put food around there. Then we started back towards the west side of the park, posting flyers alone the way.

When I got home at 11pm that night, I was still shaking. I went to bed and dreamt about ghosts at Prospect Park. None of them were Frances though. I knew she was very much alive and tomorrow, Wednesday, we would find her.

Oh, "Pom" Cute!

2010-12-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Had to share this adorable picture with all of you. A friend of mine just adopted a rescue Pomeranian. I know this precious baby will have a wonderful home with Vicki and her daughter. She was looking for a Pom, and I suggested checking out the rescues. I am so glad she did this, and rescued this baby.

Waiting on Santa

2010-12-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Gotcha Santa!

Love for Man

2010-12-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

The genuine and unique love a dog can show for a man always amazes me. How we can be so unkind to anything so precious is beyond my own understanding. This touched me written by this lady named Suzanne about the dogs involved in Puppy Rescue Mission after this unconditional love has saved so many of our brave soldiers. God bless them all . . . and please bring them home safely with their newfound little four-legged angels.

We had an incident of this ourselves. My only first cousin, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Earl Walker, brought one of these hero stray dogs home from Desert Storm several years ago. He named the large German Shepherd mix "Schwarzkopf," and we greeted Schwarzkopf late one evening at the Memphis International Airport. He flew in a large crate on the same plane with Stephen to Memphis.

Schwarzkopf and Stephen befriended each other and when it was time to leave, Stephen requested special permission to take Schwarzkopf home with him. His request was granted, and Schwarzkopf returned to the States with Stephen. Unfortunately, Schwarzkopf is gone now . . . but I will never forget what a loyal soldier he was helping Stephen guard the central supplies and other soldiers.

Thankful for "Poop"

2010-11-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

Was I ever a thankful Doggie Momma yesterday morning! My big girl, Onnie, had not seemed to have a poop for about 2-3 days. She was eating fine, seemed in no distress, not vomiting, and seemed okay -- only NO POOP.

I have been so worried and stressed . . . all I could think of was an obstruction . . . but no other signs were there. I had made up my mind, if she did not poop by Thanksgiving there was no way I was leaving her by herself. In fact, we were going to head to the Animal Emergency Center to be checked out, even if we missed Thanksgiving dinner with Phil's family.

"Owners of dogs with a ''vacuum cleaner'' reputation should be extra careful in recognizing the early signs of intestinal blockages."

I hardly slept Wednesday night worrying about her. I kept getting up and rolling myself in the wheelchair to the kitchen to let her out hoping I would see her have a poop. Finally, a very small poop . . . more like the chihuahua would do . . . not Onnie's usual "horse poop" as we call it.

I called Phil around 11:00 pm I was so concerned. I don't think either of us slept much Wednesday night. Phil was also worried about his "movie star girl." He loves that little gal a bunch . . . in fact, he loves all my gals very much and they are crazy about their Daddy too.

I had just finished my shower and was coming out of the bathroom around 11:00 am yesterday when Phil came in excited with a big smile on his face. He announced, "Onnie just had a big poop." Of course, I had to question him more, and he laughed because I was so excited. He later said he wished he had the event on video, it would have been very popular on You Tube because my expressions were so funny.

So yesterday was a very, very Happy Thanksgiving. I did not ask for the family to pray thanking God for Onnie's poop though. I thought they might think us a little bit crazy! Oh well . . . had to be there . . . got to live with Onnie . . . got to love her!

Oh, why did I suspect an obstruction you may say? Sorry, I forgot that part of the story. Tanya and Walter, who help me clean my house, were here last Sunday. Walter was cleaning the granite tile floor and the grout so he could seal my tile. I caught Onnie in my bedroom with a round larger scrubbing pad in her mouth carrying it. I immediately retrieved it, and it was whole, thank goodness. I still was worried what else she might have stolen from Walter during his cleaning though. Got to warn he and Tanya next time. They do not know my bad girls that well.

Someone Is Missing . . .

2010-11-25T05:23:00.000-08:00

With each special holiday comes a new and special pain in my heart. First there was Mother's Day after she left us, then there was her birthday on November 22nd, now there is Thanksgiving and she will not be there to eat her turkey, and then there will be Christmas. With each holiday I find myself in tears . . . I miss you so very much Mom. I never realized how much I would miss you.

With love, your Katrina.

All I Want for Christmas

2010-11-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

IS MY TWO FRONT TEETH . . .

THEN I COULD WISH YOU MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Recycle ?

2010-11-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Time to take a comical break on this blog. I just "had" to share this funny story from Phillip. We talked about it one night coming home from work, and I laughed so hard my side was sore.

Phillip has always tried to stay fit and healthy, so he used to ride his bicycle to work each day (about 10 miles each way I would guess). No fancy bike, one of the Schwinn bikes without anything added. No special speeds, nothing. Just a plain old bike with a basket on the front for his things.

One morning while riding his bike to work, he suddenly found some Coke cans coming towards him. Someone must have seen his Coke can in the basket and assumed he was collecting cans -- so they just threw the cans his way.

Now isn't that an interesting way to start off your work day? I would have loved to have been there to see the look on his surprised face!

Gobble, Gobble

2010-11-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey plump. May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious, And your pies take the prize, . . . May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs! (I don't know who wrote that.)

I DO KNOW I WANT TO WISH YOU ALL THE HAPPINESS AND BLESSINGS OF THE DAY!

Shared on Facebook by my friend Sharon Choate

i heart faces "paper bookworm" challenge

2010-11-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

It is Monday. Time to post a photo for the i heart faces challenge. It was not hard to find a photo for this challenge. This photo was the first to come to my mind. It is definitely one of my very favorites. My sweet little twin grandsons, Luke and Jesse, just flew for their first time. They did very, very well, and although Daddy Tommy had a video for them to watch -- notice my Luke is never without a book. Daddy reads to them every night, and Luke was going to make sure this was no exception. They are so precious!

You twins are sure starting young. Your Daddy Tommy, Uncle Nick, Great-Grandma Mary, and Grandma Kat took their first flight to Orlando in 1989. I guess better late than never, huh!

"Bird" Legs

2010-11-20T08:31:00.001-08:00

I am attempting to design a new website with more organization to it, and one of the navigation categories will be called "My Two Sons." Yes, I only had "two" -- thank God not "three" like that old series. Not that I did not love my two. They just were both so smart and talented, they kept me on my toes and moving. I loved every minute of life with my two sons though -- they were the greatest blessing God could have given me other than my own salvation.

Here is the first story about one of my sons -- Tommy. In the 7th grade, Tommy tried out for the Craigmont Junior High basketball team. They were definitely interested because of his tall, slender body. His height could be an incredible asset to their team.

Tommy was thrilled to be selected -- and so the season started. Often their games were in the afternoons, so there were many I could not attend because of my work schedule. Yet when I did get to attend, I enjoyed them so much.

I remember one of the games when the Coach came walking by me at half-time shaking his head. I thought he was upset with Tommy for a foul he had just committed -- but NO, he was thrilled Tommy had gotten aggressive enough to jump in there and actually create the foul.

I soon noticed all the other players kept calling my son "bird." After contemplating this on the way home from the game one afternoon, I finally decided maybe I should speak with Tommy about this nickname. After all, I did not want him to feel awkward about his fast, growth spurt and long, skinny legs.

So I asked, "Tommy, does it bother you when the other players call you bird?" Tommy's response was, "Why, Mom?" So I went on to comment about his skinny legs, and they probably meant nothing ugly calling him bird. At this point, Tommy got a big smile on his face -- I could read that mind of his. "Mom, how can you be so dumb it was saying silently."

Then Tommy explained, "Mom, they are not commenting about my skinny legs -- they are calling me "Byrd" as in "Larry Byrd" because they say I stand and shoot just like him. Enough said, I knew my son loved this nickname then -- for Larry Byrd and the Boston Celtics were his team. In fact, he had a Celtics jacket which a kid tried to steal from him on the way up our street from the bus stop. Tommy let him know right away he was not getting that jacket, and the kid never bothered him again.

Yes, he had "Byrd" legs alright -- but he loved having "Byrd" legs!

Too Early

2010-11-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

My Aussie friend Tiff at Three Ring Circus pointed out something today on her blog. "November is Prematurity Awareness month and this week is National Premmie Week." Be sure and visit her blog to see the photos of sweet little Ivy and Noah (her second set of twins) who were born at 30 weeks.

We also have a preemie blessing. Mackenzie Rhapsody Stephenson was my first grandchild, but she was also my only granddaughter.

This was my first picture of my sweet little Mackenzie.

I remember Grandma Kat "bugging" Daddy Nick to send me photos of my new granddaughter. We were many, many miles apart. He kept putting this off, but finally he could not put it off any longer. My dear, sweet son made sure I was on the phone with him when I saw my first photos -- our sweet little preemie in the NICU.

Mikayla and Nick spent many days going to the hospital to be with their baby -- patiently waiting for her to be able to come home with them. Their sweet hands were always there loving her. I know Mackenzie could feel this incredible love from her new parents. She flourished, and soon was home.

For all new preemie parents, be patient as your baby gets stronger, pray for his/her/their health, trust God to get you through this rough period, and make sure your baby (or babies) know you are there and giving them all the love you can give. Pretty soon, your preemie will be a big, beautiful girl like our Mackenzie. I much prefer the photos I get of my sweet granddaughter these days, compared to the first few weeks of her life. Yet I look at these and remember what a little miracle she was, and thank God for allowing me to be her grandmother.

A Little Angel Voice

2010-11-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

"Jackie Evancho"

What an incredible gift God has given this beautiful little girl. Hope you enjoy hearing her as I did.

Circle of Love

2010-11-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

My oldest son, Tommy's family circle of love. Tommy (left), Selena (right), Luke (top), and Jesse (bottom).

i heart "silhouette" faces

2010-11-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

This week's i heart faces challenge in photography is a "silhouette" shot. This is one of my favorite shots at the Memphis Zoo of my family riding the train. I just love the look on the Billy Goat's face as they pass by him. Mr. Billy Goat definitely wants them to stop and visit a while you can tell!

Kitty Love Eyes

2010-11-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like the look of love in a precious little kitten's eyes. Priscella was a feral baby we rescued, and you can see how happy and content she is in her new owner's hands. Priscella was adopted by my friend Amanda who adores kitties after my tragic accident last year. She needed more care than I could give her at this time, and I knew Amanda would give her a wonderful home and Ryan lots of love too.

Bring Them Up In His Light

2010-11-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

My sweet Lukie Pooh goes to church with his own little Bible (the one Grandma Kat bought for him I believe).
He carries God's Word so proudly too! What a precious sight for Grandma Kat.

I am so proud of both of my precious families. Tommy and Selena as well as Nicholas and Mikayla are all bringing my grandchildren up to love God. There is no other gift I would rather see them share with my grandchildren than this, for this alone will take them through all the rough times ahead in their little lives.

What Rescues Deserve!

2010-11-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Photograph courtesy of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation

This video speaks for itself. Thank you B-J, my rescue friend, for sharing this video about the Washington DC Animal Rescue League with us on Facebook. I know who I will be sending some donations to soon.

What I am ashamed to acknowledge these are our conditions at a very high kill rate shelter in my hometown, Memphis TN. Time to get involved and push for changes like Washington DC.

Amy from You Tube posted this comment, "As a former volunteer at this [Memphis] Shelter, I have to say a couple of things. The conditions for the dogs have visually improved drastically with the change in management. Second, if you think that you aren't needed to help with fostering/adopting/paying for spay/neuter for a dog, just watch this video again. Thanks rotomemphis for a poignant protrayal of one of Memphis' biggest problems . . . pet overpopulation.

Please spay/neuter your pet!

Twins Forever

2010-11-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

Jesse (right) and Luke (left) could not be happier they are twin brothers. They love being together.

Jesse seems to be saying, "Where is my brother, Luke."

Luke (left) had to go to the Neonatal ICU for a few hours to be watched after delivery, and Jesse (right) was not happy
until Luke was back in the nursery and in the same crib with him later that night (see that smile on Jesse's face).

Yes, three years ago my Tommy and Selena became the proud parents of twin boys, Jesse and Luke. I am so glad I have known twins in my life. It is amazing to watch, and I know that bond will be there forever. I can see this in their actions and eyes. And yet, they are both very different and unique.

Jesse (right) and Luke (left) both love the sheep at the zoo. Yes, grandchildren who love animals!

Jesse (left) and Luke (right) are both COOL "KATS!"

They both love trains. This is Jesse in Daddy Tommy's lap. The train seems to be the first ride they want to ride at the zoo.

Mom Selena and Daddy Tommy love showing off their babies (Jesse on the left and Luke in the right)!

Jesse (right) is not shy about checking out Luke's feet (on the left). Jesse loves his little brother.

Jesse is the "mover" (that is him driving), and Luke is the "greeter" (see Luke waving). Guess who will be driving later?

Big brother Jesse was checking out Luke's mouth to find out where his teeth were. They came in later though.

Now Luke is "Mr. Tidy." He is trying very hard to get Jesse's hair "just right" for him.

One thing is for sure though. They are loved more than anyone could ever imagine.

Bonnie's Babies

2010-11-13T21:58:00.000-08:00

One the dearest and hard-working animal rescue people I have ever met, Bonnie Folz, lives in New York and shows her precious babies, her Pharaoh hounds. I met Bonnie through our search for precious Vivi, the whippet lost at JFK Airport after the Westminister Show, and never recovered. It was a long, long journey with many ups and downs, but Bonnie was there leading the group through it all.

Bonnie's devotion to saving "all" animals is amazing. She also is a wonderful trainer from what I understand. I just had to share a couple of pictures of her Pharaoh hounds modeling for the Pet Fashion Week in New York. Hope you enjoy -- I do every time I see these again.

Peanut modeling a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace for Vogue magazine

Glory on the cat-walk at Pet Fashion Week in Manhattan, her first year modeling there.

Cheyenne to the Rescue

2010-11-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing story I just found on CNN online about a pitbull named Cheyenne, and what she has meant to her owner, Veteran David Sharpe. Dogs have been found to be quite helpful to veterans suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disease). And yet, another way, dogs are indeed man's best friend!

Struggling with post-traumatic stress, veteran David Sharpe says he found a dog at a shelter that saved his life. Now, with a group called P2V, he pairs other vets with rescued pets.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,671301612001_2030797,00.html#ixzz155hk9Cp3

last kiss and hug

2010-11-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

Mom, I never stop missing you. Life is different without you.

My Sweet Mackenzie's Last Kiss and Hug

Little did we all know that special day . . . little did I know as I snapped this precious photo of my mother and my mackenzie . . . little did I know this would be their last kiss and hug. Mackenzie returned to Texas with my youngest son and his family, and within three weeks my mom was gone -- the victim of breast cancer which had returned only to metastasize in her brain, liver and kidneys.

Little did I know that special day how much this photo would mean to mackenzie and I. Many cultures say the camera captures one's soul. My camera seemed to indeed capture a little bit of mom's soul that special day . . . little did I know her sweet soul would soon depart this world.

i heart faces orange challenge

2010-11-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

This week's photo challenge at i heart faces is Orange. Of course, I just happened to have this cute shot of one of the twin's enjoying our Orange Thanksgiving plates last year. Isn't it amazing how much fun a child can have with such a simple little object. Luke sure wore out this plate before the day was over.

This was my sweet little boy right after he was born in the Neonatal ICU. Grandma's heart was like that heart in the picture. It was immediately and forever bonded to this little bundle of love.

Can you believe this is the same little boy?

Here they are today. Our sweet twins, Jesse and Luke. We are so blessed!

Wonderful Convenience

2010-11-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

There is a new way of monitoring your diabetes!

As my Type 2 diabetes has taken more and more of my time to manage (numerous sticks for monitoring my blood glucose as well as many shots of insulin during the day and a shot of Lantus at bedtime), the need to simplify my life and manage highs and lows of blood glucose became more and more clear. Oral medications never seemed to work well with me.

"Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the US, affecting more than 23 million Americans, with more than a million and a half new cases diagnosed just last year."

Looking at this map, looks like that "good old Southern cooking" may not be so healthy.

Phillip encouraged me to talk to my doctor about an insulin pump. I have to admit, the idea had crossed my mind. Yet the idea of handling an insulin pump frightened me somewhat. Now I am so excited about the idea. I am so glad I made this decision, and also very thankful for my incredible health insurance. They paid extremely well on this very costly little computerized medical device with no argument whatsoever about providing it for my well-being.

I wanted to write this blog to encourage others needing serious assistance with their diabetes to consider this alternative. Last Friday I went for my second training session, and the one where my insulin pump becomes active (on me) for the first time. It has been wonderful. It is so easy to manage, comfortable, and my blood glucose levels have been so much better. To say how much better I feel is the understatement of the year. Phillip noticed the difference immediately with me. He commented about it this evening.

For anyone who is uninsured and really needs one of these wonderful pumps, there is an organization named The Charles Ray, III Diabetes Association, Inc., who helps provide these life-saving devices through their foundation.

"Making a Difference in the Lives of People Living with Diabetes All Over the World"

If you are allowing your diabetes to stay out-of-control, DON'T! After three hospitalizations since June of this year, I realized just how dangerous this can be. I was an extremely sick lady each of these hospitalizations, and ended up in the hospital between 2-3 weeks each time.

The last hospitalization in August I had double pneumonia, fluid-filled lungs where I could hardly breathe (200 cc was drained off my left lung for testing with more to spare), and two blood clots (one in my left lung and one in my left leg). I also came very close to having a heart attack before they found the blood clots and put me on heparin and then warfarin. If not for being in the hospital and getting three nitroglycerin tablets under my tongue "immediately," I probably wouldn't be writing this blog today.

My poor little nurse was scared too death. She told me later. She sure kept her calm when it was important though. This attack occurred on a Wednesday, and they had talked about sending me home on Monday and Tuesday. Thank God they did not. My Heavenly Father was certainly watching over me.

Was I "ignoring" my diabetes? Absolutely not. I had been monitoring my blood glucose levels and giving myself insulin shots. The only problem was my insulin (when shipped to me) had gotten too warm and was bad insulin. Let this be a lesson for anyone purchasing their insulin by mail order such as Caremark. If it arrives later than expected, or if the cold packets are no longer "cold," check it out immediately and demand a new shipment.

When I started throwing up and very sick one morning, my doctor's office told me to go to the ER immediately. They felt I had ketone acidosis, a very dangerous complication from diabetes which can cause a coma and death. Fortunately, I received medical treatment before getting to this point.

To find out more about my particular insulin pump, you can visit the website of Medtronic. I am using the MiniMed Paradigm REAL-Time Revel System. This is, "The world's only system to combine insulin pump therapy with continuous glucose monitoring. Insulin pump therapy combined with continuous glucose monitoring provides the information, convenience, and control to improve diabetes management."

My glucose monitor sensor (I will get the training for this on my next appointment in two weeks) will monitor my blood glucose approximately every 5 minutes. This information will be sent wirelessly to my insulin pump, which will alert me when my blood glucose is either high or low through its alert system. At this time I can take control, but the insulin pump will automatically calculate the amount of insulin required to bring my level back into a normal range if high, or how much to cut back on my insulin if it is getting too low (as well as reminding me to eat something immediately).

When it is time to take a shower, there is a little dial you can twist to seal the cannula in your skin where the insulin is delivered (there is no needle involved, and inserting this is totally painless). Then your insulin pump and sensor can be removed safely until you have finished your shower.

Could you have diabetes? It is one of the fastest growing health problems in the United States today. Know about diabetes and the warning signs, and BE TESTED. Diabetes can be a devastating disease, so don't neglect it if YOU are a diabetic.

Trick or Treat Texas Style

2010-11-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

My three grandchildren in Texas sure looked cute for Halloween. Mikayla shared these cute photos, and I just "had to share like a good Grandma Kat."

Joey, our little Iron Man. Isn't he fierce looking?

Beautiful Mackenzie. Now can someone tell me what character this is please?

Our "Wee Little" Firefighter, Zachary.

Proud As A Peacock

2010-11-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my band director and trumpet playing son, Nicholas Stephenson, took his Muleshoe High School Band (along with his beautiful wife, Mikayla) to a competition called Zia in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was so glad to know Mikayla was there to share in this victory because she is definitely the "woman behind the man" in Nick's life (a talented clarinetist, a loving wife, an incredible mom, and also a music educator).

Muleshoe High School's Four Trophies (photo courtesy of our Mikayla)

They did incredible, and walked away with four trophies. This mom is "proud as a Peacock," but not only of my talented and sweet son -- also these students. If any of you have ever been a "band mom" out there, you will know the many long, hard hours these students put in perfecting their talents. I always found the students were not only the nicest students in the school, but also the most academically achieving students too. When inductions into the National Honor Society occurred, you could count on a bunch of the students being in the band. I would be willing to bet this is the case with Nick's Muleshoe band students as well.

One internet source reported Muleshoe's win, "Muleshoe, in Class A, did not make the final 10, but was the top finisher in its class, sweeping the awards for general effect, visual effect and musical achievement." Way to go Muleshoe Mules! What a show you must have put on last Saturday! I sure hope band director Nick recorded it with that FLIP recorder I recently sent him.

Baby Nick Leaving Hospital

Congratulations to my talented son, Nick, and his Muleshoe High School band. Great job everyone!

Nick my "wee baby boy." Thought the band members would enjoy seeing this. Somehow I feel I may be dead though when Nick spots it (hee hee). Don't you just love that cowlick he has going. It is a family trait for sure.

You've come a long way baby, and I have no doubt you will go even further with your kindness and talent! Love you so much.

What a Day It Has Been

2010-11-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I am referring to! What a day it was. First of all, Phillip is a Saint taking me to all these appointments yesterday and taking such good care of me. He was as exhausted as I was when it was all over with.

We started with a bright and early appointment to the Conrad-Pearson Wolf Creek Surgery Center. Momma Kat was scheduled for a cystoscopy because of these recurring UTIs.

What is Cystoscopy?

A sterile flexible cystoscope in an operating theatre

"Endoscopy of the urinary bladder via the urethra is called cystoscopy. Diagnostic cystoscopy is usually carried out with local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is sometimes used for operative cystoscopic procedures.

When a patient has a urinary problem, the doctor may use a cystoscope to see the inside of the bladder and urethra.

The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The cystoscope has lenses like a telescope or microscope. These lenses let the doctor focus on the inner surfaces of the urinary tract. Some cystoscopes use optical fibres (flexible glass fibres) that carry an image from the tip of the instrument to a viewing piece at the other end. Cystoscopes range from between the thickness of a pencil, up to approximately 9mm and have a light at the tip. Many cystoscopes have extra tubes to guide other instruments for surgical procedures to treat urinary problems." ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cystoscopy

"You're going to do what with that cystoscope? I don't think so."

I assured them I was not going to undergo this test without some very good IV drugs to dope me up. I did not want to know what was happening.

Oh, the drugs worked alright. I looked like this goofy bird afterwards.

The nurse later assured me I had made the correct decision as it probably would have been very uncomfortable for me. So far good news though. No abnormal looking situation such as cysts, tumors, cancer, etc. I should get the full results later this week. One down, one to go now.

By this time Phil and I were "starving" it seemed. So off we went to Perkins Family Restaurant for a wonderful meal. Yum, yum!

We have to go where now? Good grief, can't we go home yet?

After this, it was time to head to my ophthalmologist to get my two stopped up tear ducts cleaned out. Yep, that's right. For the next hour or so, the ophthalmologist and his nurse had to numb my eyes and put these very thin probes into the tear ducts.

Once in place, they used another instrument to shoot saline water through my tear ducts until I could feel this pouring down my throat. Dr. Rowland was able to get the clogged tear duct on the right on his machine, and Phillip got to see it. He said it looked like I had a huge ball of dust in my tear duct. Phillip flaked out on me during the procedure though. He closed his eyes, poor fella.

Just let me collapse right here and rest p-l-e-a-s-e!

Well to say I was exhausted (Phillip too) after yesterday is definitely an understatement. I did not sleep well because of the soreness, and unfortunately am home today trying to feel better. My eyes are finally feeling more comfortable, thank goodness. Hopefully I am on the road to recovery in these areas also.

Finally, home at last! You stand guard Phillip, I'm going to take a nap.

The Beauty of a Tree

2010-11-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

One's roots can be so much a part of your life. Just look at Alex Haley's "Roots," and one can remember just how important they truly are to future generations.

Phillip got very involved in documenting his family tree, my family tree, Selena's family tree, and even my stepfather's family tree. This is his favorite retirement hobby, and each evening on my way home from work he tells me of the new roots he has found that day. To see how much he has discovered, and the journey it has lead him into new friendships with distant family members is amazing. I created him a blog site called Phil-ing My Roots, but unfortunately he does not update it too often. Most of his research has been done at Ancestory.com.

What I love the most about Phillip's searches is the fact he is including photos on his Ancestory.com accounts of our family, and identifying who these people are. I have added short stories I remember from my family for my future grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. My grandmother shared these with me, and I want to make sure they are carried forward to my future generations as well.

Thank you Phillip for taking the time to do this. Our generations to come will very much appreciate your hard work, and knowing the wonderful family they got their roots from as well.

A final footnote which might be of interest to those who "get into" genealogy, please check out my Australian friend in Queensland at Adventure Before Dementia. Diane has also documented wonderful diaries, pictures, etc. of her family's migration from England to Australia. She also includes the many journeys of she and Bill, and her photography is wonderful. Of course, she includes her beautiful garden and all the wonderful wildlife in her area (and you KNOW I love seeing the animals)! I think you will really enjoy it -- I did.

"No Nuts" Bo

2010-10-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

My poor baby, Bo. He is around 17 years old now, and dementia has hit. Poor fella thinks he is still able to court. Yes, Little Girl comes around the house and he starts to yell like a "cat in heat." Poor old guy, he has been without "the proper equipment" since he was very young. Try as hard as I might, I cannot explain the meaning of the word "neuter" to this poor, old, dementia guy!

Here is Bo's love in the bottom left corner.

Got to admit, Bo has good taste. She is a beauty Little Girl.

She was widowed when we lost our sweet Macavity (left).

Theirs is an innocent romance. They rub noses through the fence when they see each other.

What a "Deer"

2010-10-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

Two friends of Phil's niece, Lela, posted these photos on Facebook of the deer they helped rescue. They were just too beautiful not to share with everyone. Thank you Nathan and Jennifer for the kindness in your sweet hearts for this beautiful baby in need. The deer is now with a lady who does wildlife rescue in Mississippi, and will be helped and then released back into the wild when older.

How can anyone harm one of these beautiful creatures of God? I just do not understand -- I sure could not.

Raggedy Man Knows 'bout Giunts, an' Griffuns, an' Elves

2010-10-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! I wanted to share one of my favorite poems by noted children's poetry writer James Whitcomb Riley. I remember my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Drake, reading this poem from a yellow poetry book. I loved it so much, that I talked my grandfather into going to the bookstore to purchase this book for me. To this day, I enjoy hearing it -- and what a wonder to be able to view this video footage of James Whitcomb Riley reciting it himself.

Now wouldn't you love for him to tell you those Halloween stories -- I sure would!

The Raggedy Man

1 O the Raggedy Man! He works fer Pa;
2 An' he's the goodest man ever you saw!
3 He comes to our house every day,
4 An' waters the horses, an' feeds 'em hay;
5 An' he opens the shed -- an' we all ist laugh
6 When he drives out our little old wobble-ly calf;
7 An' nen -- ef our hired girl says he can --
8 He milks the cow fer 'Lizabuth Ann. --
9 Ain't he a' awful good Raggedy Man?
10 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

11 W'y, The Raggedy Man -- he's ist so good,
12 He splits the kindlin' an' chops the wood;
13 An' nen he spades in our garden, too,
14 An' does most things 'at boys can't do. --
15 He clumbed clean up in our big tree
16 An' shooked a' apple down fer me --
17 An' 'nother 'n', too, fer 'Lizabuth Ann --
18 An' 'nother 'n', too, fer The Raggedy Man. --
19 Ain't he a' awful kind Raggedy Man?
20 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

21 An' The Raggedy Man one time say he
22 Pick' roast' rambos from a' orchurd-tree,
23 An' et 'em -- all ist roast' an' hot! --
24 An' it's so, too! -- 'cause a corn-crib got
25 Afire one time an' all burn' down
26 On "The Smoot Farm," 'bout four mile from town --
27 On "The Smoot Farm"! Yes -- an' the hired han'
28 'At worked there nen 'uz The Raggedy Man! --
29 Ain't he the beatin'est Raggedy Man?
30 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

31 The Raggedy Man's so good an' kind
32 He'll be our "horsey," an' "haw" an' mind
33 Ever'thing 'at you make him do --
34 An' won't run off -- 'less you want him to!
35 I drived him wunst way down our lane
36 An' he got skeered, when it 'menced to rain,
37 An' ist rared up an' squealed and run
38 Purt' nigh away! -- an' it's all in fun!
39 Nen he skeered ag'in at a' old tin can ...
40 Whoa! y' old runaway Raggedy Man!
41 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

42 An' The Raggedy Man, he knows most rhymes,
43 An' tells 'em, ef I be good, sometimes:
44 Knows 'bout Giunts, an' Griffuns, an' Elves,
45 An' the Squidgicum-Squees 'at swallers the'rselves:
46 An', wite by the pump in our pasture-lot,
47 He showed me the hole 'at the Wunks is got,
48 'At lives 'way deep in the ground, an' can
49 Turn into me, er 'Lizabuth Ann!
50 Er Ma, er Pa, er The Raggedy Man!
51 Ain't he a funny old Raggedy Man?
52 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

53 An' wunst, when The Raggedy Man come late,
54 An' pigs ist root' thue the garden-gate,
55 He 'tend like the pigs 'uz bears an' said,
56 "Old Bear-shooter'll shoot 'em dead!"
57 An' race' an' chase' 'em, an' they'd ist run
58 When he pint his hoe at 'em like it's a gun
59 An' go "Bang! -- Bang!" nen 'tend he stan'
60 An' load up his gun ag'in! Raggedy Man!
61 He's an old Bear-shooter Raggedy Man!
62 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

63 An' sometimes The Raggedy Man lets on
64 We're little prince-children, an' old King's gone
65 To git more money, an' lef' us there --
66 And Robbers is ist thick ever'where;
67 An' nen -- ef we all won't cry, fer shore --
68 The Raggedy Man he'll come and "'splore
69 The Castul-halls," an' steal the "gold" --
70 An' steal us, too, an' grab an' hold
71 An' pack us off to his old "Cave"! -- An'
72 Haymow's the "cave" o' The Raggedy Man! --
73 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

74 The Raggedy Man -- one time, when he
75 Wuz makin' a little bow-'n'-orry fer me,
76 Says "When you're big like your Pa is,
77 Air you go' to keep a fine store like his --
78 An' be a rich merchunt -- an' wear fine clothes? --
79 Er what air you go' to be, goodness knows?"
80 An' nen he laughed at 'Lizabuth Ann,
81 An' I says "'M go' to be a Raggedy Man! --
82 I'm ist go' to be a nice Raggedy Man!"
83 Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

James Whitcomb Riley

Kanga's Inspiration

2010-10-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

"O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me." Psalm 30:2

"She's survived more trauma than most people do, and she's just a little dog! After multiple amputations and a battle with cancer, Kanga is considered a medical miracle, and an inspiration to the people she meets. Aaron Mesmer has more on this pooch's amazing story." ~ KOMO News

To view an inspirational video about this little part JRT named Kanga, click on this KOMO News link.

Kanga, I needed to hear your story right now. I have been on a "pity trip" for myself. Phil finds me getting frustrated trying to get around in this wheelchair or on my walker, and too often crying lately and saying, "I want my life back. I want to walk normal again. If I have to live like this for the rest of my life, then I do not want to live at all."

Well Kanga sure taught me how to persevere and be thankful for what I have. To dream my dream, pursue it, and it will happen. Thank you Kanga. So much learned from a little dog tonight! Time to quit my whining and make my precious mother proud. She did not complain, not even at the end.

Great Pumpkins!

2010-10-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

"He'll come here because I have the most sincere pumpkin patch and he respects sincerity." ~ Linus

Today is our FUN day at St. Jude. We have decorated our lobby for the Halloween decorating contest, and have the candy and Trick and Treat ready for the kids to visit. How much fun!

Our theme this year -- Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin, and I am a Pumpkin in a wheelchair. I can hardly wait to share the pics with all of you later. We have lots of folks making pics today, but dummy Kathleen forgot to bring her camera. Sorry folks, but doing a pumpkin in a wheelchair took some extra time. More coming and everyone say a prayer we win the contest. We are a very competitive group of TTU folks!

Round and Round We Go!

2010-10-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Last night on the way home from work, I had a wonderfully fun memory of my precious mother.

There was an amusement carnival being put up at the shopping center near me for the Halloween weekend. Phil was teasing me about riding the Ferris Wheel (knowing how petrified of heights I am). Then he mentioned the Tilt-a-Whirl. Now that is one ride I ADORED, but this messed up body of mine could handle it no more.

Phillip, my grandson Zachary, and me (with Bell's Palsy on my right side - scary isn't it?)

Then my memory of my mother came "flooding through those Halloween cobwebs of my brain." I remembered the year she and I rode the Tilt-a-Whirl at the Mid-South Fair, while my two teenagers watched and laughed (including the ride operator).

Mackenzie and Joey playing with my mother, while my brother Warren watches and smiles.

The harder I laughed at the fun I was having spinning round and round, the faster the operator would make our car spin. Finally my mother said, "Would you quit laughing please. Can't you see he is making this thing go faster and faster." Poor woman was so dizzy, we had to help her out of the car at the end.

My brother Warren, my mother Mary Ann, my granddaughter Mackenzie,
my grandson Zachary, and my precious daughter-in-law/daughter Mikayla

I may not have my mother physically with me anymore, but she will always go "Round and Round in my mind forever." What precious memories of a wonderful time together.

You know, I just may have to ride that Tilt-a-Whirl this weekend for my mother!