Merry's thoughts, the good and bad, dreams and wishes

NONOFFICIAL THERAPY DOG

2010-04-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Just Sharing

Dogs, in my experience have an inherent sixth sense into human emotions, far more so than people.

A prime case is Sir Winston. As many of you know, who arereading these words, Sir Winston came into my life as a rescue. The Lhaso-Apso/angel mix was dangerously close to death when I adopted him. His undernourished, frail body covered in overgrown matted fur epitomized the term pitiful. Yet, in those deep set brown eyes, that unblinkingly stared at me, I saw a glimmer of hope. He has never proven me wrong yet. Within weeks he transformed into a healthy, loving and treasured companion' and his weight doubled. That was two and a half years ago.

Over the past year, my life has suffered many set backs. I amin a middle of a highly emotionally charged divorced, lost my home, and I almost lost my father to a staph infection that went rampant. My father's infection ended up bursting both ear drums and took root in his ears, nose and throat. That pushed my 82 year old father to the brink and he spent three weeks in an intensive care unit. This was followedby several traumatic weeks in a nursing hospital and then ultimately home.

I took it upon myself to move in with him and be his caregiver. We both appreciated he would get better attention, and be more comfortable, both emotionally and physically, in his own environment.

Naturally, my two dogs Chester and Sir Winston were also relocated. It was a test of wits for all of us for those first few days. Anyone who has experienced a similar situation can attest that it taxes the bounds of sanity on a daily basis. However one common thread seemed to hold us all together -- Sir Winston. Oh, trust me, my beloved Chester also paid his part' but Winston seemed more in tune to the seriousness of my dad's condition. It was ten days into his recovery when it happened. My fatherfell while attempting to use his walker in the middle of the night. All, he wanted to do was go to the bathroom. He is fiercely independent, and naturally having to rely on someone else for even the basics is damaging to his pride. My father fell and fractured his hip. Due to his other health concerns it was several days beforethe doctors dared to risk surgery. And even then I was warned of the risks involved. He suffers C.O.P.D. and is on blood thinner due to heart arrhythmia.

The surgery was successful and he was swiftly moved into a rehab center.

It was on the second day there that I noticed a contented Pug on the lap of a smiling patient as she was being pushed about the facility.

The next day I decided to take Sir Winston. The fuss began as soon as we entered the facility. Or letme rephrase that. The attention and fuss began to be centered onWinston. It seems everyone he encountered was left with a smile on their face. Be it administrators, nurses, physical therapists, and, most significantly, the patients. Naturally, I allowed Winston to return the love he was receiving. It took me twenty-five minutes to make it in to see my father. My father, not one to normally show emotion, grinned from ear to ear like a proud grand parent with a new born baby on show. On today's visit, after taking another twenty plus minutes to get to my father, he was in the physical therapy room. Once again, Winston became the center of attention as he went from one patient to the next. He took it all in stride -- in fact I swear my little dog was grinning himself. It seems as if I have an unofficial therapy dog on my hands.

Technically, I don't think he is supposed to be there. But when the staff sees the joy he brings to everyone they obviously approve. Winston made several new friends today -- all of whom are looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow' and the next day. I suspect my visits to the rehab center are going to get longer and longer. I, for one, am happy to do it, and I know for a fact that SirWinston is as well.

Credit for this goes to-- P.S. Gifford

Hope you all enjoyed this one.
Love,
Merry

Best Husband Award & Davenport Trip

2010-04-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

YI, YI, YI!
Tonight we decided to have McDonalds. (I always get the new Mac Wrap, it is small but enough for me with a lite yogurt or jello). Dave went and got it. I hate onions, but this is SO FEW, and w/out onions, it's dry....usually I can't tolerate onions, but these I can)....Dave gets no onions). Well, he got them for me. I was furious, beyond what I should be (Mad as hell, threw a hissy fit) (& went to McDonald's to get my own regular Mac snack!) Dave's car was in the drive (I forgot about that, mine was in the garage, and I had to back down the drive. As usual I make sure I clear the snow blower on the right side of the garage. BUT, because I was mad, I go ZOOMING out of the drive and ?????????????? You got it......I scraped Dave's car with my left front mirror. ALL THE WAY down the side of his car. Just because I was mad he didn't get my Mac right. Holy smokes. I told him immediately when I got back because 1. I can't not tell him stuff like "Dave what happened to your car???????????"==Fake it.) And, #2 I was guilty! Really he couldn't have been harder on me than I was being on myself.

Well, this has a happy ending. I stated to try to get it off, but Dave got some polish or scratch stuff he had in the garage and proceeded to get it ALL OFF! Hallelujah! Praise God! But I learned a valuable lesson, don't take your anger out by going fast, (look what happened.)

Hot temper tantrums don't solve anything, and I hope you don't have to wait until you are 60 to find this out (or learn it the hard way). We have a fairly high deductible on the cars, and on our fixed income, It would have been very difficult for us to come up with the deductible cash to fix it!!

He spent 5 days in Davenport, IA trip seeing my friends, as we weren't able to get ahold of his brother! It's pricey to motel it for that many nights, and eat out, etc. But he knew I needed to see my friends. (It had been 10 yr since I had been in Davenport, (*Dave had been periodically on for business and so he's seen some friends and family then.) Bless his (Dave's) heart. We lived there for the first 19-20 yr. of our married life, and Tim grew up there. The trip was good for us, especially me, we went by every place we'd ever lived and saw a few of my dear friends--Besides we went to our "surrogate niece's" wedding (One of my lifelong best friend's daughters, a friend I worked with for years and am very close to got married.) That wedding definitely was priceless, and worth the world to both of us, to see beautiful Christina's big day! (For me to see my friend Tory, who, like her daughter, is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside, and for me to spend time with my one my oldest Best Friend (over 45 yr.), Lynn.

Then, a BIG added BONUS: We also were able to stop and see Tim, Patti and our grandkids on our way home! Joe has the neatest toothiest smile and is now a toddler not a baby (16 mo. old) he still has a halo in tact! Jack is becoming so grown up (He's so funny, and smart, and I enjoyed watching some episodes of "Curious George" with Jack in the bedroom. He explained the stories to me. He's so enthusiastic talking a mile a minute....and then boom, all of a sudden, he is sound asleep. I just laid there looking at him. Thinking of how blessed we are to have him. And the years turned back, Jack reminded me of a little boy who once was small, named Tim who used to wear a baseball hat whether awake or asleep, too! Oh, the Grandchildren are darling, and precious and growing up so fast! We got to see their new dash hound puppy, Betty. She's super cute! With a great personality! Tim and Patti were great hosts & Besides cooking a great supper, Patti gave me a beautiful silk scarf she got for me when she was in India for work a few months ago. They always make us feel so welcome!

About my mishap: I know I probably wouldn't be that nice. His car may be just an Impala, but it's loaded and a beauty AND MORE importantly- The first car he ever paid off!

So! Now, don't you think I am lucky? Remind me of this IF I complain about him. :)

Had to brag, but in reality, I am honestly just very thankful. that Dave is like he is (a nice guy) & to God because this wasn''t worse than it was! I was lucky this time. It's never dull living with me. If you actually read all of this, thanks, you must indeed really be a good friend to me as I try to be to you!

Safety First, Be careful, cuz cars are expensive & lethal weapens.
Merry

A Good Life: Adding the Final Touches

2010-01-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

A Good Life: Adding The Finishing Touches

by Lynne Wisman
Sunday June 24, 2010--SOURCE:The Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA)

To my dearly beloved children:
In your eyes and heart I am a very special person because I am your Mother. I'm grateful for that! I feel the same about you. You are special and I have invested much in you, including all of my love. It was a wonderful journey composed of good and bad calls and lack of sleep. It was worth everything we put into it.

Now it's a different journey. This journey is for your father and me. We've spent a lifetime taking care of other people. The rest of our lives will be labeled, "Ours."

Let me explain why I'm telling you this:
We want you to understand why we sometimes say no.

No, we don't want to do that this weekend. No, we're not coming over. No, we're not going to "Grab a plane." No we're not going to take care of the grandchildren. No, we're not going to babysit your dogs. No, we don't want to go on a cruise. No, no, no."

Don't mistake the word "no" for "They don't love me." We do love you. You truly will never know how much. But here's the thing: You are too young to recognize the sound of a ticking clock. We recognized it long ago.

An alarm goes off one morning and it's a wake up call. The message is straightforward: Time is evaporating faster than an out-of-control train, and it's taking us with it.

Parents sacrifice everything to raise their children. You know that, for you have children of your own.

We not only raised you but some of your friends as well. We took care of pets, helped our parents, did volunteer work when it was necessary and a thousand other things required to keep a family well-balanced.

It was the most worthwhile job we've ever had in spite of living in a human zoo. We loved it even when the power bill was out of sight because curling irons were on 24/7, and when we lost our hearing because your digitals were torqued to the max.

We loved it through trikes and bikes, boyfriends, girlfriends, proms, thousands of sporting events in the rain, and a complete depletion of financial resources.

They were such good years and today we have beautiful young adults that we are proud to present to the world. Society wants and needs young adults that will make a difference. Society not only got what was needed, we gave it to them in spades.

That was then: It was yesterday, last week, last decade, last time. It was our final contribution.

Today society can stuff it. And you, my darling children will eventually understand the evolution of attitude in relation to time: What is left is for us. We earned it, it's ours, and we're going to take it.

Life is short and there are no guarantees. With evaporation of time comes a do-it-now urgency.

This doesn't mean we are trading you for something else. What we are doing is taking time for all of the things we never had time for until now. Your father and I are putting the finishing touches on a good life.

I know it's surprising, but we've finally grown backbones and learned how to say, "No."

We don't want to hurt your feelings, but for us it's very much about the value of the days that are left.

We know that you love us enough that you will forgive us when you find we are set in our ways and stubborn beyond belief. It comes with the growth of backbones.

One day you will look upon this time and realize ours was a surgical division from past responsibilities, not a psychological division from you.

Loving you is the greatest of joys.

Looking forward to the rest of our lives with a freedom we've never experienced is a gift we owe to ourselves!

One day, you too will receive this gift. Use it as we intend to use ours, to celebrate the past and to step into the future.

We will always love you. You are the greatest gift of all!
*****************************************************************************************************************************************

A Christmas Shelter Dog's Poem

2009-12-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

’Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,every shelter is full—we are lost, but not found.

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,we hope every minute that someone will care.
They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,“Come here, Max and Sparkie — come fetch your new ball!”

But now we sit here and think of the dayswe were treated so fondly — we had cute, baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew.Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash.They reacted so quickly — why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children,” “don’t come when they call,”we “bark when they leave us,” “climb over the wall.”

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.

If only they’d trained us, if only we knew,we’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse, let to roam.Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us goodbye…“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are, all confused and alonein a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…we know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our headsof a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears –our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the inn –could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year –can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat…and help get us something special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,and more of us will, if more people will give.
– Author Unknown

And take a minute or two to share this with friends and family, spread the word, spread the message. Every little bit of help counts! Share the love every day but most especially now! This is from Merry. I received this from one of my graphic groups and I think it's something I need to pass on. It's so true. It's sad, but if we don't want to adopt we can help donate, time, food, money, etc. to our area shelters! Merry

jessisue14@aol.com
merry1621@aol.com,
Merrytagalong@aol.com,

merry1621@gmail.com

"Get your facts right. Then you can distort them as you please."Mark Twain (Valerie)Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but freedom amid the storm. ~Anonymous~

DIDDLY'S CHRISTMAS ANGEL by Mark Cridor

2009-12-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Snider had passed away a few months ago after fifteen years ofgiving and receiving love within this family. Little Jack, the family's fourth grader, was still having troublecoping with the loss of the dog that had been his companion and partnerall of his life. He had never spent a night that he could remember thathe couldn't touch or feel Snider's warmth under the covers every night.This was not going to be a merry Christmas at all and Jack's parentsknew it. Being in the fourth grade was hard but Jack seemed to not hearanything even if the teacher spoke directly to him. She kind of knewwhat Jack was going through so she didn't press him too hard. Like hisparents though, she never believed that the sadness would have so muchcontrol over him for so long. Jack's parents had been to several shelters as well as animalcontrol trying to get him another dog but they did not have the cash topay all the up front costs for all the veterinarian procedures required,especially heart worm costs of three or four hundred dollars. They hada very hard time wondering why people did not give their pets preventivemeds since it was only pocket change every month to do it. It was late and getting dark. The animal control director calledfor Amy to bring the last dog to the back to be put down before theyclosed for the holidays. Amy could hardly breathe thinking about thisyoung dog being killed. She had to do something to buy her more time,but what? Anxiety was overwhelming her. So young, so sweet, such ashort life. Amy had named her Snoop Diddly when she first came in because allshe did was snoop everything and everyone that came in as she rompedaround the greeting area. She had even started to respond to the nameand learned sit, lay down and stay. She was going to pick Diddly up to remove her name collar whenthis big old guy came in. She had seen him before, as he was a regularvisitor to the shelter. Diddly was out the door in a flash as thoughshe knew what was in store for her. Was he her rescue angel? The lights of town were starting to brighten as darkness loweredover the city, as Diddly ran and ran. Christmas was not going to be a fun holiday at Jack's house. Hisparents were in a dither, what with family coming in the morning andall the celebration for the day. As Jack's mom cleared the breakfast table she heard Jack, whowas outside, scream. She and dad rushed to the door just as Jack camethrough holding this young pup. "MOM! DAD! LOOK! She's got a collar on her name must be Diddly.If we can't find her owners can we keep her?" as Diddly licked his faceand hands. "Well of course we can," they said in unison but, we have to tryand find her owners first. Diddly was in the middle of the family all morning but hangingwith Jack mostly. They all were quietly talking how Jack had snappedout of his severe depression so fast since the dog showed up. He evenate a big meal with Diddly in his lap sharing a few bites. Something hehad not done since Snider passed away. An old friend of theirs stopped by. Jack saw him get out of hisbig truck. He came walking up just as the door opened, with Jack andDiddly rushing out to greet him. He was an old fishing buddy of thefamily's and had taken them fishing ever since Jack could remember. "Well, well, well, where did you get this pup?" the friend asked. "She just showed up this morning when I was outside," Jack answered. "She looks just like Diddly who escaped from the animal controlshelter last night when I stopped by there. She ran out the door whenI went in and the worker there seemed so relieved she started crying-- telling me I must have been sent by someone at The Rainbow Bridge,as they were minutes from putting her down. She told me about her.How she had named her and how sweet she was. Guess I was an angel anddidn't even know it. And here she showed up where I know she'll havea loving forever home."

-- Mark Crider
A 2009 Update to the Story: Having known the family for years and being into rescue here Ijust had to write about what a coincidence it was for that to happen. The real part of the story I couldn't divulge then (just in casesomeone from animal control read it) was Amy was crying so hard about it I couldn't handle it so I just grabbed the dog and put her out the door to let her escape, and took the blame. After all, who is going to confront a tough old grouchy pet lover like me? I went looking for Diddly but it was dark. The next day I ran anad in the paper but had no luck. I was really shocked when I stoppedby and there she was. And she is still there happy and healthy as can be.
_______________________________________________Mark says, "I am a pet lover to the core and find myself embedded in thefight for their well being daily. To me, someone who would mistreata pet is a mentally sick individual. Sharing my food, kindness andresources with pets give me inspiration."

The Best Childhood Ever!

2009-12-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

When I was a little kid my Dad built me a swing set. (acrobatic equipment)--but made from plumber pipes, heavy duty stuff. (Stores didn't sell them then), this was like a school ground playground equipment. It had swings, a teeter-totter (sp?), bars to hang on from your knees, and parallel bars in three heights. No one else in out little town had such equipment at home. But Daddy, could see I was good at this, (I did take gymnastics soon as I was old enough to get into it) and he made me this.) It was quality. I took it for granted at the time, but when I remember it now, it really is a wonderful memory to know how loved we were. Every kid should be that lucky, but they aren't. I don't think it was built yet when my sister was my age. Bev was always off somewhere with mostly boys, fighting and paying roughly. I was a "sissy" she said. Also that I didn't have fun, but that's not true. I had everything a girl (or kid) could dream of. But she was a true tomboy, and she wanted to go play with boys, and eat worms on a dare, and forever coming home dirty and with her dresses torn, (girls wore dresses when she was little!) No sissy stuff for her. As for me, I loved my yard, and next to being at the lake cabin, it was my favorite place to be. Every year my friends & I put on a "carnival" (acrobatic) show. We'd charge money, and half that little town came to watch us. The proceeds were for other kids and adults and other kids came to watch us...We had a club, The Helpful Club." We also had games for kids to pay to play and prizes we gave them. (LITTLE THINGS) The money made from our "shows" we'd buy something for someone who didn't have much. For instance, that wasn't good farm country so my farm friends were poor. I remember going and picking out the outfit one year we gave to my lower income friend, Sally! It was a really big deal to me, but I was the one who got the "gift." I had the gift of giving to less fortunates." Some years it would go to an organized charity, too.

Anyway, every one played in my yard, partly because they liked me, but also because of the equipment, I am sure. (I also had a gunny sack swing, do you know what they are like?) And a hammock, and a tire swing! It was magnificent. Almost as many boys played in my yard as girls, even. The fact that my Mom made the best cookies in town for everyone and anyone didn't hurt, either! Mom never minded the noise or hassle of all of us kids playing. Kids were in and out of the house using the rest room, Mom never seemed to care, she said at least she knew we were home and we were playing safely!) My Mom was great with kids. I don't think I ever encouraged my son Tim to have "half the town over, LO." I would have felt responsible and maybe Mom did, but she never acted like it did anything but please her to see me having fun. Every kid should have a childhood like mine. Both of my parents, gave so much of themselves for me. Summers were at the Lake House, and I did know even then how very lucky I was, and although I didn't fully appreciate it, I did know I was fortunate. So, when we went back a few years ago and the playground equipment was gone, it broke my heart. Also, some of the GIANT trees were gone-probably died. Broke my heart. How many children have those kind of wonderful memories?

Feel free to share your childhood memories with me; I'd love to hear about them!

Hugs to all!
Merry

I Got Hit by a Car!!

2009-12-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hi my friends!

I am so far behind on my email.. This is not like me. But I've been Christmas shopping and Christmas wrapping (also, Merry shopping, LOL) and really busy, with my housework, too. You know, I am rigid. Every day has a job and that does not change unless I am too sick to move. Also, I am dead tired.

Yesterday, I went to the pharmacy, this one is in a grocery store. It's an RX my insurance doesn't pay for & cheaper than my regular pharmacy (Walgreen's). So, I got to this other pharmacy because since it's a cash pay, their price is a lot cheaper on this medication.

Well, it was about 10 AM. I was walking from my car to the store. And yes, I do look for tail lights and people backing up! But some drivers don't look for people!

I was in back of a lady in a big SUV The car came at me, slowly (thank God or I"d be in really bad shape) and I hollered, "HEY!! WATCH OUT!" You ARE RUNNING OVER ME!" It threw me off balance and just luckily I went to the side of it. But if she had been backing out faster, she's have run right over me! It was scary!

The lady says, "Are you okay? I am so sorry." I wasn't too nice, and I am almost always nice. I was MAD. (At first, later I got scared!) I went in to get my prescription. Well, these other nice people came up to me and said they saw it all and they were ready to knock hard on her hood or windshield. They were very nice to me. They said, she said there was a "blind spot". Believe it or not I thought, I don't care if it's my car, well, I care but it wouldn't have KILLED me. But these witnesses told me that if I hadn't shouted, she WOULD have kept coming! And I WOULD have been run over.

Oh yeah, The woman who hit me said to me, Well, you're so little I couldn't even see you. And I had a "blind spot." CRAP. But then I wasn't mad, I was SCARED. That's all it would've taken. All I have to say it's a good thing I have a big mouth and shouted when I did, because I think I'd at least be in the hospital if not DEAD.

Okay, this letter is going to all of my friends and family. I love you all. I am sorry I am behind on Email. You know that is NOT like me. Know that I will be catching up on my Emails to all of you I owe mail to ASAP!

Love,
Merry

NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY * From my sister

2009-11-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

I just got this Email from my siter in Arizona. It's a gem. I thought, I have to put this in my blog! So, enjoy! I am not going to change her punctuation. You that know me, know I write in sentences with capitalization, etc. Oh well, this is too good a story not to pass on!

NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY
we have a new addition to our family. this past saturday we went to costco and got a few things and when we came out we saw this little black and white shih tzu running around the parking lot and the street. definately looked lost. so we looked around and no one seemed to have lost this little dog. so we scooped her up and took her to the groomer asap. anyway she was so matted and neglected and her collar was on so tight that it was choking her. so cliff cut it off with his knife. the groomers said she had probably been on the streets for a long time, becuase she was totally matted and neglected. from her feet to her ears. one solid mat. she had to get shaved. she is the same size as muffin is. the groomer estimated her age at about 2. she has had puppies. anyway, we made a few phone calls and looked for signs of a lost dog and the news paper, but no luck. she is a sweet lovable and kind. doesnt seem to have any bad habits, doesnt bark or chew stuff. she is house traained too. because all her fur is shaved off, we got a sweater on her because she was so cold. anyway, she has an appt to get spayed on dec. 1st. down at the dog pound here in apache junction. our county has a contract with a company called MASH (mobile animal surgical hospital.) i called a couple of vet clinics and they wanted 350 dollars or more for spaying. so when i called the dog pound i found out about the low cost program. so she will get spayed and checked over and all for 65 dollars. then the dog shots are5 dollars each and so probably another 20 bucks. she doesnt have to go back for a check up because they super glue her incision back together and send her home with some doggie pain pills. she and muffin have already gotten to be friends. muffin has lived with other dogs, waits, tiny, cassie and other dogs we have baby sat for. so it wasnt exactly big deal for either dog. so anyway, so far, so good. it does seem like we were in the right spot at the right time, we got a sister for muffin and a good little girl. because the groomer said she appeared to have been on the streets for a long time, we named her tramp. suits her . anyway that is our christmas present for each other, a new little dog..

2009-11-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

FOR THE LOVE OF SUGARby Lauri Weinfeld When my dad, a bachelor, was admitted to a Florida Hospice Carefacility for his final seven days, his little side kick, a rescued ShiTzu, Sugar, was missing him a lot! Her best friend was not able to throw her toy, or talk to heranymore. So Sugar spent a lot of time with dad, sitting on his bed atthat Hospice facility. We kept her leash on, since it was a policyat that facility. And we moved dad's hand up and down Sugar's back,as much to comfort Sugar as to bring subliminal comfort to dad. One afternoon, near the end, Sugar got bored and decided to hop offthe bed. Dad was very sedated, very sick, and was no longer responding toanything, nor able to move any muscles. It had been that way for days.But when Sugar got up to jump off the bed, dad's lifeless hand suddenlymoved! He was grasping her leash! Eventually, while we were just down the road getting a bite to eat,we got the call. Dad had passed. We promptly returned to his bedside.As had been the case all week, I was holding Sugar in my elbow, just likeDad always did. Upon entering the room, I immediately knew that Dad wasgone. There was an indescribable yet conspicuous change in how he looked. Sugar also realized, in an instant, that Dad had died. Sugarpanicked! She scrambled and clawed at my chest, trying to leap overmy shoulder to run for the door we had just come through. I quicklyremoved Sugar from the room, and we sat on the veranda and gatheredourselves, together. In that week, Sugar and I had bonded. When I flew home toOhio, Sugar came along, to join our entourage of pets. At first shewas insecure, grumpy, aloof. She was used to being the only dog inthe house. This business of sharing a master was NOT her idea of howto live. When the other dogs tried to play with her, she would back away,then try, then quit, not sure of what it was TO play with another dog.(We have another Shi Tsu and a Standard Poodle.) Sugar hoarded food, got possessive of me -- growling at otherswho approached when she's near me -- and refused to leave my side. It's been over a year now, and Sugar loves her new life. She is theimp that instigates dog play, the one who purposely sleeps pressed againstour other Shi Tzu, who loves all of our family members equally, and who,no doubt, remembers her loving former owner, but wastes no time grieving,as there are chew toys to chase, treats to beg for, and kisses to give! Sugar is her own person in our new family. She's found her niche,as our clown, our cuddler, our little fog horn (what a guard dog!)She still follows me everywhere, but that's okay. She is my link to a very important past, and I am her link to asafe and fun future. -- Lauri Weinfeld

The Power of Second Chances

2009-10-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

THE POWER OF SECOND CHANCES

by Teri Goggin-Roberts

Theodore Johnson, or "Mr. J" was my fifth grade teacher.

He was a tall, slender man with a reputation for fun that made students pray to be assigned to his class. Mr. J was significant in my life for many reasons. As an educator, he brought mundane subjects to life with humor and passion. As a person, he taught me the blessing of an unexpected second chance.

One Monday morning, the schoolyard buzzed with rumors about a fire in the school over the weekend. When the bell rang I raced inside, excited by the acrid scent of burnt wood that confirmed the rumors. Homeroom hummed with conversation. Mr. J quieted the class and explained that "Home Economics" would be cancelled due to a fire. He also warned us not to go near the room because it could be dangerous. At morning recess, my friend Kim and I cooked up a plan to check out the damage. A first hand observation would make us heroes at lunch. Since Kim was in a different class, we decided to synchronize a time to go to the bathroom and divert to the "Home Ec" room instead. As the appointed time approached, I ignored a growing sense of dread. I didn't want to face the consequences at home if I got caught but I also couldn't "chicken out" and face Kim after school. When the clock ticked into position, I raised my hand and got permission to "go to the lavatory." Kim was already waiting in the hall.

Kim and I safely reached the home economics room. We stood on tiptoes peering through the door window trying in vain to see what was forbidden. A firm grip on our shoulders stopped my heart cold. "Where do you belong? Certainly not here!" I whirled around to find a teacher staring angrily at us. I'd seen angry teachers before, but they were always glaring at someone else, not me. In those frozen seconds millions of thoughts flashed through my mind. My father would kill me for defying a teacher. Worse than that, my mom might be so mad she might not stop him. Utter terror froze my tongue but eventually I stuttered, "I belong in Mr. J's class." My spirits sank even lower when I realized my lie to Mr. J would soon be exposed. The arresting teacher led Kim and I back to our classrooms and knocked on the doors.

I stood in the hall as my captor spoke with Mr. Johnson who rubbed his chin and arched his eyebrows as he listened. I wanted to melt into the floor. There was nowhere to hide from Mr. Johnson's angry eyes when they darted toward me during parts of the story. I lived with an alcoholic father so anger meant pain and I was already nauseous from the pain in my head. The teacher swished past, leaving my destiny in the hands of Mr. Johnson -- who now hated me. I blinked hard, fighting back tears of self-loathing. Like home, I desperately tried not to let Mr. J see me cry, instead, I braced myself for a barrage of anger. But Mr. Johnson had a different lesson to teach. Slowly, he knelt down on one knee and hunched his lanky body in an attempt to look me in the eye. When I glanced up from my shoes, I was met with a look of concern rather than anger. He spoke softly and carefully as he explained why he was disappointed in my decision to go where I may have gotten hurt. I was stunned that he cared more about my safety than the fact that I'd broken a rule. There was no yelling and no berating. As I looked into the eyes of the man who could send me to unimagined consequences at home, I began to cry. The full weight of disappointing Mr. J crushed my ten-year-old shoulders. I wiped my tears and wished I'd been expelled so I wouldn't have to return to a class full of staring eyes and spend the rest of the year hoping Mr. J would like me again. But the lesson was not complete. Mr. J stood up, indicating it was time to return to class. My heart was heavy with regret as we walked. The load lifted instantly with the gentle touch of Mr. J's hand on my shoulder. I glanced up and he smiled. My love for Mr. J blossomed in the moment I discovered that he still liked me even after I'd disappointed him. Slowly, it sunk in that he didn't raise his voice or threaten me. He didn't do anything but let me feel the impact of my actions. It was the first time I felt the exquisite freedom of forgiveness. Mr. J made no public mention of my crime, nor did he tell my parents. The rest of the day he smiled and acted normally. I saw the world from a fresh angle. At 10 years of age, I couldn't pinpoint what was different, I just knew I felt better about myself. I also knew I'd never disappoint Mr. Johnson again.

Looking back, I can clearly see what was different. When I made mistakes at home the recovery from anger took days. But on that day, trust was restored the moment Mr. J smiled. I learned many things that year, but nothing more important than the power of being granted an unexpected second chance.

I really goofed!

2009-09-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for a long time in my blog. While cutting and pasting, I thought I had deleted my repeated versions. After I pushed POST, I now can see, that did not happen.

I am very sorry that I have repeated things, I am embarassed and I apologize to all of you.

I need to pay attention when I am blogging personal things especially. I ask for your patience and understanding with this.

Thank you1
Merry

Opportunities!

2009-09-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."– Thomas A. Edison

Ha, so this is why I have missed opportunities!!! I don't ever wear overalls. EXCEPT I did wear striped bib overalls when I worked (when Tim was in Jr. High) part-time at a restaurant. Navy blue long sleeve shirts underneath. It was a cute outfit and the restaurant theme was really neat (not hokey and dumb). The name of it was "The Iron Horse." The menus were unique. Each different sandwich or meal was named after some railroad thing. The owner, (my boss and he became our friend) took off on this theme and it was ahead of it's time. It was a fairly upscale place. I loved that job! I didn't know one thing about restaurant work, serving, etc. Or when I was a hostess, I wore my own "dressier type" clothes. I loved getting dressed up and looking my best and it was a good excuse to get new dressy clothes! It was fun. (Of course, I was a LOT younger and a lot cuter then! But what I really enjoyed and loved getting up before the sun (yeah, really then I did) and going to work. I saw each morning's sunrise. Only had seen it on rare occasions when we had some neighborhood parties (Let me tell you those were the days, LOL) (but I wouldn't want to do them over again..) That pt job turned into full time for me and we worked 6 days a week. Only closed on Sundays. My work-mate and BF at the time, & I used to go to the Mall on Sunday.But sadly (for us, -lucky for Dave), we'd be too tired to shop much! I know that's hard to believe for those of you who really know me. Unfortunately, the business went belly-up. Prices were too high and a 50 yr. old restaurant was across the street. We didn't stand a chance. Davenport, IA, was part of the Quad Cities, along the Mississippi River and is a gorgeous area. They run together like one town. So it seemed huge, but Davenport itself is/was/ is about 100, 000 alone. (Mason City, where we are now isn't 30,000), and Clear Lake (where we lived for the first three years we lived "up north (as Dave calls it) is about 7,000. I loved, loved loved being in a small town again!

But oh, gosh, was tun while it lasted. I sometimes think that 3+ years were some o f the very best of my adult life! I could have stayed on with the new owners, but I didn't like them, #1, and #2 we had sold are only 3 yr. old house (the only house we ever built from scratch) that fall. So, that summer was exciting (I couldn't wait to move to Clear Lake, IA- brought me closer to the MN border (& I thought that my sister and I would be able to become closer (she lived in Minneapolis suberb). But, alas that did not happen.) Dave's company opened 3 branch offices that year, one in Mason City, (I PUSHED HARD to come here! I thought it would be a great family adventure. LOL Well, it has in a way. The other branches we could have gone to were one in Cedar Rapids (thank GOD we didn't go there. I hate CR. It stinks-literally, they make cereal, and beans and other nasty smelling things there. It's too big for ME, anyway. (Our son Tim, wife Patti, and Jack and Joey live there, though, but back then they hadn't even met....Tim was in Jr. High, maybe Patti was in grade school. (A little humor there folks, laugh, ) Also, we had a chance to move to Tulsa, OK but didn't go there. My parents were still in Iowa then and in declining health.

Then, we moved to Mason City after Tim graduated and was in the Air Force. We have been in this house 26 years, I think. I started college (Jr. college) in Clear Lake, it was North Iowa Area Community College (located on the eastern end of Mason City, IA. I got my first AA there. Then Dave found this house near his work in Mason City and the price was right. So, end of story. I have never liked it all that much, except we did make some good friends and were active in church here, too. I also worked at a "Country Kitchen" here for a few years. It was a LOT faster pace. But I loved that, too. Most of that was part time because I was also going to college then. I worked when ever I could work it into my school schedule. Just because I loved it, not that it was good for my body. My boss there became (REALLY) a millionaire, and bought several CK's all over. Now, the one here is closed. Jay is the first millionaire, I have ever known personally. He worked just as hard as his employees did. Now he has a little more upscale (but not super fancy) place called "Whiskey Creek." It's a lunch and mainly a SUPPER restaurant. I could write a book about him, and about my experiences there but no one would probably want to read it but me, and MAYBE my family. After that I went my last 2 years (mostly on scholarship) at a private Lutheran College, In '94 I went back to school through NIACC again, and took Medical Technology. (College gets HARDER or at least it did for me, as I got older.) (Or I got dumber~that is possible, too. LOL) By the time I finished that, I was starting to have issues with my back, my feet and then my neck. And so I was not able to do the job I trained to do. As it is all over, a BA, BS, or Bachelors in Applied Sciences, AKA Business) was not enough to get the "pleasant psych. or Social Work jobs I wanted though I did land a couple and worked at them for a stime.

I didn't enjoy being a med. tech. I did love going to school though. And wouldn't change a day of the times I had doing that. The last job I did have was a church secretary. I hated it. I was NOT (so I said then) going to spend my days in front of a computer, for one thing.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."– Thomas A. Edison

Ha, so this is why I have missed opportunities!!! I don't ever wear overalls. EXCEPT I did wear striped bib overalls when I worked (when Tim was in Jr. High) part-time at a restaurant. Navy blue long sleeve shirts underneath. It was a cute outfit and the restaurant theme was really neat (not hokey and dumb). The name of it was "The Iron Horse."
the menus were unique. Each different sandwich or meal was named after some railroad thing. The owner, (my boss and he became our friend) took off on this theme and it was ahead of it's time. It was a fairly upscale place. I loved that job! I didn't know one thing about restaurant work, serving, etc. Or when I was a hostess, I wore my own "dressier type" clothes. I loved getting dressed up and looking my best and it was a good excuse to get new dressy clothes! It was fun. (Of course, I was a LOT younger and a lot cuter then! But what I really enjoyed and loved getting up before the sun (yeah, really then I did) and going to work. I saw each morning's sunrise. Only had seen it on rare occasions when we had some neighborhood parties (Let me tell you those were the days, LOL) (but I wouldn't want to do the party scene again..) That pt job turned into full time for me and we worked 6 days a week. Only closed on Sundays. My work-mate and BF at the time, & I used to go to the Mall on Sunday.But sadly (for us, -lucky for Dave), we'd be too tired to shop much! I know that's hard to believe for those of you who really know me. Unfortunately, the business went belly-up. Prices were too high and a 50 yr. old restaurant was across the street. We didn't stand a chance. Davenport, IA, was part of the Quad Cities, along the Mississippi River and is a gorgeous area. They run together like one town. So it seemed huge, but Davenport itself is/was/ is about 100, 000 alone. (Mason City, where we are now isn't 30,000), and Clear Lake (where we lived for the first three years we lived "up north (as Dave calls it) is about 7,000. loved, loved loved being in a small town again!

But oh, gosh, was tun while it lasted. I sometimes think that 2+ years were some o f the very best of my adult life! I could have stayed on with the new owners, but I didn't like them, #1, and #2 we had sold are only 3 yr. old house (the only house we ever built from scratch) that fall. So, that summer was exciting (I couldn't wait to move to Clear Lake, IA- brought me closer to the MN border (& I thought that my sister and I would be able to become closer (she lived in Minneapolis suberb). But, alas that did not happen.) Dave's company open 3 branch offices that year, one in Mason City, one in Cedar Rapids (thank GOD we didn't go there. I hate CR. It stinks-literally, they make cereal, and beans and other nasty smelling things there. It's too big for ME, anyway. (Our son Tim, wife Patti, and Jack and Joey live there, though, but back then they hadn't even met....Tim was in Jr. High, maybe Patti was in grade school. (A little humor there folks, laugh, ) We moved to Mason City after Tim graduated and was in the service. We have been in this house 26 years, I think. I started college (Jr. college) in Clear Lake, it was North Iowa Area Community College while still in Clear lake. got my first AA there. Then Dave found this house near his work in Mason City and the price was right. So end of story. I have never liked it all that much, except we did make some good friends and were active in church here, too. I also worked at a "Country Kitchen here for a few years. It was a LOT faster pace. But I loved that, too. Some of that was part time because I was also going to school again then. I worked when ever I could work it into my school schedule. Just because I loved it, not that it was good for my body. My boss there became (REALLY) a millionaire, and bought several CK all over. Now, the one here is closed. Jay is the first millionaire, I have ever known personally. He worked just as hard as his employees did. Now he has a little more upscale (but not super fancy) place called "Whiskey Creek." It's a lunch and mainly a SUPPER restaurant. I could write a book about him, and about my experiences there but no one would probably want to read it but me, and my family. After that I went my last 2 years (mostly on scholarship) at a private Lutheran College, less than one hour away. I also took a class or too, from Buena Vista (they use our Jr. College's Campus evenings, but are expensive.) In '94 I went back to school through NIACC again, and took Medical Technology. (College gets HARDER or at least it did for me, as I got older.) By the time I finished that, I was starting to have issues with my back, my feet and then my neck. And so I was not able to do the job I trained to do. As it is all over a BA, BS, or Bachelors in Applied Sciences, AKA Business) was not enough to get the psych jobs I wanted though I did land a couple. I didn't enjoy being a med. tech. I did love going to school though. And wouldn't change a day of the times I had doing that. The last job I did have was a church secretary. I hated it. I was NOT (so I said then) going to spend my days in front of a computer, for one thing. It was also not fun. And your boss is the pastor and the council and that's not a good work/ help situation. Less said about that the better. I had no clue when I started this that I was going to get so LONG. Sooooooooo, I am transferring this to my Blog. I will send it to some of you who may not read my blog or know where it is.

End of it! But Tom Edison was right. The hardest work was (for me at least the work I loved the best. other than being a career college student. I did that job well, too. LOL Laugh! I am kidding, but also that is the truth.

Getting off my soapbox now. Love, and prayers to all of you!
Merry

PS I had jobs before then, office jobs, which I hated with a passion, even though they were easier on my body. I would work to get us out of the red, and QUIT ASAP afterwards. I was not into working until Tim was older,Some people have no choice, but since I did and particularly since we had Tim, I always felt privileged to be able to stay at home until he was older. (Well, that's a laugh on me, I never dreamed I would become addicted to my computer, but I am!) It was also not fun. And your boss is the pastor and the council and that's not a good work/ help situation. Less said about that the better. I had no clue when I started this that I was going to get so LONG. Sooooooooo, I am transferring this to my Blog. I will send it to some of you who may not read my blog or know where it is.

End of it! But Tom Edison was right. The hardest work was (for me at least the work I loved the best. other than being a career college student. I did that job well, too. LOL Laugh! I am kidding, but also that is the truth.

Getting off my "soap-box" now, (finally)!

Love, and prayers to all of you.

Merry
PS I'd love it if you read this on Blogspot if you leave me a comment.
PSS I had jobs before then, office jobs, which I hated with a passion, even though they were easier on my body. I would work to get us out of the red, and QUIT ASAP afterwards. I was not into working until Tim was older,Some people have no choice, but since I did and particularly since we had Tim, I always felt privileged to be able to stay at home until he was older. Today's Mom's don't always have that choice. But I was blessed, though we had periods of struggle, I won't complain, as with most everything in my life, I did it "my way," and I am glad that I could do it. Old age offers us time to refect on our mistakes, but also, with age, comes ACCEPTANCE, and by gosh, finally I think I have that at 65. About time, don't you think?

DECISIONS OF THE HEART

2009-08-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

I have always said I would like to volunteer at the local humane society when I retire. Now as retirement draws nearer I'm having second thoughts.Not because I don't think it's worth my time, but because I have fears of becoming one of those hoarders of small fur babies you hear about on television and being divorced within a year!

Seriously though, I recently I visited my local humane society because I love to buy the t-shirts, flags and various items in their gift shop. I know I'm supporting a good cause. I also give money to the AKC through my Visa purchases. It's always hard for me not to look in on the little ones up for adoption because it's so heartbreaking. On a recent visit my heart strings were tugged by a little guy(no name) who had been at the shelter since April 30. The poor babe(age unknown) could have only been 6 months old and had already been there 3 months without a mommy or daddy. He was very tiny, no more that3 or 4 pounds and just the fuzziest little dog with such a big cough.Who on earth could have given this little guy up?

I did want to take him out and love him but felt it would be cruel to give him false hopes that someone had come to take him out of this place. His cough was bad and continuous which made me think that was the reason he had not yet been adopted. All they see is a sick puppy and medical bills to pay in this struggling economy. It's a perpetual problem for our abandoned fur babies. They wind up in the humane society,develop kennel cough because of their confinement with all the others, and aren't able to shake it because their tiny immune systems aren't developed enough to ward off these illnesses and so on and so on -- how sad. My only comfort when I decided to leave empty handed was the fact that a family was inquiring about the little guy just before I left.

The woman had several children with her and while I was making my way to the door the lady pointed to him and said, "That's the one we want."I can only hope he went home with them that day. If only I could have two, three, four little ones I surely would but my husband says "no."
His reasoning is he would be the primary caregiver during the day(he's retired) and he feels the expense would be too great. This little fellow has been on my mind for days but I have to stay away because I would surely bring him home if I held him just once. This happened before when I brought our little Shih Tzu, Harry,into our lives. He is a rescue that stole my heart one day when I went to the humane society just to "look." I wound up bringing him home with me that same day. He was one of the lucky ones though --he only had to endure three weeks without a forever home. I'll never regret that visit. Harry is now and will always be a big part of our family. He's especially fond of my husband. We have to share him with my mother-in-law though since he was actually going to be her new companion after the passing of her husband. But after being with us for a week (while my husband helped his mother prepare for her new addition) my husband decided we should keep Harry and let grandma have visitation rights. That worked out to everyone's satisfaction. Harry has sleepovers at grandma's house a couple nights a week but is always happy to come home to mom and dad.

And so the saga goes. I'm sure I'll go back soon to see if the little guy found his forever home. If not, you may hear from me again in the future to let you know all about him and how my volunteer work at the local humane society is going.

-- Janet Allen

Trip to the Cedar Rapid's Kenyon's

2009-07-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to see the Cedar Rapids Kenyon's. I think it was one of my best trips ever there. I know I am prejudiced but Jack is very handsome! He is a man on the move. The only time he isn't moving is when he is sleeping or maybe eating, but sometimes he moves then, too. Jack is dynamite. He is talking a lot more, and what he says is very clear, too. I asked him if he knew who I was when we were playing in his back yard, and he said, "Grandma?" I said, "Yes!" And I gave him a kiss, then I said "Grandma who?" He looks at me with those big blue eyes (and long eyelashes and says, "Grandma Merry"!) Then he said it several times after that before we came home. Tim said last week out of the blue almost he would look at this picture of me they have up and say, "Grandma Merry." Tim claims they didn't coach him on it. He just calls Dave Grandpa since he is the only Grandpa.

Joey had a little fever, a little cough and a runny nose. I hope he is okay. Little kids can go from well to really sick so fast. He still has just 2 teeth. He still is bald as an Eagle (or a Kenyon, LOL). But I betcha he will have blond hair, as this "fringe" he has around the back is definitely blond but it's thin and you have to look to see it. He has to wear a hat outside so he doesn't get a sunburned head. We had a cook out. We had a really nice day. Joey is a very content baby. He is a sweet baby, a good baby! I had lots of cuddling times with Joey, and Jack was warming up to me more yesterday than ever before. It was a perfect day. One of those days you savor forever!
Later,
Love,
Merry

My Politics MAY be showing......

2009-06-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.

.....Abraham Lincoln

Thanks to Jane W. for this one.

Fare Thee Well Farrah!

2009-06-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today was an ordinary day for me until: The middle of my soap opera "The Young and The Restless" they came on with a ticker thing along the bottom of the screen announcing that Farrah Fawcett had died.

If you think of Farrah as a bubble head or a has been, I take issue with that. I believe she showed her talents in the things she did after commercials and also "Charlie's Angels." My favorite was the movie she won a nomination for, "THE BURNING BED.' She proved her talent to be much more than skin deep or another pretty face.

Like most of you, I had pretty much forgotten about her until a few weeks ago she did an astounding Documentary called Farrah's Story on NBC. It showed a very human story of a woman not any different than any of us despite her fame, fortune, and even cancer which eventually took her life. Since that movie aired, I have been searching for information about her. And to be honest, praying that God would take her home soon as it became obvious she had no chance to recover. Today, gave all of us a sense of peace, her suffering is over.

I think it would be very nice if people would pray for Redmond, her & Ryan O'Neil's son who is in jail on a drug charge. Also my heart breaks for Ryan and Farrah's Daddy who is in his 90's. So, now on Angel wings, Farrah, you finally have peace and no more pain.

Farewell, Farrah, all of us who cared about you, do respect you and you will be missed but remembered for your courage and your strong views, and to the end you fought to offering alternative cures for cancer for not only the rich but for all cancer victims. I just learned in reading about you that your birth name was Mary. Since, I knew you went to Parochial School, I wasn't actually surprised.

--Merry

Daddy & his Pedro (SHORT)

2009-06-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

I am just sharing this new Pedro story with a few other people also. I hope you like it. Pedro was a Chihuahua.xx

I thought of another funny thing my Dad did with Pedro. My Dad had Emphysema. He was unable to walk more than across the room, without huffing. But he was not on Oxygen, I don't know why. Anyway, Pedro needed to run. My Dad got an old fishing pole out of the shed, and my Mom asked him what in the world was he going to do with that??? He said he was going to take Pedro to the park. He would hook up Pedro's collar or harness to his fishing line and then tell Pedro, "Run, boy, run!!" Pedro ran free as the wind. And wasn't shy, or didn't look back. He was a nervous dog as Chihuahuas can be, but he trusted my Dad 100% of the time. When Daddy wanted him to come back he just started reeling the line in. Many folks in the park saw this and were impressed. My Dad was a guy who was not only book smart, but practically smart. He'd figure out the best and easiest way for things to be done. Almost an inventor at times!
Love,
Merry

A Dog For Daddy- Pedro "Hills"

2009-06-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
Everyone of us probably has a memory or two regarding our father's, especially now, when we are so close to Father's Day. I grew up with several different dogs throughout the years. But the dog my Dad was closest to, was a Chihuahua he rescued after he had to retire early due to health problems. From the start, this dog was devoted to my Dad and vise versa. Pedro wasn't a favorite dog of many. He was definitely a one "man" dog. He only seemed to tolerate the rest of us and my parents friends and relatives. But I did love him, because he meant so much to my Dad. Anything that Daddy loved, I loved too. That's why this story was so touching to me! Perhaps you have or know of a dog that was extra special to your Dad or another special guy in your life. Enjoy this, I am dedicating it to my Daddy, Russel L. Hills, who resides in Heaven now and has for 25 years. (Still some things you just never forget.)

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Credit for this goes to Petwarmers.com, specifically, Susan Dart.

The tiny puppy shivered on the kitchen floor as my mother carefully unwrapped it from her coat. Muddy and wet, it was a pitiful sight, cowering by her feet and trembling with cold and fear. My brother and sister and I looked on in amazement as mother described finding it in a ditch by the supermarket parking lot. Afraid the tiny dog would be run over, she decided to bring it home. We watched as mother carefully bathed the little puppy and helped her to dry it with a soft towel. The transformation was amazing. Underneath the mud and grime was a lovely white fox terrier with a brown spot on her side. My sister said she was like a fairy tale princess, all cleaned up for the ball, and called her Cinderella. Mother felt sure that Cindy had been abandoned, but our dad disagreed. He said he couldn't imagine anyone giving up such a fine dog. "She must be lost," he said. "We have to try to find her family." He asked us to think about how we would feel if one of our pets was lost and nobody tried to contact us. He said we needed to do the right thing. So we placed an ad in the newspaper and posted signs in our neighborhood, describing the lost dog. We waited anxiously to see if anyone would claim her, but fervently hoped that no one would.

Meanwhile, with each passing day, we grew more attached to the pup. When our dad would come into the room and find us playing with her, he would always say firmly but kindly, "Remember, she's not ours and we can't keep her." We would sigh and say, "Yes, we know." I know that Dad was trying to save us from disappointment. The only other puppy our family had owned had died suddenly of distemper and the loss had been traumatic for all of us. He didn't want us to get our hopes up when he felt sure the dog belonged to someone else.

Several weeks passed and still no one claimed the little dog. Then one day Daddy came home from work carrying a paper sack. We stood on our tiptoes to try to see inside as he rattled the bag mysteriously. Then he opened the top and pulled out a shiny new collar and leash. "Cindy is going to need these," he said, "since we're going to keep her!" We threw our arms around him and cried with joy and relief. The puppy was ours at last!

Cindy grew into a wonderful family pet. She was gentle and sweet-natured. She loved everyone, but she was always Daddy's dog. She would wait by the door for him to come home and he played with her every evening after work. He trained her carefully and he taught us how to take care of her and how to be responsible pet owners. We were always a fun-loving family and could never resist teasing each other. So sometimes when we would find Daddy playing with Cindy, we just had to tell him, "Now remember, she's not ours and we can't keep her!" He would just grin and go right back to playing with his dog. This June my dad turns 93 and he still remembers Cindy clearly. If you ask him about her, he will immediately smile and tell you that she was simply the best dog a family could have. He will share a favorite story about her and tell you that we are all better people for having known her. He still loves dogs and although he is no longer able to take care of one of his own, my sister takes her beautiful Collies to visit him often. Fifty years since Cindy first came into our lives, our happy memories of her live on and on. They are the enduring legacy of one little lost dog that we would love and keep her whole life through.

-- Susan Dart

Boofer

2009-05-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

BOOFER
Marty's story began with us in 2003. I had just graduated from seminary when I received a call from a Humane Society asking if my rescue, the Recycled Pomeranian and Schipperke Rescue, had room for an older, toothless, midget of a Pom. Of course, I said yes.

I still remember anxiously awaiting his arrival! And then I saw him. He was so pitiful. Marty was about 3 pounds of skin and bones, and basically hairless. I wasn't sure he'd be around long because he was in such poor shape. Marty's owner had died and one of the adult children had taken him in -- sort of. They had been keeping this tiny dog in their backyard with a larger dog.

Poor Marty was not getting any of the food. He could not fend for himself. So began our relationship with this wonderful boy! I took Marty home and began to try to fatten him up.

I also took him to the vet to get him checked out. We started him on thyroid medicine and gave him high quality holistic food and supplements. Within six months, Marty had a glorious coat of hair, and his true personality was beginning to shine. We nicknamed Marty, Boof or the Boofer, because he did not bark -- he boofed. Marty would exert so much energy in boofing that his little front feet would come up off the floor every time he boofed. And Marty was and is a character!

He loves people and thinks that everyone should know who he is and fawn all over him. When I started taking him to Petsmart, he became known to the employees. After they knew him, I would swear he looked around as soon as we entered the doors to Petsmart, looking for his entourage. On one visit to Petsmart to have a photo taken, we had a real problem keeping Marty upright for his photo because he kept rolling over on his back to have his tummy scratched. Everyone who was watching Marty's antics were laughing.

Initially, I had planned on finding an adoptive home for this special boy. But after several potential adopters asked me if Marty could be trained to keep his tongue in his mouth (it hangs out because he does not have any teeth to hold it in) I decided Marty needed to stay with me. Of course, my husband and I were already quiet smitten with him. One of the funniest things about Marty is that he hates the word raspberry. If I ask him if he wants a raspberry, he will wrinkle his nose and try to look fierce and even growl. And then he will come after my nose with his toothless mouth. I call it being slobber knocked. However, this is a game that he will only play with me, his mom. Marty has grown old now with us.

He is a welcoming Pom to all of our fosters. Currently, he is taking care of a seven week old Porkie (Pom-Yorkie mix born to a rescued Pom) while she waits to go to her new adoptive family. Marty is 14-15 years of age now and has numerous health issues. This past summer, he had a health scare and I thought we were going to lose him, but he rallied. Our vet said that he does not know why or how Marty is still alive. I think he is still alive because he knows that he is so loved. Boofer will always have a special place in my heart. I cannot imagine what the last 6 years would have been like without his loving and humorous presence in my life. Many times people are reluctant to adopt an older dog. I can tell you from personal experience with several dogs I have adopted as seniors that I would not go back and change a thing. Yes, you may have them with you are shorter period of time, but the days that you spend with a senior are golden! Please look at the senior dogs that are in shelters or rescue groups and give them a chance. Your life will be greatly enriched! Thank you Marty-Boof for coming into my life. I will always love you! You are my fur angel here on earth. I love you Boofer!

-- Melissa Bitting

(from Petwarmer's.com)

Are My Computer Woes Over??

2009-05-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

I think I may very well be blogging this, but am not sure so I will send it to a few of you who I know (Hope) care and will want to know this.

The computer guy was here this AM. He adjusted so many things (settings) in Vista. He has taken me off of hibernation. My computer goes to sleep like people with a sleep disorder do! Sometimes right in the middle of an Email. Then, other times it won't shut off no matter what I do! So he disabled some Vista features. THEN, also it has come BACK ON by itself! Really! I am not making this up. Crazy? It's POSSESSED is what I think it is.(There is an evil spirit inside of this box. LOL) (Actually, it's not funny, but how else should I deal with it?) I have felt this (almost, but not REALLY) for 3 months! We talked about putting Windows XP on here and he will do that for me if I want it done. He said that Vista uses up so much more power than Windows XP so that's why this computer doesn't seem that much faster than my old one, even though it's HUGE. If in a week, I have any more problems, that's what we will do. (Put Windows XP back on here). He says then this computer will fly. (It ought to do a dance for what it cost, actually, but it doesn't.) I don't know, I don't feel I had trouble with working with Vista, but if that's causing my computer to quit whenever it feels like it, I guess I do! He said many businesses have not gone to Vista because of this issue. However, he's been researching the fixes and hopes he has it resolved. If not he will come get this and put Windows XP on it. In Dec. (of 09) there will be a new operating system by Microsoft, I forget what they call it. But he advised me to let it get at least 6 months old before I put that on here...let them get all the bugs out of here. So, how do I feel about this? I think this computer will quit on me. I think it's a lemon. I think my only hope will be going back to Windows XP....and it saddens me because I wanted the latest thing. But I refuse to be without a computer every other day! So, I have to do what he is willing to do with the warranty he sold me with this computer.

At least I feel like he understands my frustration now. I don't think he even thinks I am too stupid, no more than any average person who isn't computer savvy like most of YOU. If I have trouble this is the plan.

Thanks for listening and wish me good luck!
Love,
Merry

Just a Little Hope And Love

2009-05-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

JUST A LITTLE HOPE AND LOVE - By Heartwarmers.com
by Melissa K. Garner
She was in the most mangled and distressed state that I have ever seen any animal. When I saw her for the first time my heart was wrenched in two. Her skin was a bright pink to red and her hair was thin and patchy, with a good bit that was bald. I could count every rib she had and then some. She wasn't sure if she could trust me and by the looks of her I would have to say that it appeared she wasn't sure if she could trust anyone. To make matters worse I wagered it hadn't been too long ago that she had had a litter of puppies. What I was most appalled at though was her condition and that someone could look at her and not realize she needed medical treatment or worse for them to look away. My first course of action was to get her something to eat and drink. The food I set out disappeared within a matter of seconds. So I offered her more. I wanted to hold her and bring her inside my home but with three other dogs and a child, and not knowing what was wrong with her, I couldn't risk it. September in Florida was warm so she wasn't in need of shelter except at night. I provided her what I could -- the garage. I told myself that if she were still hanging around Monday I would take her to the vet. She was friendly enough and my daughter was drawn to her. She showed no signs of aggression or ill-temperament. She wanted to give us kisses, all seemingly to convey her gratitude. Monday came and I loaded her up and called my employer and told them I would be late as I was taking this dog to the vet. She seemed happy just to be in the company of others, someone who cared. The whole way to the vet's office I was trying to think of a name for her for the paperwork. I truly believe God put on my heart to call her Hope. It seemed to fit in that she needed someone to give her hope and without realizing it, I too needed a little hope added back into my life. A little over a year ago I lost my beloved Sachel, a male boxer that I had raised from three days old. I have not fully gotten over the loss, and doubt I ever will. I dropped Hope off and left my information. Something inside me knew her condition was bad. I just prayed it wasn't too bad. When the vet called I braced for the bad news. First, she had a condition known as demodex -- a genetic form of the mange. It's minor and treatable. The second issue was she had hookworms, again relatively minor and treatable. She also had a yeast infection in her ears, another minor and treatable condition. The kicker was the diagnosis of heartworms. I thought it might be a possibility, but I prayed that this was not something I would have to deal with. I've never had a dog with heartworms, and I know how easily preventable they are. Nonetheless, this was what I faced, what we faced. We laid out a treatment plan, getting some of her infections and infestations under control before we proceeded with heartworm treatment. I was saddened because I know the treatment can also kill the animal. It was a risk. Following multiple vet visits we were on track with our plan. I had intended to find her a loving home, though I knew deep down no one would want a dog with heartworms. It's a devastating condition, and somewhat costly to treat. After the hookworms were no longer a concern, Hope was introduced to the rest of my clan. After a few wary growls and designation of territories, Hope became a part of the family. Once again, I had a plan in that she would stay outside, but it tore at my heart strings when the three others came inside and she stood at the door, again eyes pleading "Just love me." It wasn't long before Hope migrated indoors. I bought her a nice, cushy bed, but that was quickly foregone as she made her way into the bed with me and the others. Thankfully, I have a king bed to accommodate a three-year-old child, a Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, and now Hope who we have decided is an American Pit Bull Terrier mix. Her love for us is ever-present in her actions and her constant tail-wagging. Today Hope is receiving her heartworm treatment and I am holding my breath that all goes well. I believe she knew that deep down I would never give up on her, I would never give up Hope or having hope. I believe God knew this too, and this was why He led her to my door, where hope would be abounding for both of us. She has allowed me to heal from losing Sachel, and made me realize that we all just need a little hope and someone that will love us.
(Melissa K. Garner )

YAHOO!

2009-04-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is a Happy Entry! Something I was worried about!

Today I got this letter in the mail from my doctor. I had a bunch of blood work done. I was worried....because last year my cholesterol was right at the 200 mark. Now, the doctor TOLD ME that was only because the heart healthy cholesterol was high, and they want it to be, but still..... I didn't like that number at 200. At that time we were still on Dave's work insurance. And they Flagged me for High Cholesterol. That made me mad!

Well, anyway today's report was wonderful! Get this! You will be proud of Merry! Today, my cholesterol is 175. The HDL is up and the LDL is where it should be and I am thrilled. I use to have this reading when I was running in my 30s-early 50s! Also my kidney function tests, sodium, potassium, blood sugar and calcium are all NORMAL. Let's hear you say "Hooray" for Merry! Thank you!

Those of you who know me well, know that I dieted last year and lost approximately 30 lb, which is a lot for a short small person. I am convinced that is why it was down. I was never medically obese, my BMI was nomal at the worst, but barely. :) After I lost the weight my BMI dropped way down, back like when I use to run. I do worry about heart disease, I've seen what Dave has been through. My brother in law had a triple by pass last year. And my Mom had Diabetes. I know all the problems and diseases Diabetes can cause, and I do not want it!

I did put on a few pounds on our trip to Hawaii. Not a lot though. Geez, ate eggs every day, too. But still things came out well, I believe because I got rid of a lot of weight I really didn't need and certainly did not want last year.

I plan to diet off those Cruise pounds after Mother's Day. But I lose slowly because I am inactive due to my back and neck, I just can't do much. I have to do by diet alone. But I don't have many to lose this year, not even a size, I do not weigh, I go by how my clothes fit and I want to be size 6 like I was last summer. Ri9ght now I am a size 8. So this means probably not even 10-12 lb, I have to lose. It may take me longer than those who can exercise, but I will do it. Because I am as stubborn as they come and I do not like extra weight on my body.

If anyone wants to join me, let me know. I think it's a lot easier to do if you have a diet buddy and Dave cheats a lot. :)
Love,
Merry

Retirement is great,mostly, LOL!!

2009-04-15T17:42:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

It's been so long since I posted. I want to post about our trip, and I want to update you on other things, but I am getting behind. So, I will try to do that very soon. But here is a post on you about life here now with Dave retired.

Things are good here, you know? Dave is a good guy and he loves me. But men don't see or understand that certain jobs have to be done other than weekly cleaning. Like I was explaining to Dave that I was going to have to Spring house cleaning. I told him I was going to start in the kitchen, and work toward my closets as I will be putting winter clothes away in a couple weeks. But I said, since he always wants to "help" me, I would like to do the kitchen cabinets, just a few day until they are done. I have done this every year for almost 47 years, but he hasn't been at home then! LOL

Get this: Dave looks at me strangely for a long time... then he says, "Well, Merry, I think that should wait until the weather is bad!!!!" Do you believe this? I try to explain that if I waited to do those jobs until the weather was bad, it wouldn't be called "spring" (& then "fall") housecleaning! I couldn't believe it. He was dead serious. It was actually funny. Men are aliens when it comes to the real running a house. At least most are. So, I did a few alone and will get them done that way. Dave thinks that dusting, vacuuming, floor washing and clothes washing & ironing are all housework entails. And he vacuums and does yard work, so I can it's not out of proportion for me to do everything else! I really think that before he retired he had no idea how hard I really do work around here! Do I have to be so fussy? No! That IS MY choice, I admit. I am not a casual easy going type person. Sometimes, I wish I were, but that's not me. I am very scheduled and regimented and those of you who know me well, know this. I wonder, what planet do you think Dave & all husbands came from? LOL Ah well, he's does vacuum for me and even folds clothes at times, so I can't gripe too much. I just thought it was sort of funny. I bet every retired couple goes through this!

Love you, one and all!
Merry

Magnolias

2009-02-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

MAGNOLIAS..........By Edna Ellison
I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away. As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle . . So many details, so many bills, and so little time. My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old! To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy-white blooms and slick green leaves would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church. After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked the podium area and choir loft with magnolias. As we left just before midnight, I felt tired but satisfied this would be the best wedding any bride had ever had! The music, the ceremony, the reception - and especially the flowers - would be remembered for years. The big day arrived - the busiest day of my life - and while her bridesmaids helped Patsy to dress, her fiancé Tim walked with me to the sanctuary to do a final check. When we opened the door and felt a rush of hot air, I almost fainted; and then I saw them - all the beautiful white flowers were black. Funeral black. An electrical storm during the night had knocked out the air conditioning system, and on that hot summer day, the flowers had wilted and died. I panicked, knowing I didn't have time to drive back to our hometown, gather more flowers, and return in time for the wedding. Tim turned to me. 'Edna, can you get more flowers? I'll throw away these dead ones and put fresh flowers in these arrangements.' I mumbled, 'Sure,' as he be-bopped down the hall to put on his cuff links. Alone in the large sanctuary, I looked up at the dark wooden beams in the arched ceiling. 'Lord,' I prayed, 'please help me. I don't know anyone in this town. Help me find someone willing to give me flowers - in a hurry!' I scurried out praying for four things: the blessing of white magnolias,courage to find them in an unfamiliar yard, safety from any dog that may bite my leg, and a nice person who would not get out a shotgun when I asked to cut his tree to shreds. As I left the church, I saw magnolia trees in the distance. I approached a house...No dog in sight. I knocked on the door and an older man answered. So far so good . .No shotgun. When I stated my plea the man beamed, 'I'd be happy to!' He climbed a stepladder and cut large boughs and handed them down to me.Minutes later, as I lifted the last armload into my car trunk, I said, 'Sir, you've made the mother of a bride happy today.' 'No, Ma'am,' he said. 'You don't understand what's happening here.' 'What?' I asked. 'You see, my wife of sixty-seven years died on Monday. On Tuesday I received friends at the funeral home, and on Wednesday . . . He paused. I saw tears welling up in his eyes. 'On Wednesday I buried her.' He looked away. 'On Thursday most of my out-of-town relatives went back home, and on Friday - yesterday - my children left.' I nodded. 'This morning,' he continued, 'I was sitting in my den crying out loud. I miss her so much. For the last sixteen years, as her health got worse, she needed me. But now nobody needs me. This morning I cried, 'Who needs an eighty-six-year-old wore-out man? Nobody!' I began to cry louder. 'Nobody needs me!' About that time, you knocked, and said, 'Sir, I need you. 'I stood with my mouth open. He asked, 'Are you an angel? The way the light shone around your head into my dark living room...' I assured him I was no angel. He smiled. 'Do you know what I was thinking when I handed you those magnolias?' 'No.' 'I decided I'm needed. My flowers are needed. Why, I might have a flower ministry! I could give them to everyone! Some caskets at the funeral home have no flowers. People need flowers at times like that and I have lots of them. They're all over the backyard! I can give them to hospitals, churches - all sorts of places. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to serve the Lord until the day He calls me home!' I drove back to the church, filled with wonder. On Patsy's wedding day, if anyone had asked me to encourage someone who was hurting, I would have said, 'Forget it! It's my only daughter's wedding, for goodness' sake! There is no way I can minister to anyone today.' But God found a way. Through dead flowers. 'Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.' If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you may have missed a laugh. But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world. May God's blessings be upon you.
THIS IS SO TRUE, BEING NEEDED IS SO UPLIFTING TO EACH OF US.

Hope all of you enjoyed this one, it made me cry. My good friend Jane sends me some great stuff. Thank you, Jane!
Love to all of you!
Merry

A Man That We Call Dave

2009-01-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

Last night at Dave's retirement dinner, the following poem was read (written by a co-worker) and presented to Dave. I think it speaks volumes and tells a lot about the man I live with. As well as how much his coworkers and bosses think of him.

Actually, I don't know a person Dave ever met that doesn't like him.
Not many of us leave that impression as we go through life. But once in a while a guy like this comes around and I grabbed him up early on while the grabbing was good div>
Merry

A Man We That We Call Dave

There is a man that we call Dave that always has a friendly wave.

Probably even as a kid, a friendly wave he always did.

Baseball was his choice for sport, to this he was a talented sort.

But when he grew to be a man, Dave had another master plan.

Standard Bearings called and on he went to take up arms for our intent.

He learned from the best that is true, but devolped a style only he could do.

Selling parts to customers all over the land, he's seen it & done it, in borders on grand. Four score & Seven, that's 47 years, enough to bring mere mortals to tears.

But Dave's no mere mortal, that's blatently true, since Dave's done things no mere mortal could do.

Like put up with me & a host of others, for all those years acting like mothers.

He's sold to the worst & He's sold to the best & I'll betcha at some time he's sold to the rest.

V-belts & sheaves, gearboxes galore, his famous notepads they all adore.

The smile on his face, the twinkle in his eye, his customers do hate to say Goodbye.

But all good things must eventually end, cause this man's got things to do instead.

Like grandkids & traveling, Hawkeyes & such, very few men are blessed with so much.

So, with this in mind the time has come we must say farewell, to a man we've comed to love so swell.

We'll miss the the things that make you, you...but realize you've found better things to do.

So, go now with pride that you accomplished so much, as we all will remember your special touch.

That you ave to our world we'll take to our grave, great memories of a man that we call Dave.

by John Munson January 24, 2009

The Joy's Of Being A Dog Mom

2009-01-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

Joys of being a dog mom DOG MOM Before I was a Dog Mom: I made and ate hot meals unmolested. I had unstained, unfurred clothes. I had quiet conversations on the phone. even if the doorbell rang. Before I was a Dog Mom: I slept as late as I wanted And never worried about how late I got to bed or if I could get into my bed. Before I was a Dog Mom: I cleaned my house every day. I never tripped over toys, stuffies, chewies or invited the neighbor's dog over to play. Before I was a Dog Mom: I didn't worry if my plants, cleansers, plastic bags, toilet paper, soap or deodorant were poisonous or dangerous. Before I was a Dog Mom: I had never been Drooled on, Chewed on, Or pinched by puppy teeth. Before I was a Dog Mom: I had complete control of My thoughts My body and mind. I slept all night without sharing the covers or pillow. Before I was a Dog Mom: I never looked into big, soulful eyes and cried. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop a hurt. I never knew something so furry and four-legged could affect my heart so deeply. Before I was a Dog Mom: I had never held a sleeping puppy just because I couldn't put it down. I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was well. I didn't know how warm it feels inside to feed a hungry puppy. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important. Before I was a Dog Mom: I had never known the warmth the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being A Dog Mom.

Sent to me from a very dear friend whom I met through the Bichon Frise Dog List (Club). We've been friends for a good many years now. We had 4 Bichons throughout past years, losing our last one Nov. of 2007. Thank Goodness we do stll have Kaycee, our wonder Maltese! But Bichon are indeed an extra special breed and I almost think you have to have had one to know what I mean.

This could be true for cats, too, I just don't know because we haven't had a cat for 35 or more years.

Big hugs!
Merry

Jan 23rd (New Post)

2009-01-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

I am wearing a bright red (Dressy) suit to Dave's retirement dinner Saturday night. The jacket and their sleeves have scalloped edges. Also the bottom of the skirt has that, too. The challenge will be can I wear my red heels (you know my feet are in BAD shape) long enough to walk in the place and sit down (I can take them off under the table). I think I may be overdressed but Dave said if I wanted to wear that, go for it. I was going to wear a light blue pantsuit that has a sweater and a Jacket, but it's washed me out. I look pretty good in red. And I love red! My day to day winter purse is red, my favorite coat is red (although I have a black one, a green one, a leather one, plus a couple jackets.) (My favorite jacket is pink. I have lots of pink Clothes, too.

I got up at 4:30 AM so I could have time to change the sheets and also clean the bathrooms plus drink coffee and get myself ready to go to the travel agnecy by 9 AM. It's no big deal as I get up a lot by 5:30. Maybe with Dave home, I will sleep later, but I doubt it. I DO take an afternoon nappy when I am home though. I am not especially proud of it, but my back and neck really hurt by early afternoon and I take my meds and a nap after lunch.

Spme people have said that the Kennedy men didn't have real great scruples. I don't actually know but I do not think their Dad Joe, did . Why all those women put up with that, I can't figure. Well, Joan Kennedy didn't. I bet Michelle Obama wouldn't put up with that kind of nonsense! I'd like to say Cindy McCain wouldn't, but I did hear than John had an eye for the young women (well, even younger than Cindy and she is younger than his first wife). I think Jill Biden is nice looking woman too. I heard she had a Ph.D. but I do not know what in. She is a 2nd wife, his first wife died in a horrible traffic accident hit by a drunk driver when their children were growing up. Dave doesn't like any Democrat much, but he does respect Joe Biden. Joe Biden always rode the train from Delaware into Washington, DC so that he could go home and be with his children. I don't know how long he's been married to Jill, but she looks a LOT younger than him. I don't agree with most of Joe Biden's politics, but I do respect the man.

I always wear makeup do. I do that even when I am not going to leave the house. Wear earrings, too. Wash, dry, use hot air brush on hair daily. Then I use either a curling iron, or just a hot brush on my hair, depending on how long it's been since my last perm. If I am REALLY sick, I will skip my hair for one day. It's part of me getting my day in order. My way of "controlling my world." That and showering every AM and taking a bubble bath every night. I use lots of lotion (no fancy big brand names though because I go through a ton of them since I shower or bathe 2 x a day. Then at night the getting ready for bed ritual is like I told you mine is. I have become a "dream customer" for the cosmetic companies that have counters in our Younkers, which is our "fanciest" "most upscale" store in our mall. Not that that makes it REALLY "FANCY." I don't have any famous celebrity type make-up. I get Cliique's 3 step, (cleansing wash, toner, & light conditioning lotion). I use Estee (sp?) Lauder Makeup and Mascara, Revlon cream Blush (though), and Lancome Lipstick. I use a little of every counter's fragrances. I especially like Precious by either Elizabeth Arden or Estee Lauder & "Happy" or Happy floral by Clinique. I also tried "PREVAGE" (by Estee Lauder or maybe it's Elizabeth Arden.) It was supposed to take every wrinkle away. Well, guess what, it didn't. So, I didn't buy it again. It was really expensive. Jane and I talk and like she said, none or all of that stuff is going to take our wrinkles away, (they use 20 year old models) but we can still make the best of ourselves. I do this even in the hospital once I am able to brush my teeth!) I use Lancome uplifting cream, and then Clinique (because it's cheaper and just as good to me as any of the more expensive ones) day moisturizer and their night one. Oh, eye cream, eye cream always, too. I was using a mascara remover. Remember when every once in a while I would tell you I had horrible eye pain? Once my doctor even sent me to my Opthamologist. Well, guess what? It was that mascara remover. Sooooo, I do NOT use that anymore! I bet I spend at least $150 a month on my face. (I do not say this to brag, I really believe I need it and I believe my skin is like it is because I do all these steps to keep it the best it can be. (Nothing will make it "YOUNG.") (Other than plastic surgery, which I don't have the $$ for and anyway, I don't know about going through that pain.) This isn't hard to do when I had Dave depositing every 2 wk. into my household and personal expense checking account. However with retirement it may become a BIG challenge!

Today we went to the Travel Agency AAA, and got our Intinery for our trip. Then we went and applied for our passports at the post office. I hope I don't have a problem with that spelling of my first name. I have a letter (from our lawyer notarized that says Mary Kenyon is the same person as Merry Kenyon). When we updated on Wills last year, we planned and asked our attorney to get my name legally changed but she said we didn't need to. My School diplomas, my Social Security, my Driver's license says Merry, too. The guy at the Post office said, Just tell anyone if they question it that you prefer to spell it the way you do. Then he said, the ONLY time you MIGHT run into trouble is if you'd get into a situation where there was terrorist activity!! I thought, "Oh boy," I should have had it changed long ago. Well, I don't have time now! Then we decided we must take a trip to Vancouver in the future since we will have passports 10 yr. And maybe go to Jamaica again. We really liked it there. Other than that, we plan to stay in the USA. We went out to lunch.

Dave was going to take a test to do Census part time, but they canceled the test because our weather got bad AGAIN. Blowing snow and frigidly cold. So, it's set for next week. This is a part time temporary job.

I do hope that the bad weather doesn't keep anyone from the other Standard Bearing Stores from coming for Dave's party! I am a little nervous. And gee, I hope I don't bawl.

I've yapped too long and I yapped way too much about stupid stuff like cosmetics. They are what are I wear, but they are not what I am or what matters most to me that I think define me and make me the person I am. (Rather they are just my weakness, like some people have their nails done, or massages, I don't do those things, I do what I already said.) That and the every other month body perm I get.

It's time to GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Good night my friends!

Merry

Thursday, 1/22- Dave's last Work Day

2009-01-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

I was mistaken about the Inaugural swearing in. I thought just the judge goofed up, but guess they both did as they had a relatively (anyway) "do-over" yesterday. That seems silly but I suppose they had to fix it or someone would have raised trouble later on.

Michelle Obama IS tall, isn't she,? Michelle is like 5'9" or at least 5' 8" and you can tell she works out; she is not skinny but her body is well toned. Being an X exercise addict, I notice things like that, but if I hadn't the media informed us many times these past few days, LOL but really gorgeous most of the time. I wouldn't say she is "gorgeous" (as in Jackie Kennedy or Nancy Reagan, which is more of a "class" thing than a "beauty" thing). You can't buy or get class. It's got to be breed in you. My Mom dislikedJackie Kennedy, but I thought she was beautiful even if I didn't agree with their political party. Same with Jack Kennedy. Jack, to me was the best looking, Teddy never was and Bobby wasn't as handsome as Jack. Jack had charisma, Well, we had "Camelot" then!! Teddy Kennedy had a mild seizure at a luncheon afterwards, poor guy. He's really trying to "hang in there." I feel sorry for him. He got left alone to carry on as the family leader, quite a job with all of Bobby's kids and Jack's 2 as well. He's a die hard liberal and so I sure do not agree with his politics, but I respect that he takes his Senate seat so seriously and no matter if people like it or not, he is a Patriotic Senior Member of Congress.

I loved Michelle's evening gown! Loved it! I thought it was different and elegant. But everupme hase a right to have your opinion about that. President Obama has hit the groud running. He wasn't my pick, but the majority rules and they picked him. And we need to give him a chance to pull our country together.

I just sat back and enjoyed what I watched of the celebrations (about an hour or more). But I thought if I had not rooted for Obama it would have sickened me. He won because of his stand on things, and not because of his color. The commentaries were a LOT too much. At least for me! But I expected they would be.

I think the trouble with Mrs. Jimmy Carter is that she thought SHE was Jimmy Carter.Gee, I never thought that. I thought Roselyn was this little quiet sort of mousy woman. But I guess that's NOT true. What did Bill Clinton ever do to her? Not that I am a Bill Clinton fan. Of course Nancy Reagan WAS Ronald Reagan for much of the time because of the onset of Alzheimer's, but she could be bitchy too. I choose to believe that Ronnie's Alzheimer's didn't set in until the very end, even after his terms. My Mom use to say differently. But my Mom could be catlike in her comments on politics, much different from my Dad. My Dad was one to see the good in officials I think Hillary Clinton was feeling pressure to act "happy." I mean, she had to feel bad about it not being her being sworn in It's been said that Jackie Kennedy took Benadryl to get through a busy Inagural Day. I have no idea if this is true or not. Frankly, I have my doubts. President Kennedy did have serious back pain and took pain pills periodically for that!

It is too bad about Teddy Kennedy and I know he has worked hard and perhaps redeemed himself, but after Chappaquidick (sp?) I will never really like him. Caroline has withdrawn from the Senate race? This AM I thought that that Caroline had decided she didn't want to be in the "limelight." But heard tonight on ET that she had some issues she didn't want made public knowledge, about some things, one was about what her housekeeper. I really didn't feel she had the experience to get that Senate seat, anyway. Didn't seem right to me that she get it because she was a Kennedy.

If you watched the celebrations, you might have seen after the luncheon where people were standing around. Al Gore was there with Tipper Gore, and she was CHEWING GUM! I do not chew gum UNLESS I am exercising. or flying. I always chewed gum when I ran. My Mom use to say that it wasn't good manners and that it showed lack of good breeding and class to chew gum. Dave chews gum and I hate it. He chews it as nice as you can, but I don't think "gum chewing" looks "proper."

In my opinion, Cindy McCain is very sharp looking! And I also think Jill Biden is a classy looking woman. Good-looking woman though. One thing that struck me however, was that when you see all those famous people standing around, which you don't see very often, you realize that they are "just folks." It could be a luncheon of the local service club

I have a real regime morning and night. The teeth thing, of course. Then I wash my face with this Lancome foam stuff (like a soap but easier and specially made for your face). (My friend Jane got me into Lancome products). Then I use a Lancome Toner or if I am out of that, I use my Clinique toner. Then I use the yellow (first of 3 step Clinique regime). Follow that I use Night time moisturizer.(Usually, Clinique Intensive Care For Dry skin) And sometimes a little (0 Gravity (Clinique) to "lift" up my face - ha, as if that's gonna really happen! Dave says if he had to go through all of that before he went to bed, he'd be wide awake. I do the same regime in the AM except use daytime stuff and I also wear light sheer makeup & mascara & blush). But the biggest time thing for me, is my hair. It's impossible. I spend 2 hours on it if I wash it. No lie and it's not like I have this beautiful head of hair or anything! More the opposite. I am trying to make it look like I have thicker hair than I do. And I tend to spray it too much, so I have to wash it every day usually.

This afternoon I went to the Drugstore. I had to get my BP med and also my anti-inflammatory one. The old insurance decided I don't need that. We don't get why, the doctor doesn't get why, the pharmacy doesn't get why. When I get swtiched to my supplemental, hopefully it will pay for my Celebrex. But I got told today I had a "lifetime limit and I could (in my whole life) only have 7 more pills. LOL And this is the best part. I got told those 7 pills would still cost me my full copay. It's at the top tier of our copay and one of those drugs that cost us $40. So, I said thanks but no thanks and had them call my doctor to RX me Relafan. Relafen can give me heartburn and other problems, but still it's not going to be that bad! Before THIS month is over I damn well better get my Medicare Blue (it's a Blue Cross plan) CARD! Everything from MY Social Security to MY insurance has been screwed up since Dave put in to retire. Standard Bearings extended my coverage for January. Which was very nice of them. Dave was originally going to retire in Nov. Well, then he learned he wouldn't get SS check until Feb. So, he asked to work for one more month. Well, there is only one more week left in this month and so far I have NOT gotten my new insurance card. I have not gotten my SS straightened out. It's a different story every time I try to get it straightened out. Very Stressful! It's bad enough Dave's 401K from work took a huge Dive, when the stock market dropped. But, we aren't the only ones that happened to. Hopefully, this will all work out in time.

I also went to mall. I had gift certificates to spend. Stuff was pretty picked over now though. I waited too long. I got the face stuff I needed and got a couple pair of PJ's and a long sleeve Tshirt I may or may not keep, and a couple bras, etc. I spent what Tim and Patti's gift cert. was. Then I bought each of the boys an outfit and Jack a toy, too. I still have half of what Dave gave me left to spend at Younkers and I that won't be hard to do. I just got a late start today. Besides, I don't like winter clothes like I do summer ones.

Dave had a bittersweet day. I told him he'd feel bad, but he didn't believe me. When I got home from the mall, he was standing in the kitchen looking at the mail in an oh so serious way. I asked him if he was okay and he showed me all the gifts he had gotten and Emails from other stores. And I looked at him, and I could tell he'd been crying. He just almost never does this. So, I gave him a big hug and he cried a little more. He said he expected to only feel relief, but it was hard saying good-bye to the people he has worked with for so many years. (I knew it would be, but he didn't believe me.)

Houston Wants Me

2009-01-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

This morning I was telling one of my best friends about this story. I got to laughing hard about this and decided to put it in my blog. So, if anyone is really reading my blog, please leave a comment for me on this! This really happened to me about 35 + years ago. But it's as vivid in my mind as if it would be if it was yesterday.

I should write a country western song about this.

I didn't get put in jail! But almost. Once in Houston Texas. I was working for a Marketing Research Company delivering baby things for a big company. We each had a rental care and a map. Like me driving in Houston was a very scary thing. I got in a fender bender is all. I wasn't doing anything wrong and I hadn't been drinking. But the motorcycle cop said because I was an out of state driver I had to post bale. So, off to the jail we went. It was kind of funny. I was upset I hit this parked car. But no one was hurt. Anyway, I asked the cop if he could give me a ride to the police station as I was very nervous and did NOT want to drive! He said, "Lady, didn't you notice, I am on a motorcycle!!" LOL Nope, I didn't think. I'll never forget that courthouse in Houston. And it was hotter than hell that day. I got finger printed and a mug shot taken then paid a fine and was released. I went back to the hotel and I told my supervisors for that gig I wasn't driving anymore no way no how in Houston. By the next day I got an ear ache. I went to a Dr. He said, "Go home!" So, I flew home alone without my coworkers. I was sick at heart and sick physically, too. Dave had a sad case on his hands. I hope this story is amusing to you as it sure has been funny to me after the fact.

Merry the outlaw

OK To Be Me

2009-01-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

'OK to Be Me'
Sometimes people we want to help actually end up helping us even more.
BY: Bob Perks

I'll put this with the "grass is always greener" thinking. Why is it that we are often so unhappy with where we are and spend so much time wishing we were somewhere else?Then there are the "if only's"--"If only I were born in a different time." "If only I were taller...shorter...younger...older." "If only I had married that first person, or waited to get married later."Well, you were born when you were born, you are as tall, short, fat, thin, young, old, and married to whomever you are married to. What are you going to do about it?This lesson was brought home to me on a recent Monday. I saw the man sitting there at the corner waiting to cross the street. Actually I had seen him a few times before. I drive through this intersection nearly everyday. Every time I see him I think, "I should pull over and help him." But I didn't. That is, until this particular day.What made me think he even needed my help? He looked frail to me. I have seen him cross after passing him by; he moved slowly, and he was in a wheelchair. I had been disappointed in myself lately because I usually listen to that inner voice the first time without hesitation.It wasn't until today that I realized I was supposed to wait. I needed this guy more than he needed me.There is conflict in my life right now. A battle is going on, not only in my mind, but in my heart. I have tried to understand, make excuses, forgive someone, but I am failing. Because people are so important to me, when I can't resolve a relationship, I see it as my own fault. My thinking goes, "Maybe you aren't doing your job. Maybe you aren't trying hard enough." I question "me."Anyway, there he was again. Waiting at the corner. This time the voice said strongly, "Help him!"I pulled off the road, got out of my car, and rushed to his side. "My friend, can I help you get across?"He was slightly slumped forward. His hands were covered by gloves, the fingertips cut off revealing his rough, calloused skin and unusually long nails.He turned towards me and said, "Now you made me miss the light!" Sure enough, the light had changed and the traffic started moving."I'm sorry!" I said, and then went on to explain that I had seen him there before and wanted to stop to help him."Not necessary," he said. "I do quite well on my own."Okay, now I felt awkward and rejected in addition to my already confused self-image."Oh, fine. I just...""Come on, it's my turn. I'll help you," he said, interrupting me.I stood there embarrassed, not knowing what to do."Come on, if you're coming!" he shouted, and before I realized it, he was halfway across the street. I rushed to catch up, and grabbing the wheelchair handles, I heard him say, "No, don't push."We walked the rest of the way, and when he came to a stop, he turned and said, "Don't feel sorry for me.""Well, it's not that I was feeling sorry for you...""Yes, you were," he replied. "Or maybe you were feeling sorry for yourself?"That hit me.He motioned with his hand to come closer. I bent towards him, and he placed his hand on my shoulder. "This happened to me when I was in my 50's," he said. "It hit me hard. I hated self-pity, but I hated anyone's pity even more. One day, after questioning myself for weeks, I came to a simple conclusion."He then reached into his shirt pocket. It was stuffed with paper, a pocket protector, and four pens. Flipping through a few pages of a small spiral notebook, he came to a blank page. With the click of his pen, he scribbled a few letters and handed it to me."Here's your lesson for today. Thanks for stopping. Just wave next time." Then off he went.I took the slightly crumpled paper and opening it found this: "OK2BMe"I smiled as I saw him disappear around the corner. Maybe if I had stopped the first time I saw him, I wouldn't have been so hard on myself lately. Next time I won't feel so bad passing him by. I'll just wave. It's "OK 2BME."

Airplanes, Hawaii, Historical Election

2009-01-18T15:48:00.001-08:00

JOKE
New Pilot
Taxing down the tarmac, the jetliner abruptly stopped, turned around and returned to the gate. After an hour-long wait, it finally took off. A concerned passenger asked the flight attendant, "What was the problem?" "The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the engine," explained the flight attendant, "and it took us a while to find a new pilot."

Flying, Hawaii, Anxiety & Panic Attacks
We are going to fly to LA, in March before embarking on our cruise to Hawaii ( a retirement gift from Dave's company to him for 47+ years of service. I hate flying. I get claustrophobic. Other than taking a handful of extra Valium, I don't know what to do. If the flight is at all rough, I get really bad. And grip Dave's arm for dear life. Are any of you like this? We could have flown to Hawaii and had over 2 weeks there, but the flight from Minneapolis to Hawaii is 12 (count them) hours. I'd never make it. Besides both Dave & I get stiff if we sit for more than 2 hours. Us'ns are old'ens. LOL So, we didn't think we could handle a 12 hour flight and we opted for the cruise.

Other than resorting to taking extra Valium, I thought of Ambien. But even if I wasn't too chicken to do that, Dave would KILL me if I did that. Because I have Ambien but don't usually take it BECAUSE some strange things around the house I have no memory of the next day occasionally when I took that. My psychiatrist says that happens on higher doses & when you take it all the time. Well, I don't take it all the time, because of what happen. So, yeah, he will RX it, but Dave isn't going to put up with any funny business from me & to be honest it scares me, too.

I ask my shrink if he would RX me another kind of sleeping pill, but he said, "What, are you kidding me? Not in this lifetime. I will only give you Ambien (or the like.)"

Bottom line, maybe I should just drink on the flight, what do you think? (I am kidding.) I never drink more than one glass of wine anymore, so I am not about to get smashed on a 3 hr. flight to LA. Dave would be pretty p.o. at me if I did that. And I really don't enjoy drinking because I am not use to it at all anymore, it gives me a headache and knocks me silly I don't want to be "goofy." . LOL

If you have anxieties or panic attacks when you fly, write me and tell me how you cope with them. People may think I am a dope-head, but those that are really friends, won't judge me. I just asked my shrink about another solution to my insomnia ( I rarely sleep more than 4 hours a night without medication, TOPS-- (And even with (regular) Ambien (And Ambien CR & Lunesta plain do not work for me. Regular Ambien does usually works for about 1/2 the night but isn't a real good solution because after 3-4 hours, I am WIDE awake anyway!! So, I was hoping there might be something else help me STAY asleep all night (like 6 hours or so) and not do strange night walking, or some other bizarre thing. And also NO "hangover" from the pill the next AM.

Merry
PS I hope all of you who supported and voted for Obama, enjoy all the celebration of Obama's inauguration. It certainly is exciting as it's history in the making, him taking the train like Lincoln did from Illinois. That was cool. It's a bittersweet time for me as I was a big McCain supporter & I still wish it was him getting sworn in. On the other hand, who would have ever thought we would get to see a man of another race win this election and by a big margin. So, I want you who voted for Obama to know I hope you watch the coverage and enjoy the hoopla. (I would had my guy won.) President-Elect Obama does seem very earnest in wanting to change things, and Dave and I (though we didn't vote for him) wish him the best. And we pray for him and for our country. Something needs to be done, and Dave says we need to give Obama support and a chance to try to help us. So, upon deep reflection and sincere thinking, I throw my hat in the ring. Let the parties begin.

Merry
PSS Besides, Arizona needs and wants McCain and there is much work to be done in congress. McCain, whether you liked him or not IS KNOWN to cross party isles and work with the Democrats, which is why he and conservative Republicans had problems. (I am NOT a Conservative, at least I don't think so. But Dave is as Conservative as you can get). He's been riding around making sales calls and listening to talk radio shows for 47 years in his car. Funny, because Dave is usually very easy going about everything else.

Happy Inauguration Day Folks!

And best wishes & hugs, from me to you all of my fellow Americans. We live in the best country in the world, I think and need to remember how lucky we are to live in a democracy!
Merry

A Rescue Comes Home

2009-01-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

___________________________________________
Because we had two collies, each for about 10 years, this sory is very meaningful and precious to me. And even if you'v never had a collie, if you love pets, I think you will like it!
Love & Hugs,
Merry

Max is probably one of the prettiest Collies I've ever seen. His history is hidden in his mind, as a foggy nightmare, coming to the surface every time he sees something to remind him of his life before. They say a dog can't talk. That's nonsense to someone who knows how to listen. I've watched Max staring at me through those dark shining eyes, that have gotten softer in the last few days. But I can imagine the thoughts going through his mind. Are you going to hurt me? Can I trust you? Can I love you? When we brought Max home, he was a mental cripple. He tucked his tail, wouldn't eat, and refused anything hand fed. Every quick motion scared him. Every time we came out the door into the garage, he'd run and cower in fear. I could see visions in my mind. An opening door, a kick in the ribs and someone yelling to get out of the way. A quick motion of a hand, and a slap. I picked up a wooden dowel from my wood shop, and saw in his mind a club or a limb, and a beating he tried to get away from. There was an old scar under his right eye. It's an old story, but one getting too familiar. It's only been a few days, and he still shies away from the door, but he only moves away a little, his tail wagging. It's a good beginning, but only a beginning. We watched Max as he walked. He favored his right front leg, and I noticed a slight lump on the front of it. A veterinarian friend checked it and told me his leg had been broken. Without an X-ray, he told me he suspected a pin or staples had been put into it. He told me that Max was about three years old. Again, I wondered what kind of a life he had endured. He was thin, but all in all, Max was in pretty good shape. His hair is a bit course, but there's a hen house out back and always a few extra eggs to get the hairdo back in shape. Sometimes, Max will lie down, with his head laying on my foot. I'll pet his head and rub his ears and he'll look up at me with those warm and trusting eyes. Over the next few weeks and months, there'll be setbacks and victories, good days and bad. But in time, he'll be a good friend. The broken spirit will mend, the nightmares will fade, and a dog without hope will come to find a loving home, gentle voices, and hands that will never hurt again. Somewhere along the way, Max has received some obedience training. He's leash trained, knows some commands, like down, stay, and heel, and is quite well mannered. He's house broken, and very quiet. Somewhere along the way, everything went very wrong. Fortunately for him, that'll change now. He's already getting used to Ronni's home cooking. The look in his eyes when he looks at her is priceless. He can't seem to get enough hugs or petting, but we're working on it. I can't bring myself to put a "The End" on this. Let's just say, "To be Continued..." -- Bob Shaw
Credit -Bob Shaw through Petwarmers.com

Make Your New Year's Resolution Work--Great Thoughts

2009-01-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

Sharing with you all! I need to set goals, that I can suceed at, how about you?
KEEPING PROMISES

(I'd have inserted a Graphic or Picture, but I don't know how to do that in Blogger, must ask my "smart friends"!) (Hope you like this anyhow!)

I promised myself this year would be different from years past -- I would keep each of the resolutions I made for the New Year. I began to reminisce about past resolutions and what it was that had caused them to be so difficult to keep. After careful consideration, I discovered my problem had been that I set myself up for failure right from the beginning. In the excitement of the opportunity for a new beginning, I listed too many resolutions, and my goals were too lofty. So, I surmised, that if I made fewer resolutions, I would have no problem keeping them. I also decided to steer away from those where I was sure to fail. Armed with my newfound wisdom, I grabbed my pen and paper and began to formulate my plan. Instead of I'll read my Bible "daily," I wrote I'll read my Bible "more often." Regarding my writing projects, I told myself I would write "more" rather than "every day." And finally, I wrote I'll eat healthier. No way was I going to write the dreaded "diet" word again! In only three resolutions, I'd taken care of my spiritual, mental and physical well being. Realizing that I'd covered all of the aspects of my life, I sat back in my chair, rather proud of myself. A few days into the New Year, and with my resolutions already a distant memory, I came across a container of chocolates hidden on the far corner of my desk. As I opened the container, I discovered these were not ordinary chocolates. Each chocolate contained a message printed on the inside of the wrapper. I carefully, unfolded the delicate foil and read my message, "Keep the promises you make to yourself." I was elated. I was being granted permission to pamper myself. I smiled as I thought about the possibilities. I was free to spend an entire day watching old movies. Or, I could read for hours without being interrupted. I gently smoothed out the edges and tacked the foil to my bulletin board. When someone wanted to know why I wasn't preparing dinner, I'd point to the message. "I promised myself I'd read today," I'd say. My excitement quickly faded. I discovered the paper where I'd written my resolutions concealed under the container of chocolates. It occurred to me that a resolution is in fact a promise you make to yourself. Even though I hadn't realized it at the time, there had been a problem with my list from the beginning. In an effort to create a way to keep my resolutions, I'd allowed myself to lower my standards and justify myself right out of keeping them. They appeared noncommittal. In looking up the definition for resolution, I discovered that the synonym is courage. I'd never thought of courage in relation to resolutions, but I realized that it does indeed take courage if one is determined to keep a resolution. There was nothing wrong with the idea of me pampering myself on occasion -- in fact, it could be healthy. However, the other items I'd listed were important as well. If kept, these resolutions would enrich my life. Although today is not the beginning of a New Year, it is a new day. With each new day comes the opportunity for a new beginning. My resolution for this day will be to keep those promises I make to myself, however big or small they may seem. In so doing, I will be better able to care for those I love.
-- Marcia Hodges
from Heartwarmers.com

Lost And Found-Chicken Soup For the Soul

2009-01-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

We had waited nearly two years to get a Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy. I daydreamed of names, felt the brown puppy fur between my fingers, and smelled a young warm-bellied pup. The breeder called with a possible dog for us; he was four months old, had no training, and could not be AKC registered. I explained he would be our family dog and accompany my husband and son hunting. I assured her that his age and lack of early attention was okay with us. For some reason unbeknownst to me, I was determined to have this dog, no matter what. Thus, on a windy day, in late December, we met him. He was shy and afraid of us, of everything really, but I just knew he was my dog. We named him Kenai after our favorite river in Alaska, where my parents lived.Less than one month later, our only child, our sixteen-year-old son, died. As I grieved, whimpering and crying in y pain, Kenai sat at attention at his fence, listening for my movements in the house. He watched and waited, 24/7. I spent more than an hour each day sitting cross-legged on a railroad tie in the yard, Kenai lying across my lap. His fur became a prayer blanket to me, his eyes a healing solace. I sometimes wondered if he was an angel, sent to companion me in my grief.On April 1st, a little more than two months after Justin died, I made a business trip to California. It was a mistake for me to travel so soon. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was and how little energy I had to expend. I couldn’t wait to get home. On a Sunday evening, I called to check in with Jim, my husband. He sounded awful and told me he had some very bad news. While at the fire station on Interstate 80 in Wyoming where he volunteers, a train passed, blowing its whistle. Kenai, standing next to him, had bolted in fear, simply disappearing into the stark barren landscape. Jim searched for hours and finally drove the forty-five minutes home, bereft. He knew how much Kenai mattered to me, and couldn’t believe this loss.When I got home, we drove to Wyoming and searched and searched. No one had seen him. On Holy Thursday, a friend and I drove to every house, every ranch, and posted lost dog signs. I berated myself for seeking a lost dog, while there were places in the world with people searching for missing family and friends. Yet I knew the loss of our son had left us hopeless. We could do nothing to change it. I had to do something now to try to find Kenai, to ease our loss. I had to believe again.Kenai was only seven months old -- a shy, frightened dog. But I had to try, to hope for a miracle. I posted a missing dog report on dogdetective.com.The summer passed. Whenever we went to our cabin, ten miles south of where we lost Kenai, I scoured the landscape. I knew that perhaps someone had found him and kept him, or he had been eaten by a predator, or killed by a car. But I still looked. Something inside me believed in hope. I stopped telling my husband what I was doing. He felt bad enough.Nearly nine months passed. Christmas was coming and we planned to visit my parents in Alaska. It had been the worst year of our lives, and we needed a respite. On December 23rd, we left Colorado in a snowstorm. Two feet of snow had fallen; cattle were dying on the plains. Arriving in Alaska, the serenity and beauty welcomed us. My parent’s cozy lodge was a comforting place to spend Christmas.The morning of December 24th, my husband was on the telephone. I heard snippets of the conversation. “In a dead cow carcass? Brown dog? Skinny? Can’t get near him?” He hung up, shaken, and explained. A rancher out with her cows had spotted a small animal on a distant ridge. She determined it was a dog. She could see it had a collar and flash of silver around its neck. When she approached the animal, it ran. Searching the Internet for lost dogs, Brenda found my notice I’d long given up on but never deleted. She promised to leave food near the cow carcass the dog used for shelter, and warned there was another big storm coming.At Christmas Mass, I couldn’t concentrate. Images of shepherds, ranchers, sheep, dogs, mangers, cradles, and cow carcasses traversed my mind. Was it possible that Kenai had survived all this time, alone? Did I dare I believe he was alive?I asked myself, as I do every Christmas, “How is the Christ-child birthed within me this year?” Might the birthing be hope in a dog that was lost and found? That what seemed to be dead could live? Dare I believe and hope for a miracle?Brenda promised to keep feeding him until we returned on December 31st and could meet her at the ranch. She was certain the skittish dog was Kenai. Though he wouldn’t let her within twenty-five yards of him, the kibble she left on the snowy ground was wolfed down each morning.January 1st dawned clear and sunny and we drove to Wyoming. Entering the ranch, we stopped to scan the landscape with binoculars. On a distant ridge we saw him. There was no doubt now. My stomach started to churn. Within a few minutes, we met Brenda. I could barely breathe. There was only room for one of us in her tractor cab. Jim stared at me and whispered, “Go.”Maneuvering to the ridge top seemed longer than ten minutes. Cows followed as we lurched through icy snow drifts. The sun radiated brilliance against snow and rock. We stopped where Brenda had left food for Kenai. Heart pounding, I stepped from the cab.Brenda backed the tractor away. I walked forward. Suddenly I saw a flash of brown on the other ridge. Clapping my hands, I called, “Kenai, Kenai, Kenaiii,” over and over and over. Could he hear me, would he remember?Kenai stopped and sniffed the air. Instantly wiggling with recognition from nose to tail, he raced through snowdrifts toward me. Whimpers and cries erupted from both of us. I fell to my knees in the snow, arms wide open, calling him. I could see his puppy collar! A solid, furry hay-smelling body launched into my embrace. He was undersized, but unharmed. We jumped up, tumbled around each other, playing, touching, petting, tears pouring forth. I can’t believe he remembers! He’s safe!When Jim was within one hundred yards of us, I knelt, presenting to him Kenai. Kenai looked to me, then rushed to Jim as I watched, sobbing with joy.Oh yes, I hope. I believe.

Hope you enjoyed this marvelous inspirational story as much as I did!
Hugs,
Merry

Hey, Joey Is Here!

2009-01-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

HELLO, Everyone!!
Just to let you guys know! Joseph Russel Kenyon arrived 1/02/09~~~!!!!

Joey is awesome! I felt an emotional tie with him! I think I am getting the hang of this Grandmother stuff. It was tough leaving him today! Jack doesn't quite know what to think! He is handome and gorgeous as always. Not to sure about Mom being in the hospital or him being in the birthing suite. But he's being quite good. Baby & Mom are fine. Daddy Tim, is a bit hyper and being a "germ freak." Patti is making fast recovery from her C sections. She is something. Acts like maybe she just went to the dentist. :) She truly looks angelic in the pictures we have of her and Joseph. I will write more tomorrow.

We just got home from Cedar Rapids (where Tim & Patti live) We got here in the nick of time. There is an ice storm going on here. It's nasty and you can't even walk outside. Dave was going to the store, but came back. It's treaturious. Luckily, Dave had gotten our Maltese Kaycee from my friend Jill's (her groomer & our friend) B4 the roads became sheer ice. I think Tim thought we were leaving too soon, but Dave is ever mindful of weather from being a sales man all these years and He WILL NOT drive in blizzards or on ice, not for us, and not even for his job!

Love,
Merry

Nasty Receptionist!

2008-12-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Today I had a doctor apt. Have you ever had a doctor who had a nasty/snotty witch for a receptionist? Well, I got a very cold reception at the doctor's today from Ms. Important herself. Anyway, she didn't look up or say hello or anything. That witch screwed up my scan apt. and then said I missed my apt. (The hospital told me the doctor should be told!) but I didn't say anything to the Dr.because if the doctor did say something to her, Ms.Receptionist would make my life a living hell. It's never good to be on the bad side of the receptionists! She has a Westie terrier dog she brings to work, and he's a doll. I was petting him and talked just a little to him. But I sure did tense up waiting an hour to be called while Ms. Important greeted other people so friendly it was almost sickening.But then I should have known she would be like this to me, since when I called to find out my scan results, because of the way she's fouled up with test dates for me since Sept. But, I also know that anything I do with her, would just get me upset and not bother her a bit. Then I wait another hour in the exam room. Not good for the blood pressure. I got so upset I threw up in the sink in the little examining room, Then I thought, "Settle down, she is not worth it!" You'd have been proud of me.. She's is off on a POWER trip. . But the nurse is really wonderful and that's nice. And the doctor is very nice too. Just had to tell you this. I just told myself, "Rise above that petty stuff." (And that's just what I did!)
From your pal,
Merry

Christmas Dinner ( An inspirational Story!)

2008-12-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

My work calls for me to venture to the farthest reaches of the world, but one of my most memorable encounters occurred while traveling close to home.A few years ago, a group of my far-flung friends decided to gather in Connecticut to celebrate Christmas. I was to buy all the soft drinks, champagne and wine, and a doctor friend would get the turkey and trimmings.On our way from New York City to Connecticut, my friend and I stopped in for a Christmas Eve party in upstate New York. As we left, I ran into the doctor and casually asked him what size bird he had bought. His eyes widened with surprise—he had bought all the drinks.So here we were on a snowy Christmas Eve, with sufficient drinks to serve a cruise ship but not one piece of food for twelve hungry people! We searched around, but every supermarket was closed. Finally, just before midnight, we found ourselves at a gas station quick-food shop. The manager was willing to sell us cold sandwiches. Other than potato chips, cheese and crackers, he didn’t have much else. I was very agitated and disappointed. It was going to be a rather miserable Christmas dinner. The only bright spot was that he did have two cans of cranberry jelly!In the midst of my panic, an elderly lady stepped from behind one of the aisles.“I couldn’t help overhearing your dilemma,” she said, “If you follow me home, I would happily give you our dinner. We have plenty of turkey, potatoes, yams, pumpkins and vegetables.”“Oh no, we couldn’t do that!” I replied.“But you see, we no longer need it,” she explained, “Earlier today we managed to get a flight to Jamaica—to see our family down there, for the holidays.”We couldn’t say no to such kindness. We thanked her and followed her car. The journey seemed endless as we meandered through back roads and dimly lit streets. Eventually, we reached this kind woman’s house.We followed her in and, sure enough, she removed a turkey and all the trimmings from the fridge. Despite our attempt to reimburse her for her generosity, she refused our money.“This is just meant to be,” she said. “I don’t need it anymore—and you do.”So we accepted her gift, asked her for her name and address, and went on our way.The next day we impressed and surprised our friends by presenting them with a complete feast and telling them our amazing story about the old lady’s help. Despite the last-minute scramble, Christmas dinner turned out to be a great success.Before we left Connecticut, we went to a department store, picked out a gift and drove to the lady’s home to leave our small token of appreciation.We searched and searched but we couldn’t find her place. We couldn’t find the street address on any maps. The name she had given us wasn’t listed anywhere. Baffled, we questioned several local store owners, yet no one knew of the elderly lady. Even the gas station manager told us that he had never seen her before. Every effort we made to locate our Christmas angel failed.As I returned home, I pondered our bizarre encounter with this beneficent woman. Who was this lady who had appeared just in time to help out two desperate strangers, only to disappear with the night?Years later, when I look back upon that particular holiday season, I recall the joy of gathering with friends from across the world and an amazing little old lady whose generosity embodied the very meaning of the Christmas spirit.
The End
I hope this brings joy to your soul, it did to mine.
Merry

Christmas Night

2008-12-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a better Christmas than I thought we would. But it still didn't seem like Christmas, but more like a big birthday party. Hmmmm, shame on me IT is someone's birthday. I am ashamed of myself for making that statement!!

It was good driving to get there. And Jack was worth the ride, even though I about go nuts in a car. He is soooooo handsome, soooooooooo cute!! Part of it is it gets my back and neck really hurting, and part of it is I am a little claustrophobic when I am the passenger in a car (or an airplane, etc.) I can't control the stops (or lack of, lol). (You don't want to know how am I when they do an MRI on me). Jack is such a boy now, not very much baby left in him. He doesn't talk a lot, but what he says, he says plainly. He IS very smart. (Of course, I am not prejudiced.) He really got tired of opening presents. They did it with Patti's family last night and this AM they had done their own, EARLY before we arrived. He drew me a picture (??well if looks like an angel or it could be a snowman) but ya gotta remember he is not quite 19 mo. old. I was so excited I put it up on our refrigerator when we got home.

Patti is a wonderful cook and we had a good day. I know she is tired, she's 9 mo. pregnant but she insists on doing things herself and pushes herself. So, I felt bad, but what can I do? I offer help, she never says okay (pregnant or not).
I got just what I wanted and then some for gifts. I personally didn't spend 1/4 of what I normally do (because of the money worries for me in Jan. But Dave spent more, so I guess it all came out the same, except poor Dave got less (& he is such a nice guy he should get the most)!

The social security/Medicare & Insurance problem hangs heavy over me, but we will try to check state & federal sources where you can purchase one month of insurance. (I can't get the government to pay for it, this is the USA. And we are not on Medicaid (nor am I going to be on Medicare in Jan. The sources say. This insurance, is horribly expensive, but I would rather pay that than have nothing, especially after having been injured for 3 months, and then having to have all those tests and scans at the hospital to rule out what I didn't have & show what I do have. That said, we don't know that I can find it, but we are looking. So, YES, I am worried and scared and so is Dave. We KNOW we could never pay what the Dave's company insurance spent on me in Oct. & Nov!!

Coming home we hit bad weather, about a half an hour from Tim & Patti's. We drove on roads with 0 visibility (blowing snow) for about 5 hours slowly to get home. That was a very tense time. WE almost stopped half way and stayed at a motel, but I am glad to be home again, even if it took a very long time to get here. People were flying by us on the Interstate. Makes me wonder if people are drunk or just think they are invincible, or they are STUPID, LOL. I was very good and a quiet passenger coming home (I am usually horrible), but Dave didn't need that! We even made it over to Auntie Jilts (Our friend & Kaycee's groomer) to get our little girl, Kaycee.

I hope you ALL had a very Merry Christmas! I thought of so many of you! Tell me about your Christmases! I just wanted to tell you about today.
Merry Christmas one more time,

Love,
Merry

Merry Christmas (& Insurance woes)

2008-12-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

First of all, I want to wish everyone a very very Merry Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas fill your heart with love as you all have filled mine all this past year. I love you for it, too!

Dave took Kaycee to our friend Jill (the groomer) to stay for Christmas. When he got back we went out for a little supper. It's snowing AGAIN. We are tired of it. It's the -20 below temps that & blizzards that we can't deal with. Tomorrow (very early AM) we go to Tim & Patti's. This is the worst Christmas I have ever had. I still don't feel that well, and don't want to be away from home. I do want to see Jack, though.

Then Jan. 2-4 we are expected to go back for Joey's birth. Stay in a motel. I want to be there to see Patti and Tim & Jack & the new baby, but do not want to stay there for 4 days in a motel as they are expecting us to do. If you continue reading this you will see why I say that. It's not that I am heartless!

As you know Dave is retiring Jan. 22. I have been getting SS since my Bday in November. I will get half of Dave's instead when he retires instead of mine. Mine is pitiful small. So that's good.

I just learned that I HAVE NO INSURANCE COVERAGE after Dave's company's ins. stops on us & I will have nothing & can't get ANY Medicare Benefits or Supplemental Insurance until Feb.2. I am just sick. Dave is very upset as well. We filed all the right papers and did everything right. But because I have a Nov. Birthday my Medicare doesn't pick up until 3 mo. after my birthday. BUT NO ONE at social security ever told us this. What would we do if I had a stroke? I have to go to the doctors every month. And take several medications! That will have to come out of OUR own pockets. We do not have that kind of $$. I feel horrible about this. I am not in that great of health. I know I shouldn't say this, but I could care less about Christmas. I am so worried and scared about all of this mess.

Forgive me to dump on you at Christmas. I wish you a Merry one!! Please take care of yourself and pray that we can figure out a way to pay medical expenses in January. I hope & pray things are going okay for you and that you are surviving the snow! We have to stick together.

Love you, Email me if & when you get a chance. (I am so scared it's not funny. And Dave gets upset if I even talk about it).
Merry

I Can Hardly Wait 2

2008-12-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

My husband Dave will love that one. I printed it out. I am not much into cars, but he is. Boy, bailing out the auto industry isn't something Dave is happy about. He was telling me that the average worker on the assembly lines of GM, and the others is about $75,000 a year!! (I forget what the hourly wage is, but it's out of sight. This is the good old Union boys, which Dave (& I) hate, hate, hate. And don't think they don't have the best medical, eye, and dental health care, too. Plus fat 401K plans and retirement plans. And we are supposed to feel sorry for these guys and bail out the 3 big US auto makers so those "po folks" don't get laid off? Come on, get real. Who looks out for the Bearing Salesmen, and the Journalists & Restaurant workers, (Me), or even Social Workers, (Me) they make peanuts compared to the auto co. employees. Well, I guess that Bush figures if they don't help the big 3 out it will hurt the entire country which is already in a recession (yes, he really said that this AM on TV at his press conference) (Rick Warren is a Fundamentalist Minister). Congress broke last week without settling things. Boy, why am I not surprised that the Democratic majority (Republican minority) all congress went home & left old George to figure out what to do. Heck, people already don't like him.

Well, I may be crazy, but I do. I see a President that hasn't been afraid to take a stand even against the whims of people. A guy who STOOD firm after 9/11, and I don't care, what anyone else thinks, I hope history is kinder to George than what the American public has been. I bet he is champing at the bit to go home to Crawford, Texas. Oh, I guess Laura Bush said on TV that they will be in Dallas half the time for business purposes and the other half of the time in Crawford, Texas. So, if no one else will say it, I will~! Thank you, President Bush, for serving our country. I am proud of the way you have served our country. I only wish more people were. I hope history will be kinder than what American people are to you. And what really gets me is this Rick Warren who Pres. elect Obama picked to do the Invocation at the Inauguration. Wow, here Obama's big promises about supporting same sex marriages and gay rights, are already being broken! If I was one of those people who worked my ass off to campaign for Obama because of all his "promises" for equal rights to the gays, I'd be pretty mad right now.

Promises, oh, why am I not surprised? All he did was make lots of promises and called for change, change, change, and I bet half the time, he didn't even know what he was saying he needed a change for! Yeah, that's what I really think! This is just a taste of what the next 4 years are going to be like. I pray for our country and I should be praying for Obama, but so far I can't. Because, in the end he is lots of hot air. (But I hope he proves me wrong and does a smashing job.)

Oh, and how nice, now out of no where comes Caroline Kennedy and she is wanting to take Hillary Clinton's senate seat. I bet she gets it, too. I have nothing against the woman, but she's spent her entire life staying OUT OF POLITICS, like her Mother tried to do. And now she wants to serve?? I am sure she's smart enough, but I don't think she should get the position just because she is a Kennedy. But wait, poor Teddy isn't doing well, and we must have Kennedy's in office, here comes Camelot all over again.

Boy, didn't I take my meanie pill for today or what? But then I am one of those people who voted for John McCain, and I am not over that yet. President Obama will have to prove himself to me! This is my cents worth. I ranted on so long I am going to copy this and put in my blog!

Renee, you are pretty fair minded, extremely so-- for a person who claims to be a Liberal. xx
Love to ya'all,
Merry

Fare Thee Well

2008-12-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

Sadly enough, this isn’t all that far from the truth. We’re about to be regulated to a fare-thee-well.Congressional Motors AnnouncesThe First Car for 2012 - The Pelosi!It's in the way you dress. The way you boogie down. The way you sign your unemployment check. You're a man who likes to do things your own way. And on those special odd-numbered Saturdays when driving is permitted, you want it in your car. It's that special feeling of a zero-emissions wind at your back and a road ahead meandering with possibilities. The kind of feeling you get behind the wheel of the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition from Congressional Motors.All new for 2012, the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition is the mandatory American car so advanced it took $100 billion and an entire Congress to design it. We started with same reliable 7-way hybrid ethanol-biodiesel-electric-clean coal-wind-solar-pedal power plant behind the base model Pelosi, but packed it with extra oomph and the sassy styling pizzazz that tells the world that 1974 Detroit is back again -- with a vengeance.We've subsidized the features you want and taxed away the rest. With its advanced Al Gore-designed V-3 under the hood pumping out 22.5 thumping, carbon-neutral ponies of Detroit muscle, you'll never be late for the Disco or the Day Labor Shelter. Engage the pedal drive or strap on the optional jumbo mizzenmast, and the GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition easily exceeds 2016 CAFE mileage standards. At an estimated 268 MPG, that's a savings of nearly $1800 per week in fuel cost over the 2011 Pelosi.Even with increased performance we didn't skimp on safety. With 11-point passenger racing harnesses, 15-way airbags, and mandatory hockey helmet, you'll have the security knowing that you could survive a 45 MPH collision even if the GTxi SS/Rt were capable of that kind of illegal speed.But the changes don't stop there. Sporty mag-style hubcaps and an all-new aggressive wedge shape designed by CM's Chief Stylist Ted Kennedy slices through the wind like an omnibus spending bill. It even features an airtight undercarriage to keep you and a passenger afloat up to 15 minutes -- even in the choppy waters of a Cape Cod inlet. Available a rainbow of color choices to match any wardrobe, from Harvest Avocado to French Mustard.Inside, a luxurious all-velour interior designed by Barney Frank features thoughtful appointments like an in-dash condom dispenser. A special high capacity hatchback holds up to 300 aluminum cans, meaning fewer trips to the redemption center. And the standard 3 speaker Fairness ActoPhonic FM low-band sound system means you'll never miss a segment of NPR again.Best of all, the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt is made right here in the U.S.A. by fully card-checked unionized workers and Detroit 's famous visionary jet-set managers. Even if you don't own one, you can enjoy the patriotic satisfaction that you're supporting the high wages, good benefits, and generous political donations that are once again making the American car industry the envy of the world.But why not buy one anyway? With an MSRP starting at only $629,999.99, it's affordable too. Don't forget to ask about dealer incentives, rebates, tax credits, and wealth redistribution plans for customers from dozens of qualifying special interest groups. Plus easy-pay financing programs from Fannie Mae.So take the bus to your local CM dealer today and find out why the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition is the only car endorsed by President Barack Obama. One test drive will convince you that you'd choose it over the import brands. Even if they were still legal.

Does anyone have extra Christmas spirt for me?

2008-12-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
Okay, hi to anyone who stops by. Bear with me while I get the hang of this!

I need some Christmas spirit and I don't mean the kind you drink, although maybe that wouldn't be so bad. (just kidding) With my illnesses, injuries and 3 months gone by, I have nothing and I do mean nothing done for Christmas. Please don't try to tell me I have a bad attitude because I am aware of that fact. I just don't have the energy to do the things I usually do. Luckily my husband Dave decorates better than me and is a perfectionist about that like I am, too.

Today I had a CAT (LOL)scan and more x-rays at the hospital. I won't get results until next week. But ya know, I said from the very beginning that this was no shoulder injury, but not even the specialists listened to me. Well, it turns out that my family doctor finally got a new report from a different radiologist and he wanted a nodule checked out. I freaked. I do not smoke and don't even allow anyone to smoke in my house ('cuz I can't breathe if they do) but I did smoke for 20 years, we have been off the smokes for 25 years now. But that's always the first thing that comes into your mind with this. I have also had pneumonia about 6 times as a kid and at least that often as an adult and in the hospital always (People I don't do anything without drama, lol). I didn't need to go to PT, I knew it, I knew it. There is nothing wrong with my shoulder. But this nodule could be from the old pneumonia's OR it could be something more serious.

What made this a hassle was the doctor's receptionist scheduled me for Wednesday AM, then didn't tell me. I called her on Wed. AM and she said "Oh, I called you and you were suppose to go today." Don't give me that. I was home ALL day and besides that I have an answering machine. SO, she supposedly rescheduled it and called me back and said it was for 7 AM today. Well, I got up at 4:30 to shower and fix my hair and makeup and all that good stuff and went out in this freezing Iowa weather and guess what? I was NOT on the Radiology schedule for TODAY. She did NOT change it. I don't know if she forgot or what but I am very tired of her attitude. I should mention we use to be sorta friends, went to the same church. Then she switched. When she started working for my doctor she weighed about twice what she does now. She looks great but her personality left when her extra weight did. I don't know what it is but she is hateful to me. It's a power thing. If only I had the nerve or didn't want to take a chance on losing my doctor I would tell Miss Receptionist exactly where to go!

Thank Goodness the Hospital took mercy on me and worked me in anyway. They are just so accommodating in every department I have been sent to. They truly must love their work, because you cannot fake that kind of caring. Now, I do think some doctors do it for the money, but not most hospital employees.

I am so tired. I am thankful that I AM feeling better, but still do have pain in my rib and right armpit which is where this nodule is. And then I looked around and I saw so many people that have so many more problems than me, and it humbled me. When you sit around in hospital gowns and robes, you know you are all the same, no one is judged by the clothes they wear, we are all just people. And it's definitely a neat thing. We talk and laugh, and have a brief camaraderie. I've noticed this where ever I go for tests these last three months. And it's easier to talk to a person somewhere near my age (that means over 50 but not 100), but I've met some nice younger folks, too.

Well, I hope this finds you all doing well and that you are getting ready for Christmas without the last minute stuff I will have to do. You know I'd love to hear from any and all of you new or old to blog spot. I love making new friends!

Many people moved my blog out of kindness from a mass Email I sent out. I was so touched by the thoughtfulness and the kindness of all of you who moved my AOL Journals. So far, this is themain one I've been writing in. I will delete some others or rename them and write about different things. I never know when to shut up so that might be a good way to use all my blogs.

Take care now and if you do post to your blog, please email me at merry1621@aol.com as I don't think I get alerts anymore. Do any of you?
Oh, I have missed you all! And I want to thank those of you who have hung with me through Emailing. You are special folks and I truly feel a kinship with each of you.

Good night! Love you!
Merry
PS You're emails have helped me so much through all this sickness. I have been incredibly lucky in all my life, never had things like this. Getting old stinks. I hate 65 & I hate Medicare but what can I do about it? Well, I loved my life before so hopefully I will again soon. If I had to pick my 10 favorite years they would be from 37-47, though. How about all of you? What are your favorite years?

The Friday Chrismas Tree

2008-12-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

“Mommy,” six-year-old Brian cried, as he pulled on his pajamas, “the other kids said we’re going to have a Christmas tree for the house! What’s a Christmas tree?”Snug in their small bedroom at this Christian shelter for women and children, Jenny Henderson held him and four-year-old Daniel close. “It’s a beautiful tree that helps people be glad for Jesus,” she said. “People decorate them at Christmas time. They buy each other presents and put them under the trees.”Daniel wrinkled his nose. “What’s ‘decorate’ mean? What’s Christmas?”Their mother sighed. All the years she had lived with the boys’ father, he refused to let them celebrate anything, no matter how much she pleaded. No birthdays. No holidays. And certainly no Christmas.So the boys had never blown out birthday candles, watched TV, decorated a Christmas tree, hung up stockings, eaten a big Christmas dinner or opened any gifts.When the Henderson home became so sad with all the arguing, controlling and bossing, Jenny and the boys moved to the shelter home. Now they were free to celebrate everything, including Christmas, with the other mothers and children there.Jenny gave Daniel a hug. “I’ll tuck you both under the covers and tell you a wonderful story about Jesus and Christmas.”She recounted the detailed story of the first Christmas night, then told them about decorating a Christmas tree, giving Christmas presents to each other, and telling God thank you for baby Jesus.“Wow!” Brian cried. “I want to love baby Jesus, too. And I want to decorate a Christmas tree, too!”“Me, too!” Daniel echoed. “Please, Mommy, please!”Jenny laughed. “Mrs. Naples, the house manager, says we’re going to have a big Christmas tree decorating party this Saturday. All the kids who live here will be able to help, including you two.”Brian and Daniel were so excited, they could hardly get to sleep. And the very first thing Daniel asked when he woke up the next morning was, “Is it Saturday yet? Can we decorate the tree yet?”Finally, that Friday, they heard a great shout. “The tree’s here!” All the children scrambled down the stairs. There at the front door were three men carrying the biggest, most beautiful, fragrant evergreen, so big it almost stuck in the doorway. The men set it up on a stand, and everyone gathered around. It almost reached the ceiling!“Can we decorate it right now?” Daniel asked.Mrs. Naples laughed. “No, remember it’s still Friday, Daniel. We’ll have our decorating party tomorrow.”Just then she got a phone call in the office. It was the boys’ father. Since Mr. Henderson had never hurt the boys, he was allowed to come to the shelter and take them out on visits. He was coming the next day to take them out for a while—right at decorating time.The boys loved their father, of course. But they did so want to decorate their very first Christmas tree. “Please, Mrs. Naples,” Brian begged, “could we put just one pretty thing on the tree tonight? Just one small decoration?”The house manager looked at the beautiful tree. She looked at the two boys and she looked at the other children. “Well, what do you think, children?” she asked. “Would that be fair? Let’s take a vote.”“Yes!” they all shouted.A short time later, all the children helped carry not just one little decoration, but whole boxes of them into the living room. They set them around the waiting tree.“All right, boys,” Mrs. Naples said to Brian and Daniel. “You have an hour. During that time you may decorate to your hearts’ content. We won’t plug anything in, but you take out anything in any of the boxes. Tomorrow while you’re gone we’ll take the decorations off so the other children can have their chance putting them on. But tonight is your night.”Then she shooed the other children away and left the two boys alone.Brian and Daniel had never been so happy in their entire lives. They picked up each shiny ball, each shimmering garland, each handful of icicles, as carefully as if they had been made of diamonds, then placed them lovingly on the tree.A little later, Mrs. Naples stopped by to see how they were doing. All around the bottom branches—as high as little boys’ arms could reach—glittered joyful ornaments of blue, red, green, gold and silver, plus loop upon loop of garlands, and handfuls upon handfuls of icicles.But instead of standing there admiring their work, the two boys were on their knees with their eyes closed tightly, praying.“Thank you, dear Jesus,” Brian began, “for getting bornded at Christmas time. And thank you for letting us decorate your Christmas tree. That’s the bestest Christmas present I could ever get.”“Oh, and, Jesus,” his little brother added, “when Daddy comes here tomorrow and sees our beautiful tree, please let him like it and not be mad. And help him want to love you, too.”Brian thought a moment. “You’re right,” he agreed. “That would be the bestest Christmas present of all.”

2008-12-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

Hi, hi hi! Will this really work? I am trying to finally post in one of my blogs that got transferred. This is a test. But comments and advice are welcome. I have missed my Jland friends a lot!
Love,
Merry

Complaint To The Military (How dare they??)

2008-08-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Complaint to the Military (Read this)

Noise Complaint at Luke AFB, AZ

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.

A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed their day at the mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:

'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet.

Imagine our good fortune! Do the 'Tom Cruise-wannabes' feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyn's early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.'

The response:
  Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets'

On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship fly-by of
F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in  Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a.m.on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly-by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.

A four-ship fly-by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those
who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators
and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show?

The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it  was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you... Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul and liberty; the other for your natural freedom.

(signed)
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF

'Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.
~John Wayne~

Harry & Ike, Ronnie, Georges,& Espeically John McCain!

2008-08-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Harry S. Truman <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />

"The Buck Stops Here."

"It doesn't matter how big a ranch ya' own, or how many cows ya'
brand, the size of your funeral is still gonna depend on the weather."
-Harry Truman.

I have never heard that before! I loved iT! Dave has heard it, where was I when he heard it, I wonder. I remember when Harry Truman was president. I think I was in kindergarten or first grade. I remember it because no one thought he'd win. My Dad's family were stanch Republicans, but even they liked Harry Truman and his unique way of saying things like they are! Yep, I remember.

Then came Dwight Eisenhower who looked exactly like my grandfather Hills had looked. Since I didn't have many pictures of Grandfather before he got sick, I put pic's of Dwight Eisenhower all over our house. I also remember 1976, It was a bicentennial year. Not that I got carried away or anything, but I bought everything I could with the date 1976 on it. Glasses, coffee cups, pictures, you name it. I still have some of that stuff.

I loved Ronald Reagan. I will always love Ronald Reagan. He was one of those people that changed the world so much in so many ways for the better. I still miss Ronald Reagan. I am going on & on here, I am going to copy this for my journal. That's what journals are for is blabbing on, right?

I liked Bill Clinton. Throw bricks at me, I don't care. I liked the person especially when he was done being our President. We visited DC in 1999, when he was in Office, it changed the way I felt about him and history and my country. Can Bill be that bad if he did all that?

I liked both George Bush's. Lotza people don't much like that. But I don't care. They were both good men and the son a better President than his Dad, I think. I think George Bush held our country together after 9-11. I don't see how people can't see that. I think he will be thrilled to go back to Crawford, Texas.

Okay, this is the end part. I liked all of these presidents. But not a one of them did I like as much as I do John McCain. John is my man. I am passionate in my support of him. So, there you have it. I am a proud McCain Volunteer and I will be helping his campaign as election day comes closer. And on the day election is. I will poll watch. And I will pray. And that's all I can do. Go John Go!

xoxo

Merry

Me! No, YOU!

2008-07-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

Please answer this in an email to me, or put your URL for your journal in here and so I can read what you had to say. Come on Play, it'll be fun!

you

Lets see the funny shit you people come up with! YOU fill in the blanks about ME even if you don't have any idea what they are and send it back to ME. But first post a blank one out to all your friends so they can return the favor to you.

My name:

Who is the love of my life:

Where did we meet:

Take a stab at my middle name:

How long have you known me:

When is the last time that we saw each other:

Do I smoke:

Do I drink:

When is my birthday:

What was your first impression of upon meeting me:

Do I have any siblings:

What's one of my favorite things to do:

Am I funny:

What's my favorite type of music:

What is the best feature about me:

Am I shy or outgoing:

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:

Do I have any special talents:

Would you consider me a friend/good friend:

Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy, snobby, or something else (what):

What is a memory we have once had:

Have you ever hugged me:

Do you miss me...do you think i miss you:

What is my favorite food:

Have you ever had a crush on me:

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:

What's your favorite memory of me:

Who do I like right now:

What is my worst habit:

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would I bring?

Are we friends:

Checking In! Back to Normal (?) Life

2008-06-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hi dear friends, my buddies, pals, confidants, (new & old alike!)

It has been a week since I made an entry. I have had mega AOL problems, Now everything seems to be working okay. I still don't know WHY I got this version, but now that I can get into my Journals again, I am NOT changing back to 9.(whatever it was) Optimized. I have had so many people (all nice & well meaning) tell me that 9 whatever Optimized was the latest AOL version. (I am talking of the "paid" kind not the free version.) I just had this thought, what if this is the free version?? I don't want it then. What this version says it is is AOL Desktop. I am a lot of things, but never claimed to be computer savvy! Okay, enough of the what if's, I am DOING an entry!

I feel as if I am a different person than the Merry before the flood. I realize now (my family) was lucky compared to so many people that lost everything! I truly thank Our Heavenly Father, for every day. I know you may read this and think. "My friend Merry really "flipped out," but I think I just had a wake up call. I honestly feel that sometimes we are sent tragedies to make us grow stronger, and hopefully become better people! And in turn, this makes us become better friends to those people who touch our lives.

I will be 64 in November. Usually, I don't talk about age much, because I don't like to. The truth is I am too vain. (I have never been one to take it as it comes, I have fought it every step of the way!) But, still fight it or not, IF we are LUCKY, & LIVE, age happens! Perhaps, getting older isn't so bad, if it finally has allowed me (after all this time) to feel comfortable in my own skin! So, I truly am going to TRY to make the most of my days. Each day is a gift & we can choose to fill it with fear, *I do have Generalized Anxiety Disorder + all the stuff on my "All About Me. column. I think I will be changing that, too. After all, those disabilities are not who I am, they are things I have, but they aren't all that I am as a person! They are misfortunes that I have to deal with it. But the bottom line is this....EACH DAY IS A GIFT. We are allowed 24 hours each day. How we spend it is really up to us! Sometimes, we cannot find much to feel grateful about, but most days, if we REALLY look and see how much we have, I think most of us can (if we make the effort) really realize how blessed we are. I have so much, and I am grateful for every bit of it. I am not talking about financial positions, or lack of them. I am talking about "REAL" life, real friends, real family. I live in a "real" town, a nice small town, should I spend my time looking for what is wrong with it, or should I spend my time realizing I am part of it and try to make it a better place?

The same is true of our lives. We only get one. I don't think anyone goes through life without adversities along the way. Sometimes we are able to sail through hard times, but sometimes, we get stalled "in the flood water." However if we just STOP & THINK, we just fall down. We must get up, shake ourselves off and the be thankful! We we are bigger and better people for everything we are forced to deal with in the space of our life.

Today, I am happy to report we are about 85% done with the flood drama, and what is left are things I have to go through to see what effect the dampness had on them. That will take time. But as far as I know, I have that, so that is "no problem!" We had our basement decontaminated. We have a roof over our heads, and many things that make our lives easier. So many people in our town, in our state, and actually, in the Midwest, lost everything! We just been inconvienced. We are lucky! Others are not. That really isn't fair. But to be honest, I am very thankful that we came out of this as well as we did. We lost things, not people; & we didn't actually lose much $$ wise. Really, the costs that we had were for the trash guys to come and haul junk that needed to go anyway, away & for the basement to be professionally sanitized. What we lost can be replaced if we want to do that. I don't understand why some people have huge losses and we don't. That isn't fair, yet I can't lie....I am grateful for everything we have! Mostly, I am grateful for the people I love & I am so lucky to have a wonderful immediate family, and good, true, cherished friends that dear to me. I also want to let my readers know I do see that I am lucky and that I KNOW that!. I do see that God has blessed me with family love and the love of good, dear friends. You friends who matter MOST, know who you are, and you know you are truly dear to me.

I also feel comfortable in my own skin. I know this is fleeting, everyday will not be a happy day for me. I did not go through any born again experience, but I do think my "wake-up call" has made me think. The things that matter are not things you can buy. No amount of money determines how many friends you have, or how strong your faith is. As my Mom use to tell me "Happiness comes from within." And so, for today, I have to tell you all, I know I am blessed and luckier than so many people. For the gift of life, I thank God. For my friends that I have I thank God. For those of you who came "out of nowhere" but gave me strength, you sustained me through a hardship; and I THANK YOU! I love those of you who did that for me. Even if I have never met you, I do know you and I love you. I don't need to be financially well off, (although that's always nice) :). I know people who have much more than I who are miserable; I know people who have so many less than I do, and yet they are very happy people. They reached out and touched my life with caring and kindness. I don't need to list names, those of you that I am talking about know you are important individuals in my life. I actually think If I could fill my life with more people like you, and in turn be here to help you in your lives; Then, in fact, no greater legacy or wish could I have.

NORMAL: This is what life is becoming again now for me. I thank God for each and every blessing He has bestowed upon me & you, my Journal friends are precious beyond words, to me.

For all of you, I hope you have a "NORMAL" life. That is what I wish for you. If you don't, work at it. I tell you, "normal" is wonderful, and it's what I wish for each of you. Work at becoming and staying "normal!" Pray for it. If I can help any of you who helped me, just call out my name as the song goes, "You know wherever I am, I'll come running to see you again, etc." (James Taylor). Bye for now!

With Love Always,
Merry

Sunday, Father's Day!

2008-06-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Part 2

Just like a bad penny, I am "back again!" You won't get rid of me easily, LOL. Ah come on, I know you ya'all like me or are starting to, & I absolutely love ya'all!

I still haven't stopped washing clothes! I am telliing you, I don't think there is a bottom to the baskets! I actually love to wash, but I don't like to have an ironing build up & I will. I iron down in the basement & I can't stay down there and iron now, until it get decontimaninated. I run down to use the washer & dryer & race back up here. That place gives me the creeps since the flood. I can't WAIT until the cleaning service that does decontamination work gets to our name on the list. I had no idea; but we have heard it gets up into more than one thousand dollars! When they get here, I will let you know if what it actually cost. Don't know about you, but we don't have extra thousand dollars laying around. But, what can we do?

I would attach a picture of Gorgeous Jack , the grandson I have been braggng about, but we haven't downloaded the recent pictures of him The old ones I have he looks like a baby yet in. I only see him about every 2 1/2-3 months & he has changed dramatically every time. He went from looking like a baby & crawling aroung to become a very tall slim toddler, who runs (never walks, LOL) around. Always with a smile on his face and like my own Dad, a twinkle in his eye. He is precious beyond what words can say. When I hold him, I hug & hug him, and sometimes he squirms. We waited 45 years to become Grandparents, most of our friends have Grandchlidren that are teens, some even in college. But Gorgeous Jack was worth waiting for!

Today is Father's Day! I have to pay a little tribute to my own Dad. I can't believe it, but today I figured it out & my Daddy has been gone for 23 years. Sometimes, it seems like only last week, but sometimes finally after many hard years, it seems like a LONG time ago.

My Dad was my Knight in Shinning Armour! He was MyPrince Charming! I was the baby in our family, I have one older sister. I was born more than 2 months early in a blizzard in Hinckley, MN. I was born at the doctor's nurses home; because my Dad could not get Mom to the closest town that had a hospital. I weighed 3 lb. They put me in a dresser drawer with warm jars all around me--that was my "incubator." The doctor came shortly after the nurse phoned him and said he missed the big event. He gave me 2 drops of whiskey, slapped me on the bottom & told my parents I would be fine. I was & I am! The only hard part was after I was born, for months my Mom had to feed me every 2 hours. My sister went everywhere with Daddy, until she went to school (she is 5+ years older than me). But make no mistake I knew I was the baby, and I loved it! My Dad always called me, Jo Baby. (My middle name is Joann after his Mother). I could do almost no wrong in my Dad's eyes, and he was my very best friend for the first 37 years of my life. At this point my parents moved to Florida, and we left Davenport, the Quad Cities and moved to Mason City, IA. Dave's office transferred him here. But he could have chosen to go elsewhere; I had to talk sweet, to get him to Mason City--it was as close to MN as I could get him!! (Mason City is about 20 min. tops to the Minnesota border!) My Daddy was a a caring, kind, compassionate, & gentle father to both my sister & I. But for me, there was no one single person I would rather be with throughout all my life than my Dad. I had more fun with him than even my closest friends; and I have always made friends easily. So, today, on Father's Day, I am remembering all that my Dad did for me. It makes we cry, but it would even make a stranger cry if they knew the dynamics of our special relationship. My Dad's only flaw was that he could never say no, and also, he could not discipline me or my sister. Poor Mom had to do all that (in later years she told me she hated that, but "Someone had to inforce some rules on you two girls"). Daddy, I know you are looking down on me from Heaven above, and since Mom died 7 years ago, I know you aren't lonely anymore. I miss you still, not every day like I did the first few years, but when I do, it is a deep loss. Life without you, Daddy has never been quite the same. But in his own way, Dave has become my Prince Charming and even my Knight in Shinning Armour. My parents always loved Dave, so, Daddy, I know would understand my feelings of transferance, and approve of it. When I picked Dave, I picked the guy that was the most like my Dad in every way that mattered to me! Of all that I have done, I know you loved having Tim for a grandson more than any other single thing, I did. But I also know you would be very proud of me. You taught me the love of reading and books, you instilled in me a deep quest for knowledge and while you were still alive (you were 71) at the age of 39, I presented you with my first College degree. I'll never forget the smile on your face. Ten years later I was back in school on that quest for knowledge in a different field. I know you weren't here anymore, but I also know you saw me graduate from Heaven. Daddy, I love you just as much today as ever & I hope I have made you proud. I know that you gave me another great gift. You always had a way with people and you had many, many friends. Everyone who knew you, liked you. I don't think I can match you there, but I do know I love meeting people, and I love my friends. You, Dad taught me that a friend was one of life's other biggest gifts. Here's to you, Daddy. Hug Mom for me & hold hands, I hope it'll be a while before I join you! I am having too much fun, to leave this earth, so I hope God gives me a few more years here. I love you, Daddy! Jo Baby

I have to go cry a little now, (but only a little, because I know you wouldn't want me to be sad! So, I will leave you (finally, LOL). Then I'm going to watch TV with my dear husband, Dave!

See you all later,

Merry

PS Remember hold hands, look both ways and cross streets carefully. (This is something my sister use to say to me.) I guess Father's Day reminds us of all family. Sooooooooo, I must add, I love you, Bev. No matter what you will always be my big sister!

I THINK THE Worst Is Over for Us & CR, too! Yay!

2008-06-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

I think the worst is over, finally! What a week this has been!! It seemed like a whole year, but it was only a week. We were okay, our son, wife and grandson in Cedar Rapids, IA were okay; but they, as our had losses and they had to stay at a motel for 4 days because they lost power. Jack was staying with Patt's Aunt. If you saw 13 month old Jack in action, you'd know why he would not be a happy camper in a one bed small motel room! He is 13 months and once he learned to walk, he immediately learned to run, and boy does he go! I talked to Tim early this afternoon and they had been back home in daylight so Jack could play with his own toys, they had picked him up. Then went back to the motel & Jack was napping

(I didn't think he even did that, because the night we watched him we couldn't slow him down even by midnight, lol). That was one week ago Saturday, boy it seems like a month ago, tho with all that has happened!

They live 3 hours from Mason City. He'd get a 2nd and then a 3rd wind. Patti & Tim came here to go to a wedding of one of Tim's friends daughters. This was our first babysitting gig! We did A-okay, too! He never cries, he has the best dispostion. But, he is a mover and a go-er guy! Tim said they had to throw out all their freezer stuff, and the refrig. freezer, and most of the refrig. as well.

About 5 Tim called again when Dave was home to wish him a Happy Father's Day & they are HOME AGAIN with POWER restored! Tim said 2 blocks away one way or another in that town, can be bad. Then the next block can be like "normal." All you see on TV (& they have been showing Cedar Rapids, IA a lot) is the bad stuff. But Tim said they hardly have any more water in their basement than they get after a good hard rain. They had NOTHING like we had, and no sewage backup at all!

Anyway, back to the point. (Yes, I know I tend to ramble like I am a dumb female, but I assure you I am not dumb, I am a 2 time college graduate and belong to the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.) We are still wating to get our basement decontaminated by a professional. We don't know when that will be. We've only had water safe to clean with since Thurs. or Fri. So, this may be a while. Our bathroom, and luandry room especially got the sewage backup, (don't mean to gross you out people, but floods are not for those who get queasy easily.)

Just to be able to run the dishwasher, wash clothes, drink the water is Heaven. I promised God, I will never take water for granted again! I leave it up to you, friends, to remind me of this. Or if I complain about petty things & I probably will, you can tell me to "remember when." We had water restored to flush the stool & take showers like on Thursday, but we could not wash clothes in it until mid day Friday. I think....I am not senile, it's just that in the midst of a catastrophe, you lose track of what happened when. I think our brains are still in the stress mode.

Iowa City is near where Tim works for a Business Newspaper there, he is a Journalist. He's a news reporter & a page designer. It's only a 20 min. commute. Patti works for a big company as a Computer Engineer in Cedar Rapids. Iowa City has not seen the wost of the flood yet. What is worrysome is the U of Iowa Hospitals have had to partially evacuated. Same for a lot of the U of Iowa Campus, in Iowa City. Down the road another hour, is Davenport, IA & the "Quad cities"). *Illinois towns are part of that grouping also. We lived in Davenport for 21 yr as a family; Dave acutally lived their all his life until we moved here; as most of you know I was born and raised in Minnesota. Davenport will have damage, when these smaller rivers empty into the big Mississippi.

I think I am writing way too much, so am going to stop. I'll do "Part two" in the next entry. I promise not to yak on so long there.

Check both entries out! I love all your comments & I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to have you all leave me positive comments and several of you have also Emailed me. You are the best. I think I am really a part of Jland now, and that makes me a very happy girl.

Love, Merry

DAY 5 (Flooding, etc.)

2008-06-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hi; I am just going to make this a short entry. I am beat tonight. I may write more tomorrow! I do want to thank you who commented in my comments and those of you who Emailed me, and even those of you who thought of me even briefly today because...I need you all in my life!

Things are quiet for today. It rainded last night but today has been beautiful and sunny. The forecast is bleak for the next few days, all over the state of Iowa. Please keep all of Iowa in your prayers. The tragic tornado with the Boy Scouts happened in one of my husband's overnight sales territories; he goes there every other week. The surviving boys were so brave. This was just a devastating tragedy!!

I got out of the house & went shopping today! I told my husband, "You know, the saying, 'When the going gets tough; the tough ones go shopping." Well, he knows that too well. I bought a couple Father's Day gifts for him, some fancy, dancy cosmetics to make all my wrinkles go away (LOL, I am kidding). Well, at least I will feel better, wrinkled or not. I also got more towels for us. We still can't wash clothes or dishes or drink our water. Then I could not help myself I found two really cute short jackets that I had to have. One is bright line green, with white flowers in and will go with lots of my summer clothes & the other one is beige, I have a lot of beige things, (I usually wear pink things or pink prints with them. I have a pink thing!) It started because of my concern for all women regarding breast cancer, but now I just plain love pink!

They say we MIGHT have water that we can wash clothes in and dishes and even drink by Sat. or Sun. I will believe that when I see it.

They sent water to be tested somewhere and are waiting to hear back. However if it rains more, our water treatment plant will have problems, and we will get it shut off again.

Tonight, besides being very tired, I am doing pretty good. It was a pretty good day although this AM I didn't think it was going to be.

A good reminder that we should all just keep "trucking" because even a lousy day can turn into a very good day. Life is like that, full of ups and downs. Valleys, hills, & mountains. But the streams at the bottom of the mountains refresh us and give us the strength to go on and make ourselves and our familes, happy.

I wish you all a wonderful mountain stream tonight and that you will be refreshed and ready to go at the world again tomorrow and remember you never know what surprises might be just around the corner waiting for you. I hope yours are good surprises!

Love Always,

Merry

Day 4 flooding

2008-06-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I have gotten quite a few comments. I don't have a fancy journal like ya'll (LOL) do. I don't have pictures in here, and I think folks like journals with pictures more. I like pictures in other people's journals, but I care more about what they write. Maybe that's just me, I want to be known and remembered by the things I do or have done, and also by the lives I touch. That is what I try to do when things are fairly normal for me, which they usually really are. Anyway, I want to thank all of you that took the time out of your day to send me a comment. When you go through a crisis like this you really need support. It was hard for me to share my feelings about all this flood devastation, I was afraid people would be too philosophical. But a friend told me Jland would not let me down, so I wrote. Gosh, what a great friend that was/is! Jland is supportive and all that folks told me it would be. You guys are awesome supporters and I love you for caring about me, my family, & my state!

Gee, we thought we were getting water this AM FINALLY. All AM I had faucets on, but only got a trinkle. I called some neighobors that are home in the daytime, and they didn't have any more. That was real disouraging.

I finally got MAD & thought I don't care that they said the water we saved on Sunday should not be used. I am taking a bath and washing my hair. I boiled water over & over & over until I finally got enough & I took a bath! & I did it and I am not sorry. But I had half cold water, I mean like ice. I tried to pretend I was a kid again at our cabin in Northern Minnesota, the cold water never phased me. But every time I tried to lay all the way down in the bathtub I could NOT do it! Finally I got on my knees and dunked my head upside down & washed my hair, then boiled more water, and rinsed it and eventually got as clean as I could under the circumstances.

Guess what? About a half hour after I did all this water started coming out of the faucets. What a wonderful sight! I thought like this, "And on the ___________day God created water", or something like that--I can't remember what day. (I am a good Lutheran and I know the Bible fairly well, but right now I am stressed.....that's my excuse for today & I am sticking to it. Tonight my husband is taking a REAL shower. I am too! I promised God I won't take water for granted, EVER AGAIN I hope I don't forget that one.

We still can't wash dishes or clothes with it; or drink it though. They say MAYBE next week. This is maddening and hard to take!

Several parts of Iowa also have been hit and Cedar Falls and Waterloo, IA really got it. Des Moines will tomorrow. Cedar Rapids got some & some people got evacuated. Our son, wife and grandson (Gorgeous Jack age 13 months) live there. But they are fine and are not near any flooded areas!

I always thought I was still a Minnesota girl. This moring when I saw those pictures on TV; I cried. Iowa is my home, (gee, it only took about 45 yr. for me to say that, LOL0. This devastation broke my heart and I cried and cried. I guess I truly am an Iowan now.

Unfortunately we are supposed to get rain for the next 3 days, so who knows what will happen. This ordeal is far from over. If we get more rain, our foundation might not take it. So, I am scared but I am going to put this in God's hands tonight.

So for today, I am thankful for the water we had & for my friends, and Jland.

I am going to go now and end this on an up note. I hope it reads that way, anyway.

God bless you all, real good as the saying goes!

Love,

Merry

Flood update Day 3

2008-06-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Upon the advice of a rather new Jland friend of mine, I am continuing to post entries in at least one journal. I don't usually communicate this way (about my personal life) (preferring to normally email people privately). But, it's easier to update a journal. And because this friend of mine urged me to post, saying that Jland will be supportive to me and people really want to know what is going on with Merry.

Hope people don't get too philosophical with me. Right now, I need to feel as I have some care and concern generating my way, BUT I must admit, I can't take too many ultra "Cheer up" from some people who have everything normal right now. I guess I will just have to hope some folks can be concerned but also a little empathetic, cuz you never know what a disaster is going to do to you until you are in the middle of it. Yesterday I was so upbeat and cheerful and content to rough it out. This AM it's not as easy to be that way.

My major hobbies are this computer,visiting with people, shopping, cleaning, washing (myself, then clothes 2 and or 3X a day) kinda in that order. What? If you are thinking that your friend Merry sounds a little bit obsessive compulsive, you are right, but it's not like I have to take medication for it or that bad, I have gotten this way more since I am not able to work outside the home anymore, due to my physical limitations.

I believe it's the way I handle stress by keeping myself, my house in perfect order. When unable to do that, I have to dig down and find the great core genes I inherited from my awesome parents!! Then, I rise again and can not only cope but maybe go down the block and at least talk to people.HELP SOMEONE ELSE!

I'm gonna make it through this, I just sometimes need to vent, but I am stronger than it may sound. To those of you who have Emailed or called me, thanks again for your concern & Emails. It means the MORE than I can express!
Love your friend,

Merry

Day 2 of Flooding

2008-06-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hi!

You think you will just have to deal with doing what regulations say, (No bathing, no water for coffee, that is if you can even find any right now in this town!) I think I mentioned we have no water. The dishwasher is full, and I don't have enough water to use to wash them anyway. Sat. night we were busy watching Jack, and had no clue all this was going to happen, so I didn't run it or wash dishes in the sink. OMG

One of the guys in Dave's office who lives in a small town here said we are welcome to come there and shower. Dave may need to. I took a bath in the little bit of water (I had filled the tub yesterday AM to save to wash up with, to flush the stool with, etc.) in a kitchen Rubbermaid plastic container (actually our recycling bin. --I washed it first.) We did have coffee this AM and not in boiled water, as I thought it was safe as we got it before they shut the water & sewage treatment plant down due to their flood damage. Now my neighbor told me they are saying that water, even boiled is not safe to brush your teeth in even. Well, this neighbor told me that if that's true Damn Mason City had a major water problem before this happened! She is right!

Did I tell you I waded through the water yesterday (before the sewage really got bad in the laundry room) (now it's literally full of broken feces). I know, I know I am grossing you out but I want you to know the severity of our situation. I went down and brought up my iron. Those of you who REALLY know me, I know can believe that one.

Also, after I sponge bathed (& I managed to wash my entire body in a plastic dishpan (there's not too much left of my body so that helps. --See, being skinny IS advantageous, :) I put on all my moisturizers and full makeup. I didn't get to wash & fix my hair. Hey, I did this because I had to do SOMETHING, Dave will NOT let me back down in the basement. He is home just for today. My work will come when I sort out the multiple storage containers I have winter clothes in, extra sheets and blankets, etc.) (In other words after the clean up.)

When I send my next update I may repeat some of this, (because I am nervous right now) but I will be adding things to, so just read what's new and ignore what I already told you.

One neighbor who works for public health says we may not get water or be able to use even bottled water for a week. It's sunny now, and not supposed to rain today, but more RAIN is coming again Wed, Thurs., and maybe Friday.

Love,

Merry

PS Worst case about getting evacuated like if we get more rain is that Kaycee couldn't stay with us at a shelter. All the motels in nearby towns that are NOT effected by all this are full. I was on the phone this AM. If we are forced to leave, I will have my cell with me. So, if you can just pray we get to stay here and that the worst is over (we don't get MORE rain) that would mean the world to me.

Flood update (DAY 1)

2008-06-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

How I First Discovered We Were Flooding

Dave was sleeping in the basement. (Our son from out of town and wife and grandson were in other upstairs bedrooms. I was in our bedroom upstairs.)

I had kicked Nice Dave out for snoring. He couldn't go to the spare bedrooms upstairs since Patti, Tim and Jack were in there.

I went down to get Dave up to have coffee with me. I started to go in the bathroom downstairs, and one foot in there I step in water ankle deep! What a rude situation to awaken to! I don't think I will ever forget that moment!

I love you all.
Merry

I Am Charlie Brown

2008-04-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?

A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.

Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.

Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.

Then forward this to all your friends ( including the person who sent it to you ) OR leave me your journal address, then put this in your journal OR what the heck, EMAIL it to me personally if ya wnat, just answer! Come on, it's cute! And change the subject of this message to what character is you.

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candle light dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts )
e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)

5 What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts)
d) Dark Blue(2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 p ts.)
e) Salad (5 pts.)

8. What is your favorite holiday ?
a) Halloween(1 pt.)
b) Christmas(3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day(4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving(5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
d) Hawaii (4 pts)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for! Put your character in the subject line and forward to your friends and back to the person that sent this to you.

Very interesting to see 'who' your friends are!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield :
You are very comfortable, easy going, and you d efinitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt y ou or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:
You are fun; you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you ' re never out of style , you are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned. Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times

(24-28 points) You are Elmo:
You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try no t to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:
You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to los e. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it' s funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people and you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown:
You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points ) You are Dexter:
You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family p ri nciples. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!
Now don't spoil it! Have some Fun!! Change the subject of the email to what you are and send it on.

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. (Personally, not that I like mice, so I'm not sticking up for them--BUT, I like cheese better anyway!)

Hugs!

Merry

Come & Play!

2008-04-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Two names you go by: Merry, Toots (by my husband)

Two things you are wearing right now: A very "neat & nifty" pink T-shirt which has flowers on it & says "Iowa State" & NEW smaller sized (!!!) jeans!. I don't normally wear theme or college attire, but even though my husband is a University of Iowa fan, I have to support Iowa State, because our son went there.

Two Favorite things to do: Play on my computer, and go see our grandson (Gorgeous Jack) AKA Jonathan David Kenyon, who will be 1 on May 18!

       Two things you want very badly at the moment: To continue to enjoy life with my wonderful husband (they don't make them like him anymore!) And, to continue to keep God and the Lutheran Church a top priority in my life.

       Two favorite pets you have had/have:  Glad this said two, because I have a long list of favorite pets who have made our lives very enriched! I have to say my two favorite pets would be Jessi (my first Bichon) & Kaycee our current only dog ("The Wonder Maltese.")  I feel bad not mentioning TeddyBear, I Loved him too! But he was more Dave's dog than mine. We just lost him in Dec, 2007. Dave would probably say Teddy, & then either Kaycee, Jessi, Rocky (another Bichon) or Mike (our first pet, a Collie).

       Two people who will fill this out:   I have no idea, but it sure would be nice if TWO DID THAT!

       Two things you did last night:   Laundry & ironing, played on the computer.

       Two things you ate today:  I haven't eaten. I don't eat breakfast. I DO EAT, THO!! SInce I am on a diet, I eat healthy, only 700 calories a day 2 meals and a bedtime yogurt, BUT I do make SURE I eat, vegetables, fruit, protein, and fiber EVERYDAY. When I am NOT on a diet, I eat the same way, but I eat about 1400 calories, & eat out 2 or 3 times a week!

       Two people you last talked to:   My friend Renee in Vancouver, British Columbia; my husband David who was out of town, but as usual he called me last night to say he loved me...........................AWWWWWWW

     Two things you're doing tomorrow: Cleaning the bedrooms, and the living room.

       Longest trips taken:    In Distance or the time they took??? Mexico (3 times), Jamaica,. Longest: WASHINGTON DC, (oris Florida further than Washington DC from Mason City, IA (no geographical wizard am I, LOL) ) & the ENTIRE WEST COAST

       Your favorite holidays:   Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sorry, I can't pick just 2!

       Two favorite beverages: Diet Coke, caffeine free; Coffee (black only, please)

Here's what you're supposed to do ... and please do not spoil the fun. Either respond to me ONLINE by email OR put your URL in my Journal comments section, in order that I may read YOUR answers! Thank You! Then, you are welcome to pass it on to your friends if you choose to do so! (But you do not have to pass it on to anyone)

Love Always,

Merry

merry1621@aol.com

http://journals.aol.com/merry1621/Merrysthoughtshopesdreamsgoal/

Playing Val's game!

2008-04-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

I found this over at my friend Valerie's journal (who found it at her sister Krissy's Journal. I love these things so I will play along.. I thought the questions were a little different. If you want to join in the meme fun please come back and leave your entry URL in my (Merry's)comments section so I can read your answers! Thanks! If not one person plays I am going to be very sad!!!

Your best friend tells you she is pregnant. What do you do?

(I can't answer this any better or differently, I agree completely with Val).I would definitely encourage her to keep the child and let her know that I was supporting her in any way I could. I would help her find any resources she needed.

When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?

Should I lie here or be honest? I am going to honest. A friend of mine has done some hurtful things to me lately and I can't say that I didn't have this reaction. (Val talked me out of being angry, bless her heart. (Thank you Val!) But I'd never really do it, anyway because I don't fight physically. Which is a good thing for many reasons, but it started because I was always the smallest kid. I may have been small, but I never was DUMB. LOL

What is the last thing you spent money on?

Groceries (90% Lean Cuisine's, I swear.)
Do you think you gained or lost weight this past month?

Lost, and I almost have to as I count every calorie and stop eating before I hit 1000, usually before I hit 900, actually.

Crunchy or Puffy Cheetos?

Neither. I don't eat many carbs, and no snack foods like that even when I am not dieting. (Except for maybe red licorice when I get a hankering and am NOT dieting.)

Congratulations! You just had a son. What's his name?

Patrick Daniel (We lost a baby boy with that name who was born too soon and didn't live. We also have one son, alive and healthy, Timothy Russel.) (And a gorgeous grandson "Jack" (Jonathan David)

And if it was a girl, she would be
My favorite girls name is not popular now, but then I am not of child bearing age anymore. But when I was a girl would have been:

Stephanie Jo (I am Merry Jo)

What are you craving right now?

Definitely Caffeine Free Diet Coke

What was the last thing you cried about?

Thinking about our dog TeddyBear who we had put down in December of '07.

When you buy something and your change is 2 cents, do you keep it or tell the cashier to keep it?
Seriously, I use to throw my pennies in the street. But now I save them for a favorite friend. (You know who you are! :)

What color is your tissue box?

In this room it is green Puffs Boutique. I only have Puff's Boutique tissues in every room, the color depends on the decor of the room they are in. I will go to another store if I can't find the right color. Same with paper towels. Paper plates. I am fanatical about these silly things. (Oh, I guess that's part of my old friend, obsessive compulsive disorder.)

Do you have a ceiling fan in your room, and if so, is there dust on that fan?

Yes. We have ceiling fans in every room in the house. Dust? Are you kidding, not in my house. Dave loves ceiling fans; I like them sometimes! Except in my bedroom, in the summer the AC vent in that room blasts out too much, so I frequently turn that one off. Actually, If I am running the AC & I am all summer long no matter what, I use all of the rest of them. Especially in the dining room. I get so hot sitting at my computer desk which is in this room. (Even though the AC is Central).

Scariest thing you've experienced in the last year?

Going to the dentist. I am very lucky that's all I worried about, oh and the dreaded mammogram every year I worry as my sister had breast cancer in her 30's & I have had a lumpectomy. My mammogram last yearwas normal, thank God. I have to go again this month though. I'll be scared silly again, too.

Oh, one more thing, Dave's angiogram & subsequent knee surgery. That is one long surgery & I waited alone. (Everything went fine, though!)

Have you ever had a garage sale?

Yes, I have. Dave and I did one of the first of 20 some odd years we have lived here. And like Val and Krissy said, "It was NOT worth it!". We, too, did so much gathering, tagging, and sitting in the heat, to get very little money. I spent the day in the house with the 4 dogs we had then (I can't believe we ever had that many, but we did long ago!) Dave sold worked the sale. He sold everything too cheap. He is a nice guy and people kept talking him down in prices. He & I both said after that, NEVER AGAIN! And we haven't ever done it again.
What color is your iPod?

I don't have one. But I DO want one. If they come in pink that's what I'd pick.

What is the last alcoholic beverage you had?

It's been so long I don't remember either but I too, think that it was wine at a dinner out. I don't drink usually & we never have liquor in our house. We really don't WANT anyone drinking here. (Sorry if that sounds rude.) .
Are you happy right now?

I have moments of happiness, but I am mostly content, thank you.

Who came over last?

Our next door neighbor's granson Zeke (He lives with his Grandma.) He is 19 & the nicest young man!

Do you drink beer?

NOOOOOOO, I can't even take the smell of that stuff! And as I said, I don't drink.

Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted?

Yeah, I think my sister told me that as a kid. She wasn't always very nice to me. It wasn't true. But had it been true, I wouldn't have changed parents for anything, I had the best EVER!

What is your favorite key on your key chain?

My car key. It allows me to drive my car. Second fave would be my house key. Cuz, once I get in here I can still lock the house with deadbolts with no key, which we usually do, but I ALWAYS do when Dave is out of town. I feel very safe in my house.

What was the last movie you watched at home?

I can't recall the name of it. Some silly Lifetime movie this afternoon. It was supposed to be silly, but it was, because it wasn't very realistic.

What is in your pocket?

Absolutely nothing. My money and checkbook and etc. are in my purse. My purse is always on the right side (on the floor) next to my computer desk. (Sometimes I pay my few bills here. Dave pays all the household ones. But I do have a couple charge cards which I pay out of that household & personal money Dave gives me for groceries, meds, clothes, and should I go on?) I don't have a very tough life. I am very lucky! (Dave bails me out with my credit cards about every 18 months-pays them off. No little matter, usually either, I am sorry to admit.

Where do you hurt?

~sigh~ My neck hurts most of the time. As does my back, but my neck is the worst. It's been really painful lately.

Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear?

No, I don't know what they are! But I wish I did & that I had one!!

What's something fun you did today?

I have been on this computer. We also went to the dairy queen. I wanted one. But after I got it, and took 3 bites, I threw it away. I am on a diet. I couldn't eat those calories! Dave ate his. It's okay as it stopped my craving for it then.
What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart?

Like Val said, to tell you the truth, I don't like Wal-Mart. I try not to go there anymore. I have read a lot about them, and well, I try to support smaller, local businesses. But to answer the question, I would the picture frame area, then the underpants area (I refuse to buy expensive underpants. Hanes is just fine for me), But I buy my outer clothes at the mal or at a private shop.
When is your birthday?

November 8th

Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror?

Yes, a Hawaiin fake flower thing, shortened, I love the colors in it. It's actually an air freshner.

What kind of milk do you drink?

1% in cereal when I rarely have it. I'd have skim, but Dave likes 1%. I am not a milk person even when I am not dieting. I do eat a light 0 fat Yogurt everyday. 60-100 calories, depending on the brand I buy. I need the calcium. When I am not dieting I still have one, but then I have one that is like 190 calories. (YOPLAIT, then, always.)

What is something you need to go shopping for?

Believe it or not, clothes. I have 3 closets full and many big plastic storage containers full of them in the basement. None of them fit now. I have some, that I am not back into yet down in the basement, and many down there that are too big, too. And, up in my closets all my clothes are too big. (She types with a big smile on her face.)

Val's Quiz

2008-03-01T19:29:00.000-08:00

Come , play if you haven't already! I'd love to see your answers!

Merry

Reactions Quiz: Type the FIRST thing that comes to mind.

1. Beer: Scares me

2. McDonalds: Pretty bad & fattening mostly.

3. Relationships: Wonderful mostly, but can be complicated!

4. Purple: My favorite color!
5. Power Rangers: They weren't popular when my son was young,so don't know much about them!

6. Weed: Too often leads to other addictions, BUT should be legalized for cancer patients.

7. Steroids: Dangerous and breaks rules!!

8. Cartoons: Sorry, I draw a blank here.
9. The President: Doing best he can with a Democratic Congress!!
10. Tupperware: I always lose the lids!

11. Florida: Yeah, it's hot (my parents lived there for several years); if we move south that's probably where we will go, Dave has a brother wintering there.)
12. Santa Claus: Is something we make up for children!
14. Alcohol: Drink with CARE, DANGEROUS, not worth the "high."
16: MySpace:I don't know much about it, but not heard good things.
17. Clowns: I hate clowns, (they are stupid to me,sorry if that sounds mean!)

19. Paris: Hilton (Actually feel sorry for her, she is not really happy.)
20. Redheads: My nephews were redheads when young. Wild and ornery, too. My grandbaby Jack was reddish brown, but is turning blonde now.
21. Blondes: Usually have to touch up those roots very often!!

22. Pass the: Pepper
23. One night stands: Irresponsible and done by people who drink or drug, or longely, and to me are just SAD.
24. Donald Trump: Can be mean, but IS in fact, a good father (I saw a TV show with his grown kids on it. They had to work for every penney they got!)

25. Neverland: Michael Jackson
26. Dixie Chicks. They sing well but have no right to dennonce our leaders, like they did this last year. I will never buy another Dixie Chicks CD.
27. Vanilla ice cream: is good , the ONLY kind I like
28. Vallarta: Puerta
29. High school: Was fun, until I had to move my Sr. Year

30. Pajamas: OH my gosh, I wish I could wear them all day long!
31. Woody: An oddball guy who was once married to Mia Farrow
32. Wet Socks: I HATE wet socks!
33. I love: Dave

Okay, I have completed Val's quiz. Why don't you?

HAPPY ENDINGS

2008-02-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I want to share a wonderful "real life" story with you. This one comes from Heartwarmers.com, and as you see below it is written (quite beautifully) by Michael Segal. It tugged at my heartstrings and I bet it will yours as well!

HAPPY ENDINGS
by Michael Segal

You could hear a pin drop. Then, some sniffles in the mob of thousands.
Eventually, after what appeared like an eternity, the crowd roared with applause as the ambulance took him away.
His name is Kevin Everett and he was playing for the Buffalo Bills football team. He was hurt -- hurt very badly trying to make a tackle on a kickoff. The blow injured his spinal column causing a paralysis. He could not give the "thumbs up" to the crowd, no matter how hard he tried.
Meanwhile, back home in a small town near Houston, Kevin's mother was watching the game in a sport's bar. Very few things in life are worse than watching your "baby" on television not being able to move.
His fiancee was also near Houston washing her car. Soon she would find out the horrible news. Soon, everyone would find out the horrible news as the doctor reported in a TV news broadcast that Kevin was in critical condition -- his life was at risk, never mind the fact that he possibly might never again be able to walk.
Luckily, Kevin's doctor who was in the ambulance with him, tried a new procedure to immediately cool his spinal column. Also, he was fortunate he had a neurosurgeon waiting for him at the trauma hospital.
Slowly, and very slowly, he began making progress. Eventually, he was stable enough to be flown to The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR), a rehabilitation hospital near his home in Houston. At TIRR he continued making great progress. He took his first steps there.
Mind you, very few people who sustain that kind of injury are ever able to take a first step. But he did, and he continues to keep proving the experts wrong.   When he appeared and walked on the Oprah show recently, he
proved to have made a miraculous recovery. If you had not known him or his story, you would not have realized that he had an injury that almost cost him his life.
Back at TIRR, many patients are obliged to learn to deal and cope with dramatic changes after those life altering experiences. A person, often, is simply thankful for the small things -- like being able to brush one's teeth, tying one's shoes, combing one's hair, etc. Quite often the small things in life are really huge. Often, it takes much time to deal with the many losses. However, with a positive attitude, support, as well as many other factors, life, after a spinal cord injury can be very successful.   The proverb, "Be thankful for what you have and do not dwell on what you have lost" is a great attitude. The patients at TIRR realize this, and people everywhere should accept that proverb, since everyone in life experiences some kind of loss. That is the
definition of being human.
Kevin Everett and so many others are trying to show the world that life is not over when one sustains a major loss. In fact, perhaps, for many it is just beginning. Perhaps the reason Kevin Everett healed so miraculously was because of the care he received in the ambulance, or in the hospital, or in the rehab hospital, or because of his excellent conditioning, or because of his faith, or because of so many other reasons, or a combination of the above.
Today, he is doing great and helping others.      Many people, who have sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as those who have not, possess the desire to get better. For many, that equates to being more independent. People want to believe that getting better is possible. People enjoy stories with happy endings. And people want to be positive.      Kevin Everett's story reminds us that sometimes there are happy endings

-- Michael Segal <msegalhope at aol.com>

One more thing!

2008-02-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Everybody,

Krissy has just informed me that the voting has to be done (for the above made fragrance I described) at The poll is in Angie of Peyton's Water's blog. She is the one who is making the lotion for her home business. Please go here to vote:

http://journals.aol.com/peytonswater/Peytonswater/entries/2008/02/03/contest-final-4-names-for-new-scent/1152

I'm sorry I didn't understand that, people. And I am sorry I goofed, Krissy. I didn't mess up on purpose. LOL Love you girl!

Merry~

Please vote for fragrance name

2008-02-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

I have been asked to post what to name a new fragrance a friend of friend of mine makes. It's mysterious scent. Different. I don't know how to describe it very well. I will tell you this. This person writes passionately in purples and blacks and reds. That's why I voted the way I did.

Now would you please post in your journal what you would like to name this? It's for a nice person! Thanks!

Merry

Well, thanks for everyone that polled in the 4 catagories, here is the FINAL POLL! The winning names recieves a 4oz Balm with there new Name, a Foot Scrubby Pad and a 2 oz Whipped Body Butter and a Lip Balm!!!!

PLEASE PAST THIS POLL AROUND IN YOUR JOURNAL! The more votes the BETTER! This Poll will end on Friday!!!!

Here goes.........

Together For Eternity

2008-01-25T19:29:00.000-08:00

TOGETHER, FOR ETERNITY
by PS Gifford

Two nights ago I went to bed as I always did.
I took up a hot milky drink and a good book and as my wife
drifted into her dream world, I drifted into the imagination of the
writer. At some pint, I became defeated on my battle to maintain
keeping my eyes open, and with the final remnants of my waking state
somehow managed to switch off my reading lamp and bookmark my book.
Typically, I am a sound sleeper. The only thing that ever
awakens me is a storm or my dog needing to go outside. But that
night I found myself wide awake. Fragments of the dream I had been
having still flashed in my minds eye.
I glanced at the clock. It was 3:30am. I desperately tried to
recall my dream which was fading by the second. I remembered faces.
Family faces. I remembered tears. I remembered black clothing. But
what I remembered most of all was a feeling of peace.
It is difficult to translate this feeling into words. I somehow
felt strangely tranquil. I instinctively allowed my hand to drop to
Tasha who was asleep on her bed alongside ours. As I scratched, she
wriggled contently in her sleep. My eyes managed to adjust to the
light and I could just make out the silhouette of my beloved wife
cocooned in bed sheets by my side.
Three and a half hours later the ringing of the alarm clock
sounded particularly harsh as it pierced the morning silence. I
abruptly awoke. I remembered I needed to take my father to an early
morning doctor's appointment.
My father, at 80 years old, has overcome some severe health
issues. He is well on the road to recovery although he has
difficulty getting about by himself.
At precisely 8am, on my third cup of coffee, I arrived at his
house. Traffic had been unusually light and I made it in ample time.
He was still getting ready.
As he got dressed he shared with me a curious thing that
happened the night before. He told me how at 3:25am he had awoken
and was so restless that he had gotten up and had a glass of milk
before returning to bed.
I suddenly recalled my waking at the same time.
Then it all became clear.
"You remember what day it is don't you?" he asked.
I stared at him blankly.
"It is the day that Olive and Frank get cremated."
I could not believe I had forgotten. Olive was his older
sister. Their passing had come as quite a shock. They were both
discovered dead at the bottom of the staircase in their home back in
England. They had apparently been that way for several days. They
were found after their son had called authorities to check on them,
after he hadn't heard from them for over a week.
   The coroner report concluded that Olive had fallen off a stool
while attempting to change a light bulb. She had landed awkwardly
and had fractured her hip and several other bones, rendering her
unable to move. We can only assume that she called for Frank, who
was 85 and incredibly frail and battling many health issues. When he
went to investigate he must have suffered a fatal heart attack,
brought on no doubt by the shock of seeing her like that. They had
been married for over 60 years.
My father was naturally heartbroken by the news, as was I. We
had discussed flying over for the funeral services but the 11 hour
flight was much too risky in my father's state of health.
Because the coroner's report took some time, and because of
issues with their son, their only child who lives in the States, the
cremation was held back for an incredible two months.
My father continued. "The service commenced at 11:30am." He
looked at me solemnly and I gave him a hug.
Suddenly it all became remarkably clear. With the time
difference, that was the precise moment we both awoke the night
before. Perhaps, in some sort of spiritual way, part of us was there
after all.
Here is a poem I penned the day I heard the dreadful news of
their passing:

Sixty plus years spent together -
With nary a single day apart.
Through fine times and the dire,
they stood by their sacred wedding vows.

They raised just one single son,
   who fulfilled his dreams in the States,
six-thousand miles from Birmingham,
Where he was born and lovingly raised.

He is a success in each and every way,
Blossoming career, loving wife and three kids.
His parents were overflowing with pride
For everything their son had achieved.

Fifty years spent in the same house,
Which sheltered them from the elements.
Yet, despite its diminishing condition -
they stubbornly refused to ever leave.

Yes, sixty grand years spent together,
and a modest legacy to be proud off.
For they lived, essentially as one - able to
finish each others thoughts, with a knowing nod.

And now they have passed on as one
Unexpectedly and shrouded in mystery
From this earthly physical plane,
Carried up to the next spiritual level.

They were uncovered hand in hand,
At the bottom of their stairs,
several days after their passing,
by a shaken investigating police officer.

We don't know the cause of their demise
We will need to wait to Friday to discover,
the results of their scheduled autopsies
For the puzzling and elusive answer

Yet, I know those sixty years together,
were simply a beginning to their love.
For now, it is undeniably destined,
That they shall be together for all eternity.

   -- PS Gifford <psgifford at earthlink.net>

From Heartwamers.com

Goodbye TeddyBear

2008-01-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

TeddyBear Kenyon

June 10, 1998 - December 15, 2008

Nine and a half years old. Not a very long life. But Teddy lived it to the fullest. He played up to the end. He loved his toys, he loved to "blitz"-as all Bichons do. He was never really sick until that last week & weekend. He had diabetes, and was starting to have several other organs fail. We just couldn't see medicating him so he could live...that would be living for us, not for him. Teddy got in trouble sometimes. He'd wander away from home. He nipped me more than once. I wasn't "his boss" my husband, Dave was. He was Dave's pal, the closest dog Dave ever had, and we have had several. Teddy knew he didn't have to mind me. But when Dave was gone, he became "my dog, my boy" within hours. Funny how dogs do that. He'd lie on my feet when I sat here typing at my computer. He loved to cuddle. He cuddled more with Dave than me, but he did love it if I took an afternoon nap--then he always put his head on my legs and curled up into them. He had a gorgeous thick white coat. It was so thick we couldn't even comb it. He didn't care for kids as my next door neighbors day-care kids had teased him all his life. He sat in Dave's lap when Dave was home at night. They were truly the best of pals. Dave always called him, Pal, too. We still have Kaycee, our Maltese who turned 8 on Dec. 23, 2008. She missed Teddy horribly that first week especially and laid on the couch depressed. She had no sparkle in her eyes. Dave was with him when he was put to sleep. I didn't know he was going to go in, but I should have, Dave would never have let Teddy go through that alone. But I could have driven the car home. Dave was not in shape to do that. Dave told me later, he hadn't cried that hard since he lost his Mother when he was 12. I took Teddy's kennel and his things and threw them on the heap of stuff in the basement we have of things that are going to the dump. I didn't want Dave to come home and have to look at them. But I forgot, all his toys were still up here. Kaycee doesn't play with toys, sometimes Ted would get her to play tug, or blitz with him, but that's it. She is a quiet dog, she was the alpha dog over Ted, though. She started fights all the time over chews,and sometimes food. You'd think she'd have known better, being 1/3 his size, but Ted always backed off usually without Dave even telling him too. Ted could get into trouble, but you couldn't help but love him. He was a demonstrative dog, an emotional dog, and we miss him so much that I can only now write about him and it's been 3 weeks. We will never forget Teddy, he was a dog full of pep. He loved to play, chase squirrels and rabbits, and birds and sometimes he caught them. Oh TeddyBear, I hope you somehow knew how hard it was to let you go. I know Jessi (Jessica Sue, his big sister, who was more my dog, who we had the first year or so we had Ted) met him at the Rainbow Bridge and welcomed him to be with her and play with her. Neither one of them have pain anymore. This is good, but why then, does it have to hurt so darn much? Teddy, Goodbye,my friend, and your Dad's best pal, and best friend. Your life was brief but brought us much laughter and joy throught the 9 1/2 years we had the honor of having you in our home. Rest in peace, boy. A part of our hearts went with you. Somehow we have gone on, but never ever are we the same. I know you were a dog and some people don't understand the closeness we have with our animals, but fact is fact and we do! We loved you, Teddy!

Mom (Merry), Dad, (Dave) & Kaycee Kay (your 8 year old sister,the "Wonder" Maltese.)

My Best Friend (Soft Whisper)

2007-10-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Did you see this?

For 14 years, I had the honor of having "Joshua's Sister Jessica Sue" for my dog. Josh was our last collie. Jessi was our first Bichon Frise. She was my soulmate. I loved her with all my heart. We had her put down at 14 as she was suffering arthritis and digestive problems. It's the hardest thing in the world when you have to do this, even though you know it's the right thing to do.

Well, sometimes I still hear Jessi whisper. And I still miss her sooooooooooo....I still shed a few tears at times, but I know she's happy, and glad that we have Teddy (our current 9 yr. old Bichon & Kaycee, our 7 1/2 yr. old Maltese). Jessi loved other dogs, besides people.

xoxo

Merry

In a message dated 10/16/2007 8:15:44 PM Central Daylight Time, moderator@petwarmers.com writes:

SOFT WHISPER
by Lanie Blackmon

My best friend spoke to me last night
a soft whisper in my ear.
I woke up and looked around the room,
I was startled, yet I had no fear.

My best friend said that all is fine
Rainbow Bridge is so much more.
That there was so much love up there,
even a beautiful ocean shore.

There are fields and fields of green green grass
and the sky has different shades of blue.
There are flowers, mountains, trees and clouds,
everything they said it was, is true.

My best friend whispered in my ear last night
saying "Please don't cry or be sad.
That what was done, had to be done,
for me to live my life now, so be glad."

My best friend said that I did the right thing
an unselfish act on my part.
And that the pain and sadness I feel
will be gone soon from my heart.

I asked my best friend, "How could this be
I miss you so much everyday.
That my heart hurts so much for you,
I wish there could of been another way."

My best friend whispered in my ear last night
"You will always be in my heart.
Go on and live and love another,
because we will never really be apart."

My best friend whispered in my ear last night
"It's time for me to go towards the light.
I just wanted to stop and say to you
Go on my best friend, I'll be alright."

"I carry your unconditional love with me
I have done this from the very start."
I whispered back to my best friend last night,
"I'll always love you with all my heart."

"So goodbye my best friend," as I looked up at the sky
A shooting star I see in a straight line
Moving fast across the sky and out of sight,
I whispered, "Goodbye my best friend. Now, I'll be fine."

-- Lanie Blackmon <lovemy4goldens at hughes.net>

Little Cottage By The Lake

2007-10-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I grew up in Minnesota. I lived in a small town of not quite 1000 people. I had the best possible childhood. We were two hours from Minneapolis, MN for shopping and doctor (specialist) trips. We had a cabin at the lake about 10 miles from town. It is a spring fed lake and so clear you can (to this day) see the bottom, even when you go out deep in it. I received this Heartwarmer's Story today, and when I saw this title, I just KNEW I had to put in here. If no one reads it but me, I am still happy. I loved the lake and the cabin. I am a Scorpian, and that helped.

I confess, that WE did NOT have clams, (Nancy, are you reading this? Cuz I know you DID.) We had turkey or chicken and steak that my Dad grilled outside and that's what OUR fall extended family celebration day offered.. I am a midwestern girl, but I must say I while I have grown to love lobster, shrimp, and crab, I DETEST clams, and squid (what is that stuff?), and do not eat it to this day.

Still this story got me, down to my toes. I hope you will dream along with me and read it....I bet it might just "get" you, too.

Love you all,

Merry

LITTLE COTTAGE BY THE LAKE

by Stefanie Wass

What a crisp, colorful autumn afternoon.
Crimson tipped maples paint the rural landscape as we make our way to my aunt's shady lakeside cottage. Overhead, a flock of geese fly in "V" formation, seemingly pointing us to the Western Pennsylvania border, past miles of roadside pumpkin stands and endless fields of late season sweet corn.
Finally, my husband turns down the familiar gravel road. I spot the lake, glistening in the warm October sun.
"We're here!" I rustle my girls from the back seat. "Hurry and say hello to everyone."
The small white cottage reminds me of a doll house -- the good cozy kind, where friends and family happily gather, spilling out into the yard when the quarters get a bit tight. I smile as I walk past the well manicured lawn, bedecked for fall with orange and yellow mums peeking from cast iron buckets.
As always, dried cornstalks climb the back porch rails. I spy a row of perfectly orange pumpkins, gifts from my uncle's garden. I wonder if my girls will remember to take one home at day's end. For years, my uncle has sent home a pumpkin with each child, just in time for Halloween.
Hopping out of the car, the girls crunch through the leaves, hoping to sample appetizers on the back porch table. In an instant, their cheeks are stuffed with crab dip, Amish Swiss cheese, and trail bologna.
Family seems to be everywhere. Cousins, aunts, and uncles trickle out from the cottage, sharing hugs and gossip in the wooded yard. Gathered in groups, my chatty Scotch Irish clan prepares for our autumn tradition -- an outdoor clambake, held annually on the first Sunday in October.
Husks fly off golden ears of sweet corn as we all pitch in, removing silky threads from more than forty cobs. Great aunts, unaware that they could be sitting down, scurry about setting tables, slicing juicy red tomatoes, and taking surreptitious sips of homemade
berry wine. The men hover as they always do, around the fire pit.
I chuckle at this primitive scene -- men tending the fire and women preparing the vegetables. Why is this always the case?
Salty steam wafts upward from the coals as the tempting smells of clams and chicken tease my taste buds. What could be better than this? Somehow, I can't imagine being anywhere else on this idyllic
autumn afternoon. Sitting around card tables in the yard, we manage to quiet down for a prayer of thanksgiving.
Then, at long last, it is time to dig in. Tearing open the mesh bag of steamers, I can hardly wait to swirl each clam in drawn butter. What a gloriously gritty delicacy. Heaven seems near as a lobster tail is placed upon my plate, followed by sweet potatoes and a cup of steaming clam broth.
My daughters, content with an ear of sweet corn each, amazingly don't seem to care that much for seafood.
"I can help you out there." my husband teases, reaching for their leftover lobster. We laugh with my cousins as we swap family news and gorge on a final, overindulgent treat -- homemade cheesecake and APPLE pie.
As the sun sets, we pour second cups of coffee, warm mugs that prolong our time together, if only for a few precious minutes.
"Don't forget to take a pumpkin home with you," my aunt reminds us. "Did you get a candle off the mantel?"
Our girls pick their future jack-o-lanterns as I select my party favor -- a homemade cranberry scented votive. In the year ahead, the candle will take me back to this place, filling my house with the
light and warmth of family.
"Thanks again for the clams, the pumpkin, the candle!"
It is the following morning and I am struggling to email my aunt. How can I show my appreciation for it all -- the glorious weather, the delectable food?
Finding next year's calendar, I flip ahead to October, making sure to highlight the first Sunday in bright orange marker. Perhaps the best sort of thank you involves simply being present for cherished traditions.
Next year, and hopefully for many years to come, I will be there, feasting with family at the little cottage by the lake.

-- Stefanie Wass <swass at adelphia.net>

The Patient

2007-10-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have to share this with you all, I was very moved by this story. It brought back many thoughts and memories I have of caring for my Mom.

Love, Merry

THE PATIENT
by Ellie Braun-Haley

The transition from living in your own home and directing every aspect of your life to being confined to a wheelchair and being dependent on others for everything, is a traumatic change.
Five months after mother's 91st birthday my mother fell and this one single incident changed mother's life.
She was in hospital for months and then moved to a nursing facility. We knew she would never go home again and then came the day when she too knew it.
When I visited my mother I recognized she was putting up a brave front, yet I knew inwardly she was questioning her own value.
She was completely helpless, confined to a bed unless someone moved her to a wheelchair. The sinks were not even set up for wheelchairs so she had difficulty even brushing her own teeth.
Closets held her clothing up high, as if she had elastic arms. Her legs would barely respond to lift or shift and her conversations indicated she felt as useless as those legs.
Mother was wondering why she was still on this earth. Four infections had drained mother to the point where she no longer read or did crossword puzzles or played cards with herself.
Wishing to stimulate her interest in something I asked her if I could read a short story to her. She nodded her consent and laid her head back on the pillow.
I told her the story of The Patient...
* * *
The Patient was bedridden and only able to chat a bit and smile. All the nurses looked forward to going into The Patient's room because they were overworked, tired and in need of something -- perhaps the milk of human kindness.
In The Patient's room they fed on the warmth of the smile they received. Each person was uplifted by the good cheer, gentle words, and by the abundant and concerned thoughtfulness of this one senior Patient.
There were some in the hospital who yelled and whined. There were some who cried and others who literally abused the staff with slapping, biting and harsh words, but not The Patient.
No, when the staff entered the room of The Patient it was as if they knew they would find sanctuary! All understood, in this room, with this one Patient, they would always be uplifted.
Cleaning staff, nurses, even doctors fed on the endless supply of enevolence dished out by The Patient, and The Patient, in turn, seemed to understand how very valuable this kind of service was to everyone. The Patient understood her calling, and realized she was needed!
* * *
As I finished telling the story, a light seemed to go on within mother, and she exclaimed, "Goodness, the staff here all say they like coming into my room because I am so cheerful. I never thought about the impact of it before."
It was as if a heavy load had lifted from mother's shoulders and she looked more relaxed than she had in a long time. Mother's children have always known she blesses many lives with her loving disposition. How wonderful for mother to now understand her actions make a big difference and her very presence is a gift to many.
Now and then I have heard a saying "grow where you are planted." It dawned on me that mother was growing in a new way.
God impressed upon me to tell mother the story of The Patient and I realized immediately this was indeed the answer to helping her understand her worth.

-- Ellie Braun-Haley <shaley at telusplanet.net>
This story comes from Heartwarmers.com

Soldiers fighting for us!

2007-10-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hi,

This is very moving. I didn't just cry, I sobbed. So scroll down and click on the thingie and listen in! I think we all need to think about this and remember just what our soldiers are doing so that we can enjoy the freedom that we do. And if you don't think like me politically, that's fine, but we have not had any terrorism since 9/11. And we all know who was president then and still is.

Those of you who know me well, know I purposely normally do NOT discuss (or argue) religion or politics with my friends or family. I feel so strongly about this song and this issue, I am making an exception to that and I am taking a stand and expressing my true feelings on this. You don't have to agree, but I still hope you will listen to this song!

Also, I personally feel that we should thank Rudy Guiliani (my spelling?) whether you want him to be in office again or you don't. Those people got our country through some horrific times no matter what your political views are.

I usually avoid sending anything like this on, but I am not going to do that. This IS a good song! I think.

xoxo

Merry

A good friend of mine sent this to me! I have to send it on. He said: The words to the song you're about to hear were penned by a female soldier named Karen Reed, while on duty in Iraq. Every word is true and heartfelt. Truly a masterpiece! To those of you who don't like country music -- listen to it anyway. It won't kill you!

To Everybody Back Home [ If I Die Before You Wake]

http://www.andiesisle.com/If-I-Die-Before-You-Wake.html

Val's 2nd half of Getting to Know You Quiz

2007-09-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone:

This is the 2nd half of Val's "Getting to Know You" Quiz.

Play if you like. (The blue are my answers) Leave me your URL or email me.

25. Ever been in a fight? verbal ones. Maybe some
small physical ones when younger,but I am calmer with age! LOL

26. Are you wearing nailpolish? no
27. What time is it? 9:25 AM

28. Innie or Outie? Innie
29. Ever used a Ouija board? as a teenager (I think they
are ridiculois.)
30. Sweet or sour? mostly sour

31. Sun or Moon? moon
32. What shoes did you wear today? Beige Crocs while ironing in basement earlier.

33. Favorite eye color of the opposite sex? dark brown or bright blue
36. Time of day you were born? 6:30 PM

37. Do you know your blood type? 0 negative

38. Do you know how to kill a zombie? I am clueless here.

39. Do you smoke? NO

40. What would you spend 5,000 dollars on right now if
you were handed it? Probably spend $2000 on a shopping spree & pay off a small credit card! If any left, save it!
41. Who is your favorite musical artist? good old Glenn Campbell

42. Which animal(s) remind you of yourself? Woof
43. What's your background on your pc? My son Tim and I.

44. Did you grow up in the city or country? Think it's called a town for me as it was not even 1000 people.

45. Would you ever consider going on a reality tv show
if offered a large sum of money? Price Is Right or Millionaire, no talent show for this chic either.

47. What's one thing you're really good at cooking? Tacos
48. Kisses or hugs? Hugs!

49. You have 10 dollars to spend in the dollar store..what
do you get?I don't like dollar stores, so I would probably buy wrapping paper and then get out of there quickly.

50. Slurpee flavor? Don't really guess I have one, sorry.

Val's quiz--My first 24 questions and answers

2007-09-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Val's First 24 Questions-Getting to know you/me...

1. Are you taller than your mom? I am about two inches taller than my Mom (& I am only 5' 2"!!) was.

2. What color is your shower curtain? Glass shower door upstairs, downstairs bathroom has blue fishies all over the shower curtain, and the waist basket, etc. Cuz I love to swim, you know.

3. What is the closest thing to you right now that is red?
A little computer keyboard dusty thingie!
4. What is your ring tone?

It is some classical type music, LOUD, too! LOL

5. Does anything hurt on your body right now?

mostly back and neck.
6. What color is your favorite pillow?

It is a oversized big head (king sized) but thick pillow, white. Has a pink case on it right now. But you can't see it as I have my pillows with the shams in front of the pillows that get used. The shams match the quilt on the bed.
7. What is your favorite video game? Me, do video games? You've got to be kidding!

8. Had a nap today? I tried but it didn't work out, guess it wasn't meant to be!

9. Gold or Silver? That depends on my mood. I like both!

10. Is there an animal that creeps you out?

Yes! Mice and then birds!

11. Who was the last person you rode an elevator with?

It's been so long I am not sure, but I think I was alone.

12. Did you go ice skating as a kid? Yes, but I spent most of my time in the warming house as my feet always froze. (I think I had Raynaud's syndrome even then but it wasn't ever diagnosed until I got into my 30's.

13. Ever have stitches? I have had stitches from cuts (I fell out of the car as a child) & from car accident or two. And many, many (too many times) from all my surgeries.

14. Favorite non-alcoholic drink?

You know me, Diet Caffeine Free Diet Coke!

15. How long ago did you hug someone?

When I was trying to take that nap, I hugged Teddy, our Bichon Frise dog. Kaycee (my Maltese was sleeping on her blankey on the rug (acting aloof) lol

16. What's something you want to do before you die?

Get rid of some of my anxieties, or learn to cope with them better. (Be comfortable in my own skin.)

17. Have you ever caught something on fire? Yes, an oven mitt and I burn my hands all the time in the toaster oven.

18. Have you ever seen a ghost? No, except for the movie Ghost, lol.

19. Have you ever seen northern lights? Yes

20. Do you know how to use chop sticks? No, but I wish I did! (Maybe that's something else I should put under what I want to do before I die.)

21. Name something good that happened today. I heard from a friend who's been ill that I've been worried about!

22. What room are you in? My dining room/computer room.
23. Are you worried about something you can't control?
Who me worry? Yes, I am the queen of worriers.
24. Do you take daily medications? Unfortunately I take several daily medications, like 5 or 6.

If anyone would like to play along, leave your URL and I'd love to read your answers, too.

Merry

Remembering Our Collies

2007-09-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hi,

For 21 years, we had collies. These were the years our son Tim was growing up. First we had Michael, "Mike." Tim named him Mike.. (Tim is our only child.) Mike was the perfect Collie. He was just like Lassie. He was a sable colored beautiful Collie. He was also the best dog we have ever had in our 45 years of marriage. He left the yard only once, and got into the neighbor's garbage, my husband Dave disciplined him, and honestly I can't remember him over disobeying in any way again! We let him outside without tying him up, and we had no fence at that house. He never left the yard or our driveway! He never barked at things or people. He just stayed in the house, and when he went outside, stayed in the yard! Neighbors and friends all told us we'd never get another dog like Mike again, but we didn't believe them. We thought that's just how collies naturally came. My husband, Dave, use to have an old Van that he'd take Mike on errands with him in. He always left the van sliding door open and told Mike to stay as he went into neighborhood stores. Mike ALWAYS did, too! (This was not at big shopping centers or huge malls.) Mike had to be put to sleep due to serious health problems at age 10. Right before Christmas. That was the saddest Christmas we ever had. Tim wrote a story about Mike, and my Dad read it outloud before we had our Christmas Eve celebration. (Tim was about 13 or so then.) There was not a dry eye in the house. Oh, we missed him so much.

About 2 months later both my husband Dave and I had been searching the want ads for another Collie, but we didn't tell each other. When we did talk about it, we said, "Oh, it's way too soon to get another dog." I was working part time at the time, and Tim was in school and after school activities. We didn't know if it would be fair to get a dog who would be left alone that much. However, it was only a matter of time. One night I came home from work, and I was honestly not too surprised to see another Collie pup. I had said we were getting a girl this next time, and so I excitedly greeted the new puppy, saying, "her" and "she." Well, it turned out "she" was another "he." His name was Joshua Joe. Dave and Tim found him advertised in the paper. The people that had him had a little one year old and the wife was again pregnant. They loved Josh, but said he was too active for them with their little children. This Collie was not naturally docile, or "perfect." He was a wild guy as a puppy! But in time he settled down, and when he was out of his puppyhood, he became a wonderful dog as well. (Though not as obedient as Mike had been, he was still a great dog and we loved him!) He lived for 11 years. We had to put him down due to a variety of things, arthritis in his hips and back legs, and etc. It was horrible. We did not get another Collie. We had gotten our first Bichon Frise, (my soulmate) Jessica Sue. She had brought old Josh back to life for a while, but Collies just have a shorter life span than little dogs. It was time for Josh to go. Still, always, I remember the Collies and so does my husband Dave and our son Tim. When I read this Heartwarmers.com article. I had to share it along with my story of two wonderful and beautiful dogs we loved and will always remember. We know that they are at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for us. Together, along with some of our Bichons who we lost in the years that followed, we will then go (hopefully) into Heaven.

I hope you enjoy this story, I did.

Love,

Merry

THE LIFE EVERY DOG SHOULD HAVE
by Angela Walker

It all started when I was scrolling through an online classified site.
I normally just conduct a search by typing COLLIE in the search bar. On this day, I had the time and decided to scroll through all the ads when an ad titled DOG LEFT TO DIE, in a neighboring town,
caught me attention, so I click on it.
The ad was posted by a concerned citizen who for days had
watched a Collie standing or laying on the side of the road waiting
for his owners, who had obviously dumped him, to come back for him. She stated he was mangy and very emaciated and that they should be ashamed of themselves for leaving such a devoted, loyal, forgiving dog to fend for himself.
She hadtried several times to catch him but every time she got
close he took off. I emailed the poster to find out the specifics.
The very kind lady emailed me back to say that she had posted
the ad the day before and thought that he had not survived the
terrible storms the night before because she had not seen him. She
had searched several times that morning and around noon.
I emailed her back and told her most strays will come out of
hiding in the early morning or late evening hours when it is cooler.
At 8pm that night she replied to say she had seen him again on a
different street but he was obviously on the move now, looking for
food.
This was wonderful news. Now we knew he was still alive.
By 8:30 that night two other Houston Collie Rescue volunteers
and I had come up with a plan -- we would meet the next morning and scour the neighborhood.
We met the next morning and decided to take one vehicle. We
turned down the street where he was last seen. I was looking on one
side of the street, and the two other volunteers, Barb and Virginia
were searching the other side.
All the sudden, Virginia spotted him standing on an empty lot.
We all get out of the vehicle and formulated a plan to catch him.
When we first got out of the car he took off running from us.
So, I went straight toward him while Virginia and Barb came at him
from the very far side of the empty lot. I had canned dog food on
the plate and Barb said, "Call him Laddie." (For some reason,
everyone names their Collies Laddie or Lassie.)
I started calling him, telling him what a wonderful, pretty,
precious boy he was. I sat down on the ground with the food at arm's length and kept calling him in my baby, happy voice. When he got a foot away, he slinked down to the ground and crawled to the plate on his belly.
I then gently touched the top of his head and with the other
hand slipped the leash over his head. Once he finished eating he
pranced to the car. I was almost in tears.
Thiswas my first stray dog rescue and I know they won't always
be that easy. He was tired of running and was so hungry I think he
was ready to be caught. He gave us all Collie kisses before we
loaded him in the kennel for the ride to Virginia's, who will foster
him.
I believe it was God's will that we rescued this baby. Why did
I scroll through the ads, instead of narrowing my search? Why was it so easy to catch him with the kind citizen couldn't?
He will have to complete heartworm treatment before he is
adopted, but we will see him through that.
From this day on he will have the life that every dog should
have but unfortunately, far too many don't.

-- Angela Walker <karasaunt at yahoo.com>

Our Grandson, Jack's Christening!

2007-09-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

I thought you might like to hear about our weekend. We went to be sponsors for Jack's baptism this last weekend. Our son Tim and his wife Patti, and grandson Jack (Jonathan David Kenyon) live in Cedar Rapid's IA. Days we spent with Patti, Tim and also Patti's Mom a lot of that time. We did stay at a motel as Tim & Patti's house is really SMALL. Jack is now 4 months old.

It was a beatiful Christening. Patti got Jack a special Christening Onsie on EBAY. It had his name embroidered on it, in gold. (It was white.) He had a little Christening blanket with his name on it too, and the baptismal date on all this, also. He had on little white socks,

and he was quite the little man. He was good. He cried just a little when the Pastor put the water on him. He also cried a bit during the church service but not for long, and it was nothing major!

The baptism was the very first part of the service! Patti did the nicest thing, she got up toward the middle of the service at church, walked down to me, and handed me Jack, asking me if I wanted to hold him. I was so touched by this, I almost cried. I am a sentimental sap anyway, you know. Then we had communion and were up and down, etc. And Jack wanted to be held upright, not like I had him when he was sleeping. He really is too heavy for me to hold standing up for very long. Jack is 14 pounds they say. I am not supposed to lift more than like 15 lb, but I am not use to holding him while standing!(because of my back, and my neck.) He is is so long now, too! April, Patti's Mom, could see I was trying, and not able to get him "upright", & so she asked me if I wanted her to take him for a minute. I didn't want to say yes, but I didn't want to drop Jack on the floor either, so I nodded my head yes. I thought that was just so nice of her. I hope Patti and Tim don't think I didn't want to hold Jack; I just couldn't do it that when we were doing the long standing stuff. We all had our chances to hold him all weekend long. It was cloudy when we went into the church. But by the time we came out the sun was shinning and it turned out to be a beautiful day.

We are honored to be Jack's sponsors! We got Jack a Savings Bond. I also got him a LITTLE pewter thing to hang from the mobile in his crib (it says, "On the Day that you were born, the angels danced.)" And I truly believe they really did!

Patti had a reception at home after church. Lots of goodies and everything was just so nice! Also, we got to meet some more of her family.

Patti's Mom, April, brought over her dog, Agnes,(her Maltese) for a while on Saturday (don't ask me why). She looked exactly like our Maltese, Kaycee! Could be her twin! We fell in love with her. They both weigh about 8 lb. Agnes is only 3, and a bit more active than Kaycee.

Patti and Tim are very involved in the church! They go to a Bible Study as well as church. This is like a dream to me. I know Jack will be in Sunday School, and they will meet other young parents and that's great.

Also, I told Dave WE ARE going to get back into the habit of going to our church here regularly again. In the past, it meant so much to me. We have somehow become sporadic in our church attendance. Even so, people from church will come up to me and will say how much they have missed us both. This weekend "inspired" me to go more regularly.

Love,

Merry

Ps Did I mention that Jack has two teeth? Two right in the bottom front! They are so cute! Well, I just might be predjucdiced but Jack is adorable and handsome. He is a very good baby!

Pss Hey, you all know cameras aren't my thing. but I will try to get some pictures of this event on here soon!

PSSS This time we were left our dogs with our groomer Jill. (She dog sits, too). They have nice white blankets in their little kennels at night there! She had sent me a 1/2 price gift certificate for grooming BOTH dogs! Wow! That was cool! No one around here does Teddy like she does. She's good with Kaycee's cut too, but Kaycee is not hard to do cutting her short. She just has long hair on her tail and on her face and head. Kaycee's STILL got her little pink bow in three days later! She usually won't stand for keeping bows and "stuff" in her hair! Ted has a a little bow tie sort of thing on his collar. Ted has lost a couple more pounds. Maybe we'll get him down to normal yet! The dogs were happy to see Dave when he picked them up, but not wildly so like when they get left at the veterinary kennel. Jill kept them both for the what she usually gets for dog sitting one- $40 a day I think. But the vet clinic charges aoubt $30 for both, and they stink and are wild when they get out of there. They weren't like that. It was almost like one of my friends calls doggy "Camp". They get to get out and play and eat, etc. Whenever we go away and the dogs get left somewhere she always teases me and asks me how Ted and Kaycee liked "camp." Well, Jill may not be quite like "Camp", LOL but she treats them very well and they got walked and attention several times a day! Nice! (Pricey, but nice)