I Got Hit by a Car!!

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

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..

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

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!

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!

"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

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