Laurie

Bentley and the Texas A/M Guide Dog School Dogs

2012-01-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

Bentley is the white Doodle in front. He is about to turn 1 year old this January.

My Three Sons

2011-05-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

I have 3 sons. I have to keep reminding myself that. Tim, the accountant/medic/student doesn't surface much. He is a busy guy on the other side of the Houston blob. Titus is firmly imbedded in Japanese life and I do hear from him a bit more but am forgetting what he looks like fast. Jason is just still finding his wings and pops in every now and then for a visit, good food (keeping our refrigerator clean) and a place on the couch. I think the food is the main draw. Well, Jason is presently here camping out in our little office loft. We can't find the printer as I suppose it has become the makeshift pillow of the moment. The lighting is a bit of a problem as the lamps have become clothing racks for his American Eagle attire.
Ah well. I keep reminding myself that I really do have THREE sons. Where are you boys????? (excluding Jason that is- at least for the next week).

Life

2011-02-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

Our backyard here is huge. At the moment it lacks character as the previous owners prefered "bland". It is basically just grass and crawdad hills. I am busy working on it hwever. After the last 2 deep freezes, everything just looks brown and gloomy. We do have a very large Red tailed hawk that has adopted us. He overheard me talking about putting in a bird feeder. That will attract his dinner. We call him Henry. He is very interested in us. Come to think of it, maybe he likes our tasty homegrown crawdads. We are going to put in a bird feeder.

We have a beautiful Red Arabian horse. At least we hope he's ours, He was living on a cattle ranch with another colt. The other colt died and we were given Red as his owners couldn't feed him. He had a rare parasite due to drought conditions and living with cows. He was in need of urgent care so we took him in. He is looking so good after 2 weeks of good grain and hay. I love to watch him run. We are going to begin training him very soon and the children should be able to ride him by the end of summer.
One plus is that I have my own fertilizer factory. Sorry Home Depot. I won't be buying that from you anymore.
I planted 2 rose bushes today. It seems that the new fantastic hybrid for Texas is the Knock Out Rose. I took my trusty red shovel and dug up 4 banana trees to make room. This property evidently had bald cypress trees a one time and when I dig down, I hit the remnants of the trees underground., Digging isn't easy. Hmmmm....maybe our house is on an ancient Cypress Bog since we are so close to Spring Creek. I will start looking for arrow heads too. I used to do that as a kid and found quite a few digging around the river bottoms of the Feather River in Northern California,
Awwww..... I love life!

New Years

2011-01-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

Everything was great for the holidays. First off, to be in a new house was a uplift of the most supreme kind! Nadia just couldn't stop decorating and buying more decorations. I have to admit that I became very fond of the snowman theme, We had fun but we missed Denise. She was stuck in London. First it was business, then snow and then business again. It just didn't seem the same without her. Everyone else made it but Titus and Tim. Tim is close by but in another "life". School gets a bit consuming. I am thankful he has the GI bill however.
Speaking of school- Teri is at the top of her class in Chemistry. I didn't even take it in HS so I am proud of her. Her next step is Drivers School next month and on to driving. My last child will be driving.
As careful and precise as she is, I know she will make a great driver.
Pearl and Alex are heading for Belarus next month. We have searched for all the warmest clothes we could find.They are there for just 2 months.

Just around the corner

2010-12-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and I've been dwelling on the thought of how different it is from last year. So much has happened and so many things have been shaken up this past year. It's been one of those years of change that takes a lot of grace to pass through with grace and faith. I was thinking about how I have quite a list I need to compile for the New Year.
I will have to do it in stages. The biggest thing that comes to mind is that we finally moved. With all of the changes in our work here and our co workers goals changing,, it seemed our possibilities were slim. Our home was in a state of disrepair that we didn't seem to be able to handle. So, with Nadia and Justin's brave venture into the world of "home ownership" we finally moved from Doral Sept. 1st. It was a battle 'til the last day but when we heard the news that the loan went thru, I was in awe and still am.
I am getting to know my grandkids a lot better. I feel that that I am getting more mileage out of life and giving to people that appreciate the "gift". I can't explain it well but the circumstances of the last stage of my life seemed to be mottled with spots of "ingratitude". We all want to be pouring into people and life projects that are lasting and meaningful. It's just nice to be in a better place and rounding out.

Camping

2010-10-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

A day out in the wild is always good for one's soul. It was hard to get away at first as I am also getting ready to go to California for a week but we did it! It is still a bit muggy here in Houston but still there was a lot to enjoy.
First, a complaint. I absolutely hate air mattresses. It is hard enough for me to bend down and crawl into a little tent but then ti be jostled around and have my balanced threatened. It is a bit too much. I found if I settle in and lay absolutely still, it is endurable. I really do have to find something else however.
The grilled dinner was fantastic, excluding the one chicken leg that fell into the fire. Kiona took an unannounced shortcut and got lost for 15 minutes. That was a bit of excitement as it was dark. The Hoot (Screech) owls kept me awake quite a bit and basically I lay awake listen to all the wonderful night sounds, thinking of how alive the forest was all around. I began to feel smaller and smaller. I WAS SURROUNDED!
The next day, we woke early on for a bike ride to Lake Isabel. It was a 3 mile trip, made a LOT more exciting by a wild boar dashing across our path. She either didn't like us or she was in a big hurry to get someplace. The only time I have ever seen a boar up close was Kochi. We were traveling the mountain road between Kochi and Matsuyama and stopped at a Sport Shop for food. They had cages of wild boars that men could come and buy. Then the boar would be turned loose and they would hunt them. I thought that was terrible sportsmanship but Japanese are always in such a hurry and so efficient.
The lake itself was small. It is actually a bog lake, surrounded by Bald Cypress trees. It was actually the most beautiful lake I have ever seen and so clean. We laid on the dock and watched the fish. I am sure there was lots of wildlife there but they were hiding, all except the swamp rabbit. which wouldn't go away.

We took a walk around and I was surprised as the area had suffered a firs and the trees had burn marks around the bottom. They all still lived though. There were also woodedn troughs discarded which looked remarkably like the gold sluices I would run across on the Yuba river. I am sure there wasn't gold in the bog. Anyway it was a mystery. I am sure it has a history.
Since I had the small city bike, I barely made it back. I felt every bump. I am thinking I need a Mountain Bike- granny style.
Anyone up for camping? I have a year's membership at the Wilderness park and can take 3 extra people!

PS to Spider lillies

2010-10-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Now for the real spider. I was raised in Northern California and meeting up with Black Widow spiders and rattle snakes was nearly an everyday occurrence. One time in particular was when our dog had puppies under the house and I had to crawl way back under to get them all out. There were black widows hanging everywhere and I was crawling 50 feet or so and back to get the puppies. I have not seen one for approximately 50 years. Today I was quietly sitting on the park bench at Jesse Jones Park. The kids had been playing after our hike and had just come back from the slide. I was leaning to the side and put my hand down on the bench by Jude when I felt something soft and squishy. Now, that can be anything when you are taking care of a 2 year old. My finger was just a bit down in the crack of the bench. I looked and saw a big spider egg and a Black Widow spider just next to it. She looked as if she wasn't too happy to see a big finger smashing her babies. I was in shock as I had not seen one in so many years and it was too close to me and my Grandson Jude. I picked up a stick and chased it. I was explaining how poison it was but Jude wanted to touch it so bad. I had to quickly smash it and then he still wanted to touch it. So, I had to give him one of Grandma's scary lectures. I have to be so quick when I am with Jude. I had to grab him with one arm and smash the spider with the other. I just am terrified of those awful creatures. I really didn't think they lived in Texas- at least this part.

Spider lillies

2010-09-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

I have always had these beautiful red spider lillies in my garden every year. We just have a few days left before we turn in the keys to our old place. I was down on my hands and knees the other day, looking to see if there were any signs of lillies. There was not. I had seen some blooming down at the Arboretum just a few miles away so I figured we just missed them for some reason this year. I had just wanted them to bloom one more time. It has been 2 weeks since I saw the ones at the Arboretum.
Well, this morning as I returned to the old house to get a few more things we left behind, I was greeted by a whole bed of lillies. Goodness, where did they come from so quickly? God does such sweet little things for us to cheer us up and make our lives richer.

Well, I am heading back to the old place with a shovel tomorrow and the lillies will be moving with me too.

Ah.....changes galore!

2010-09-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

Right about now, I could be sitting on a nice soft carpet before a roaring fire- probably either in Northern Italy or the Swiss Alps. Let me pinpoint that to either Asiago in Italy or Chamonix in France. A good book would be great and of course, plenty of hot chocolate. Snow falling outside would be a great touch. If these moments were as easy to order up as food on a menu.
Anyway, the good news is that I am sitting on a couch right next to a fireplace. I hear it is the gas type and I haven't checked it out to see if it already has one of those logs that never need to be replenished. I will miss the real fires but I will not miss my episodes of getting the logs squeezed into the fire place. Too often last year, my feeble efforts resulted eventually in a warm house, complete with smoke and fire marks around the fireplace where they just should not have been. It was so cold last year. I could not stay warm without a fire.
Well this is my second night sleeping in a new place. I have many memories of the many homes I have lived in all my life. Each one had something special to enjoy and for me to develop warm fuzzy feelings about.
Everybody needs these kinds of places and a place to call home.

Moving Days

2010-09-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be moving and to be surrounded by family. I still have things in the old house, including me, but hopefully we will be moved this week. It seems we do move now about every 8 years. I will miss this place and all the beauty of it. I just wish the house wasn't falling apart. Old houses just need so much care at every turn. I was outside today disassembling my dog kennel. I had forgotten how well I had assembled it in the beginning. did a great job on the pavestones.

Valorie is still in the hospital. It is great to have them all closer so I can help with the kids. I feel like a grandparent again. The last time I stood waiting for a school bus was when I was in High School. Yes, that was the 60's. Hopefully Valorie will be home soon but she is in good hands there at Texas Children's Hospital.

Movin' and swimming

2010-09-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

When it rains it really rains!
We got about 6 inches today and I had to get out my Wellingtons to negotiate the yard. This reminded me of a Hurricane but it was just the rain side of a tropical depression named Hermoine or something unusual like that.
We are still busy packing and should be moved soon. Funny thing is, we moved into this place right after Tropical Storm Allison. It really flooded Houston. Now we are moving out on the heels of a storm. Well, it really isn't unusual for Houston.

Chemistry

2010-08-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Teri is almost all set for her Chemistry class in the Woodlands. That makes 4 classes. Thank God 2 of them are in the same direction. She has a tough year this year with Algebra 2.. I think she will find her dog training relaxing. I am learning to be more commanding and not such a push over. Tough one for me! I am hoping to take over more of the dog training so Teri can study. Ha Ha....I am glad it isn't me. How does my child have such a thirst for strange stuff like Chemistry?

Ahemmmm

2010-08-09T02:28:00.000-07:00

It is 5 am and I can't sleep. I meander outside in the back yard and it's a beautiful night. I love the hours right before dawn. My friends, the racoons, are always prowling around the yard but as soon as they see me, they scurry a bit up the nearest tree and peek at me from their hiding place. They are so cute. I always search for the fireflies as when I see them, I figure all is well. These days when the house is full and the ambiance in the home is ambition and buzz, I find myself looking for a quiet place for thot gathering. and moments to just get quiet for a bit.. I am becoming climaized as I have been spending more time outdoors and it's not all that bad.

It is also very hard, sitting here wondering if we are "too move or not to move". I just have such a definite feeling that it is time for a new start. There are things that I love about where I am. I have grown attached to some of the neighbors as we have gone through some hard times together. Neil id undergoing Chemo a 2nd tme and Stan is forever entertaining with his stories of yesteryear. He looks especially exotic as he pulls weeds in his front lawn in a full bee keeper outfit. He hates mosquitos. Lawana is always fun to talk to and never seems to change. Most of our neighbors here are lonely old people, living alone. I hate to leave them.
I also love the huge trees all around and yet look forward to living in a place where I can rest in peace and not have flashbacks of a trees falling during a hurricane. Experiencing that felt a bit like a scene from Lord of the Rings with the huge trees coming alive and moving all around That part of the movie traumatized me a bit more that anything else and as I walk down the street here, I am in awe of the beauty of the trees but also walk carefully, knowing limbs fall all the time and at the first sound of a crack, I should RUN! I was watering a few days back when a large limb fell and crushed the neighbor's patio set just a ways away.
Well, back outside......I need to go check on my raccoon friends who are actually, most likely, raiding the garbage again.

Little People Parties- Poster girl

2010-07-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

My brother Mike

2010-07-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Mike came in last night from Yuba City. It is always a pleasure to meet him again as he is such a positive fellow. We went to a restaurant owned by the World Champion wrestler from years ago. I don't think I have ever eaten such good food.
My brother Mike is such an an encouragement in so many ways but I respect him so much for taking his troubles and making something out of his life. He was the youngest of 5 kids and as all babies that fall into last place, I remember him as being a bit pampered but having a great personality. I left home at 15 and he is 10 years younger than me so I didn't know him all that well.
During my visit home a while back, Mike told me about his High School experience. He never finished his Sophomore year as they booted him out of High school and sent him to this Alternative High school. He didn't make it there either. He said he just wasn't cut out to be a student. My dad took him under his wing and he just started going to work with my dad. It was his key. Mike now says he got his education from talk radio ( which my dad always listens to non stop). That had to be a Major in Civics! He learned all his Math on the "go". You can't do" flooring" without a lot of Math. He says he has a degree in SCS (school of common sense). He has become quite a successful businessman in his field and was in Houston for a conference. It is amazing the path the Lord took him on to be able to do the job that he loves. At the conferences, he says some of the meetings are actually like College courses anyhow.
His current schedule sounds a lot like mine, even the 5:30 thing. He has Boxers so we vary on that point.
Well, I had better get back to Lexi. I am playing the part of a Midwife today and there are 7 little Goldendoodles now. They are cream and light Golden. and so squeaky. She is doing great and always such a good mom.

Delightfully humourous day

2010-07-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

It was a busy day but with my "summer of Grandchildren", my days have been so wonderfully full.. I find ways to stretch my time and try to be entertaining and creative while at the same time, keep up a busy work load. It is unusually enjoyable as I make myself do things I really want to do but never take time.
Today when Nadia left for the day, Jude sat on the lawn chair under my grape arbor while I helped Teri lather up Cheena for a bath. She has so much fur! . While we both got soaked in the process, Jude searched out and picked all my ripe grapes and kept handing them to me. He didn't like them himself but had a great time watching me enjoy the grapes he picked. It warmed my heart. When he smiles, his whole face gets into it.
Back in the house, I answered a phone call while Violet and Jude had a diaper tossing contest. They gleefully emptied the package everywhere in their bedroom. I went a got a large bag for them to get to work and clean up but Violet cried and said she didn't want to because it was an accident.
My beautiful white poodle Lexi. emptied the trash again in search of diapers "of the more serious kind". Her brown nose caused me to run for cover and Teri came to the rescue to wash dog #2.
Well, off to the pool for an afternoon of swimming. It was great until I noticed I had gotten in the water with my cell phone. We packed up quickly and rushed home to put the wet phone in a bag of rice to dry and got back to the pool 2 minutes late for Violet's swim class.
Well. where to now? Back home for a special Indian meal we were supposed to all enjoy together for Mercy's last nite here.
Guess what? She is taking off for a month to take care of her Grand kids.I'd like to think I was starting a fad. I think she is really glad to be taking off as Teri also just finished the top to her new snake habitat tonight. She was constructing a screen for an old aquarium. Tomorrow we are going to pick up Ebenezer, the baby Ball Python she won in a Pet shop drawing. I am not sure anyone is happy about this except Teri and Jude. Just think, I killed a Cooperhead last month. Anyway, yikes! Maybe Mercy needs help with her Grand kids in Dallas.
Well, my days are full. I actually just skimmed over the highlights.
I couldn't sleep so I put on a movie and watched Hachi and cried quite a bit at the end. I got up to get a kleenx and stepped on my schedules I had spread all over the floor. I had a sheet written out for each of the next 14 days and had organized them to study it all. I looked down and my foot was standing the the July 15th page and I froze in place. It all started coming back to me in a rush.
I had been trying so hard this year, not to forget. I had been planning a barbecue and had wanted to have a bit of a splash but this year but sad to say, our wedding anniversary didn't even make puddle status. When I worked up enough courage to look at the clock, I saw I had come close. I just missed our anniversary by an hour and 40 minutes. It could have been worse.
Well, I was sad at first but then I realized what a colorful day I had had and when all was said and done, it was a glorious day! There were no bad moments, only challenging ones that were fun to build on. I have not had my grandkids like this for years. Well, I just really do enjoy the little things in life. I almost woke up the sleeping man beside me to tell him we had forgotten but I didn't have the heart.
Now, I have a lot to look forward to though as since I remembered, I have time to plan something belatedly!
Just to mention also, Teri started an apprenticeship at a dog training school (once a week) and we are helping to run the Service Dog booth and Teri will be helping with demonstrations with the dogs. at the International Dog Show next weekend.. I have never been to a dog show but I am proud to be working with "working dogs" instead of just the showy beauty kings and queens. Hmmmm.....I am trying semi-faintly to hide my tendancey to be self righteous. Is it working?
Married......since 1973! Thank God for such a wonderful, spontaneous, kind, loyal, creative, brave, avant guarde, smart, hard working, handsome husband.

More summer fun.

2010-07-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

It has been wet this month. we have had almost 10 inches of rain and that is Harris county overall. Some places have had a lot more. It has kept us in a bit more. I t is very late here and I just poked my head outside for a breath of humidity. Ugh! It is 2 in the morning and it is so noisy. We live near a big hospital and the usual is sirens all night but tonight there are no sirens made by humans. Rain lovin' creatures get so vocal after a rain. It's quaint. I could have just jumped up on the trampoline and grabbed the telescope and star gazed all night, if it hadn't of been for the other happy creatures that loves rain- the bloodsuckers. The mosquitos are out in force.
Well, enuf of that. In spite of the knee deep mud, we went to Cypresswood Stables to work with the horses for a bit as Olivia has never worked around horses. A team had just gotten in from a 100 mile endurance race so there was a lot to do around the stable. Olivia and Teri cleaned out a barn on hands and knees. Lots of mud had to be cleaned up. After, they oiled the saddles and played with the 2 week old barn kittens as they did that. It's a lot of fun.
If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I have secret plans to arrange for Olivia to take a trail ride down by the creek. It will be a muddy affair as at one point,they cross the creek. I think she will be surprised and happy. Regretfully, she has to go home in just a few days. Summers are all about grandmas and their grandkids!
Oh,Violet had her first swimming lesson today and the first thing the teachers did was to trash her water wings! Yeah! She did great and was very brave. The teacher is very good, a young Mormon man raising his funds for his 2 year Mission. Teri and Jason's coach was also a Mormon and I do have to say, they are great swim teachers and coaches- real good with kids. Violet was just glowing the whole class- the perfect student!
Cheena graduated from her Intermediate Training class last night and will now go on the Canine Good Citizen and prepare for being involved in FAP Therapy work. Her trainer said she could already pass but we are taking it slow as she is too young. We are so proud of her and I am proud of Teri. She is still working with Allie, Our Service Dog.com, and getting training with her Service dogs. Pray for Adam. He needs a job and is restless to get to work. He is so well trained and would make a great mobility dog. I love those poodle mixes. Allie had a little setback as she was bitten by a baby copperhead and while the EMT people were taking her to the truck, the mother snake struck out at them. They barely missed that attack. Allie is quite sick! That makes 2 of my friends that have been bitten in just a few weeks.. The hospitals say it is one of the worst years ever for snake bites so everyone be careful!. My dogs agree with that. The only one that hasn't been bitten is Wellington!

Olivia

2010-07-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

our training days.....

2010-06-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

The two doodles were so helpful and got Teri a drink of water from the ice chest. They even closed it after. All Teri has to do is give the hand signal for water! The bottle comes complete with slobber so drink it at your own risk.
We have our classes in the cow pasture. It's a lot of fun and exciting dodging cow patties too. The dogs are great. We loved out outing with them in Target. They are quite the shoppers and seem to love adding things to the basket on cue. They can even put them back in place if they change their mind. The Goldendoodle,Nicki, is bigger altho' younger than the Labradoodle, Adam. That makes cart pushing a bit easier. They know right and left and so impressed me.

Water, dancing and a bit of collie fun

2010-06-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

Counting money....

2010-06-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Counting money.

Yes, they can also pass you the correct coin you ask for. They can even toss it to you and you'd better catch it!

All in a day's work

2010-06-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

laurieclaire@gmail.comIt is a bit of work to untie Teri's tennis shoe and take off the sock. Adam did great with Teri's shoe and even handed her back the sock- stinky as it was. That is real dedication. Actually, Adam is trained to help his owner get undressed but hasn't learned to fold the clothes. He's a trained Service dog, ready to go on to his new job but hasn't been placed yet. He's a Labradoodle. It was a lot of fun and just one of the exercises.

Mac

2010-06-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of him, He already has vest privilages.

Kiona

2010-06-09T04:43:00.000-07:00

She has been my constant companion since May 10. Her visit is drawing to a close and I am beginning to miss her and she hasn't gone yet.
We went to the beach today and it was great. We took a break from the fun in the sun, and had lunch at Yaga's in Galveston. We went there as we were fleeing the rainstorm .the story goes, we just laid out all our stuff on the beach and within about 10 minutes it was only too apparent that the sudden storm was going to be a big one. We packed up and went to visit Tim and then enjoy a relaxing lunch at Yaga's. I love the architecture of the old homes there. It is odd to see Galveston after Ike raged through. There are so many fantastic old houses there but it seems like so many did survive. I love those houses.Tim lives in one and the ceilings are so delightfully high- like in Iquique, Chile. It makes the house so cool. I did notice that Moody mansion survived the great Galveston Hurricane in theearly 1900's that really wiped out the city and got them all busy making the Sea wall. If it hadn't of been there, maybe Ike would have been just as bad.
Anyway, there are so many really wonderful and amazing things about Kiona. She is an artist with talent, a singer, a great poodle groomer, She loves to cook for others. I don't think that I have ever seen an 11 year old that loved to make salads like she does. She also reads all the labels on stuff. She especially picks out anything with corn syrup in it and cleaned my cabinets of anything containing that offending substance.
She got a haircut while here and made a pineapple upside down cake for Lolli. She loves Pizza and Sprite. She respects her moms caution about soft drinks however.
She is helping to train the dogs and my two poodles seem to have formed an attachment to her so that they seem to think she's cool.
She likes videos and to her Grandpa's delight, one of her favorites is The Ultimate Gift. She also loves Story Keepers, The life of Paul and the Story of John. She can watch Veggie Tales all day. She was sick for a few days and they kept her quiet in bed! She does think deeply about spiritual principles and has good training from her mom in dad.
She loves to swim as enjoyed Peach Creek as much as the Goldens do..
I am just so thankful they will be moving closer to us. With the way my Grandkids grow, if the visits are too far apart, I run the risk of not recognizing them. They grow so fast.
Maya and Tim, thanks for letting us have her for such a long visit! It has been a blessing. I am so sorry that she will arrive home tired and off schedule. I let her stay up way too late and I am sure you will hear about all my other grandmotherly lenient ways. Oh well, how can I help myself. You know the saying about old gray mares.... Oh right, she does want me to get busy and dye my hair. How about a new saying about the artificially brown mares?

Perla and a Happy BirthDay prayer....

2010-06-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that she will be coming home soon. I love her visits and of course she has such a wonderful husband, Alex.
Her life has always been one filled with such drama. Maybe it is because the circumstances surrounding her birth were a bit more exciting than everyone else's. Who knows? I was just so nervous when the political situation suddenly worsened there in Chile and upgraded to State of Siege. I was not so courageous as to have a home delivery and no one was allowed out at night. Thankfully the white flag worked on our way to the hospital and we didn't get thrown in the police wagon and hauled off to detention. I would have made their life miserable if they tried. As it was. the hospital was not prepared for any deliveries that night and it was totally crazy anyhow. Somehow they seemed to be in a vacation mode or maybe they had staff in police detention.
All is well that ends well. She has never ceased to keep me in prayer since! I should study up on Gemini but I am afraid to as I might discover she is a double or triple Gemini.. Nothing would suprise me.
Perla, if I could think of second profession for you, maybe it would be "talk show host". You could give Oprah and Howard Stern a run for their money and be a lot more interesting and truthful..Mark could be a co-host and you two would make history. I think of you as having such a fun, diverse and interesting life but needing a thousand plus years to do all you would like and dream of doing. I pray your birthday is special and when you get home, we will doing something fun and unusual. Think about it!
White water rafting, deep sea fishing, alligator hunting, looking for lost treasure in the Piney woods, visiting Dollywood, getting a dog team and doing the Itarod race, knitting, exploring the Rock City of Petra, getting lost in Vienna for a week with an endless budget, going around the cape of Magellan in a Mutiny on the Bounty replica, visiting the catacombs with a jar full of a thousand fireflies, taking a trip to walk in the footsteps of David Livingston across Africa, studying penguins and the migration of Terns in Antartica and riding on Icebreakers.....
Well. take your pick or come up with something new. Anyway, when you get home, lets celebrate!
Mom

Summer plans

2010-05-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sounds like we're going to be having fun! Kiona, Jude and Violet are on their way.Yeah! This old homestead was seeming a bit too quiet. and the dpgs are getting fat and lazy with too few kids to play with them. I'd better finally invest in a new pair of running shoes. I have had the same pair for 5 years now.
We are planning to go camping too- as soon as we get back from up North. We are heading up near Dallas to pick up a new canidate for Puppy Training. This will be my project. Hopefully, I will do a good job with her. She will have a week or two before we start the official training program.
Oh my...
Summer here will be hopping to say the least. We need a bigger house sooner than later.

My left foot

2010-04-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to get outside each morning. I just love the whole experience of wild growth that happens each Spring. Things grow so much from one day to the next and the plants are only too happy to oblige me. Something is always is bloom. They try real hard to keep my interest after the amazing show the Azaleas put on. They are crown stoppers. This morning I noticed the Honeysuckles Tim planted while he was on leave from Iraq. They didn't bloom the first year but they are now making our home entry not only smell good and look beautiful.but to get in, you have to brush them aside. Then our Jasmine is carpeting the backyard with beautiful white windmill flowers. The vines have traveled all the way up 2 trees, almost the full height. It goes way past out 2nd story. The trees are beautiful that way. God's timing is so tunes so there is something good just around the corner, delighting our senses..
Well, I have a problem. I think I have about 10 pairs of outside shoes. I think my shoe shelf is fairly well organized but apparently not. My dilemma is that I can never find the right shoe! This morning I had 5 left flip flops all lined up in a row and I was looking all around to find at least one right flip flop.. I was so anxious to get outside as Bella was bouncing on the trampoline again as we had left the chair too close. She just loves to sneak up. Anyway, why is it that I subconsciously always misplace the right foot. Any theories? Maybe my feet smell differently and my dog likes the taste of my right shoe better? Maybe, considering Bella's naughtiness, I'd better look under the trampoline for the right ones.

At the Park

2010-04-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Fallingwater

2010-04-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite structure ever. It is not only built over a waterfall in Pennsylvania but the inside is built and decorated in such a manner that it is so family friendly. Wright was a genius in his field. I just watched a documentary about his life and it was worth watching for sure. He led a colorful life and one of determination. He lived until he was 92 and did his most amazing works in his very last years. If you ever get a chance to study up on his life, it is fascinating. I sure would love to see this house one day. Can you imagine living on top of a water fall?

Peach creek on a Spring Day

2010-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

A day in my life.....keeping up with Teresa

2010-04-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

I love walking in nature but it's just so hard around Houston. Stargazing isn't that much fun unless glowing orange is your favorite color and you like bright, noisy stars that move and land on a run way near by.
Anyway, we found a nature wilderness park not too far away and paid for a years membership. So far, it's great. We have a unspoken goal of walking every inch of it.
It really is quite pretty and very cool. The trails are amazing but just so winding. Last time we went, just the day before yesterday, we got lost. It wasn't really all that bad as we could still hear the planes overhead but I had such a profound sense of being lost. I think it caused me to get claustrophobic as the tree canopy was so dense. I had to really fight the panic for a bit. It was really quite silly but I realized how my life has gotten to the point that the way I live, contributed to my sense of panic.
Everything I am familiar with is about "control" and I was in a situation where I just didn't have control. I live a life of being informed about what's happening and being in charge somewhat. I had an appointment I was missing as well.
The creek was a comfort to me as I felt as long as we were near the creek, we had some sort of landmark. Besides that, the creek so aptly called Peach creek for it's beautiful clear peachy color, had a soothing effect. The color just felt safe.
The woods here can be a bit foreboding with the myriad of vines and they seem to move.We actually just walked past this big tree and were just a few feet away when if cracked in half and fell into the creek with quite a crescendo. So, not only the vines move!
Anyway, I experienced a bit of pride when I realized we had covered 6 miles of trials (trails) that day. Next time, I am thinking we will do the creek by canoe instead. The trails are actually a small part of the park. It is truely a Texas wilderness park.

Just thots!

2010-04-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

I watched Barabas yesterday. It was made when I was just a baby and lots of people weren't even born yet.It was based on a novel and the author won the Nobel Peace prize for it. At first I was watching it all critically as things have gotten to a point nowdays that movie watching is right there and so realistic that it invades your brain space in every way.
I stopped and started over again after I vowed to see it from an unartistic standpoint. It was great. I remember it touched my heart so deeply when I was a kid. His conversion experience was beautiful.

Also, in my rebellious moments, I also watch foreign films instead of the stereotypes coming out of Hollywood. A German film I watched was quite beautiful on the point of sacrifice.

A young German soldier was sent to Siberia at the end of WWII. He was prisoner in a horrible freezing mining camp. The story follows his escape across 8,000 miles. The amazing thing was how he met people along the way that sacrificed their lives to help him get home. All the time he was pursued by the Commanding Officer from the prison. The ending is very interesting and had a lot of love in it. "As Far As My Feet Will Carry Me"
I am really amazed at how much is always happening all around us. God is working so incredibly in so many lives all at once. We see so little but our essence is such a series of daily miracles.
With all my commentary, you may wonder if I do much but watch old and foreign movies. Well, keep guessing. It's an interesting thought!

Happy Birthday Violet!

2010-04-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is another year! I have such fond memories of our time together when Mom and Dad were in Italy. Now, I just miss her so much.
Well, I look forward to pictures from you Nadia. You and Justin are such good parents. I was thinking of how times have changed and our kids get so much more time with their parents and so many cool opportunities. Big school days had their moments and bright spots....true. Times change and we all get going in news grooves and they are good. I am so thankful my grandkids have such good parents. Hey, does that mean we did ok too?
" Somewhere in our youthful parenthood, we must have done something gooooood."

new one coming-long term plans

2010-03-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

The pups have all been great and I get such raving reviews on all my little graduates. Never the less, I am aiming for a calmer dog. The English Goldens are known for their more laid back temperment which in the long run may be a real help when it comes to training pups for service with Special Needs kids. I took the step of putting down a deposit on an English creme female pup. I have yet to come up with all the funds but I won't be getting her for another month or 6 weeks.
I haven't seen a good pic of her but the parents are beautiful.Goldendoodles are one of the top choices of service dog trainers now days but I am aiming for a high quality Doodle, This little guys are already impressive when it comes to a great blend of 2 wonderful breeds.
Thankfully, we are moving right along with the training we need to train the puppies so when we do get set up- we hopefully can just expand and not miss a step. It's fun, full of challenges and takes a lot of diligence to raise dogs "with a vision".

KEEPING FIT

2010-03-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hating to spend money on stuff?

2010-03-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

With the recession and all, I know we all spend a bit less than we did before. I have found that I really check prices at the grocery store and I am so thankful for those Senior discounts. I just get all nervous when I get offered Senior discounts without asking. It's happening a bit more now days.
I just got to thinking about some of the things I bought in the past that were great buys and I really used the item. Then I got to thinking about the stuff I bought that just looked good and ended up either sitting on the shelf or being given away.
Well, my best buy ever was my little weather radio. We had news when no one else did! I have gotten so much use out of it. It even has a flashlight and a wind up feature. It had "cult" status during hurricane Ike. Now I can't find it and I am even considering a new one.
My computer has been great and of course my camera. My Standard poodles have been another great buy that was totally out of character for me at the time.
One of my most used possessions was a "hand me down". Peace, a Canadian friend, of mine gave me a red cloth carrier for my first baby way back in Sweden. I even graced the cover of a magazine as the concept was all so new there.. It was before the days of Baby Bjorn. It must have been one of the first. That little red carrier strapped on to either my front or back and I could carry my babies everywhere with ease and have both hands free. I used it for all 7 of my kids and a few of my Grandkids. I think it may be the one possession I had the longest before I gave it to my daughter. It had literally traveled to many countries and cities on most continents. It was the one thing I seldom left home without. Thanks Peace! She probably never knew the value of that gift.
Now for the worst ones. Well, there's too many to think of it right now- coming soon.

And just WHO is Spring Break really for?

2010-03-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

This will qualify under the heading of Dog News.
I am almost finished with finding my winter doodles all new homes. It was quite a feat as I had more puppies than usual. The saving factor was that they were all so "very "good. Before they were born, I wasted so much time, all those sleepless nights when I was trying to figure out what to do. Now, they are almost all gone and I just have Knight left. I have dubbed him "Good Night". As you imagine, he thrives on praise. I am really going to have a hard time letting him go.

Yeste€rday was a big day for me. Wellington was all "purdied up" as he was going to help with with a Grand Opening. of a Hair Salon. His job was to just look beautiful. He does look great when he gets a new hair cut and has his green bows in place. He is such a Gentleman.
Anyway, before leaving for that, I had someone scheduled to pick up a little girl Gooldendoole first. She was to be a surprise for a 8 yr. old boy and his 9 yr. old sister. I really wanted the day to be special for them. It turned out to be a cold and rainy day but other than that, everything seemed on course.
I really didn't have time to clean the house very well before they came. I really should have scheduled them later for the morning. That's a lesson for next time. Anyway, the whole extended family showed up- a Norwegian family. For some reason, this last week has been my worst week ever with the dogs. I tried to blame it on the weather but I really don't know the reason.
I had brought in Wellington to see them as I wanted to put my "best paw" forward . He does look beautiful when he's all groomed . Well, he starts off by peeing on the floor in front of them. I clean that up but they ooh and ahh over him and then he exits and I bring in the big surprise, Ginger Darling. She is such a beautiful little Doodle and I was sure they would love her. The little girl takes her on her lap and I turn for a split second to get something and hear-"Mommy, she peed on me! " Oh my, I had just taken her for a potty break and didn't expect that! I got that all cleaned up and it finally registered with the kids that this was really their pup. They were all into getting all the details. Then the dad asked to see the mom of the litter. I really was hoping they wouldn't as Bella just loves people but it takes her a few minutes to settle down and she appears too hyper at first meeting. She is in training so I did have hopes she would possibly be good. Well, I went to bring her in and she went into her gyrations of greetings, sat down on the floor and went pee! Ok, that was "3 strikes and you're out!". By this time, I was getting really nervous. So, out she went and I settled down to give them their paperwork when the boy exclaimed "look mommie" I was afraid to look and justifiably so. Sedric was in the backyard jumping on the trampoline in the rain. Now, if you have never seen a 65 pound Golden Retriever jumping on a trampoline, you have missed something. I just don't get why he does this! Anyway, the boy runs to the door and opens our back door and muddy Sedric bounds into the house to greet all the visitors, dressed in their Sunday best. When all calms down, I say with gladness,"he is NOT the father of this litter". They had all met Gentleman Wellington already so I had high hopes that that meeting blocked out all of Sedrics antics in the rain. Ugh! Why didn't I put him away? The morning was a comedy of errors. Occasionally with the dogs, everything goes all wrong at once! When they finally left, I just cried and couldn't believe how crazy everything went. Because it was a surprise, I wanted it to go so well but in my eyes, it was one big disaster. Humorously thinking, is it just that all my dogs are rebelling and joining in on the spirit if Spring Break? We live a bit too close to Padre Island.
Well, to redeem everything, a couple called later in the day and came at five to see one of my little boy Doodles. They were to have been sold to a Intern in NY but I stopped shipping puppies and his cousin had to return home suddenly and the sale fell through. I only sell puppies out of state if they come to pick up the puppies. Jenn fell in love with the pups and wanted one but her only problem was the price. Then they asked the dreaded question," can we meet the parents'.I was quiet for a moment and then muttered "ok".
Are you wondering what comes next?
Well, I brought in Wellington first and it was a "no pee" meeting. He had just come back from his job at the Grand Opening of Golden Hands Hair Salon and he just did everything right. Jenn's roommate was so impressed.. I was praying they would forget all about asking to see Bella but they didn't. They asked to see the mom. So I slowly left to go get her, trembling in my sandals as I really hadn't recovered from the morning fiasco.
Bella put on her usual "wow, I can't wait to lick you to death" act. She was happily overwhelming and then settled down with such an angelic pose.
To make a long story short, Jenn had phoned another place earlier in the day that had offered doodles at half my price. She was thinking of going there to see them first before making a decision.
Then I just sat back and watched with relief and satisfaction as I listened to them talk with each other. "This puppy is obviously a great dog and you I can't imagine there are better parents out there. The parents are great, beautiful and such quality dogs! The other pups couldn't possibly be better than this. etc." "It's definitely worth the extra".
I was quietly glowing with pride and then they made the decision to take home Benji! I know they won't be disappointed. Anyhow, I went from a discouraging low in the morning, to a jubilant high in the evening and all the dogs got treats.
Today I have a family coming with a very handicapped child. This is really my passion, to pair up great puppies with great kids. Prayerfully, this is a dream to build on. As you see, it has it's moments!

I still haven't figured out just why they are being so naughty however. When is Spring break over officially anyhow?!
These pictures are of Gus- currently on SPRING BREAK!

News

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

I have gotten really attached to College Station. We got lost on our last trip there and the campus appears to be most of the town! Their stadium is called Kyle stadium and it defies imagination (mine at least). The elevators are a bit unique an a bit more fun than the usual. As soon as you step in, you are greeted by a voice that says sweetly- "Howdy"
Well, our cars and everything else, are all covered in yellow dust. Don't stand in one place too long or you'll turn into a pillar of pollen. Looking up at the trees, you know it is only a matter of a few short days before we are covered by a canopy of green again. I do hear we are expecting a rather active hurricane season. Ugh!

Here are a few pictures of our last 2 weeks. It is really us. We just keep changing and getting.....ahem.....older?

It's so Big!

2010-03-04T23:45:00.000-08:00

Texas A/M is so huge!We went a different way and instead of seeing the "M' side where the future officers were all doing things in the fields, we saw the massive stadium and them some theatrical events were going on. It is so strange to be on a campus after all these years. My spirit is still me and the strange thing is that I felt like I fit in, in a way. In reality, what the other students saw looked more like 2 older parents escorting their daughter to class. I don't think we could pass for professors either.
The students at the Service Dog training seem to really like us there. I think we break the monotony- especially when my dear husband, who had brought in a forbidden soft drink, tried to take a sip and spilled it all over the carpet. It was clandestine no longer.
Mollie was still the only dog attending. She is only 11 months old and doing great. She is still quite young but has her vest privileges. Tonight they mainly discussed their rules for service dogs. It is quite strict.

It is a bit of a ride but we will be going next week too! I am posting a picture of Mack. He already had about 7 commands down- great for being just 2 months old. Jeanne (his owner) works with him a lot. Next year he will accompany Allison (his companion) to her special school. Here you see Mack and Allison. She can only say 1 word- his name.

One last picture. He seemed to love facebook.

2010-02-26T21:46:00.000-08:00

a bit of saddness

2010-02-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

Bella got past me today and ran into the room and came out with Crackers. He didn't survive long after we got him out of her mouth. He was such a good buddy and brought a lot of cheer with his beautiful songs he kept picking up from the local wild birds. He was a friend. He would fly down to sit right next to me a lot. He especially loved seeing what was going on with the computer. I used to put on slide shows for him of all different kinds of birds. He loved music.
He was a bit of a tease however and he would get on the dogs nerves. He would pretend he was trying to take away their toys when they were in the kennel and he was out. He went right up to them. He didn't really have much fear but they did give him space.

Right now the cage looks so empty. and the little box on top with him inside still needs to be taken out and buried under the banana tree. Maybe first thing tomorrow.

Guess who's here?

2010-02-26T04:44:00.000-08:00

Faces are hidden, to protect the identity....ha ha.

Can you imagine?

2010-02-26T04:38:00.000-08:00

Well, life is such fun and it's always good to have a laugh at yourself! Since I have been meeting with families and arranging for new homes for these wonderful Goldendoodles, I have found new and inventive ways to survive the ordeal of raising them as well as making the little guys look good. They are already such great little fur balls but I want to really add a lot of dash!
Well, everyone that comes always wants to meet the parents. That's fine. For the first people, I tried having Teri bring the parent dogs in on a leash but Lexi and Sedric weren't all that natural and a bit shy on a leash. I hatched a new plan. I would just open the door and then them come in on their own. It worked wonderfully and they were so well behaved and would come in and meet everyone (they were always so awed by them too) and they would play with their pups a bit and head back outside. That way, the people met the parents and were assured that the ball of fluff really was going to grow up to be a good dog. I was proud of myself for the new idea and everything was going great. Sedric and Lexi were impressive. Soon all the puppies from the first litter were spoken for and Bella' and Wellington's litter was my next project. There are only 2 weeks between to two and I had 8 more cuties to find homes for.
SO, I got a call and invited the young couple to drop by and see the pups. The night before I had come down with a horrible cold so I had someone get me some cold tablets- mild so I wouldn't get goofy. I try so hard to be professional or at least as much as I can be.
Didn't work!
The next morning, the couple ( newlyweds) arrived and I had the puppies all brushed, perfumed and well fed. They were stellar and so cute in their little play area. The couple picked out their puppy. Then, I asked if they would like to see the parents. I was feeling all smug as this was always the clincher. I opened the outside door to let in Lexi and Sedric and as always, they came in so politely and were so overwhelmingly good. Lexi even jumped in the play area and started nursing all the puppies and the scene looked so picture perfect. They are the ideal parents.
Then I realized something was horribly out of order. "Oops, I apologized- these are the wrong parents". Can I blame that awful cold medicine! My face turned beat red and then I just had to have a good laugh at myself. We ushered Sedric and Lexi out and the real mom was then brought in and introduced. Well, how goofy can I get?
The girl tried to help me "save face". "well, she said, you can really see that all your dogs have wonderful temperaments.- that's great. They are all so good with each other". Well, that's true but how could I make such a big mistake! At least I can keep everyone laughing and feeling good about themselves that they don't do such things! Just wait....

Well, the newlyweds were in love and can you guess which pup they took home? Why Romeo of course.

Who said Facebook is for the birds???? Of course it is!

2010-02-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

Crackers always wanted a Facebook page so I finally relented and let him share mine. To my dismay, he tried to completely take over. Everyone always says he's quite social. He's gotten in to tweeting a lot more lately.

the wonderful art of Grandparenting and hearing aids

2010-02-19T16:43:00.000-08:00

I am worried that I might be a little rusty. Deren will be here in a few days and it's been so long since I have seen him. We were so close before. Thinking about it a bit more, I don't really see any of my grandkids all that often. I always thought that I had had a lot of kids, that would guarantee that I always had a lot of Grandkids around. Raising my kids was so much fun, that when I thought about when they would be gone, I couldn't see that in my future. It seemed we always had to be together. Well, it didn't work like that really. The 4 corners of the world have claimed my grandkids.
Well, Deren is coming and we can do a lot of stuff together. Allen and Serena have been lifesavers though. It has been such a wonderful experience too have them and see them grow and change. They too are my grandkids! Where would we be without kids?
I have to go, I have to dust off my rollerblades and practice my Wii boxing skills. Oops, can't forget to practice just a few kids computer games. Normally they give me nightmares. I have been buzzing around the library, looking for kids books. My puppies are all psyched up to get petted a lot. I am thinking about fun foods to eat instead of vegetable soups, tofu and boiled stuff. I feel like I could just stand on my head and everything would turn out better.
Maya called today and put Georgia on the phone. I really couldn't understand anything she was saying more than IHOP and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Has Maya stopped cooking? Georgia talks real clear, I just can't understand. Maya, feed that kids some boiled vegetables!
Arwen is still sick. She has a cough that won't go away. Her Grandpa says she love to fly airplanes (some computer stuff.) loves Google earth and of course, her smile melts all the ice in Romania.

And another thing, nobody around here hears me anymore. I find I am talking louder, walking right up to people and looking them in the eyes and talking, and generally frustrated. How could my already irritatingly soft voice be getting softer?
Zing! Today I realized maybe it wasn't me after all. The young people always have their headphones on. Jason is always listening to Keith Urban nowdays- especially some song about- "You'll be thinking about me" or something like that. He has even developed a country swagger and tosses his head a bit like Keith while he chews on a piece of straw. Well, I always have to repeat myself about three times when I talk to Jason, wave my arms, occasionally do a little jig, which gets a"awwww. mom " response. My last resort is that I give him a kick. Teri is another headphone basket case. She buys a new pair about every week and she finds every artsy song she can. The more off beat, the better. She loves bagpipes, singing crickets, humming electricity lines and the guy who makes beautiful music with crystal water glasses, and plastic combs with waxed paper. By the way, that is only a partial list.
She really doesn't hear me at all most of the time.
Now, my husband. He really isn't getting hard of hearing either. It is just that he always has so much information overload that his" In Box" is full and I have to "try again later". His hearing does get better if you ask him a few key questions like "what is happening with health care?, did they find Obama's health certificate yet?, do you thing Sara Palin is going to run?, How's Rush doing? I think your phone is ringing, Can you buy me a new radio?....or better yet, can I buy you a new radio? ( Oh, I hope he doesn't read this post.). I better quit while I am ahead.
Anyway, that is my idea of-"where has all the hearing gone.....long time passing".
Well, you can see how badly I need kids around to actually listen to me! Someone must! Deren, come quickly!!!

Jet

2010-02-11T23:14:00.000-08:00

o the Head of the Seeing Eye Training Dept. came down to Houston to check out my pups. She was actually quite young. I had been expecting someone in their 40's or 50's. She took one look at the pups and reached down and picked up Jet, saying, I think this is the one. She said it often happens that they can tell at first glance.. She went ahead and tested them all but Jet got the highest score. He was great in going after the keys and finding his way out from under the blanket. It was quite a fun test. Natalie said that the majority of service dogs are male. They just get higher scores.
So Jet will soon be attending Texas AandM.. We are invited up to see the classes so we are looking forward to that too. They have 5 dogs currently in training- 2 labradoodles, a Goldendoodle, a retriever and a shepherd of some sort. She explained that the dogs have to be so well trained that they won't react to a lot of stuff- like getting their tail run over by a grocery cart. Ouch! I asked her how they trained for that. I will tell you at another time- to keep your interest piqued.

Anyway, Jet will be looking after an Autistic child. Pray he does well so he won't have to have a" career change.".

Titus- a model son

2010-02-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

He is every mother's dream son. Now, I could tell you stories that could verify that. I have plenty tucked away in my memory bank. Anybody want to hear a few? If so, send me a note and I will obligue. In this era of media glut, the art of storytelling is on the wane and awaiting a revival. Someday we will all revert bact to things with the personel touch.

Anyway, I do miss having everyone closer. It just seems like we should be having a cake. steak or a night out at the Black-Eyed-Pea or the museum perhaps? Ha ha,....it has been so long since Titus has been home, you can see what has happened to all the guests!

Mirror mirror on the wall....who is the fairest of them all?

2010-02-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

So much for having a bad hair day- it's the ears that count!

Ah....sweet spring. Where art thou?

2010-02-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

I have experienced a bleakness I have not known in Houston to date. For years the tropical vegetation has just grown and grown. This January's three day freeze changed the landscape and so many things are just brown and ugly. I haven't even gone out to clip away all the dead leaves from the giant Philadendron. They were 8 feet tall!
So, the good part is that I am really looking forward to spring like never before. I already have my seed packs of Basil and this year I am planning on planting it everywhere. This place is really going to smell good! We had lots of it last year but I am planning on going way overboard. The fun part of gardening is that you can always try new things and to make it more interesting. Our botanist and scientists are always coming up with cool and interesting varieties and plants that are doing amazing things. George Washington Carver is one of my heroes. I am just waiting for the wise guy who injects plants with human DNA. That ought to be fun. We might have talking plants, plants that enjoy doing things we do, like aerobics and body building, boating and archery,cooking, studying. etc. I can see plants getting more creative and ambitious. Maybe it really isn't all that wierd as our present generation of kids is being indoctrinated by spiritual veggies in Veggie Tales.

Oops- I think I remember a Twilight Zone about this topic. The veggies stage a "take over"!!!!
Oh well, I had just better concentrate on getting my little pots ready to start the seedlings and not worry about the future of plants. I just know they are going to enjoy spring this year.

Oh, I forgot about Groundhog Day. No matter what Phil had to say, our local Squirrel, Pete, said" Spring isn't that far away". Here in Texas we don't really care what Phil has to say. He has retained a lot of Yankee influence from the old days. Besides, he won't disclose his birth certificate either. We trust Pete. Squirrels rule! Hmmmm.....now let's talk about Squirrels injected with human DNA!

2010-02-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

The Prince is gone. From the beginning we knew he couldn't stay. It was just that hoped by some quirk of fate, he could. Well, he has gone on to grace the hearth of another home and will be missed. He was truly a Golden boy. That has happened and then, on a greater scale, there are so many others we know on the move! Pets are on thing but it is not so easy when dear human friends take off. Granted, it is easier in these days of Facebook and Blogging. Seeing videos of the wonderful progress of the up and coming generations - "grandkids"-makes it easier. Friends seem to not stay in contact as much as I would like. I still have this dream of living all together with everyone I ever knew and loved. Maybe that is what earth is all about. When my loved ones start shuttling off to other planetary locations- Pandora?- I may be a bit more concerned. Earth really isn't all that big.. Right?

Good News from Kansas City

2010-01-21T23:16:00.000-08:00

I always love good news. I just heard that Valorie has had some movement of the MOST important kind. I think everyone is cheering and very relieved. The situation was getting tense. She is such a little girl to be having such big problems. Evidently, she still has a ways to go but thank God for progress!

Valorie

2010-01-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

We have all been praying for Valorie. She has been in the hospital 5 days and her situation hasn't changed.. From what I understand, the doctors have been trying things but to no avail and her intestines are still not functioning. Tonight, the hospital in Kansas City is sending a helicopter to pick up Valorie and her dad and fly them in where she can see her doctor and be in the hospital there. He is a specialist with Cystic Fibrosis kids and we all feel a lot more peace about that. Infections can escalate so quickly and life with CF is a whole new ballgame. Her doctors keep putting her on new antibiotics as she grows immune to the ones she takes. She is exhausting the researchers. Please remember her in your prayers. I talked to her on the phone and she was cheery but a bit nervous about all the tests and probing and her little tummy is big and hard. Prayers changes things!

I blinked

2010-01-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

It was an all nighter last night. I put on a movie last night (lawyer- my favorite) I always like to see the little guy win. Anyway, I was keeping an eye on Lexi but dozed off a short time. About 5am or so, I finally started my cleanup process and disinfecting the whelping box, changing bedding etc. It takes about an hour. When I started to move the pups, I took a head count and noticed 2 too many. Oops, I must have nodded off just a tad too long. So, that makes 9...right?

So, I finish my cleanup, made a strong pot of coffee and hauled in some logs to start a roaring fire in the fireplace. The morning was a bit slow from then on. I had to comfort the new dad as he had rushed in about 2am, right in the middle of No. 5's entry into the world. It was a huge oversight as someone was just moving him into his crate in the house and he just had to zip off in the opposite direction to check out all the excitement in my room. Maybe it was because he had frost bite on his tail. He was supposed to be getting some zzzzzzz but created a big stir instead. So, I had a bit of explaining to do. He always looks like he understands.
Anyway, after the morning buzz. I went to check out Lexi and just happened to see another little boy falling down to the blanket, head first. What a dramatic entry. I couldn't see if it was a boy but knew it had to be. Woah....that makes 10. We decided to name him TenTen. He was born, five hours later than anyone else- at ten minutes after ten. And, he was #10.

For all you Goldendoodle Lovers....

2010-01-06T01:18:00.000-08:00

My unofficial guardian when I was a little curious kid, was a shaggy dog named Sadie. I remember using her as a pillow more days than not. I practically lived under the willow tree in our front yard and never tired of making willow crowns and napping of course. She faithfully stood guard between me and the street and I am sure kept me out of all kinds of trouble.
As a result, I have always wanted an Old English Sheepdog. A Goldendoodle just has to be the closest thing to one. In spite of appearance, I just can't imagine them really taking the sheep herding business serious however. They are just really great pets and now I have PLENTY!
Well, it is 3am Jan.6th and we now have a beautiful litter of 7 Goldendoodles- all white. Deliveries take all night! They are all white but a few have chocolate tips on the ears, The Dad is from White English Golden Retriever stock and Lexi is from the Majestic Poodle line of show Standards. I think they will be great pups.I will post pics ASAP. First they will all get weighed. They are so tiny (at least for the first few days).

AND JUST 'WHO "GETS A CHANCE TO BE PRESIDENT??

2010-01-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

While listening to all the discussion about our current president's actual birthplace and what it means to be "natural born", we began to wonder just what it means to be a "natural born American".

Teresa piped up in dismay "So, that means I don't have a chance at running for President after all.?"

Granted, she is a citizen of American parents but not born on " natural" American soil. She might secretly owe allegiance to Italy and harbor Renaissance thought patterns. Maybe there was "something in the water".

Just what did our forefathers mean by putting this in writing? Can she actually run or no? She's been studying pretty hard and has a lot of interesting new ideas.

And, we used to listen to "talk radio!".

Christmas Cheer in our little corner

2009-12-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

A birthday squeezed in....just 24 candles!A bit of a wild tree...Visiting a local rest home....

What next???

2009-12-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Around 2 yesterday, we were just thinking about starting to make our Christmas dinner. We had finished all the shopping and we feeling quite pleased with ourselves and had plans...yes, we had so many plans to make the evening so nice. All of our resident cooks had all the fixings to make their "special" dish. We were prepared!
Boom! My first thought was a small plane had crashed. We live under the path for Bush Intl.. Airport. We all ran outside to see blue flashes of light and then there was another loud BOOM and more flashes of very blue lights. My second thought was we were having an Alien Invasion! Needless to say, all electricity was out by then. We had all the neighbors join us in the cul du sac in all sorts of strange garb. We looked like scruffians of some sort. The wind had come in from the North and we had all grabbed whatever we could to stay warm and check out the Alien ship landing or whatever it was.
We all felt like Professionals after surviving Hurricane Ike last year so we were all actually quite brave. Neighbors all get together in the Cul du sac when strange things happen. It usually seems to be at the young couple's house across the block however. This time it was also. A tree had fallen on the lines and taken out the transformers for our whole sub division- minus a house or two. We saw some lights but maybe it was just a generator powered Christmas tree.
Well, Plan B.
Mark and Mercy went out to scrounge around FM1960 for firewood for sale so we could survive the night. The temperature was dropping even more and it was going to freeze. Then we rounded up our candles and had to think about Christmas dinner- hoping some place would still be open to buy dinner. Mark went into a big discourse on Pine trees and how useless they are and how they should all be cut down within 4oo feet of any houses and power lines. HELP! After Carbon Dioxide being declared a toxic poison (pathogen) in the news the other day, we could almost hear the local trees gasping for breath. I might turn into an unofficial tree hugger just to comfort the local trees. It was all a Scrooge ski by Mark..
Anyway, after the excitement of a street full of fire trucks and strange looking men (definitely not aliens) in colored and very weird suits, we did have a fun evening. We had Domino's pizza around the fire and played Taboo. Selena (8 yrs.) surprised us all with an answer we older and more educated (chuckle chuckle) all couldn't get. WHIZ kid that she is, she is also homeschooled ( I wanted to mention). Then everyone suddenly wanted Selena on their team.
Just as we finished having our party, opening up a few gifts, and enjoying eggnog, the lights finally came on. A roar went up around the neighborhood. Lights came on, just in time to turn them off and head to bed.
We didn't however. Missionaries that we are, we stuck a DVD into the player and took a visual trip to Ecuador and watched End of the Spear.......a beautiful movie with a powerful message about love and forgiveness at the end.
After all this, we had such a memorable evening,

Later,Mercy let us in on her morning prayer. She had prayed for something special to happen so we would all be a lot closer for Christmas. Well, I guess I better keep her home today so she can't share that little tidbit of info with all of our neighbors. Ho ho ho.. Being world traveling missionaries, we have had so much experience in adapting. To us, we just refigure and still have fun. Isn't it a beautiful strength to be able to just see God's hand in everything? We may be poor in the eyes of the world.....but oh so rich in so many ways that really count! Merry Christmas!

2 of my favorite Christmas Pictures

2009-12-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in a semi dark room on a very dreary morning, staring at my candle and listenning to some devotional readings when the sun suddenly came out and illuminated the candle. I took this shot in the brief moment that the sun was shining on that rainy day.
Crackers, as you can see, is a rascal at heart and loves to tease. He tries to pitch in on just about every activity. He is very happy at the moment. He loves all the Christmas activities too!
His favorite activity as of late, fluttering up to visit with the angel on the top of the Christmas tree.

The history of books......and me.

2009-12-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know how or why it all happened but as long as I remember, I have always loved books and still do. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that " back in the old days" black and white TV wasn't all that interesting and the few channels we got didn't offer much. Unless you loved watching Tom chase Jerry over and over again, Howdy Doody and Bozo the Clown, there just wasn't much. We had one skating Rink in town and 1 old swimming pool down by the river bottoms. Yuba City just had to be the quietest town in Northern California. Oh, I can't forget to mention that it was pretty exciting when the Fuller Brush man came along, or the Milk man with his colorful wheel displaying all his available products and the crop dusters that would fly so low. That was a bit of fun.
So anyway, I buried my nose in books almost from the time I could crawl out of the car and waddle into the Library.
Each year I seemed to develop new techniques. I was well on my way to reading every book in the Library. Along the way, I accidently drowned a few in the bath tub, lost a few to hungry hounds, decorated books with a variety of jams and peanut butter and had to do odd jobs to keep up with my fines. I perfected techniques to read while horsebackriding, vacumming, feeding the chickens, ironing, cooking etc. If I ran out of Library books, I would read the phone book, church bulletins, instructions for every new device that came into our home and explore my dad's desks and drawers. He always had interesting. One of my favorite things was the stash of house plans he kept rolled up.
So, no small wonder that that book reading energy has been passed down the line. I have always been intrigued by what my kids actually enjoy reading.
Even with the internet, books will never really go out of style. In fact, they were quite fashionable during the last hurricane and our 2 weeks of life without electricity.
Nevertheless, since my room had become difficult to navigate and my husband refuses to part with his 25 desk top computer carcasses that he might be able to use someday, tomorrow I am going to clear out all the excess. Something has to go.
Now, just what can be considered excess?
I will downsize by 75%. How is that for an agressive plan?

Why I married Jeff

2009-12-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

In reality, it has been so long ago, some of the details have gotten a bit fuzzy. I thought I had better write them down.
The first time I saw him, I was busy being hostess at our coffee shop at Expo 72. I know no one remembers this but it was like the Christian Woodstock at the Texas Fair Park. At least I think the churches had planned it as such. They just didn't invite the more radical element "US", to attend. Well, we somehow got a coffeeshop across the street and quickly became quite a popular place for the church kids to hang out and take cover when things got boring at the Expo. I managed the front desk and greeted all that passed through our doors. It had it's exciting moments. Well, one day this "beard" walked in. He was all bush but the eyes that peeped out from behind it all won my heart at first sight. It might sound cliche and corny but it was right then that I knew we would end up together.

We maybe exchanged 5 words and then he was off busy working. Sound familiar? I won't get into all the details of what happened over the next months. My life was so crazy and full of changes and gettting ready to move to Holland. The "beard" just seemed to pop up from time to time and then be gone...sometimes it was 5 words and other times a bit less. It just seemed like it was all really not meant to be and impossible to make happen if a person tended to look at things logically.

So I really didn't try. I know everyone today is into to opposite and doing long term planning for the future. I had been a school teacher for 2 years so I loved the new change, spontanaity and waking up the each day and just letting Jesus be the  guide for a change. I think because I had that trust and faith, God saw a way to orchestrate the entire senario. There were a lot of physical miles between us most of the time and our responsibilities kept us thus. Still somehow, all these surprising times popped us where we met , totally unplanned, so we did eventually tie the knot- in Danish and twice a few months apart.

Did I choose him? Yes, in a way I did but I do believe I let my Father do most of the chosing. He knows best. That was way back in 1973. There have been plenty of tough times and scary moments but I can honestly say I love him more than ever. Here's a little recent event to give you an idea.This year I planted a sweet potato plant. It went crazy and grew everywhere, taking over the whole entire garden, bursting out of the fence and into the neighbors yard. I couln't stop it and then I realized how much was going on underground. I dug my fingers gently into the ground a few times to check on the growing potatoes and was amazed at all the growth that was going on that I couldn't see. My marriage has been like that a lot.
When I first got the potato, a friend found it while cleaning one of her friend's pantry and nearly threw it out.  in the garbage.It was a shriveled up funny like thing but she gave it to me to plant and now it is magnificent!
.I am into watching foreign movies lately and I got this movie about a Jewish girl and an Arabic girl that were both teachers in the same school and facing arranged marriages. Amazingly they became friends and they both had arranged marriages of a sort, with very happy endings. I did have to laugh as at my first attempt to get married, things went so haywire and I tried so hard and it didn't happen. I was the wedding planner.
My second time around, I let God have a very big hand in everything and it worked out practically all by itself and was all just what I needed afterall!
This boy (now man) I married, just turned 57 two days ago. This week I was looking through all our old pictures as Nadia is putting together one of her famous "BOOKS" by Shutterbug for his birthday gift. It is like pictures from 1950-2009! I just have one last comment.....
                                                                               COOL!
                                                                            Enjoy your life!

Christmas Party

2009-12-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a few Christmas pics of our Dec.3rd party at the Bell Tower

Houston freezes!

2009-12-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

We had our annual Christmas Party last night and I was thinking snow since it snowed all during our party last year. It held off but today it is delightfully snowing outside and the afternoon will bring more of those falling flakes our way. I was out early this morning, intense in my efforts to turn the garage into a jungle. There is hardly walking room as my papaya trees take up a lot of space. It really is a wonderful effect. Jurrastic gardens! Instead of dinosaurs leaping out, it's dogs and raccoons.
It took my 2 hours of braving the pelting sleet to rescue all the plants. I ran outside in my PJ's amd flip flops so sbesides giving a show to the neighbors, I will probably come down with with a case of "Freezing Piggies Illness" My toes are glistening pink and I feel like squealing.
The Party went great.It was a touch of Italy as the place was a Tuscan Villa. It was so beautiful and the rooms so big! We were in the Chandiler Ballroom and thankfully the chandelier was attached firmly. It was so huge and so much wrought iron. Think Zorro! I can imagine that Chandelier in a Spanish Castle.
We only had a week to plan so considering that, it was an amazing feat! 125 people came and so many people lent a hand to make it special, from singing, slides of the Prophet Bus, caroling and really great food and fellowship!. We had a presentation for the new Foundation Stones graduates and a kick off for the new ones. Russell, a homeless man came with Noe' and he won everyone's heart. Someone asked him how he enjoyed the program and he said he didn't see much as he kept cleaning, serving and being an all around blessing. He said he just really enjoyed the hugs and kisses. He was practically a one man show in the kitchen.
Valorie shared an touching story about when she was in a coma and how everyone stood by her. She exaggerated a bit by saying Jeff came and covered her in Activated mags and then she awoke. Actually I think he basically covered the hospital in Activated mags as everyone must have gotten 2 or 3. She said she's wanted to thank everyone for so long. She looked great, thanks to Lolli- everyone's favorite hairdresser.
Zeb from Brazil had everyone dancing to his lively songs and everyone who wasn't was eating a piece of Chrisy's famous cheese pies. They are quite a team! All in all, I think it was our best party ever.
It' s still snowing!

Some Recent Pics-

2009-12-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

In such a rush!

2009-12-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

I will be posting a few pics of Nadia and Justin's visit soon. It was SO much fun to be with them and to be with the kiddos. Now our house seems so empty. We miss you! It was the most fun I had in a long time.
I managed to lose Justin's phone. That wasn't so great.
Well, we are also getting ready for Christmas. We are having a dinner in the Tuscan Castle ( I call it) It is so beautiful and it is amazingly coming together even tho' we have to pull it off in 1 week.
We got our tree and put it up while the grandkids were still here. Violet would put the balls on the tree and Lexi ( rogue poodle) would come behind her and take them off.
Teri had scored at the flea market and was busy making plans of how to use the lights. We found strings and strings. In the meantime, Bella (rogue Golden Retriever) got in the Christmas spirit. It is her first Christmas so all night long she kept herself occupied with trying to firgure out just what all the lights were for. I was dismayed to see all the lights in tiny pieces all over the garage floor. We thought to plug her in and she if she glowed in multi-color. Thankfully she doesn't seem sick. How can a dog chew like that! It was amazing. She even crunched the little bulbs. What kind of vitamen deficency can that be? Now, we need lights!
Well, off to the shop for last minute goodies for tomorrrow.
Oh one last thing is that there are rumors of snow on Friday. That would be so nice to have so early in the winter. It snowed last Christmas all during our Christmas Party. We came home and made a snowman in our yard. Houston isn't all heat, humidity and thunderolls.

6234 Fairdale

2009-11-15T23:21:00.000-08:00

Green Van and I took a journey into the Southlands to gather supplies for home base today. Being Sunday it was prettty easy driving and I didn't get lost. I did take a slight detour by our old place on Fairdale. That whole area is a bit gloomy and rundown with lots of FOR LEASE signs around. The only places that seemed to be still doing good were the Unitarian Church and Pappas Restaurant.
I got to thinking about the time I went back after they tore down the house and ripped up the trees. There was still stuff around and I got out and just walked the area where the house used to be. The actual ground where the house stood seemed so small. In fact it just didn't seem real. When we first moved in, we all kept getting lost in that 5,000 square foot house. That day the actual space didn't seem enough for a decent doll house. I walked all around, counting my steps, trying to connect. It just never computed. Then I got to thinking of all that happened in that house during the 8 years we lived there. Maybe that's what made it seem so big. After tearing it all down and carting it all away, it just seemed so empty, quiet and abandoned.. That was then. Now there are 13 high end condos where our 6234 Fairdale house once stood. I'll have to pull out my pictures!

Be a friend....

2009-11-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

I visited a friend this week. It's been a while since I had seen him but because he had had a lot of hardship in his life, I have so often prayed for him and his family. I always end up crying when I visit him. This time I just happened to have my 21 year old som with me. Both Dan and I cried once again. Sometimes I feel like a lousy missionary. I should have had some wonderful speech prepared. You see....

5 years ago, Dan's 21 year old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. I felt like I experienced a lot of the pain with them at the time but one never really knows until you walk in their shoes.
I don't have a lot more to say on this post except- please don't drink and drive and don't let others do it either if it is in your power to do so. Life is too precious.

2009-11-13T21:42:00.001-08:00

Oh my!

2009-11-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

I had quite a tough day with having lots to do around the "Ranch" so to speak while dealing with a stomach bug that kept me running, All I really wanted to do that day was get lost somewhere in God's creation and enjoy the skies, trees, smells and sounds . It was one of those rare perfect autumn days in Houston. Well, that evening I thought I had things all wrapped up with work and had visions of stretching out in my bed under my cozy covers and sleeping. I dove into my bed, relaxed totally and was down to stretching out my toes when Teresa popped her head into the room and told me she had prepared a great pasta. All I had to do was poke my head into the dining room and check it out.
It is a promise I made to myself long ago to always appreciate a child's work of art so I bounced up out of bed with great pains to make the move seem effortless and enthusiastic. I found myself in the midst of a surprise party just outside of my bedroom door. I thought my burthday was all over a few days earlier!
So, does that mean I have to be 60, instead of just 59?
My very favorite friends just happened to be there in my living room and didn't even seem to mind that I was disheveled and funny looking. Amber and Teri not only had pasta ready but all the fixings. Yummm.
Jeannie had sent along a wonderful custom made cake to compete with Teri's special lemon merangue pie.
I always love stories and it was a special gift to hear of Johnny and Ruth's camper travels in the Middle East. What pioneers and exciting times. Those were definately crazy and fun days but what joys to just follow God step by step and mile by mile. I found myself thinking," You really did that!"

God is so good to give us not only our daily needs but all the trimmings.
Thanks to some very sweet friends for making my 59th (not 60th) birthday special.

Just a few pictures

2009-11-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

Dolph finally got his wings!

2009-11-11T21:33:00.001-08:00

for Perla....it's just a bit.

2009-11-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

Being born and raised in Northern California, I have to say that I always have had a love for anything to do with water. That is amazing as water almost got the best of me in the flood of '55. My mom was so terrified to make a escape without my dad. He was busy sandbagging the levee with the rest of the men, trying to save te city. Somehow she did manage to get us in the car and out of the flood waters at the last minute. Seeing the raging flood waters and the aftermath will stick with me forever but I still love water.
I loved spending my summers rockhopping down the streams at Castle Crags high up in the Sierras. As long as I was on a stream, I wasn't lost and it seemed I could go for hours. I'd ride my horse along the Feather River and marvel at the amazing currents and the river life and wonder how ocean ships ever managed to get that far inland in the Gold Rush era. Now I love salmon but then I only saw them in a compasssionate light. I would spend hours searching them out and lifting the heavy orange fish out of the pools they'd become trapped in and throwing them back into the river. They'd finished spawning and at the end of their life but I only had "rescue"on my mind.
I loved the wildness of the Northern Pacific coast and the seals and sea lions and the trees that clung to the rocks, leaning almost totally sideways from the ocean winds. I discovered a very old small house on a cliff once.It stood alone in a sea of tall grasses and flowers and totally engulfed in pink climbing roses. I just had to find a way in and explore the few rooms. Someone had tried to keep the cold out by gluing old newspapers to the walls so I spent a lot of time reading old news articles, peeling off layers, trying to get some idea of the people that lived in the area. I couln't imagine why they had lived on the cliff in a field with no pathway.
I loved swimming in Shasta lake and pondering the depths of Crater lake, imaging what monsters lurked in that bottomless lake. I didn't even dare put my toe in Crater lake. My mom was an explorer so we ended up seeking out old ghost towns in the Sierras. I always had spooky thoughts.I loved the hidden SPA that had once been a playground of the rich in the Roaring 20's. The abandoned vast tiled pools intrigued me and I could only imagine what they must have looked like with movie stars and European Royalty lounging in the hot pools with mineral packs and plush bathrobes. I imagined I could still hear the laughter of flirting couples. We could scarcely find the roads to the once famous spots but the thought of getting lost was a great part of the fun.
My mom loved visiting the fish hatcheries. The long pools were teeming with all kinds of fish in all stages of growth. I had nightmares of falling off the narrow paths and becoming part of the food chain.
Back home, I was hard to keep indoors. I just had to be outside doing something. I almost always had some tool in my hand, scrounging around for any wood and nails I could find. I always had something in mind that I wanted to build. This was my dad's fault. He was a builder and I was his shadow as much as I could be. I stole the tomato farmer's crates to build condos for my baby chickens. Somehow my sister and I made a bridge across the drainage ditch and any tree that had a few big branches, had a perch or the beginnings of a crude tree house. My dad took to hiding his hammers and nails and I have faint memories of a few spankings for messing up his wood piles and carting off stuff.
As I grew older and developed an interest in my dad's desk, I would unroll the house plans I found in his desk and study them. Somehow, I had illusions of upgrading my building skills! I really can't build much. I just always had dreams .
I also loved the Yuba River and the feel of the stones beneath my feet and swimming inthe cool waters. Of course I always had my eye out for the glint of gold and tried my hand at panning often enough. It was actually quite fun for about 5 minutes at a time. I even tried to construct a sluice.
Well Perla, you asked me to put a few memories on my Blog for my birthday. How's that for now? We are a colorful family. Life is such! I was thinking of when I was in labor with Teri and walking unerneath the ampitheater in Pozzuoli. I sat down on something and it turned out to be part of an old elevator they used to lift things up for the games. I wanted to know the people that had sat there before me and what they experienced. I love history and sometimes I feel I could just burst. I can't stand the thought of how many people throughout history that I have missed knowing...at least for now. I am praying I will someday be able to meet everyone and catch up on their lives! That will take a while! Meanwhile, lets all take advantage of the present and love who and what the Lord puts in our pathway today!
Oh, and yes, Perla I will write a bit more on another day.

The Children of Huong Shi

2009-10-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

I hope I got that name right. I stumbled across this 2008 movie about the life of a young Oxford graduate that visited China during the Japanese take over of pre-WWII , saw a need and became a hero to a group of 60 Chinese orphans, leading them over mountain passes to safety near Mongolia. It is quite an amazing story. Researching the story, it touched my heart to see what just one person can do in spite in insurmountable odds. He was a "given" life. See the movie if you get a chance.

Dare to be a butterfly!

2009-10-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

We have had our Pentas and Mexican Milkweed for a few years now. We went to a class at the nature center on butterfly gardens and the speakers gave us all free baby plants to start a garden. At first Jason and Teri got sidetracked and dug a 3 foot deep hole in the back yard and filled it with water. They were going to do it right and start off with a Bog Garden. It was a mosquito nursery so we filled it in and proceeded to simplify our project. We embarked on making our own Butterfly Garden and were quite successful in that we did attract a herd, gaggle, flock????? of butterflies laying an "ocean" of eggs. We have tried numerous efforts to observe the whole amazing process but this year we just tried the window sill in the kitchen and it worked out amazingly well. We have had butterflies emerging for the last 2 weeks. We just escort them outside and they fly off to other destinations- like Mexico! It has been fun. If you check out thte pictures closely, you will see a little red bug. He has been there the entire time, checking out the caterpillars, cocoon and the butterflies. Once 2 caterpillars met head on and appeared to actually fight for a bit and it certainly looked like the little red bug was intent helping settle the dispute. For lack of a better name, I will call him Speedy Red Bug.Tonight he is still there and still on guard. Anyone know if he is an offical companion?Well, this is just one of the many odd things we do at our house.

Happy Anniversaries

2009-09-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

I realized I had missed 2 very important "moments in history". I am sorry to be late but I do pray that Titus and Mia, Nadia and Justin will have beautiful years ahead. You are all 4 such wonderful examples of wonderful people. At the risk of sounding so repeticious, I am very thankful and proud of you all.

Broken toe

2009-09-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finding out just how much can get done in extenuating circumstances. Since I had my toe mishap, I have been able to bike quite a few miles. I am not 100% sure if it is broken but all I have to relate to is the 2 times I broke my tail bone. IT hurts like that- just in a different location....
Anyway, I have been doing some swimming too. I just to experiment with just how to place the foot and still get somewhere.
It is a bit embarassing to limp into the gym and hop on a bike and peddle away. I just look like nothing bothers me at all, pull out my book, and get started. Maybe I just feel like all the "perfect specimens in their designer exercise garb" are staring me down. Just my imagination?
I just have to wear flip flops everywhere I go and it's beginning to look funny- not just at the gym. I am thinking I need to invest in sequins or something and spruce up my foot gear. Someone suggested oversized steel tipped boots.
I am hear the nick names coming on now.
I can pretty much do everything, just very slow and carefully. What angers me though is when my clumsey Golden Retrievercomes barreling up to greet me and knocks me off balance and then the his partner in crime, Bella, grabs my flip flop and takes off. No way I can catch her and to her it is all great fun. It's raining around here now so I have a sloshing good time and feel like wringing a few necks.
I am beginning to hate stairs. I am brainstorming ways to over ride the need to go upstairs here.
Oh well, the puzzle of everyday life is just a lot of fun with all the new factors the Lord keeps passing my way. My life is never really boring.

Talk about new mindsets....

2009-09-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

My one free day goes like this-
I go to the Arboretum and walk. I think of who I can talk to to enjoy the flowers and trees and explain all the names too. There is just something about Latin.
I might go to the Library but I always end up in the kids section ooing and awing over all the new stuff for kids. I have to remind myself NOT to check it out.
I check out the books and mags for sale. The Parenting mags are so upgraded and full of fun things to check into doing with kids. I usually but these anyway as they are just 25 cents but it makes me sad I can't use them so I put them under my bed in a plastic box.
Then I buy a few Consumer Report magazines to check out adult stuff.
On the way out the door, my eyes fall upon the free publication shelf and the KIDS in HOUSTON magazines jump out at me. I know what's in it so I force my hands deeper into my pockets and race out the door, regretting I ever entered the library.
So, I go to the Nature trails for a walk. It just isn't the same without somebody racing ahead of me, trying to get me to speed up. The vines just don't look the same as they just hang there and don't have kids swinging on them and me glancing around to make sure the park people don't see. The turtles are still there in the bog but it was just fun to run all around and count them and step on the cypress knobs.
I stop by Home Depot for an air filter and the Garden section beacons to me. Hey, the kids would love these flowers and we could start a veggie garden, raised beds of course. We can google how to make a stone path and birrd bath etc. Everything about Home Depot says "kid fun". They even have Saturday classes.
Somehow, no one in my house gets very excited by my crazy ideas anymore. Things have gotten a lot more sophisticated and I just haven't caught up yet..
Cooking-I can't eat sugar now and if I make these cute little cookies-they just don't have the same effect. I just get a hmmmmm. response. I could make all kinds of fun breads, and a pizza or two. Kids love doing that.
I can't sew anymore as there are just so many fun things to make but adults just don't seem to need costumes and singing skirts for Christmas caroling. My sewing machine is gathering dust.
I love going to corn mazes and pumpkin patches, going to farms where you can pick your own blueberries, getting excied over junk at garage sales, swimming in cool rivers and hunting for crawdads in the mud, gathering shells and hermit crabs at the beach and the list goes on and on.
I think of all the wonderful things I did with my kids and I thank God for all the times we did have. I never thought I would be a mom. As a teen, I only had grand visions of lofty goals and it never included children of my own.
Now I can't seem to easily shake the thoughts and change gears.. It's better than it used to be but it is so funny how things just jump out at me. I need to just sit down and make a whole new plan.

I just pray that young families have as much fun (and exciting learning moments) as I did and value the rare and precious opportunity to raise a family. Some of the comments I have heard lately sadden me as when I look back, I see "richness" and I have a real hard time letting go and moving on. It is so ingrained in my heart.
With all the emphasis on "change" I pray the simple beauties of childhood, life and parenthood, don't get smothered out by trying to achieve, get ahead and be successful in "whatever". So much of what surrounds us is transient but the things that are eternal shouldn't ever come as an afterthought.
I just wish I had done more with my kids.....

Some of us girls at Yosemite this summer.

2009-09-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

When I saw this picture and all of Maya's, it gave me such a BUZZ. That was such a happy trip we had . It was something I had really wanted to do and Yosemite took my breath away! Having the kids all there was so nice. They are such a lively bunch . Take a moment and notice my hiking boots. They were just a tad bit too small but I was having so much fun that I didn't notice until later when my toes were totally numb. There are so many wonderful things about Texas but nothing can beat those California mountains.

What Allen did for his 3 year old birthday last year and Hurricane pics.

2009-09-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put in these few pictures of our famous hurricane last year during Allen's birthday. It was one to remember.

He's now 4 so let's have a real party this year!

2009-09-14T19:53:00.001-07:00

And.....this year- not even a drizzle. Clouds yes, but no rain!

Teri's done it again

2009-09-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Allen just turned 4. Last year he celebrated his birthday by helping in his small way, to help clear hurricane debris from the street. Hurricane Ike hit the day before he turned 3 last year, with the eye passing right over our sub-division. Allen was so cute with his rake, out doing what he could with his dad and the other men. Without electricity and the city generally shut down, we just couldn't do much to make it special. This year we wanted to give him a nice shindig. It actually took Teresa all day to put together this firebreathing dragon. She named him Steve and he was a hit with the kids. She really ought to go into the business. We did have a special guest. Little Max (5 days old) showed up but slept through the entire party. It was his second party that day. He and his mom Mila, also had a baby shower in their honor just a bit before. Allen did have a lot of fun and kids had plenty of fellowship and running free time. Jesse Jones Park is beautiful in the Fall.

An yet another birthday.....

2009-09-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

Today I was thinking about Tim and all the excitement surrounding his life. Hmmmm. I was just enjoying daydreaming about the pastoral landscape of the Peruvian border with Chile.We were stuck there once many years ago. It was dusk and I was sitting on the sum total of all our wordly possessions with 4 kids and a baby Tim.It was just us, our suitcases, and the sheep in a big field. We were just watching the sheep graze and the sun go down while it looked like all the people that could help us get across the border had gone home or were still on their usual extended government sponsored siesta.. It was an amazingly peaceful moment.
At a location somewhere back on the road, dad was busy bribing a lazy government official to give up Tim's birth certificate. A short time later, with the help of the Chilean border guards, we were all safely on our way into the interior of Chile with our blonde and blue eyed EX- Peruvian.
I did a quick little mental run down of just how many of those tense times we had with Tim (before and after birth). Just what is it with this kid? I think he mainly tries to peg all the blame on the Pina Colada problem. Truth is, it is still going on.
Just when I was daydreaming about guarding my luggage and watching kids and sheep at dusk, Tim calls me and breaks the spell. I have a few minutes to wish him Happy Birthday before I suddenly I lose contact. I try to call him but there is no answer. 5 minutes later I get this call with a warbly voice I can barely understand. Well, somehow he was at this lake in Oklahoma and dropped his phone in the lake while we were talking- end of call. No worries. I at least could understand that he needed a new phone anyway.
So, in case anyone was wondering what to get Tim for his birthday- I suggest a few different options- a bigger boat, a waterproof pager, a box of ziploc baggies for him to keep valuables in, dog training classes so Ed can learn Retriever skills and get busy retrieving, miniature bungee cords to attach to important things (a variety of colors so they blend in with his clothing).
And do I feel rotten. I haven't even done any shopping!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM! I LOVE YOU!
We all wish you were here....

My 2 August children

2009-08-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well, they both hit milestones this month. It's funny how it happened that Teresa turned 16 and today- Jason is 21.
I feel a certain measure of relief and pride- in a motherly sort of way. Only moms really understand.

When I tell people I have raised 7 children (after being asked if Teri is my only Grandchild) they don't know what to say right off. Now days it really isn't the politically correct thing to have such a large family. Sometimes I imagine their real thoughts but they always try to come back with something nice. I may not be in step with the times but when I look at all 7, I am just amazed at the people they have become. When I first started out on the "mom journey" I was very scared, uninformed and baffled about just about every step of the way.
I had been voted the "most unlikely to have kids" back in High School. People used to come up with all kinds of crazy predictions for the High School Yearbooks and I had a few interesting labels I don't want to repeat.
Anyway kids- face the facts- you really do have a MOM that somehow pulled it all off and here you are. I know sometimes you must wonder at some of the crazy things that happened along the way.
It is true that you were not raised in Pleasantville but is it safe to say there have been many colors and hues of all sort in your lives? To me it seems like such a unusually interesting and beautiful living picture.

Years back, in ancient times, when I was planting my little gardens, raising sheep and chickens, riding horses and later on- teaching school, I never thought my life would be so alive and colorful. I was actually afraid it was going to be a dull life. I got scared thinking of eternity and wondering what we could possibly do forever. Everyday just seemed to happen without much variation.

Well, you all changed that- of course with a lot of the Lord thrown in and a Dad that could never sit still for five minutes. As the Texans say- he always acted like he had a hornet in his cowboy hat! Some how, "bee in his bonnet didn't seem to fit".
So. to my August kids and all the rest, "Thanks for being such fun and great kids." May you have many more birthdays and a life full of as much of a wonderful time as you all gave me and more!

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT FOR A PARTY

2009-08-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Lake Houston has it's charms, especially in the evening hours. It looks beautiful here but this was quite possibly the only place it didn't storm in Houston that evening. Most people had to brave it through torrential rains and high water to get to Noe and Mary's lake house. They hosted the barbeque and made it all so beautiful for Teresa's special evening.
These are random pics taken throughout the evening- not in any special order, The food was great and the cakes were beautiful (made by the birthday girl). As a Julia Child class cook, she trusted no one else to make her cakes.

The band put on a great set. They are actually playing for a Radio Station tonight Aug.23rd and the party was a practice test. A success!
Teri had planned a dance contest and these judges were quite good at choosing. It was a close call. Lollie and Andy came in first with Teri and Shawn 2nd. Perla and her partner had the floor smoking but still came in 3rd!
Teri on the pier....
Jason did the MC duties and looked and acted very much the part.
Amber and Teresa.
The dance winners! They won a barbecue dinner for 2 at a local reataurant that has been in business since 1857. It is quite a bit of history and a real authentic Texas piece of history. Just pull right up and hitch your horse to the post!

Lolli actually played the drums in a band for years. By the look on her face. it must have been her passion.
Shawn and Teresa set a record of making up their own steps. That has got to be youthful "out of the Box" thinking.

No explanation will be given on this one.
Perla spent 3 hours on Teri's hair. Now, she is saying what?????
Jaz
Andy is the 16 and the son of one of our closest friends here in Houston. He was officially Teresa's escort for the evening but being as we aren't Latin we didn't really know how the party was supposed to go so he just filled in for pictures. Teri wanted to pattern her party after a Quincenera and dub it a Sixteenera. I don't know how close we came but it sure was a lot of fun.
Flowers from her Dad.
A brother to watch over her....

And a short time of thanksgiving and prayer.

Algebra loses

2009-08-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

I made a mistake. Teresa just informed me that the Grammar Guy was her favorite. Algebra had to settle for second place. If any one wants, I do have a class of his. I could make you a copy.
Algebra IS fun!

Homeschooling in Houston and A Convention Texas Style!

2009-08-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting event to say the least. I went to the same Convention 4 years back and I guess the first thing that stood out to me was how many more people are now homeschooling. The 2nd thing was how many of them were dads! So here you can see two homeschooling dads here in Houston. I am so proud of them!

The governor opened the meetings and explained all he has done to help us here. He actually just vetoed a bill that some opponents of HS slipped past. It had been passed by the House and the Senate. The bill was not all that bad but opponets of Homeschooling had slipped in something that would have seriously affected our freedoms- hoping no one would notice. It was noticed and so many people wrote, called and emailed that he vetoed the entire bill. God bless him for doing the right thing.
We were right up there in the fourth row for his opening address. Now, any Californians reading this may wish Perry was their Governor and not Arnie. Sorry.....you might want to consider moving.

Here is an enthusiastic attendee on the first day. They made him put the sign back or pay a photo op fee...Ha! Actually this Grandaddy homeschooling dad (everybody say Amen!) called off all his appointments and attended all 3 days. His favorite speaker was the WHY GUY ( Tom Clark- the Algebra whiz.) Tom was Teresa's favorite speaker too He makes Algebra understandable and FUN!. In fact Teresa wanted to sit in the front row-with me- and took notes! A enthusiastic teacher makes all the difference. We visited with him afterwards. Teresa was a rare attendee. She was in the classes, right up front , impressing the speakers. She attended a few classes on her own while we were in another.The rest of the teens were involved in the organization of things, helping with the kids program and passing out handouts etc. but I am so glad she attended the classes. In truth, she was the main reason I attended!
Brian (Brain on his nametag) was great. He is a Grammarian and had a program called Write at Home.He had a small hall but should of had a bigger one! Here Teresa is after class asking a question.
A bit lost. Don't worry. It all worked out. Right around the corner was the free coffee display and everyone perked up.
Last day- just before the last class. Ah yes, I can say I was so happy to meet so many dedicated folks and see what's happening in their lives. Homeschooling has come a long ways. I guess one other thing that stood out to me, was how open the speakers were against the Public school system. When I attended in 2004, there was just one speaker that I noticed having such outspoken fervor. This time it was just about in every class. On top of that, so many of the people were educated speakers themselves. Well, I have a lot to think about but I am so thankful Teresa went and is sold out on continuing her Highschool at home. That alone made it worth it all. I have a lot to think about but I am so excited about Teresa's last 2 HS Years and thankfully- she is too!

GI Bill

2009-07-30T04:14:00.000-07:00

Starting August, Tim will be getting more benefits. He had a hard year last year- studying and working at Krogers to make ends meet. The added benefits will allow a lot of returning soldiers to actually afford college so he is happy about that...and he doesn't have to work. The school he will be attending is called the Magnolia Campus. I think it is the University of Oklahoma but it is right on the border so Texan's can attend without the extra fees.

We will soon have an Accountant in the family. He can do all of our taxes!

How busy is too busy?

2009-07-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

How can we fight forgetfulness?

Our days have been so full here that we both didn't even remember our wedding anniversary until 5 days later and....it wasn't even me that remembered! That's getting pretty bad I suppose. Well, w e have not celebrated yet but the date was July 15th and we were married in 1973 so I guess that makes us dinosaurs.

The funny thing was that I was busy that week working on organizing a birthday party for someone else( in my spare time that is). The good news is that went very well. We had James at the barbecue pit with Ka bobs of 3 different meats. Amber made a Mediterranean salad and Arabic rice. My addition was spiced up eggs, dips and "all the shopping" That had to count for something. Then we had Kelsie make the cake. As we were all big cake eaters, Lolli ( the life of the party) showed up with a Strawberry cake and we all convened to the yard for a hilarious fun feast that I am sure was quite an entertainment for the neighbors- especially since Teresa decorated the yard with Christmas lights and Texas red chile lights.

Guess whose birthday...yes it was our Uncle Mark, who faithfully begins reminding us of his birthday the day after Christmas. How old you ask? Well, let it be enough to say that he is younger than I am and wasn't around for when Seabiscuit won the triple crown and Shirley Temple tap danced down the stairs with Mr Bojangles.

Anyway, that is all to say, I guess we were just having too much fun to realize we were passing by yet another personal milestone.

Summer fun and thots

2009-07-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Our little home is bursting at the seams with visitors. That's life in the summertime and what a life. We have 2 more little kids and their mom visiting from India. They are so articulate. Are all kids from India little Professors and future Bollywood stars? They are so entertaining. Chantal (2) and Maya (4). I would not have been surprised if Chantal had been named Nadia. They love dogs and have no fear so the Canine population is happy for the most part. Sheba has determined that Maya has some other intention besides kindness and gives her famous "puppy disciplining growl".
I just heard that Allen is going in the pool alone. This is a major advance. I think he was inspired by Selena's swimming trophy this year. Much to everyone's surprise, our humble little team, won the District Championship. It seems that since Jason and Teresa left the team, they have new Stars. Ha! They were great on getting points for their teams as they faithfully won or placed high, but their team usually lost anyhow.

Also, we are picking up a trampoline today! We have been wanting one for so long. I will place our hammock under the nearby tree, sip lemonade and watch the kids jump and jump and jump? Would it look odd for a granny to be up there jumping? I just forget I am older until I take the time to look in the mirror. Then I stop and break out the Make up bag I have neglected- just kidding. I do look in the mirror more frequently. I just wait until nightfall or dim the lights.

Actually. I don't mind growing older at all. I find so many joys in life that I didn't notice before or maybe just didn't take time before. I love being with people even more but I treasure my quiet moments. I do see things a lot differently. I do wish young people weren't so afraid of older folks. I do hear so many odd comments. On this point, for anyone who enjoyed " The Notebook", I read the book written about Noah's family after. It's called "The Wedding". I keep so few books as I have so little time to read. Nevertheless, I have a small collection ( now 7) of my favorites. This one has been added. I found it well worth reading....and keeping.....and recommending.

A dear friend passed away a few days ago. Gary Spaulding will be missed by many and especially his family. They are wonderful people. Life goes on.....and I am so thankful for this reminder too. I want to make my moments count as we never really know when He will call us to the other side. Gary loved the Lord and made such an impression on everyone he met. My first encounter with him was in 1972. For a short time, I worked together with him and was assigned to be a driver for him in the big city of Dallas.

Hey, I am still hearing so many good reactions from "the Shack" We just got a copy of the Audio. (thanks Perla)It's so great on so many points. I have heard it helping so many on the point of forgiveness.

2009-06-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

PS to my last post- here is Violet as she is bravely using her new found "mountain goat"training skills to tackle Quarter Dome. Getting up was easy but getting down was a different "slide on the rear". Ouch! Yesterday, you saw my boots. Well here is the living proof that I was an Official Yosemite Hiker!

I had to stop. Somewhere along the line, I forgot I have a terrible fear of heights. I was doing fine until it all came back in a flash and I felt like I was falling into the raging Merced River. I tried a few tricks to try and continue so I could reach the top like everyone else. I made it a few more steps before I had to gingerly work my way back down .

Trying to look like I am in good condition and not out of breath.

A borrowed pair of trail conquering boots and.....

2009-06-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

These boots did a lot of walking this last May. I would like to boast and say " they climbed treacherous mountain cliffs, braved slippery slopes, forded snow-melt swollen and icy torrents, stayed firmly on the trails inspite of sudden summer deluges and logged many miles".

Well, yes they did all that in a modified sort of way. The enclosed feet, not used to being restricted in such a way, responded with stinging red blisters. Ha! Such wonderful family, exciting scenery and bliss soothed it all away! Thank God for Mountain Boots!

Thank you Nadia and Justin for doing so much to make our Yosemite trip so fun- even down to the last detail.

I have so many pictures and don't know where to begin. The kids were all so photogentic but I wondered if I would be stealing Maya and Nadia's thunder if I posted all my grandkids pics. So, I will start with my own kid's pics. Yeah Teresa! I may hear about this tomorrow. She always feels I pick on her.

I will just post a few.

In all my "horse days" as a kid, I can't even remember seeing a live mule. They have always intrigued me as they are tooted as being so versitile. When I saw Teresa's potential mount on her trailride, I wondered if she would be disappointed. Madonna and Teresa got along famously. She was so good natured, firm footed and really knew the trails.

Madonna of Yosemite.

Next installment coming soon.

2009-06-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

She is almost 16 and I have been promising driving lessons. My dad beat me to it. August 13th is the big day. Grandfathers are known for bravery.
My dad lost his license a while back as he failed the vision test. His eyes improved and he now has his license back. He passed! Teresa and Jude really enjoyed Grandpa's "wheels."
So, Teresa is learning from a pro. She missed all the ancient walnut trees, spared the bee hives (thankfully) and had a thrill. It's a beautiful little tractor and beats the Go cart she used to speed around in at Malibu Park.

Meltdown......Texas style.

2009-06-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

The heat index here is going to be 108 for the 2nd straight day. We are not used to such heat even here in Houston! Can you believe a banana tree died today and about 100 of my other plants are wilting terribly. The only things that seem to be doing well are the cactus plants.

Tonight, I went outside to bring the poor pooches in and an owl swooped down and it looked as if he was wanting to join right in unnoticed. He definately was headed for the door. Tim is off in Seattle doing Army Reserve stuff for 2 weeks and says he is enjoying the weather. It looks like he will be moving to Oklahoma in the next few months if all goes as planned. Those breezy tornadoes will keep things cooled down. I am beginning to think I may hitch a ride to the Rainbow festival afterall as I hear it is in a VERY cool location. Wonderful mountains!

summer vacation

2009-06-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

It seems like everyone is working on summer vacation and not writing much- especially me. After visiting Californina, Texas just swallowed me up and I haven't really come up for air. I finally just took a little "me" time yesterday and ended up working on getting a much needed pair of glasses. I met such nice people in the process and had a great day, only to return home to a very sick daughter. Rarely sick, she actually has a fever. She isn't too sick however to borrow my computer. Hmmmm.....back to summer school.
By the way- I do want to mention how happy I have been with Teaching Textbooks ($180.00). It was an expensive investment but well worth it. It is such an answer to Algebra headaches. Has anyone else tried it? Teresa is about 2/3 of the way through the course. It is such an improvement on my struggles through Algebra in high school. I would get lost and then felt like I was flattened by a steamroller. This way, the student can work on it at their own pace and until they really GET it. My 2 years in Algebra class (at YC High. otherwise known as the the "Home of the Honkers") were such a waste. UGH! I just wanted Teresa to have a good experience with Algebra.
How long ago was that? Those nightmarish Algebra days of mine were endured some 45 years ago. I had such stress with Algebra that I had to take JUDO classes to counter the effects. Now, it seems a bit crazy to start adding up the years like this. It begins to sound like ancient history. Boorish.

nervousness.....

2009-05-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to fly to San Diego Monday the 25th of May and go to Yosemite for a actual vacation with 6 of my Grandkids and their moms and dad. Nadia and Justin arranged it all and my little venture into the world of Goldendoodles financed the trip. I am just in a daze as it is like a dream come true.
All my life I wanted to visit that park and I even grew up quite close by. I will be in awe of my surroundings and my grandkids and the wonderful people they are becoming. It is so much all wrapped up into one bundle. I will be gone 10 days. When I come back, I will have to learn how to post all my pictures into one album and put them on my BLOG.
Be prepared!
Hey, I even found out that I have a tent to stay in. Everything is falling into place at the last minute.
So....I am nervous!

Arwen at Easter

2009-05-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

I just got these pictures today. She is a busy little girl. It looks like she is trying sign language.
Nadia and team helped me get off the first box of Arwen's school books for next year, I included a few extra books for fun. I still have 1 more box to send if anyone can help. It costs about $55 to send a flat rate box to Europe and it gets there in just under a week. The most important ones are in the mail- probably already there.
She's singing! She is such a brave girl.

Deren da Vinci

2009-05-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

Titus and Mia sent this picture. Deren is quite the artist. I thought the likeness is amazing. I love kids drawings.

An Avian Disaster Barely Averted!

2009-05-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

Minding his own business, as usual......... Crackers was pounced upon by a maurauding 4 legged beast attempting to access his food supply.

I had the bright idea to hang my cocatiel's cage on the patio. I screwed in a big orange hook and all seemed to be fine and dandy. Crackers loves singing along with all our backyard choir members an he always attracts quite a crowd of the winged sort. He's on the loud side. The first day he was out, we literally had "flying room" only. He's very popular.

What I did not anticipate was the ingenuity of our squirrel population. When Joe mentioned that I should move him to a more central place to aviod cats and squirrels, I thought I would do that but I didn't make it in time. I was thinking he was safe as how could a cat or squirrel climb so high and then open his cage?

Teresa took me to see Star Trek for Mother's Day. I was totally captivated by it . I have been a fan since the first show. I won't really mention how many years ago that was.

When we arrived back home, we heard there had been quite a commotion in our absence- that a squirrel had opened the door on Cracker's cage and was chasing Cracker's around inside his cage. Karen heard it all and arrived screaming at the furry intruder. I admire her courage as she reached in the cage and rescued Crackers, enduring a bite as Crackers was hanging on to her with his beak- clinging to her finger for dear life. Mark relocated the squirrel.

When I arrived home, poor Crackers was hiding in a closet. Having bird dogs on our property, I figured that if a problem came, it would be from a dog. But a squirrel? What next- a crawling rabid green tomato?

2009-05-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

It was a pretty hard day for Calvin. He had to say all his goodbyes to Selena, Jewel, Allen and his mom and all the rest of us. His new family brought us a dozen roses to ease the pain....
Calvin, left, cried all night in his new home. His new owners said no one slept. He did get a clean bill of health at the Vets and a compliment that he was the cleanest and healthiest pup he has ever seen. Now, if he would just sleep!
He kept trying to get away from us all in hopes that he could hide out and reemerge after dark- safe and secure at home.
Fitness is a big deal around here. We run- from the oldest to the youngest. At least the people who participate in dog care that is.....me and and the kids!

And yet another attempt at escape foiled....

So long Calvin.....see you next week! We are boarding him for a few days so it's not all that bad- just a lot of fun moaning and groaning sometimes. Gotta get attention somehow!

Oxbow after the rain

2009-04-30T19:12:00.000-07:00