I'm over at my Mom's right now. Me, Casey, Mom and my brother are all getting ready to ring in the new year. We are waiting for Dick Clark's return. We've got a bottle of champagne ready. So here's a toast to all of my friends (furry and otherwise) and family this New Year!! I'll be back online with regular updates on Tuesday!!
Today is the first day that we've felt like doing anything. I drug all around town yesterday, trying to get the last of what little shopping I needed done. It was an absolute mad house. Casey went out today on his own, and I tell you, I didn't envy him at all! We have managed to get all of our gift wrapping done. I've even gotten the dog and cat presents all wrapped and their stockings stuffed as well. They'll be a lot of new woobie love in the house tomorrow.
Again, I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!
Well, my time of work for the year is nearly over. After today, I'll be off celebrating and making merry until the New Year. So, I guess this will be my last official big post for the year. I'll be in and out from now on, but I'll try to get by and blog some. I'm sure there'll be lots of AudioBlogger posts too!
Casey and I are going to stop by the vet's this afternoon to check on Nick. We've got lots of feelers out for rescues, and lots of folks are helping us. Today he's having a full physical to give us a better idea of his age and his health condition. The next thing on the agenda is a full round of shots and a neutering. I'm sure poor Nick had something else in mind for Christmas than that! Anyway after all that, he'll be coming to Shelbyville to live with Casey and me for a while. He'll stay with us, until a spot comes open in one of the rescues. I really have a good feeling, it won't take us long to find him a good home. Everyone send good Christmas pixie dust our way!!
I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Like I said, I'll be dropping by every once in a while to keep you all updated. I'm going to leave you all today with a cute little doggie Christmas parody. I first saw this song's lyrics posted over on Casper D. Dog's blog. I did a little research and found that you can actually hear it over at Twisted Tunes. Here's the lyrics first:
(Parody of Let it Snow)
Oh, the weather outside was whitening
‘Til the dog did something frightening
He’s got no other place to go
Yellow snow, yellow snow, yellow snow
And he doesn’t show signs of stopping
As he sniffs around his dropping
You see him everywhere you go
In the snow, yellow snow, yellow snow
When he finally goes outside
He’ll be frolicking ‘round in the storm
He’ll be marking our yard with pride
You can tell by the steam that it’s warm
When the snow begins it’s thawing
It reveals those puppy drawings
He’s a frisky little pooch van Gogh
Yellow snow, yellow snow, yellow snow
Come here, Yeller. Come on boy. Good doggie.
Oh, not on Frosty.
He’ll be marking our yard with pride
You can tell by the steam that it’s warm
Well, he’s happy and his tail starts waggin’
But the snowman’s left side is saggin’
There’s a little puddle right below
Yellow snow, yellow snow, yellow snow
Yellow snow, yellow snow
Yellow snow
Little patches of yellow snow
Yellow snow
Little patches of where Fido goes
To hear the Mp3 click HERE
It's the first song on the list! Enjoy!
I just think this is a wonderful legend, and I just wanted to share it with you all. I'll certainly be watching this Christmas Eve. To view the story source click HERE.
The Night The Animals TalkedIn the frosty mountains and on the snowy fields of Norway, there is a legend that draws children to all kinds to stables and stalls throughout the country on each Christmas Eve night. They are hoping to hear a miracle. They are waiting to hear the animals talk.
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. This was no abandoned place, but was a working stable, filled with animals of all kinds. Into these humble surroundings, encircled by the innocent creatures of God, the Savior of man came into the world.
Now according to legend, at least, Christ's birth occurred at exactly midnight. Inside the stable, the animals watched in wonder as the new-born babe was lovingly wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger. Suddenly, God gave voice to the animals and immediately they began to praise God for the miracle they had just seen. This went on for several minutes and, just before the entrance of the shepherds -- who had hurried to the stable because angels had told them the Christ had been born there -- the animals again fell silent. The only humans who had heard them were Mary, Joseph and, of course, the Christ child.
The legend of the talking animals persists to this day in Scandinavia. And every Christmas Eve, wide-eyed children creep into stables just before midnight to hear the animals praise God for the wondrous birth of His Son. Of course, adults scoff at this. "Old wives tales," they grump. "Those children should be home in bed, not out in the cold waiting for the family cow to preach a sermon."
But the children know -- or at least believe -- that animals really do praise God at midnight every Christmas Eve. And who of us -- those who believe in an all-powerful God -- can say that it really doesn't happen?
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
I've had the most interesting start to my day today. Just as I was about to turn into the lot at work, Casey calls. He tells me that there is a dog at the back door of his building that is starving to death. Now, you all know how we are. We couldn't just sit back and do nothing. It's winter time, and it's cold out, and it's bleak and dreary today especially. We called around to the local rescues, but it was so early that none were open. We took the dog to a local vet to have him boarded for the day, while we come up with more ideas. Turns out, he's a full bred Sharpei. The vet is going to clean him up and look him over. Hopefully, he'll check out fine. The vet's office is going to try and contact the Nashville Sharpei rescue. Hopefully, we'll have some luck there. Anyway, looks like we have another dog to foster for a while. AND I MEAN IT!!! Only for A WHILE this time!! We have a full house, and it just wouldn't be fair to bring another one in, but hopefully I can find a good home for it. It's time for me to go and chant my mantra.....
I WILL NOT GET ATTACHED! I WILL NOT GET ATTACHED! I WILL NOT GET ATTACHED!! Do ya'll think it'll work??
The parade lineup was so long, that it took our part of the line a while to start moving. Oh man, but once we did, it was SO MUCH FUN!! The kids and adults went absolutely crazy, when they saw us coming. Chewbacca and R2 were definitely the stars!! We had a decorated pickup truck following us that played Star Wars music. Every so often, the soundtrack would play: Emperor to Anakin: "Every Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic. Do what must be done, spare no one, show no mercy." At that time, the Clone Troopers would surround the Jedi, and a lightsaber battle between Anakin and the Jedi would begin. We had people stopping us for pictures and to record us. Casey and I were really busy handing out candy to all of the kids and keeping everybody's costume on. It took A LOT more energy than I had imagined.
After the parade, and once we had recovered, it was time for the Christmas dinner. Our dinner was at Shady Cove Marina. It was a wonderful buffet of primer rib, pork, baked chicken, steak tips, ribeye, catfish, green beans, roasted potatoes, macoroni and cheese, and other great stuff. Needless to say, we ate our fill. We all had a great time visiting and watching the award presentations. After the dinner, we were all going bowling, but Casey and I were beat. Since we weren't staying overnight we decided to head back home, while we were still awake. We got in just before midnight. We had a GREAT time! I've got some pictures posted below. To see my whole album click HERE. Thanks to the 501st for inviting us!
These next pictures are kind of blurry. I was having trouble getting the light setting right. It also could have been that my battery was dying. I think that we are going to have to get a new one. This battery doesn't want to hold a charge.
Researchers have determined that dogs laugh. They say that it very much sounds like a loud hassling sound. Tape recordings of barking and "laughing" dogs have been used in SPCA shelters. The results? All of the kenneled dogs went wild barking, while the sound of barking was played. While the sound of dog laughter was played, the shelter went absolutely quiet. I have to say that I agree with the findings. Fergie often makes that special sound, especially when she's playing ball. That's how I KNOW she's happy. I just wish that we could get a recording of that dog laughter to use at the kennel, when it's full of barkers. What about you all? Do you have any laughing dogs? For more information or a full article, click HERE
This is a cute little piece that I received on one of my dog lists. It is a great reminder for pet owners to be wary of the various Christmas decorations in reach of pets. For a full list of dangerous Christmas plants and items, visit ASPCA's Poision Control Center or click HERE
A Puppy ChristmasOn the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses
and I forgot all about the other eleven days.
Ruldoph's ready, but apparently the weather is NOT! We're supposed to march in the Shelbyville Christmas parade tonight. Casey and I are marching with the 501st Legion Southern Oupost that's leading Santa Claus' float. Our group has a most coveted spot. We have about 25 participants, and the costumes include the likes of Darth Vader, a life size (7'2" tall) Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, Clone Troopers, Royal Guards, Anakin Skywalker, a pod racing Anakin, Jawas, Boba and Jango Fett, and many others.
I've been so excited about it all week. Casey and I are walking along as spotters. The costumes don't always have a good line of vision, so it's our job to make sure they don't run into kids, holes, poles, etc. We are also handing out candy to the kids. We have some of the Darth Vader head candy buckets and extra stormtrooper helmets to do this. This parade is what motivated me to get to the doctor to get myself well. Anyway, of course, the weather forcast is horrible for today and tonight. We are supposed to step off for a 2 mile parade at 6 p.m. We have to meet our group at 4:30, and be in line up by 5:00 p.m. Our local radio station is broadcasting the final decision whether to cancel and schedule a rain date, or to go on with the show at noon today. I admit that I'm trying to hold the weather off by sheer force of will. We've had pouring rain this morning, but looking at the radar that first bit is clearing now. There's nothing on radar behind it, but I suspect it will stream up from the south.
I wouldn't mind marching on the makeup date, but next weekend we are supposed to go up north of Nashville for the Gallatin parade and Christmas party. I will just cross my fingers. This is going to be something really new and unique for the Shelbyville parade. I just hope that we can pull it off. I'll just wait for the announcement. Everyone cross their fingers and think good thoughts for us.
After my last post on Wednesday, I took to fits of sneezing. CONTINUALLY...ALL..THE..REST...OF...THE..DAY!! So I was feeling pretty crappy, when I set off Wednesday night for the humane tree decoration. Bi-Lo gave us a great spot for the tree set up. Six of us were there for the decorating festivities. The tree ended up being really cute. We had the dog biscuit ornaments, the round ornaments with SBCHA,pawprints,cat faces, etc., pictures of all the humane animals, envelopes and instructions on the tree. It came together pretty quickly, and we were all proud of our work. I made several pictures, while we were decorating. My camera battery was running really low, so I only made a few. While we were finishing up, we were approached by a man. None of us knew or recognized him. He was very polite and asked us what our tree represented. We happily explained our cause and how our organization is run entirely by volunteers. He complimented our efforts and took a few more minutes to look at the tree. Suddenly to our surprise, he asked for one of our envelopes. We gave it to him, expecting a mail in donation. Instead, he pulled out his wallet and handed us a fresh, crisp $100 dollar bill!! We were completely taken aback. We asked for his name and contact information, so we could send him a thankyou, but he wished to remain anonymous. Talk about a complete suprise. It's the little acts of strangers sometimes, that can restore your faith in humanity. (Thank you so much, whoever you are!!) We all left with a very good feeling that night.
Unfortunately, my sneezing continued all the way through this event, and it made my ears feel like they were going to blow out. I've been battling with a slight earache for about 2 weeks now. I woke up yesterday feeling horrid. I finally went to see the doctor yesterday afternoon. Just a simple ear infection. Now I have meds and am feeling somewhat better today. Nothing big to accomplish today. Everyone's just getting ready for all of the holiday festivites. Hopefully, I'll have the humane tree pictures posted by tomorrow. Everyone have a great day!
This year, my humane association opted to have their wine tasting in the spring. So, that left us scrambling to come up with a fall fundraiser. After mulling over several different ideas and running short on time, we finally decided on animal angel trees. Several businesses around town agreed to sponsor us. We have a tree at the city's festival of trees, a tree at Lowe's, one at the local vocational school, and one at Bi-Lo. Actually, I'm in charge of setting up and decorating the tree at Bi-Lo. We have made it easy for people to donate to us. They may donate any items they want, but we also have tags that say things like: $10 for flea treatment, $5.00 for treats, $20.00 for spay/neuter, and things of that nature. For my tree, I've made a lot of the ornaments. I really wanted it to have an animal/pet theme. I made ornaments out of colored dog biscuits, and I painted regular round ornaments with pawprints, cat faces, our humane association name, and meows and woofs! Another lady is bringing little balls of yarn to hang as well. I've also made a tree topper out of a big rawhide bone. I just hope it's as cute, as I've imagined. We are only putting up a little 5 ft. tree, because of the limited space we have. I'll be sure to get lots of pictures to post tomorrow. So, I'm off to be the decorating elf! Everyone wish me luck.....
I have to admire Mr. McCartney for his willingness to stand up on the animal's behalf, and I do not question his intentions in the least. BUT, I am also a little leary of the ethics of this "secret" video tape. Now, you all know that I'll do anything for an animal, but sometimes PETA's radical tatics really concern me. I'm not afraid to say that I'm a bit a fence rider, when it comes to PETA. I'm so glad that Mr. McCartney is using his influence for a good cause, but I'm not sure that boycotting the entire country is the right way to go about it. I don't know what might work better, but I feel that he may be alienating good, concerned animals lovers in China. I mean, look at how the boycott of Cuba has worked out. Seems to be nothing but a stalemate huh? Anyway, I don't want to get into politics at all. That's not what this blog is about. BUT, I do want to think carefully about this and get all the facts, BEFORE I jump to a conclusion. I'm just as concerned at how our livestock is slaughtered in this country as well. Again, I'm so glad that he's that interested, concerned, and not disconnected (as he very well could be in his position). The whole thing just troubles me. What do you guys think?
We napped a little while, before going to Thanksgiving dinner with Casey's family. Casey's Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Billy were there, along with his cousin Allision (who was hosting), and 2 other cousins and their families were there. It had been too long, since we visited with them, and we had a great time. We ate dinner around 4:30 p.m., and Casey and I didn't get home until nearly 10:00 p.m. We've decided to get together with them more often, especially since all of us live less than a mile from one another. Oh, and did I mention MORE food!! By the end of the evening, all of us had decided that we'd never eat again.
The rest of the vacation went so well. Casey and I decided to do absolutely nothing!! And let me tell you, it felt really good. We just lounged and watched movies. I didn't leave the house again, until Saturday afternoon. I managed to drag myself up and out to get the Christmas tree. My brother and I went and got both of our trees. It's been a tradition of ours for years. Casey stayed home and made the traditional tree decorating dinner of spaghetti for us. By around 11:30 Saturday night, everything was finished. I'm fully prepared for the holidays now.
Yesterday was just more lounging. (I think the dogs were secretly drugging us, so we'd stay home and lounge with them.) We watched a couple more movies. Yesterday afternoon, I went over to help my brother decorate the outside of my mom's house. She now has icicle lights across the eaves, wreaths on each window, bannisters and shrubs with colored lights, and a big light up wreath in the middle. She and her neighbors (she lives in a duplex)went in together this year to decorate. I'll hopefully have all the decoration pictures made by this weekend. It's supposed to rain today, so it's a no go.
I've gotta get moving. I've got lots to catch up on. I hope everyone has a fantastic day! Also, let me know what you guys think about the new holiday blog look!
Well, it's that time folks! It's time for us to start the holiday season! I'll be wrapping up work today, and I'll be off to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. We are having lunch with my mom and my brother. We are going to this little local cafe called Pope's Cafe. It's on our square, and it opened in 1945. It's recently been taken over by new owners, and let me tell you, the food is FANTASTIC!! It's the closest thing to my mama's own home cooking, that I've ever had out. They are serving ham, turkey, 8-10 different vegetables, breads, desserts, and drinks! We are all going to just kick back and enjoy. In the afternoon, we are going over to visit Casey's family and eat dinner. So, it's the biggest Thanksgiving celebration that we've had in several years. I'm sure that someone will have to roll us home, after all of that eating. Because of Casey's past job, he never had holidays off. So this is the first year, since we've been married, that we will get to spend the holidays together. And let me tell you, I'm excited!
And now for my list:
1. My family.
2. My friends.
3. My pets.
4. My home.
5. Enough money to pay the bills.
6. My job.
7. My health.
8. My happiness.
9. My hobbies that make me happy.
10. All of the small blessings that God sends to me every day!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Tennessee’s animal-friendly license plate program just got a little friendlier, now that PetSmart Charities has partnered with the state’s Department of Agriculture and the Companion Animal Initiative in Tennessee to expand low-cost spay/neuter services. PetSmart will match up to $100,000 of funds generated above total plate sales for the prior fiscal year.
“The grant from PetSmart Charities is an opportunity to better serve more communities throughout the state,” says Dr. Ron Wilson, Tennessee State Veterinarian. “I encourage people who are interested in responsible pet ownership to buy the animal-friendly license plates. This grant will essentially double the money that goes into the spay/neuter program for each plate sold.”
The specialty plate costs $35 in addition to county fees. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, Big Bend State animal lovers, please visit Tennessee.gov for more information or contact your local county clerk’s office to purchase a plate. ...
A DOG'S PRAYERBy Beth Norman Harris
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest--and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
I feel really good about this past weekend. I felt much better than I did last weekend too. On Saturday after work and a great dinner, Casey and I went to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I really did enjoy it. I could definitely tell that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were growing up as well as the plot line. It was darker and definitely more adult. I could almost feel Hermione's first bouts with PMS! Even though the movie left so much out, it was still an entertaining night out at the movies. Afterwards, we just came on home, and I did a little reading.
Sunday was the most productive day. Casey and I both got up really early for some reason. So, we spent the early morning watching DVDs. Casey whipped up some great teriyaki chicken for lunch. Afterwards, I began the Christmas wrath on the house. I like to decorate in small bouts. That way, I don't feel so overwhelmed. I always start just a few days before Thanksgiving. For the past several years, I've been off my schedule and very stressed. This year, I was determined to, "stay on target!". I'm happy to report that I'm not only on schedule, but ahead a little bit. I want the house to look especially beautiful this year, because Melissa is coming to spend a few days with us before Christmas. Casey and I have a secret plot to make her miss home so much, that she'll move back to Tennessee (yes, I know it sounds selfish, but it's only because we miss and love her so much!). Anyway, I got the outside decorations all finished. I just can't believe it. It was a nice day and not too cold. I usually wait until an artic front comes through, and the temp drops a good 40 degrees to do this. I also got the inside garlands rewrapped with new, colored lights and hung. The mantel is done as well. I changed it again this year. Last year, I had garland and the white poinsettias.
This year, I've decided to enjoy my snowmen in December and January. I still have the green garland (now with colored lights) and the stockings. Across the top, I have part of my snowman collection. Some are antique, some aren't. Some light up, and some don't. Some are wood, and some are stuffed. I have white lights underneath the snow, and little evergreen trees scattered around them. I'll get a picture and post it soon. Anyway I don't lack much, except placing little knick knacks around the kitchen and putting the tree up. I'm thinking the tree will be in a different spot this year, because of the 2 new sofas. I want to keep the room as open as possible, so I may move the tree....we'll see. Hopefully, I'll get to enjoy Christmas this year, instead of just feeling the stress.
This week is a short week. When I drove onto campus this morning, I noticed that a lot of students have already left for the holiday. Their numbers will dwindle after today. So, it should be pretty smooth sailing. I hope everyone has a great day!
I guess that, as of this weekend, the official countdown to the holidays have begun. It's usually this time of year that stress hits me upside the head. This year is a little different though. Casey and I have decided to really enjoy the season for what it is this year, instead of mostly just commercialism. Instead of exchanging gifts with his family this year (his side of the family is quite large), we've all decided to just enjoy being together. His family also thought that was a great idea too! See, half the stress gone...just like that...POOF! We are still exchanging with my mom and brother, but that will basically be it. So I guess that I can say, I will not dread Thanskgiving and the Friday after sales this year. I just won't have to do it. This year, I'll get to actually kick back and enjoy my family, instead of hyperventilating that I haven't gotten everything done. This Thanksgiving, I'll really have a lot to be thankful for.
Today has been typical. I'm just trying to get a few extra things done, since next week is a short week. I think that Casey and I are planning on going to the movies tonight. We want to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, of course. It's playing both at our local theatre and the drive-in. It's been really cold at night, so I'm not sure which place we'll end up. We also want to see Walk the Line, which is also at the drive-in. I guess that we'll suprise ourselves. Sunday, I'm going to try and get the outside Christmas lights up and working. I'd rather do it in the mild weather, rather than freeze to death. My brother and Casey said that they both would help me. With that much help, it should only take and hour or so. I also want to give all the dogs a bath this weekend, before Thanksgiving. Time to get squeaky clean for the holidays. It's a major task with 4 of them. I certainly have grand plans for this short weekend, don't I? I'll be able to take Bear and Fergie to the kennel with me on Monday, so that will ease the job a bit. We'll see who gets wetter, me or the dogs.... I hope that everyone has a great weekend!
Casey and I are going to have a really greasy, calorie infested, yummy supper tonight. We are going to a little local place called Pawbowski's Dog House. I'd give a link, but I've either misspelled the name OR they don't have a website yet. They pride themselves on serving the best chilli dogs, corn dogs, and Chicago dogs in the area. Since I've been really good with my eating this week, I feel that I'm entitled. We may or may not do a little shopping. We at least have to go back and swap Casey's cell phone out. We both got new phones a couple of weeks ago. Casey's model is so new, that it keeps having problems. We've gone through 2 in 2 weeks, so far. Gotta run.
With your purchase, Windsor Vineyards will donate 5% of the sale to the ASPCA. A perfect gift for wine lovers. Here's what they are offering:
So, hop on over and start your holiday gift buying. For more information, click the picture above or click HERE
I got, what I consider, the best gift this Christmas. My cousin, Ruth, gave me a picture of my grandmother, when she was a young girl. I'm the product of older parents, so I'd NEVER seen a picture of my grandmother at such a young age. Not many of my family had either. So, imagine my suprise when she brought that wonderful, antique picture in and then bequeathed it to me!! The picture was taken around 1910 or so, and it is absolutely lovely! I just cried when I finally figured out that she'd given it to me!! It's one of the best presents that I've ever received.
It has taken me quite a while, but I've finally managed to get that picture in digital format to share with you all. Here it is:
After looking at it for the past year, I'm awfully proud to say that I actually DO see some resemblance. My mother is nearly a perfect carbon copy of my grandmother. I especially resemble them both through my nose and mouth. It still just amazes me that I am a direct decendant of such a past. As I said earlier my parents were older, when I came along. So, my grandmother was old enough to be my great grandmother. It still boggles my mind that she was born in 1894. She is around 16 years of age in that picture. It was probably made shortly before, or just shortly after she married my grandfather. It really is one of my most cherished heirlooms. This morning, I ordered copies of the photo to give back to my cousin Ruth, who gave the picture to me. I had enough made for all of the cousins in the family too. I just hope that they like it as much as I do.
Everyone have a great weekend!
We have nothing big planned for tonight. I think Casey is feeling well enough, that he wants to cook dinner. I'll admit, I'm ready for some of his home cooking. I count myself a very lucky girl. I hate to cook, except during the holidays. Casey loves it, so it works out. Other than that, I think we are just going to kick back and watch a movie or something. Oh well, I guess a little boredom is good to rest the weary bones.
Everyone have a great weekend!
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
I have had more than several of those this past week! Everyone have a great evening!
On Saturday, we went to Findlay Market. Casey just loved it. We brought some scrumptious treats back with us. For lunch we had Cincinnati's famous Skyline Chilli. In the afternoon we headed over to Mt. Adams and went to the Krohn Conservatory. It was such a beautiful place with lovely flowers and gardens. Here's some pictures of Mt. Adams and Krohn's Conservatory we made.
After we finished at the Conservatory, we headed back toward town and stopped at Graeter's Ice Cream. Talk about some good stuff!! Sure wish I'd brought some of that back with me. Then, it was back to Melissa's to get ready for the Moody Blues concert.
The Moodies show was excellent, as usual. They sounded really good and also had added a really neat video show as a backdrop. The video show was of performance pictures and graphics through all the years. After the show, Melissa, Casey, and I met up with Andrea and her sister. We were lucky enough to meet the Moodie's drummer, Graeme Edge, and their backup singers and musicians at the hotel lounge afterwards. What a night!
On Sunday, we sadly headed back home. It was a TERRIFIC weekend. Tomorrow, I'll tell you all what fun I've had, since I've gotten back home! Have a great evening!
