Freaky4cat's Life - today and tomorrow

Veterans Day

2010-11-11T16:21:00.000-06:00

To all Veterans past & present thank you so much for your dedicated
service to maintain the freedoms that we have today! I appreciate all
of you not only on Nov. 11 but every day of the year too!!!! Thanks!!!! God bless all of our men and women. Thank you to some of my family relatives who had served in the overseas. They are our heroes.

Interesting- I learned something new today and wanted to share that with you.

What was Veterans Day originally called?
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, which commemorated the armistice between Germany and the Allied Nations in World War I, and was later expanded to remember veterans from all wars.

My Favorite poem

2009-12-23T20:45:00.000-06:00

Christmas in Heaven

2009-12-23T20:32:00.000-06:00

Christmas is a season of sharing our love and sorrow, a time to remember our dear ones, who probably are no longer with us. Let us all share the grief of the unfortunate parents like myself as I lost 3 babies and along with others who may have lost their children or loved ones and offer our prayers to the departed souls.

Welcome to Christmas in Heaven. "for to you is born this day in the city of David the Savior, who is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:11.

Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees, around the world below, With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

This sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs, that people hold so dear, But the sound of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. For I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it's beyond description to hear an angel sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away, we are really not apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear, And be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above, I send you each a memory, of my undying love.

For after all "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold, It was always most important, in the stories Jesus told.

So please love and help each other, as my Father said to do, For I cannot count the blessings, or the love He has for you.

So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of the splendor, or the peace here in this place, Can you imagine Christmas, with our Savior, face to face?

I'll ask Him to lift your spirit, as I tell Him of your love, So then pray for one another, as you lift your eyes above.

So please let your hearts be joyful, and let your spirits sing, For I am spending Christmas in heaven, and I'm walking with the King!

(Author Unknown)

Merry Christmas Joseph, Alan and Summer.

With love,
Momma

Christmas

2009-12-23T20:24:00.000-06:00

Famous Quotes Famous Sayings
Christmas Quotes

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make
as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.
- Bill McKibben Author, Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case For a More Joyful Christmas

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic.
- Unknown

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful.
--Norman Vincent Peale

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
- Hamilton Wright Mabi

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart,
a wide open heart that thinks of others first.
The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history,
because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love
which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years...
Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.
- George Mathhew Adams

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.
- Harlan Miller (Better Homes and Gardens)

Christmas ... is not an eternal event at all,
but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.
- Freya Stark ("The Wise Men" Time and Tide)

It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well,
if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!
And so, as Tiny Tim observed, "God Bless Us, Every One!
- Charles Dickens

Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.
- Mary Ellen Chase

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
- Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

Summer....

2009-06-19T21:05:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,

Here I am.. Well Sad to report that a well-liked assistant Chief of police Joey Cannon in Plumerville had died this morning from the shooting. He will be missed by family and friends. He was fixing to retire next month. So horrible tragedy. I am happy to report that they finally caught the suspects who shot and killed Joey. God will take care of them. Please pray for Cannon Family in this sad and difficult times ahead, Thanks!

Oh yeah I realized I haven't been blogging in a while. me bad! lol So I decided to come in and blog to let ya'll know that I am still alive and kicking! It have been crazy lately. I moved to Springdale to be with my love of my life Mickel. Life is good here. It is so much better than down at my mom's home. Why??? PEACE!!!! Yes Praise Lord! Thank you God for giving me Peace! :)

Summer had arrived here as it have been hot and humid. Summer is not till this Sunday which is Father's Day too. TJ have been with me for 3 weeks now. All we did was play games, talk, fishing down at the creek, and watched movies. I still dont know where to go swimming as Mickel said He would take us swimming. He is always busy... Dang! oh well one day I hope we will get to go! :)

Well I am off to watch movies on TV. So you have a great evening! :)

AS always,
Ginger :)

Memorial Day.....

2009-05-25T10:53:00.003-05:00

Myspace Quotes, Memorial Day Quotes at WishAFriend.com

Let's not forget the Men and Women who fought and died for us. They are not forgotten and will be forever in our hearts! They are our heroes!

On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation! ~Thomas William Parsons

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. ~Daniel Webster

With the tears a Land hath shed
Their graves should ever be green.
~Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Are they dead that yet speak louder than we can speak, and a more universal language? Are they dead that yet act? Are they dead that yet move upon society and inspire the people with nobler motives and more heroic patriotism? ~Henry Ward Beecher

Green sods are all their monuments; and yet it tells
A nobler history than pillared piles,
Or the eternal pyramids.
~James Gates Percival

Is't death to fall for Freedom's right?
He's dead alone who lacks her light!
~Thomas Campbell

For love of country they accepted death... ~James A. Garfield

They fell, but o'er their glorious grave
Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.
~Francis Marion Crawford

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead!
There's none of these so lonely and poor of old,
But, dying, has made us rarer gifts than gold.
~Rupert Brooke

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men.
~Minot J. Savage

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. ~Benjamin Disraeli

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

They are dead; but they live in each Patriot's breast,
And their names are engraven on honor's bright crest.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Peace to each manly soul that sleepeth;
Rest to each faithful eye that weepeth...
~Thomas Moore

But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for,
Is their monument to-day, and for aye.
~Thomas Dunn English

And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave. ~Joseph Drake

Perform, then, this one act of remembrance before this Day passes - Remember there is an army of defense and advance that never dies and never surrenders, but is increasingly recruited from the eternal sources of the American spirit and from the generations of American youth. ~W.J. Cameron

How sleep the brave, who sink to rest,
By all their country's wishes blest!
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Returns to deck their hallow'd mould,
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.
By fairy hands their knell is rung,
There Honour comes, a pilgrim gray,
To bless the turf that wraps their clay;
And Freedom shall awhile repair,
To dwell, a weeping hermit, there.
~William Collins

The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree. ~Thomas Campbell

Decoration Day is the most beautiful of our national holidays.... The grim cannon have turned into palm branches, and the shell and shrapnel into peach blossoms. ~Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Better than honor and glory, and History's iron pen,
Was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.
~Richard Watson Gilder

We who are left how shall we look again
Happily on the sun or feel the rain
Without remembering how they who went
Ungrudgingly and spent
Their lives for us loved, too, the sun and rain?
~Wilfred Wilson Gibson

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~Joseph Campbell

Who kept the faith and fought the fight;
The glory theirs, the duty ours.
~Wallace Bruce

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did. ~Benjamin Harrison

Cover them over with beautiful flowers,
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forcast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life.
~Will Carleton

Life hangs as nothing in the scale against dear Liberty! ~Lucy Larcom

All we have of freedom, all we use or know -
This our fathers bought for us long and long ago.
~Rudyard Kipling, The Old Issue, 1899

Our battle-fields, safe in the keeping
Of Nature's kind, fostering care,
Are blooming, - our heroes are sleeping, -
And peace broods perennial there.
~John H. Jewett

These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead. ~Robert G. Ingersoll

Their silent wounds have speech
More eloquent than men;
Their tones can deeper reach
Than human voice or pen.
~William Woodman

Their own souls rose and cried
Alarum when they heard the sudden wail
Of stricken freedom and along the gale
Saw her eternal banner quivering wide.
~John LeGay Brereton

The dead soldier's silence sings our national anthem. ~Aaron Kilbourn

Our cheer goes back to them, the valiant dead!
Laurels and roses on their graves to-day,
Lilies and laurels over them we lay,
And violets o'er each unforgotten head.
~Richard Hovey

But fame is theirs - and future days
On pillar'd brass shall tell their praise;
Shall tell - when cold neglect is dead -
"These for their country fought and bled."
~Philip Freneau

Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations, that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of a free and undivided Republic. ~John A. Logan

Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots. ~Randy Vader

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Alas, how can we help but mourn
When hero bosoms yield their breath!
A century itself may bear
But once the flower of such a death.
~S. Weir Mitchell

They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation. ~Henry Ward Beecher

These martyrs of patriotism gave their lives for an idea. ~Schuyler Colfax

They saw their injured country's woe;
The flaming town, the wasted field;
Then rushed to meet the insulting foe;
They took the spear, - but left the shield.
~Philip Freneau

For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. ~William Penn

Ah! never shall the land forget
How gushed the life-blood of her brave -
~William Cullen Bryant

"Dead upon the field of glory,"
Hero fit for song and story.
~John Randolph Thompason

Knights of the spirit; warriors in the cause
Of justice absolute 'twixt man and man.
~Richard Watson Gilder

Fold him in his country's stars.
Roll the drum and fire the volley!
What to him are all our wars,
What but death bemocking folly?
~George Henry Boker

The Flag still floats unblotted with defeat!
But ah the blood that keeps its ripples red,
The starry lives that keep its field alight.
~Rupert Hughes

The hero dead cannot expire:
The dead still play their part.
~Charles Sangster

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them. ~Francis A. Walker

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou

* War is too serious a matter to entrust to military men. -Georges Clemenceau

* Freedom of speech and freedom of action are meaningless without freedom to think. And there is no freedom of thought without doubt. -Bergen Evans

* Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. -Senator Barry Goldwater

* Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves. -William Pitt

* Chance has never yet satisfied the hope of a suffering people. Action, self-reliance, the vision of self and the future have been the only means by which the oppressed have seen and realized the light of their own freedom. -Marcus Garvey

* In war, there is no prize for the runner-up. -General Omar Bradley

* So long as there are men there will be wars. -Albert Einstein

* I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones. -Albert Einstein

* The cost of liberty is less than the cost of repression. -Web Dubois

* The purpose of all war is ultimately peace. -Saint Augustine

* And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood

* Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. -John F. Kennedy

* Future years will never know the seething hell and the black infernal background, the countless minor scenes and interiors of the secession war; and it is best they should not. The real war will never get in the books. -Walt Whitman

* As I approach the gates of heaven;
St. Peter I will tell;
One more soldier reporting sir;
I've served my time in hell. -Mark Anthony Gresswell

* The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots. -Randy Vader

* The dead soldier's silence sings our national anthem. -Rev. Aaron Kilbourn

* When we say "War is over if you want it," we mean that if everyone demanded peace instead of another TV set, we'd have peace. -John Lennon

* Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace. -Martin Luther

* I think that, as life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of his time at peril of being judged not to have lived. -Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

* Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Dream of battled fields no more.
Days of danger, nights of waking. -Sir Walter Scott

* The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children. -William Havard

scrapbooking..

2009-04-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~

2008-11-05T10:28:00.000-06:00

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
The things that we have in common are what
bring us together, but our ability to embrace and
find joy in our differences is what keeps us together.
-- Joe Walker

____________________________________________

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
by Joseph Walker

Everybody is talking about the money thing these days.
And with good reason. There's all kinds of crazy stuff going on.
You know... that really big company that went bankrupt or something. And that other big company that... sort of... you know... bought out another big company.
And then there's Fannie Mae, who is not one of the "Beverly Hillbillies" but who evidently has more to do with someone named Freddie Mac than she does with Jethro Bodine. And then there's Hurricane Ike, which... well, I'm not exactly sure what Hurricane Ike has to do with the whole money discussion, but it was devastating and I'm sure it did... you know... devastating stuff.
Economically as well as meteorologically.
OK, so I'm faking it here. The minute you start talking numbers and dollar signs, my eyes glaze over and I mentally retreat to my happy place. I won't say exactly where my happy place is, but whenever I go there I end up humming "It's a Small World" the rest of the day.
And I've been humming "It's a Small World" a LOT recently.
That's why I'm assuming there's heavy-duty financial stuff going on in the world, which probably explains why I paid more for a gallon of gasoline yesterday than I used to pay to fill up my Volkswagen back in the day.
Or maybe it doesn't explain it. Like I said, I'm not fluent in Econese.
Thankfully, I don't have to be. Years ago I met someone who is really savvy with regards to money and numbers and stuff like that, and I married her. Anita tells me everything I need to know about money, which generally is, "Don't spend it." Or if I do, "Make sure to give me the receipt." She's keeping up with all this recent money stuff. It actually seems to interest her. She even knows how to pronounce and spell Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's last name.
The other day she tried to explain the whole Fannie/Freddie/Bernanke scenario to me. According to observers, I went from mildly interested to full glaze-over so fast that Usain Bolt is calling and asking for tips. Thankfully, Anita has learned to recognize the glaze, and to accept it as part of the package she got when she married me.
For better or for worse.
For richer, for poorer.
'Til debt do we part.
I've been thinking about this today because... well, everyone is talking about the money thing -- whatever it may actually be. And also because I heard about a young friend, barely a newlywed, whose marriage is struggling over the money thing. And the communication thing. And especially the difference thing. All those frighteningly, maddeningly wonderful "things" that make marriage so challenging, and so sweet.
Anyone who has been married for any length of time can appreciate the difficulty of bringing together two very different lives, and from them making one shared life. As a result, we probably all have our own thoughts and ideas about what it takes to build and maintain a successful marriage. Heaven knows I do. But somewhere on every list of marriage tips and recommendations should be this foundational truth -- the things that we have in common are what bring us together, but our ability to embrace and find joy in our differences is what keeps us together.
Even with the money thing.
Maybe ESPECIALLY with the money thing.

-- Joseph Walker

____________________________________________
Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem and columnist from Utah.
____________________________________________

DEEP DOWN

Several years ago at the Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.
At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.
All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.
The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back -- every one of them.
One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood and the cheering went on for several minutes.
People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win -- even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

HEART OF A LION

2008-11-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

It took a blind cat to open everyone's eyes.
Purr was a little cat, but she had a heart of a lion. You'll enjoy today's story from Susan.

___________________________________________

HEART OF A LION
by Susan Dart

Years ago before the first Gulf war we moved to the desert Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on military assignment.
We had two small children, a dog, and a cat. As we stepped from the airport into the stifling desert heat, we made a bedraggled little party, exhausted from our long trip. We had no idea what lay in store for us, or how much our lives would change over the next two years.
Just two days later, as we were settling into our apartment at the military headquarters, we were visited by a kind woman from the housing office who noticed that we had pets. She immediately told us about a litter of kittens that desperately needed homes.
Abandoned by their feral mother, they were barely surviving on dog food they scrounged from local residents. Perhaps it was the jet lag or some other malady, but we agreed to see the kittens and that very day Purr came into our lives.
Little more than a piece of Calico fur, the starving kitten stole our hearts. She was tiny and weak and her eyes were infected, but we loved her from the start. As we nursed her back to health, she quickly became a member of our family.
We named her Priscilla after a friend, but our son was too little to pronounce it, so she became Purr for the rest of her life.
As her health improved she grew and thrived but living with her quickly became a challenge. She seemed unusually accident prone and leapt from one disaster to another, frequently falling as she tried to jump to higher spots. The shatter of breakable items became a common sound as she knocked over things in her path.
Purr grew a luxurious long-haired Calico coat. Our children adored her and she almost never let them out of her sight. She tolerated being pushed in a doll stroller, slept with them at night, and woke them in the morning for school. She also seemed to be less clumsy than before and rarely missed when she jumped from the floor to a high perch to look out the window.
We were able to move to a lovely house in the suburbs and life settled into a peaceful routine as we began our second year in Saudi Arabia, never suspecting it would all soon change.
Later that summer, Iraq invaded Kuwait and we were plunged into months of fear and uncertainty as the first Gulf war evolved around us. Late one January night we awoke to the sound of missiles exploding in the sky over the city. The war had started and the next few months would be some of the most challenging we had ever faced.
We spent many nights sitting in the hall wearing gas masks as sirens wailed and missiles roared over our home. We all slept in one room in the most protected part of the house wondering when the next attack would be.
And through it all, our little desert cat was there.
She comforted the children and entertained them with her antics. She never left their sides and they were less afraid.
The following summer we moved back to Texas and brought Purr with us. We took her to our new vet and told him her story. He examined her and then told us that she was almost completely blind. The blood vessels in the back of her eyes had never developed, most likely from the poor diet she had eaten as a newborn kitten. She had somehow learned to cope and managed well.
She had gone from a clumsy kitten to a graceful adult cat and a dear member of our family.
I often think of those days when we lived under the cloud of war and how the experience forever changed our lives. We would never take our peace and freedom or safety for granted again.
And I remember the little blind kitten that watched over us and helped us through -- a little desert cat with the heart of a lion named Purr.

-- Susan Dart

___________________________________________
Susan says, "I live in San Antonio, TX. We settled here after my husband spent 15 years in the Air Force. I have two grown-up children and a sewing business. I have had pets my entire life. I currently have 5 house cats and a parakeet."
___________________________________________

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

2008-09-17T20:28:00.003-05:00

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses On And Point A Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. When Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries With That.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For Three Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addiction, Switch To Espresso.

5. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Marijuana."

6. Finish All Your Sentences With "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

7. Skip Down The Hall Rather Than Walk And See How Many Looks You Get.

8. Order A Diet Water Whenever You Go Out To Eat.

9. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go".

10. Sing Along At The Opera.

11. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.

12. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You Have A Headache.

13. When The Money Comes Out Of The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"

14. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking Lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!"

15. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

16. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity Is To --

Send This along To Someone To Make Them Smile. It is Called...
THERAPY

author unknown.... but too funny not to share..LOL.. hope this bring you smile to your face! :)

A HOME FOR HARRY

2008-09-17T20:28:00.001-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

You know the story -- Janet wasn't exactly looking for another
dog for herself. But one thing led to another, and guess what? Yep,
Harry found himself a loving home. You'll enjoy today's tale.

___________________________________________

A HOME FOR HARRY
by Janet F. Allen

In August 2006, our sweet little Brussels Griffon, Buddy, passed
away at the tender age of nine.
Earlier that same year, my father-in-law, Walter, had been
placed in a nursing home leaving my 84 year old mother-in-law,
Lillian, to live alone in her big old house. Walter died several
months later.
I felt like I should help fill some of the void and took to
spending more time with Lil. We went shopping and out to eat and my
husband and I would stop by often to visit. But I felt she needed
something more.
When I was driving home from a class at the local college, I
realized I was on the road that had an exit to the local humane
society. Even though I was skeptical about finding a small house dog
for Lil, I took my chances and made the exit.
Upon arriving I asked one of the volunteers who happened to be
outside if there were any small dogs available that I could look at
as a companion for an older adult. She directed me to one of the out
buildings. After a quick look, I decided that none of them would fit
the bill. While I was walking back to my car, the volunteer came to
me and in a low whisper said, "Go inside to the office and ask about
the little Shih Tzu."
I was a bit leery as to why she was being so secretive but I
went into the office anyway. The front desk person smiled at me and
after some whispering to another woman left the room and returned
with the cutest little Shih Tzu I'd ever seen. She said his name was
Harry and that he had belonged to an elderly lady who had been placed
in a nursing home. Since her family didn't want the responsibility
of a dog, they had dropped him off in hopes he would quickly be
adopted.
When I saw Harry, my first thought was maybe he was the runt of
a litter since he was so small for being four years old. When I
asked why he was still in their facility, I was told the previous
owners had let his hair grow long and matted and he didn't smell very
good and no one was giving him a second look. He had been at the
humane society for an unbelievable 3 weeks.
Finally one of the workers who had taken pity on him took him
home, bathed and groomed him. Harry now looked like a different dog.
I asked if I could hold him, they said yes and asked if I wanted to
fill out a "potential" adoption form that would add me to the list.
I said sure, why not.
I took Harry into the visitation room to talk to him and get
acquainted but he didn't seem to care one way or the other. He kept
looking at the door. I completed the application and returned to the
front desk carrying Harry. The lady then asked me if I would like to
take Harry outside for a potty walk. I said sure, why not, I have
time to do that.
While we were outside, unbeknownst to me, the lady was calling
our vet, Dr. Hemler. Dr. Hemler in turn had given us a rave review
so when I walked back to the office the lady immediately said,
"Congratulations, you can adopt Harry."
I was shocked. What happened to the "list?" I wasn't quite
ready to make that kind of decision since I had only stopped by to
window shop, so to speak. But it didn't take me long to change my
mind when I saw another young girl was very interested in the little
dog I was holding. Before I knew it, I was paying the $95 adoption
fee and walking out the door with a scared little dog for my
mother-in-law wondering what in the world my husband was going to
think.
Arriving home, my husband took one look at Harry and I knew by
his behavior and attitude that he was smitten. I didn't let on
though because I didn't want another dog. It was too soon. This dog
was supposed to be for my mother-in-law. It had barely been three
months and I was still grieving. I had finally gotten to the point
where I could go through a whole day without crying for my beloved
Buddy.
Well, Harry never did make it to my mother-in-law's house.
At first, I refused to take him for walks, feed him, or even
play with him. I left that to my husband since he was the one who
ruined my plan. I couldn't believe how quickly he had taken to
another fur baby. I was still heartbroken and missing my Buddy and
didn't want another to take his place. But as they say, time heals
all wounds and a cute little fuzzy face with liquid brown eyes helps
too.
It took me about a month to develop a relationship with Harry.
Harry would lay on the back of the couch and just watch my every move
like he was sizing me up. What I didn't know was he had already
picked me as his person and was just waiting for the opportunity to
make his move.
So that's the way it is. Harry lives with us but my
mother-in-law babysits every chance she gets. It has worked out
wonderfully for everyone involved.
Once Harry was in our home, I couldn't help myself. I gradually
let him establish a place in our family. Although Harry will never
take Buddy's place, he made me realize that I have enough room in my
heart to love another fur baby who desperately needed a family.
It's amazing the healing that comes from loving.

-- Janet F. Allen

___________________________________________
Janet lives in Webster Groves, MO.
___________________________________________

DALMATIAN'S DUTIES

A nursery school teacher was delivering a station wagon full of
kids home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the
front seat of the truck was a Dalmatian dog.
The children started discussing the dog's duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said one child.
"No," said another, "he's just for good luck."
A third child brought the argument to a close. "They use the
dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants!"

___________________________________________

DOG TIRED

An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell
from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. He followed
me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep in a corner.
An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.
The next day he was back, resumed his position in the hall, and
slept for an hour.
This continued for several weeks.
Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "Every afternoon your
dog comes to my house for a nap."
The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar:
"He lives in a home with ten children and is trying to catch up
on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"

___________________________________________

LOST CAT RETURNED HOME AFTER NINE YEARS
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080910/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_cat;_ylt=AngDSiXviI2q_z8DuuIs9KUuQE4F

To JOIN (it's free!), send an email to:
join@petwarmers.com

To DISCONTINUE, send an email to:

Petwarmers Message Board
http://www.eboards4all.com/09780/

Petwarmers homepage, ad info and archives:
http://www.petwarmers.com

To JOIN our sister publication, Heartwarmers,
send an email to: join@heartwarmers.com

Here's where Petwarmers gets its ink:
http://www.pocketwarmers.com/b

Note: Nothing here may be reproduced or published in
any way without the express permission of the
individual authors and/or copyright owners.

Petwarmers, 504 Morgan Drive, Lewiston, NY 14092

Your membership is listed as: XXXXXXXX

This is a recurring email from a double opt-in mailing list.

Our records show you voluntarily signed up for this mailing list,
and also replied to our confirmation email.

You may leave at any time by following the instructions above.

If you have troubles getting off this mailing list, please print
a copy of this message, including the list name and your email
address, and mail it to

Listmaster
mail-list.com
1302 Waugh Dr. #438
Houston, TX 77019
USA

got this via email..

Tornado warning

2008-09-13T19:53:00.002-05:00

We were under a tornado warning earlier. I was caught in the storm on the way home from town. I drove 70 mph to get out of the storm and got home in time to get in the shelter before the storm got here. It was Unbelivable! I know I was crazy. All i could think was of my son being at my mom's especially being in trailer so had to get in the old house for safety. It passed within .1/2 mile from here. Jeez!

Now Tropical Storm Ike is on the way here which mean more RAINS which will bring floods and winds! Good news I have a/c now but it is not hooked up. Ahh~ lol It was so HUMID the last couple of days! ugh! I took lot of showers to stay cool! ha!! :P

As you know Gustav Remants did came here and brought lot of floods and rains. It did damaged the playhouse roof. Lot of memories in that one! :( I got several pictures of the damages and the floods if you go to the my photobucket album on the right where my favorite links are. Look for Gustav Remants, ok. :)

Anyway TJ's kitty died last Tuesday. We both are sad. :( Hercules was playing hard with her and didnt know any better. The kitty went in shock and died the next day. :( I was so mad at Hercules. he is still doing it with the kittens. I had to use the newspaper to stop him. Hope this will works. sigh!

Wild cat Ashy got hit but is ok but just limping. She can walk on it so she will be ok. She always hang around the road. She is an idiot. I hope she will learn a lesson and not stay there anymore.

I am doing ok as I am still hanging in there but I still can't sleep well even with the medicine that Doctor prescribed for me. :( Maybe within few weeks I will be back to normal? I hope. Just wait and see. :)

I hope all of you have a dry weekend! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

ALMOST PASSED HER BY

2008-09-13T14:23:00.001-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Jackie wasn't exactly looking for a Lassie type of dog, but
those eyes at the shelter sold her. In today's bittersweet story,
you'll see how a rescued animal meant so much to so many others in
her household.

___________________________________________

ALMOST PASSED HER BY
by Jackie Griffith

After I lost my Angel, my beloved little white Poodle in 1995, I
decided to try to find another small dog.
Dakota, a German Shepherd/Husky mix was a great dog and a
wonderful protector at 100 pounds, but he wasn't exactly a lap dog.
I called the shelter and they told me that they had a little
black Poodle/Schnauzer mix, but she hadn't been cleaned up and she
was matted and stinky. I left immediately to go see her.
As I walked down the aisle to her kennel in the back, I passed a
pretty buff and white Sheltie mix that looked like a miniature
Lassie. When I was a little girl, I watched the Lassie show on
television, and like millions of other kids, I wanted a dog like
Lassie, too. But I looked at all that long hair, said "Good luck,
baby" and I continued to the back.
They handed the matted little bundle to me, still yapping and
whining. Her front feet encircled my neck as her back feet
desperately clawed their way up my chest. To their obvious surprise,
I told them I wanted her. They gave me her number card and I went
back to the front to pay.
On the way up the aisle, the mini-Lassie looked up at me with
those beautiful liquid brown eyes. Her tail tentatively gave a
little wag, but regretfully, I said "Sorry, baby," and kept going.
However, as I was writing out the check up front, I kept seeing
this pretty little Lassie face floating in front of my eyes, so I
surprised myself when I stopped and told the attendant, "I'll take
both of them."
Surprised, she said, "Really?!" I went back to get Lassie's
number as well.
As we walked out to the car, one on each side of me, the little
black Poodle/Schnauzer mix who would be Rascal tried to attack
Lassie, so I had to get someone help me get them to my car. I
crawled into the back seat with them. I sat and petted both of them
and in a firm tone, told them that they were going to be sisters, so
they had to get along. There was to be NO fighting! I talked to
them for several minutes, repeating over and over, that I would love
them both. They would be my babies and they were never to fight.
And there was no fighting, ever again.
From the shelter, we went directly to the vet's office to get
them both checked out and then home. Dakota was playing in the
backyard with a half-deflated football he'd picked up someplace. I
was hoping the introductions would go well, but when I let the two
new little ones out of the car, still on leash, the little black runt
showed remarkable moxie by trying to attack Dakota. She jumped
straight into the air on legs that were like coiled springs. She
succeeded in getting in his face although he was about 6 times bigger
than she was!
Lassie was obviously intimidated by his size and she first
backed up a couple steps and then ran, dragging her leash with Dakota
loping along right behind her. Not exactly what I had in mind!
I thought Lassie would keep running, and was preparing to go
search for her, but she ran around the house and came back to me and
stopped. Dakota just wanted to have some fun by teasing her. She
seemed to sense that and they were best buddies from that point on.
All three of them took off across the yard with the beat-up
football, playing their version of "take away." From that moment on,
all three of them became extremely close. Where one was, they all
wanted to be. They would vie for my attention but there was never
any jealousy between them, just love.
Lassie obviously adored the "big guy." Lassie would lick his
face as they rested, and he'd bare his teeth as if he were saying,
"Don't make over me!!" Rascal was the one that wanted to wrestle all
the time, and one of them usually accommodated her until she tired
and fell asleep still wrapped around them.
In October of 2003 we lost Rascal to Cushings Disease. I had
never heard of it. There was no cure and it is always fatal. It was
so very hard to lose her, and I hung on as long as I could.
Lassie and Dakota remained close, nearly connected at the hip.
Our cat population gradually increased as I rescued some in bad
situations, and if I wasn't in the room or if I simply don't notice
trouble brewing between the cats, Lassie quickly stepped in between
them to settle things down. They respected her and simply walked
away from each other. I called her my kitty-sitter.
Then a couple days ago, I found my beautiful little girl dead in
the yard. It was a horrible surprise. I was afraid Dakota, on
medication and nutrients, wouldn't make it through winter, and it was
Lassie that we lost. I held her on my lap and sobbed for a long time
before I could call my brothers and ask for their help.
In the last two years I had rescued two more dogs who were in
serious trouble, so our canine family had grown to four dogs. And
now they are three. Fortunately, I have a large home with lots of
room for dog beds, kitty climbing and hiding places, and God has
blessed me with the ability to care for them.
Our vets and the office staff have become good friends over the
years. I know that my family and friends will also mourn the loss of
my beautiful Lassie, now at rest in the pet cemetery at the rear of
our property.
And to think, I almost passed her by.

-- Jackie Griffith

___________________________________________

got this via email

_____________________________________________

To JOIN (it's free!), send an email to:
join@petwarmers.com

Petwarmers Message Board
http://www.eboards4all.com/09780/

Petwarmers homepage, ad info and archives:
http://www.petwarmers.com

To JOIN our sister publication, Heartwarmers,
send an email to: join@heartwarmers.com

Here's where Petwarmers gets its ink:
http://www.pocketwarmers.com/b

Note: Nothing here may be reproduced or published in
any way without the express permission of the
individual authors and/or copyright owners.

Petwarmers, 504 Morgan Drive, Lewiston, NY 14092

This is a recurring email from a double opt-in mailing list.

Our records show you voluntarily signed up for this mailing list,
and also replied to our confirmation email.

You may leave at any time by following the instructions above.

If you have troubles getting off this mailing list, please print
a copy of this message, including the list name and your email
address, and mail it to

Listmaster
mail-list.com
1302 Waugh Dr. #438
Houston, TX 77019
USA

Hurricane Gustav remants arrived in Arkansas

2008-09-02T16:26:00.002-05:00

As you know they forecasted that Hurricane Gustav will hit New Orleans. It didn't but west of New Orleans. It had moved far inland overnight. Now it had arrived here in Arkansas. The remants of Hurricane Gustav will slowly move across the state over the next several days, bringing very heavy rainfall and the threat for severe weather. It is no longer a Hurricane but Tropical Depression Gustav.

More Rains will continue to fall thru Thursday. They said we will be getting strong winds of 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts to 35 mph accompanying the rains. The rain will be moving very slowly. So naturally there will be flood concerns. So they had issued Flood watch here where I live.

Naturally I am happy because it had cooled off so much as it's been in 90's the last couple of weeks. I am loving it more and more! :) TJ is freaked out and saying we need to stock up on foods and water. I laughed at him and told him that he is silly. I explained to him that by the time it come here- it will weakened and will not be a hurricane anymore. He said oh. haha! He have lot to learn about hurricanes.

Of course we have to watch out for tornado threats as it can spawn several at same times. Again he is scared because he doesn't want any tornadoes due to close calls last spring in Birdtown which was EF3 and EF4 in Cleveland. Naturally I understood as he is scared as it can destroy something in a second. Also it can kill people too so lives are not replaced. Things can be replaced. :(

Anyhow I went outside few times and watched the clouds come from east. It is cool to see the clouds moving from east. It was very windy. It is my first time to experience something like this. My mom said we had remants in the past. I don't remember perhaps when I was young? I don't know. Ah no biggie deal. heh!

Well my Labor Day weekend was quiet and fun. We played in the water and got to relax. :) TJ is kinda sad that Summer is over and school is back in session. He mentioned that he can't wait for cooler weather. I am too looking forward to Autumn which won't be long. :)

I hope all of you have a great evening! :)
As always,
Ginger :)

WORKER'S PRIDE

2008-08-27T13:40:00.001-05:00

SEXY & HOT COMMENTS

CLICK HERE

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your
child will be going back to school the next day.
It would have been called Independence Day,
but that name was already taken.
-- Bill Dodds

The spectacular Olympics are over. The hoopla of the political
conventions has begun. The kids are headed back to school and the
Labor Day holiday is upon us.
Did summer just come and go?

____________________________________________

WORKER'S PRIDE
by Joseph Walker

It has always struck me as more than just a little bit ironic
that every year about this time America pays tribute to her working
men and women by not working.
Not that I'm complaining. I appreciate a day off as much as the
next worker bee. It's just the logic that throws me. I mean, on
Thanksgiving we actually give thanks. On Christmas we celebrate a
gift from God by giving gifts ourselves. On Easter we observe
another divine gift by eating multi-colored eggs that were supposedly
delivered by a rabbit.
OK, so the logic of Easter eludes me, too.
Still, it stands to reason that if we are going to celebrate
America's workers, there ought to be something... you know...
laborious about it. And no, I'm not talking about the effort it
requires to pack a picnic lunch, or to go camping or boating or any
of the pastimes we work so hard at enjoying during the long weekend.
I'm talking about sweating. Toiling. Working.
You know -- laboring.
Mom and Dad understood the concept. Around our house, Labor Day
was just that -- a day to labor. I don't remember any Labor Day
picnics or parties or barbecues. We'd just had a full summer for
that. Labor Day meant that school was back in session and it was
time to work.
And so we did. We prepared the garden bed for winter. We
pruned fruit trees. We bottled peaches and tomatoes until the inside
of our house was thick with steam and aroma. Sometimes there were
special projects that we didn't finish during the summer: painting
the trim around the house; taking out an old, dead stump; planting
new grass in that patch of dirt in the middle of the lawn that we
used as home plate during spirited games of whiffle ball.
For me, however, the job was always the same: mowing, edging and
raking the lawn. As the youngest of eight children, I always got the
easiest -- and most boring -- duty.
"It's not fair!" I protested one Labor Day. "I do the lawn all
summer. Why can't somebody else do it today?"
"Because everyone else already has a job," Mom said.
So much for labor negotiations.
A late summer trip had interrupted regularly scheduled lawn care
that year, and our yard looked it. The grass was tall and thick --
especially the edges. I shuddered. Dad didn't believe in power
mowers or edgers, so this would require hours of back-breaking,
wrist-snapping, energy-sapping labor.
What a way to spend Labor Day, huh?
Don't ask me how, but I survived the ordeal. I was tired from
pushing the mower up and down the slope of our front lawn. My
fingers ached from squeezing Dad's rusty grass clippers. And I was
itchy from the grass that seemed to cover me. But for some reason,
as I sat out on the front porch looking out over the aesthetic
results of my labors, none of that mattered. I was weary, but
content. And I wasn't sure why until Mom came out with the lemonade.
"That's why we have you mow the lawn," she said as she handed me
a tall, cool glass. "You do such a good job."
In retrospect, I'm sure other lawns in our neighborhood looked
as good as ours. Maybe better. But that night I was King Lawnboy,
and all was right in my carefully clipped kingdom.
I've never forgotten the feeling of satisfaction that came from
a job well done. That's the feeling we ought to celebrate on Labor
Day, for much of what we are as a nation we owe to the efforts of
workers who are willing to work, and who take pride in the results of
their labors.
So do something laborious this Labor Day, and savor the
privilege and blessing of work.
'Tis the season, you know.

-- Joseph Walker

____________________________________________
Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem and lives in Utah.
____________________________________________

THE WANDERER

2008-08-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

They say "all's well that ends well." Fortunately for Wanda, a
horrendous situation was rectified and she lived a life surrounded by
love and attention.
Let's hope her story becomes a reality for the countless pets
who are neglected.

___________________________________________

THE WANDERER
by Marilyn Jacobson

He got the puppy when she was small enough to fit in a shoe box.
He named her Wanda because she tended to wander off at odd times
and the name just sort of fit.
Wanda was a fur ball of golden hair, not a Lab, not a Retriever
-- just a dog. Wanda grew and flourished in his care. She lay by
his side of the bed when it was bedtime. She got up early in the
morning with him if he had an early flight to wherever his job was
taking him that week. Wanda was his buddy and she missed him
horribly when he was gone.
His wife at the time was supposed to take care of Wanda when he
was away, but he knew as soon as he got home from his trips that
Wanda had not been properly taken care of by her actions when she saw
him.
"Wanda was a bad dog," the wife said. "She scratched the back
door up and made messes in the house." He knew the reason Wanda was
"bad." She was not let out to do her business and was not fed and
cared for properly. He knew it was not a good situation for her, but
his job called him away almost every week. He prayed that someone
would decide to take an interest in her while he was gone and tried
his best to make up for lost time when he returned.
His marriage fell apart. It had been building for years, but
the time finally came when he had to get out or go insane. He packed
what he could and moved away to another home -- another beginning.
He wanted so badly to take Wanda with him, but there was no
where to keep her at his new home. He left her behind with tears
running down his face, hoping for the best for her. His daughter
said she would care for her. It was the best he could do at the time.
The wife called a month later. "You have to take Wanda away
from here. I cannot afford to feed her and care for her. She is
just too much trouble."
By this time, Wanda had grown into a large dog. She was no
trouble when he was there for her. But she needed a new home.
He made arrangements to pick her up. When he got to his old
house, he was shocked at the condition she was in. She had no hair
on her back half and she had been starved to practically skin and
bones. He was so angry to find that someone could be so cruel to
treat an animal like this. He packed her in his truck and once again
drove away with tears running down his face -- not from sadness but
from anger. She had never deserved to be treated this way. It was
unthinkable that someone could be so cold.
He took her to his new home. He set a bowl of water and a huge
bowl of food down for her and she devoured it in minutes. He took
her to the vet and found that she was so infested with fleas that she
had scratched away most of her hair. The vet prescribed medication
and said to get her on a good healthy diet. She would come back from
this but the scars would remain.
Wanda is now 86 pounds and a lovable speed-bump. She lies on
the floor at his feet and at the side of the bed when it's bedtime.
Her name is still fitting. She is content to spend the rest of her
days with him.
And he will make sure she has everything she needs to help her
into her sunset days. Other animals have come into his life, but
Wanda is and always will be his "buddy."

-- Marilyn Jacobson

___________________________________________
Marilyn and her husband Art live in NW Iowa and are active with a
local animal rescue organization. This story was submitted in memory
of their dog, Wanda, who passed away July 31, 2008. Her furry
sisters and brothers; Sandi, Nikki, Charlie and Jonah miss her
sorely, as do Art and Marilyn.
___________________________________________

Monday's here! Grr

2008-08-25T15:59:00.002-05:00

Myspace Monday Graphics

Hi Everyone,

My weekend was fine but TJ, my son is not. Poor kid is sick with sore throat and didn't feel well. I have been tending to him and fixing him soups and bringing him drinks to keep him hydrated. Now He is back at his father's house for the week. I only hope it is not serious. :(

It had gotten hot again and I am not real happy about it. :( I really can't wait for Fall to be here! I am SO looking forward to cool nights. Seriously. LOL. I will be happy when it is here! hehe! Hard to believe that Summer is almost over. School had started and Labor day is upon us already. Dang! Before long Halloween will be here which is my favorite Holiday. I don't know what I will dress up this year. I gotta find something, LOL. Any suggestions? hehe! :P

Well for Labor Day weekend- I don't know what we will plan to do- maybe go swimming and have a cook out or something. I will figure something out. I know it is this weekend. LOL. Kinda last minute, oh well! Lmao! Remember I like to take one day at a time. so :P heheh!

I guess I will stop for now so hope all of you have a great week! Take care and have a great afternoon! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

SIR WINSTON

2008-08-20T11:55:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

After losing a loved one, P.S. happened upon a special dog in an
animal shelter close to home. We think many of you can relate to
what happened next.

___________________________________________

SIR WINSTON
by P.S. Gifford

For everyone considering bringing a four legged creature into
their family, I urge you to please visit a shelter.
Recently I had to put my beloved Tasha, a gorgeous
Shepherd/Collie mix to sleep, as her kidneys had shut down. I was
gutted and the last thing on my mind was bringing a new dog into my
life.
However, on Saturday we ended up at Orange County Animal
Shelter. Seeing the number of Shepherd mixes there tore at my heart
strings. I thought about bringing one of them home. But, somewhere
deep inside of me, I knew that would be an attempt to replace Tasha,
and she was irreplaceable.
It was in one of the last cages we saw a dog huddled at the back
as far away from the front bars as possible. Most dogs are eager to
be up front as you walk by, but not this dog.
We read that he was a two year old stray called Benji. They had
him down as a Bearded Collie. Eventually, after a little coaxing, we
encouraged him to come and say hello. He was a bundle of overgrown
matted fur, but inside that fur were two little eyes peering up at
me. There was a level of sadness and desperation in those eyes I had
not seen in a long time.
I wanted to meet with him but because the shelter was closing
soon the visitation area had been closed. We went back to the office
and waited in line to get as much information on Benji as we could.
However, we decided that it wasn't fair to our other dog Chester,
another rescue, and that we needed to re-consider the whole thing.
My fifteen year old son started to tear up.
That night at home our thoughts kept going back to Benji. By
the time Sunday morning rolled around we had not only made up our
mind to adopt him, but we had renamed him.
He was going to be Sir Winston.
We raced down to the shelter and this time we got to meet him.
He looked even more pitiful than we remembered. His coat was an
abysmal mess. After visiting for him for a couple of minutes we knew
we were making the right decision. With our hearts all racing we
went back to the office to complete the paperwork.
We had already made an appointment to get him groomed that
afternoon. But there was a snag -- he still needed to be neutered.
We were disheartened a little but understanding. We were advised
that it would be up to ten days.
On the way back home we made a stop at the pet store and loaded
up the cart. New bed, collar, leash, bowls, etc. It was at 7:30pm
that same night we received the phone call.
Sir Winston had been cleaned up and operated on and would be
ready the following morning. We were also advised that they now
considered him to be a Lhasa Opso. We were overcome with excitement!
The next morning, after a few hours of restless sleep, my son
and I went back to the shelter. The girl in the office took our
information and clicked on the screen. Her eyes lit up with joy.
"You are not going to recognize him!" she said excitedly.
Minutes later we watched as a dog, appearing half the size of
the one we had adopted, we being carried out. They were the same
eyes as I had seen yesterday, only now the sadness was gone!
Despite coming in at a meager 11 pounds, Sir Winston dragged us
out of there. It was like a completely different dog! The shelter
had done him proud. They had to shave him completely, except his
face, which they neatly trimmed and cleaned up. He is absolutely
adorable.
That was a couple of days ago, and since then, Sir Winston
quickly made himself at home. He is an extremely mellow and highly
affectionate little dog. Chester, who is eight time his size, took
to him immediately.
As I work from home, Sir Winston never leaves my side. As I
type, he is snoring away underneath my office chair. Though there
could only be one dog as special as Tasha, we also know now there is
only one dog as special as Sir Winston.

-- P. S. Gifford

___________________________________________
You can visit P.S.'s website here: http://www.psgifford.com/home.html
___________________________________________

got this via email... Hope you all have a nice day! :)

Rainy Tuesday

2008-08-19T15:41:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

Yep it is raining! Weird August but I AM LOVING IT. heh! It look like October weather is here because it's been in mid 80's and 60's at night time. 2 nights ago it was 58 degrees. UNBELIVABLE! It does help so much because my a/c is broken so you can imagine me being a bitch. Stay away from me! Beware!!! LOL. Just kidding. Hey Mother Nature- Cool weather PLEASE STAY!!! :) I LOVE YOU!!!! haha! :P

Just let you know I am physcially ok but tired as I didn't sleep well the last few nights due to insomina. Even though I went to doctor yesterday and got my medicine. My dr said it will help me to sleep. It didn't do the job! :( I have to go back to doctor in 2 weeks for the follow up care. It is kinda too soon to see if this will help me especially with my depression and insomina. So wait and see! Of course I will keep you all updated ok? :)

I noticed that Arkansas doesn't have Deaf coffee Chats? There is one in Fort Smith but not have one in Central Arkansas? Oh dang! So I decided to go ahead and set it up for fun and see if everyone will come and join. It is in Yahoo groups called DeafCoffeeArkansas. Maybe this will be a ritual. I hope. It would be good to see everyone even once a month to see what is up and all that. For those of you who read this- Please spread the words, Thank you. :)

TJ started school yesterday and I was told he like his teacher and school so all is good. :) I can't wait to hear all of the details Friday when I see him. I hope he is having fun. :)

I hope all of you have a great day! Take care!

As always,
Ginger :)

New Pictures are up...

2008-08-13T03:02:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone!

I went to Clinton, AR yesterday afternoon to meet a friend and we went out to eat at a restaurant. Afterward the dinner we went to the city park to look around. My friend asked if it's ok that he can take the pictures of me. I said sure go ahead. I think he had fun doing it. LOL. It was an awesome ending to the meeting. Beautiful sunset and a gorgeous day. What more could I ask for? heh! To think it's gonna rain all day and my friend said nah it won't. He was right about that. LOL! heh! I had a great time. :) I hope you will enjoy the pics. Here is the link to my photos. :)

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/Smile4ginger/Taken%20at%20Clinton%20AR%20Aug%2012/

Thank you sweetie for sending me the pictures. You are the best! :)

I hope all of you have a great night!
As always,
Ginger :)

Rainy Weekend...

2008-08-10T14:40:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it is raining in August? Yes I am not kidding! Wow! What a MAJOR change that is as it is always hot by this time of the year. We usually have the heat wave by now. Matter of fact, We did had the heat wave the last 3 weeks as it was in 100's plus heat index and the high was 109 with heat index excedding over 110's. Damn! Brutually hot! Argh!

I am kinda glad it had cool down as I love cool weather as I can always sleep better in cool weather compare to hot weather I can't? :( Whooooooo Hooooooo.. Right now the temperature is only 68. I am LOVING it! :)

Good news! I finally get to sleep some this morning as I went to bed after 4 AM and woke up after 11 AM but I still need more sleep as I only had 16 hours of sleep the last 4 days. I will be ok- I hope! I am still sad but I will get thru this eventually one way or another with help. Sigh! :(

TJ will start school next week. He is looking forward going back to school and getting back in the routine. Hard to believe that Summer is almost over! I already saw the 7 sisters constellation coming up on the horizon so Fall is coming. I am so looking forward to Fall. Leaves changes colors and falling down. Beautiful sights to see! I can't wait to go sighseeing. :) Fall is my favorite season but not looking forward to my birthday, LOL.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Sunday wherever you are at. Have a great day!

As always,
Ginger :)

Reminder- Meteor Showers Perseids this week!

2008-08-10T14:38:00.001-05:00

COUNTDOWN TO THE PERSEIDS: The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks one week from today, on Tuesday, August 12th. The best time to look is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday morning when forecasters expect 50 to 100 meteors per hour. Get away from city lights if you can; plan a camping trip! The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see.

The source of the Perseids is Comet Swift-Tuttle, which has littered the August portion of Earth's orbit with space dust. The dusty zone is broad and Earth is already in its outskirts. As a result, even before the peak on August 12th, you may see some "early Perseids" streaking across the night sky. Photos of these early arrivals will be featured in the days ahead on http://Spaceweather.com as part of our full coverage of the Perseid meteor shower.

----------------------

This is the best week to view the meteor shower so mark on the calendar! :)

NEVER GROWING OLD

2008-08-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.
-- Celia Thaxter

None of us are getting any younger, that's for sure. But our
memories -- particularly memories of our summers when we were kids --
can work wonders. Nothing can stop us from being young at heart!
When you read Kathy's story today, you'll no doubt think back
to special times when summers seemed endless and there was always an
adventure around every corner. (What? You didn't have video games
and couldn't text your friends? Oh no!)

Meanwhile, we'll be sending our publications during the day on
Wednesday, rather than Tuesday evening, to prevent them from getting
lost in the all of the overnight junk email. Hopefully, you'll be
able to find us a littler easier in the future.

____________________________________________

NEVER GROWING OLD
by Kathy Whirity

It was a question that had me asking a question of my own.
A recent article I read posed the question: If you could relive
a summer memory what would it be?
On this lazy summer's afternoon the musings of my middle age
mentality have me asking a question of my own. How can you choose
just one?
A trip down memory lane brought me back to a tree lined street
in the Roseland community -- a quaint and quiet neighborhood where we
lived until I was about 12 years old.
Across the railroad tracks from our home was an indoor pool. My
brothers, sister and I would often go swimming there.
One afternoon, as I ran across the tracks from the "Pump" as we
called it, I saw my dad in the backyard, the contents of a kiddie
pool strewn about the lawn.
Patience was not a virtue that my dad possessed, which is why
our pool was the only pool in the neighborhood whose liner was
clamped down with clothes pins.
When filled to the rim the shallow water reached right below my
knees. But it didn't stop us from splish-splashing away many hot
summer days.
My dad also loved having barbecues, though he was far from a
genius at the grill. He'd make a grand production but the result
would always yield the same result -- hamburgers the size and
consistency of charcoal and hot dogs that ended up resembling beef
jerky.
I do remember his milk shakes being the best. He'd dump a half
gallon of ice cream in the big green mixing bowl and add milk and
chocolate syrup. Then he'd mix it all with the hand mixer and ladle
it into the tall fancy glasses usually reserved for company. Dad
tried his best despite his dysfunction in cooking. And, besides, it
wasn't about the food as much as it was about the togetherness of
family.
Sunday mornings were always special when grandma spent the
weekend. She'd stand at the stove, in her flowered duster, and make
us German pancakes. They were crepes we'd spread with butter,
sprinkle with sugar, roll up and eat. They were so good!
It's been more than 40 years since I've tasted one of her
breakfast specialties, but all I have to do is close my eyes and I
can see her standing there at the stove. With that memory, the word
"comfort" food takes on a whole new meaning.
Long car rides were also an adventure we'd do as a family on
summer evenings. Our dad would do the driving while we kids would
sit in the back seat, with all the windows rolled down as our hair
would blow carefree in the soft, warm wind of the season. We'd cap
the evening off with a trip to the penny candy store where everything
really was a penny.
Many a mid summer's morning you could find mom standing at the
ironing board. She'd fill a Pepsi bottle with water and attach a big
plastic flower petal, with tiny holes, to the top of the bottle.
She'd sprinkle the clothes with water, wipe her brow with a hankie as
she'd continue pressing out the wrinkles on clothes, long before the
concept of permanent press apparel became popular.
Our bed time treat rarely varied. After baths were taken, mom
would place a pint of ice cream on the table. She always sliced it
into 4 perfect slices, one for each of us.
The question the author posed about choosing one memory to relive
has opened a flood gate of memories too many to choose from.
If I had a choice, I think I'd rather opt for one more day to
spend with my family in that house on 104th place in Roseland. To
smell the Lillies of the Valley that grew wild and untouched in the
front yard. To catch lightning bugs in the backyard and bike ride
around the block, with my little brother teasing me and my friends
because we couldn't leave the block.
What I wouldn't give, as an adult, to sit on the old back porch
and sip a milk shake my dad had made especially for me.
To laugh with my grandma and to have a chat with my mom -- if
she could be as she was and I could be who I am now. (I'd have a lot
of thanking to do.)
It's a gift to reclaim a sense of our summer's youth. While we
can't relive the past, it's a blessing to know, that through
memories, we never really grow old.

-- Kathy Whirity

____________________________________________
Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on
family life. She is also a contributor to the Chicken Soup for the
Soul book series. She and her husband, Bill, live in Chicago. You
can visit her website at: http://www.kathywhirity.com
____________________________________________

RHAPSODY WITH THE PERFECT MATE

2008-08-10T14:34:00.001-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Since you're a Petwarmer reader, you'll get a kick out of
today's story. You can hear the violins and symphony in the
background! What better title than "Rhapsody with the Perfect Mate."
Thanks Lynn!
Meanwhile, we'll be sending our publications during the day on
Wednesday, rather than Tuesday evening, to prevent them from getting
lost in the all of the overnight junk email. Hopefully, you'll be
able to find us a littler easier in the future.

___________________________________________

RHAPSODY WITH THE PERFECT MATE
by Lynn Perrier

The feelings I felt for the new male in my life had not
diminished in the least, despite spending every day with him since
the beginning.
He moved in and never left. It was only supposed to be for a
short time. That's what I said in the beginning. Without wanting
to, I had fallen madly in love with him. After that, there was never
any question about him staying forever.
I languished in bed feeling like a Queen. There was no hurry, I
had no plans today which would take me outside my home. What a
wondrous feeling it is to share the morning with someone you love. I
reluctantly got up and put on my satin dressing gown as he watched me
silently. He loved when I wore that dressing gown.
With a look of utter content on his face he dozed off and
returned to dream land, his body limp and relaxed. Oh that
beautiful, exquisite body. Primitive in its desires yet
sophisticated in its demands. Sometimes I wanted the whole world to
see it. Most of the time, I wanted to keep it all to myself.
I bent over to give him one last kiss so I could absorb the
scent of his hair which would sustain me while I left him to do the
mundane acts associated with rising. Strange, I just realized that
no matter what time of the day or night it was, he always appeared
immaculate. No unkempt hair. Nothing out of place. To me, he was
always perfect.
I puttered around the kitchen like a regular little housewife.
To be honest, I have never been the domestic type. The humdrum
chores of being a home body had always bored me. I sensed that was
about to change. Now, for some reason it felt right.
He entered the room, hesitated and watched me from the doorway.
A combination of scrutiny and devotion radiating from his face as he
stood there the picture of pride and masculinity. Ever curious, the
smell of the freshly brewing coffee must have urged him from the
seclusion of the bedroom.
Our relationship was not yet a year old and it got better with
each passing day. I was now at a point where I wasn't bashful about
anything when he was around. I knew no matter what I did, it
wouldn't make any difference to him. He would always love me.
We had never suffered through the initial stages of being
uncomfortable while getting to know each other. Always believing the
axiom "familiarity breeds contempt" I knew now there were exceptions.
This was my exception. What an incredible feeling -- one I had
seldom experienced always being aware of my appearance, my voice, my
perfume, my breath.
Those things we think of, when a relationship is in its infancy,
didn't matter. Not often had I come to this point. There had been
others but none that touched me the way he did. None that understood
me like he did. None that could anticipate my every move like he
did. He was very special.
The day moved in slow motion as I went about doing odd chores
around the place. We weren't expecting any visitors today so there
was no need for me to go shopping. In fact there was really no need
for me to do anything. The weather was miserable and raining. The
perfect day to relax and enjoy the company of a loved one.
I had picked up a book earlier in the week and decided this was
the day to start reading it. As I sat trying to concentrate, his
movement caused me to look up from the pages. Once again he came to
me slowly, deliberately like a lithesome spirit. I lost track of
time, lost in an embrace as I held him in my arms not wanting to let
go, even for a minute, his frenzied kisses covering my face.
In other relationships I had always been the giver, never the
recipient. This time it was different. I watched as he reclined on
the chesterfield oblivious to my observation. One of the qualities I
loved about him was his modesty. At no time did he act like he was
any different from the others. Yet he was. He wasn't demanding or
critical. He even liked my cooking. Never a day went by that he
didn't show me never ending affection.
I reluctantly got up to prepare a snack while he remained in his
position of ease. As usual he watched my every move. Sometimes he
made me feel like a movie star with his never ending scrutiny. This
is a relationship which will last forever.
I know in my heart I had finally found the perfect mate.
I called to him from the kitchen to share the latest sustenance.
As I set a midday snack of tuna down for him I said a little prayer
of thanks for having Toby in my life.
Listening with joy, as he purred in a rhapsody of pleasure, I
contemplated the exquisite sound a cat makes when it's happy.

-- Lynn Perrier

___________________________________________
Lynn is a motivational writer whose life has lead her down many paths
opening her mind and heart to the important things in life. With an
often humorous slant, her writing will leave you with food for
thought and a smile on your face especially the articles about her
cats. You can read more of her work online at
http://www.thecolumnists.com where she writes a regular column along
with other authors or her website http://www.tributememorial.net
___________________________________________

WOMAN, 97, SAYS CAT'S YOWLING SAVED HER FROM FIRE
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080802/ap_on_fe_st/odd_cat_hero

___________________________________________

GOLDEN RETRIEVER ADOPTS TIGER CUBS AT KANSAS ZOO
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080731/ap_on_fe_st/odd_adopted_tigers

___________________________________________

only 4 hours of sleep .. in the last 48 hours.

2008-08-08T05:14:00.000-05:00

Right now it is almost 5:30 AM and I am surfing online- Thinking of the asshole make me finally cry. My heart is broken in million pieces. I only had 4 hours of sleep the last 48 hours. I am fucking tired. Too many thoughts went thru my mind as I laid in my bed. I can't think as too many things are jumbled all together at once. I can't sleep. It fucking hurts. Fuck him. Dammit. So hence why I am online surfing. sighs.

When he asked me to leave- What was I fucking suppose to think? If he had told me in first place but If he said he and ex both are friends? Why do I have to leave? Of course It's suspicious as he have had something to hide and wouldn't tell me the truth? It hurts when he asked me to leave. He said due to drama? I believe that Honesty is the best policy as I have always said in first place as I don't tolerate liars nor head games. I don't deserve being fucking lied to or treated disrespectfully. Don't you agree with that?

I have tried to figure it out why it hurts? After talking to someone- it all made sense to me. It is because I put my trust in him and he violated it. By not being honest with me and make me feel like he don't respect me at all. You know what I think of him? He is thoughtless, inconsiderate and disrespectful. I fucking deserve better than that. I don't forgive people because I am weak. I forgive them because I'm strong enough to know people make mistakes. I am not fucking ready to forgive him. Not now. Maybe later when I am strong enough.

He shouldn't be anyone special to me, He is just another guy. He shouldn't lead me on especially if it's a lie, one day it's love the next day it's done. He hurt me too much to be the one. Why? I know I will never get any answer out of this! This fucking sucks!

Damn this as I am typing- my eyes are pouring out. Finally I am crying. I couldn't cry yesterday. Why not? Is it because I am numb or what? Or maybe I have too much of my pride? Or maybe it's because I went thru so much so I don't cry anymore. I have went thru it so MANY times. I have lost count. I don't know. It's weird I can cry at the movies but I can't cry when something bad happened to me? I guess I am like a robot. I do know that I have lot of holes in my heart. Nothing can fill the void. No wonder I am depressed. Not just that but I do have anxiety attack and panic attack. I may have PTSD due to painful experiences. Go figures!

I wrote a draft- it is not that great but that's how I feel.

It hurts.

every time my heart beat it hurts.
that it feel like im dying..
i'm carrying lot of pains inside.
oh it hurts so badly..

I am sinking into darkness- no where to go ..
I want to die... so badly that it hurts
I am so confused that I am losing my mind.
every time my heart beat it hurts.

i need to be set free of the pains.
I kept thinking why?
I have run out of answers.
I guess i will never know.

Oh why does it hurt so much???

I guess I will have to deal with this one day at a time. As hard as it is- I gotta get thru this maybe with help and there is always tomorrow. New day- New Beginning. So Whatever. I guess I will look back and laugh at this. This is nothing. LOL. I guess there is a hope inside me. :\

Drama, Drama.. Jeez !

2008-08-07T16:35:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging in a while. I have been away from the computer as you can see. I have been away from home too long. I have been staying at my ex's mom's house then ex's apartment. Guess what? More drama .. neverending in my life.. when can it end? Fuck this.

It was a wild night because of drama that went on. So I stayed up till 7 am. Finally we went to bed but woke up after 9 am due to that someone showing up AGAIN. More Drama! I am fucking tired! I just got home and is unhappy. It hurts. No I am not ok but even more I am PISSED off! Fuck this. Pardon my language. I even hit my hand on the cabinet and it was bleeding. LOL. It didn't hurt, believe it or not. hahaha! I guess I am numb right now but I don't frankly give shit at all. LOL.

Drama, Drama. Blah Blah! Fuck this. I really am sick of this. This happened before so this is twice that it happened. Jeez. Men sucks, really. It is a fact of life. What can I say? Shit!

I am gonna say.. Fuck this..I know. I said it alots but I had to say it. If you don't like it then don't read my blog for all I care! If you are still reading...
Oh yeah.. While I was driving home I did felt like driving fast and hit the tree and end my life right there.. but I can't.. I have TJ to think of.. So I'm not gonna do this but it hurts, dammit!

Why? I know I will never get any fucking answer out of this! This fuckin sucks! :( Damn this as I am typing- my eyes are burning and trying to fight the tears not to let come out. I can't cry. Why not? Is it because I am numb or what? jeez. But you know what? I have to stay strong because TJ need me and he will be here tomorrow.. I hope I can make it thru the night.. Oh man. shit.

And this is not all. Yesterday was the annivesary of my cousin Crystal's Death. It's been 15 years since she have been gone. She is forever missed dearly. I can't believe it's been that long already. As it seems like yesterday when she had passed away from the freak accident. I really wish she is here as she is my best friend, my childhood playmate, like sister, and more to me. I wish she is not gone because I really needed her so much at this shitty time. :(

You know what, Ok.. Actually I can't deal with this so I'm gonna stop for now, ok.

Cya around...

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~

2008-07-30T01:50:00.001-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Do you think there is a difference between city cats and country cats?
Carol provides us an interesting and entertaining perspective --
from a city cat's point of view!
Meanwhile, thank you for all of your feedback regarding dog
food. You'll see many of the replies we received in our Mailbag
section. Looks like there is quite a variety of preferences out
there.
___________________________________________

CITY SLICKER
by Carol J. Douglas

This is a letter from a "City Cat" to his "Country Cat" brothers
and sisters:

My dear brothers and sisters,
A year has passed since I was plucked from our litter in the
country and taken to the city to live. I feel this is a good time to
write to you and let you know what life is like here.
The most astonishing discovery I've made since moving here is
that the city mice are so different from the ones in the country.
For one thing, they all have bells inside! Not only that, but they
just lay on the floor waiting for me to pounce on them instead of
scampering away! I carry them in my mouth and bat them around just
like the little balls I find on the floor (also with those fabulous
bells inside). Such great fun!
Another great perk is that the people who adopted me are at my
beck and call. I only have to rub their legs and look at them
beseechingly and voila, I get a delicious treat! And if I don't like
the food they give me for my main meal, I simply sniff it and walk
away. A short time later they will fill my bowl with something more
to my liking.
These wonderful people have thought of everything.
For my entertainment they have provided me with a caged bird to
watch as well as many windows to enjoy the comings and goings of
other birds. Also, there is a large container filled with water and
swimming fish for my viewing pleasure. Some day I plan to put my paw
inside and grab a fish.
However, I spend the majority of my day napping. I have my
choice of beds all over the house. If I choose a chair that a person
was going to sit in, he or she will simply find another, albeit, a
more uncomfortable one. Sometimes I take pity on them and let them
have the chair while I graciously cuddle in their lap all the while
being stroked. I let them know I am pleased by purring contentedly.
When it is time to retire for the night, I have first choice of
the area on the bed that I find most comfortable. The people adjust
themselves around me. I let them sleep while I sleep. When I awaken
and want my breakfast, I stretch lazily and see if they are awake.
If they haven't awoken, I clean myself. And if they are still not
awake I gently walk around their heads. If I am still unsuccessful,
a few loud meows and pounces always works.
Ah, life is good here in the city.
Come and visit anytime. Must go and inspect my dinner!
Best Regards, Your city brother

-- Carol J. Douglas

___________________________________________
Carol lives in Dublin, Ohio with her husband, Jeff and their two
children, Justin and Emelia, and two city cats, Tux and Ferrari.
Carol has had several children's poems published as well as a romance
story in Woman's World Magazine. Her new book for children, Miss
Millie Pede & Friends -- Poems & Riddles to Bug You! can be found on
her website at http://www.caroljdouglas.com.
___________________________________________

Horrible Weekend..

2008-07-28T18:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a horrible weekend. :( I got drunk last saturday- fell down and hit my head on right side. i got knocked out and they couldnt wake me up for long time. my right eye is swollen. Right Side of my head is throbbing. I went into a shock and threw up alots. i also had shakes. my sweetie had to keep me warm by holding me in his arms along with blanket. i cant keep anything down yesterday none at all. man it was not funny. I havent eaten for 2 days now. :eek3: I spent the whole day resting yesterday and today as well. I am still feeling horrible. i know for a fact that i do have concussion cuz i was knocked out and they culdnt wake me up for long time??? jeez i dont undy why they didnt call ambulance for me? sheesh! oh well.. if i am not feeling well by tmw.. i will go to dr and have check up on my brain to make sure im ok.... :(

I am not gonna go down the road again. i am too old for this. lol. :)

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~

2008-07-23T22:33:00.001-05:00

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
I have never been especially impressed by the
heroics of people who are convinced they are
about to change the world. I am more awed by
those who struggle to make one small difference
after another.
-- Ellen Goodman

Today Roger tells us about a remarkable woman that you probably
have never heard of before -- a simple, yet inspirational and
courageous woman who had a tremendous impact saving thousands of
Jewish children in World War II.

____________________________________________

IRENA SENDLER
by Roger Dean Kiser

I was eating dinner in my recliner and watching the television
news when I saw this strange, almost comical looking woman.
I decided to change the channel but my remote stopped working so
I was forced to watch the news segment.
Within minutes, tears filled my eyes when I realized the woman
they were reporting on was an honest to goodness hero.
I had never heard of Irena Sendler -- a woman who saved the
lives of 2,500 children who were scheduled to be killed by the Nazis
during World War II. She had both her legs and feet broken by
soldiers while trying to save the lives of children.
As thousands were being killed, the children of total strangers
were given false identities and placed in homes, orphanages and
convents. Irena Sendler carefully noted, in coded form, the original
names of the children and their new identities. She kept the only
record of their true identities in jars buried beneath an apple tree
in a neighbor's backyard, across the street from German barracks,
hoping she could someday dig up the jars, locate the children and
inform them of their past and true identities.
In all, the jars contained the names of 2,500 children.
Are there any Irenas or Schindlers left among us today?
Is that funny and sort of weird looking character down at the
local super market or the gas station the one who might save our
children should such a terrible occasion arise in the future?
As of today, I will do my best to try and treat others with a
little more dignity and respect. I now realize that it might be the
pimple faced kid working at McDonald's or the over-weight individual
at the dry cleaners who might have the heart, guts and unselfish
compassion to save my offspring one day.
All I can say is that there are only a few true heroes and I thank them.
The jar has been found, the lid has been removed, and the lesson
has been found.

-- Roger Dean Kiser

____________________________________________
Until we read Roger's story, we had never heard of Irena either. She
passed away a couple of months ago on May 12, 2008, at age 98, in
Poland. Her family and many of the rescued children continue to tell
her story of courage and valor. There is a fascinating website we
encourage you to visit that can give you the whole story, including
how American high school students recently discovered her legacy and
created "The Life in Jar" project. You are welcome to learn more
here:
Homepage: http://www.irenasendler.org/
Life in a Jar Tour Schedule: http://www.irenasendler.org/events.asp
The Project Story: http://www.irenasendler.org/thestory.asp
____________________________________________

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~

2008-07-23T22:31:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Stephanie and Brett were open to the idea of adding a cat or two
to the family. Brett got himself a "daddy's boy" -- and Stephanie
found a "mama's boy."
All's well that ends well!
Note: Let us hear from you if you have an opinion about what
dogs should eat. You'll see a short story below.
___________________________________________

MAMA'S BOY
by Stephanie Powers

I had two cats heading into their golden years when my husband
and I first met.
Brett had never owned cats but after seven years of dating he
loved Valentino and Australia as much as I did, and they loved him.
We were heartbroken when Aussie went to the Rainbow Bridge on
our first wedding anniversary and two years later, on our third
wedding anniversary, my Tino followed her.
Two years passed before we were ready to adopt again. I put the
word out to friends and family. Before long a friend came through.
Charlotte owned the kennel where she boarded dogs and had
rescued a mother cat and kittens from an abandoned barn. She was
looking for good homes so I called her. I told her we wanted an
outgoing kitten who could handle a lot of love.
"You're going to want Little Joey," she said.
Much to my surprise, Brett didn't want Little Joey. He didn't
like the idea of someone else choosing our kitten. We drove out to
the kennel anyway.
Three kittens were left for adoption. When Charlotte let them
out of their condo none of them gave me a second look but one
immediately jumped into Brett's arms and snuggled.
"This is the one I want," he stated. Little Joey had just
picked his new owner. The bond was instantaneous. They weren't even
going to let Charlotte say goodbye.
Brett and Little Joey, now renamed Leo, are inseparable. Leo
will leap onto Brett's shoulders giving him kisses on demand. He's
daddy's boy through and through. I was jealous.
Parking behind my office, located on a busy city street, I
started seeing a woman followed around by the most precocious tuxedo
kitten. He was tiny, yet full of attitude, and sometimes he would be
outside all by himself stalking birds and butterflies close to the
road. I prayed that he would survive.
Strangely, I was delivering papers to a client's business when I
met the kitten's owner doing odd jobs there.
"Your kitten is adorable," I told her.
"Do you want him?" she asked. "My landlord wants an extra $30 a
month for pets, so I'm getting rid of him."
Of course I wanted him, but Brett had just quit his job for a
better one that fell through and our health insurance had run out and
his medicine was $400 a month. Our money was tight. The timing was
terrible.
"I'll take him, but not until I can get an appointment with my
vet. Can you keep him for a few more days?" I asked.
That was Friday. On Monday, I walked over to her apartment with
my cat carrier. I wanted my new kitten to get used to it. That's
when I saw him poised on the very edge of the road ready to pounce on
a butterfly. Somehow, I managed to shoo him into her apartment.
"Please don't let him outside until I can come and get him," I
begged. I showed her what to do with the carrier, telling her I
would be back at 7:30am on Friday.
That was the slowest week of my life. Several times, on my way
to the post office I saw him sitting outside near the road, locked in
his carrier. Though safer, I didn't like that either. It cost $300
and a second trip to the vet that day, getting Leo caught up on his
shots and an overdue check-up before MooShoo came home with a clean
bill of health and a few hundred less fleas.
My MooShoo has never looked back and neither have we. Brett and
I fell in love with him that very first day. If you sneeze, he meows
"Bless you!"
Every morning, he leaps up on my knee light as a feather and
gives me a kiss on the lips and a love bite on my elbow. He sleeps
wedged so far underneath me I call him my little chicky. But best of
all, he's mama's boy through and through.

-- Stephanie Powers

___________________________________________
Stephanie is an accountant who lives in South Bend, Indiana. She and
her husband love all animals especially cats. She love stories and
pictures about animals and has recently become an avid bird watcher.
___________________________________________

Blue Friday.... blue and black ankle Again!

2008-07-18T13:01:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon to all of you....

It's been crazy this week...What can I say? I am happy to report now that me and my sweetie worked things out. So all is good. Not just that but first I fell down Monday and sprained my ankle and this morning I fell down and sprained my same ankle and now it is VERY blue and black! It is throbbing.

It was getting better and I was getting handle of walking on it but now this again? Oh boy. I am such a klutz! No wonder I was voted Most Clumsy back in High school for two years in a row. LOL. Gotta love me, hehehe! :P

Not much of news around here but finally get to check emails and see what is up online. Now I gotta get off and go to town to do errands for my mom and my sister. So I hope all of you have a great weekend! :)

Take care and As always,
Ginger :)

In Loving Memory of Mac- Nov 14, 1992- July 17, 2007

2008-07-17T04:20:00.001-05:00

And to make it worse.. Today is the one year annivesary since our Beloved dog Mac had passed on.. Hard to believe it's been one year ago since he had been gone and there is not a day that go by without us talking and thinking of him. He is forever always in our heart. We still missed him soo MUCH! We are sure that Mac is watching over both of us so that is a comfort thought. :(

We love you Mac so much!!!! :(

Lovin' you sweet dog...
Ginger & TJ...

Love sucks!

2008-07-17T04:03:00.000-05:00

Good morning to all of you. I am sure you are surprised to see me up late at this hour? I just can't sleep as lot of things are racing thru my mind but that is not the only reason why as I am in a bad mood, too. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I just want to scream at the world... Why?

Right now I am feeling hurt and have been crying alots since last night..I am not going to post all of this as it's none of your beeswax business! This definitely SUCKS! WHY??? WHY?? ARGH!!!!! *crying* *sniffing* This fuckin sucks! :*(

Lastly before I close this but I can say this...

LOVE SUCKS!

So whatever.... sorry but I had to vent.... *crying*

Thank you for listening to me....

As always,
Ginger :(

Blue Monday- Blue ankle...

2008-07-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

Good day to all of you...

I have been busy the last few days as I was with a friend. I had a good time but the bad thing is that I fell down yesterday and hurt my ankle badly. I was not paying attention to where I was going and fell into a hole. I had to go to er and thank goodness it's not broken! whew! But dang it throbbed all night as I couldn't sleep none at all! :( sniffing

Funny thing is that my friend fell down last night too. He had a cut with huge knot on his shin of the leg. Ouch! He went out of the front door and got spooked by the spider web so he ran back in and fell over the table. He is scared of spiders. poor guy! heh! Guess we are two of a kinds! ha ha ha!

TJ and I are going to stay at friends house for at least 2 days.. We are going to watch movies and swimming. So hope all of you have a great week! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

A deaf Joke....

2008-07-08T00:55:00.001-05:00

A bar is located across the street from a school for the hearing
impaired. Every evening after classes, members of the faculty
come into the bar and have a drink. They use sign language to
talk and sometimes their conversations become quite intense.
One afternoon a group of the teachers are sitting at a table and
are being overly rambunctious in their sign language: their hands
are held high, and they are swaying back and forth. The bartender
becomes quite agitated and says to one of his customers
sitting at the bar, "Now they'll never go home."
"What do you mean?" asks the customer.
"You can't get them out of here once they start singing!"

Got this via email.. LOL.. cute! heheh!

Blue Monday? ... Nah....

2008-07-07T22:41:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

Was it a Blue Monday? Nah.. It was a HOT and Humid Monday! I thought the A/C went out in my car but I realized it was set on wrong setting, duh me! Ugh, LOL! We were sweating so profusely! ugh! haha! Still we had a good day... We went to snake exhibit and croc exhibit at Morrilton. TJ was so excited to see King Cobra up close as it is his favorite reptile. ugh. ha! :)

There were several albino snakes (rattlesnakes, vipers, and speckled spitting cobra there.) I was surprised. I never seen one (albino speckled spitting cobra) before. So it was very interesting! Afterwards we went shopping then we went back home and fixed the dinner. I was kinda glad to be home cuz of A/C LOL.. hehe! :P

So what did I do for the 4th of July weekend? It was fine. I went to two different cookouts..One was on Friday afternoon here at my mom's. And it rained almost all morning. We were supposed to go swimming but it was cancelled. So I watched lot of Christmas movies on Lifetime channel. TJ played with the toys lol. We didnt go to watch fireworks orginally as planned due to me being dizzy and vertigo attacks due to Meniere's disease so we stayed home to watch fireworks and Dateline show about tornado 2008 on television.

Then on Saturday we went and see several of my old friends from school at Chick Fila restaurant in Conway. The thunderstorm came and it was bad. Lot of lightnings and thunders. TJ's Father and my good friend texted me and telling me to come home. I didn't like the idea of driving into the thunderstorm? So I rode the storm out with my friends. We stayed there for few hours. It was great to see them again! I sure missed them so much! :)

By then it was getting to 9 PM so it was time to leave. We went to Target then to Wal-mart to get whatever TJ wanted as he got birthday money to spend on. He got Power Rangers Jungle Fury Megazoids and he was happy with it! We have been looking for that since last year. Finally! Whew! AFterwards I dropped TJ off at his father's house. Finally I have a break but only for one day. LOL.

Then Sunday afternoon I went and saw my best friend and hanged out with her at my second momma's house. It was good to catch up on news and watching kids play in the water and all that. After that I went to my brother's house for a late 4th cook out/celebration to celebrate my niece's newborn baby as she had the baby yesterday.

Yes Carissa had her baby born at 2:36 PM and 7 lb and 3 oz. I don't know how big the baby is though. The baby was due on July 6th. Sure enough the baby arrived right on time! Ha! The baby's name is Jonathan Alexandre Haydn G. I am a Great Auntie again for 5th times or whatever? I have lost count, LOL! heheh! :P

Last night I watched the West sky for short time as it finally cleared up as it was cloudy the last few days so it was awesome to see moon near Saturn and Mars! :) So overall I had a nice weekend except the stupid dizziness and vertigo attacks as I can't help it! :(

Oh yeah... I finally figured it out why I have been getting Migraine headaches all week. I bought a diary creamer the week before and the flavor is Chocolate Raspberry so could it be? I didn't put it in my coffee the last couple of days and I haven't got the attack yet? So obiviously that is the culprit? Hmm! Oh jeez! I loved the flavor as it tasted so great! Oh well I bought another diary creamer and it's French Vanilla which is my other favorite flavor.. Does that mean I am allergic to chocolate raspberry, I wonder? Oh man! I love chocolates! :(

Well I better stop for now so ya'll take care and have a great week! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Have a great 4th and wonderful weekend! :)

2008-07-04T12:19:00.000-05:00

Myspace 4th of July Comments & Graphics

I hope all of you have a wonderful 4th. :) Enjoy the fireworks, cookouts and whatever you usually do on the 4th.

Happy Independence Day! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Have a Happy 4th... :)

2008-07-02T10:19:00.000-05:00

Myspace 4th of July Comments

I hope all of you have a wonderful and safe 4th. I have been sick the last few days with migraine headaches. It was so horrible. :( I am feeling a bit better today. I am still taking it easy. :) so i am not going to write long one but let you know I am still alive and kicking. :) ha... in case you arent coming online. I posted the graphics and hope you will enjoy the 4th. Happy Birthday America!!! :)

Hope you will enjoy reading the Heartwarmers! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Let every nation know, whether it wishes
us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear
any burden, meet any hardship, support
any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the
survival and success of liberty.
-- John F. Kennedy

The flags will be flying this weekend as Americans celebrate
Independence Day, the 4th of July. We hope you have great, and safe,
holiday weekend.
Today, Joe explains the difficulty he had when he was a kid
trying to understand what "unalienable" meant. We can remember
having problems with "indivisible."
The Declaration of Independence may only be words written on a
piece of paper (actually parchment, which is made from sheepskin) but
words have meaning and words are important -- very important. That's
why we can never take them for granted.
Let's all make sure those words are kept alive in each of our hearts.

____________________________________________

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
by Joseph Walker

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the
pursuit of Happiness..."
I don't know why the moment is frozen in my memory, but it is --
my fourth grade teacher, Miss Greene, is introducing us to The
Declaration of Independence. Maybe it's because she is such a fine
reader, or maybe it's because I have a crush on her, but it feels as
if every phrase shoots directly from her lips to my soul.
Especially that last phrase.
At age 10, I'm really into happiness, so learning that my
headlong pursuit of it is one of my "unalienable Rights"... well,
suddenly I like the Founding Fathers even more than the Yankees.
Not counting Mickey Mantle, of course.
Only one problem. I had no idea what the world "unalienable" means.
"I think it means you can't have it," George said when I asked
him about it during recess.
My heart sank. But then I thought about it. "I don't think
that's right, George" I said. "Why would those guys get excited
about rights they can't have? It doesn't make sense."
So I went to the smartest person I knew, JoAnn.
"Well," she pondered, "I know 'alien' means someone from another
planet, so 'unalienable' must mean something you can't bring in from
outer space."
She seemed to know what she was talking about even though I
couldn't for the life of me figure out what it had to do with
anything. Which is why I decided to summon my courage and ask Miss
Greene (not that she was scary or anything -- it was just... you
know, that crush thing).
"It's a very good question, Joe," she said. "Let's go to the
dictionary to find out."
Holy cow! Why didn't I think of that?
Soon I learned that an "unalienable Right" cannot be
"surrendered or transferred." Now, that was more like it. I had the
right to pursue Happiness, and no one could take it from me.
No one, that is, except Mom.
"Good," she said when I announced my intention to devote the
rest of my life to my "unalienable Right" to pursue happiness. "Now
go clean your room."
Somehow this wasn't working. Where were the days of frivolity,
where breakfast was pie and root beer and "work" was getting up to
change the channel? Where were the 10-speed bicycles? These were
the things I was sure I needed to be happy. And Happiness was my
Right.
I've learned a lot about happiness since then -- sometimes by
getting what I wanted. I had a job where I had to watch TV eight
hours a day and it became a chore. I had a 10-speed and the chain
kept falling off. I had pie and root beer for breakfast once. It
made me sick.
Mostly, I've learned that happiness isn't a possession.
You can't buy it, and no one can give it to you. It's a
feeling, and it usually involves things like family, peace, security,
love and service. It doesn't always come easily, but it is always
worthwhile.
And I think that's what the signers of The Declaration of
Independence had in mind when they affirmed humanity's God-given
right to "the pursuit of Happiness."
They weren't talking about momentary pleasures -- they were
talking about long-term, whole-souled, capital-H-type Happiness. It
isn't something you can touch, but something you feel. It isn't
something you get, but something you are. It isn't a lifestyle, it's
a way of life.
But it IS something you have to pursue. Only the journey won't
take you far and wide -- it will take you deep within yourself. You
may not rack up any frequent flier miles, but you will return with a
much grander bonus -- peace, contentment and Happiness.
After all, it's your "unalienable Right."

-- Joseph Walker

____________________________________________
Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem and a newspaper columnist.
____________________________________________

No hurry... petswarmers...

2008-07-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

We know many of you are bird lovers, and so are we. Earla
shares a touching story about the birds in her life and how a
temperamental girl -- aptly named Sassy -- found true love.
They are beautiful to look at, aren't they?

___________________________________________

NO HURRY
by Earla Jean Hollon

For almost five years Trinity, our male Pacific Parrotlet, and
Rainbow, a Black-mask Lovebird, lived together as best friends.
Rainbow had nursed Trinity through two serious potential
illnesses during over the years. Rainbow force fed Trinity when
Trinity lost his appetite, and helped Trinity stay upright on the
perch by pressing tightly against Trinity as Trinity leaned against
the bars of their cage. And when Trinity's legs were temporarily
paralyzed during one illness and had to be propped upright in a
makeshift nest, Rainbow nestled down with Trinity and seldom left his
side.
Our avian veterinarian and I firmly believe that Rainbow helped
Trinity not only survive, but to recover completely.
In October of 2007, Rainbow fell ill. Now it was Trinity's turn
to try and help Rainbow.
And how hard he tried. How hard we all tried. For five months
Rainbow was ill and endured oral medications given to him twice
daily, along with weekly visits to an avian specialist where blood
was taken. All kinds of tests were run, new medications were
dispensed. Trinity was now force feeding Rainbow, and gently
grooming Rainbow's once glossy feathers, now ragged and dull.
Rainbow started sleeping at night on the inside of a little coconut
hut. It was too small for Trinity to join Rainbow, so Trinity
perched close on the outside of the little hut. Rainbow sticking his
head out of his hut often to receive kisses from Trinity.
Sadly in February of this year, Rainbow had lost his battle. My
husband and I were terribly sad, as was Trinity. Even though I
showed Trinity Rainbow's body before we buried him, Trinity called
for Rainbow over and over for the next couple of weeks. At night,
Trinity made sad sounding noises that we had never heard him make
before. We knew Trinity not only missed Rainbow, but he was lonely,
as he had never been alone in his cage before.
The third week after Rainbowís passing, I could not stand
Trinity's sad little voice any longer. I purchased a female Pacific
Parrotlet to be his companion. I was warned that she had two
previous owners who rejected her because she apparently had a very
bad attitude. I named her Sassy and was told the name definitely
suited her.
I brought Sassy home and placed her in a small cage, close to
Trinity's flight aviary. Within minutes, Sassy was clinging to the
side of the cage, looking at Trinity and calling out to him. Trinity
clung to the side of his cage answering her cries.
I let Trinity out of his cage and he immediately flew to Sassy's
cage. They started talking to each other in Parrotlet language and
soon were trying to groom each other through the bars of the cage. I
opened the door to Sassy's cage and Trinity climbed inside to be with
her. And as they say, "That was that."
Sassy moved into Trinity's flight aviary the same day and they
bonded to each other immediately. I have to admit, although I was
glad that Trinity really liked Sassy, it made me feel slightly
betrayed for Rainbow. Emotionally I thought to myself how could
Trinity get over Rainbow so fast. But intellectually I know that
birds do not think, feel and respond as humans do.
Trinity loved Rainbow, but Rainbow was gone. I think he sensed
that Rainbow would not be coming back and here is the fat and sassy
little Sassy, crazy about him from the start.
Sassy loves Trinity and is very good to him, grooming him,
kissing him, cuddling up to him, and feeding him. Sassy, however,
does not like my husband or me. She doesn't like our other birds,
either, nor does she like the dogs and cats.
That's okay though, because we bought Sassy as a companion to
Trinity and she has filled that role admirably. We have faith that
with time, Sassy will calm down and accept us as well. We are in no
hurry. Parrotlets can live 20-25 years and I hope and pray that
Trinity and Sassy will be with us that long.

-- Earla Jean Hollon

___________________________________________
Earla lives in Pasadena, Texas with a very patient husband and a
small zoo, which consists of dogs, cats, sugargliders, turtles, and
birds.
___________________________________________

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~

2008-06-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
A hug is a handshake from the heart.

Sometimes a hug is all you need to make things right. Today,
Michael shares a story about a group of people who offer hugs -- free
of charge!
Is there a better deal on the planet than that?

____________________________________________

FREE HUGS
by Michael T. Smith

"Do you want a hug?" the young man asked Ginny.
He held a sign in his hand -- Free Hugs. I looked around.
There were other people with him. They held their handmade signs
high. The message was the same on all of them -- Free Hugs!
"Sure!" Ginny smiled and walked up to him. She reached up,
wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled him down to her level, and
hugged him with all the love she had in her heart.
"WOW!" he exclaimed. "That was the best hug I've had all day!"
"I'm a hugger," Ginny smiled at him.
He looked at me. "How about a hug?"
"You got it!" I walked into his open arms. We held briefly and parted.
A young lady walked up and hugged Ginny. She turned to me,
opened her arms, and hugged me too.
Ginny and I stepped back and watched the "free huggers" work
their magic with those who accepted them. They offered hugs to
anyone and everyone.
* * * *
Juan Mann returned to Sydney, Australia in 2004, after living in
Europe for several years. He was depressed over his parent's
divorce. Most of his friends had moved on. It was just him. He sat
for months.
Alone and depressed, Juan decided to make a difference and reach
out. He made a sign that read, Free Hugs, and stood at the Pitt
Street Mall -- one of the busiest streets in the center of Sydney.
He put his arms anyone who accepted his offer.
At first, he left his wallet at home, had a friend watch over
him, and expected to be ridiculed. After fifteen minutes, a woman
approached him.
"My dog died today," she said. "It's also the first anniversary
of my only daughter's death. I could use a hug."
Juan was quoted as saying, "That first woman, it was more than a
hug. It meant something to her."
Others joined Mann. They opened their arms to others. His
message spread across the city. Afraid of lawsuits, officials banned
the free hug movement. But the people protested and more than 10,000
people signed a petition to allow him to continue his mission.
Shimon Moore, the lead singer of The Sick Puppies happened to
see Juan. They hugged and became friends. Moore borrowed a video
camera and filmed Juan giving hugs. When Mann's grandmother died,
Moore put the video together with his band's song called, All The
Same, and posted the video on YouTube with the following caption:
"Sometimes, a hug is all we need. Free hugs is a real life
controversial story of Juan Mann, a man whose sole purpose mission
was to reach out and hug a stranger, to brighten up their lives."
The video was a hit. It spread around the world. Juan has
appeared on Oprah and several other major television shows. His idea
continues to gain support and grow.
After his first day on Pitt Street, Juan wondered if others were
doing the same. He found Amma, The Hugging Saint of India. Jason
Hunter in Atlanta, Georgia, and Jayson Littman in New York.
Jayson started his hugging campaign the same year as Juan. They
both felt a need to reach out to humanity. A financial analyst in
Manhattan, Jayson believed New Yorkers could use a hug. From 2004 to
2006, he spent one weekend afternoon a month holding his Free Hugs
sign in his hands and opened his arms to anyone who needed human
comfort.
Since then, Jayson's mission has been taken over by others who
believe -- hugs for all.
On the last Saturday afternoon of the month, you'll find them
gathered in Union Square in Lower Manhattan. They hold their signs
high and offer their open arms to all who need a human touch.
* * * *
The huggers worked the crowd. Most people ignored them or shook
their heads to indicate they were not interested. Those who opened
their arms in return, walked away with a smile on their face.
I felt a warmth -- a glow -- fill my heart. Ginny and I were
going through rough times. Money was scarce, bill collectors called
on a regular basis. We were stressed and worried, but on that
afternoon, for a brief moment, it was all forgotten.
It took a simple hug to make everything better.

-- Michael T. Smith

____________________________________________
Michael lives in Fort Lee New Jersey with his wonderful wife Ginny.
He works as a project manager in the telecommunications industry
during the day. In his spare time, Michael writes stories for a
collection to be called, From My Heart to Yours. You can sign up to
get Michael's stories by clicking here:
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101828445578&p=oi

You can see Juan Mann and the song about him at YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O6vZTvQl4o

You can see a video on the New York City Free Hugs project here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD6o49Uqv10

got this via email..

TJ is 9 years old! :)

2008-06-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

Monday was TJ's Birthday. He is 9 years old now! Hard to believe my sweet carrot top had another birthday. I am getting older. ugh! LOL. :P We went to town to my eye dr appt first. He mentioned that my left eye had gotten worse than last time and it is still high pressure. I am not sure whatever that is. I will have to go back in a week for another check up again. I will ask again. I hope nothing is serious. hmm. ugh. ...

Afterward we went to Pizza hut for birthday lunch for TJ... Yum Yum we got so full and couldn't eat all of the foods. haha! That is ok because we took the leftovers home for dinner. After the lunch we went to Kids First to visit old teachers and caregivers. They couldn't believe TJ is taller now. I know the feeling! LOL. heh heh.

We also stopped by Cedar Lounge to see my sister Dorrie for a bit. While we were there, TJ went in asthma attack. It was right then that I realized Michelle didn't give me TJ's inhaler. So I drove fast like a batmobile zoom home to get the inhaler. TJ really scared me to death but he is ok now. Whew!

We had to come back to town as we need to go grocery shopping as we need foods. TJ is important as his health come first. What can I say? I know gas prices are high.:( Anyway we got home and had the party. TJ had fun and was happy with what he got from his momma for his birthday. Whew. :)

Yesterday I didn't feel well as i had dizziness and horrible bad headaches from not sleeping enough as TJ kept pulling my blanket all night long so I end up had insomina and watch movies all night. I finally slept some few hours yesterday afternoon but it didn't help somewhat. I woke up this morning and realize I still have the stupid headaches. I guess I need to rest more but I can't as I have few things to do around here. I will go to bed early tonight and hope I will feel better? :P

I hope all of you have a nice day! :)
As always,
Ginger :)

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Kids -- and pets -- grow up fast, don't they?
Kathy shares a short story today about how she and her husband
couldn't resist a cute little puppy -- a puppy who earned the name
"Hurricane Henry."
We're sure many of you have experienced the same thing.
And thank you for all your responses to last week's story.
We've included most of them in this Petwarmer.
___________________________________________

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?
by Kathy Whirity

Hannah, our beloved Golden Retriever, was finally becoming the
perfect pet. It took five years of rambunctious behavior but our
patience had paid off. She now goes most everywhere with us. She
sits in the back seat of the Explorer as if she's our child. In a
sense she is. We rarely need a leash for she never leaves Bill's
side, ever the faithful fur kid.
For months we've been thwarting our daughters' unanimous opinion
that we should get another dog. After Holly, our Christmas puppy
from 1995, was put to sleep, Bill was adamant that we did not want
another dog -- Hannah was enough. Besides, life was just beginning
to calm down and we were enjoying a home with one canine companion.
And then, something unexplainable happened. We'd watched a
commercial of adorable Retriever puppies tumbling over each other and
in unison we'd both sigh, "Oh aren't they so cute!"
We found ourselves reminiscing about when Hannah was a blue
eyed, tiny bundle of golden fluff. She was also a Christmas gift,
when Jaime brought her home from college. Back then Holly was the
regal Retriever in residence and wanted no part of Hyper Hannah.
They eventually accepted each other. When Holly passed over to the
Rainbow Bridge, Hannah moved up to the ranks of queen of her master's
castle.
How could it be that five years have passed since Hannah came
into our lives when it seems like only yesterday?
The girls must have sensed the nostalgia was creating a
sentimental soft spot for when talks of gifting us with a puppy
resumed, Bill was receptive to the idea. It didn't take me long to
get excited about the new addition to the family. I wonder if this
is, perhaps, a side effect to the empty nest lifestyle.
In between the kids getting married and anxiously waiting for
news of impending grandchildren, maybe the pitter-patter of tiny paws
can fill the silence until the pitter-patter of grandchildren fills
the void.
Last Sunday, Bill and I were busy puppy proofing the backyard
while Jaime and husband Dan went to see a man about a dog. As we
wrapped chicken wire around the fence I started to get cold feet.
Did I really want to start all over again with the chewing, the late
night whining and the constant eyes in the back of our heads and to
be ready to run the pup outside each and every time his nose so much
as sniffed the floor? Were we nuts to take on the challenge when it
would mean that Hannah would also have to adjust to another four
legged tiny, teething terror nipping at her heels?
Before I could give credence to any lingering doubts, I looked
up to see Jaime and Dan walking down the gangway toward the backyard.
The cutest Golden Retriever puppy was hopping along side them.
In that moment, I knew that Henry had found his forever home.
Hannah may not be as enthusiastic as we are, but in time, she'll come
around.
It is now Hurricane Henry, a name passed down from a now calm
and docile Hannah. As I watch him tear around the yard with
lightening speed, to see all and do all, I take a peek at Hannah, in
hiding, and I can't help but wonder -- where does the time go?

-- Kathy Whirity

___________________________________________
Kathy is a newspaper columnist and author of the recently released
book, Life Is a Kaleidoscope. She is a contributing author to the
Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. She and her husband, Bill,
live in Chicago where they are enjoying life as empty nesters. You
can visit her website here: http://www.kathywhirity.com
___________________________________________

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

2008-06-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

I hope you will enjoy this as I did. :)

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from
you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as
punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment,
but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do
understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I
could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask
yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting
the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be
getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.
Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone.
Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you.
Always!

Got this from Petswarmers.. :)

100 Things About Me: Thanks to Katzie and Heather :)

2008-06-12T14:44:00.000-05:00

100 Things About Me:

1. I was born in Morrilton the only city listed on geographical no name exist anywhere in the world but ONE right here in Arkansas and was raised in the country.
2. we still live here in the country where I grew up.
3. I moved out when I was 20 years old living on my own in Morrilton for the first time. It was scary!
4. I never met my dad's dad and mom as they died before I was born in 1960's.
5. My grandma had my dad when she was 39 years old.
6. I have 2 real sisters, 3 half brothers, 2 half sisters, 2 stepsisters and 1 stepbrother.
7. I never met my half brother and my half sister on my dad's side.
8. I was born hard of hearing due to rubella but can talk pretty good but not 100% perfect but I try. I can hear even without hearing aid.

9.I grew up using SEE signs... but now?? PSE.. :)

10. I am separated from my husband for almost one year.

11. I have 4 kids but TJ is the only living son. I had twin sons and a daughter.
12. I was a wild child.
13. I took apart my hearing aid when I was 2 years old and putting them back together.. Believe it or not they still worked! lol..
14. I wandered off when I was 2 and everyone looked for me all day.. Guess where I was.. asleep under the bed... LOL
15. I grew up around animals..We have had many different kind of pets.. dogs, cats, possum, snakes, crows, birds, cows, horse, chickens, roosters, rabbits, fishes, pigeons, turkey, peacocks, ducks, geese, pigs, etc...
16. I was 2 when I locked a young hen in a cabinet in the barn. I forgot about it days later and I remember about the chicken and went to let it out.. it was barely alive.. I just saved it from death.. it followed me everywhere and slept with me even in my bed...
17. I set the barn on fire and I lied and said it was God who sent the lightning that set it on fire. I set it on fire, oops! lol.. barn was not destroyed, thank goodness.
18. I set the field on fire too.. lol.. I was fascinated with fires.
19. I chased tornadoes.. but now I hate them as it hit Conway county 4 times less than within 5 months this year 2008- close call.
20. I got my first closed captioning device when I was 11 years old for my birthday.
21. I am a Scorpio.
22. My son is a cancer.
23. My twin sons were born on Oct 6, 1995 and TJ was born on June 23, 1999. June is the 6th month of the year and I was 23 when I had the twins...6-23 coincidence??
24. I was born at 1:24 AM and my son TJ was born at 1:24 PM.
25. most of my family all have brown and black hairs except me, my sister Sherry and TJ... we have red hairs..no one else....
26. My favorite color used to be red when I was young.. now its purple..
27. I refused to wear red T-shirt and blue short due to the nightmare that I had when I was young..
28. I still have nightmares of King Kong movie..
29. I used to wear make up when I was young but now? I don't ...
30. My favorite flowers are Sunflowers, Jonquil and Lilac.
31. My mom and my dad were never married. They were common in law marriage.
32. my mom had me when she was 34.
33. My dad died one day before his birthday of full blown AIDS in 1987.
34. My mom used to work at Levi's for many years till she found out I was born deaf so she stopped working to take care of me and drive me to therapy.
35. my favorite place is Beirut- our secret place in the woods.
36. I have 12 nephews and 5 nieces, 8 great nephews (one more haven't arrived.. he will be here next month so it will be 9) 8 great nieces.
37. I had 4 surgeries already
38. I was clumsy all of my life.. Broke my ankle and I cried in front of EVERYONE at public school when I was 14 and had a cast on plus spraining my ankles so many times that I lost counts.. Now I have plantar fasciitis in my right leg :(
39. I graduated from Arkansas School for the Deaf in 1991 with Honors Diploma and went to national Institue for the Deaf in Rochester, NY but short time.
40. I was popular when I was in school flirting with boys...
41. I had my first kiss when I was 11. lol..
42. my first love was Kenny... we were together for 7 years till he cheated on me with a lady name Michelle who he got pregnant and had to married her...
43. my second love was TJ's father... we were together and living together for 2 years till he cheated on me with a lady name Michelle.. they got married..
44. I hate the name Michelle.... no offense....
45. I have always have bad luck with number 6 for some reasons...
46. my first job was working in downtown office in Little Rock cleaning the office..
47. the longest job I ever have is working at Blue Bonnett for 12 years .. first it was a dishwasher then prep cook, then head cook
48. I volunteered lot of my time helping at TJ's school with activities and field trips.
49. I love stargazing and still love to look at sky...
50. I love reading books.. since I was young...
51. my mom didn't graduate from high school.. my 2 brothers and 2 sisters didn't graduate either.. my sister sherry and I are the only ones that graduated from High school.
52. all of my siblings finally got their Ged.. my brother got his GED 2 years ago.. Finally.
53. my siblings all got married before they turned 18 and divorced by the time they turned 20. I am the only one never married till 34 years old... lol
54. I am a quiet person and still is shy...
55. I love watching movies...
56. my dad refused to let us watch TV when we were young.. after dad moved out when I was 11.. we finally get to watch TV anytime we wanted to... Yay!
56. my last name is a rare name...it mean a baby girl horse. There is not many of it in the world.
58. I still keep my maiden name not the married name.
59. I watched my first xxx movie with my mom when I was 16... lol...
60. I love horror movies.. I kept watching them over and over...
61. I was suppose to be born on Halloween but born 2 days later..
62. I won First place for an art award for best artwork for Arkansas's State Park. I still have the certificate but not the artwork. It is somewhere in the state government building.
63. I grew up thinking clouds are ghosts...
64. I love doing arts painting, drawing, etc.. I still have the painting picture that I did of an owl. :)
65. my sister Dorrie and my niece Carissa both were born on Friday the 13th.
66. My favorite shows are Days of Our lives, ER, CSI: LV, CSI: Miami, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette
67. when I was a little girl- I wanted to own a yellow vw bug.
68. My dream was to get married somewhere in mountain overlook under an arch of flowers.. it never happened. ha..
69. my husband and I eloped to the courthouse in Morrilton. we never had a honeymoon. jeez.
70. I don't want to have more kids. I did had tubal ligation in 2003. I had complications. Now I have hysterectomy this past march 2008.
71. I am going thru menopause.. :(
72. My favorite season is Fall and Winter.
73. I love acting... I was in drama club and stage productions all of my life..
74. I love to sign to the songs...
75. I love riding on the bike in the rain...
76. I got bitten by a brown recluse spider on my left knee when I was 16.. it was painful and horrible summer using crutches and I couldn't go swimming... :(
77. I am allergic to amoxiciallian and sulfa.
78. I couldn't go to basketball tourney with the teams to Illinois due to being allergic to amoxiciallian.. I was so MAD! :(
79. my laughs sound like a witch... it goes like this... heheheh
80. I was told I look like Jodie Foster??? I don't know?? do I?? hmm
81. my son TJ is a miracle child.. :)
82. I don't have any patience at all :X .. I gotta have them get over with.. GRR
83. I can be funny...
84. I disliked shrimp... ugh! look at their beaded eyes.. they look horrible!
85. I used to go in the AOL deaf chat room every night till having a baby change.. now I don't go in there anymore.. LOL
86. I have been on Internet for 12 years now.
87. I have been smoke free for 10 years this month June 20th.
88. I have been drug free for 15 years now.
89. I still have a best friend who I talk to and keep in touch since we both were 2 years old.
90. I am not the only deaf person in my family. My cousin is deaf and he has CI. My sister was deaf for short time due to bus accident and while swimming I accidentally kicked her head and she was able to hear again after not hearing for 2 years. Lucky!
91. I have Meniere's Disease since 1997 due to auto accident.
92. I am right handed and my right hand is weak..I used to have pretty handwriting but not anymore. :(
93. I love pizza, cucumber in vinegar and water cookie dough's
94. I got to go to Bahamas for my Senior Trip. It was awesome!
95. I am the only one who have good memories with everyone's birthdays in my family.
96. I was known as Miss Map.
97. I love Social Sciences, Reading, and Science.
98. I was on Honor Roll many times and was on NHS too.
99. all of my families live in California.
100. I am a tomboy but yet still a hopeless romantic at heart. :)

Donkey- Smart Ass? lol

2008-06-12T13:01:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I am so fooking tired as I didn't have enough sleep the last couple of nights.... Here is what happened... ok it started the night before, the damn dumb ass (donkey) just walked by and freaked me out... That was 11:30 PM... I was like oh shit.. so I had to call my sister Jo Jo.. She was not home as she was out with her friend.. so I had to pet the donkey and keep him calm for one fooking hour till Jo Jo got here. She put him out in the pasture... So all is good ....Or I thought so...

Then my mom and I heard dogs barking.. I was like not again so I walked outside and sure enough dumb ass is right there by the gate waiting for me.. I was like what are you doing you dumb ass??? So I had to get the feed and give to him then I came back in and told mom to call Jo Jo again! Donkey is out again which she did. I went back outside and waited with the donkey...

I was watching the sky and it was a beautiful night- perfect for stargazing but damn gnats and mosquitos were eating me alive!!!! GRRR.. I petted the donkey and talked to him while waiting for Jo Jo.. She sure took her sweet time.. 45 fooking minutes..Damn finally she got here and said sorry they were out of gas and had to siphoned the gas out of the lawn mower.. I was like OK... So finally they tied up the donkey to the line out in the front yard... then they left again... So all is good..... right???

Wrong! 2 hours later I had a funny feeling so I thought I'd better check on the donkey.. so I went outside and looked at donkey.. OMG he was STUCK!!!! ropes were all over his body.. He was on ground and couldn't breath... and he kept yelling... Oh I felt so bad! :(

I tried to get the rope loose...I really tried.. DAMN it was SO fooking tight... I couldn't due to my weak hand.. so I had to hurry and told mom.. call JO JO NOW!! IT'S emergency!!!!! She called Jo Jo again.. She came within 10 minutes and her friend helped her and they finally got the donkey LOOSE.. Whew!

THANK GOD! He is Ok... He was close to death as he wouldn't get up.. He was in shock.. So we waited and give him water and wash him down because he was hot and sweating.. Finally a hour later he did got up and walked around. So we took him by the old house and tied him to the tree.. we tied 5 times.. I kept checking on him thinking he will be ok.. So by the time it was 4:30 AM- I went to bed sleeping but woke up at 8:20 am with DONKEY in my mind.. So I got up and went outside to check on him to make sure he is ok.. He is OK... but guess what??? Remember we tied 5 times?? Well it was tied one time now and fixed to get loose... LOL... Good thing I got up just in time to get him tied again... hahah....

It was funny... You know I have heard stories and told mom that I thought donkey is a dumb ass because they won't obey you and wont do anything for you but that damn donkey is SMART ASS... He know how to get out of the fence and want your attention... He is not a dumb ass after all now that's his nickname is Smart ASS!

Last night I couldn't sleep because I had to go outside every 2 hours and look to make sure donkey stay in the pasture... Finally thinking he will be ok so I went to bed after 3 AM... But I woke up at 8:10 AM and I got up to check on Donkey to make sure he stay in the pasture.. He is still there! Whew! :)

Now I got fooking bad headaches for not sleeping enough.. lol..It will be a long day for me but I will live like I always do. :P

Uh oh....We had a scare earlier as TJ said the smart ass is gone! OH FUCK...... Talking about a loose ass.. HA HA! He still is in the pasture... So I am relieved... Whew.... I hope Smart Ass will stay where he is or he will have a problem with me! lol... :D

Have a great day ya'll!

As always,
Ginger :)

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~ No Regrets

2008-06-10T19:45:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with
you at bat. Then fold second base down to home
and set the baby on the pitcher's mound. Put first
base and third together, bring up home plate and pin
the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you
gotta call the game and start all over again.
-- Jimmy Piersal, On How to Diaper a Baby, 1968

Happy Father's Day! We got a kick out of that "Thought for the
day" and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Meanwhile, Marcia share a poignant story today about living a
life with dad with "no regrets." You might want to get your tissues
out.
Whether you have a tear in your eye, or chuckle on your cheek,
we hope all the fathers in your life, young or old, have a great day!

____________________________________________

NO REGRETS
by Marcia Hodge

When my father was diagnosed with cancer, he moved in with my
youngest brother.
Knowing my father didn't have much time left, my brother invited
me and our other siblings to stay with him. This allowed each of us
to spend as much time as possible with my father, as well as lean on
each other for support.
We learned so much during those few weeks and our love for him
grew with each passing day. For the first week he was there, we
would stay up until the early morning hours telling stories, singing,
listening to his words of wisdom, and most importantly, just enjoying
being with each other.
Shortly before his death, my father asked to speak to each of us
individually. We each waited our turn, knowing this would probably
be the last time he would be aware of our presence -- his organs had
begun to fail and his strength was fading quickly.
Finally, my turn came. When I entered the room, I could see
that his eyes were closed. I thought he might have drifted back to
sleep. I stood there for a moment watching him -- the face of an
angel.
I eased to the side of his bed and sat down. Without opening
his eyes, my father reached for my hand and smiled. As I sat there
watching this man quickly pass from us, I thought of all the things I
wanted to say. I wanted to tell him all of the things I was going to
miss -- the smell of his aftershave, the sound of his voice on the
other end of the phone, books to compare with the person with whom I
shared a love of reading, his unwavering faith in me, his Christian
example, and maybe most of all his smile -- the smile of an angel.
There were other things I wanted to say as well, such as "if only."
Instead, we sat in silence, holding hands, thankful for the closeness
we'd always shared.
After awhile I leaned over to kiss him goodnight. As I did, a
tear fell and landed on his cheek. Never opening his eyes, he smiled
and whispered, "No regrets."
With those two words, I knew there was nothing left unsaid. The
love we shared was far greater than any words. It was as if he could
see deep into my heart and know what I felt at that exact moment. He
didn't want me to worry about anything I could not change.
Instead, he wanted me to be happy with the memories I could
forever keep in my heart and not dwell on any of the "if only's." He
not only wanted me to be content with the relationship I had shared
with him, he wanted me to be content with the relationship I shared
with my family, friends and most importantly, my relationship with
Christ.
Of all things my father taught me over the years, the lesson I
learned that night was the greatest -- to try to live a life with "No
regrets."

-- Marcia Hodge

____________________________________________
Marcia is married with two children. She currently works full-time
as an Oncology Data Specialist and continues her passion and
enthusiasm for writing. She is currently working on a novel, as well
as collaborating on a screenplay.
____________________________________________

PLEASE SUPPORT A HEARTWARMERS WRITER
Lissa Coffey in competition for TV show

One of our outstanding writers and Today Show contributor, Lissa
Coffey, is in a contest to host a new local television show in Los
Angeles. The top 3 voter-getters win an audition. So, it's time for
Heartwarmers everywhere to unite and get behind our favorite
candidate! Please take a moment and support Lissa's efforts: It's
easy and it will only take a minute:
1) Click on this site:
http://1stlook.votigo.com/contests/showentry/30963
2) Then, click on the 5th star directly underneath the video
that will start playing.
3) You will be asked to sign-up (so they know you are a real
person.) Click on "sign-up" and fill out your email address, make up
a screen name for yourself, and info.
4) Once you sign up, you will be directed back to the video
page, and then you can click on the 5th star again and it will be
registered!
THANK YOU! Good luck, Lissa!

____________________________________________

GOODBYE, RON GOLD

Many of you will remember Ron Gold, one of our great writers,
who passed away recently. We just received this notice from his
friend, Diane:
"I just wanted to share this with those of you who knew Ron
Gold. We communicated often and I thought he was a very good writer.
His wife was very kind and shared about his illness over the past
year. Her last letter said that he was in a nursing home and would
be returning home as soon as he could use a wheelchair and get around
better, as he had a second amputation and no longer had his legs, due
to diabetes. I'll miss his witty emails and fine stories. He was a
friend."
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and legions of
admirers and friends. Thank you Ron, for being part of our
Heartwarmers family!

____________________________________________

Homepage, ad info and archives:
http://www.heartwarmers.com

Where Heartwarmers gets its ink!
http://www.pocketwarmers.com/b

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~

2008-06-10T19:43:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Jack was a pirate all right! But it wasn't until Jeanne was
able to lend a hand that things started to change in his life for the
better.
He had a very rough start. This story brings to light several
issues, including breeder responsibilities, the mental stability of
dog hoarders, and the dreadful topic of de-barking.
Fortunately, Jack found a loving home and enjoys getting into mischief.
Thanks Jeanne for sharing Jack's tale.
___________________________________________

SHIPWRECKED PIRATE
by Jeanne K Davis

As a dog trainer I see a lot of dogs at work. I have the
privilege of working with many different dogs and love them all.
But my passion is for sighthounds. I've been volunteering for
Greyhound rescue for 15 years and have fostered nearly 50 and adopted
nine of these lithe, graceful dogs. I also share my life with a
rescued Whippet and a beautiful rescued Borzoi girl named Nadya. So
whenever I see a sighthound, I'm drawn to it.
The day I met Jack Sparrow was a turning point in my life.
He came in with a girl who had just adopted him from his breeder
four days earlier. Jack is a wire haired Ibizan Hound and quite
rare. (Beezers look a little like red and white Greyhounds with very
large ears.)
The girl told me that he and his brother had been sold to a
woman up north who, as it turned out, had 80 dogs -- unbeknownst to
the breeder!
The woman had also had both of the boys debarked! Their vocal
cords had been cut to quiet their voices. When Jack barks he sounds
as if he has a sore throat. They both also had such bad untreated
food allergies that when they came back to the breeder, she thought
they had mange!
They were both treated, and Jack got back to a condition where
he only had one bald patch left on his side when the girl adopted
him. However, that patch was and red and scabby. I also noticed
that he was at least 10 pounds underweight.
About a week later, I got a call from Jack's young adopter. "My
German Shepherd hates Jack! She tries to kill him every day and it's
getting worse. How do I make her like him?"
I told her, "You can't MAKE her like him! Either she will or
she won't. You don't like everyone you meet, do you?" I also told
her that I could only see two options for her -- either keep them
separated for the rest of their lives or return him to the breeder
for rehoming.
She decided that rehoming would be the answer for Jack and she
asked me if I would take him. I told her I'd take him in a heartbeat
but she'd have to ask the breeder if it was OK. The next day, Jack's
breeder, Teresa called me. It was OK with her and I made
arrangements with Jack's adopter to meet and make the exchange.
When Jack walked into my house all six of my dogs rushed him
with noses twitching and sniffed him all over. He acted as if he was
a long lost brother finally coming home! It took about a week to get
the angry red bald patch on his side to heal and start growing hair
and he put weight on fast.
He is now the sleek and elegant Ibizan hound he was meant to be.
And what a sense of humor this dog has! Teresa told me that
beezers are the party boys of the sighthound world. She was so right!
Two weeks after arriving at my house, Jack stole a 5 pound roast
right off the top of my stove! I had put it up there to cool and let
my guard down.
I have a lot of big dogs and I didn't want to unjustly accuse
anyone, so there I was sniffing each dog's breath for the telltale
hint of beef! When I got to Jack, he still had grease on his chin!
I pointed at him and said, "IT WAS YOU! YOU..."
Jack sat looking up at me with his golden eyes, wagging his tail
and telling me, "But Dude! It was sooo good!"
I just can't stay mad at this guy! Besides, I figured the two
days of stomach upset he was facing would be punishment enough.
My sister said it best... "Well, Jack Sparrow WAS a pirate!"

-- Jeanne K Davis

___________________________________________
Jeanne says, "I live in Montrose, Pennsylvania, with my seven dogs
and my daughter. I am a dog trainer by trade and a pet artist by
night. I have had previous stories published in Petwarmers --
Margery's Meatloaf and Nadya's Hope."
___________________________________________

got this via email...

Petwarmers homepage, ad info and archives:
http://www.petwarmers.com

How Internet Dating Really Works!

2008-06-04T12:21:00.000-05:00

I found this off Alldeaf.com. It does sound like me. Dreaming happily when I found someone and then wake up snuggle with my pillow...Then I realized it's only a dream. The reality is that I am still alone.. grrrr.. It sucks but don't get me wrong. I am not desperate but it's been too long and I have been alone for many years. Oh well! It would be nice even to have a boyfriend and have fun and enjoy what life offer right now knowing tomorrow may not come? Sigh! :(

Anyway TJ still is not feeling well. We are going back to town and exchange the fan as it made noise! ahh! It is no good! :( Also do the errands that I didn't finish yesterday due to being distracted by TJ being sick and nauseated. I hope I can do it today without any distractions! GRRR. If it happens again, then I may have to leave TJ with my mom or his stepmother MIchelle. LOL...

Our sunflowers are growing. They are pretty and we can't wait for them to bloom! Hurry and Hurry! LOL pfft.

I hope all of you have a great day and take care! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Not my day.... :(

2008-06-03T18:22:00.000-05:00

It's only Tuesday... My mind is not thinking right, LOL. I guess due to not enough sleep the last couple of nights. I had to take TJ to Dentist yesterday morning but on the way. I got text from Michelle,TJ's stepmother said it is wrong day as it should be on 3rd. I was like grrrr.. so lucky I didn't go all way to Atkins instead I got off at Blackwell and went back home jeez! I was mad but what can I say? wasted my fking time! sigh.

Finally We went to Dentist appointment this morning on RIGHT day which is fking 3rd! ha ha whatever.. Anyway we went in and waited.. Finally TJ's name was called so we went to the room.. TJ said he is glad I am with him this time instead of his daddy or his stepmom. I was like that is so sweet. heh! Make my heart beam with pride! :)

Dentist came in and gave him 2 shots. I was like *oh my Goodness* I almost passed out but all along having to hold down TJ's legs. He didn't do well on that. Poor kid. The dentist did the job of fillings as he have cavity and pull one tooth out. After that they told him to go pick out a gift. He got a cobra snake stuffed animal. Yes it is his favorite. Believe it or not, ugh. haha.

Afterward the appointment, we went to walmart in Morrilton to do some shopping. I got him a package of Pokemon cards for being good at Dentist. He was so happy! :) We got home and TJ didn't feel well. I guess from reaction to gas or just been sick since last Sunday? I don't know. I hope he will feel better soon! :(

Anyway we got home and mom asked where is my stamps? I was like Oh I forgot, sorry. I told her TJ got me so damn distracted that I forgot to get few things. I guess today was not my day! :( grrr! I hope tomorrow will be a better day for me. I pray! ha! :)

TJ's birthday is coming up soon and I gotta get gifts for him. I haven't even started yet! LOL me bad but I know what he wanted so whew. heh :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful evening! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Tamara offers us a wonderful story that takes its twists and
turns. You'll be on an emotional roller coaster with this one.
Thanks Tamara, and Kelly -- and a VERY lucky dog!

___________________________________________

A PLACE TO HANG HIS HAT
by Tamara Lafler

Three years ago, I met a wonderful person named Kelly under some
very dire circumstances.
We both had puppies born with hepatic shunts and, by chance, we
both were at CSU on the same date and time, seeking a medical miracle
for our little charges.
We were strangers in that big waiting room of people, but one in
heart. We became fast friends that day and have kept in contact
through the pain, joys, and loss of our little furry companions.
Kelly's dog Honey Bear, a little Corgi/Aussie cross rescue, had
her surgery the same week as my little Lucy the Schnauzer. By
horrific chance, both surgeries were unsuccessful. We both were
devastated.
Kelly and I spent two very tearful years following a strict
regimen of medications and diet required to keep their livers going.
We gave them all the love we could and received back tenfold in
devotion from them. Honey Bear passed away December of 2006 and Lucy
passed away January 2007.
Then in the fall, Kelly and I both lost our senior dogs.
This is not meant to be a story of sadness, but rather a story
of friendship, kindness, and support.
Since the loss of our dogs, Kelly and I have remained in touch.
Kelly, busy with husband, four children, and fast paced job in the
city. Me, living in the country in western Nebraska, busy trying to
find homes for dogs who end up in dire straights.
I have sent many pictures to Kelly over the last year, hoping
one would catch her eye. While visiting the North Platte, Nebraska,
shelter, I walked by little one year old Rocky, an Aussie/Border
Collie mix. He and another dog had came into the shelter together,
surrendered by their owner. The other dog had been adopted right
away and Rocky was sitting there alone and very depressed.
Rocky, along with other dogs in the North Platte shelter, had
been passed over with no one interested in giving them a home or
taking them into rescue. The shelter was at capacity, so the dogs
were to be euthanized at 9am the following morning. Rocky was one of
the dogs on the schedule.
Staci B., working at the shelter, was kind enough to send
Rocky's picture to me. T he photo was sent on to Kelly that evening
when I returned home. I did not expect Rocky to be the dog for Kelly
-- he was many miles away and very different from Honey Bear. Kelly
and her family were still grieving and probably not yet ready to get
another dog. But I took a chance anyway.
Kelly opened the email at 10am the next day and fell in love
with a not so great picture of a waif of a dog, thinking he had
another day left. Late that morning, she emailed me that he would be
safe because he was the dog she was looking for -- she would adopt
him, and I was crushed.
It was too late!
I knew Rocky had until 9am that morning. I could not call Staci
that morning because I sat and cried instead -- for Rocky, myself,
Kelly, for Honey Bear, for Lucy, for all the dogs in shelters
everywhere.
By afternoon, I decided that I needed to tell Staci about it and
came to terms with yet another dog dying needlessly. I picked up the
phone, dialed the number, and lo and behold, by some small miracle,
Rocky was alive! He was on the schedule to go down that morning but
has mistakenly been overlooked. Staci did not know why.
To make a long story short, Rocky WAS adopted by Kelly and her
wonderful family. They paid for his boarding in Nebraska until they
could get the time to drive all the way from Denver, Colorado, to
pick him up on Saturday night.
Staci, like so many people in rescue, again went out of her way
to help Kelly's family pick up Rocky on a Saturday night, after hours.
On Kelly's trip home with Rocky, I got to see them again. We
both stopped at the rest area in Sterling, Colorado. It was late and
I was on my way back home from Denver transporting dogs. We hugged,
and cried, both in sadness and joy. I got lots of doggie kisses from
Rocky too. I would love to think that he was thanking me for helping
him find a place to hang his hat and that is what means the most.
Rocky now has a wonderful family who adore him. His new name is
Chance. Kelly told me that he is part Aussie and part Border Collie,
so therefore, Chance is made up of breeds from both dogs she lost --
the best of both.
People helping each other and the animals in need -- that's what
friendship and rescue are all about.

-- Tamara Lafler

___________________________________________
Tamara says, "I am first and foremost a dog lover. I have a small
rescue called NSN in Sidney, Nebraska. I do my best to find homes
for dogs in need. Schnauzers are my first love but I try to help all
dogs."

Last Day of School !!!

2008-05-29T14:56:00.000-05:00

I went to TJ's school for Award Ceremony this morning. TJ got a certificate for being on Honor Roll A & B all year! He also got a necklace for earning AR 50 points. He Also got a trophy as he earned AR 100 points. Bravo!

he would have gotten more if he haven't lost the books and they wouldn't let him check more books out. Finally his dad found the books at the poppa's house. Whew! If we haven't found them, We will have to pay for books. Yikes! heh! But that's ok I am proud of TJ for trying hard. :)

One kid earned AR 708 points. everyone stood up and applauded cuz that is the highest honor! wow! I wonder if that's the highest in Arkansas? or what? hmm. Who knows...

Today is the last day of school. TJ is so exciting as summer vacation just STARTED! He is outside playing with his cousins Dylan and Jace in redneck pool. Dylan is wearing his undie and Jace have undie on with swimsuit on top. TJ have his swim shorts and dragon shirt on. loL..

After the kids are done playing in the water. TJ and I will go to town to do errands for my mom as she need few things.

Hope all of you have a great day! :)

here is email Sorry for not posting Wednesday.

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

If you love dog stories -- and we know you do -- you'll really
love this one. It's so good, it would make a great TV episode.
Reminded us of Lassie. Thanks Kathleene!

___________________________________________

SENTRY OF THE HOMESTEAD
by Kathleene S. Baker

The year was 1924.
With supper finished, Grandpa gathered up table scraps and went
outside to feed Shep. He called and whistled several times but the
Collie didn't come running.
Worry set in immediately. Shep never failed to be waiting at
the back step for tasty morsels.
"Have any of you kids seen Shep? He's always here for dinner
scraps," Grandpa hollered through the screen door. He'd not been
seen since noon by any of the six children or by Grandma.
Grandpa headed towards the barn hoping Shep had not tangled with
the nasty Holstein bull. He was a wicked fella, but was registered
and sired outstanding offspring for the family dairy farm.
Just as Grandpa neared the cellar he heard a faint whimper from
within. In the dark, damp cellar he found Shep resting. He didn't
raise his head nor wag his tail. He offered a weak moan, sighed, and
closed his eyes.
He'd been bitten by a venomous snake -- his right front leg was
badly swollen and fiery red.
Quickly a fresh pan of water, a few bites of food, and blankets
were carried down the cellar steps. A soft bed was made and Shep was
gently placed upon it. He refused food or drink. Grandpa spoke to
him affectionately and stroked his beautiful head. From the day he'd
brought the tiny pup home there had been a special bond between the
two.
Grandpa checked on Shep faithfully and tried to encourage food
and drink. Shep would not touch food and the level in his water pan
never changed. Therefore, after 24 hours, Grandpa gently opened his
mouth and dribbled water from his fingertips to moisten his tongue.
The procedure was repeated numerous times daily as well as wrapping
the effected leg with cool, wet rags to hopefully control the
swelling. Coal oil was applied to the actual bite area using a
chicken feather, for even the slightest touch caused extreme pain.
On the fifth day, Shep lapped at warm oatmeal Grandma had
prepared and took his first drink of water. His now dull but loving
eyes bore into Grandpa's as if to say, "I'm doing my best to hang on
-- don't give up on me."
The family came running when they heard Grandpa's whoops of
excitement. On the tenth day, he found Shep waiting for dinner
scraps. He'd made his way up and out of the cellar! The kids, who
had been ordered not to enter the cellar during his illness, all but
smothered the dog with hugs and kisses.
One the mend, he returned to his normal evening ritual -- lazing
next to Grandpa's chair, his head resting atop Grandpa's foot. And,
bedtime found him sleeping on a pallet in the grandparent's bedroom.
With tender care, the young Collie gradually made a complete recovery.
* * *
Shep was a valued asset on the dairy farm and his herding
instincts were flawless. He grew to be a strong, brilliant canine
that was devoted to the entire family. As six children roamed the
countryside hunting, fishing, or exploring, Grandma and Grandpa never
worried if Shep was at their side.
Come spring, Shep supervised most all crops being planted.
Harley, one of the teenage sons, began sowing kaffir corn one cool,
crisp morning just after sunrise. It was an arduous task handling a
team of four workhorses and a single row planter. The Collie only
wandered occasionally searching hedge rows for rabbits in need of a
good chase.
By late morning, the temperature had risen considerably. Harley
stopped the team by the bags of seed for another load. He tossed his
jacket atop one bag and sat down for a brief rest under a nearby
tree. Shep rested his head on Harley's leg and nudged his hand for
an ear rub. They both dozed briefly until awakened by a clanging
dinner bell -- the noon meal was ready.
Harley approached his jacket. Shep clamped down on his arm, and
pulled him in the opposite direction.
Having never witnessed such behavior, Harley knew it was not an
attempt to play. He stepped forward slowly. Shep placed himself
between Harley and the jacket.
"Ok, boy. You're telling me something is wrong with my jacket.
I understand now."
Shep whined as Harley gently lifted one edge of the jacket
upward. He heard it before he saw it. Beneath his jacket lay a
coiled up rattlesnake -- its rattles quivering and tongue flicking to
taste the air!
Harley backed away cautiously, as did Shep.
"Good boy, good boy, Shep!"
They raced to the farm house, collapsed in the shade of a
cottonwood tree, and had a lively wrestling match to celebrate Shep's
vigilance.
On the south Kansas plains, long before it was customary for
dogs to be considered a family member, Shep held that very
distinction. It was his from the moment Grandpa held the tiny pup in
one hand and gazed into his enchanting eyes.
In return, Shep became a stanch protector of Grandpa's family
and sentry of the homestead.

-- Kathleene S. Baker

___________________________________________
Kathleene and husband, Jerry, reside in Plano, Texas. They share
their home with two terribly spoiled Schnauzers. A freelancer, she
has contributed to magazines, newspapers, anthologies and writes a
weekly column entitled "Heart of Texas." You can visit her website
here: http://www.txyellowrose.com
___________________________________________

LOST JAPANESE PARROT TELLS VET HIS ADDRESS

TOKYO (AP) May 21 -- When Yosuke the parrot flew out of his cage
and got lost, he did exactly what he had been taught -- recite his
name and address to a stranger willing to help.
Police rescued the African grey parrot two weeks ago from a
neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After
spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby
veterinary hospital while police searched for clues, local policeman
Shinjiro Uemura said.
The parrot didn't say anything to the cops, but began chatting
after a few days with the vet.
"I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura," the bird told the veterinarian,
according to Uemura. The parrot also provided his full home address,
down to the street number, and even entertained the hospital staff by
singing songs.
"We checked the address, and what do you know, a Nakamura family
really lived there. So we told them we've found Yosuke," Uemura said.
The Nakamura family told police they had been teaching the bird
its name and address for about two years. But Yosuke apparently
wasn't keen on opening up to police officials.
"I tried to be friendly and talked to him, but he completely
ignored me," Uemura said.

___________________________________________

PIT BULL SAVES OWNER FROM SWORD WIELDING BOYFRIEND

May 20 -- A domestic dispute that included the use of a Samurai
sword and a Pit Bull led a Jamestown man to jump out a second-floor
window Monday night, before he was apprehended hiding between some
mattresses on a nearby porch, Jamestown police said.
The incident began at about 8:10pm, when a concerned neighbor
called 911 to report a loud domestic dispute on West 10th Street.
Police later learned that a 27-year-old man had punched his
girlfriend in the head and put the sword to her throat, before her
Pit Bull bit him several times, police said.
As officers were interviewing the 28-year-old woman, a neighbor
told police that the man had jumped out the bedroom window. Wearing
only jeans and socks, he was tracked down by the Jamestown police K-9
Unit and found lying between several mattresses stacked vertically on
a West 10th Street back porch.
Officers charged Nicholas Clark of North Main Street with
assault, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.

___________________________________________

ATTENTION: WRITERS
"You were so right. What a wonderful feeling to see
my story in a real book for the first time. I actually
cried when i saw it." -- Diana

This project enables ALL writers to see their works published in a
real book. The beauty of this project is that everyone who submits a
story will get published. The only thing we ask is that you purchase
at least one copy of the book for $22.95 for each of your stories you
want to see included in the book. These would be great to give away
to your friends and relatives (especially if they appear in the
book!) For more information and Writer's Guidelines, please visit
here: http://www.petwarmers.com/c

___________________________________________
Do you enjoy Petwarmers? Maybe your friends would too. They can
join for free by sending an email to: join@petwarmers.com
___________________________________________

got it via email... :)

What a long and fun day!

2008-05-28T18:36:00.000-05:00

Hello Sorry I had not blogged in since last week. I didn't have much things to say. :)

Memorial Day weekend had came and gone. All I did was stayed home and watched movies on TV. We had 2 thunderstorms that were bad. Two nights ago it was lightnings and electricity went off and back on over and over. It was wild night then yesterday morning, We had another storm. jeez not again! ugh!

Bad thing is that I had to drive TJ to school in the downpour. I couldn't see the road so I had to drive slow. I made it there and back home safely. Whew! I got wet and had to change clothes 3 times. By the time I got home- the driveway got flooded. The water got all way up to my calf leg. My shoes got soaked! The water was everywhere.. it was overflowing onto the road from ditch. That was how bad it was. Flash Flood warning was issued for here. Finally it stopped around 10:40 AM. Wow it was unbelivable! Whew! Finally water had receded. Thank goodness! :)

Today all I did was going to town to my appointment and do the errands like renew the tag for my car then eat lunch at where my sister works. Waiting for TJ's class to come to City Park for fun day for their efforts on Benchmarks tests last month. I went and meet TJ's class. TJ was surprised to see me there. He didn't expect me to be there? He was so happy! :)

I gave TJ the balloon that Aunt Dori got for him. He accidently let it go and it flew away. He got upset. I told him I will get him another one at Wal-Mart. It was fun to watch kids run and play. Good excerise for all.

They all had snack and drink by the time they were done. All had boarded the bus and fixed to leave. I saw a kid leaving with her parents. TJ said can i come home with you? I said I dont see why not? I asked the teacher and she said yes sure. here is paper so i signed TJ out.

We went and saw my sister at her work and told her that his balloon flew away. She gave 2 dollars to him to get another one. We went to the place to get the balloon. TJ saw a beautiful dragon and said he have to have it! so dragon it is. not balloon! LOL.. Then we went to Wal-Mart to get stuffs. I saw they had new Mountain Dew Revolution (Wild Berry) but didn't see others? I tried it and it is delicious! After that we went home! :)

We stopped by the gas station to see if they have more Mountain Dew flavors like Supernova and Voltage. They had both so I got it. I tried Supernova(Strawberry flavor) it's ok. I haven't tried Voltage yet as I will try it tonight. :)

Oh yeah tomorrow is the last day of school for TJ. How exciting as summer vacation will start for all kids. I will be going to the school for Award ceremony that will start at 9 AM.

When kids start school in the fall, they will be going to the new building. TJ and I can't wait to go to the Open house in August. I wondered what it look like. We can't wait to see the new classrooms, new Library and new cafteria! :)

I hope all of you have great evening! Take care!

As always,
Ginger :)

Is Summer here or almost here? :)

2008-05-21T11:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to town to do errands and I decided to stop by to see my sister at her work for a while and have lunch there. We catched up on news. So it was a great visit! Afterwards I went to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. By the time I got home- I was sweating!! It was so HOT as it got up to 89 degrees! My car didn't have A/C. AHHH! I already missed Winter! wahhhh. lol. heh. Summer is here already? Or is it too soon? Maybe it is still Spring? ha! Good thing I went to TJ's father's house and let the father work on my car so now I do have A/C. Hoooraaaaaaaay!!!!!! Whew! :P

Oh yeah guess what? I measured TJ last Sunday and to my surprise he is now...

5 FOOT TALL!!!!

He is only 8 years old but he will be 9 years old next month. I am only 5'3.. 3 more inches he will be tall as me! only one more inch he will be tall as his GodMomma! WOW! Unbelivable! huh? :( He is gonna be taller than his daddy? I wonder?? Hmm that's remain to be seen. I will let you know if he did beat his father or not? LOL. :P

We will lose another precious member of our pet family as I will be giving one puppy away to a new family today. They are now 6 weeks and 5 days old. Time for them to go to a new life with new family. I wish I could keep them all but that is not so. :( I know they will be happy with new family. So I gotta keep that in mind and not be sad. :(

My. Today is another gorgeous day. Blue sky, birds are singing, flowers everywhere. You can smell honeysuckle out in bloom. Ah the summer smell is here. I think I will go out and enjoy the beautiful day!

I hope you all have a great day! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Enjoy the Petwarmers that I get from email below. :)
------------------------------------

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Kathy presents us with a bittersweet story today -- mysterious
and enchanting. So steal a few minutes, grab another cup of coffee,
sit back and enjoy your Petwarmers.
___________________________________________

TEARS AT TWILIGHT
by Kathy Pippig Harris

I turned off my computer and said good evening to my coworkers.
Outside, the brisk winter air chilled my face. Crossing the
street and entering the parking lot I thought about what I wanted to
do that evening.
A week ago I looked at a litter of Golden Retriever pups.
They'd been rescued and were placed in a foster home. I chose the
runt and named her Clarity.
Duncan hadn't met her yet and I went home to get her. As I
pulled into his parking lot, a pearly fog was swirling low to the
ground. Through the mist the tiny white lights framing the windows
and eaves of the bookstore twinkled warmly.
I opened the door and walked in. Warmth from the portable
heater wrapped around me.
As he heard me enter, Duncan turned around and a big smile lit
his face. He was a tall, bear of a man and ruggedly handsome. I
walked over to him and we embraced. Clarity pressed between us and
barked in her puppy voice.
Duncan reached for the pup, "Maurine! What a cutie you have
here!" He held her at arm's length and chuckled as her paws pumped
rapidly in the air. "She's adorable."
"How are you doing, Duncan?"
His face grew ashen, and he placed Clarity in my arms...
* * *
His father had passed away on New Year's Day. Duncan had taken
his father to a nursing home, against his father's wishes, but his
dad's dementia had made it necessary. The decision had left Duncan
filled with remorse.
Duncan sat down in one of the two chairs he kept behind the
counter. Clarity and I took the other. He shook his head.
"I can't rid myself of the guilt, Maurine. I keep seeing his
face when he begged me to never put him in a facility."
"I know, Duncan. I know..."
We talked until a customer entered the store. As I readied to
leave Duncan me a quick hug.
"Why don't you come over this Friday night? We can celebrate my
birthday."
I nodded and hugged him back. "It's a date."
* * *
I stood at his front door, a neatly wrapped gift with a card in
hand. He greeted me at the door and quick on his heels was the
patter of paws. I looked past Duncan and saw a pup. A black,
Flat-coated Retriever, gawky and panting.
I gaped up at Duncan. Grinning like a kid, he ushered me in.
"His name is Piper. A birthday gift to myself. He's cute,
don't you think?"
"Oh, yes. When did you get him?"
"Day before yesterday."
* * *
Saturday afternoon I received a call from Duncan's housekeeper.
Sometime that morning Duncan had died from an aneurysm. She'd found
him on his kitchen floor, unresponsive. An ambulance was called out
but it was too late.
I dropped the phone, rushed out to my car and drove over to
Duncan's house. My mind refused to believe it. The front door was
ajar. I entered to find the house eerily quiet and dark. Sitting on
the back porch, the black pup had been looking in and saw me. At
once, he began whimpering. I ran over to the French-door and let him
in. He came over, stood up and pawed at my legs.
I bent down, scooped him up and gazed around. The house seemed
like a tomb and I felt I was suffocating. I took Piper and left.
* * *
Three months later as I sat in my backyard, tears spilled
unbidden to my lap. I ached for Duncan's company. It was unbearable
-- this business of missing him.
The days were longer and the two pups had grown gangly. The sun
was setting and the air was thick with gold motes. Glittering specks
danced around Piper and Clarity as the two romped playfully in the
grass.
Something in the garden had captured their attention. Warmth
radiated from the far-reaching sunbeams that wove the daylight and
twilight.
The air was alive and the sky a moving painting of colors. It
was a sight Duncan would have watched with wonder, and I would have
been at his side.
I turned toward to the house, unable to summon that feeling. It
was not the same as when it was shared.
"But it is shared, Maurine. I will never leave you. You were
so much a part of my life, it only makes sense that you would be a
part of my new life. You cannot see me, but you can sense me... in
the warmth of the sun. In the gold motes at twilight."
Numb at first, I turned around. Clarity and Piper sat studying
me. Their tongues lolled out and they were clearly grinning. Then,
together, they raised their heads and closed their eyes in pure
pleasure, as dogs will do when lovingly caressed by their human
companions.
There was a twinkling in the air, the last specks lit briefly by
the setting sun.
"Duncan?"
"Yes." The word came with the scent of his cologne, ethereal and light.
"Thank you for taking Piper."
I nodded, unable to formulate a thought.
"You are my heart mate. When you desire me near, I shall be
there for you. Our connection transcends our human, physical life on
Earth. That is how it is with soul mates. So do not miss me."
I lifted my chin and swallowed back tears.
"I have also left a part of me with Piper," Duncan chuckled.
"That is how it is with our fur kin. They have a connection in both
worlds -- yours and mine. And that's why he so readily expresses his
love, and mine, to you."
"I don't know what to say. I cannot even see you."
"Don't worry about what to say. And, you don't need to see me,
it is what is inside that counts -- inside of you. That place where
you keep me close."
I was speechless.
Soon, the dogs were begging to go inside. I followed after
them, closed the door, and shut the aching, lonely past away at the
same time.

-- Kathy Pippig

___________________________________________
Kathy dedicated this story to Ed. She says, "I wrote this because
life can be filled with magical moments and those we care about,
humans and animals, are often a part of that enchantment. Such times
as described in the story are what make life a special gift and I
thank God for the gift."
___________________________________________

MY BEST FRIEND
by Diane Hartman

I have a friend like no other friend
I've ever had before,
He's loyal, kind, he's there for me
through thick and thin and more.
He's always there to listen
when I've had a real bad day,
He looks at me with trusting eyes
and listens as I say
What's on my mind and on my heart,
he never interferes,
Just sits and hangs on every word,
he really is a dear!
It wouldn't matter who I was,
or what I had become.
He'd stick by me no matter what,
No matter what I'd done.
You see, he doesn't discriminate
against color, creed or race
He only knows that I'm his friend
and shows it in his face.
He will always be right by my side
through sunshine, rain or fog,
He is the heart and soul of me,
You see -- he is my Dog!

-- Diane Hartman

___________________________________________
Diane says, "I live in Hixson, TN, with my husband and three
Miniature Dachshunds. I make dog apparel (for small dogs) and do
animal artwork. I love animals and I can't think of a single time in
my life that I haven't had a pet."
___________________________________________

Another Cloudy day.... :(

2008-05-14T12:39:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,

Today is another blah day. It's been cloudy the last few days. It did stormed last night as I noticed the leaves are on the ground everywhere. I slept thru so obiviously it was not that bad? I don't know. I can't hear? haha! :P

Yesterday I got another bad news. Sigh. I got text message from my son's father that possum or cat is on the road dead. I was like dreading the moment that it is one of our cats. At first I thought it was a possum because of the hair colors then I realized it is Turtle, TJ's cat. I was like oh no. I felt bad for TJ as he loved that cat. So I picked the body up and put it in the trash bag and put it beside for my nephew to come and bury it for me due to me still a bit sore from surgery.

Anyhow I was sitting here typing away then saw Turtle was sitting on the step watching out the door. I was like WTF?! I was like no way?? It can't be? I thought it was a ghost of Turtle? I rubbed my eyes to make sure and he is still there? He is??? Huh???

So I called out and he turned his head around and I said U are still alive??? I got out of my chair and walked to him and touched him and pet him. He is ALIVE! I got confused? Then who was that on the road that I picked up yesterday morning???

I recounted all of my cats again. Calling out to the cats and counted them. Only one didn't showed up?? It was then I realized it was Snowball. :( I realized now that I didn't see him this morning. he always follow me on the walks? he's gone. Oh no not my snowball. :(

Well they both look alike U know as they are Siamese cats. :( I will miss him.

RIP Snowball! :(

Yesterday they said the gas prices had risen to $3.75... I was like WTF??? I dunno about today.. I have to go to town to do errands for my mom. jeez..

I hope all of you have an ordinary day! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Enjoy the Petwarmers below.... :)

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

We all know what P.S. is talking about in his short story today.
However, many of us find it hard to put in words.
That's why you'll be shaking your head in agreement -- and in
thanks -- for P.S.'s expression that pretty much sums it all up.
Do you have any thoughts to add?

___________________________________________

ENJOY CHOCOLATE THAT'S GOOD FOR YOU

Ummm, now there's a healthy, delicious dark Belgium chocolate. It's
called Xocai (show sigh). It's the most powerful, health promoting
and greatest tasting chocolate ever. Loaded with free radical
fighting anti- oxidants. Xocai blends the flavors of dark chocolate
with blueberries, grapes and Acai berries. Yummy. Just wait till
your friends taste it. They'll order through you and you'll make
money. Get the delicious facts now. Just click on the link.
http://www.hclpro.com/richardsimpson?=pet

___________________________________________

TRUST
by P.S. Gifford

I trust my best friend one hundred percent, without any question or doubt.
I tell him all of my secrets, share my dreams, confide my fears
and confess my sins. He listens without ever passing judgment.
I always feel better after confiding in him and I feel that
everybody should have someone they can talk to discreetly. It is
cathartic sharing your deepest most private feelings.
Trust me on this.
I have told him things I would not dream in telling anyone else
and I know that he would never betray my trust in a million years.
Often times we enjoy walking as we chat, maybe along an isolated
beach, or sometimes in the mountains. It is invigorating simply
being outdoors with him and whilst sharing his loyal company I have
been inspired to write many of my stories. Being with him is
liberating for the mind.
Talking openly seems to have a marvelously stimulating affect on
my imagination. It is as if he is some sort of magical catalyst to
my inner truer self. Being with him allows me to tap into my deepest
feelings. He truly makes me appreciate the simpler things in life.
He is not swayed by materialistic things. He does not care what car
I drive, what zip code my house is in, or how much money I earn. He
appreciates me for precisely what I am.
Chester has been a part of my life for six years now. And, to
be perfectly frank, I can not even imagine him not being a part of
it. There is great comfort in knowing that Chester will never think
bad of me, no matter what I tell him.
I swear he is better than any psychoanalyst. I have no need to
pay anyone one hundred dollars an hour to analyze me.
He is watching me type this and looks most curious. I suspect
he knows I am writing about him. I swear he knows me so well I swear
that he can, on occasion, almost read my thoughts. I will read it to
him before I hit the send key. He will get a good kick out of it I
am sure.
Then I will give his belly a good old scratch and take my
beloved dog for a good hearty walk up the creek.
Chester came from a dog shelter and had been terribly abused.
But, he brings unconditional love into my life on a level that no
person could ever compete.
People are flawed. People can be vindictive, cruel and just plain mean.
Dogs are loving. Dogs are forgiving, sweet and just plain needy.
Yes, I have been blessed with a loving wife, a fantastic son,
and numerous friends who I trust ninety percent of the time. With my
wife it is ninety nine percent.
But even then humans are prone to anger, and anger tampers with
the rational part of the mind, and people often say things that they
will later regret.
I know that all my secrets are completely save with Chester...

-- P.S. Gifford

___________________________________________
You can visit P.S.'s website at: http://www.psgifford.com
___________________________________________

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mommas out there!

2008-05-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

I sure had a nice Mother's Day yesterday! I got 3 cards from my son. How sweet of him! Two cards were homemade and other one was a regular card. Beautiful and precious! I will always treasure it! :)

First let me tell you how my day was. My son and I went out to eat at Chinese Restaurant then afterwards we went to the park for a bit to work the calories off. After the park- we went to Wal-mart to get few things. Before we went home we went for a short and nice Sunday drive. Lot of fields were covered with bright yellow flowers so it was a beautiful and perfect day ... ahhh... Too bad I didn't have someone special beside my son to share the day with us. It would be nice. Sigh.

Finally we got home and started doing the sunflower gardens. TJ want more as there are 5 different places. Oh boy! hehe but it was fun still. ha! ... Now my arm is sore and I have blisters on my hand to pay for that! I didn't mind as it was fun to do it together.. heheh! In case you didn't know we always have sunflower gardens every year since TJ was 1. So it is our yearly project. :)

After a while we got hungry and I didn't want to cook dinner so I just pop in a pizza in the oven and it was delicious.. Yummy! Too bad the day had to end when TJ went home to his father's house as he have eye dr appointment in the morning. Dang! :(

This morning I woke up with sore right hand, sore right arm, sore back, and sore right leg. Weird.. I must be out of shape due to recent surgery. ha ha! I do know that I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand and tenditis in my right arm but back and leg? Must be that hard work with the pick ax tearing the ground up working the sunflower garden? But still it's weird. Ah no biggie deal. I will live.. ha! :P

Oh it was very cooler last night as it was 42 degrees. Good thing I didn't bring all of my plants out especially my tropical tree as it only can be above 45. Whew! Funny thing I went to bed cold so I had to get out my Spongebob Squarepants fleece pants and wear to bed. Ahh finally I was warm all night without waking up. :)

It's suppose to warm up to 75 degrees today. It's only 67 degrees right now. It's real nice. Another Gorgeous day.. perfect to go on the walk.. Anyone wanna join me and walk and enjoy the beautiful day? heh! :P

Have a great day ya'll! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Stormy Wednesday and Thursday???

2008-05-07T08:40:00.000-05:00

Yes we are in for another round of severe weather today and tomorrow as the forecast are calling for severe thunderstorms, high winds, hails and flooding with possible of Tornadoes. I pray and hope that there will be no tornadoes. :( Please pray for us as we don't need another disaster. jeez!

In all of the confusions due to newspaper and tv news. It concluded that there were only 2 deaths in Conway county not 3 like Ark. Democrat and Gazette newspaper said?

I was watching tv news and they said something about the injured son is still alive in Little Rock hospital but with brain injuries and lung injuries so gonna be a long recovery for the son. They said the son is stable as of right now so that is good news.

I still don't know the injured son's name but I do know the deceased son. I looked up in TJ's yearbook to see what Michael look like and I have seen him when I dropped TJ off at school. Michael's Familues and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. :(

In case you are curious.. You can check my hometown newspaper out. Here is the link- www.headlightnews.com feel free to look thru ok.

I hope you have an ordinary day! Stay safe wherever you are at!

As always,
Ginger :)

Enjoy reading below... :)

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers of kids and pets! We hope
you have a wonderful holiday.
Kathleene gives us a nice story about how an abandoned puppy
landed herself on the right doorstep. Someone upstairs was looking
out for her.
___________________________________________

THE RIGHT DOORSTEP
by Kathleene S. Baker

The pickup pulled to the side of the road and stopped.
The driver's door opened and out jumped a young Catahoula pup.
As her owner drove away, the dog stood motionless and watched until
the pickup vanished from sight. She began to whimper and pace.
The despicable act had been witnessed by workers not much
further down the road. They called and whistled. The youngster's
ears perked up and immediately responded to the sound of humans.
She charged into the group with a smile on her face and gave
sloppy kisses all around. She wore a collar and tag indicating her
name was Nan -- there was no additional information. Luckily, she
appeared well fed with no signs that she had been mistreated. She
simply wasn't wanted so was tossed out like a sack of trash.
Jack Gardner snatched "Nan" up and she was headed for a new
home. She'd not face the stress of dog shelters and/or foster homes.
One very fortunate pooch!
To say Jack and Joanne Gardner are dog lovers hardly describes
the passion they have for any and all breeds. You name it, and
they've had it at some point in their lives, be it purebred or a
Heinz 57 variety. All that's required to have a home is four legs
and a fur coat!
Several years ago, Ava came into their lives. The name fits
their prissy little Yorkie perfectly. From the get-go she had no
problem establishing herself as "top dog" and at that time they had
two older, but huge, Russian Wolfhounds. She ruled the roost and led
them around by their noses! Her reign continues with 6 month old Nan.
Upon Nan's arrival, Ava took to her bed for three days -- the
king size bed, that is! She guarded it fiercely, racing full speed
up one side, down the other and across the foot. On the fourth day,
Nan bravely laid her head on the foot of the bed and Ava went
berserk. She snarled, snapped and charged. "This is my bed and
you're way too big for it!" Ava continues her foolish behavior
although Nan no longer even bats an eyelash.
Nan did come with a few issues but only typical puppy behavior.
Within the first few weeks she ate two pair of expensive leather
loafers belonging to Jack, and three pair of house slippers.
Luckily, Joanne works for a vet clinic. You know, in case Nan gets
herself into serious trouble with her eating disorder!
Trying to satisfy Nan's chewing habits, numerous expensive toys
have been purchased that are guaranteed not to break regardless of
breed. Yep, she's destroyed all of them! The Gardners have been
busy returning "parts" for refunds. Local pet store clerks have come
to know them on a first name basis, all thanks to Nan!
With dogs come baby gates and since Nan joined the family, they
have nearly as many baby gates as they do rooms! Nonetheless, when
Nan isn't getting into mischief she is a lover and size does not
hinder her efforts at being a lap dog. She does her best to find a
lap that will accommodate her 70 pound body.
Kitchen kleptomania is another doggie dilemma that has Joanne in
a quandary. Closing off the dog door to the backyard might solve the
problem but could cause unwanted accidents! Hopefully when Nan signs
up for Obedience School they will have some sort of specialized
therapy for her condition, because if Joanne continues to find forks,
knives and spoons in the backyard she may need therapy herself.
Especially when she's never been able to catch Nan snatching them
from the table or an open dishwasher! Nan is a sly one for sure.
Yes, Nan has joined the ranks of a very happy pack that includes
the reigning terror Ava, an 11 year old mixed breed named Mutley and
two cats -- Tucker and Bye Bye.
When a sweet girl that was thrown out like yesterday's newspaper
landed -- she certainly landed on the right doorstep!

-- Kathleene S. Baker

___________________________________________
Kathleene and husband, Jerry, reside in Plano, Texas. They share
their home with two terribly spoiled Schnauzers. A freelancer, she
has contributed to newspapers, anthologies, magazines, online ezines,
and writes a weekly column entitled "Heart of Texas." She is editor
for Starfish, a daily inspiration ezine. YOu can find her website
at: http://www.txyellowrose.com
___________________________________________

Conway County got battered by Tornado AGAIN!

2008-05-04T14:52:00.000-05:00

Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!

Tornado on the ground behind our pipe yard in damascus, photo taken with
phone while standing on one of our service trucks, Rick.

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=69647

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?sid=9effb6ab7a43238d05ef4ecc3efeb356&cid=69573

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=69657

29 tornadoes report here in Arkansas and more in other states like Mississippi, Tenneesse, Louisana and Texas. The total of altogether is 55 tornadoes. Indeed it was an outbreak on May 2nd, 2008. I will never forget it just like Feb 5th as long as I will live.

What a wild and wacky Friday was! First EF3 Tornado came near here only 3 miles North from here on M & M road caused lot of damages and killed a father and 2 sons. within less than 1/2 mile from TJ's Father's house. I did saw the wall cloud. It was HUGE and UGLY. black and green! whoa! Wish I took pics but no camera. :(

Then about a hour and half later report of tornado warning so I went outside and look.. right above us was a funnel cloud. no camera again, jeez! I was like running back in and told my mom hurry look.. she came outside and said whoa.. she said hurry get ur butt back in.. it didnt come down on ground whew but it did touch down in next county in a town name Twin Groves few miles away.

TJ's school called and said to come and get TJ which I did due to no electricity. I was on the way there when I saw that police blocked the hwy 92/9 intersection. I saw the police talked to car in front of me and car had to turn around and go back. I drove up and stopped to talk to the police and told him that the school called and I have to go and get TJ. Police said ok let me go thru. I went thru and saw lot of damages. Electricity on road. Lot of pine trees are gone. many houses are damaged or destroyed. I am sure there are more due to me driving. :(

my brother in law was working at gas rig in Damascus. He is ok. he said he saw the tornado go by within one mile and said it was HUGE. He and his co workers just stood there and didn't take the shelther? They were crazy! heh!

Yesterday TJ and I went on the tour to look at all the damages on M&M road as it's not blocked anymore. OMG. Lot of houses are destroyed. Many are damaged too. A chicken houses and thousands of chickens laying dead..

After the tour we went to Morrilton to eat at Chinese restaurant then we went to Wal-mart to get BATTERIES as I forgot yesterday. I have to have them! LOL. I forgot more like cat foods and sugar products. I must be getting senile well not really- just too many things going on with tornado and TJ. Too many excitments!

Last night I was reading Ark. Democrat & Gazette newspaper and to my surprise- TJ's classmate is in there. His house is destroyed. I showed it to TJ and he said that is so sad. in the article it said he was looking for toys for his baby sister. I felt so bad. :(

Also last night I just realized something but listen to this... you know Tornado hit Conway County on Feb 5th and last Friday which was on May 2nd..Right??? OK..

Let's look at this. Feb is 2nd month of the year, and 5th of course is the day.. ok. As for May is the 5th month of the year and 2nd is the day. right, ok..

now look at this again..

2-5
5-2

Coincidence???? I wonder??? this is SPOOKY! YIkes... Conway County have been hit 4 times since January 2008 within less than 5 months! First one on January 8 then Feb 5 then 2 times on May 2nd. We don't need more tornadoes. Go away Tornadoes! You know we live in Tornado Alley. There is nothing we can do about it but have mercy at Mother Nature. Pray to God for his protection to get us thru the storms.

But in all from this tragedy it's so sad that 8 people are dead from this terrible tragedy. May God be with the families and friends in this sad time.

May God bless you and stay safe. Have a great Sunday!

As always,
Ginger :)

Is 6 weeks a milestone? Hmm..

2008-05-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday was the 6 weeks since my surgery. A milestone? Hmm, no it is just numbers. Right? Oh well it's not a biggie deal ha!

Anyway this morning I went to Dr appointment for my 6 weeks following up care for my surgery.

I ask questions and got them answered...Here are real questions I asked.

Like do I have to come in for pap smear yearly? He said yes.

I have night sweats and hot flashes every night. is there anything that can help relieve the symptoms? he answered it will go away.. yeah right.. when?? he said DUNNO it depend on individual.

I asked is there vitamins to help relieve the symptoms. he said no.

What is the weight limit to lift anything? he said 25 lbs.. for the rest of your life.. I gulped? he said if you did then there will be problems. Yikes.

I asked more questions but didn't want to tell you as it is none of your beeswax business. :D

he said I will see you next year with a big smile and waved bye bye.

so that is the end of my Hysterectomy journey ...

So what is the next Journey I will be going on? I wonder? I am still pondering on this. Hmm. I saw a sign on the way back home. It said... Fear not for there is tomorrow. For God will be there for you. That is a comfort to know he is always with us. isn't it? Praise God! :)

I saw on the TV news that we are in for bad storms today and tomorrow with possible of Thunderstorms and Tornadoes. oh jeez not again! :( I was going to go back to bed and sleep because I didn't sleep well last night as I tossed and turned. Oh well. such life due to pets? heheh.

Last night I had night sweats and it was hot. I had to turn a/c on. what a relief! ugh! I kept waking up few times first because of dogs wanting to go outside to do their business then my cat Oreo bothering me for attention. He just want me to snuggle with him in my arms. LOL.. but I guess I will have to wait till tonight to ZZZ so for now watch the weather and pray there will not be any bad storms coming our way.

It's gonna be a long day for me. Sigh!

As always,
Ginger :)

Good Morning

2008-04-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

Here I am still alive and kicking. hehe! I didn't feel well yesterday as I spent the day in bed watching movies on tv. I ended up having insomina last night but that's ok because there were good movies to watch. :P I am feeling ok today but still have stupid headaches but I will live. :)

Today it is a beautiful day. It's gonna be nice. So I am going to town to do errands for my mom and get more foods. I have to get cat foods for my cats as I am almost out of them. I am planning on stop by and see my sister at her work to see what is up. It's been a while since I saw her due to gas prices going higher. oh well. :(

One of my beautiful cats name SnowFlake got ran over Sunday morning. He will be missed. His nickname is King due to his face look almost like the King in the movie with beautiful long white hairs. He is a gray pointed siamese cat. I never see a cat look like that. I can't believe he is gone. :( I sure will miss his goofing around and purred against my leg, Following me everywhere even on my daily walks. Even tho he is wild but he does slept with me and let me pet him. I just can't pick him up and hold him in my arms. RIP, Snowflake. :(

Today is my nephew JT's Birthday. Happy Birthday to you. We love you! :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful day! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

here is the petwarmers story.. Enjoy..

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Kathy offers us a bittersweet story today. You might even call
it a "devotional" to all the past, present and future pets who have
touched our lives with a piece of heaven. Thank you, Kathy!

___________________________________________

FILL THEM WITH HEAVEN
by Kathy Pippig Harris

It was early in the morning and the street was filled with traffic.
There in the middle of the right lane was a body of a young dog
who had just been hit by a car a few moments earlier.
Most of the cars swerved around him. I drove around him too,
then turned back, parked my car near where he was and rushed over to
him. Careful to keep an eye on the traffic coming my way, I quickly
scooped him up and then set him down on some green grass next to a
sidewalk.
He was still warm and limber, his fur fuzzy and soft. He was
still just a pup. I cried, "I am so sorry for you. So sorry." I
then caressed his chest and belly tenderly as tears ran down my face
and into his fur. I cried as I prayed and was late for work.
* * *
She was a lithe, black streak that darted in the street. She
made it through two lanes of traffic and then darted into the lanes
where autos were moving the opposite direction.
She ran as fast as she was able, through the first two lanes,
and then paused a heartbeat before dashing back into traffic.
Stretched out, supple, and swift she flew onto the road again. The
man driving his car hesitated but half a second, and then continued
quickly on his way. She had tumbled over and over underneath his car
before being thrust out off the street. Her body was seizing up as
pain pierced her awareness.
Before shock set in, she pulled herself into someone's front
yard, then through the broken slat of the fence. Still thinking she
was full of life and that no bad thing could harm her, she struggled
into the shade at the side of the house as fear consumed her.
Something inside her was broken and she could not move from where she
lay.
I parked near where I'd seen the cat go and looked for her but
she was too well hidden. I called out several times, but could hear
nothing. Whoever lived in the house was not home. Filled with
sadness, I said my prayer for her, and then left.
* * *
Too many have suffered. Like the old dog running down the
sidewalk, so near to the street -- its expression one of panic, fear,
and weariness because it was lost and looking for a familiar face.
Looking for home? So frightened by its circumstances that it bolts
into the intersection unaware of the danger.
When possible I have stopped to help a lost dog to a safe area.
To see if the dog was wearing ID tags, hoping I could call its owner
or drive to the address on the tag. When it was not possible for me
to intervene, because it would put the dog at further risk, I'd pray.
But what I prayed for every animal, somehow, never seemed enough.
* * *
I had recently lost a beloved cat, Bliss. I had seen her over
to The Rainbow Bridge, holding her in my arms while murmuring words
of love and beseeching God to take her gently -- all the while
feeling my mutterings were inadequate.
Shortly after, I was driving through the country, near a
beautiful river. I turned and saw a shiny red-winged blackbird in
the green foliage at the grassy bank. I saw diamond bright sparkles
of sunlight dazzled on the rolling crest of water. All around me the
glorious vision of our Creator's handiwork filled my world.
Then it hit me. After seeing that, I thought my dear
Blissy-Girl must have really missed that beauty. Why? Because she
had given so much of that to me... so much of Heaven!
So for all the beloved creatures that have been, or will be a
loving companion to a human...
For those souls in shelters, animal hospitals, lost in the
streets, or lost to the world -- for the living and for those passed
on -- I now pray, "Fill them with Heaven! Lord, please, fill them
with Heaven."

-- Kathy Pippig Harris

___________________________________________
Kathy lives in California's San Joaquin Valley. She is the author of
five books which can now be downloaded for the Amazon Kindle.
http://tinyurl.com/5ghnpq She is the author of several stories
published in Petwarmers and Heartwarmers. She is surrounded by her
furry family which is Heaven to her.
___________________________________________

BUSTER'S GIFT

2008-04-24T10:31:00.000-05:00

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

James offers us a wonderful story today about a special dog who
brings needed comfort for those who are about to pass on. It's a
gift -- but as you'll see, there is more than just one gift in
today's tale.

BUSTER'S GIFT
by James Colasanti Jr.

Sister Mary sat at her battered old desk holding the stack of
bills in her right hand and her imported wooden-bead rosary in her
left.
She had been in these predicaments before and had always managed
get through them. Plus she knew worrying would not make them go away.
And as much of a believer as she was, she didn't think she could
make the unpaid bills disappear with prayer alone. She knew it would
take more, but at this point, she didn't see any miracles on the
horizon.
* * *
The knock on her door was a welcome interruption and Sister
Angelina entered carrying a small box and the daily mail.
"Sister Mary," Sister Angelina began, "There is an old black dog
at the back gate and I do believe he is hungry. May I take some of
our leftovers to feed him in the backyard?"
Sister Angelina loved all animals. She knew that they were
God's way of bringing comfort and companionship to people. She kept
the bird feeders filled in the gardens and always left out food for
any stray animals that came by St. Patrick's Hospice Center.
The nuns at St. Patrick's were a dedicated group serving the
needs of people who were at the end of their lives. They carried on
a tradition of dignity with peace for the families and friends of the
loved ones who were about to leave this earth.
Sister Mary replied, "Of course feed the dog! Would you ever
expect me to say no? Sister Angelina, did you see what is written on
this box?"
"Yes Sister, it says 'to be opened only after the death of
MARTHA MARY MILLS.' Mrs. Mills is one of our patients in the hospice
ward. Perhaps you should ask her what is in the box," she said while
walking out the door.
* * *
Sister Angelina let the black dog into the kitchen. She had
placed the leftovers on a tray on the floor in front of the pantry
where the elderly dog began gobbling up the food.
"Well, Buster (that was Sister Angelina's generic name for all
male dogs, two-legged and four-legged alike) looks like you haven't
eaten in a week."
The black dog, a Lab-Terrier mix, looked up at her, barked once,
and then continued searching the tray for any remnants of food. When
he had licked all of the plates clean, including the tray, Buster sat
on his haunches and looked up at the nun. His graying muzzle gave
him a dignified air. She knew that he had left his mark on many
different fire hydrants on many different occasions.
"Buster, do you want to follow me today on my rounds?"
The sister knew that most legitimate therapy dogs have to pass a
course, be up-to-date on their shots, and be bathed. But she also
knew that most of the patients at St. Patrick's did not have a lot of
time left and petting an animal was a great source of comfort and
solace. She would take care of the bath and other things tomorrow.
So she invited the dog to follow her and he did.
After visiting some of the other residents they arrived at Mr.
Franklin Thomas' room. Buster immediately stood and put his front
paws on the side of the bed, turned toward Sister Angelina and barked.
"You want up with Mr. Thomas?" she asked. Buster barked again.
The nun picked up the small dog and placed him next to Mr. Thomas on
the bed. Mr. Thomas stirred.
"You have a visitor, Mr. Thomas. Someone who would like a
little petting," the sister said to the still man. Sister Angelina
did not know if Mr. Thomas could hear her but she never let an
opportunity to speak with the patients go by. Sometimes she felt
compelled to shout but she always wanted them to know that there was
always someone near.
Instinctively the old man's hand began to move seeking out the
small black dog. When he reached the dog's fur he pulled his hand
back in a reflexive petting movement. Sister Angelina was amazed.
She left the room to seek out the sister-on-duty.
When she returned a few minutes later with Sister Bernadette all
was still in the room. Buster had his head on Mr. Thomas's leg and
he was whining softly almost like a crying baby. Sister Bernadette
checked Mr. Thomas's vitals but there was no sign of life. He had
passed on sometime after Buster had gotten on the bed.
Sister Angelina picked Buster up from the bed and put him on the
floor. She looked at him and said, "Well I guess you knew his time
was coming, didn't you?" Buster barked back at her. Sister did not
think of it as a reply, but rather as an acknowledgment that she was
speaking to him.
* * *
Sister Mary walked down the hall toward the infirmary. Mrs.
Mills's room was coming up on the left. She hesitated outside the
door not knowing what she would say or would ask. She knew Mrs.
Mills was cognizant of her surroundings at times but she was also
going in and out of a coma at a regular rate. Finally she knocked
softly and let herself into the room.
Mrs. Mills was awake listening to the soft music serenading the room.
"Mrs. Mills, I received a package today -- from you. Can you
tell me what is inside?"
"It is something special for St. Patrick's. Someday, Sister
Mary, we'll share a little secret, but for now let me get some rest."
That was the last thing she said before entering a coma.
* * *
Sister Bernadette let Buster into the backyard for his nature
call and waited by the door until he returned. Buster raced down the
hall to Mrs. Mills' room, sat, and barked to be let into the room.
There again, he stood and placed his front paws on the side of the
bed. Sister Bernadette picked him up and placed him next to Mrs.
Mills on the bed.
Buster lay quietly beside the comatose woman and never moved.
Sister Bernadette checked on them both every 30 minutes. Buster
would open his eyes but he would never raise his head. This went on
all night long.
At sunrise, when Sister Bernadette came into the room, Buster
was whimpering again as he had in Mr. Thomas' room. Mrs. Mills had
passed on sometime between her visits to the room. Sister picked up
Buster and placed him on the floor. She did not speak to the dog and
the dog did not bark but followed her as they both left the room.
* * *
In the hall, Sister Bernadette looked at Buster and said, "Let's
go see Sister Mary." Buster's nails clicked on the shiny linoleum
floor as they walked the infirmary halls to Sister Mary's office.
The sister knocked softly and an immediate reply to enter was
forthcoming.
Sister Bernadette said, "I believe you can open that package
now. Mrs. Mills has left us."
Sister Mary opened her bottom desk drawer and took out the small
package. With her letter-opener she slit the tape on the ends and
opened the box. Two small pieces of paper fell out of the box and
onto her desk.
"For my fine care during my final moments, a gift for St.
Patrick's," signed by Mrs. Martha Mary Mills.
Sister Mary sat at her desk holding the gift from the lonely old
woman. She had never seen so many zeros in one place -- a cashier's
check made payable to the St. Patrick's Hospice Center for $1,000,000.
"Well, Sister, looks like this will put St. Patrick's back in
the black. And, Buster, I guess there's an extra bone or two in this
for you too!"

-- James Colasanti Jr.

___________________________________________
James is a lead clerk with Barnes & Noble Booksellers. A former
president of the Animal Rescue & Foster Program in Greensboro, NC,
James shares his home with a housemate and 13 dogs. His stories have
appeared in New York Dog Magazine, Dog & Kennel Magazine, Best
Friends Magazine, Pasta Magazine, Greensboro News/ Record, and can
also be found in the Petwarmers archives.
___________________________________________

got this via email...

What I think of the movie- Sweet Nothing in my Ear?

2008-04-22T13:36:00.000-05:00

I got to watch the movie- Sweet Nothing in my Ear. It aired last Sunday night. It was so wonderful!! Wow! The ending sent a powerful message. Wow yes, indeed especially the end. Wow that gave me goosebump. *hehe*

I got the message that it is about family. I was so glad when Dan, the father finally woke up that it was all about him. He wanted it for his son. Not for Adam nor what Adam wanted. It is not father's decision. It is about all of the family being part of the decision.

Dan still love his wife and is willing to let it go and be with his wife and their son Adam. It is about him and Laura being best friend and they should discuss about anything. It is not about one. It is about family- Dan, laura and Adam! It have to be family, not one so he dropped it. That took lot of courage of him to admit it was HIM who want the cochlear implant for Adam.

Bravo for Dan! It take 3 to be a family and all have to make decision. not one. That mean something. That is HUGE. :)

The movie is not about Cochlear implant. It is about Family, Love, struggles between deaf and hearing world. It mean they are human beings and they do made mistakes but they learn from this. They will get thru anything as best friends.

One thing I wondered why didn't they ask Adam if he wanted Cochlear Implant or not? I was curious to what he would think of it? I wondered why they didn't put that in the script? Oh well. That is something for me to ponder on, hmm.

Anyway TJ did watch the movie with me. When the hearing boy said to Adam, how do you say you are sorry? TJ signed SORRY. It was so cute to see him signed to that. I asked him if he like the movie? TJ nodded and said yes.

This is funny. TJ asked me do you wish that I am deaf? I said it doesn't matter because you are still my baby! He said but if what I really am deaf. I said Oh it would be AWESOME!! He said this.. I wish I am deaf because I want to be like you. I was surprised but aww how sweet! It made my heart soar high. :)

I highly recommended for anyone to watch it! The movie will be out on DVD next month. It will be at Hallmark store if you are interested in purchasing one. :)

Have a great day and take care!

As always,
Ginger :)

TJ's Spring Picture 2008

2008-04-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

Just got the pictures last Friday and I scanned them today. So here they are! Enjoy!

Have a great Sunday! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Rare Quake hit Midwest...

2008-04-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

Hey I saw the news on tv at noon that there was an earthquake of 5.2 magnitude in ILL this morning. I was like cool.

I thought nothing of it till I got online earlier and checked the news. So I did read the earthquake report to my surprise it said it occured at 4:37 AM. I was like wtf?! I realized it was about or near same time I woke up. it surprised me!

I was like no way? I woke up felt the bounce thinking it was my cat Oreo jumped on my bed from shelf but he was sleeping?? So hmm I was like ok whatever. So I looked at my cell phone to see the time and it was 4:38 am. I was like ok too early and tried to sleep but had to get up and use the bathroom. Then I came back to bed and went back to sleep. No problem... ZZZZ

Sure enough it was an earthquake. go figure! LOL. It was small bounce not much but it sure woke me up! ha! I have felt the earthquakes in the past. This is weak.

I told my mom about this and she said it's impossible as there is no way we can felt the earthquake that far? I said I did felt it. So I decided to look for some information online and there it is in plain sight. So obiviously this does make sense ...

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqinthenews/2008/us2008qza6/#summary

Earthquakes in the central and eastern U.S., although less frequent than in the western U.S., are typically felt over a much broader region. East of the Rockies, an earthquake can be felt over an area as much as ten times larger than a similar magnitude earthquake on the west coast. A magnitude 4.0 eastern U.S. earthquake typically can be felt at many places as far as 100 km (60 mi) from where it occurred, and it infrequently causes damage near its source. A magnitude 5.5 eastern U.S. earthquake usually can be felt as far as 500 km (300 mi) from where it occurred, and sometimes causes damage as far away as 40 km (25 mi).

There was another earthquake known as an aftershock occured this morning at 10:14 am and it was at 4.6 magnitude. So far there are 7 aftershocks..

Did any of you felt both of the earthquakes? I wonder?? I only felt the first one but not the second one I was busy cleaning and sweep floor so I didnt felt it nor pay attention to it. ha.

http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1616058736x1200403239x1200201222/aol?redir=http://news.aol.com/story/_a/rare-large-earthquake-hits-midwest/20080418062509990001

Rare, Large Earthquake Hits Midwest
It Interrupts Weatherman's Report During Live Broadcast
By JIM SUHR,AP
Posted: 2008-04-18 15:38:45
Filed Under: Nation News
WEST SALEM, Ill. (April 18) -- Residents across the Midwest were awakened Friday by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled skyscrapers in Chicago's Loop and homes in Cincinnati but appeared to cause no major injuries or damage.

The quake just before 4:37 a.m. was centered six miles from West Salem, Ill., and 45 miles from Evansville, Ind. It was felt in such distant cities as Milwaukee, Des Moines, Iowa, and Atlanta, nearly 400 miles to the southeast.

"It shook our house where it woke me up," said David Behm of Philo, 10 miles south of Champaign. "Windows were rattling, and you could hear it. The house was shaking inches. For people in central Illinois, this is a big deal. It's not like California."

In Mount Carmel, 15 southeast of the epicenter, a woman was trapped in her home by a collapsed porch but was quickly freed and wasn't hurt, said Mickie Smith, a dispatcher at the police department. The department took numerous other calls, though none reported anything more serious than objects knocked off walls and out of shelves, she said.

Also in Mount Carmel, a two-story apartment building was evacuated because of loose and falling bricks. Police cordoned off the building, a 1904 school converted to residences.

Quake Interrupts Weather Report

Bonnie Lucas, a morning co-host at WHO-AM in Des Moines, said she was sitting in her office when she felt her chair move. She grabbed her desk, and then heard the ceiling panels start to creak. The shaking lasted about 5 seconds, she said.

The quake is believed to have involved the Wabash fault, a northern extension of the New Madrid fault about six miles north of Mount Carmel, Ill., said United States Geological Survey geophysicist Randy Baldwin.

The last earthquake in the region to approach the severity of Friday's temblor was a 5.0 magnitude quake that shook a nearby area in 2002, Baldwin said.

"This is a fairly large quake for this region," he said. "They might occur every few years."

Initially reported as a 5.4-magnitude earthquake, the USGS revised its estimate to 5.2. Two aftershocks during the next three hours measured 2.6 and a 2.5.

"This was widely felt, all the way to Atlanta, a little bit in Michigan," said USGS geophysicist Carrieann Bedwell.

In Cincinnati, Irvetta McMurtry said she felt the rattling for up to 20 seconds.

"All of a sudden, I was awakened by this rumbling shaking," said McMurtry, 43. "My bed is an older wood frame bed, so the bed started to creak and shake, and it was almost like somebody was taking my mattress and moving it back and forth."

Lucas Griswold, a dispatcher in West Salem, said the Edwards County sheriff's department received reports of minor damage and no injuries.

"Oh, yeah, I felt it. It was interesting," Griswold said. "A lot of shaking."

In Louisville, Ky., the quake caused some bricks to fall off a building near downtown. Television video showed them strewn in the street.

In Chicago, officials were checking structures downtown to ensure there was no damage. The quake also shook skyscrapers in downtown Indianapolis, about 160 miles northeast of the epicenter.

The strongest earthquake on record with an epicenter in Illinois occurred in 1968, when a 5.3-magnitude temblor was recorded about 75 miles southeast of St. Louis, according the USGS. The damage was minor but widespread and there were no serious injuries.

In 1811 and 1812, the New Madrid fault produced a series of earthquakes estimated at magnitude 7.0 or greater said to be felt as far away as Boston. They were centered in the Missouri town of New Madrid (pronounced MAD rid), 140 miles southeast of St. Louis.

Experts say that with the much higher population in the Midwest, another major quake along the New Madrid fault zone could destroy buildings, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, disrupt communications and isolate areas.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-04-18 06:25:41

Look at the video below. wow what a shake?
http://video.aol.com/video/video-category/2109233

its funny.. the weatherman was like is it windy? then he realized it was earthquake.. haha.. funny..

I wonder if there will be more to come? Hmm. I have bad feeling about this. Maybe it's me, I don't know. First it was tornadoes, then Snows, then the floodings, and now earthquakes? What next? jeez! It look like it's gonna get worse? hmm? I guess we all need to stay positive. :)

Stay safe wherever you are!

As always,
Ginger :)

It's Friday!

2008-04-18T09:06:00.001-05:00

Which mean TJ will be here for the weekend and I am so exciting as I really miss TJ so much. :) TGIF!!! heheh. Wanna sing with me- TGIF, TGIF... just kidding.. haha.

Today is blah. It's cloudy and it did rained earlier. Now it will get cold as the temperature will drop as the day go by but not much. It will be cold tonight 47 degrees. Sure feel great with that cool temperature perfect for me, haha! :P

This morning, I was supposed to go with TJ and his stepmother to Dentist but the semi truck overturned near Kilgore Cemetary. The bus didn't come till 8 AM to get Beth so she rescheduled the dentist appointment for next month.

TJ didn't want to be alone in the room while Michelle is with her son Christian in other room hence why I was suppose to be with him so he would feel comfortable not being alone.

Not that I blame him as I remember back to when I was young. I didn't like Dentist so I had to get my mom to come with me into the room so I won't be alone. haha! So anyway guess we gotta wait till next month ha. I am sure TJ is happy as he didn't get to go? LOL.

Hard to believe that the school is almost out for summer vacation. It was supposed to be May 22nd but with all of the Snow days last March. Now they said they have added 4 more made up days added to the calendar so it's May 29th for sure. TJ didn't like it so too bad, LOL.

Oh yeah my niece Lianna will graduate next month. I can't believe she has grown up into a beautiful young lady. She will go on to college this fall. I am so proud of her! :) Dang I remember back to when she was a baby. I was Senior in High school. Where did the time go? Too fast! Dang!

It made me think of the quote from the Movie- Hope Floats. This is perfect fitting to this.

Bernice: My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life, but...I think he's wrong. I think my mom's right. She says childhood...

Birdee: ...is what you spend the REST of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma used to say. She said beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. You need to remember that when you find yourself at the beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up...and it will too.

I so agree with the quote. Indeed the time go fast but just the middle that counts the most. :) Don't you agree? :)

I hope you have a Great weekend! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

National Library Week (April 13-19, 2008).

2008-04-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

Did you know that this week is the 50th anniversary of National Library Week (April 13-19, 2008). Every year in April since 1958, communities across the country celebrate libraries of all types. Librarians, library workers, library customers and supporters are also commended for their contributions to what the nation’s libraries are today.

To celebrate the week, the National Literary Society of the Deaf presents the following five questions; each includes a possible answer. Enjoy!

1. This deaf author of Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America is one of the three co-authors of Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community, published in 2007.
a) Douglas Bahl
b) Clifton Carbin
c) Jack R. Gannon

2. In January 2008, American Library Association announced this author the winner of the Schneider Family Book Award -- Kami and the Yaks, a fiction book for children.
a) Andrea Stenn Stryer
b) Lou Ann Walker
c) Marlee Matlin

3. This well known author was inspired by his boyhood experiences with deaf parents and friends when working on books for children.
a) Thomas Bull
b) Myron Uhlberg
c) Colin Bootman

4. The Printer, a fiction book for children by Myron Uhlberg whose deaf father was a printer, should be a valuable resource for promoting this annual event.
a) Black History Month
b) Inventor’s Day
c) Deaf History Month

5. What is the name of the book recently selected by the National Literary Society of the Deaf for its two-year reading promotional project called Deaf America Reads?
a) Only in America
b) Moments of Truth
c) Great Deaf Americans: The Second Edition

Answers
1. c. The two other co-authors are Douglas C. Baynton and Jean Lindquist Bergey.
2. a. Kami is deaf.
3. b. One of his books, Dad, Jackie, and Me received the Schneider Family Book Award in 2006.
4. c. In 19th and 20th centuries, many deaf people worked as printers; a few owned printing shops. Some were moonlighters holding the second job as printers.
5. b. Public libraries, businesses and deaf-related organizations are urged to work together to promote reading and books in their local communities.

For details, visit http://www.folda.net/lib/reading.html <http://www.folda.net/lib/reading.html>

Submitted by Alice L. Hagemeyer,
nls1907@aol.com
http://www.folda.net/

April 16, 2008

Happy Reading! :)
As always,
Ginger :)

Stories from Petwarmers...

2008-04-15T18:02:00.001-05:00

Here are two stories I think you will enjoy reading. I love to get the emails from them every week. It always brought tears to my eyes. so make sure you have tissues on hand. Happy Reading...

AS always,
Ginger :)

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Two nice stories -- one about a special cat, and another reflecting on how dogs touch our hearts and souls. Have a great week! And give an extra hug to your furry friends!___________________________________________

TESSA'S DREAMby Robin Wagner Tess came to us in May 2001, not even 2 weeks old. We were having a garage sale and as one of the customers was returning to her car, she asked if we knew anyone who wanted a kitten. It seems that someone where she works had found the kitten outside the night before, and had wrapped it in a towel and she was trying to find someone to care for it. My mom looked at the woman and me and said, "No. We already have four cats." But then the woman said the magic words, "It's a calico." Mom has always had a soft spot for calico cats, so she said, "Let me see it." The woman brought the kitten out and we realized how young she was. The little eyes weren't even open entirely, they looked like little diamonds. Her little ears were still tipped forward too. She was all white with an orange and black calico mask and cap. Her tail was ringed with orange and black and she had one black spot on her side. Mom tucked the kitten into her shirt for warmth and sent me into the house to fix something warm and bring an eyedropper too. By the time I came out with it, the woman was gone and the kitten was rooting around mom's neck. As she took the dropper and started to fill it with the mixture, she said, "I think I'll call her Tess, after that lady on Touched by an Angel, because she had to have been touched by an angel to have made it through the night and to get here." At feeding time, our dog Cricket would cry and fuss until we allowed her to lick the kitten's face and bottom, stimulating her to go potty. Crystal, one of the other cats in the house would wash Tess's face as mom fed her. She had many mommas taking care of her. Tess grew up to be a loving, but spoiled cat who would welcome everyone who came in our house. She would rub around their feet and often jump from the floor to their shoulder in one leap. She would then rub around their neck. She often spent hours laying on my shoulder while I tried to work on the computer or play games. Tess loved to run outside and run around our porch. This winter, mom and I discussed putting up a dog kennel outside one of the windows so the cats could finally go outside safely. But near the middle of February, Tess became ill. We took her to the vet and she was examined. Later that afternoon, Dr. Conklin called us to say the X-rays showed a mass. It turned out to be cancer and she had a surgery to remove it. We decided that Tess would live the best she could until her quality of life changed for the worse. My brother drove Tess and me to the vet two weeks later for her suture removal appointment. The day of surgery she had weighed eight pounds fifteen ounces and now weighed seven pounds five ounces. She had lost one pound and ten ounces in two weeks. One night a few days later, I sat crying with Tess on my shoulder and promised her that if she could hang in there until her 8th birthday, May 5th, I would have her outside space for her. She rubbed my cheek and purred to me, the first time I had heard her purr like that in a while. But only one week later Tess stopped eating, lost more weight, and her hair was looking shaggy and even duller. Every night she would cry at the door wanting to go outside. She showed no interest in anything other than trying to get outside. We had to make the painful decision to allow her to die with dignity and not to watch her waste away and suffer. Tess is buried next to the steps just off the front porch, her favorite place the last few times she got to go outside. I planted several tulips and bulbs on her grave. On March 19th, I purchased a 10'x10'x6' high chain link kennel and extra panels to close in the top, and a reflective tarp to shade and protect from the rain. The last weekend in March, my brother Jim helped mom and me set it up outside my bedroom window. We are going to put a "cat door" in the window so the remaining cats can go outside and lay on carpeted ledges and play in the grass. Our good friend and neighbor, John, is going to find a downed tree in the woods that we can put in for them to climb and scratch on. My heart still breaks and I cry at the thought of her or mention of her name. But even though my beloved Tess never got to experience it, the remaining seven will all get to enjoy "Tessa's Dream" within the next few weeks. -- Robin Wagner ___________________________________________Robin says, "I live in New Florence, PA, with my mother and 7 cats, 3 dogs, 2 turtles, 2 horses, a 65 gallon fish tank, and a huge goldfish pond. I work at a facility for developmentally disabled adults and serve as the treasurer for Best of Friends, a therapeutic horseback riding organization that helps disabled persons through horses. I have also had a previous story on Petwarmers, Smudge's Gift, which was published August 6, 2000 about one of my cats, Crystal."___________________________________________SHINE BRIGHTby Kathy Pippig Harris Dogs are like the brightest star, blazing through the darkness of night, and they are like a sun that outshines the day. They burn so intensely, so brightly. And for some, that blaze is for only a short time on this planet. Well, at least they get to spend more time in Heaven if their stay here is not as long as we'd like it to be. In nature there must always be a balance. Perhaps their stay is weighed with the goodness that fills them. It is said one cannot get enough of a good thing -- dogs are that good thing to me. I think our furry family members have the capacity for deep compassion, love, and concern for beings of all types, human and otherwise. I believe it goes beyond human understanding -- because what they give comes from a heart that is pure, a spirit that is guileless, and a soul that operates on a level higher than anything close to human. I am convinced dogs unfurl their wings when we are not looking. Have you ever noticed an expression they have, especially when they smile, that gives hint to something wondrous and grand? As if they have the most incredible gift they are hiding behind their back but you can tell they want so very much to show you what it is. Well, when I see that expression I could swear I feel the flutter of their wings in my heart. Dogs can touch and mold our hearts, our spirits, and our minds. And in so doing they bring us a little bit closer to embracing, within ourselves, the goodness they are. Which is grander than any concept of humanity. -- Kathy Pippig Harris

Sweet Nothing in my Ear- April 20th

2008-04-13T12:48:00.000-05:00

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article%7C10001%7C10051%7C/HallmarkSite/HallmarkHallOfFame/HHOF_TOP

http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/LIFESTYLE/804130329/1024

I just wanted to let you all know not to forget about the movie- Sweet Nothing in my Ear starring Jeff Daniels and Marlee Matlin. It sound like a wonderful movie to watch. So don't forget to watch it! OK?

It will air on April 2oth and start at 9/8 C. Check your local listings.

Earth Day- April 22, 2008

2008-04-11T14:16:00.001-05:00

Earth Day
This year we celebrated Earth Day on April 22, 2008. What are you gonna do on that day? On April 22, 1970, 20 million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day. It was a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Now Earth Day is celebrated annually around the globe. Through the combined efforts of the U.S. government, grassroots organizations, and citizens like you, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment. Earth Day US EPAThere are lot of enviornoment tips. So check out on the link I provided above. Happy Reading. As for me, I already have done something by unplugging tv, lights off when not using them. My cellphone plug in would be unplugged. I have changed from using standard light bulb to environment friendly bulbs. They do save lot of energy. As for water use. When I am in shower, I tend to wet myself then turn the water off then wash my hairs then wash my body then turn the water on and rinse myself off. I dislike bath as I prefer to shower as I believe i save lot of gallons? A full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a 5 minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons. so that made sense to me by being environment friendly I would save lot of gallons of water that way. Same goes for when i am brushing my teeth. I would wet my toothbrush then turn water off and brush my teeth then rinse my mouth than let it running and lose all of the precious water. There are lot of tips. Do share your tips with us if you know any of. Be enviornemnt Friendly

Green Tips
Maintain your central air conditioner by cleaning the outside compressor with a garden hose. (Be sure to shut off power at the fuse or breaker first). Keep plants at least one foot away from unit for adequate airflow.
Reflective window film can help reduce heat gain during the summer, and it will keep furniture and carpets from fading.
Set the water heater temperature at 120-degrees, about halfway between low and medium. This will help save energy and prevent scalding while keeping unhealthy bacteria from growing.
Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
Replace an incandescent outdoor light or high-intensity floodlight with a high-pressure sodium fixture. The bulbs will last longer, use less energy, and handle temperature extremes better.
Install a low-flow showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500-gallons a week.
Don't buy recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100-gallons.
Unplug any electrical device that's not being used. Many appliances, especially computers, televisions and VCRs draw power even when turned off.Place humidifiers and dehumidifiers away from walls and bulky furniture. These appliances work best when air circulates freely around them.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.Install a programmable thermostat. If you use it to set back the temperature by 10-degrees for eight hours every night, you'll lower your heating bills by 10-percent. A $50 digital thermostat can pay for itself in energy savings in less than a year.
Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
Use ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout the house, and make sure your attic is properly ventilated. A ceiling fan should run clockwise during the summer, and counter-clockwise during the winter.
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/green_is_universal_Fulltext/?cid=68465

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3915

http://www.epa.gov/earthday/

Space Weather News

2008-04-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

Space Weather News for April 10, 2008 http://spaceweather.com 3D MOON OF MARS: NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft has photographed martian moon Phobos in color and 3D, revealing landslides, crater chains, long grooves and a strange splash of blue. The pictures are featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com . FLYBY ALERT: Tonight, the International Space Station (ISS) begins a week-long series of bright evening flybys over North America. The busily expanding station is now as bright as Venus even when it doesn't fly directly overhead; some observers report seeing it through clouds. US and Canadian readers, find out when to look using our new Simple Satellite Tracker: http://spaceweather.com/flybys got this via email.. :)

People in Leslie, AR, Evacuated Because of Flooding; Buffalo River Closed; LR Airport Concourse had to be Evacuated Because of Tornado Threat

2008-04-10T14:18:00.001-05:00

People in Leslie, AR, Evacuated Because of Flooding; Buffalo River Closed; LR Airport Concourse had to be Evacuated Because of Tornado Threat
Reported by: KARK 4 News
Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 @12:10pm CST
The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management says it has received reports of flooding last night and today in Carroll, Clark, Cleburne, Crawford, Izard, Jackson, Johnson, Lonoke, Madison, Newton, Nevada, Phillips, Prairie, Sebastian, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Yell and Washington Counties. In Washington County there were multiple swift water rescues in the Brentwood area between Winslow and West Fork off Highway 71. Sebastian County also has rescued people that were stranded in their homes and vehicles. The Red Cross has set up a shelter in Fort Smith at the Grand Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Ave. that housed approximately 200 evacuees last night. A shelter has also been set up in Carroll County at the Berryville Armory. Other reports indicate that Marshall High School in Searcy County has flooded. For up-to-date road closings please go to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department’s website at www.arkansashighways.com The storms appear to be losing some of their strength as they move to the northeast, but they continue to produce torrential rain. As the storms roared through the eastern section of Little Rock at 11:30 a.m., the Little Rock National Airport ordered people to leave the concourse areas and take cover. They have since been allowed to return. Delta Airlines asks any passengers flying on their planes today to contact the airline. They expect changes will have to be made for some passengers. Some areas of the state are dealing with more flooding. The Buffalo River has been closed to floaters and boaters. KARK's Pete Thompson reports a number of people had to evacauate their home in the town of Leslie, AR, in north Arkansas. KARK also reports a portion of LaHarpe Boulevard behind the Peabody Hotel in downtown Little Rock has been closed because of flooding from the Arkansas River. Some towns in western and northern Arkansas report as much as 8 inches of rain within the last 24 hours. The National Weather Service has also issued River Flood Warnings for several areas, including the Arkansas River at Pine Bluff, Pendleton and Morrilton, the White River at Newport, Augusta, Georgetown, Des Arc and Clarendon, and the Cache River near Patterson. Rivers and creeks in Arkansas that have caused flooding over the last month are expected to swell again and bring more flooding. Stay with arkansasmatters.com and KARK for updates. http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?sid=61afc2e192cb0d5a483d0e7f804207e4&cid=68449

Sad news

2008-04-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

I just received sad news that TJ's StepGrandma Martha (TJ's stepmom Michelle's stepmom) passed away from stomach cancer today. She have been sick for short time. Last Feb she went in and found that she have 7 inches tumor in her stomach and few days ago they checked her and it was swollen to a basketball size. It was sad but she is at peace now and is not suffering anymore. May God be with Michelle's family in this sad time. :(

I felt sad for TJ as He love Martha and I know he will miss her very much as She babysat him many times. Please keep TJ and the family in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

As always,
Ginger :(

More Rains for the next 3 days....

2008-04-08T13:28:00.000-05:00

Which mean MORE Floodings... Arkansas doesn't need this. Lot of grounds are already saturated from all of the upward of a foot of rains that we have been getting the past couple of months. Crazy Weather we have been having here. Oh Boy!!!! I don't know when it will ever be over? Never? We can move on and get thru One day at a time. :)

First it was a Tornado at Appleton in Pope County and Jerusalem in Conway County in January that killed 1 person then Feb 5 EF4 tornado that went thru several counties including Conway County where I live that killed 13 people. Then next event which was Snow on March 4th, 6th, and 7th which was over a foot or more in some places. Now all of the rains and near-record flooding that we have been having the past few weeks. It continues to rise water in Arkansas River, Lakes, Creeks, etc. It did recede but more rains it will rise. Then next we had another EF2 tornado outbreak which was on April 3rd that went thru Benton, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jacksonville, and Cabot areas causing lot of damages.

Now more Rains...Will there be a record of flooding? when will it ever end?? It's due to the effect of La Nina, that's why! They are saying that it will weakened as April is here into May and June. So that is remain to be seen. Not that I am complaining because La Nina does slow the Global warming - They said it is but I don't know if it's true or not. http://www.noaa.com/ you can look it up and find informations there. OK :)

I read the news today and they confirmed that Arkansas did had 10 tornadoes in one night! Can you believe it was from one parent storm? That's lot. Here is a link you can check it out..
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=63602

So typical of the life being in Tornado Alley. What can I say? I am used to this growing up but I have a son now. Like the Feb 5th storm- worrying about my son not knowing if he is ok or not? I was so scared. I had a high blood pressure from what had happened. I don't ever want to go thru that experience again. :(

I hope you have a nice day and stay dry wherever you are at. :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Sunset Alert! Tonight!

2008-04-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

SUNSET ALERT: When the sun goes down tonight, step outside and look west. Weather permitting you'll see a slender equinox crescent Moon hanging above the rosy glow of sunset. Framed by the cobalt blue of early evening, the Moon reveals its "da Vinci glow" or Earthshine, a pale impression of the full Moon inside the vivid crescent--a beautiful sight. Consider it an appetizer for Tuesday. On April 8th, the still-slender crescent passes almost directly in front of the Pleiades star cluster. Also known as the Seven Sisters, the dipper-shaped Pleiades are visible to the naked eye even from urban areas and they look wonderful through binoculars. Tuesday evening's delicate conjunction of Luna and the Seven Sisters should not be missed. Visit http://spaceweather.com for sky maps, photos and more information

Gorgeous Sunday

2008-04-06T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today Mr. Sun came finally after weeks of cloudy and rains. Lot of Floodings. Dang. It was a Gorgeous day. I got up to walk around and look at flowers. Our Lilacs had bloomed. They smell great! Birds chasing other birds and making nests. Stealing trash bags to make their own nests. I thought that was so cute! Oh yes I saw Butterflies flying around. Not to forget bugs, ugh! I hate bugs! I know they are pests but we do need them in some ways.

Spring definitely had arrived here. Not that I am complaining because it is beautiful but yet I missed Winter already. I love Winter not because of snows. Winter is cold. I love the cold and I sleep better in Winter time for some reason unlike in summer time it is humidity and I just can't sleep well at night time. Honestly I am not looking forward to Summer coming. I better move to Northern states where it is mild summer/cold winter. LOL. Well it's a wishful thinking on my part. :(

Some of you know that I had Hysterecomy on March 18th to remove my uterus and right ovary due to women's problems. Right now I am going thru Menopause. So you can imagine what I am going thru, night sweats, hot flashes, and blotches on my face. I can say it is unpleasant but what can I say? I gotta deal with it and get thru it one day at a time. Ugh. At least I get to burn the pads and good riddance to them! LOL!

I have decided to stay with blogger.com for good as I like the layout and everything compare to yahoo or myspace as I did have both blogs on both sites. Here is the link to my old yahoo blog. http://blog.360.yahoo.com/ohjustmelol you can read back to the first blog I ever made on Yahoo. LOL. Enjoy Reading....

I hope you all have a great evening and Take care! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Hello

2007-10-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I finally came back to the blogger.com but can't find my account. I guess I am getting old, haha! So I had to set up another account. Oh well no big deal eh! Today is my twin boys Birthday. They would have been 12 yrs old. Happy Birthday to them! I hope they are having fun wherever they are! :) I sure missed them so much! We will go to their grave and put flowers and sing Happy Birthday to them! I hope they will like it!

Well Fall sure is here as the cool and crisp air came.. but It gotten hot again! ugh... I dont like summer! It was so friggin hot and I am so glad its over! Now next to Winter which I am looking forward to! heh.. :P We were going to Conway to look for costumes at Halloween Express but I dont feel good due to dizzy and vertigo so not going anywhere except to the boys grave.

Today is my best friend's Wedding. I was s uppose to go there but my car is having plms and I am afraid to drive my car far away so I hope she will have a wonderful wedding. She have my best wishes for a happy life with Chris! :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend! Take care! :)
As always,
Ginger :)