Reminders

We were only up a few minutes this morning when my daughter turned to me and said, "America was in great tragedy today."

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and said,"You remember what day this is?"

She nodded.

"That's good. We need to remember... always remember."

She was just a baby when our nation was attacked on September 11, 2001. She has no real memory, only the memory of what her parents have told her and what a few teachers have shared.

I was browsing the paper of a local town this week. The paper featured an article on 9-11 memorial services. One service chose to focus on the attacks and remember the lives which were lost. Another service (offered at a church) chose to focus only on the first responders who helped after the attacks and honor their work.

Now we can shop for 9-11 memorial services?

I took a deep breath and kept reading.

The article continued with a further explanation from the "first responder only" service. Their reason for focusing on the first responders was to lessen the emphasis on the tragic events because people "do not want to be reminded of that year after year."

It was at that point that I started talking back (okay, screaming) at the paper. I wanted to take that person and shake some sense into them. I wanted to call that church and ask if they had been misrepresented in the paper. A service can do both- honor the hero and remember the fallen.

Where I come from, churches stand up in silence on Memorial Sunday and host potluck dinners for soldiers and heroes.

Of course, where I come from, the men put guns on the backs of their trucks.

Then I took another deep breath and quit screaming at the paper.

And decided to blog.

First, that person from the paper is right. I don't want to be reminded of "that" year after year. I don't want to be reminded that people died that day. I don't want to be reminded that someone out there hated me and my family enough to crash planes into buildings. I don't want to be reminded that a group of heroes stopped a plane from possibly crashing into The White House by sacrificing their own lives and those around them.

It doesn't really matter what I want. It happened.

Today I am reminded of all of them.

The ones who died in the attacks, all three thousand of them. And the families they left behind.

The firefighters and EMT workers and other first responders who died trying to save them.

And the thousands of soldiers who have died protecting us and keeping "that" from happening again.

It is for them that I want to be reminded. For them, I want to keep their stories and honor alive. For them, I keep telling my child and one day my grandchild of what happened on September 11, 2001.

For them.

The Lid's Random Dozen 9.9.09

1. What is something that you have changed your mind about either recently or over a number of years?

It is VERY difficult to change my mind. Ask Hubs.

Overall, I am more cynical about things. Not that it's a good thing. I can't really think of anything specifically.

2. Choose either subject, but does your a) church b) job feel more like a dental chair experience or an easy chair (recliner) experience?

a) Right now church is like a dental chair and I am still looking for a good dentist. It is really tough when you have had the best dentist on the planet with lots of great hygienists and cool toothbrushes.

Literal interpretation- We are still not sure about a church home in SmallTown. It's painful.



3. Kisses or hugs? I actually typed "huts," which might have been a more interesting question.


From Hubs- Kisses :>)


4. What do you think is the biggest threat to families today?

Tolerance and Political Correctness.
I know these are two things, but they go hand in hand. Both have crept into everyday life and into the church and are creating gray lines or no lines where there were strong lines before. Both have tainted the Truth in so many ways and many times we are not even aware.

5. A day after you grocery shop, you open a perishable item that is horribly spoiled. Do you take your receipt back to the store to be reimbursed or just throw it away and forget about it?

It depends on where I bought it and how much it cost. If it costs me more gas money to return it, I don't do so or I will call and let the store know about it. It also depends on what it is. If I think my actions may prevent someone else from getting sick, I will definitely return it to the store or call and speak to a manager.

6. What personality trait (feel free to address good or bad or both) do you notice yourself adopting from your parents?

Saving money, which is not really a personality trait, but a result of one.


Saving for a rainy day may not be fun when it's sunny but it sure feels good to be standing there with the umbrella when everyone else is soaking wet.


7. How many slices of bread do you leave in the bottom of the bag when you throw it away? Two? Three? Just the heel? None? (I really want to know if you eat the heel.)

The heel. I always leave the heel. YUCK.


8. What mispronunciation or usage error really irritates you?

Misuse of "The other person and I" as in "Lid came up with this delightful meme for you and I."

Should be "you and me." You don't always say "the other person and I" unless you are the subject.

Doing so makes it sound like you are trying to be proper and that makes me nuts, too. (Just be you- grammatically correct or incorrect.)

It also bugs me when my blog's spell check won't work in the middle of a grammar post.


9. In honor of the uniqueness of today's date, what does the numeral 9 mean to you? (Any special life moments attached to the 9th? Are you the 9th kid in your family? Can you count by 9s really fast? etc.)

All I can think of is "partying like it is 1999." Shows my age.

10. Does the general color palette in your closet match the colors you chose to decorate your home with?


Thank goodness, no or we'd look like we lived in the morgue. A lot of things in my closet are black. I like color but I tend to go "safe" and buy a lot of basic neutrals. There are splashes of blue, red and pink.

11. When you're hanging out with friends in the kitchen, do you automatically ask to help, or do you sit there and chat until the host asks if you'd like to help? I'm not implying that the 2nd choice stems from rudeness or laziness, just not a first-response like it is for some people.

I usually offer once and let it go. It also depends on how well I know the person. For some, I already know how and when they like help.

I am glad to help out, but I don't want to push myself on someone. Some people love a lot of hands in the kitchen.

I don't really like help in the kitchen so I respect it when someone declines my help. I work better in my own kitchen if the person hangs out with me and chats. I get distracted with too many helpers.

12. Let's end on a pleasant note: What do you enjoy about September the most?

It usually means cooler weather is in the air but everything isn't dull and dead yet (like my wardrobe.)

See The Lid for more dozens. She is always doing great things for you and me. ;>)

What Goes Around

It was an afternoon flight.

Hubs made the reservations. He knows me; I'm not a morning person.

He also knew that I would have to drive several hours to OtherTown, drop off our delightful old lady in a fur coat at the kennel, then drive to the airport. A later flight would give me plenty of time to hit the snooze button several times, trudge around in my slippers, wake up to coffee, load the car, drive, unload Maggie, and reach the airport in time to have a lengthy conversation with the TSA agent at security.

I woke up early actually. Maggie plopped on me and prodded my hand with furry paws, careful to not steal my breath. A dead owner can't feed you. I rolled over, pffed the cat hair from my lips and waited for the alarm.

It went off exactly at the time I set it. Drat.

Several cups of coffee and a hot shower later, I finally kicked into high (okay, low) gear. Bags were ready. Garbage had been taken out. Daughter was ready and soothing Maggie in her carrier. But we were still running at least fifteen minutes late.

No problem. I can shave that off between speed traps.

We all loaded in the Honda, I turned the key, then looked at the gas gauge.

By my calculations, we would run out of gas before we reached OtherTown, right between speed traps. As we headed out of town, I pulled into the nearest gas station. Every pump was occupied. I eyed a car and pulled behind. (Trucks take longer to fill their tanks.)

There she was. A tiny, elderly driver in dark shades. Standing at the pump pushing buttons.

You've got to be kidding me.

I sat there for a few moments and watched as she swiped her card, swiped it again, pushed buttons (all the wrong ones) and nothing happened. I could feel the irritation and impatience flair up in my chest.

I'll never make it to the airport.

I looked around for an open gas pump. None.

Then I thought to myself, "I can sit her and stew or I can get out and help her."

So I put on the brakes and got out of my car.

"Do you need some help?"

"Yes, these things are different everywhere you go."

I walked her though the steps and questions- press payment key, swipe card, enter your zip code. The two of us managed to get the pump working. She began to fill her car's tank. Within minutes she could be on her way.

Another pump opened up, I hopped back in my Honda, drove around and got enough gas to get us to our destination.

I looked at the time with a sigh.

It will work out.

Many speed traps and a Diet Coke later we arrived at the kennel, said our good-byes to Maggie, and made it to the airport with plenty of time to make it to the gate.

Except there was no parking. Not in the same time zone, anyway.

I drove and drove searching and finally found a space on the roof of the parking garage. After driving several hours, I now had to drag several suitcases for what seemed a million miles to the terminal.

I'm tired, Lord.

I got out, exhausted, and turned to walk to the back of the car to unload our luggage.

"Would you like a ride to the terminal?" he said.

There stood the driver of the airport shuttle who had seen me drive onto the roof searching for a parking space and followed me.

"Oh, bless you, " I said.

He loaded our luggage into the van and we climbed in. I sat in the squeaky vinyl seat with my carry-on in my lap. As he pulled up to the terminal I looked back at the vast span of parking lot between us and my Honda, thankful that I didn't have to make the trek.

We hopped out of the van as the driver unloaded our luggage with a smile.

"I was so tired. You were my angel today. Thank you," I said (while handing him a tip.)

He smiled back and wished us a nice trip.

It will all work out.

We rolled our luggage into the terminal and checked in for our flight. As it turns out, we were on time, without dodging speed traps. Although, I didn't strike up a lengthy conversation with the TSA agent at security.

Maybe next time.

Going Down Rabbit Trails

Here's an update of sorts, in completely random order with no literary meaning or entertainment value whatsoever.

I strive for excellence.

SO, Hubs asked me last night, "Are you going to take Maggie to the new kennel?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I still have not checked it out and I have too many things to do before we leave, plus Maggie needs her geriatric check-up and I'm sure she is perfectly fine, but what if she's not and I won't know that unless she visits a kennel with a Vet on site, which is what the old one is in OtherTown, so I'll keep things as they are, let them check her and if she is fine and just old, she can stay at the new kennel with the black mailbox next time."

If I had known in elementary school that I could write a run-on sentence one day and put it on the internet, I would have squealed right there in my 1970's desk and then be sent to the office for interrupting my government indoctrination.

But then I would have had no idea what an internet was.

Youth is wasted on the young.

Back to Maggie.

She pops in places when she gets up from her naps. It doesn't seem to bother her but I often wonder if she could use a good dose of Ben-gay, what with all the rheumatism and all. Then again, the ointment would make a terrible mess in her fur.

In unrelated news, the rabbit is back.

I think it could be the same rabbit. How would you know?

Maggie noticed him right away and ran to her room to get her holster. She sat at the backdoor and glared while the rabbit texted his Libertarian friends across the field...

"Furry GOP Nemesis at the door again all puffed up... bet it isn't loaded."

"Big Brother Type in torn yoga pants inside house taking photos and entering information in her computer."

"The State of The Union is in worse shape than I thought. Bortz was right."

Have a good weekend.

Look out for clever cottontails.

wink.

Linda's Random Dozen

This is Linda's Random Dozen as opposed to The Dirty Dozen who really didn't eat doughnuts like the ones seen above.

Thanks, Lid!!

1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration?

Diet Coke, if it is in stock. For some reason, it is hard to find 6-pack 16. oz bottles of Diet Coke in Smalltown. I get it when I can. (Sadly, I've just revealed my addiction.)

2. What is something that people are currently "into" that you just don't get or appreciate?

Facebook and MySpace. Of course, my friends on Facebook don't get why I blog.

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel "ho-hum" about?

Hmmm... I get really excited about elections. This makes me more of a nerd than anything.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car?

Aretha Franklin tunes. The Queen and I go way back. I also play her classic tunes when I am in a terrible mood. Hubs knows this, so when he walks in from work and I'm playing This Is This House That Jack Built he knows that I WAS in a bad mood and that I am currently in a good one. Lucky for him, he also doesn't ask any questions.

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient:

Good dressing. The rest doesn't really matter.

6. Advice in a nutshell to new bloggers (one or two sentences):

Decide ahead of time how much you want "out there." Stick to those guidelines.

Don't get too hung up on how many comments you receive.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you?

Amanda.

Nope.

8. What in your life are you waiting for?

To figure out where I "fit" in the writing world.

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from?

A surprise misc. package from my friend T. We used to call each other our "doorstep friend." Now we live across the country from each other. This reminds me, I have a package I need to mail to her.

10. Today--what song represents you?

Legacy by Nicole Nordeman. NOT that I am one, but that I strive to be something and leave something for this world, especially my family.

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself?

I am more private than I thought.

I.E. No Facebook

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you're wearing today? What do they say about you in general or specifically how you're feeling today?

I'll end up getting dressed several times. Once for around the house duties and again to take my daughter to horseback riding. I'll change again when I return from hb riding because I often come home smelling like a barn.

So, that's actually three outfits in one day. You'd think I was in high school.

I guess it says I'm too lazy to think ahead for what to wear for an errand later and that I don't like to smell like livestock.

See The Lid for more fun bloggers!

You can't get there from here.

Our family is planning a little trip.

Forgive me if I spare you the details like dates and times and such. Who knows who could be reading this blog and may use the information to rob us. And, while Hubs would love to see my Longaberger baskets go away quietly in the night, I just can't part with all of his rusty tools in the garage.

Of course, with any trip plan comes the arduous task of getting a kennel for Maggie. The last kennel she stayed at must have done something right. The lady said she was "sweet." Either they have some kind of kitty kat kennel powers or the kennel tech is as crazy as Maggie. The down side is that this particular kennel is in another town.

Yes, I have to take Maggie out of town in order to leave her so that I can go out of town.

The kennels here in Smalltown walk a fine line from the pound, so many of us have had to make other arrangements. Until...

A nice couple just opened a new kennel that is getting rave reviews.

When it first opened, it was so brand-spankin'-new and didn't even have a sign out front. It was out in the country, so it was very difficult to find. The kennel is behind the owners' home, so the location is very non-descriptive.

When asked its location, one happy customer said,"Just call ahead and ask the owner to stand in the yard and wave."

I know that's how I find Target.

The kennel has been open a few months and they still do not have a sign. So between word of mouth and waving, new customers are able to find it.

Well, Nancy recently took her cat to the fab kennel and her cat returned happy. This is a sign of a caring, kind facility. Y'all don't know her cat. She is very temperamental.

Yesterday I called and asked Nancy for directions.

Not that I wouldn't love to call ahead and ask the owner to stand in the yard and wave.

Nancy began to give me general directions, but out in the country, you really need specific directions or, you know, a SIGN. Without trees or stores or running water (kidding) there really are very few landmarks unless you count the cars up on blocks or the many chili pepper roasting stands.

So Nancy said she would just send me a picture. I'm not sure what impressed me more, the fact that she had the picture or that she had the forethought to take it in order to give directions to her friends.

I opened my inbox and found a photo of a classic ranch style home, set off from the road and another picture of a black mail box. I was all excited because, hello, it's like a little clue!

I would share the photos with you here but I never know who may be reading this blog and I know the kennel owners like their stuff. And the cats and dogs out back.

Plus, if you look too closely at the photo, you may be able to see the owner. She's the one in the yard waving.



;>)

It could be on SNL if it wasn't, ya know, Churchy and all.

Things have been a bit busy for us around here. I've piled on a few totally new commitments all at the same time. Because I'm a wonderful stress manager.

One of the things I've been involved in is a new Ladies' Bible study. I love ladies' Bible studies. There is something special about being with women of all ages studying God's Word.

Plus, you usually get to eat.

I've been thinking...

There's always a combination of specific personalities in a Ladies' Bible study.

BLESS OUR PRAYED UP HEARTS.

The Late One- She runs in every week late with an excuse of some kind, but we love her anyway. Mainly because her "excuses" are all obligations we dumped on her since no one else would take them.

The Crier- This girl needs some kind of lab tests done. She cries when you say "open your Bible." Whoever sits next to her gets to pat her on the back a lot.

The Lady with The Kleenex- It doesn't matter where the tissue box is in the room, she can find it. That is, if she doesn't have a tissue in her purse. During a long, spill-your-guts-out testimony or a Spirit-filled prayer, she will get up from her chair and return with the last Kleenex in the building.

She is also very good at finding church supplies.

The Encyclopedia Biblica- She has a library at home full of Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley and Oswald Chambers. She's always the one the group turns to with a question on scripture.

She'd be great in the Bible category on Jeopardy!


The One With Great Ideas- This lady brainstorms in her sleep. Some of her ideas are do-able, some not. What makes her special is that she keeps the group excited about all the possibilities. Her faith could move mountains.

The Lady Who Cooks- She can cook anything, but especially desserts. If it were not for her, the potluck luncheons would be nothing more than buckets of fried chicken and Wal-mart cookies.


The Quiet One- She never shares a word. On the rare occasion that she does, she says something so profound or personal that everyone in the room picks up their jaw when she's done.

The Comic Relief- Like the Lady with The Kleenex, she helps soothe the tension. Sometimes tart or sassy, she's the one who lightens the mood. Everyone says to her, "you crack me up."

The Sour Puss- Bless her heart, she is never happy, but she just keeps coming week after week. What you may not know is that all that anger and bitterness is the result of a lot of pain. Whatever her problem is, everyone cringes the moment she starts to talk.

Cue in Comic Relief.

So, did I miss a personality? Leave a description in the comments!

Works for Me: Lunch Burrito

I've been trying to make lunch for my husband each night. In my high heels and pearls.

No, really. The man is going to eat anyway. It might as well be healthy and budget friendly. So, I put a lunch together while we put away the dinner leftovers or just before I sit down to watch O'Reilly.

After a few weeks of this, I figured out one thing. Sandwiches get old.

He never said a word,but I knew he must be growing tired of them. I was tired of making them!

I needed some variety. One night I was putting away the taco leftovers and had an idea. Lunch burritos!

Hubs doesn't always have access to a microwave or won't take time to find one, so I left off the meat (cold ground beef- blech.)

Here's how I made it-

Lunch Burrito

1 10-inch flour tortilla
refried beans
shredded lettuce
shredded cheese of your choice
taco sauce or salsa (whichever you prefer)
chopped tomato, optional

Warm your tortilla in the microwave about 15 seconds until soft and pliable. Spoon in beans, lettuce, cheese, sauce, tomato, careful not to add too much. (You still need to roll it!)

Roll up just like a burrito. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil.

Hubs has eaten his cold and said it was great. Of course, you can microwave them.
When ready to eat, remove the foil, place on a microwave safe plate. Wrap the burrito loosely with a paper towel, microwave 60 seconds. (The paper towel keeps the tortilla from getting rubbery.) They also freeze well.

Variations-
Use leftover rice for a rice and beans burrito
For a sushi style wrap, use drained, canned tuna with a dash of soy sauce, rice, shredded carrots and cucumber. (for a cold wrap)
No rice leftovers? Use Uncle Ben's Ready Rice!


For more tips today, visit Kristen's blog!

Well, look what the cat brought in.

I can't believe it has been since Thursday since I wrote a post. Like most of society, I know you have been missing it.

Ahem.

We've been busy with some things around here. New things. Exciting things. Things that require some serious leaps of faith for me. I've been able to peek in at some favorite bloggers' spots, but I haven't really had a moment to write anything coherent.

Like this is coherent.

Plus, the exciting life I lead is just too overwhelming to put into words.

I will share this with you. My daughter has decided that Maggie is a felon. Yes, a felon. She made a poster for our living room wall complete with Maggie's mug shot.

At first I thought it was a Wanted poster, but when you look closely, you can tell that it is a cry for help for someone to take Maggie off our hands.

If my head were not about to drop on the computer, I'd expend the energy to take a photo.

I will quote it for you here:

Black Cat Felon

Accused of stealing breath and socks

Millions Dollars Reward for those who keep her!

Any takers?

DeeDee's Movie Meme

I love it when a fellow blogger does a meme just when I got nothin' to write.

DeeDee asks us to list our favorites and I am glad to oblige.

It appears that there is a divide in the blogosphere. There are English Patient people and non-English Patient people, which is odd because even the English patient was not an English Patient person. Wait until you see where I fall.

And I chuckle under my SnowCaps breath.

Here's my list.

The Movie Meme: (please list up to 3 per genre)

Favorite Comedy Film:
So I Married An Axe Murderer
Napoleon Dynamite
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Favorite Romance Film:
The Notebook
Love Affair
The English Patient (gasp!)

Favorite Sci-Fi Movie:
The X Files, only because I am not a fan of Sci Fi but I am a fan of Mulder

Favorite Animated Movie:
Up
Charlotte's Web (the original)
Toy Story

Favorite Disaster Movie:
None, they all make me nuts with their lack of technical advisers

Favorite Christmas Movie:
A Christmas Story
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version)
I know I should list It's A Wonderful Life here but I really only watch it because it is on all the time.

Favorite Horror Movie:
None. They creep me out too much.

Movies With Music:
None. They make my ears bleed. I like my movies and my music the way I like my peas and carrots- not mixed together.

Favorite Book to Movie:
The Notebook
Fried Green Tomatoes
Message In A Bottle (because I'm a sucker for Kevin Costner)

Favorite Classic:
Gone With The Wind
Schindler's List (not sure if it's a classic but it should be)
Rear Window

Favorite Chick Flick:
Sleepless In Seattle
Steel Magnolias
Hope Floats

Movie You Could Watch Ad Nauseum:
Forrest Gump
Christmas Story
Ferris Beuller's Day Off

Worst Movie of All Time:
Titantic (yep, I hated it. The acting was terrible and we totally knew where the plot was going.)
I know I'm gonna get some flack for that one. :>)

I'm Adding A Category For Movies I Like Without A Category:
Cable Guy
Edward Scissorhands
Top Gun (If you were a teen in the 80's, you know you loved it, too!)

Dear Mrs. Kravitz,

Y'all will be happy to know that since Sunday I have not lost my car.

Or my mind.

Sometimes we need to count our blessings.

I've been busy the last few days with some commitments, so I've been scarce in the blogosphere.

While I'd really love to take a nap or write a post, what I really need to do is clean the house, do the laundry and pull the weeds from the front flower bed. The neighbors could start to whisper.

Okay, they'll just whisper more.

Until later, I'm off to see the Swiffer.

Hope all is well and weed free in your neck of the woods.

And then the Old Timer's set in.

I'd put it off long enough. Unless my family wanted to eat broken Ritz crackers and old cheese for dinner, I had to go the store. (At least, I think that was cheese.)

Hubs and Daughter were off to Wal-mart for a special father/daughter bonding and purchase of a new can opener. Our old can opener died. Right there on the kitchen counter.

Hubs put it out of its rusty misery and chucked it in the trash. I asked him to run to Wally World while I ran out to get groceries. Okay, neither us actually ran. It's August.

I made my list and headed to the grocery store where there were at least three women on their cell phones. I passed one of them twice. The second time I passed her, she said something to the person on the other end, put down her phone and held up a huge jar of pickles.

Then she turned to me and said,"Is this half a gallon?"

Apparently I was wearing my math club t-shirt. Or my pickle t-shirt.

I looked at the label which read something about ounces and liters.

"Um, I have no idea," I said.

The little rusty wheels were turning then came to a screeching stop.

"You know what I would do," I offered,"I would go over to the milk section and find a half gallon of milk and read how many ounces are in it."

The lady picked up her phone and said,"I just found a smart lady!"

"If I were smart, I would have known if that were a half gallon," I laughed and pushed my cart.

I left the pickle aisle and continued shopping. Somewhere near the cold cuts, I saw the pickle lady with the huge jar in her cart. Yep, it was a half gallon.

I just realized that is why I had a craving for pickle flavored Pringles. Talk about power of suggestion.

With a cart full of buttermilk, chicken, chips, and taco ingredients I finally checked out. The store was busy and the manager bagged my groceries.

We headed for the door and towards my car. When we walked outside it dawned on me that I parked at the other entrance.

"Oh no, I forgot. I parked at the other door. This is what happens when you are out of your routine."

He laughed and followed me.

"Oh, no. On second thought, I think I was right the first time. I did park down here.

He laughed and still followed me.

At this point I was glad to have the remote device and started to push the lock button.

Talk to me, Honda, talk to me.

I heard the beep and followed.

He laughed and followed.

"I'm sure glad you aren't one of the teenagers. They would run in and tell all their friends not to bag that crazy lady's groceries."

He laughed and still followed.

Then I said, "You know what people are thinking watching us- look at that crazy person following that crazy person who can't find her car."

He still laughed, thank goodness, then unloaded my groceries and ran away screaming something about how he knew he should have taken that job at the Post Office.

On the up side, I did find my way home.

Hubs had the brand new can opener all ready and plugged in on the counter. It has a safety opener which removes the lid with a rounded edge. He said he spent extra ( a whopping thirty bucks) so I wouldn't "cut myself."

Because sharp edges are for the young.

Tomorrow I order our safety alert system.

If I can only find the phone.

Friday's Fave Five: Man-made materials

This will be short and sweet, or at least short.



1. Sinus Medication- Something is in bloom and it has caused my head to nearly explode. Hubs and I are both either stuffy or unstuffy. Any medication companies out there? We could be that miserable couple in your commercial.



2. Coffee- I thank our forefathers daily for dumping all that tea in the harbor.



3. The Internet- I guess I should really thank Al Gore but since he isn't necessarily man-made, it wouldn't work in this case.



4. Air conditioning- I don't know how my grandparents made it without A/C. Of course, they would say it didn't used to be this hot. Global Warming? Well, looks like I can thank Al Gore again.



5. Art- Art makes me smile. One of my favorite and most whimsical artists is Mary Engelbreit. I just ordered some things from her and love it. I already have a new calendar for my purse. The cover reads,"No, really I have it all under control."

Can't wait to use it. I know. It's August.

Which is why I am so thankful for #4.

See Susanne for more faves this week!

The King is Coming

It's back to school time. Kids can be seen in first day outfits and squeaky, not-broken-in-yet shoes, with backpacks of glue sticks and folders slung over their shoulders, walking down hallways paved with freshly waxed floors.

I don't remember a lot about my first day of school but I remember my daughter's big day. It was her first day in Kindergarten.

On her first day, my husband and I walked with her to the classroom. Her teacher greeted us at the door with a sweet smile and a soft "hello."

My daughter put her backpack and lunchbox in her cubby, then sat down in her seat. I told her everything was going to be fine, and that I would be back for her at the end of the day.

Because there's something about the promise of someone coming back for us that is comforting.

I recently read Sophie's post over at All Access blog. She and her family attended a concert by Travis Cottrell. I watched the video she posted of Travis and the other talented musicians performing The King Is Coming. I have to tell you, I got goosebumps. That hymn has always been one of my favorites.

Sometimes I wish The King was coming today. I want God to give Gabriel the go ahead, then the heavens would just open up and take us all out of this world. I can't wait to be raptured from bills and pain and laundry.

Can I get an amen?

But God tells us that no man knows the time or season when Jesus will return for His Church. We are to trust in Him and keep living out our faith on earth, looking for that blessed hope when Christ returns.

So, for now, I'll pay the bills and do the laundry. Until I hear that trumpet call, I'm holding onto the promise and the comfort that He loves me, He saved me and He's coming back for me.

He's coming back for me!

(Now, that gives me goosebumps!)

Victory for Mankind

The United States recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its first landing on the moon. Years of planning went into that first space walk. There were some who never thought it would happen. Still, others continued to work and wait, believing that one day man would walk on the moon...


Join me today at the cafe for a discussion on two incredible moments in history.

Grab a cup. I'll see you there!

Hot Dog!

Last week we were planning our weekend. Most of the time this involves simply making a list of household chores and needed grocery items.

We're an exciting bunch.

Plus, here in SmallTown, there aren't a lot of things to do. Not that we would do them if there were, but, I'm just sayin.' Unless we want to visit the local skating rink circa 1982 or play a game of miniature golf, it's tough to find excitement. The truth is that I passed on my roller skates to my cousin after I outgrew them and the carpal tunnel I'm suffering from all this blogging is really affecting my golf swing.

So, Saturday we attended the most exciting thing we could find- The Wiener Dog Run hosted by Wienerschnitzel.

Because when you combine over processed food, record high temperatures and tiny dogs who may or may not be carrying disease you've come up with a recipe for fun.

We arrived early to get a good seat. (See, I told you we were starved for entertainment.)

By "good seat" I mean a spot on the blanket that I keep in the back of the Honda. I brought bottled water in a cooler to keep us hydrated. We sat, sipped and waited as owners registered their dachshunds for the race. The organizers had a bigger turn-out than they planned, so the event was delayed.

We waited impatiently on our blanket in the 100 degree weather while watching the entrants sniff each other. (The dogs.)

At last, the first heat began. Owners placed the first eight wiener dogs in the gates. I brought my camera and planned to snap a picture but the crowd gathered and I didn't think you'd want a photo of people's legs.

Other owners stood at the finish line calling out names like "Rosey" and "Oscar" while squeaking chew toys.

The gates opened and they were off.

Not really.

The gates opened and the little dogs ran out, waddling on short legs, sniffing the grass and looking for their owners. Some of them ran into the crowd. Others turned around and ran to toward the gate. There were restarts and do-overs until finally a winner was declared for that heat.

Each heat was the same until finally one little dog did what we all were waiting for. His business. Right there in the middle of the track.

The embarrassed but brave owner ran to the "results" with her plastic bag, scooped it up, then ran back to the sidelines.

We all cheered.

After more do-overs, sniffing, running into the crowd, a grand prize winner was finally declared. She was a brown, energetic athlete with floppy ears and stubby legs. I apologize for not getting her stats but my guess is she was about 18 inches tall and a buff 15 pounds.

Her owner scooped her up and ran to the emcee to claim their prize.

Then we all iced them down with toilet water and ran onto the field.

Breakfast, Candles and Automobiles

You may have heard the news. John Hughes died. If you were a teenager in the 80's, you know what a terrible loss this is. John Hughes created characters we all loved and hated.

Duckie, Claire, Farmer Ted, Dell Griffith, Uncle Buck, The Griswolds, and the list goes on.

Hubs declared the terrible tragedy today while we were sitting on the sofa.

"John Hughes died! Did you know that?"

"Yep."

"John Hughes!"

"Yep."

"Guess there won't be a Breakfast Club 2."

"Nope. Plus, they're all too old anyway."

"Yeah, they'd call it Breakfast Club 2 with Oatmeal and Postum."

"And high fiber pancakes."

"Yep."

"Then they'd all go for their water aerobics."

The sad thing is that we'd be drinking Postum with them.

Sigh.

Seriously, thank you John Hughes. You made teen angst an art form.

We won't forget about you.

What was your favorite John Hughes film?

Works For Me: Making the most of Back to School Sales

1. Tax Holiday- If possible, buy supplies during your state's sales tax holiday. Be sure to check the state's website for an accurate list of what is taxable and what is not on the holiday.

Think outside the box. You may be able to purchase things tax-free now that you will need later.

2. Think ahead- You are going to need more notebook paper, pencils or lead refills. Buy them now while they are on sale and stash them away until Spring.

3. Consider the electives- Ask your art teacher or PE teacher for their wish list. You may find items on sale that they can use. (Elementary art teachers can always use markers. Now is the best time to find them on sale.)

4. Christmas- Yes, Christmas! While you are out browsing the sales, look for items that may be good stocking stuffers. Your toddler may not be in school, but she'll love some colorful washable markers in her stocking. Buy them now and save them.

You can also look for things that are tax free during your state's tax holiday! Remember, computers are usually included!

5. Empty shelves- Everyone is shopping for the same items. Sometimes this means they are all out when you arrive.

Remember to check office supply stores, too. One year for Kindergarten, I searched high and low for safety scissors. Office Depot was the only place that had them.

6. Don't stress- If you can't find every item on the supply list, focus on the basics. You can get the rest later. Laura Ingalls turned out just fine using a slate board.

If your kid doesn't have every single item in her backpack the first day of school, I'm pretty sure the teacher won't send her home.

And, if she does, remind her of that when it comes time for end-of-year teacher gifts.

Oh, I kid.

Kind of.

Check Kristen's blog for more great tips!

The Curious Case of Puttin' Up Peas

Y'all, there are stories that are so funny, so crazy, so good that no one in their right mind could conceive it to be true. This is why we have Snopes.

But then there are stories so perfect that even Mark Twain himself could not have made it up.

This is one of those stories.

My sweet friend whom I shall not name for her sake emailed me the story below. I asked her permission to blog it. She gave me the go ahead and said I could embellish as desired.

No need. This is Gold.

So, I will tell it to you as she told it to me.

Yesterday, while Mom, the kids and I were driving across Louisiana and Mississippi, Dad decided he would put up some peas.

He shelled what ended up amounting to 12 quarts of pink-eyed purple hulls. He is left-handed, and his thumb got so tired and sore that he finished the chore using his right thumb, which he said was very interesting/difficult.

Mom had suggested that his best friend William give him pointers for putting up the peas, so William came over to the house to help. They filled the largest pot with water, brought it to a boil, added the peas and put a top on the pot.

The lid fit onto the pot fine when they set it on, but apparently it was not the lid meant for that pot and when it heated up, it swelled enough so that it would no longer come off.

Dad and William are not stupid, so they removed the pot from the stove, iced the lid and waited. They still could not pull it off.

Since, I (sadly) do not have a video, (I could have won $10,000) I cannot adequately describe what happened next, but I will just tell you that they eventually removed the lid with a CROWBAR. I did notice that the crowbar was leaning up against the back door when we arrived today, but didn't ask why.

My brother told me this story. Dad had told me that he had put up peas yesterday and about shelling them, but I guess he was embarrassed to admit the last part.

I understand why he didn't tell Mom; I'm now waiting for her to say, "How did this dent get in my pot lid?"

My guess is that no one will answer that question.


I agree, friend.

I agree.

What I Accomplished Today

Got up.

Yawned.

Walked to coffee maker, made coffee.

Stayed in pajamas.

Answered the phone.

"Hello... sure, we'll go. Sounds fun."

Showered, dressed, applied sunscreen.

Climbed in friend's car while she drove us to the pool.

Sat in lounge chair and talked to friend under a shade tree.

Worked up a sweat by shifting my weight so as not to have those ugly lounge chair stripes on my thighs.

Came home.

Made dinner.

Blogged.

Yes, I am a huge contributor to society.

You are welcome.