Spring Forward and Fall Back

Yep, it's that time of year again. We have had a few days to get use to it now... It still sucks. I understand why we do it. I was still very young when this crazy thing started in North Carolina. Then, the main purpose was to allow the children of farmers to have extra time after school to help on the family farms. A lot of kids would quit school around this time every year because they had to help clearing fields, plant crops and then harvesting later on. But now, I'm not sure why we do it. North Carolina doesn't have the family farms that it use to. Most kids now wouldn't know the difference between planting tobacco, and tomatoes. But every year we do the same thing. Move our clocks up an hour in March and then back again in the fall...I do like that it doesn't get dark quite as early, and it does keep Bella in bed longer in the morning...So, all in all, I guess it doesn't suck that much.

Once More to the Sandbox.

Tim (my favorite son-in-law) is now overseas, again. He will be gone for several months. Special prayers are asked for and accepted. There can never be enough prayers. Kim is keeping a stiff upper lip, like all military wives, and families. She has family near her, unlike a lot of military wives. In that she is lucky. We will be here for her whenever, whatever, and wherever she needs us.
I got my results back on my stress test. Everything is fine. Makes me feel a lot better. Bella is adjusting to her last puppy leaving for his new home. She is better about it than I am. LOL I have "Grandma" privileges for this one though. I hope to be able to post pictures on here soon. I haven't learned how yet, so maybe I can sweet talk my daughter to do it for me. I know, but they ARE adorable.
I long for Spring and warmer weather. I hate cold weather and all its trappings. I am old and my bones hurt. LOL

I'm Up

Hello again. Went to bed at 7:30 and I was awake again at midnight. Tried to go back to bed but, couldn't go back to sleep. I miss the thunder of little feet down the hall and a whine for attention. But, I know he will be well loved and cared for in his new home. Bella seems alright with him going away. Not sure if it is because she was happy about the home he was going to, or the fact that she can be the baby again... Garnishing all the love and attention has been her main objective since Bear left. LOL Had my stress test done yesterday. It wasn't the horror story I had been told it was. The hardest part was walking on the amount of time I had to. I walk fast, but I give out quick. Any way, it is done now. Will hear the results in a couple of days. Tim (My son-in-law) will be leaving for the sand soon, and I am dreading that. He says it will be ok.

I'm Cold

OK, so I guess the groundhog saw his shadow. (why hasn't someone nailed his door shut yet?) We had a beautiful day yesterday, but that left with the sun going down. I am so ready for Spring. I hate winter... I am not the lover of snow...Even as a child I didn't play in it but a few minutes. Being warm is very important to me, even to the tune of a VERY high electric bill. Which would have been half way ok if I had actually stayed warm. But I fuss to much. I hate people that complain all the time. When does it become complaining I ask you. When no one wants to hear about it anymore. So I try to hold a decent conversation without reaching that level, but sometimes I fail...as is probably true for this post...LOL Just saying. Be happy, stay warm, and dream of Spring.

Superbowl Sunday...

For all those fans I say, "Have a great day". I am not one of them. I do watch the game for the "new" commercials though...They are usually good for a few laughs, or Aaaahs. Sometimes even the halftime show is worth watching, but don't remember when that was...Please God let them get someone who can actually sing and not destroy our National anthem do that...I am sitting here drinking my diet Dr. Pepper after spending the morning on face book, doing all my farms, cafes, and fish tanks. We won't even discuss the issue of me being addicted to it...LOL Other people depend on me to be there for them...I have to make sure their addictions are fed regularly also..What type of friend would I be if I didn't. My son-in-law will be leaving for the sand soon. (to soon for all of us) so we spent yesterday having a great time at their house..Great food and even greater company. I haven't gotten back into the swing of blogging again so I will end this here...Have a great Superbowl Day and God bless...

I"m Baaaack.

OK, it's been a long time since I have been here...I got lost somewhere, and it took my daughter to get me back here... Since I last posted a lot has happened...To much to tell tonight. One important thing is that my son has returned to us safe and whole. There were a couple of close call there. But all he ever said is "I'm fine Mom, just bored....Sure tell me anything to keep the nightmares at bay...but I digress...My world is full, and complete only when Ronnie and Kim are close and I know they are safe...Bella counts too...Bless her heart...If you are a friend in facebook you all know that she had pups in November...How could you not know? They have filled my days, night and my Facebook pages ever since...But we will talk of them later...

Pride and Joy, Pain and Sorrow

As I sit here trying to find the words for this blog today my heart is heavy and I am in pain. The recent loss of my brother weighs heavy on my heart. We were not as close as I would have like to have been. But, such is the life of families. Words cannot express my sorrow at his loss. Now I must write of another pain. The pain of a mother's heart when her son leaves for deployment. This pain is fresh and open and searing. He has gone to do his "JOB" as he calls it. I call it a "LIVING HELL" As any mother of a Marine, I stood tall and proud and watched half of my heart board a bus to "GOD KNOWS WHERE" to defend our home. If you have done this for a son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, sister , brother, or friend then you know. We will stand tall and pray for word that they are OK again today. Words on the computer, and their voice in our ear when they get a chance to call. So for all the military families, I salute you and your loved ones who make it possible to lay our heads down at night and know that we are safe, and free.I LOVE YOU RONNIE !!!!

Will You Give This To My Daddy?

Will You give this to my Daddy? Current mood: blessed
Will You give this to my Daddy?
As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.' Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.' The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.' The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

Short Note

I promise. LOL Just wanted everyone to know that I got results back on my blood work yesterday. My doctor is very pleased with me on all counts. He ordered a set of x-rays on my spine and a Doppler on the arteries in my neck, but I have not heard the results as of yet. I will keep you posted. Bella and Babycakes are doing well. Bella is in the window crying right now because the kids across the street won't play with her. Poor baby.

Marine Mom Creed

Marine Mom Creed

This is my Marine Son (or Daughter), there are many like him, but this one is mine.My son is my best friend and he is my life.My son could never be useless.Without him, I am not useless either, just lonely. I must keep my son safe.I must pray harder than the mother of the enemy who is trying to kill him.I pray that they shoot at each other and they both miss.My son and myself and other MMO moms know that what countsin this war is not the rounds that are fired, the noise of their burst or the smoke they make.We know it is coming home in one piece that counts. They will come home.My son is human, even as I, because he is my life.Therefore I know him like myself.I know his strengths, his weaknesses, his thoughts, his hopes and his dreams.I will do my best to everguard him against the ravages of war.I was there for him before this war and I will be there when it is over. I will.Before God I swear this creed.My son is a defender of our country, a master of the enemy and the center of my life.So be it, until his five long years with the great Corp are over and there are no more deployments, just peace in our hearts.

The New Adventures of Babycakes

Sorry that the last entry was so long and winded. I think I forgot I wasn't writing a real letter. LOL So, we get Babycakes here and all is well. He came out of his cage very calmly, ran under my bed and slept for 2 hours. I guess he felt safe under there. Upon waking he promply ate and then started crying to go out. Does anyone know how to train an outside cat to a litter box? Well I didn't eather. I showed it to him, moved the litter around for him, and told him it was for him. He smelled it, turned around and just meowed at me. He really got frantic and kept scratching at the door, so I finally had to let him out. I knew he was gone for sure. I didn't see him that night or the next morning. I cried a little, and worried a lot. I watched for him all day and thought I saw him farther down the street. That night Bellla set up and alarm at the front door. I opened it after checking to see who it was. There was noone there. When I opened the door there he was, Babycakes, in all his glory. I got him to come in and eat, but after eating he wanted to go out again. To make a long story short, (I know, too late) he comes home every night to eat, spends the night on my deck and he is there in the morning till I feed him. After eating, he is gone to seek new adventures.

A New Home of All

Well we have finally finished moving and I have my trusty old computer back on line. The space bar seems to have gotten banged or something, because it sticks now. But, I digress. Bella and I are in our new home and Babycakes is finally here. It took me about three tries to catch him at the old house. The first morning I went back and he was meowing (cuss words I am sure from the sounds of it) at me before I even got all of the way out of the car. I had made this trip without Bella, in hopes that he would not put up to much of a fight going into the carrier I took with me. I thought the ride home would be easier minus Bella bouncing all over the car, trying to play with Babycakes in the carrier. Needless to say, it was a very unsuccessful trip. I left him food on the deck in hopes he would sty close till I could come back again. The next day I tried again, NO SUCCESS. More food was left and I went home defeated. Around 11Am that same day Bella was bouncing off the walls at the new place. I decided to take her for a ride to maybe calm her down. As we got in the car to leave, something just told me to go back and try again. So, with Bella in tow away I go. When we reached the old house and walked into the backyard I spotted Babycakes lounging on the deck in all his glory. The surprise is, is that he usually isn't there at that time of day. I let Bella off her leash and started putting food out for him in his "old" spot in his "old" bowl that I had in the car. He jumped up on the rail and started to eat. As he was eating i returned to the car and got the carrier. As I rounded the deck and he spotted it he started to run again. I quickly sat it down and started speaking "babytalk" to him. He let me touch him, pet him and I picked him up. Most cats when they are about to be stuffed into a carrier will splay all four legs and hiss and bite. Not him, he very calmly let me lower him into the carrier. the ride home was very uneventful and Bella even stayed calm all the way home.

BABYCAKES Pt. 4

BABYCAKES---The Outside Cat
As some of you know, we had a cat show up at our house back in the summer. It was after a big rain storm. He was huddled under our deck crying bloody murder. We couldn't get him to come out, so we lifted the access door to the deck. He still wouldn't come out. We imagined we heard kittens, thinking he was a "she" that had had kittens under the house so we fed him. Needless to say when my daughter got a look at "her" she said, "Mom, that is a male cat!" and I said "Are you sure?" She laughed and said, "yea, I see the proof as big as day." Well after a good laugh at our self we went on our merry way. We tried not feeding him for a couple of days thinking he would go home. He was a very well groomed cat, had a healthy coat, and loved our dogs. He wouldn't let anyone touch him. He would lay on the deck, play with the dogs, and finally let me start to pet him as he wound himself around my chair. Since it has turned cold we have tried to get him into the house for warmth. NO GO. Last night is was reported that we were in for 17 degree weather, but he still would not enter the house, so I picked him up and sat him just inside the door. I figured at least he could stay warm by the door where he was relaxed. After he got a little calmer I picked him up and placed him on an old towel in the living room floor. Susi, our resident mommy dog, lay right down and started cleaning him. Babycakes just lay there and let her do anything she wanted to. He is still there in the same spot this morning. He meowed at me when I walked through the living room, but didn't bother to move from his spot. So I guess he is happy to be out of the cold.

Farewell to My Friend

It is with a sad and broken heart that I write today. My friend Ruth has passed away. Her passing has left a great hole in our hearts that cannot be filled. As some of you know, she was also my children's step-mother. Since day one, we have always been civil to each other, with no malice in our hearts. Sometimes life hands you lemons. It is your choice what you do with them. She accepted my children into her life, if not exactly as one of her own, so close no one would notice. She will hold a special place in my heart forever.

Because of distance we did not become friends until I moved here. She was still working then, so we didn't get to see each other a lot. But when we did, it was just like we had been friends forever. We had made plans to sit on the porch of the "Old Folks Home" and make fun of everybody and to have wheelchair races in the halls. Now I guess I will have to it for both of us. Boy, will I be a bitch. LOL She would laugh at that. I can see her in heaven now shaking her head and saying "You go girl !" I never took the chance to let her know how much I thought of her because I thought I had plenty of time. I was wrong. So grab your best friend, or your loved one today and give them a big hug. Tell them it's from me and Ruth.

No Title

OK So how come I cannot think of a Title for my blog this morning? I'm not sure. So much has gone on this week. Big things like Christmas Eve and Christmas day. They are all over with now and it is officially "After" Christmas. The stores are having their annual sales and the kids are trying hard to find even half of the toys and do dads they got for Christmas. Mom's and Dad's all over the world are still cleaning up trash from Christmas morning. A stray bow here, a missed gift there. Little wads of wrapping paper stuffed in the strangest places. This is the time of year for the let downs. No more visits from the family, friends and added visitors to our homes. No more trips to the store for that one forgotten gift or ingredient that has to be put in the pumpkin pie. But, sometimes this is a good thing. Stress has reduced by 90%. Parents are sitting on their couches deflated by the sheer magnitude of power that has run through their house in the last three days. So, now is the time for de-stressing. Just remember this. NEW YEARS is coming

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS POEM

This entry is dedicated to all of the members of the USMC, ARMY, AIRFORCE, NAVY, and RESERVES.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. 'What are you doing?' I asked without fear, 'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!' For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.' 'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,' Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.' My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ', And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.' ' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.' 'But isn't there something I can do, at the least, 'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son.' Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, 'Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN 30th Naval Construction Regiment OIC, Logistics Cell One Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Sunday, December 21, 2008

WHY?

This is what I keep asking myself every morning my eyes open up at the "BUTT CRACK OF DAWN", as my daughter so lovingly puts it. She phrased this little jewel one morning when she woke up and her kids were already up, but that is another story. I use to hate to get up and would literally have to be drug out of bed to go to school, work or wherever I had to be. Sleep was my friend, my lover, my protector. Now every morning I am up at the "butt crack of dawn". I am not the type of person that can just roll back over and go back to sleep. When I wake up, I am up for the day. So, where do I have to be this early? NOWHERE ! I do not work, or go to school, or even have to be up for anyone else. So, pray tell me, WHY?

Home Again, Home Again Jig-da-de-gin!

Just thought I would let everyone know that "The Day At The Spa" went wonderfully well yesterday. Tina and I were successful in getting them to their appointment on time and with all of us in one piece. They were very excited, but Bella was a little nervous. She has never been to the groomers and did not know what to expect. I was told that she was "so cute". She pitched a fit when they came to take the other two dogs for their bath. She did not want to be separated. She finally decided that all was well, and calmed down. They were all so cute when they came out. Each one had a bandanna around their neck, but Bella was also wearing a little bow in her hair. They were really happy to be going home. It was a full day for them and when they got home they lay ed down on the floor and slept like there was no tomorrow. Bella still looks like a rag-a-muffin, but short of shaving her to the skin, she is going to. She got all the worse hair traits of her breed. That doesn't make me love her any less though. LOL

A Day At The Spa

Ok boys, and girls it is time again for a great adventure. The appointment has been make, and I cannot wait. It will be a wonderfull day. Tina and I are headed to New Bern for the 9:00 appointment. I can hardly contain my excitement. It will be a day of shampooing, massaging, manicures and pedicures. Doesn't that sound wonderful? TO bad it won't be Tina, and myself getting it done. No boys, and girls, this appointment for all the pampering is for Login, Susi, and Bella (the dogs). The adventure part is me and Tina trying to wrangle three dogs in a Ford Escort for the 9 mile trip. The bigger dogs should not be a problem, but Bella is going to want to drive again. She evidently does not trust my driving because she always try to take the wheel when we travel. She swears her eyes are better than mine, but even though that is true her legs will not reach the pedals. I have tried to explain this to her on several occasions, to no avail.
Tina is going along as my co-pilot this morning. She will also help me wrangle the bigger dogs into the shop. I can barely handle Bella on a leash....So, off we go on another "Janet and Tina" adventure. Roaddogs unite!
PRAY FOR US!!
WE'RE GOING TO NEED EVERY ONE WE CAN GET !

Trashy Tuesday

Well here we are again on trash day. It's the same day every week, four times a month, 12 months a year. I hate it just as much today as I did last week. I don't hate the day itself, just taking out the trash. I don't hate getting trash out of the house either, I just hate trash. We collect trash from various parts of the house and deposit it into a large can and roll it to the street. What could be more simple you ask? Just the fact that I always miss something I wanted to throw away every week. After the trash men are gone, I always find something I wanted to throw away.
It's the same way when I am doing dishes. I can search the house over for all the cups, glasses, and other things I leave sitting here and there. I pop everything in the dishwasher and start her up. Not 5 minutes into the cycle I find somethig that should have been put in. I am really bad at losing my latest cup of coffee, or drink, I search in vain, but never remember where I left it, Sooo, I finally give up and just make me another drink.
I am sitting here, waiting for the notion to hit me and I will collect all the trash and take it to the curb. But I promise you, as soon as the trash men pull away, I will find something that should have gone